We live in a day and age where alternative energy solutions seem to be cropping up all the time. If this isn’t encouraging enough, it gets even better. Many of the alternative energy solutions we’re hearing about aren’t just vague notions being cooked up in some science lab by great minds, not to be seen or implemented for decades – they’re actually available to us here and now, and are capable not only of saving energy but also of benefiting our bank accounts in a big way.

One meaningful change that you can make in your home today is installing a solar water heater. But before you go throwing your arms up in the air declaring that you “don’t have that kind of money,” let’s take a closer look at what it’ll actually cost to get you set up with this environmentally beneficial home appliance, as well as the energy savings you’ll see.

Too many people view saving money as a necessary hardship. However, saving money can be fun if you have the right attitude. Enthusiasm can help you overcome a multitude of financial difficulties. Adopt these two frames of mind to improve your money saving efforts.

Who’s More Important Than—YOU?

It’s alright to be a bit selfish. After every pay period, the first “bill” you pay should be a deposit to your savings account. Even if you can only afford $10 or $20 per pay period, pay yourself first before taking care of your other monthly obligations.

This simple, habit-forming plan will generate a very healthy savings account over time. If you’re not familiar with the amazing effects of “compounding” (earning interest on interest), perform a little internet surfing. You’ll quickly understand how compounding can create large dollars that continue to increase forever.

Saving energy is not obscure science—it is a wonderful and indispensable habit. As researchers and companies large and small seek to discover renewable and alternative energy sources that could work on a prodigious scale, all of us should do our part to practice everyday conservation.

Similar to the theory that “it takes a village to raise a child,” there is no one entity that can solve the rapidly disappearing sources of fuel and other energy. However, orchestrating the components of individuals, businesses, governments, and researchers, everyday conservation achieves not one, but two critical goals.