Saving on bills in secret?

My fiance just graduated from college in December, and I still have 2 years to go before I graduate. We decided to move in with his parents, to save money while I finish school and he does internships. They've been really wonderful, and don't charge us a dime to live here. They even cover food. In fact, the only "bills" we have to pay are the car insurance and gasoline. However, I don't want them to regret letting us live here, so I've been trying to do what I can to help out. His parents both work full time jobs, so I usually do some housecleaning when I get home from classes. I wash the dishes, sweep/mop the kitchen & bathrooms, vacuum the living room, feed the dog, etc. However, I realize that by taking on 2 new people, their utility bills have got to go up. I keep lights turned off during the day when they're not here, and in our bathroom, I installed one of those special shower heads that saves on heating and water costs. Sometimes, I do the grocery shopping too, which they reimburse me for, but I choose generic brands for myself and my fiance, and do price comparisons on name brand foods. I also just cut out a ton of coupons the other day that I should be able to use the next time I can do the shopping. They do not want generic foods though... so I can't choose that option for their foods. It's difficult though, because they aren't really the "frugal" types, so I can't do much that they'd notice, or would feel makes them live differently... I guess I'm just looking for any other ways to save money that they wouldn't particularly notice... but that would cut back on utility bills. I do feel it's a blessing that we're able to live here for nothing, but considering we may need to be here for 2 more years, I want to make it a pleasant experiance that they will enjoy, and not regret. Any ideas for what else I could do to help out that will only be noticable when the bills come?

[locolorenzo24]

You know, at least you're considerate enough to keep those factors in mind. Most people who move back in with parents are pretty wasteful and inconsiderate, which leads to big blowups. As a fellow young person who wound up living with my dad and stepmom for 6 months while trying to get back on my feet, my tips:

1. Keep the beds/floors/rooms picked up. If you cause the mess, pick it up.

2. For water, try to save where possible. Take quicker showers, don't let the water run while you brush teeth, etc.

3. Try hard to not avoid them because you feel guilty about the situation. Once in a while, ok, but not all the time.

4. Offer to do the cooking at least once a week. That way, there's some time savings for them.

5. If you all get along, count your blessings. Too many horror stories exist about young folks who had to move out because said parents could not get along with them.

Good Luck!

Thanks. I do clean up after myself, and everyone in most of the house. I tend to forget my own room though, but I've been working on that today, haha. I do need to work my way down to shorter showers. I will defintely try to get those quicker. We do spend time with them. We see them daily, and every Friday (and sometimes Saturdays as well), we have a "movie night" and watch a movie (that we already own of course) together. I've cooked once for them, but it's hard because his parents work opposite schedules, so it's rare for them to both be home for dinner. Also, his mother doesn't ever know when she's getting home, so it's difficult for me to plan dinner around her schedule. I at least take care of the dishes afterward though. Oh, and that helps because it's just sink-washing, there is no dishwasher. I've never even had one actually. We get along pretty well, there are a few quirks his mother has that annoy me, but I try to bite my tongue through it. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try them. If you have any more, I'd love to hear them.

[baselle]

A number of utility bills tell you what you've used the same period last year. Is there a substantial difference? If there is, offer to pay it.

Need a bit more detail for some of the tips. Is the house a 2-story; were your rooms sealed off last year?

[shelbylovesmelby]

you could save on their bill if you don't mind line drying your clothes instead of using their dryer.

Originally Posted by baselle

A number of utility bills tell you what you've used the same period last year. Is there a substantial difference? If there is, offer to pay it.

Need a bit more detail for some of the tips. Is the house a 2-story; were your rooms sealed off last year?

I totally understand, but they're not just going to show me their utility bill. They're the types that won't let you know if there is a problem, because they don't want to worry you or make you feel bad. Therefore, I wouldn't know how much it went up. However, it is just natural that it would. The rooms we use weren't blocked off before, but they weren't used. That means they didn't have lights on back here, nor electric things plugged in like we do... i.e. computers and the like. Part of the reason they wanted us to live with them was so we wouldn't have to pay for anything and I could focus on finishing school. They don't want me to work, so I can't do much about helping pay if they'd even let me.

The house is 1 story, medium-sized. As I said, the rooms weren't sealed off before we moved in, but they just never really came back here, except to use the 2nd bathroom occasionally.

Originally Posted by shelbylovesmelby

you could save on their bill if you don't mind line drying your clothes instead of using their dryer.

That's actually a really good idea. In fact, I have a clothes drying rack that I purchased a few years ago, when we lived elsewhere. I'll definitely try that, thanks!

[PrincessPerky]

try unplugging the computers when not actually in use, it will cut down the bill. Also if they like baked goods (lil debbie snack cakes?) you migth be able to bake for them and cut on the 'junk bill' healthier too .

But above all remember you cannot change them!

