DIY Life

DIY & Save: Last-Minute Holiday Saving Strategy

Diane Rixon — 2009-11-03T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money

You shop the sales. You've already reduced your holiday spending budget. But let's face it: the holidays are still going to cost you. Really smart budgeters contribute small amounts all year round to holiday savings accounts. For the rest of us, it's not too late! Here are some last minute ways to put money aside for holiday gifts.

1. Open a holiday account. No, it's not too late. Do you have any free funds sitting in your checking account? If so, transfer them immediately to your holiday fund. It's a start.

2. Cut the lattes. Yes, it's annoying when budgeting experts keep reminding us not to fritter money away on expensive little luxuries. If you like to indulge in little treats for yourself, however, now's the time to go cold turkey. Not forever. Just for the next few weeks, and put that money aside. It will add up over the next few weeks.

3. Slash your grocery budget. Don't worry: it's just temporary. Whatever you don't spend on groceries from now through Christmas can go into your holiday fund. Stock up on fresh essentials like fruits and veggies, but try and make do with dry, canned and frozen foods you already own. You may be surprised how much good stuff your pantry has accumulated.

4. Clean out your bathroom cabinets. After cleaning out the pantry, go through your bathroom cabinets. You'll discover shampoo and moisturizers you forget you ever had. Use them up and don't buy any new toiletry or beauty items 'till the New Year. Again, put your savings into the holiday shopping fund.

5. Cut cable. Can you live without cable or other electronic services for a few weeks? Could you compromise by at least reducing those services until the holidays? Every dollar you save goes straight into your growing holiday fund!

6. Eat in. If you're reading this, chances are you can't really afford restaurant meals right now. So have an at-home pizza night once a week and stash the savings. Same goes for lunches. Commit to brown bag lunches for the next several weeks. Chances are you'll be amazed at how much cash accumulates over time.

No, you don't necessarily have to go without. Take this great example from World Village: if you adore your daily 10 am coffee and muffin, make your own muffins on the weekend. Wrap them individually and freeze. Voila! Who needs Au Bon Pain?

7. Inventory time. Go through your closets before spending a dime on wrapping paper, gift boxes, ribbon, cards and tape. Chances are previous years' leftovers can take you a long way, and the money saved can go towards your gift fund instead. Then, when the holidays are over, swoop in on the clearance sales and stock up on half price cards and wrap for next year.

8. Cash, check or debit. Try and make all purchases using cash, check or debit card. Leave your credit card at home if you lack discipline. Yes, you may have to spend less per person when gift shopping. But, hey, do you really think your family and friends want you to go into debt for them? Of course not. Keep this thought in mind each time you make a purchase.

9. Track spending. The best incentive for staying debt free is to track spending religiously. When you get a sense of how much money you're actually spending on the holidays, you may well be shocked into a more frugal saving and spending strategy.

10. Holiday Fund 2010. Be inspired by your struggle to stay on budget this season. Vow to start the New Year off right: open a holiday savings account for next year's celebration.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

HowNow: How to Whip Up a Tasty Meal On a Dollar Store Budget

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-19T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, money

I'm being literal here --- I once vowed to grocery shop only at the 99cent store in Los Angeles for an entire month. Although I filled up on quite a few Teddy Grahams, generic Goldfish crackers and granola bars, I found that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to put together a few nutritious meals every now and then. And after stumbling upon this video, I've learned even more tips to use! Want to see for yourself (of course you do!)?:

How To Whip Up Tasty Meals Out Of Dollar-Store Food on Howcast

A few key tips to keep in mind!:
1. Always check expiration dates. Dollar-store items sometimes have a short shelf life.
2. Keep your pantry stocked with staples that are not always available in dollar stores, like butter.
3. The five best dollar-store buys are cleaning supplies, gift wrap, snacks, shampoo, and kitchen accessories.

That's it! You'll be a dollar store shopping pro in no time!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

DIY & Save: Cut Grocery Costs with New Technology

Diane Rixon — 2009-10-13T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money

Photo: AMagill, Flickr

The Sunday paper and a pair of scissors: that's how I've traditionally gotten grocery coupons. Technology is changing that, though. There are new ways to save money using computers and cell phones, among other things, to access deals on everyday grocery items. Here' s a quick primer:

Printable coupon websites are a great way to access new savings. Use these sites to download and print paper coupons. Popular sites include Coupons, Smart Source, Red Plum and Wow Coupons. Make a point of checking once a week for the brands you regularly buy.

