Save Money on Energy, Groceries, Banking, Tax and Insurance

We’re always looking for ways to cut our biggest bills and at Yahoo they’ve concocted an excellent list of tips for reducing five of our biggest bills:

• Energy: Seal windows and caulk doors to cut on heating and cooling costs; use energy efficient light bulbs (you can save up to $50 per bulb in reducing electricity bills), keep your car tires at the right pressure so you don’t lose fuel efficiency and don’t drive around with lots of heavy items you don’t need in your car.
• Groceries: Use a shopping list, shop less regularly and plan meals to cook which are cheaper.
• Banking: Compare account fees between banks and change your preferred bank if you can get a better deal (or negotiate one with your current bank); don’t withdraw money from ATMs that charge you additional fees; and always pay your bills on time.
• Tax: Check carefully for tax breaks you might be eligible for: first home-buyer credit, low-income tax rebates and the 2008 tax break for homeowners, just for example.
• Car insurance: Increase your deductible premium, bundle insurance policies with one insurer to get a discount and check if you are eligble for low-mileage discounts (usually under 7,500 miles a year is low enough).