First Time Away From Home - Help Needed

[Brooke_Ryan]

Hello everyone!

As of June 25th, I will be in an apartment all on my own and away from home! The apartment is $510/mo. It is a one bedroom/one bathroom with nice kitchen, dining area, and large living room. All is run on electric which I must pay for. Sewage and water are paid for already.

I have a dog - she is a Shiba Inu. Other than that, I'm trying to finish college as a PA which will be completed in the next 3 years. Because I am so busy, finding a job will not be as ideal. The work load for courses alone is 8am - 5pm in class.

I'm seeking advice on how to reduce my energy costs (since it's all run on electric), reasonably shop for groceries, and so much more. Advice is GREATLY loved!

[ErikM02]

Well taking a bath takes a lot more water. I would assume that it takes more energy to heat up that much more water?

Also if the shower head is old, think about replacing it with a more efficient head.

[Ceashels]

Welcome to the Village.

I would say a bath is cheaper because you can more easily control how much water you put in the tub. Will you have control of the water heater thermostat? Can you insulate the water heater? Some here put their water heater on timers so they have hot water in the morning for a shower but it is off during the day.

Keep perusing the Forums, there are vast bits of pieces of information tucked inside threads.

[Libby]

I'm seeking advice on how to reduce my energy costs (since it's all run on electric), reasonably shop for groceries, and so much more. Advice is GREATLY loved!

Congrats on moving on your own! (if its under good circumstances )

Ways to reduce energy costs:
* use CFL bulbs wherever possible and turn off anything while not in use (keep the original bulbs provided by the landlord in a box and put them back in when you move out)
* think twice about your usage: reuse the water you use to rinse produce or water used from boiling food to water plants (when cooled)
* if you're going to turn on your oven - try to bake similar things that require the same temp at the same time (ie bake a pie while baking chicken)
* make sure faucets aren't dripping and toilet isn't leaking, weather stripping is good around windows and doors
* use a fan vs air conditioning (add/remove clothing as needed vs adjusting thermostat) if its too hot and you're able to - go elsewhere to cool off: outside, mall/library with a/c etc so long as its within budget

As for reducing grocery bills - try to cook in small batches - portion out leftovers in freezer plastic ware and reheat as needed (I like the microwave vs stove method) vs making single portions or buying single portions of produce/meats etc.

Comparison shop/create a price book for you major grocery shopping options to see who has the better pricing for most of the items on your list. Look for coupons you can use (vs buying processed food stuff) and shop at the local farmers market.

Hope that helps a bit.

[mauimagic]

What an exciting time for you!!

We have our water heater on a timer and that helps a lot!!

When showering - get wet, turn off water, lather up, turn on water, rinse off!!

We use a toaster oven a lot for baking for the two of us.

You'll sure learn lots here!!

[shoiji]

Using the microwave to cook can save money. Try to remember to unplug any electronics that you are not using. Visit the Energy Boomer website for more ideas to save money when it comes to electric.

If you live in an area where winters can get cold think about investing in a down/alternative comforter for the bed. Will keep you warm during the cold winter months.

[pollypurebred39]

Shower or bath: Which uses more water?

I don't know where you are in Pa, but I live in SE Pa and have some great thrift food stores. I'd be happy to share that information if you are near me.

[NikoSan999]

If you don't have a toaster oven find one...cook time is about 1/4 or sometimes less. Less area to heat and also dosen't run up the temp in apartment to run up the air conditioner to run up electric. It also cuts down on getting a hot meal or someone who is tired and needs to study, go to bed or on the run. Totino size pizzas will fit and take almost no time to cook. Chicken on foil, no clean up...foil out, throw away and done. Toaster oven and microwave can be your best friends for what you are trying to accomplish.

Water heater...timer...on an hour before you get up...off when you leave in morning to come on again an hour before shower time, dish and washer time. Off at bedtime....you'll probably find it only needs to be running about 4 hours a day versus 24 hours as the water will still be hot for awhile after the timer shuts it off.

One day on weekend to spend a couple hours to fix a few things to put in freezer and fridge for most of the rest of the week. A pot of soup, maybe 2. Couple containers in fridge and ziploc/freeze the rest for lunches to nuke or supper other nights. Meatloaf, bake and divide into portions to suit your lifestyle such as meal, sandwiches etc.

Laundry, full loads. Watch the amount of detergent. Most people use WAY to much. Cheaper in the long run to buy a few extra sox and underwear than to wash clothes every few days cause you're out.

Groceries, shop the sales and create at least a small stockpile of the stuff you KNOW you will use. If you can use coupons use them. Never hurts to have at least a couple extra for a short money week or busy week.

