By putting off those minor maintenance issues, your mechanical systems are not running at the peak of efficiency. Some maintenance is so simple, it seems it wouldn’t make a difference. But, it does. Let’s look at the most obvious maintenance items that often are overlooked:

Heating

Start with the simplest thing you can do to maintain your furnace; change the filter. Even if you have an older furnace, you can keep it running at its best by changing the filters often. Dust and debris get caught in the filters which cause the entire system to work harder, become inefficient, costing more money to run. Mark your calendar and change your filters at least once a month to prevent problems from sneaking up on you.

Have a professional heating expert inspect your furnace and duct-work once a year. This is not expensive and could save you big money in the long run. They will check for leaks for both safety and efficiency and make sure everything is properly insulated and running well. At some point, investing in a new, high efficiency model may be wise. The return on this investment in monthly energy use could mean you re-coup your costs in just a few years.

Cooling

Air conditioner units, whether part of your heating unit or separate, need maintenance, as well. Be sure you remove any debris, lawn clippings, and furniture away from the exterior unit. These items can block air flow and force the unit to work overtime.

Window units need to be dusted, washed, and inspected for seals along the support and closures around the framing. If you cover the unit in the winter, be sure that when you uncover it, you wash all the debris from the unit and frame thoroughly. A brush will help remove debris from the fins and grating.

Air conditioners work by removing moisture from the inside air and draining it to the outdoors. Be sure these lines are clean, in good repair, and not blocked. If you have any concerns, call in a professional to replace them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure filters are cleaned and changed properly.

Water Heater

A water heater works hard and could use some of your attention. Draining the unit once a year and removing the sediment that naturally builds up will extend the life of your water heater. It will also run more efficiently giving you even more savings. Also, be sure you keep the area around the water heater clear of debris. Your heating unit needs air to burn clean and at peak performance. Don’t make it struggle through dust bunnies, lawn chairs, stacks of paper bags, Christmas ornaments, or stored clothing. In other words, give your water heater breathing room.

If and when your water heater needs replacing, you should seriously consider newer options for energy efficient units. Tankless water heaters are becoming very popular because they heat up water as you need it, at the source. This is a money saver after the initial installation and needs little maintenance.

Make time for these simple home maintenance chores. Your home’s mechanical heating and cooling equipment will operate smoother, longer, and with more efficiency. You can see how the savings would add up!

Alright, that’s the big picture, but what about saving on your own utility bill? First, consider that lighting accounts for close to 20% of the average homeís electric bill. Then, take into account that the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) uses 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb. You can see how the savings will start to add up. Let’s take a look at one of the easiest places to start saving energy; the lighting:

Time to See the Light

We all have experiences with those awful huge warehouse style fluorescent lights, which is why most of us cringe when we hear the term CFL, or compact fluorescent lamp. The little squiggly screw in bulbs weren’t much better, at least until now.

The CFLs you buy with the ENERGY STAR label must pass extensive testing to ensure the product performs well and produces only the highest quality light. Look for bulbs labeled ìwarm whiteî or ìsoft whiteî to get light that is most like the incandescent light bulbs you are used to. If you want a light that is similar to a bright white incandescent bulb, choose CFLs that are labeled ìbright whiteî or ìdaylight.î

Choosing the CFL that is most equivalent to the light you currently have in a fixture isn’t tricky. You’ll find the information to help choose the right bulb right on the package. Most packaging will even state something like ìSoft White 60 Replacement.î

If you still have visions of ugly squiggly pigtail lighting, take heart. Manufacturer’s have even taken that distraction away from the debate. You can now buy CFLs that resemble a standard incandescent light bulb. So, now you know that you can choose a good looking CFL, as well as one that has a level of lighting you prefer. But what about the cost?

Pay Now and Save

You’ll find CFL prices are higher than incandescent light bulbs. It may set you back on your heels a bit when you first look at the price tag. Most CFLs range from around $2 each up to $15 each for specialty bulbs. However, over the lifetime of the bulb, you can save about $30 in energy cost which more than offsets the initial cost. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that if you replace just five of your most frequently used light bulbs with CFLs you can save over $70 a year on your energy bill.

The initial cost of CFLs may be a bit frightening, but you also have to consider that these bulbs not only use less energy, but they last up to 10 times longer than regular incandescent light bulbs. Therefore, the return on investment not only involves the energy savings, it also involves the replacement costs of all those incandescent bulbs. You may be able to get a package of incandescent light bulbs pretty cheap, but if you have to buy them by the gross and replace them constantly, the cost starts to take a bigger bite out of the budget than a few CFLs.

