Into today’s economy, we are all looking for ways to cut back on our spending and save a little more. This is good news for the simple fact that the household savings rate has hovered near or below zero for the past few years.

Saving money is a good thing. The Bible tells us to “go to the ant, o sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-7, NASB). By developing a “saving” attitude, we can begin to live a “saving” lifestyle.

Here are some ways to change everyday habits that will save money in the long run.

Save on your energy bill
Turn it off. Turn off lights, TV, computers, etc. in a room when you exit it. If you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Household appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, hair dryers, and lamps still use energy even when they are not turned on. Plug your computer, TV, cable equipment, etc. into a surge protector with an on/off switch. When you aren’t using it, turn it off.

Set your thermostat to a few degrees cooler in the winter or a few degrees warmer in the summer. Wear sweaters and use extra blankets on the bed to be more comfortable. Wear lighter clothing in the summer and use ceiling fans to circulate the air in the room you are in. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day.

Switch to energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. Use a timer for your thermostat to keep the home warmer or cooler when no one is home. Set it to change to a more comfortable temperature an hour before you return home. Do the same for your water heater and set it to start heating the water an hour before you shower in the mornings.

Save on gas
Think before you drive. Group errands together instead of going to the grocery store one day, to the post office another day, etc. Carpool to work or talk to your boss about telecommuting one or two days per week.

Keep your car in good shape. Check tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause the car to run less efficiently. Have the oil, oil filters, and air filters changed frequently. Do this at home if you can, but if not, shop around for the best deal in town. Some places allow you to purchase your own oil or filters and charge a discounted rate for their services. If you change your own oil, check with your local garbage dump or recycling center to see if they recycle used motor oil.

Watch your driving habits. Be careful of rapid starts and stops. Accelerate slowly and go the speed limit. Traveling at speeds over 55 mph decreases fuel efficiency, according to the Department of Energy. 
 
Be your own handyman
For minor repairs around the house, try doing it yourself. You can check out books from the library on basic home repairs and learn to fix things on your own. Or attend a free class at your local home improvement store. You save money, gain new skills, and bask in your own accomplishments.

Be creative
Make homemade gifts for your family and friends. Use a skill you already have, such as painting or drawing or even cooking to create thoughtful and memorable gifts for birthdays or Christmas.

There are numerous ideas for using your God-given talents to bless others. Gifts from the heart are so thoughtful and appreciated long after the “newness” of a store-bought gift goes away.

Save at the grocery store
Make out a weekly menu and shop for only those ingredients. Plan meals around store specials and coupons. Look for coupons online at www.coupons.com and www.grocerydeals.com. Stock up on nonperishable foods when they are on sale. Go “meatless” a couple of days a week. Learn to cook at home from scratch and save money on prepackaged foods and eating out. Save eating out for special occasions.

Try the store brands, especially for canned and frozen foods. They usually have the same ingredients and are just as nutritious. Be careful about buying in bulk unless you know you will use all of the product and that the price per unit is cheaper than buying individually. Beware of “impulse” buys at the checkout counter.

Be a savvy shopper
For clothing needs, shop thrift or consignment stores or discount department stores. You can often find new or barely used clothing at these stores for 50% off of retail price or better. Buy basics, such as socks, underwear, and t-shirts at discount stores. Beware of trendy items that will be out of style next year. Think twice before buying an item that can only be dry cleaned. Look for home washable fabrics instead. Buy items that can be worn with more than one outfit.

Check yard/garage sales for barely worn baby and children’s clothes. Many times children outgrow the clothing before it shows any wear. Do check carefully to make sure the items are not stained. Learn to sew and make clothing, or at least learn how to make basic alterations, such as hemming or replacing buttons or zippers.

Check out consignment stores for used sports or exercise equipment. Look online on eBay or Craigslist for used books, furniture, toys, and other items. Just do your homework to make sure you are getting a good deal and that the item is in good condition.

Look for alternatives
Instead of paying for newspaper delivery, get your news from the television, the radio, or the Internet. Or read the paper at your local library. The library is also a good place to read the latest issues of your favorite magazine instead of paying for a subscription. Many of those magazines also have e-mail newsletters which you can subscribe to for free. The library is also a good source for movies or books on tape and many offer free classes or children’s story hours. Check your local community centers for other free or low-cost class offerings. 

Conclusion
Living a “saving” lifestyle means thinking before you buy and being a good steward of your resources. This is in opposition of the consumerist society in which we live. We are taught to always think more, better, faster. We are conditioned to think, “If I want it, I should have it, and I should have only the best.” God can change our attitudes towards material things and help us to learn to be contented with what we have and to enjoy life to the full, without spending every dime we have.