Getting Real-Time Usage Alerts Can Lower Your Bills

Here are 3 ways to cut your usage & spending

People cut electricity usage up to 22 percent when using a device that showed real-time utility spending, according to a study out of the University of California at Davis. "Watching money flow out of the house sends a persuasive message," says Cornell consumer psychologist J. Edward Russo. Co-author of the study David Rapson suggests buying an energy monitor ($80 and up) to track how much you're spending on electricity at any given time. Research firm ABI recommends signing up for usage-based car insurance which lets you (and your insurer) follow your speed, mileage, and braking; it can cut your rates by up to 30 percent. Lastly, wearing a high-tech pedometer to make a game out of burning calories can result in 43 percent more walking - that's less money spent at the gas station. (CNN)

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