Special Considerations

You may be ready to tear through the house now and rip out every incandescent bulb and replace them with CFLs. But, before you begin, there are a few considerations.

The energy savings and long life of a CFL depend in part on just how and where it is used. You will get the most efficiency out of a CFL when it is in a light fixture you use often and that is on for at least 15 minutes at a time. Think about the lights you need for long periods of time, like outdoors, living room, family room, kitchen, shop, or recreation room. Of course you don’t leave your CFL on all day or night, just like you wouldn’t leave an incandescent bulb on when not needed. But for those areas where lighting is required for several hours, a CFL is often a wise choice.

The idea that turning a CFL on and off uses a lot of energy is misleading. While it’s true that there is a brief surge in energy use when a CFL is turned on, in the modern CFL technology, that surge usually lasts about a tenth of a second and consumes about as much energy as five seconds of normal operation. Even if a CFL is turned on and off frequently, it will still use less energy than the incandescent bulb you had in there before.

However, it is true that turning a CFL on and off frequently can shorten the lamp’s life. Since the return on investment is calculated using the long life of the bulb, the savings won’t be there if you don’t use the CFL as intended; in light fixtures that are left on at least 15 minutes at a time.

Throwing out perfectly good incandescent bulbs may not sit too well with your frugal nature. No problem. When you replace a light bulb with a CFL, save your light bulb to use in an area where a CFL would lose efficiency. Think about those places where you wouldn’t have the light on for more than 15 minutes at a time, such as a closet. Also, if you have a dimmer switch on a fixture, you will want to keep your incandescent bulb in, unless you buy a specially designed CFL meant for dimmers.

The bathroom may not be the best place to install CFLs. High humidity can shorten the life of the lamp. However, you can avoid that problem by making sure you operate your ventilating fan when showering or bathing. Keeping in mind that running the fan uses electricity, you have to weigh the balance of energy used versus energy savings. This may be a trial and error situation. If you install CFLs in your bathroom and find you’re replacing them frequently, it’s not a money saving plan in your particular instance.

If you keep a porch light burning, you have a perfect place to save money. Install a CFL in a porch light fixture and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how long the light lasts. Of course, just like an incandescent bulb, in order to get the longest life out of the lamp, protect it from ice, snow, and rain whenever possible.

Not all fixtures should be fitted with a CFL. Closed fixtures, those that don’t vent the heat out, are not a good fit. Even though incandescent bulbs produce more heat than a CFL, if a fixture traps the small amount of heat the CFL makes, it will reduce the life of the lamp, which reduces your cost savings over time.

Are there five or six fixtures in your house that are left on for hours each day? Could these light bulbs be more efficient? With all the choices today for CFLs that look like, and light like, incandescent bulbs, there’s no reason to hang onto the old money wasters. Take a look around today and give this simple energy saving plan a try.

Literally speaking, we’re talking about the heat and air conditioning that leaks right out of the house. There are a number of areas where heated air or cooled air can easily escape outdoors if you’re not careful. Paying to heat or cool the air, then letting it leave the house is a huge waste of money. The best and most cost efficient way to stop the leaks is to first find the source. So, where are the leaks and what do we do about them once they’re found? Let’s take a look at the first step:

Ask the Experts

Begin by calling in the professionals. This ensures that you get the job done right. Have a professional energy assessment performed on your home. Check with your local power company first as they may offer this inspection free of charge. This assessment will provide you with information on the biggest offenders in your home’s energy system. They will then suggest ways to remedy each situation.

These professionals will impress any homeowner with their knowledge and high tech equipment, which may include infrared cameras, surface thermometers, blower doors, and furnace efficiency meters. The goal is to detect the sources of energy loss in your home and fix them to save money on your heating and cooling bills over time. When the professional finds the sources that are leaking, the first defense recommended is usually added insulation.

Target the Insulation

The main areas where insulation is usually lacking include the attic, the door leading to the attic and the knee walls, the ducts running through any uninsulated spaces, plug and light switches on exterior walls, ineffective windows, cathedral ceilings, floors over garages and the basement. This list may seem overwhelming, but a professional energy assessment will help you narrow down the areas you need to target to get the greatest results.

Some insulation jobs are great for the do-it-yourselfer interested in saving money each and every month. Explore YouTube, HGTV, and The DIY channels to get some ideas of what you can, and shouldn’t, do.

