Many take the ending of one year (2009) and the beginning of another (2010) as a chance to challenge themselves with new goals (unattainable) and thoughts (irrational) of how they want their lives to look (thinner, super rich) instead of how they actually are (fat, broke). While New Year’s Resolutions are a common American ritual (masochism) at this time of year, I usually take the time to call this effort sophomoric, pedestrian, and tired (among other 10 dollar words).

However, other than just being too cool for school (flunked out of two), I also take a chance to recalibrate my house so that at least it is running skinny (unlike current body) so that the money I do waste (Twilight Apparel) is at least money that I get to enjoy wasting (Edward Trapperkeeper).

First, Insurance. Most people don’t often think about their homeowner’s insurance as part of their controllable home expenses, but they sooo are. Grab your mortgage bill and see how much you’re paying and then get some insurance companies on the horn. Who knows, if you can wrap some vehicles and life insurance in there as well, you might could see some real savings. Generally, I don’t much care for (loathe) dealing with insurance, but once a year ain’t (isn’t) so bad.

Second, Appliances. This won’t apply very often, but while I’m looking for savings, I take a second to see if my current appliances are costing me more than I could save with new ones. Your clothes washer is the big killer, and if you have a good front-loading one, your dryer can be less than great and still do a fine job. Don’t forget your dishwasher, which can be another power suck, your hot water heater, and your fridge. Refrigerator savings are never that incredible, but if you just need another one, this might be a good time to get an energy-saving kind.

Third, Subscriptions. This covers a lot of ground for me, from the newspaper to Netflix to my cable. Think about how often you’ve read the magazines or newspapers you receive and see if the total cost is worth it. Most magazines cost barely anything/year, but in total they can be several hundred dollars and that is just too much I can put into my savings account (blow on Edward lunchpails). Rethink your cable, too. Maybe you need a different provider, maybe you need to downgrade to basic. There is money to be saved here if you want to save it.

Fourth, Services. By this I mean people who come to your house (yep, cable should have gone here instead) for work on a regular basis, including: lawn care, tree trimming, gutter cleaning, maid service, snow shoveling, window cleaning, sprinkler guys, etc. Now listen, I am the first person to justify paying for these services so that I know they are done right, done on time, and get me a little time back. But just examine your current services (use latex gloves) and see if you 1) truly need them or 2) can get them cheaper from someone else.

Catchall (etc.) There is certainly money to be saved with wearing more clothes in the house during winter, weatherstripping, low-flow toilets and showerheads, but the above is just my list. You got a good (second best) list? Send it. I’m up for a bigger nest egg (New Moon tattoo).