Saturday, July 18, 2009

Slashing Expenses on a Garage Plan

By Smakke Benjamin

It is common knowledge that people today are very particular about their spending habits. Well, who wouldn't be since the entire nation is undergoing a recession that government analysts and economists keep on saying rivals that of the 1920's Great Depression era? Tightening belts has become the norm and not even the rich can claim that they are going through this period without feeling a tinge of fear and panic.

However, this scenario is not the end all of the average Joe just yet. If there is one good thing that came out of this mess, it is the fact that people have now realized the importance of money and the benefits of saving regularly. This in turn led to the long hours of deliberation among people on whether or not they should spend a certain amount to satisfy their caprices.

At the end of the day, if an individual has made the vital decision of releasing cash in order to renovate his house or garage, he should not be made to feel at fault. After all, it is his hard earned money and he will also be the one to benefit from such an improvement.

Here is a comprehensive insider's guide in saving money on a garage plan. Use them and see how far your money can go.

The first priority is to figure out the purpose behind the conversion of the garage. If the individual is a parent who longs to see his kids act responsibly, then it is indeed a fantastic idea that should be made into a reality. Though it requires letting go of some control, it is actually a wise decision since the kids will have an idea how it is to live on their own. They will be able to assert their independence and autonomy even if they just live a few meters away from you. Instead of wasting money and having them set up a living space in some stranger's apartment or condominium unit, you are assured of savings as well as their safety and security. One of the responsibilities that they should learn is how to minimize the use of electricity-consuming appliances. They could make a schedule and follow it to the last letter.

Since most electrical gadgets being released in the market today consume a large amount of electricity, the kids living in the garage must be conscious to turn them off or unplug them when not in use. Furthermore, they must watch out for signs of energy inefficiency that could cause the bill to rise to high heavens.

Another way to reduce your monthly bill is to use compact fluorescent lights. If you are still utilizing incandescent bulbs, it's time to replace them because they consume a higher wattage and don't exactly provide an efficient light source. If they are leaving the room, they must always make sure to switch off the lights.

If your kids demand electrical appliances, assess first if they really need it or not. Most probably, they are just indulging their whims. It is better for everyone concerned that they just use what is available in the main house.

Install only the minimal number of plugs that will keep the apartment garage up and running. A couple would be enough. Anything more than that is already overkill.

Lastly, be environment-conscious by purchasing solar panels to power your house. It may be pricey at first but in the long run, you can save up on your electric bills.

About the Author:

No comments: