There's an old marketing adage that says a business has to spend money to make money. There's truth in that for businesses, but not for personal money management, except when it comes to these inexpensive, yet handy gadgets capable of reducing the high cost of your electricity, water and gas.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you can't reduce your energy consumption without buying a gadget, but the following five gadgets sure do make the job a lot easier. That means you're more likely to follow through and see the net savings! For links to products mentioned please visit www.everydaycheapskate.com/coolgadgets.

Number 1: Window Shrink Film. Chilly winter weather and hot summer weather can send your home heating and air conditioning bill through the roof. But a little insulation goes a long way. You can cut a chunk out of your power bill by installing window shrink film and making your home more energy-efficient. It's easy. You just need a conventional hair dryer and film you can get in a Duck Brand 281506 Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit. This particular kit will insulate 10 3-foot-by-5-foot windows for a total of $7.

Number 2: Power-Conserve Switch. What about the coffeepot, electric grill, heater and electric fans that are plugged in all over the house? Rather than a large multi-outlet power strip, use individual power-conserve switches — one per electrical item. The Belkin Conserve Power Switch completely shuts off power, including standby power, with the flip of a switch. Take a look at the 6-Pack Belkin Power Conserve Illuminated Switches. These are easy to use and a great way to bring your electricity bill down. The pack costs about $40.

Number 3: Faucet Aerator. A faucet aerator saves water and energy by producing forceful streams in kitchen and bathroom sinks at a reduced flow rate, which minimizes the amount of energy needed to heat water. Save energy when heating the water and by using less water to get the job done. The 0.5 GPM Low Flow Dual-Thread Faucet Aerator for kitchen and bath comes in a pack of six for about $9.

Number 4: Programmable Thermostat. A programmable thermostat can decrease your energy bill by up to 33 percent, if used as directed. You set it up to adjust the temperature when you are away or asleep — times when you don't necessarily need to heat or cool your home to optimum comfort — and your HVAC equipment runs less. Then, your system will revert back to the comfort level you desire before you come home or wake up. The Honeywell 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat is super easy to install and comes preprogrammed for your convenience. It costs about $25.

Number 5: Motion-Activated Solar Lights. Solar-powered, motion-activated light can provide your home, yard, walkway, driveway and garden with light for security and safety. Lemontec Garden Waterproof Wireless Security Bright Motion Sensor Solar Lights are brighter than other similar lights on the market — with high-powered LEDs of up to 80 lumens! For just $30 for a pack of four, they're extremely cost-effective.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.