Most cost-cutting measures are so simple, people don't think to apply them.
Jim Riley, director of utilities and energy management at Texas A&M's Physical Plant, said he often sees that many just don't invest the time to sit down and analyze how much money they are spending in different areas of their lives.
But if they did, they'd see that cutting back on small things can add up to make a huge difference, he said.
As College Station's economy continues to battle a recession, residents can consider practical cost-cutting measures with their electric and utility bills, travel, outdoor recreation, pets and more.
Amarillo-based economist Karr Ingham recently reported that the region's economy has been on the decline for the past eight months. Almost all sectors of the local economy have experienced a decline, though the area remains relatively stable compared to the rest of the state and country, according to the report.
A few quick musts from various financial wizards:
* Medications can add up over a year or, for some, even over just one month. To help curb that cost, individuals can contact the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America for its free directory of prescription-drug patient assistance programs. It can be contacted at www.phrma.org or 202-835-3400.
* Spend a few minutes looking for the lowest-cost mortgage, lowest-interest credit card or the highest rates on CDs. Go to www.bankrate.com and see what fits best. A recent example was a MasterCard with a 4.25 percent interest rate.
* Drivers can save money by slowing down a little. Driving 55 mph burns 15 percent less gas per mile than driving 65. The typical driver can save $135 a year this way.
* Save an estimated $72 a year by learning to cut family members' hair.
* The Video Learning Library stocks 20,000 how-to videos to rent or buy. Tape rentals run at $8 for two weeks plus $10 for roundtrip shipping. Videos include tips on haircutting, window repair and hunting. Go to www.videolearning.com to view the video selection.
* Banks charge up to $20 a box for replacement checks. But you can instead use independent printers such as Checks Unlimited at www.checksunlimited.com, or Checks in the Mail at www.checksinthemail.com
Turn the lights off
Riley said it's always a challenge to get people to understand how much money they can save by taking efficient measures in their home or business.
For most people, air conditioners suck the most energy and, consequently, bring the largest cost during the summer months, he said.
The No. 1 thing he said helps reduce costs is an obvious method but one most people don't practice: Turning the air conditioner to a higher temperature.
"We've all gotten a little spoiled with temperature set at 72 degrees and we may feel good, but if you have adequate airflow in the room, you can tolerate much higher temperatures and still be fairly comfortable," he said.
Residents should consider installing ceiling fans or buying counter fans to help keep air flowing, he said. Then, when people leave their homes, they should turn the air conditioner closer to 90 degrees, he said.
"It save tons of money right off the bat with no investment," he said.
The age and condition of the air-conditioning unit can affect cost rates, too. The older the equipment, the less efficient it may be. So investing in a new, upgraded system can save a tremendous amount of money in the long run, he said.
Adequate installation also plays a large part in keeping electric bills low, he said.
"If you don't have good insulation in your attic, you can basically lose 80 percent of your cooling right up through the ceiling," he said.
Doors and windows can be enhanced through installing double pane, high-efficiency windows and getting weather stripping for the doors, he said.
Companies, too, should consider turning off the air conditioner after business hours, he said.
"Some of this seems like real common sense, but you'd be amazed at the air-conditioning systems that run 24/7 and people are just basically throwing money away," he said. "When no one's around or when there is one person in the whole building, you really have to wonder if it justifies running all this air conditioning and spending thousands of dollars."
Replacing older light fixtures with energy-efficient ones will help reduce costs as well, he said.
"I think we kind of got spoiled over the years. Energy cost was cheap," he said. "It's very wasteful and it's expensive and it's hurtful to the environment. It's a good thing to do for all those reasons."
Riley said he recommends looking for the Energy Star rating when purchasing appliances or electronics, whether they're a hot water heater, oven, washer and dryer, computer or printer.
Discovering what's local
People still like to take vacations, but there are ways to cut costs when doing so, said James Petrick, graduate program director for the Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Petrick, who also is an associate department head, said he recommends people explore state and national parks, most of which are fairly cheap.
