What's Causing Your High Electric Bill?

You've adjusted the thermostat, you've unplugged unused appliances, and have become the 'light monitor' of the house. And still, your electric bill continues to skyrocket. Each month, no matter what you try, you just can't seem to get your bill down to a reasonable amount. This is a very frustrating, yet common, dilemma in many homes across the country. So, what's causing your high electric bill? The culprit may surprise you.


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Host an affordable (and fun!) Labor Day party

You don't have to spend a lot of money to throw an awesome Labor Day party.  With a a bit of frugal planning, and a little help, you can throw a party that will be fun, festive, and filled with lots of yummy food.  And you won't break the bank either!

Use our tips for Labor Day Party Planning On A Budget. 

Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day!

Save Money on Back To School Supplies

Getting the kids ready for back to school can be expensive!  So many little things add up to big bucks if you're not careful.  But, with a little planning, you can save yourself a lot of money that can be used for other necessary items such as school clothes, back to school physicals, and so on.

Read our tips for easy ways to save money on back to school supplies.

Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs

Did you know you can reduce your monthly spending by reducing the amount you pay for Homeowners Insurance?  If you own your own home, you know that it's NOT cheap to insure them!  But like many things in life, there are a few little-known tricks you can use to pay less.

Find out simple ways to lower homeowner insurance costs.

Inexpensive bathroom makeover ideas

When you're living on a budget, the idea of remodeling your bathroom seems entirely out of your price range. 

Fortunately, there are several ways to get a brand new bathroom for very little money.  You'll be surprised what you can accomplish with a can of paint, inexpensive cabinet hardware, and a few new accessories. With $ 200.00, or less, you can give the illusion of a brand new bathroom by following these inexpensive bathroom makeover tips.
To learn more about how to get a brand new bathroom for the fraction of the cost of remodeling, CLICK HERE. 

Labor Day budget party tips

Think your Labor Day party will cost a bundle? Think again! You can kick off a great Labor Day party at an affordable price by using the tips listed below.  Just because you're living on a budget doesn't mean you can't invite friends to your home for a little fun.  Have a blast! But do it affordably.

Labor Day Party money saving tips -

Potluck!  Asking friends to bring a covered dish is a great way to save money, plus you end up with a diverse menu.

Homemade decorations - Get the kids involved with the Labor Day party planning by allowing them to help make homemade decorations.  Kids can use these free Patriotic Coloring Pages to make banners, signs and much more.

Cookout - Labor Day is like the final party of the summer.  Make it count with a cookout!  Break out the badmitton net, stock the cooler, and have a great time with family and friends.

Get more great Labor Day budget party tips here.

Simple ways to reduce your monthly spending

When you live on a budget, it's important to know exactly where your money is going.  How else will you know what you can do to reduce your monthly spending?  The best thing to do is sit down with your checkbook and write down everything you spent the previous month.  Label your purchases as follows:

Gas -

Electricity -
Rent -
Groceries -
Dining out -

etc.etc.etc.

Total up the amount you spent on each and write it down on your list.  You'll be SHOCKED at some of your totals!  Last month I had a mid-three figure total in the dining out section, so I knew I had to cut back big time.

Read this article titled, 'Reduce your monthly spending'  and see if you are missing out on any simple ways to cut back.  Re-evaulating where and how you spend your money is just one part of managing your home on a budget.

Get cheap school supplies for back to school

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over.  In just a few short weeks the kids will be heading back to school, which means, for you, another bill.  Get your child ready for school and save yourself a little money by utilizing these tips for finding cheap school supplies.

Helpful advice - We all can use a little helpful advice now and then.  Use the tips and suggestions listed in the following articles to help find cheap school supplies: 

Easy ways to save money on school supplies - Six easy ways to save money on school supplies. Use these helpful tips to find cheap school supplies for the upcoming year.

Best budget backpacks for elementary school boys - Shop for a backpack your child will love - all under $ 20.00.

Best budget backpacks for elementary school girls - Shop for cheap backpacks for little girls - all under $ 20.00

Sweepstakes! - Even better than cheap school supplies is FREE school supplies!  Enter this Back to School Sweepstakes, offered by Freebie King, and you may win $ 100.00 worth of school supplies.  Contest ends 08/31/10.

Tax-free weekends - Take advantage of tax-free weekends in and around your hometown.  This offers a great way to stock up and save on school supplies for the whole year. 

What do you do to find cheap school supplies?  Leave your comments and suggestions below.

Stop flushing money down the toilet - literally

Every time you flush your toilet, you are literally flushing money down the drain.  A standard toilet uses a lot more water per flush than is really necessary, therefore causing inflated water bill costs each and every month.  Did you know that there is a product that will reduce water waste and help you save money with each flush?

For less than $ 30.00, you can buy what is called a flush converter and install it yourself in under 30 minutes.  NO TOOLS REQUIRED!  Find out more about using a flush converter reduce water waste.

Using a flush converter is just one simple way to reduce your monthly spending.  Stay tuned for more money-saving ideas!

Grab these coupons while they're around!

You absolutely don't want to miss the chance to grab this deal from Home Made Simple. Hurry over to their website and request your coupon book. Inside you'll find over $ 35.00 in coupon savings, plus cute little tips for home organization.

If you've ever received the regular coupon book offered by Home Made Simple, you already know what great savings are packed inside. It looks like this book is virtually the same thing.

So, why are you still reading this? Head over to the Home Made Simple website now and claim your free coupon book while supplies last.