Budget Saver Tip #12: Turn Off Your Lights

This is one of those obvious ways to save energy, but I've noticed how few people are actually in the habit of doing it. As my children grow older they develop this habit because I remind them until they start reminding each other: When you leave a room, turn off the light--even if you're planning to come right back. And by now my 5-year-old does it automatically. Same for other electronic devices: when you're done, turn it off (we turn off our computer every night). I know there are different arguments on both sides of the coin and it depends on how energy-efficient the things in your house are (for example, the difference between bulbs and CFLs). But this is one of those good habits that is responsible and just makes sense to me...particularly when your home habits extend to other places. (I can't tell you how often I've walked through my church after an activity and how many lights I have found still on!)