Summer is right around the corner and gas prices are gradually creeping up. What can be done to decrease spending and save? Here are a few things that can be done in order to maintain a solid budget within your family:

#1 Unplug unused electrical items: Although you may not be using these items, if they are plugged into the outlet they are still sucking energy and adding dollars to your electricity bill. I saved $100 on my electrical bill just by unplugging kitchen items after each use. For example, after making that morning pot of coffee unplug it. Do the same thing for the can opener, griddle, blender and toaster. Keep the refrigerator plugged up, but all those other items can be unplugged.  Especially phone chargers.

#2 Turn Off the Lights: Lights are constantly being left on in my home whether it's in the kids room or even our room. If the lights are not being used then turn them off. There is no reason for the bathroom, kitchen, closet, lamp and hallway light to be on if no one is using them. Turn them off after each use. In my family, I send my 2-year-old around the house to turn off all the lights that are not in use. This gives him a chance to help out and saves money. 

 #3 Turn the television off: Like many parents with multiple televisions, kids tend to leave the television on even when they are not watching it. Remind the kids to turn the television off. When my son is watching Sesame Street and begins to play or do other things while his show is on, I threaten to turn the television off if he is not watching it.  This gives him the opportunity to make a choice. Either finish the show or go play. Also, if you have a timer on your television, simply set it on every television within the home to turn off at a certain time each night. This will prevent the television being left on while falling asleep.

 #4 Reevaluate Entertainment Options: When my husband and I went out for date night last weekend, we spent over $60 just on the babysitter, the tickets and snacks. Instead of going to the movies save yourself some money, and order a new release movie from Charter On Demand or head to your neighborhood Redbox. Put those kids to bed early and pop your own popcorn the old-fashioned way… on the stove. Play some card games or have a family competition like kids vs. parents.

 #5 Out With The Old: It’s amazing as to how much stuff parents keep even though their children have out grown it. From strollers to cribs, take inventory in your home to see what can be sold online or at a local consignment store. By the time the grandchildren come along, there will be something bigger and better then what was available 25 years ago, so go ahead and sell it. Additionally, if there are any electrical items that are just sitting around collecting dust, then by all means sell that too!

#6 Carpool: Need I say more?

 #7 Check out Frugal Family: Each week information is given about the sales and discounts available in Lawrenceville. From food to clothing, there are endless ways to save money.

The summer plans you have for your children do not have to be cancelled. Small adjustments now can help in keeping those plans in place. Besides do you really want to see that pitiful face once you tell the kids they'll have to go to grandma's instead of camp? Of course not.