Frugal February Tip #25

Tip #25 - Reduce your utilities bills. Now I'm not saying instead of using your water heater boil water on the stove, or something crazy like that! No, but you'd be surprised at how LITTLE cut backs can save BIG money over time. Become more conscience of what you are using. Do you turn the shower on 10 minutes before you get in? If you must do it (and I am guilty) then try turning it on no more than a minute before, and try to shower a little faster to make up for that minute. You might also want to switch to a low flow shower head. A 5 minute shower (I don't think I know any girl who can shower that fast) can use close to 20 gallons of water, with a low flow only 7-8! See the dollars racking up? Don't forget that it cost to heat the water too! If you live with more that one person, try taking showers right after each other, then you don't have to wait for the water to warm up.
If you are lucky enough to rent and have your water bill covered by your landlord, like we are, start getting into a habit of conserving now. Then when you have your own place, and have to pay, it won't be a complete shock.