How can homeowners pinch their pennies in a recovering economy? Chicago's WGN recommends switching to energy-saving light bulbs for a bright outlook in tough economic times.

The source recently issued its "Your Money Matter Tip" - saving energy dollars with CFL bulbs. But the electricity bill-reducing, energy-saving light bulbs can benefit people in and outside of the Windy City.

CFLs sell for $1 to $3 dollars. This is twice the cost of an incandescent light bulb, but over the course of their lifetime, CFLs are less than half as expensive as traditional bulbs.

CFLs last five to 10 times longer than their incandescent counterparts, reducing the cost of replacement bulbs for users. Moreover, Lakeland, Florida newspaper the Ledger reports that electric bills are reduced by $68 for every incandescent light bulb switched to a CFL.

WGN reports that the bulbs may also offer one of the most seamless transitions from traditional to eco-friendly lighting. The bulbs can easily be connected to dimmers or three-way socket fixtures.

Interested consumer might be happy to learn CFLs - once stigmatized as a health threat - have recently been deemed safe for home use. A study from Underwriters Laboratories says the bulbs don't pose any fire or shock hazards.

Use them freely for green lighting that adds a little green to your wallet.