Be sure to take into consideration your own region and the requirements for insulation. Each area of the country has different suggested R-values for walls and ceilings. Research the materials before you begin. Of course, your home improvement store will have qualified individuals ready and willing to assist you in your project. You may even find a class or two there or at your local technical school or county extension office.

Installing insulation can be one of the easier jobs for the home improvement newbie, but the rewards are huge. An afternoon spent crawling around amongst the rafters in your attic can net you some big savings on your next utility bill. With a little know how and some help, the ambitious homeowner can tackle these insulating jobs with success.

The Smallest Improvements Help

Even the least talented homeowner can do a few home improvements that will add up to considerable savings over time. For instance, an often missed area for air leaks is around electrical outlets. Buy ready cut foam insulating gaskets and, with just a screwdriver, you can stop the air leak that occurs around the outlets.

Easy to use spray foam is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer who wants to tackle the air loss around dryer vents, plumbing, and other places the outdoors meets the indoors. Follow simple instructions and within minutes, you will have a trouble spot sealed tight. And don’t forget that simple caulking around the windows can stop some serious leaks and save some serious money. This process is easy to learn, and with just a few practice runs you’ll be caulking like a pro in no time.

Not every home insulation project has to be a huge renovation. Yes, replacing old windows and doors may be desirable at some point, but once you know where the house is leaking air, you can start with the simplest things. Watch the heating and cooling bills drop after just a few of these improvements and you’ll be ready to grab the tool belt and do even more!

Now weíre listening, very closely. The economy has hit everyone hard. Considering a whole new approach to energy could be the answer. After the initial expense of these energy upgrades, the idea of saving money in the long run while helping the environment is quite appealing. Once you take into account the federal and state programs in place to help defray installation costs, this may be a cost-cutting idea you may want to consider. Let’s take a look at the basics about solar and wind power:

Solar Power Grows Up

The image of huge, bulky panels on the roof had many people running from solar power. The idea was to collect the solar radiation and turn it into usable energy for your house, but the collection method was often unsightly. Both homeowners and homeownersí associations complained. As technology improved, the solar panel units got smaller and smaller. In fact, there are very thin, streamlined and hardly noticeable panels on the market these days. There is even a line of solar roof shingles that make it hard to detect any solar energy installation at all.

Wind Power Revs Up

This resource is renewable, yet still virtually untapped. Mentioning the term conjures up visions of towering turbines stretching across the horizon for acres. Like solar panels, however, times have changed. Homeowners now have the opportunity to purchase small wind turbines designed strictly for home use. They measure just a few feet in diameter, instead of the massive ones we are accustomed to, and are mounted on a pole in the yard. They are not much more noticeable than the average weather-vane. These turbines harness the power of the wind and turn it into clean energy for your home.

Initial Installation Considerations

The initial set up and installation costs for a solar or wind energy system is expensive, yes, but there are several government grant programs available. You’ll find federal programs that include a personal tax credit for a percentage of the cost of the system. This includes solar technologies for water heat, photovoltaic, fuel cells and solar electric technologies. You’ll also find programs to install geothermal, wind, and other renewable fuels.

Many states are offering their own versions of grants to encourage alternative energy usage. These programs are on top of the federal program, not instead of them. Be sure to contact your local utility company, as well. Many of them are also getting in on the act and encouraging customers to sign up for a renewable energy program.

The future of both solar and wind energy is obviously bright but how much can you save after your initial investment? It really depends on where you live, your energy usage and the time of year. Depending on the area you live in, you could save an average of 50% to 90% in your utility bills over the course of a year. With those savings, you can see how solar panels and wind turbines could pay for themselves quickly.

Utility companies also offer reimbursement for some of the energy savings. Thatís right. The energy that your system is generating that you don’t use goes to the power company and they pay you. Now, thatís something to consider!

Is solar and wind power for you? You will only find out if you spend the time investigating the cost, your area, and the programs available for reimbursement, both by government programs and your local utility company. But, what if you could save 90% in your utility bills? Would it be worth your time to check it out? That’s a definite ìYes!î

You try to conserve and not be wasteful, yet your bill is still climbing steadily up, up, and away. The problem is not that you are doing anything wrong, but that you are not doing enough. There are a few lesser-known tips to reducing your power bill. Let’s take a look:

Talk to the Power Company

First and foremost, call the power company. It may seem strange at first but the power company really does want you to conserve and save costs on your bill. So, give them a call or stop by their office and have a chat. Ask them what they suggest. From free energy inspections to specially funded programs, the power company will help you lay out a plan.

