Every month you sit down to pay the bills and every month you wonder how in the world you’re spending so much. This is a common scenario for most families. The good news is there are a few things you can do to cut your monthly bills down to a more managable level.

Shop Around – Companies are in fierce competition with each other, use this to your advantage and comare prices for the best savings. Look at the bottom-line price - shipping or delivery costs, sales, available coupons, etc. can mean a huge difference in what you'll actually pay for an item.

Leave the Car at Home – Don’t pay the outrageous fees for gas. If possible try to walk, you can also consider taking the bus or carpooling. When filling up the car, shop around for competitive rates.

Lower Your Thermostat – If it’s cold in the house don’t just automatically switch the heating to high. Put on an extra sweater and pair of socks instead.

Avoid Using Your Dryer – Dryers waste a lot of electricity which means higher bills for you. Try to hang up your clothes instead. This not only saves you money on electricity but will help some of your clothes last longer as well.

Make Sure It’s Full – Don’t use your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s half empty. Try different temperature settings to see if a lower temperature will do the job just as well.

Turn Off Unused Lights – Your father was right. Turn off the lights you’re not using to save electricity. If you’re just relaxing try lighting candles instead, this will save money and create a nice atmosphere (make sure you follow all safety guidelines).

Lower Your Water Bill – Try to take showers instead of baths. Turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. Collect rain water and recycle it to water your plants. Make sure your faucets aren’t dripping. Use a bowl full of water when doing the dishes instead of leaving the tap running.

Lower Your Thermostat – Set your thermostats a couple of degrees lower in the winter and a couple of degrees higher in the summer for a big savings on your utility bills.

Filter Your Water – Investing in a good water filtering system can save you money on buying bottled water. It will also help you save money by making your appliances last longer due to lower lime scale buildup in hard water areas. You can even use less detergent when washing clothes or using the dishwasher.

Don’t Buy Disposable – Try to cut back on your shopping bills by not buying disposable items such as paper towels, use a clean dish cloth instead. Try to reuse your aluminum foil or sandwich bag containers or better yet buy plastic containers you can wash and reuse.

By following these tips, you can make a significant dent in your monthly bills. As an added bonus, you’ll also be contributing towards a healthier environment for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.