1.  Resist the urge to remodel!  Let’s face it….remodeling is BIG business.  There didn’t used to be stores like Home Depot around 30 years ago.  Don’t fall into the replace it/update it trap.  Instead, change paint, switch out hardware or light fixtures, an replace window treatments with blinds (or replace blinds with window treatments) to achieve a new look at a fraction of the cost of remodeling.

2.  Don’t buy top-of-the-line appliances.  Do you really want to be married to your diswasher fro the next 10 years?  Or would you rather be able to replace it without guilt when that newer technology (and/or finish) comes along?

3.  Save money on artwork!  Buy artwork at yardsales, thrift stores, or at library sales.  Another alternative….frame a piece of your child’s artwork from school.

4.  Do less laundry!  Ask your kids/husband to only throw jeans & shorts in the hampter after 3 wearings.  Also, use the timer feature on your washer to delay starting loads of laundry until the cheapest water usage times (check with your water company…but the cheapest times are usually 10 am to 4:30 pm, or after 10 pm).

5.  Use detachable screens in windows in spring and fall, or during summer evenings as a cost-saving alternative to air conditioning.