One thing we can probably all agree on is that it seems like there is never enough money to cover all the things we need, let alone the things we want. All of us are looking for places to cut back in our budgets and ways to save even just a few extra dollars.

When you're looking for areas to save a little extra money, try out some of these home improvement tricks. Each one individually might not save you that much, but add them all together, and you might suddenly find yourself with quite a bit of extra cash.
  1. Install "Low Flow Fixtures"

These handy fixtures can help reduce your water consumption, potentially saving you over $100 per year. If you're trying to save money, you might not want to upgrade all your water fixtures immediately, but it's something to consider when your fixtures eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

  1. Add a Little Insulation

Heating and air conditioning your house is expensive, especially when some of that warm or cool air is escaping to the outdoors. To fix this problem, buy a few rolls of insulation at your local hardware store and insulate your house. This will help bring down your energy costs in both the winter and the summer.

  1. Don't Forget the Weatherstripping

While we're talking about ways to keep your heating or air conditioning in the house, let's talk about weatherstripping. Just by adding these handy little strips along your windows and doors, you can cut your energy bills by quite a bit.

  1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

While this might seem like a piece of technology that'll cost you more than it'll save, these gadgets are absolutely worth it. They're more accurate, meaning you don't overheat your home unnecessarily, wasting money in the process. When used responsibly, this device has the potential to save you up to $150 annually.

  1. Install an Electronic Locking System

Of all the things we regularly spend money on, there's nothing more frustrating than spending it on something that could have easily been avoided if we had been a little more careful or prepared. Specifically, it's extremely frustrating to accidentally lock yourself out of your house and be forced to pay a locksmith or other service to let you back in. Save on this potential pitfall by simply installing an electronic locking system.

  1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

On average, these bulbs burn anywhere from four to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs. So even though they're initially more expensive than regular bulbs, they'll end up saving you money in the long run.

  1. Ceiling Fans

Air conditioning is expensive. One way to cut back on your energy costs in this area is to install ceiling fans in your house. While they still consume energy, they consume far less than your air conditioning will. By strategically placing these throughout your home, you can make a serious dent in your energy bills over the summer months - while still keeping things cool.

Start Saving!

By implementing a few of these ideas, you're sure to begin adding to your savings pile. And who knows? You might even be inspired by these tips to come up with a few of your own.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington