To fight high energy bills, I use a multiple prong approach throughout my house. Since any one of these methods can offer energy savings, I prefer to combine and use them as much as possible to maximize my savings. The following is my list of energy saving tips, in order from easiest to implement to most difficult.
1) Use Fluorescent Light Bulbs
While fluorescent bulbs cost more than incandescent bulbs initially, they last a lot longer and use a lot less electricity, so the savings overall are considerable. I had a light fixture that used four 60 watt bulbs. I was able to switch to using four 15 watt fluorescent bulbs that produce the same light as the 60 watt ones. In other words, I went from burning 240 watts down to 60! And that is just one fixture in my house! I replaced all my light bulbs last year and so far haven't had to replace a burned fluorescent bulb!
2) Use Cold Water Laundry Detergent
Several laundry detergent brands now offer a "Cold Water" version. I use this so I can wash all of my clothes without using the hot water. This has dropped my gas bill drastically: almost 50% for some months!
3) Change AC Air Filter
I replace my home air conditioner's air filter regularly since it is a great way to keep the AC from working too long and burning up more electricity. I prefer to use what is known as "pleated" air filters over the traditional spun glass variety, as the pleated filters last longer. Again, the pleated filters cost more, but I feel like the overall benefits are worth it. Besides, I'd rather not worry if particles from a spun glass filter are getting pulled in through my AC system and into my lungs.
4) Seal doors and windows
I once found a sizable gap by one door that was releasing cool air from my house at a considerable rate. Leaving something like this unchecked would be a sure way to keep the AC running more than it needs to. Weather strips are not very expensive, and using them to seal off any leaks is a great way to help the AC work less.
5) AC at 75 degrees
Ahh, the timeless Battle of the Thermostat! I admit as you probably would that there is a temptation to keep the thermostat around the 72 degree range. I suggest gradually upping it to just 75 degrees to again keep the AC happy...or happier.
6) Add ice to the freezer
I keep extra bags of ice in my freezer so the temperature stays cold longer and the freezer doesn't need to work as hard. I've even placed reused empty gallon bottles of drinking water in my freezer, once I refilled them with tap water. That large quantity of ice helps keep the freezer colder longer, and essentially reduces the amount of time the freezer needs to run and reduces the amount of electricity used.
7) Add energy efficient windows to your house
Double paned windows filled with a gas like krypton or something similar have proven to be a great barrier to heat and consequently a great tool for reducing your need for electricity to cool your home. Of course, the initial expense for these windows is high, but the cost savings over time will be well worth the investment.
While your energy bills will tend to be higher during warmer months, that doesn't mean you can't reduce the amount of your bill by taking some proactive measures. You'll reap the rewards of lower energy bills over time by taking some actions like those described here. Good luck!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Money Saving Through Credit Card Debt Control
Most of my readers love this one. One VERY easy way to save money is by making a phone call. To whom? You may ask. How about your credit card company, your cable company, your cell phone provider and even your utilities.
Credit card debt is one of the biggest factors in personal finance. Washington D.C. basically approved a bill written by Citi, Bank of America, WaMu and many other large bank and loan companies. The interest rate they can charge you is astronomical, and they can do this legally. All with fine print! But the power of the consumer still does exist. The competition among the banks is especially big with the current economy; they are losing billions and looking to foreign sources for income. Great for our economy and national security right? How do we take advantage of this competition? With a phone call! I have saved with a simple phrase, and that phrase is "okay then, I would like to transfer my balance and cancel my account" They do not like to hear that, you will have to trust me on this one. If you say you want a lower interest rate, a special deal on a balance transfer, and they say no, use my phrase! I can almost guarantee, they will put you on hold, "talk to their manager" and offer you a better deal. If they still refuse, go ahead and cancel and use the wonderful source that is the Internet to find a better deal. They are out there.
Wait; there is news that is just as terrific. Are you in an area that is eligible for cable, TV via the phone lines i.e. Verizon Fios, or satellite? Which ever one you have, the other one wants you. I have known more than a few people who have saved HUNDREDS of dollars per year, by saying they want to cancel their current service because they are switching. They WILL offer you a better deal than what you currently have. But do take note; you may have to sign on for an extended contract. The same reasoning works with your cell phone provider, and with number portability out there, feel free to switch as long as your service remains the same. In most rural areas throughout the country, the major provider's service is pretty equal.
You can not negotiate with your utilities for the most part, but to make budgeting a lot easier, most of them offer a budget plan. Use it, and it will make your monthly budgeting all the more simple.
I did not use numbers here to prove my point, that is nearly impossible with the variances is interest rates and service costs. If you like, use a simple number like $1000 and calculate monthly payments with different interest rates with a calculator available on the Internet. The savings could be hundreds or even thousands. So do me a favor, make that call.`
Credit card debt is one of the biggest factors in personal finance. Washington D.C. basically approved a bill written by Citi, Bank of America, WaMu and many other large bank and loan companies. The interest rate they can charge you is astronomical, and they can do this legally. All with fine print! But the power of the consumer still does exist. The competition among the banks is especially big with the current economy; they are losing billions and looking to foreign sources for income. Great for our economy and national security right? How do we take advantage of this competition? With a phone call! I have saved with a simple phrase, and that phrase is "okay then, I would like to transfer my balance and cancel my account" They do not like to hear that, you will have to trust me on this one. If you say you want a lower interest rate, a special deal on a balance transfer, and they say no, use my phrase! I can almost guarantee, they will put you on hold, "talk to their manager" and offer you a better deal. If they still refuse, go ahead and cancel and use the wonderful source that is the Internet to find a better deal. They are out there.
Wait; there is news that is just as terrific. Are you in an area that is eligible for cable, TV via the phone lines i.e. Verizon Fios, or satellite? Which ever one you have, the other one wants you. I have known more than a few people who have saved HUNDREDS of dollars per year, by saying they want to cancel their current service because they are switching. They WILL offer you a better deal than what you currently have. But do take note; you may have to sign on for an extended contract. The same reasoning works with your cell phone provider, and with number portability out there, feel free to switch as long as your service remains the same. In most rural areas throughout the country, the major provider's service is pretty equal.
You can not negotiate with your utilities for the most part, but to make budgeting a lot easier, most of them offer a budget plan. Use it, and it will make your monthly budgeting all the more simple.
I did not use numbers here to prove my point, that is nearly impossible with the variances is interest rates and service costs. If you like, use a simple number like $1000 and calculate monthly payments with different interest rates with a calculator available on the Internet. The savings could be hundreds or even thousands. So do me a favor, make that call.`
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Reduction Of Business Expences To Save Money
One of the first ways you can save on your home based business expenses is to buy used furniture and equipment. Some great places to look for used office furniture and equipment is in the classified section of your local newspaper, consignment furniture stores, flea markets, online auctions and bankruptcy sales. Other good places to check into for home based business furniture and equipment are new furniture stores because they often take trade-ins or have repossessed furniture that they’re willing to sell at greatly reduced prices. Of course you would never want to sacrifice the quality and safety of your home based business equipment, so be sure, especially if buying online, that the dealers are reputable ones.
Another way you can reduce your home based business expenses is to team up with other small businesses and home based businesses to increase your purchasing power. Many companies give terrific discounts on items bought in bulk. This is especially true for items like paper where in exchange for large orders you not only get a discount, but also often get the shipping for free. There are many types of home business supplies that you can get big savings on when buying this way. When making bulk purchasing arrangements with other small businesses and home based businesses, spell out the terms of who’ll be placing the order, how delivery will be made and any other details—and put them in writing.
It’s also a good idea to join professional associations connected to your home based business. Many on these offer a wide variety of benefits to their members. Often you can get group insurance through a professional association at a fraction of what it would cost you on your own. Many times you can also get large discounts for using suppliers that these organizations have contracts with. Being a member of professional organizations and groups is also a great way to network and get new clients. Also, going to the meetings is a wonderful way to offset the isolation that many home based business owners feel and to pick up some new ideas for your business as well.
Whenever possible, buy home based business supplies wholesale. Also, join discount and warehouse clubs. This is another good way to get office supplies for your home based business at huge savings. Also, check into any possible commercial discounts that may be available that you don’t know about. Never pay retail unless you absolutely have to. And don’t limit yourself to offline suppliers. Many online companies offer tremendous savings and are definitely worth checking into.
Finally, do some comparison shopping on everything you use for your home based business. You may think you don’t have time, but the amount of money you can save is well worth the time it takes. Compare cell phone plans, insurance companies, shipping services and Internet providers. When you find a good deal, jump on it—but don’t settle for it. Just because a certain insurance company gives you the best rate today doesn’t mean it will still be the best in six months or a year. Remember your home based business isn’t the only business that has to compete to get customers, and all types of companies are changing their plans and reducing their charges constantly. So make it a habit to compare rates every six to twelve months, and switch anytime you can get a significant reduction because every penny you save is a penny you can count as profit.
Federal Income Tax For Better Money Saving Options
Many people groan at the word "taxes", and usually do so with good reason. First of all, having to pay taxes on an annual basis often presents a financial burden for people. Each time you examine your paycheck, you might feel abused or cheated, considering the withholding amounts of federal income tax (that's not even mentioning state taxes, Social Security or Medicare taxes).
Even though taxes can be boring and tedious remember that there are some tax regulations that may benefit you. Be aware of all the possible tax deductions that are available and see if you are qualified for any of them. There are some deductions that let you take some of your financial output off your reportable income and some give you the right to not report certain income at all.
Tax Credits and Tax Deductions
There are currently five tax areas where tax deductions and credits can be taken and receive special treatment under the US tax laws:
1. Tax-free income is money you get that you do not have to pay taxes on. Tax exclusions or exemptions are examples of tax-free income. Most of the time, you do not have to report items such as these to the IRS since it does not affect your tax calculations.
2. Capital gains are profits you get from selling or exchanging property that has been held for at least a year or more. These capital gains, which are considered long term, will be subject to reduced tax rates, in comparison with taxes for other types of income, like salary or income from interest. Regular stock dividends, as well as stock mutual funds, get taxed with the same lower rates as capital gains.
3. Tax-deferred income is not currently taxed, but will become taxable at a later date. You could accumulate a larger amount, as income is growing, without incurring taxation.
4. Tax deductions are payments or expenses that reduce your taxable income. There are two classes of deductions: "above the line" deductions are subtracted from gross income, and can only be claimed if you file an itemized statement rather than the standard deduction (which will be explained later).
5. Tax credits are used to offset taxes owed, usually in a dollar-for-dollar exchange. There are usually separate forms that need to be filled out when claiming tax credits.
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