Many areas offer reduced rates when you use your power during the off-peak hours. For instance, if you use your clothes dryer after a specified time, you could save a fair amount of money. Depending on your area, the savings for off-peak usage can really add up. Your power company will be able to alert you to these savings.

Your power company will also tell you about a plan for budgeted billing. Even though this method of payment may not be a money saving method, it does help eliminate the seasonal ups and downs that sometimes has you scrambling to pay the bill. When your bill is consistent throughout the year, it makes your family budget much more efficient. When the power bill comes during a heavy usage time, it’s comforting to know that you won’t have to put off paying something else to keep the power turned on. And, it could actually save you money by eliminating late fees you may incur by delaying a different bill.

Use Power Saving Technology

Another secret to the reduced power bill is a programmable thermostat. These work just like little computers that tell your furnace and air conditioner what to do. For instance, if no one is home all day, you can program the thermostat to adjust itself to conserve energy. You don’t have to cool or heat the house as much if no one is in it. Then, program it to return to a more comfortable setting shortly before everyone returns home. Most of the more modern thermostats give you a lot of features, including secondary schedules for weekends and holidays. Of course, you can always manually override the preset programs, but it’s nice to know that once you leave the house, the thermostat will remember to turn the heat down even when you forget.

Light bulbs are another hidden money-saving gem when you know what to do. Yes, you want to shut off lights when you’re not using them. We all know this saves money. But, did you know that changing even five or six of your most used light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, can save you even more money? I know many people react negatively to this suggestion, but take another look. You can now buy CFLs that look and act very much like incandescent light bulbs. You don’t have to settle for a harsh piggy-tail look anymore. And, at an estimated $70 a year savings with just five bulbs replaced, you might consider looking for even more places you can use a CFL. And when you buy, don’t forget to look for programs that offer rebates and other incentives.

This last surprising money saving tip may be a little confusing at first, but stick with me. Here it is; go out and buy some good power-strips, the things you plug more than one electrical item into at a time. How does this save you money? By making it easy to unplug your electrical items when you are not using them. Still confused? Keep reading.

One important energy saving suggestion most people ignore is to unplug your electrical items when they are not being used. For instance, the toaster, coffee pot, television, and computer all suck up energy when not in use. Thatís right. Electrical items use electricity even when they are turned off. Itís called stand-by power. Some reports go so far as to say that we waste 40% of our electric bill on stand-by power! Plug groups of these small appliances or electronic items into power-strips and then you only have to unplug one item, making it easy to save money on your electric bill.

Doing the usual things to cut back on energy usage in your house will work to lower your bill. But, throw in a few insider secrets on top and you’ll start seeing the savings even faster.

Landscape Watering

Sprinklers need to be used wisely. It may not be practical to stop watering altogether, but some well-planned watering techniques will reduce the water usage. Grass is meant to be tough. It is engineered to be drought-resistant. Keep this in mind when you plan how long you want to water your lawn.

Planning is the name of the game when it comes to watering your lawn, flowers, and landscaping. If you water at mid-day when the hot sun can burn off the water, you won’t get a good soak in the roots. Watering during the night or before dawn will give you a much deeper saturation.

Soaking hoses may be more efficient for flowers and foundation plants. Rather than sprinkling your siding or fences, the water is leaked out into the soil through holes in the soaking hoses. Thread these soakers around your gardens, cover with mulch, and the water you use will get to the plant roots and stay there, rather than disappear into thin air.

Leaky Faucet Fix

That ‘drip drip drip’ is more than just irritating, it could be costing you a bundle of money. In fact, a leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water a year. Do a little research on YouTube, the DIY channel, or at the library to find simple fixes for leaky faucets. More often than not, all it takes is a new rubber gasket or some plumber’s tape.

If a faucet is worn out, it will still save you money in the long run to replace it entirely. But, you don’t have to hire a plumber for a simple job. Measure the distance between the cold water and hot water inserts, draw a sketch, and take it to your home improvement store. You’ll find helpful people who know their business. All you have to do is ask. However, if you absolutely don’t know the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver, you may come out better by hiring a professional. Even after paying the fee, the savings will still be worth it in the end.

Embrace the Low Flow

You may have resisted this money-saver in the past, but you need to embrace low flow plumbing fixtures in order to keep your water bill under control. Fortunately, the modern low flow fixtures have been improved. For instance, even though a low flow shower head sprays only 2.5 gallons a minute, the water flow is enhanced by aerating it to increase pressure.

