Consumption Downsizing
If the idea of cutting your household expenses by double digits overnight is too overwhelming, forget long powerful strides and settle for baby steps. Injecting a little frugality into your everyday consumer habits can make noticeable financial differences over time.
In addition to turning off water during showering and brushing teeth; and washing clothes and dishes only when loads are full, there are other penny pinching steps you can take to stretch your household budget. Consider slightly watering down products such as shampoo, mouthwash, hairspray, condiments and non-carbonated beverages. You can extend their shelf life without noticeably affecting their quality. Slightly reduce the size of meal portions, the amount of food seasoning, or even use a tad less milk in morning cereal. Scale back on the amount of cleaning products you use, such as detergent and dish washing soap, from 100% to 80%. The concept isn’t to reduce the effectiveness of household products beyond a practical stage. However, by finding the point to which you can “cut back,” you can experience a cumulative benefit. Every product you consume at a slightly slower pace, reduces the total amount of money you’re spending on it. Over time, a little conservation can lead to big savings.