Ten Painless lifestyle changes to save money

These are ten FREE lifestyle changes that could save you money instantly. Just a little effort is required.

1. Keep the tires pumped up in your car (don't overinflate, as this can also represent a danger)

2. Unplug appliances that are consuming power even though they are 'asleep' (i.e. phantom power)

3. Keep showers short

4. Turn the thermostat down 1 or 0.5 of a degree, and wear extra clothing

5. Cool hot items to room temperature before putting them in the fridge (cooling on a tile floor is faster; if you have a window that is cold/drafty, you can cool it there too)

6. Hang dry your laundry

7. Clean garbage and unnecessary items out of the car (reduce weight, save gas)

8. Start a dishwasher when it is full, not partially full

9. Start a compost pile in the backyard

10. Increase the deductible on your insurance (car, home) - but make sure you can pay the deductible if your insurance policy was to be triggered by something.

10a. Make sure your fridge's coils are clean.... okay, this is the 11th.