In tough economic times, the need to conserve time and energy while saving money is never more important. We stand in such times. More families are cutting back on frivolous spending and committing more time to living at home. Staying home is one way to avoid spending money, but even at home there are things to be done (or done more) to save money, resulting in more money down the road for spending.

1. Use the sun to light up the house. Starting immediately, be sure to open the shades or blinds every morning (especially on the south side of the house) to let solar light and heat. On hot summer days, leave them shut. For the long run, think about incorporating passive solar design into any remodels or upgrades you may have planned. If you're going to spend money, spend it wisely, and in ways that will continue to save money as well.
2. Turn down the thermostat whenever possible. You can even purchase tax-deductible programmable thermostats that allow you to set the controls to fit your lifestyle. Keeping your thermostat close to 65 or 75 degrees (depending on the season) will make a huge difference on utility bills. Heating and cooling is responsible for the bulk of average home energy costs.
3. Conserving water is vital to the home and community. Water can be very expensive, especially water heating (second only to space heating in energy consumption). Shorter showers, low-flow fixtures, running only full dishwasher and clothes washer loads; all these are key to home water conservation and saving money. Greywater systems and solar water heaters are more sizable and more effective options.
4. Cooking at home is a fun and creative activity that saves money and satisfies the soul. Cooking from scratch can save a heap of money; money that could be spent on an even more comfortable kitchen.
5. Gardening is the precursor to home cooking. Save even more money in the kitchen by stocking it with home grown vegetables.
6. Wise heating and cooling is also vital. In addition to monitoring the thermostat better, you can work to increase your home's overall energy efficiency. For example, install or improve insulation in the walls, floor, and ceiling; upgrade and use the fireplace or wood stove; perform a home energy audit and work to weatherize the entire home.
7. Renting movies is much cheaper than going to the movies, especially with today's mail-order programs in which you need not even use the gas to drive to the video store. Drive away the boredom of nights at home instead. Perhaps a new home theater setup would be a better outlet for that movie ticket money?
8. A house party is the cheaper (and safer) alternative to bar-hopping. It's also a surefire way to make good use of the game room and deck or patio.
9. Relaxation is especially key the day after your house party. Since most people will be cutting back on vacations this year, why not give your own home a small taste of luxury by sprucing up the deck, patio, or pool.
10. Leave 'em out to dry. Rather than using the energy-sucking clothes dryer, try to dry wet clothes on a clothes line outside, or even a drying rack in the laundry room. This can save hundreds of dollars per year.