Replacing an old toilet with a new low flow toilet can be another option. Even though the old low flow models have taken some hits in popularity, the newer models have addressed those concerns. Now, a unique feature allows the user to choose between a 3.5 gallon flush and a 1.6 gallon flush. This choice just makes sense.

Every time you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet, imagine the water as coins, pouring down the drain, because that’s exactly what it is. When you’re laying in bed listening to that faucet drip, drip, drip, it’s spending your hard earned money for you. With a bit of know how and common sense, you can stop the money leak in your house and save big money.

Often when money is tight, cable is the first luxury we take a hard look at. The fact is, with a bit of research, your cable could probably go and wouldn’t even be missed. Even as little as a year ago, cutting cable out would have been a dramatic change in your family’s entertainment. Today, the options are surprisingly numerous and relatively painless, so let’s take a look:

1. Investigate your current bill. Before you begin changing things, find out what you have. What are you paying for? You may have stuff on there that you never use, so trim your existing bill to the bone first.

Now, see what you can get for free.

For instance, check with your neighborhood association for cable options. Some of the newer subdivisions have basic cable included in the association dues. The programming may be somewhat limited, but free is good! Find out what you have and what’s available so you know where you stand.

2. Trim your viewing favorites. Sit down and start writing a list of must-see programs for each family member. Knowing what each person really wants to watch can help in the decision-making process. This can be difficult for families who are hooked on their favorites, so start slowly and trim the list as you go.

Obviously, a request to see every single football game all year is out, but a favorite team during the season sounds pretty reasonable. Every new movie, reality show, or foodie show that comes out is going to be expensive, unless you find some new options.

3. Look for free sources for entertainment. Take out your list of favorite television shows and check to see if you can watch any of them on your computer. Watching television online is increasing in popularity. Start with a Google search for the name of the television show. For example, type in ìSesame Street episodesî and see what pops up. Many of your favorite shows can be watched just 24 hours later on the networkís website. All for free.

Services like Hulu and Crackle, just to name two, offer a large variety of TV shows and movies for free. Technology is improving all the time, so watch for digital programs that you can feed into your television, as well as on your computer or laptop.

4. Look for cheaper sources for entertainment. Netflix is a service most of us are familiar with. They have recently split their service into two options, digital streaming or DVDs by mail. Basically, streaming lets you pick from a list of movies, TV shows and specials that are then sent instantly to your TV screen through an internet connection. You can also watch on your desktop, laptop or through your gaming console. DVDs by mail are those sent to your house for viewing the traditional way, in a player. There is no due date and you just return them in a pre-paid envelope when you are done. Prices and options are changing as we speak, but it’s pretty much guaranteed that this type of service for entertainment will always be cheaper than a premium cable package.

You may want to stop by your friendly neighborhood RedBox or similar entertainment vending machine. These are easy to use, have quite a bit of variety, and are convenient. Oh, yes, and did I mention cheap? If the extent of your entertainment is watching a movie a few times a week, why pay cable’s high prices? This is such a great alternative. No lines, no advanced planning, just an eveningís entertainment for a dollar. Even if you rented a movie every single night for a month, you would spend only about $30; you can’t get cable with movie options for that price.

If your cable bill has you running and hiding each month, start by standing firm and taking a good, hard look at what you are currently paying for. Then, check out your options. The next time that cable bill comes in the mail, take control. Keep more of those hard earned dollars and still enjoy the show!

Perhaps your internet bill is starting to irritate you. Price hikes and spotty service may have you wondering what you’re paying the big bucks for. But what can you do? You need to get on the internet. Well, if you have a laptop and a sense of adventure, you can travel the Wi-Fi highway and explore your options. Here are a dozen places to consider when you’re ready to ditch your internet service at home:

1. Starbucks is the first place that comes to mind when people think of working away from home with a laptop. Order a cup of joe, tip your barista, and sit down to enjoy some free Wi-Fi and a little caffeine jolt.

2. Head to your local library. Those librarians have top notch Wi-Fi service, along with a nice, quiet setting to work. You have the added bonus of having other resources at your disposal, as well.

3. Your local park is another great option. Many larger cities are offering Wi-Fi throughout the parks. Select a covered pavilion with picnic tables and an electrical connection. If you head there during the week, you can work or surf undisturbed for hours, all while enjoying the great outdoors.

4. If you live near a university, call them up and ask to reserve a study room. Even if you are not a student, most public universities will let you use a study room with the accompanying free Wi-Fi. Visit on slow days, typically Fridays, when the areas are abandoned by students.

