1. Turn down the heat one or two degrees – especially at night. Even better, get a thermostat that will set itself according to the time. That way, it will turn itself up before you wake and will stay off while you’re out at work.

2. Keep the lights off. We are stuck in daylights savings time (at least for a few more hours) so we should take advantage of its benefits. There are few rooms in my house that benefit from the electric lights in the morning. Leaving them off saves a little more on my electric bill.

3. Wash and dry full loads of laundry. The smaller loads take the same amount of energy. Combine loads so that the machines are full.

4. Hang your laundry out to dry. It will keep the house cooler and will save the cost of drying in the machine. Plus, the clothes will have that “sun fresh” smell when you bring them in.

5. Get movies from the library instead of the video store. No only do they usually have a great, family-friendly selection, but they will often get in the movies that you request (at no charge to you).

6. Run a sink full of hot water for washing dishes while you are cooking and eating. This way you can leave the dishes to soak briefly (while the water cools a little) and you won’t have to run the dishwasher.

7. Don’t buy it because it’s on sale – unless you had already planned to buy it before. I save coupons on “treat” items (like frozen pizzas, quick fix snacks, etc) until they go on sale. Double the coupons and I almost can get the products for free.

Saving is only part of the process to securing your finances. You have to look for creative ways to manage your money. A quick surf of the internet and I was able to find some great (and not so great) sites with financial advice for the family.

· http://petersonwong.com/125/how-to-set-up-a-family-budget/ If you don’t know where to start, then this is the site for you. It’s a quick and easy guide to get you on your way.

· http://www.generasi-m.com/personal-finance/26-family-budgets-strategies-revealed.php Here is a site that helps you see the bigger financial picture. 26 Family Budgets Strategies Revealed covers more than the money.

· http://www.frugalforlife.blogspot.com/2006/09/25-ways-i-save-money.html Not only is this Frugalforlife a great financial website the idea of 25 ways to save money has expanded all over the internet.

· http://queenbee5520.blogspot.com/2007/10/7-tips-for-creating-family-budget.html Here are some tips from the Queenbee to get your family finances headed in the right direction.

· http://www.sidetopic.com/family-budget-tips/ Here are some great ideas to divide up your spending so that you don’t feel deprived.

· http://frugaljourney.com/36-important-money-saving-tips/ If you don’t have enough tips, here are 36 more to save you money.

· http://reallifesolutions.net/blog/tips-for-sticking-to-a-family-budget/ Real Life has some great budgeting tips and also links to resources to help you in your goals.

What are you favorite tips (or sites) that help with your budget or finding creative ways to save?