As the average payroll drops so does the unemployment rate and house hold spending?  Add to that, the average American household is looking at almost $9,000 in credit card debt.  This all means that more and more people are left to be living on a tight budget.  So how the heck do you build a home security system on a tight budget?  Well, the good news is that because of technology and competition, home security systems have drastically dropped in price in recent years.  But what if you still can't afford one or don't want to pay the money for one?  Here are some tips on home security on a shoestring budget.  

          Home Security that is Free

          More than half the burglaries in the U.S. happen because of an open window or door.  Here is something that you can do for free – close and lock your doors, window, and garages!  Plain and simple, don't make it easy for a burglar to get into your house.  Also, if you have a sliding door that is not secure get a broom stick, break it, and put on the bottom tracks.  This helps keep the sliding door from being pushed open.  Quite often a sliding door can be shaken and pushed off its tracks.  A simple broom stick can help prevent that.

          Home Security that is Practically Free

          One of the most important things you can do to protect your home is to provide a visible deterrent.  Even if you don't have an alarm system, buy alarm decal stickers and stick them on all first floor windows.  You should also place a yard sign near each door entry.  Burglars are looking for an easy target and will normally pass up a home which advertises that an alarm system is present.  The same goes for a “beware of dog” sign.  You can even make a sign for minimal cost; just make it look as professional as possible.

          Home Security that is under $50.

          The fake TV is a burglar deterrent device that simulates the light output from that of a real TV set and is listed at $31. having a fake TV makes it seem that someone is home when really you are not.  The idea here is that the burglar is fooled and moves onto an easier target.  Next, we have the fake or dummy cameras.  You can find some fake cameras as low as $15 and as high as $150.  These fake cameras are suppose to look like real cameras and make a thief think twice about trying to enter your home.  This is ideal for homeowners and renters working on a budget.  Fake security cameras offer some advantages over real cameras too.  Fake cameras are low maintenance, easy to install, and can be used indoors or outdoors.  And perhaps most importantly, the fake cameras are only a fraction of the cost of real cameras.

          And finally, an alarm system can be costly but it can also be inexpensive, especially if you do-it-yourself.  Typically a standard alarm system comes with two transmitters, a receiver, and motion detector and can cost as low as $100.  That's the start price, and then there are sensors you can add for around $30. Each if you choose.  If you don't have a great deal of money to spend on home security there are still ways to stay safe.  Security does not have to come at a high price!