Everything posted by A RIMUSE is excellent advice.
We have lived this way for our entire 30 years together, plus been dedicated savers so that there is a stash in case of emergencies. Do everything you can to pay off any credit cards, and then pitch them unless you're sure you will be able to pay them off at the end of EACH billing period.
I took note of the "no lights left on in an empty room." Have always done this and have had people argue that "it costs more to turn them on and off. Not so, my bill is always lower than others. Air conditioning...I like it cool at night for sleeping, around 73 degrees, but the first thing in the morning I move the thermostat to 80 and leave it there until the sun goes down. This makes a huge difference in the summer. Again, you'll get the arguements that it costs more to cool the house down. Not so! When the sun is down nature helps with the cooling. In the winter BUNDLE UP and I keep the temp at about 68 degrees. My quilting friends who come each week know to dress accordingly. They still come, so they must not mind.
We never eat out, but once or twice a year, and wonder why we did it afterwards. Our cooking is so much better in every way than what we get out. For fun and recreation, go to the park and enjoy one another at home. A family puzzle is great to have sitting out for anyone to work on.
Cell phones should be for emergency only. What a waste of time and money. I still have my little Tracfone and buy only 60 minutes every three months. I've got about 700 minutes accumulated now, but figure it will be good if there is ever an emergency situation.
Good luck to you, and believe me "The simple life is good!"