I am always looking for ways to cut costs. I find there are a couple of everyday examples on how you can cut pennies and make even simple changes on your budget. However, the simple changes can add up and make a huge difference on your wallet.

One of the ways I have been saving money lately is by opening my windows during the day and shutting my air conditioning down, letting natural air run its course throughout my home. I have to admit, throughout the day the temperature can get a little sticky. However, I have several box and ceiling fans and I let them run. This helps circulate the air and still cuts costs on air conditioning bills.

As I told you in last week’s column, I am a big fan of packing lunches. I pack a lunch for my husband every single day. But I don’t stock up on sandwich bags. Instead, I have small plastic containers that I purchase with coupons for less than $2. Once they are used, I wash and reuse them in the next day’s lunches. Not only do I save money by not having to continually buy sandwich bags, but I’m also a little friendlier to the environment.

With the holidays approaching, I have become a hard yard sale shopper, consignment sale shopper and eBay shopper. I have checked off almost all of my children’s wish list by purchasing used items for a fraction of the cost. I also have participated in garage sales to help raise money to pay for Christmas.

Finally, it’s important to check out what is happening in the community. The community calendar is a great place to find free events going on in town. I belong to several Facebook pages that help me find out what’s going on in the community.

Do you have a tip about saving money? E-mail your tips to localnews2005@yahoo.com.

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