Next stop, bookmark sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin. In addition to printable coupons, these sites identify coupon codes redeemable at specific websites. Use the codes for discounts or free shipping on your online purchases. Like printable coupon sites, they are totally free to use. (Yes!)

If you're brand loyal, visit company websites and look for coupon offers there. Kraft, Pepperidge Farm, Stonyfield Farm and Pampers are just a few of countless brands you might try. You could be buying generic store brands, so why not be rewarded for your loyalty?

Coupon kiosks are something to look out for. Installed in some chain stores such as CVS, Kroger and Stop & Shop, you simply swipe your customer card and receive in-store coupons. Personally, I think this is far preferable to receiving coupons at the end of my receipt, after I've completed all my shopping for the week, as is currently the case at many stores, CVS included.

Another exciting concept is the shopping widget, a program that helps connect people with store savings. The customer prepares a shopping list and the store's widget automatically goes looking for deals and coupons to match whats on the list. So far I've only heard of this being available through the Meijer grocery store chain's website, but I'd love to try it out!

Cell phone coupons are expected to be the next big thing in shopper savings, so get a jump and learn how it works now. Cellfire is the place many people start. You can get printable coupons on the Cellfire website, but the downloadable mobile application is the main attraction. The app stores coupon codes on your cell phone, no printing or clipping required.

Good old paper coupons are still a reliable way to save, however, and remain far more popular than digital ways to save. People are actually clipping paper coupons in greater numbers than ever since the economy stumbled. Bottom line: take advantage of new ways to access coupons ... but don't give up on the Sunday paper just yet!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Let's Talk Bulk

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-02T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, household hacks, money

Purchasing home items in bulk could save you a ton in the long run. Photo: Localism

I invested in my first Costco membership two years ago, despite my reluctance to do so. I'm a firm believer that living simply is the way to go, and shopping at a mega-warehouse such as Costco just seemed to contradict my "Simplify!" mission statement. After all, there's nothing simple about 200 rolls of toilet paper in a 900 square foot apartment.

Yet I was pleasantly surprised when my grocery bill was cut in half at the end of the year. It turns out that by following a few key rules of bulk shopping, you really can save in a huge way. Here are the ground rules I stick to --- whether I like it or not:

1. Only purchase items that you regularly buy. My mother always told me "It's not a sale if you don't need it," which I realize now as an adult, is the truth. Start out buying household items that you use often, such as toilet paper, hand soap, trash bags, paper towels and shampoo/conditioner.

2. Only purchase items that you have room to buy. My first Costco trip was an incredible waste, as I found myself handing out boxes of minute rice, bottles of ketchup and packages of TV dinners after realizing my kitchen cabinets couldn't sustain the sheer amount of food I had brought home. So if you don't want to hand out mustard to your Trick-or-Treat'ers this year, be sure to follow this important rule.

3. Only purchase items that you won't eat in bulk. The truth of the matter is that if it's in your home, you'll eat it. If you're trying to cut back on your portion sizes, bulk food shopping may not be for you. The temptation is to finish off the remaining food in your home, and no one needs a triple-super-sized pack of Oreos. If you find that bulk shopping is truly cheaper for your family, try storing the excess food in a separate area of the home or a less-visited pantry. Keep it out of immediate reach, but in a consistent place so that you won't forget you've already purchased it!

And of course, the golden rule? If you find yourself throwing away a regular-sized item, don't ever purchase this in bulk. Seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how often I've toted home fresh blueberries and promised myself I'd eat them all...

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

DIY & Save: Pay Less for Cable

Diane Rixon — 2009-09-29T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money

Are you paying too much? Photo: Rev Dan Catt, Flickr

Hefty cable bill got you down? Do some people pay less for cable than others? Yes and yes! Here's how to reduce your monthly cable bill, with realistic advice gleaned from frugal cable subscribers.

Warning: to make this advice work for you, you'll have to be painfully honest with yourself about a) how much you really need/use your existing cable and b) how much you can really afford cable, if at all.

1. Not yet a cable customer? First, search for special deals offered by your cable provider, such as a low monthly rate for the first six months. When you do call to sign up, make sure to ask if you can get one of those low-rate deals, plus extras, such the modem, thrown in for free. Hey, it doesn't hurt to ask!

2. Consider bundling. Combining cable with telephone and/or internet will usually end up costing you less.

For example, I found we could get internet and basic cable from Comcast for about the same price as they would charge for internet alone. Yes, we are paying more, but on the other hand we now have a bunch of TV channels to watch and our internet is a ton faster than before.