[acezz4e_tish]

also when showering, you can plug the tub or use a cloth to cover drain on floor. this will help really clean your feet, especially if you cut back on shower time. maybe one day when they are not there, you could replace the bulbs to efficient ones, use surg bars, so turning things off are easier, this also better protects the items you use it for. maybe you should do laundry at a laundry place. youd get it down quicker too. front loader and fill it up. i have cable and i know using my surg bar, saves me money, modems dont shut off. so turning off my bar, saves me that cost and the monitor too. i think that saves me about 5 dollars a month, not to mention the insurance on my pc being protected when it storms. at the very least, i would change the lights you use in your room and bath. i got mine for 1.50 at freds each, costs more, but lasts longer and saves energy.

[contrary1]

Would everyone eat/enjoy a crock pot meal?? This would be something that could be ready whenever people got there to eat, including different schedules?
Small appliances are supposed to use less power than ovens & stoves.....
Remember to use lids on all pans when cooking, goes way faster......

What a gift your in laws are giving you both.

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

try unplugging the computers when not actually in use, it will cut down the bill.

Thanks, I'll definitely try at least shutting my computer off when not in use.

Originally Posted by acezz4e_tish

at the very least, i would change the lights you use in your room and bath. i got mine for 1.50 at freds each, costs more, but lasts longer and saves energy.

Do you know if they by any chance sell those types of bulbs at wal-mart? That's really the only store in this little town... :P Oh, and are they the flourescent or incandescent? I get the 2 confused

Originally Posted by contrary1

Would everyone eat/enjoy a crock pot meal??

I'm honestly not sure if they have one... but I will definitely check. That's a very good idea. And thanks for the tip about using lids on pots and such.

[baselle]

Originally Posted by lisasayzhi

Thanks, I'll definitely try at least shutting my computer off when not in use.

A little more tricky than that. A computer merely turned off uses less juice than one on or one on standby, but it uses far more juice than one unplugged. Same thing with the TV and most modern electronic equipment.

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/1...ty-article.htm

[cercis]

Lisa, the bulbs are called compact fluorescents (or CF). I'm pretty sure I've bought them at Walmart. We've replaced almost all the bulbs in our new house with them. Now I have a big bag of incandescents. I have no idea what to do with them. I hate to throw them away, but it seems a little odd to say "hey, I have these used bulbs, they're still good, would you like them?"

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by cercis

Lisa, the bulbs are called compact fluorescents (or CF). I'm pretty sure I've bought them at Walmart. We've replaced almost all the bulbs in our new house with them. Now I have a big bag of incandescents. I have no idea what to do with them. I hate to throw them away, but it seems a little odd to say "hey, I have these used bulbs, they're still good, would you like them?"

Heh thats exactly why I havn't replaced all of mine! Only the ones that go out!

[acezz4e_tish]

lol, yes they sell them at walmart, but they are more expensive. i believe my dad said he pays 12 for two bulbs. but ive only ever replaced one of the ones he bought me, and thats cause my kids played football inside and broke the whole light kit. lol

[Snoopy2645]

well when you grocery shop can you do rebates on top of the coupons not sure if you have to hand the reciept over or not but maybe a way to add to the savings & match coupons to adds & then consider stores that do alot of rebates like walgreens for example. Also when you are thier alone or just you & your bf could you keep the heat off or air off whichever

[acezz4e_tish]

i got my kids backpacks last year on way home from mich at walgreens for 5 dollars each. it was a gr8 buy! scooby and hello kitty.

[Russell]

I think what you're doing for them is very nice and sincere and vice versa. Personally, I think a clean house and home cooked meal or two a week is worth far more than a $5 savings in electricity etc and it shows that you respect their house and appreciate their help.

[Bluezy]

Originally Posted by lisasayzhi

... the only "bills" we have to pay are the car insurance and gasoline... Any ideas for what else I could do to help out that will only be noticable when the bills come?

Quite simple actually. Pay towards the monthly bills. You are saving a tremendous amount of money in this situation and these parents have been generous to a fault. You will still be able to save money, and it sounds as if you have been living frugally.

Be thankful that you have this opportunity for such a good start. Many others do not. Just remember to give back to those who give to you. All the best for your future!

[Ima saver]

I think you doing the housework and dishes is a great help.

[acezz4e_tish]

i think adding 2 others laundry is prolly a major climb in the energy. that requires at least water and electric too. you use electric or gas dryer? i think taking your laundry and bedding to the laundry mat will save the most. bathing does too. i pay for water here, and when jakes used my tub here it made my bill go up 20 a month. just adding one taking baths. he didnt do his clothes here either. his are dry cleaned curtosy of his job. he can shower at work too, which saves him in the long run. but if you take all your clothes and bedding to the laundry mat, i think that would lower the bills conciderably. plus you can get it done all at one time. if your really busy too, you might find one of your laundry mats has a drop off service. one here charges 2.50 a load, and its washed dried and folded. which doing it yourself, could be 75 cents to wash and tops 50 cents to dry. but bedding all in one machine, ours here are four dollars. but its worth it. dont have to wait three washes down the road. if you dont have a big comforter, you could prolly use the one size down from that, ours are 3 dollars a load. but its all washed in like 45 mins tops and 20 mins dry time prolly. just over an hour, hour and half with getting ti all folded and out in the car, it would prolly save them 20 dollars in the end if not more.