Cut Costs at Home

6.  Get into an energy-saving habit: Put sticky notes at eye level around the house to remind everyone to close the blinds during the day, turn off lights and water whenever possible, and unplug major appliances before leaving.

7.  Insulate the attic door: Use a strong adhesive (try Loctite Power Grab; lowes.com) to secure rigid foam insulation and new weather stripping to the inside of your attic door or pull-down hatch. The project will pay for itself in a few months. Find instructions at energysavers.gov.