5. Hungry? Panera Bread, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, and Chick-fil-A all offer free Wi-Fi to guests. Head over to a back corner, have a bite to eat and surf to your hearts content.

6. Barnes & Noble as well as many other bookstores offer free Wi-Fi. You can usually sit in their onsite coffee shop and work undisturbed. Weekends may not be the ideal time as things can get loud, so go during the weekday or other off times for peace and quiet.

7. More and more hotels feature either free Wi-Fi in cozy lobby nooks or for a nominal fee in your hotel room. Even if you’re not a guest there, often the hotel restaurant will have Wi-Fi available for you if you are a customer. Grab a light lunch, or even a cappuccino, and surf away.

8. Similar to hotels, hospitals have expanded their cafeterias, getting rid of the stark environment, and turned them into lush getaways. Enter a hospital and you’ll find lobbies and restaurants that are both beautiful and comfortable with plenty of amenities, like free Wi-Fi. Have a cup of coffee and enjoy the quiet time, and free Wi-Fi offered in these peaceful surroundings.

9. Check out your local church bulletin. Many churches offer their community wireless internet just for the asking. Perhaps a donation in the collection plate would please the pastor. It’s a small price to pay for the privilege of sitting quietly working on your laptop.

10. Your local malls food court may not be an ideal place to work online if you need silence, but theyíve got free Wi-Fi. In this case, grab your noise-canceling headphones and you’ll be good to go. And, you don’t have to purchase anything to have a seat. Bring your own lunch if you prefer and enjoy the free internet.

11. Many upscale grocery stores have little cafes, either indoor or outdoor with free wireless. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack, then get comfortable. They wonít mind one bit, especially if you do a little grocery shopping on the way out.

12. The gym may not come to mind right away, but more and more places are adding lounges with healthy snacks and, you guessed it, Wi-Fi. They may require a membership to enter their facilities, but if you already belong to a gym, why not take advantage of their wireless.

Start watching for Free Wi-Fiî signs around your neighborhood and I bet you’ll be surprised how many places you find. Businesses want your business, and if they can entice you to come in and use their free Wi-Fi for the price of a cup of coffee and a sandwich, you both win.

When you set a budgeted amount for phone service, items like going over minutes, long distance fees, texting, mobile internet usage, and information calls can leave you frustrated. This is not a good thing by any means. If it has gotten downright scary to open that phone bill, it’s time to take control. Let’s take a hard look at a few places to cut back:

1. Do you really need a home phone? This is the most obvious cut to consider. Does anyone even call it, other than telemarketers? It’s probably time to cut the cord. Be sure first that your land-line connection is not ìbundledî with another utility, like cable, before you get rid of it. Compare the savings before you decide, then if it makes sense, let go of that home phone.

2. Ring tones and apps that charge a monthly fee are for the birds. If it was a one-time charge, then fine, just donít buy any more. A new ring tone for every family member, a few fun apps, and a fresh wallpaper or two can add up fast. Use the built-in ring tones. You already paid for them when you bought your phone and your plan.

3. Review your minutes routinely. Are you going over your allotted plan minutes every month and getting dinged with extra fees for it? Or, do you not even come close to using the plan max? Find out if there is a better plan for you and your family and make the change.

4. Block information calls to eliminate this useless fee. It really is unnecessary and, more than likely, can wait until you get home. You can Google practically any phone number you need for free. This goes for any type of ‘operator assisted’ calls. That is so 20th Century, really. You can find out anything you need to know free of charge.

5. Long distance charges are old school. If your carrier still charges long distance, ditch them now. There are many alternatives available for very cheap long distance calls, even overseas calls. Calling plans are quickly getting on board with the flat fee rates, so compare and save.

6. Use the web to phone home. One popular choice is a web-based call through Skype. Skype-to-Skype calls are free so have everyone you call sign up and you’re good to go. And, don’t let it scare you. You don’t have to put on makeup and do your hair for Skype. You can turn off the video feature and just use the audio feature either with your built-in microphone in your computer or with a simple headphone.

7. Cancel the broadband. There. I said it. Itís out in the open. It may hurt but if you are really intent on trimming your expenses, you need to cut out broadband. You can live without checking your email or Facebook status every 30 seconds. You did it before; you can do it again.

When cutting costs in the family budget, it’s hard to give up the things we’ve become accustomed to having. With many phone plans, however, there is a lot of fluff that could be trimmed without a bit of pain. Get your family on board with your plan and go ahead and streamline you phone service.