Fuel, on the way home from school stop and pick up that bread, eggs and milk then. Don't run back out and make a special trip to get them...gas is expensive. Money better in your pocket than the gas companies. Anything you can do on the way home the better.

Air up to the point you are only comfortable and use a fan. We keep on 77 and used to keep at 74....you get used to it..honest.

CFL bulbs and still only use what is needed. Turn off all lights when not using. Unplug the items not in use. Toaster, toaster overn, coffee pot, fan when gone etc. If not unreasonably hard to get to everything put TV stuff on power strip and turn off and on when wanting to use.

My laundry was done and dishwasher turned on after 9pm and before 7am. Rates are about 1/2 the cost as before 9. Weekends are cheaper also but not as much by far. Not all electric companies do this.

I started doing all these electricity things a little over 2 years ago. I cut our bill by about $150 a month...some months more...a few less. It's just something that in the beginning you have to give conscious thought to untill it becomes habit. I made it a game to see if I could beat the month before.

[frugal-fannie]

A shower. Do not stand with the water running or if you do wait for the water to warm up- soap up and wash and then rinse in hot water. The less water used the cheaper the shower. Some people will also shower after they have run the dishwasher that way the water is already hot.

[ErikM02]

My laundry was done and dishwasher turned on after 9pm and before 7am. Rates are about 1/2 the cost as before 9. Weekends are cheaper also but not as much by far. Not all electric companies do this.

Interesting, I wonder if Excel in Colorado does this...

[shoiji]

Try using the couponmom website to find the matches with sales and coupons. Makes it really easy to use. Coupons are great but remember that lots of processed food can be unhealthy for you. Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store will save money, but time may be a factor for you. When rotisserie chicken is on sale they can be a better buy and can give you four meals.

When you do cook make sure to cook up enough for leftovers. Freezing serving size amounts comes in handy to make a meal. A crockpot can be your best friend. I do not like to turn it on and leave the house, so many times I will put the food in the crockpot before going to bed. When I wake up it is done. Just remember to give the food enough time to cool off before putting in fridge or dividing up in containers. You might find weekends a good time to try this especially if your weekdays are busy.

Take a reusable lunch bag to school with you. You probably can find a microwave if you ever need to heat something up. Will save you a lot of money instead of the cafeteria. Also, water is good for you and cheaper than soda.

[Debbie-cat]

Welcome to frugal village and congrats on getting out on your own! There are lots of ideas on the threads. Just look around and make yourself at home!

[oheoh's momma]

Hi welcome You have already been given great advice. Enjoy the rest of your schooling.

[shoiji]

Now is also a great time to stay out of the keep up with the joneses attitude. Be patient with finding items for your place. It can be very tempting to put items on credit cards.

[miss_cas]

Congratulations!

Water usage for a shower is much less. Make sure to fill dishwasher full before use.

Eating at home, freezing some of the leftovers and taking these for your lunches saves the most money. Bring snacks from home too. Limit eating out to once a week to save money. Don't run the oven during the summer. Bread, tortillas, shredded cheese, peppers, pita, pancakes, french toast, muffins all freeze. Unthaw in a paper towel.

I would recommend you have an emergency fund if you own a vehicle and since you have a dog. Both situations will catch you off guard when something goes wrong and you don't have money in savings.

Only use a credit card if you can pay it off in full monthly. If you need to establish a credit history, only charge $30 a month or less and pay it off on time monthly. This is the easiest way to get a credit history started.

As the semester goes on, if you are finding yourself with much free time pick up a part-time evening job such as stocking shelves at the local Walmart. You also get to exercise on the job.

Wash clothing in cold and hang on a drip-dry rack to lengthen clothing life. Only run jeans, t-shirts, towels and sheets through the dryer. Use one towel for a week.

If you chose a bottom floor apartment in the center of the building, you have the advantage of using the neighbors for insulation. Run the a/c on 80 and run a fan. Put the a/c on 85 when you are gone. Dress in a tank top and shorts. In the winter, run heat at 65-68 (colder at night and when away) and dress warmly. Run the oven when you want but make sure you are cooking two dishes plus at once. Once you have been in the apartment for a year, call the utility company and ask for the level payment plan for an averaged bill. Keep the curtains shut in the summer.

You probably won't need more than the basic network cable package available for $20 a month. Get the slow speed internet too. Don't bother with Netflix, use Redbox for movie nights. It's cheaper.

Give a lot of thought to gym memberships and see how much free time your schooling/residency will allow. You might be able to use the gym at the hospital.

Give the Dollar Tree toiletries, cleaning stuff, stationary and cards a try. Try buying food at the generic dollar stores and Aldis.

Don't let the egos around you at work and school dictate how you spend your money. Excessive partying, clothing shopping and lunching drain your wallet. Focus on being able to pay back your student loans quickly.