Since the price of everything keeps going up, but wages do not, it is increasingly important to be shrewd with a dollar. Bargain shopping and coupon clipping can save hundreds of dollars a year, so why aren’t you doing it? Save fuel by carpooling or riding a bike, cook food at home instead of going out, keep finding new ways to save that money! I spent two years learning about cars just so I could take over the basic maintenance for my vehicle. Another way I save money is by keeping up the service and health of my central HVAC system. Climate control is something most of us take for granted, at least until the bill comes at the end of the month! I used to be resistant to the idea of an annual HVAC service plan, because I felt like it was a scam. My wife sat me down and did the math for me, and demonstrated that a strong, healthy HVAC system would save us a lot of money over the years. Now I see the annual HVAC service plan as an investment in the future, one that actually pays dividends every single month. A healthy, strong HVAC system has to work less, and expend less energy, to heat and cool the house. Spending a couple hundred bucks a year for the service plans gives our HVAC system a longer lifespan, in addition to reducing our monthly utility costs. Since a new HVAC system will cost eight to ten thousand bucks, I try to play it smart and keep my current one in good shape.