When I started my frugal journey many year’s ago it was hard. Spending money and using charge cards were my hobbies. After a Dave Ramsey seminar and the 10-week class my view changed.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that money could be saved by checking the wattage on appliances. Money can be saved this way, and many other’s. Combining more than one method has been helpful in our overall family savings plan.

Appliances

The first one in the category of new frugal tips starts in the kitchen. Check the wattage on appliances. It can be found on the bottom of appliances. Use lower wattage appliances more. The microwave uses more wattage for example, so it should be used less.

Blenders, food processors, waffle makers, can openers, crockpots, warmers, pizza ovens and the list goes on use electricity. They all work on different wattages. Check the labels and see which one’s use less. I do not have a pizza oven but use my crockpot everyday. My crockpot does not have as much wattage as the microwave. In essence, I choose to use the crockpot more.

In the summer we use our gas grill daily. The air conditioner raises our electric bill. Instead of using the stove which would also raise the electric bill, we grill. Choosing what to use when is a trade off of savings.

Unplug computers and printers at night.

Every time I walk past my son’s computer running after he has went to bed I see dollar signs. Computers and printers that are not being used can be unplugged. As a matter of fact, go around and check the printers, iPads and other electronics. If they do not need to be plugged in, unplug.

Everyday appliances that are not currently being used can and should be unplugged.

Set the hot water temperature to 130 degrees.

Using hot water costs money, and that is one of the first frugal tips I learned years ago. Plain and simple knowledge. Try to lower the water heater temperature if possible. Lowering the water temperature will also save on the water bill.

Also, when washing clothes use the cool water selection. Cool water or cold costs less to use than hot water. Next, maybe run the dishwasher less. Once a day instead of twice will save money.

Visible Overall Savings

The savings will be gradual. Hopefully, habits will form and in the long term they will show on the bill. Savings is a frame of mine, not a dollar sign on a paper. Changing our mindset to be more cost efficient will pour over into other area’s. Becoming a better example to the next generation will also be a help in the future.