3. Bluff your way to a discount. Haggling and even threatening to cancel may earn you a hefty discount. Another trick: cancel your service, wait a few days then sign up as a new customer with a cheap introductory package.

My Money Blog offers up detailed step-by-step instructions on how to bluff and haggle with the best of 'em via phone. Meanwhile the Money and Such blog confirms the fastest route to a cable discount is through the cancellation department. In other words: don't waste time talking to customer service.

Now, some people (myself included) don't feel this is ethical behavior, but many people have success with this tactic. If you can sleep at night, try it.

4. Know the competition. Whether you're sincere or bluffing, arm yourself with the competition's offerings and special deals before calling the cable company to request a break. It's a useful bargaining chip. Can you get satellite in your area? If so, what kinds of contracts and fees are required? Know before calling the cable company.

5. Slash that budget. No luck bargaining for a reduction? Consider cutting back to the most basic cable package ... or cutting it completely. You really can live without cable! Review your budget and be realistic. Think: do you really need so many channels? Can you at least cut the pay-per-view options?

Bottom line: If you're struggling to pay the bills each month, cable is a non-essential. You must have the discipline to cut it from your life.

6. Get TV/movies for free or for cheap. Substitute expensive cable with free or lower-cost sources of entertainment. Are there hobbies or exercises you could pursue in the evenings instead of watching TV? Could you sign up for a DVD-by-mail rental service like Netflix?

If you're a genuine TV/movie junkie, don't forget free or cheap online sources of your favorite shows and films. Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes are popular sources of movies and hot TV shows, as are websites of specific shows and channels. Example, I have been watching clips of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report on Comedy Central's website for years, for free!

Finally, don't forget your public library. You can check out all kinds of tv shows, movies and books on CD for zero dollars! Just be very careful to get them back on time, as there are usually hefty overdue fines.

Have you cut your cable bill or canceled cable to save money?

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Daily DIY: A Penny for Your Thoughts

Erin Loechner — 2009-07-28T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money

With many tiles averaging anywhere from $2 to $9 per square foot for installation, this DIY trick will save you a pretty penny... literally.

Take a cue from The Standard Grill in New York City and cover your floors in pennies [heads-side-up, of course]. I'd use a dark grout to make the copper pop and think this would look smashing in a lovely stainless kitchen.

If you want to get really adventurous, add in a few international coins from your travels and play with the shapes/sizes of the pattern. For a kid's room, you could even try your hand at Ski-ball and tile an area of the floor with remaining Chuck E. Cheese gold coins.

What do you think --- tiling your floor with money? Fantastic or frivolous? And what happens when you drop your loose change on the floor? Eek!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

6 Home Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home

Chris Jordan — 2009-07-24T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, money, weekend projects

Not all home improvements are created equal. I have already written about which improvements you should avoid completely, as some renovations give you a much larger return on your investment (ROI) than others. If you are trying to decide between adding on an office or doing a full remodel of your outdated kitchen, you probably want to consider which one will be worth the most in the long run.

1) Kitchen: Whether large or small in scope, renovating your kitchen is always money well spent. In recent years the trend has moved away from formal living areas to the kitchen really being the focus of the home. Entertaining has become more casual and many people are not even bothering with formal dining and living rooms anymore. With that, there has become and increased focus on the kitchen not just being functional but also attractive and decorated.

Kitchen renovations can be as large as tearing everything out and replacing it all, to just replacing old appliances, from refacing cabinets to simply replacing cabinet hardware.

ROI at resale: 75-80% according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

2) Bathrooms: Along with kitchens, this area of the home gives the largest return on your investment.
A mid-range bathroom remodel, one in which everything is replaced with comparable items and all plumbing lines remain where they are located, gives the largest return on your investment.

If you can't afford or don't want to do full upgrades, consider refacing the cabinets, changing out hardware for something more contemporary. Shiny brass and chrome are currently on the outdated list having been replaced in favor of satin nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

ROI at resale: 75% , according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

3) Siding: This one surprised me since I personally have intense hatred for vinyl siding. But apparently the rest of America doesn't feel like I do. Replacing the siding on your home has the highest return on your investment of all the major remodeling projects. If the siding on your home is in need of repair, painting, and a lot of TLC, it may be wise to consider replacing it with either vinyl or fiber-backed cement.

ROI: 80% for vinyl. 87% for fiber cement according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

4) Landscape: Remember that first impressions are often what sell a house. This doesn't mean that you have to invest tons of money to see a pay-off. You want to have a well-groomed front lawn. Even simple things like planting flowers near the front of the house and mulching the flower beds will make a huge difference on the percieved value of your home. When prospective buyers pull up to the front of your home they will assume that the care and attention given to the outside of the home reflects the level of care and attention given to the inside of the home.

