* Create a budget\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 This is a tool to help you to know where you are right now and which direction you need to move in for the future. If the low income is a new situation, this is necessary to know how short you\u2019ll be on current bills. You will be able to consider options for ways to bring down costs.<\/p>\n * Talk to utility companies<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Most utility companies feature programs that allow you to pay the same amount monthly based on your average monthly usage. This can help you to balance your books monthly without any surprises.<\/p>\n * Look into ways to bring down energy cost<\/strong>s \u2013 Try setting your thermostat at a\u00a0lower temperature<\/a>. If you\u2019re cold, use blankets. In the summertime, utilize ceiling fans or wall fans to get the air moving. In the evening, open the windows for some natural breeze. Switching to CFL light bulbs will spare money on lighting. Try other handy pointers for bringing down fuel bills. Over a year, it will pay for itself.<\/p>\n * Go grocery shopping<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Dining out can be costly, particularly for a family. Purchase meats and dry foods in bulk. Fix meals and freeze leftovers to be consumed at another time. Use coupons from the Sunday paper to bring down food bills. Try a butcher shop for a better price on meats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n * Brown bag your lunch<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Taking lunch to work and school saves about 20 bucks or more each week per person. You can invest in nondisposable lunch bags and water bottles.<\/p>\n * Hold a garage sale<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 There are sure to be items in your house that you do not use and are accumulating dust. Somebody else might want them. A garage sale clears out the clutter and also puts additional money in your savings account.<\/p>\n * Revamp entertainment<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 With money pressures, have a look at your entertainment expenses. You are able to check out movies, compact discs and books at your local library. Purchase movies from Wal-Mart when they\u2019re on sale so the family can watch for movie night. Cancel book clubs, movie memberships and gym memberships to save money.<\/p>\n When the money is slim, you are able to still make ends meet with a couple of strategies. It does not mean that you have to live without fun, just new ways to have your laughs.<\/p>\n As a side note to this, if you are one of the families who is doing well financially, how about sharing with others? Donate canned food to a local food pantry, old clothes to a Goodwill, make bigger meals and invite your children\u2019s school friends over to eat, work a Saturday a month in a soup kitchen or shelter. There are many, many ways to help those less fortunate \u2013 and they are only limited to your imagination and tenacity!<\/p>\n Enrich your life and the lives of others<\/strong>\u00a0by learning Aromatherapy, Reflexology or Color\/Crystal Therapy at the\u00a0Alternative Healing Academy<\/strong><\/a>! Convenient and easy-to-handle payment plans are available! Get 10% OFF of any course simply by liking our\u00a0Facebook Page<\/a>! After liking the page, click ‘shop now<\/a>‘ to get the discount.<\/p>\n![\"Families:](\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20110514232107im_\/http:\/\/www.natural-holistic-health.com\/images\/enjoyweightloss1.png\" "\\"Families:")
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