"You just have to be aware this stuff is out there," he said. "It can be very inexpensive."
The Sam Houston National Forest is an hour away. The more than 163,000-acre forest is one of four national forests in the state and is 50 miles north of Houston. Individuals, couples or families can enjoy hiking the trails, camping at one of the numerous sites, wildlife watching, canoeing or renting a paddle boat, fishing or hunting.
The Sam Houston National Forest is home to the endangered bald eagle and red-cockaded woodpecker, he said. People can bring their pets or two-wheel motorized scooters to ride through the park.
For those who like frequent trips to state parks, Petrick said, he recommends buying a Texas State Parks Pass. It's an annual pass that allows the cardholder and guests riding in the same vehicle to enter a state park or historic site without paying entrance fees.
There are more than 90 state parks and state historic sites that can be accessed through the pass, which sells for $60.
"They have everything from cultural areas to ones that are more scenic and places for every type of individual," he said.
There are at least 30 parks in Bryan and at least 48 in College Station. And more than 30 lakes owned by the state are open to the public.
Locally, there is Lake Bryan, which is owned by the city, and Lake Somerville, which is less than 20 miles away. Lake Conroe is about 45 miles away. Listings of lakes can be found at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
"We've got a lot of folks that like to boat, and not everybody can go to Lake Austin. So you just want to go someplace that's cheaper and closer."
It seems people have forgotten they could save money on vacations and weekend getaways by visiting local parks, Petrick said. There are plenty in Bryan-College Station, Houston, San Antonio and in the Austin area, he said.
Furry friends
While clipping coupons for the pantry, don't forget Spot and Fluffy.
Sixty-two percent of American households have pets, an increase from 56 percent in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association. Those pet owners are expected to spend $45.4 billion on their pets this year, $2.2 billion more than last year, according to the association.
Pet owners could expect to spend about $235 annually for food and $260 for medical care for a large dog, and $120 to $235 for a medium-size dog. A cat would need $115 a year for food, $160 for routine medical care and $165 for litter, according to a 2009 report from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. That doesn't include initial costs such as neutering, shots, collar, leash, litter box, carrier and toys, which can all add up.
Mark Stickney, director of general surgery services at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, said many people don't realize how much money they're spending on a pet.
Stickney said people can save a lot on their pet by cutting back on things that they likely eliminate in their own lives: treats and toys. Instead of buying expensive dog biscuits -- which are high in calories -- pet owners can give their dog kernels of unbuttered popcorn, baby carrots or green peas.
"The dog doesn't care what it's getting, as long as it comes out of your hand and it's a special treat," he said.
The greatest toy Stickney has discovered for a cat -- even the most finicky -- is a wadded-up ball of tin foil.
Stickney said reducing the frequency that a pet sees a groomer and cleaning the animal personally can save a lot of money over time.
"We want to do the things that are necessary for the health of our pets, but the things we can do without or the things we can do ourselves are going to help until the economy springs back," he said.
He cautioned, however, that pet owners shouldn't overlook the health of their pet. Tough economic times can lead pet owners to cut back on routine examinations, vaccinations and heartworm and flea medication, but that's often not a wise decision, he said.
"With our pets, just like ourselves, an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure," Stickney said.
Stickney said he's a big advocate of going to the animal shelter to get a dog or cat.
"If you are looking for a great pet dog, you don't need to spend a ton of money on a pedigree animal that has papers going back for a decade," he said.
He said what's important is researching the breed of dog or cat before getting anything and then finding out if that suits the person's lifestyle, size and type of family, amount of space and time available to dedicate for exercise needs.
"I see fantastic dogs every week from the shelter, and they all need homes," he said.
A lot of pet owners like to invest a large amount of money in training schools for their animals. Stickney said that's not necessary. As long as the pet owner is willing to dedicate time to training their pet from the first day and are consistent throughout the training, they can avoid having to get a trainer, he said.
"[Pets] want structure and they want discipline. They don't know they want it, but they do. It's so much better later on if they know you are in charge," he said.
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