Surviving This Tough Economic Time - Part 1

Here are some “bare bone” tips to get you by during this tough economic time:

You are obviously online so the first thing I want you to do is to go around your home, condo, or apartment and unplug everything that is not in use or being used at the present time. Leaving it plugged in because you are going to use it later doesn't count. Please go unplug all items - with the exception of your refrigerator, freezer, stove (I leave the stove plugged in only because it is so difficult to reach the plug). At first, it will seem "inconvenient", but this tip will become easier as time goes by. This is no time to be spending extra money just because you don't want to be inconvenienced.

Turn off the television if you are sitting online and have the TV running because even though you had hoped to, you’re not really watching the program that is on right now. To simplify the daily unplugging and plugging of so many items, you can figure out how many plug/outlet areas you use everyday, and purchase power strips for each area. Then when you are going to use multiple items in that area of your home, you can just plug the power strip back into the wall (as it would ideally have all the items already plugged into it that you may use). I have done this; however, I still find myself having to unplug an item or two (think VCR or DVD or Playstation from the power strip) because I'm not using those items right then. At night, I typically only need to plug in the TV and box fan in the bedroom. Additionally, after I’ve turned off the TV for the night, I have often gotten out of bed to unplug the TV before going to sleep. It's your choice however you choose to do it, but please do it. It really makes a difference in your electric bill. It is worth the effort, even if you don’t feel you need to go to such great lengths to save money. Why not use that extra money in your bank account in your gas tank or use it to buy that take-out pizza or go to the movies? Why flush money down the toilet ever?

If you follow my instructions, you will have successfully stopped the electric hemorrhage because you pay for electricity for most items in your home that are plugged in - - even if you do not have them on or are not using them

From this day forward, the only time you will plug those items in is immediately prior to their use, and then you will unplug those items once more each and every time you are finished using them. The moment the TV or coffee pot gets shut off, you unplug it. This behavior becomes second nature in just a matter of days.

While it may not be so thrilling to change your habits at this time, you will be surprised at what you will save on your electric bill over the course of the next couple of months. Since you won’t fall into the habit or be consistent right away, that is why I recommend giving it a chance for a couple of billing cycles.

Good luck, and keep saving!