Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

When It Rains, It Pours

 

The rainy season is underway. While there haven’t been too many showers yet, it’s that time of year that is often gloomy, damp, and full of rain, and we know what that usually means! Typically when it rains, it pours. Ever find that true with everyday life? I’m sure a lot of people can relate, especially with the current economy taking its toll. So, if you’re like me and find yourself in one “rainstorm”, you might start asking yourself when the next one’s going to hit, and how hard.

 

It can be tough to financially stay above water these days, but instead of finding yourself knee deep in bills and other expenses, it’s important to realize there are ways to cut back and stay above water.  There are easy things that you can do to help minimize costs, cut back, and save.

 

First of all, it’s important to get a good grip on your finances. A few simple solutions are to get organized, prioritize, plan ahead, and ask for help if you need it. Writing out your monthly expenses can really help you to visualize where your money goes and where a lot of unnecessary spending occurs. Obviously bills should be first priority, but what about the trip to Starbucks on the way to work, or ordering off the value menu at McDonalds because you forgot to pack a lunch? Little things add up, and they take away from putting more towards items that take precedence, such as your necessary household expenses, car payment, or credit card bill.

 

It can be overwhelming to fall behind, but there are many resources available. The problem is that it can be easy to wait until it’s too late, and then it becomes even harder to get back on track. Cutting back on unnecessary spending can certainly help, but cutting back on unnecessary usage on electric, water, and gas can also be beneficial in lowering your monthly bills.

 

There is so much to consider with the warmer weather around the corner. I’ve actually considered making a temporary/seasonal move to the basement this summer since it’s naturally cooler. Lounging in the basement and sleeping downstairs will allow me to remain comfortable while not having to keep the AC cranked. I’ll be closing my shades throughout the house as well during those hot summer days. Letting the sunshine in just causes the AC to run even more since the warm rays heat the house.

 

Grilling out can save you money too. I plan to take advantage of the nice days that I can sit outside, grill and soak up the sunshine. It eliminates using the stove, using electric, and warming up the house when I’m trying to keep it cool.

 

A few other things to keep in mind that may help you save:

 

·       Pay bills that have late fees and high interest rates first

·       Make pay arrangements the moment you get hit with a “rainstorm”. Waiting too long can put you further behind and it may be too late to avoid extra charges

·       Educate yourself – check out ways to save on RPU’s website, call and talk to a representative directly, and search the web for energy and cost saving tips.

·       Become familiar with community resources that may be available to you for heating and electric bills during difficult times such as Energy Assistance and Salvation Army.

·       Replace light fixtures with ones that require just one bulb instead of five, or remove the excess bulbs. No need to keep all of them in when one or two still gives off enough light.

·       Try to pay bills online; stamps are increasing in costs and if you pay just five bills in the mail right now, it’s over $2.00 to get them to their destination.

·       Use coupons

·       Buy generic brands- typically it’s all the same stuff, just different packaging.

·       Pay cash and set limits. It helps you visualize what’s coming out of your pocket so, if you have $100 cash for the month, tell yourself that’s it. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

·       Pack your lunch – it saves on using gas to go somewhere and it eliminates spending money on unnecessary food items, especially from the vending machine.

 

I know that a lot of these things may seem so simple, but it’s tougher than I actually thought. It’s been hard for me break some of my every day habits and say no to extras. While I do splurge every now and then, I do keep in mind the long term affects down the road. I just try to remember that when it rains, it usually pours and I’d rather be showered in savings then flooded in debt.