We all have personal goals that we would like to accomplish when it comes to finances, but when a family lives together it can be a lot easier to save money if everyone who earns an income learns to work together.  A family of four that can generate income from each person can serve as an example of this principle.  The parents are usually the ones who handle the bills in the house while kids are normally allowed to do as they please with their earnings.  Often, in this scenario the family has four vehicles, TVs, different eating schedules, and many more independent expendituers. In the tough economic climate we live in, this kind of lifestyle can be wasteful.  If  families could learn to cooperate. the savings in everyone's wallets could be enormous.  Particularly, three areas offer the most savings - transportation, food, and energy.

1. Transportation
Normally, a family such as the example above will own four vehicles.  Since each member is earning an income, they are responsible for their own fuel, insurance, and car maintenance.  A car is a strain on anyone's wallet so why is it important for each family member to have a vehicle?  Naturally, everyone wants the freedom to go wherever they please, but a little cooperation and carpooling could ease the burden on everyone's wallet. Reducing the number of family vehicles to two can reduce transportation expenses by half.

2. Food Consumption
Since everyone is a breadwinner, chances are they all want different kinds of bread to eat, so what happens is mom or dad by groceries for everyone, but the kids don't like the kind of groceries purchased so they use their money to purchase things they like.  Again, family cooperation can go a long way to helping everyone save money in this area.  If the kids like certain food that no one else enjoys, then a good compromise would be to have them contribute money towards the grocery bill.  Mom or Dad could then buy the kinds of foods everyone wants to eat and the result is the kids spend less of their money on going out to eat, and the parents spend less money on groceries.

3. Energy Consumption
This category can be a bit trickier.  A common scenario for this family of four comes during entertainment hour.  Everyone has their own room furnished with a TV, computer or some other electronic device used for entertainment. So, what happens is each family member is in their own personal space doing their own thing, but this can be quite wasteful when you take in the fact that two family members might be watching the same show or running two different air conditioners in the house.   A family who interacts together can also save money together.  A good compromise would be for the family to plan one or two family nights each week.  This means all four members are in the same room using the same electronic device, thereby consuming less energy and reducing energy bills.  The other fact is when a family interacts together, they bond more and the spirit of cooperation becomes easier for everyone!

Bill Fingerling likes to write, spend time with his kids, cook and visit http://www.flowerdelivery.net/.

Saving pennies makes more sense in an age where an hourly job is a commodity.  Unemployment is still high and consumer spending is down.  It can be hard to earn money even by running a small business, simply because crunched budgets forces people to focus on the staples.  In this day and age, it pays to learn how to share and how to save a buck.  This means finding ways to do without or improvising to avoid having to buy a product.

1. Overpay Much?
The most important frugal skill is not overpaying on the things that are bought on a daily basis.  This means food and gas, as well as the various little conveniences that add up.  To save money on food, consider buying basic things in bulk, such as oatmeal and eggs, and then cooking at home.  Homemade meals are much cheaper and generally healthier than fast food.  Otherwise, when shopping for packaged food, take a close look at unit price.  This is the best way to make a cost comparison.  Generics are often as good as brand name products, and 2-liters are more economical than aluminum can drinks.

The reason why many things cost more is just because of shipping weight.  Truck drivers have to be paid, and freight is a premium.  While this affects the cost of all goods, it again is most important when shopping for groceries.  Powdered milk is often cheaper than fresh, and dried fruit is often cheaper and lasts longer than the equivalent of fresh food.  Buying frozen packages of juice concentrate is only a fraction the price of buying bottled juices, which are also often from concentrate.

2. Transport
Moving away from food, transportation is a major daily expense.  Owning a car can cost a person at least a few thousand dollars a year. Cars are poor assets, because they always sell for less than the original purchase price.  Insurance must be paid as well as gas.  For many people, it pays to use a bicycle or public transportation. Good friends will carpool or even share a vehicle.  Doing without a car might seem too drastic, but a little math reveals the intelligence of it.  For someone living in a city with many alternatives, rather than in a small town or rural area, alternate transportation makes sense.

Frugal skills are important for parents, who must budget for people besides themselves.  The modern world offers many conveniences, because everyone wants a buck and some people have the money to afford them.  The most important lesson for anyone on a budget is to say no to all the little things that catch our interest in a moment.  Many closets are filled with gadgets that are hardly used, purchased on a whim that is never carried through.  Learn to use basic equipment before purchasing something that reinvents the wheel.  Very often, the problem was already solved a long time ago.  Taking advantage of traditional knowledge is perhaps the most rewarding way to save.

Ashley Homes likes to write about finance and economics, live green and visit http://www.lifeinsurancequotes.org/.

Saving money during difficult financial times can be done with a little planning.  One bill that can get expensive is your electricity bill. However, you can easily save money on electricity.  Here are ten ways to do so!

1. Change your Bulbs
If you use energy-efficient light bulbs, you can save a good amount of money on your electric bill.  Compact Fluorescent Lights are beneficial for the environment, and they will last a lot longer (a LOT) - compounding the rate at which you're saving! 

2. Turn off Electronics
Make sure your computers, video games, television and lights are turned off when you are not using them.  When you leave the room, switch the light off.  Leaving your lights on will only increase your electric bill.  Even if an appliance is not on, it still is using some electricity, so turn them off when you do not need them.

2. Adjust your Thermostat
If you set your air to 78 degrees, you will not be wasting electricity.  If you are hot, put on a tank top and shed some clothing.  When you are not at home, turn your thermostat off.  Just one degree can make a difference in the cost of your electric bill, so turn your thermostat up during the winter and down during the summer.  If you are cold, bundle up with blankets and put on heavy clothing.

3. Use Less Hot Water
When you do your laundry, use cold water, and turn off the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher.  Do not turn the dishwasher on until it is completely full of dishes.  Take quick showers, and make sure showers are slightly cooler than normal.  Wash your face and hands with cold water instead of hot water.

4. Insulation
If you install insulation in your home, you can keep hot or cold air from getting in or out of your home.  You can hang curtains that are insulated, put insulation around the water heater or use insulating paint.  You could also make sure that the attic is insulated (though don't worry about this as much if your attic isn't heated or cooled).

5. Off-Peak Hours
Some electric companies have hours that are cheaper than other parts of the day.  You should contact your electric provider to ask if they have off-peak hours.  If they do, you should run your dishwasher or do your laundry during these hours. In most cases, the cheaper hours are in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

6. Linedry
Before the invention of a clothes dryer, people hung their clothes on a line to dry.  A dryer takes a good amount of electricity, so if you do not use it, you can save money on your electric bill.

7. Maintenance
You should make sure that your filters are cleaned each month.  If they are full, it will drain the energy much quicker than if they are properly taken care of.

8. Compare Companies
You should shop around and compare the rates of different companies in anything you subscribe to.  You need to be careful because some companies will offer a great introductory rate. However, after the introductory period expires, the rate will increase.

9. Level Billing
If your electric bill puts you in a financial bind some months, you can call your electric company to see if they provide the option of level billing.  When this happens, the company will average your bills from the previous year, and you will pay the same amount each month.

10. Out with the Old
Your refrigerator is responsible for a good part of your electric bill, so replace older models with newer ones.  You should also make sure your stove and microwave are energy-efficient models. Like a car, they'll pay for themselves in a matter of months. 

Johnny Feldman likes to write, travel and save money at www.homeownersinsurance.org.