4 Money-Saving Tips For Every Homeowner

Getting thin. How to find a new job. Getting together with family more. With a new year comes new goals. Why not save money as one of your goals?

If you own your own home, there are many ways to save money and still live well. The tips below will help you do well with your money.

1. First, set a budget. Find out how much you spend to keep your home in good shape. Compare your expenses from one month to the next to get a better idea of how much to set aside for each need. Then, look for ways to save money. Stick to your plan once you've made it.
2. Save energy. During the winter and summer, air leaks could cause you to lose a lot of money on energy costs. You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping all cracks and holes.

Also, think about replacing older appliances with newer ones that use less energy. Even the light bulbs you use can make a difference. The energy used by fluorescent bulbs is four times less than that used by incandescent bulbs.

1. Get a warranty for your home. Most homeowners don't put money aside each year for possible repairs. A home system or appliance is likely to break down 68 percent of the time in a given year. One of these systems or appliances costs an average of $1,085 to replace. A home warranty is your best protection against repairs that come up out of the blue and cost a lot of money.
2. Refinance. Look around to see if you can get a home loan with a lower interest rate to replace the one you already have. By refinancing your home, it's easy to save hundreds of dollars each month.

With the American Home Shield Home Warranty, for example, a network of pre-screened technicians makes sure that you get the best service possible. You can call American Home Shield as soon as something breaks, and a local service technician will set up a time that works for you. The warranty covers many home systems and appliances, no matter how old they are.

The American Home Shield Home Warranty is a one-year contract that doesn't require a home inspection. There are several plans that are affordable and will fit any budget.