Money Saving Idea - Household

Install dimmer switches and use efficient halogen bulbs, rather than incandescents. Dimmable compact fluorescents (CFLs) are even thriftier, but some flicker at low power.

Cost: $25 for dimmer and $10 for two CFLs; at Lowe's.

Savings: $20 per fixture on electricity over three years.

Bonus: Halogens and CFLs outlast incandescents, saving more money on replacement lights and avoiding the hassle of replacing bulbs.