Sure, it's the latest acronym. But, "DIY" can really save money and help you manage your budget more efficiently, there's no doubt about that!

Can't use a screw driver or a hammer? Think that "handyman" chores are too difficult? Well, think again. There are plenty of "do it yourself" jobs that are easy to do, inexpensive to complete, and capable of saving you hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year.

Lower your energy bill by taking the following steps:

Check your home to ensure it is well insulated. Many power companies offer free home inspections to evaluate your walls, windows, and attic to determine if you can find ways to save energy. But, on your own, do a quick check yourself. As colder weather approaches, are your storm windows down and secure (if you have them)? Are your windows lowered and locked correctly? Remember, any little crack or crevice can drive your energy bill higher.

Take a good look at your doors to see if the seal is as close to airtight as possible. You can buy inexpensive weather-stripping with a crack-and-peel feature that lets you easily replace worn or missing strips. Also, examine the bottom of the door to see if you can see daylight. If so, replace the weather-stripping or think about ways you can "plug" the gap with a towel or other light-weight and flexible material.

Close the doors and heating vents in rooms you don't use? That can be a big money-saver, especially if you go months without opening the door to the room.

Finally, get a caulking gun for less than $5 and get to work! Walk around the outside of your home and check out all of the windows. In all likelihood, you'll see plenty of old caulking that is worn and missing. Simply use a putty knife to get rid of the old stuff and caulk away! You'll be warmer and richer sooner than you think!