5) Increase the outdoor living area. The rise in casual entertaining has made having an outdoor kitchen/living area a must-have for many areas of the country. The trend for moving the indoors out can be seen in all of the home magazines this season. Creating this outdoor living space does not have to be expensive. If you DIY a project of this type, you will get more return on your investment than you put in.

6) Paint is always in style. It is inexpensive and provides a large amount of bang for your buck. A simple change of color to your walls can make a huge difference in how the room feels. I have a fondness for Benjamin Moore paints and at their website they have a great program that allows you to "paint" your room different colors.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

DIY & Save: Cut $500 a Month Painlessly

Diane Rixon — 2009-07-24T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money

Strapped for cash? Let DIY Life help. Each week we'll be taking a look at savvy -- and sometimes surprising -- ways to cut personal spending and slash household expenses.

Don't worry. Although we love the do-it-yourself angle, we're NOT going to advise you do your own tire balancing or room add-ons. We also promise no lectures on brown bagging your lunch and avoiding Starbucks. You've heard it all before a zillion times, right?

On the other hand, it's worth reviewing the basics. Here's my short list of easy and painless ways to cut $500 a month from your budget!

1. Unplug and save. Even when electronic devices are turned off, they continue to guzzle power. Unplug whatever you use least. For starters, attach your iPod and cell chargers to one power strip and keep it unplugged when not in use. Consider unplugging your computer and printer when you head to bed at night.

2. Keep thermostats turned way down. This applies to both your hot water heater and your AC. Believe me, you will adjust to a warm, not scalding, shower in the morning. (It helps to visualize liquid cash running down the drain.) Also, wash your laundry in cold or tepid water. Your clothes will come just as clean.

3. Draft-proof your home. Use caulk and weather-stripping to seal up cracks around windows and doors. Consider closing (or partially closing) air vents in unused rooms.

4. Stop paying for basic services. We're talking lawn mowing, dry cleaning, manicures, hair treatments, house cleaning and car washing. Do it yourself instead. You may be surprised at how speedily you can accomplish these tasks with your own hands - and for pennies!

5. Attempt simple household repairs or improvements yourself. OK, this is not for everyone. Home repairs do take patience, care and time ... and screw-ups can be incredibly frustrating. But this is a fabulous way to save. Fixing a running toilet or installing a new light switch is actually not rocket science.

6. Check for adequate insulation. All that lovely AC-warmed or -cooled air? It's costing big bucks. Don't let it sail right out through the roof. Check that there's plenty of insulation inside your ceiling.

7. Consider cutting your land line OR cell phone OR cable OR (gulp) broadband. Are you really getting your money's worth from these services? If not, choose the least essential one and cut it. If you only use basic cell phone services, consider switching to a pay-as-you-go phone. They're cheap!

8. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Yes, I'm tired of hearing about this, too. But CFLs last 10 times as long as incandescents and use a ton less energy. Buy them in bulk at Sam's or Costco if you can, and change out all the bulbs in your home in one fell swoop. Over time, the savings will add up big time.

Need more money management tips? Skip over to our fabulous sister site, WalletPop!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Staycations: get in on the frugal fun

Debra McDuffee — 2008-07-22T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: kids, money, recreation, seasonal

Everything is expensive nowadays, and let's face it -- a summer vacation just may not be in your budget this year. You don't have to sacrifice family fun just because you can't get away, though; instead, follow my tips for a frugal staycation filled with old favorites and new adventures!

Come on in -- the water's fine!
No staycation would be complete without a day at the beach or pool, and you've got lots of cheap options.

Got a friend with a pool? Bum a visit, and bring burgers and hot dogs for everyone. You've done your share -- and gotten a free day of swimming.
Find a state park (here's a list of all U.S. state parks) with a lake and beach. They are usually only about US $5 per car; they often have BBQ pits so you can cook your own meals, and you could even rent a canoe.
If you live in the mountains, you can probably pull over to the side of the road and frolic in the rocky river for the day, like we do when we visit New Hampshire. That's free, folks!
Living near the ocean is quite a perk, and can cost anywhere from free to about US $20 per car. If you are coastal, you've got to take advantage!

%Gallery-28261%

Take a hike!

Enjoying the outdoors is a big part of a staycation. Again, you've got lots of free or cheap options; some make hiking a little more interesting to those in need of technological stimulation (or, at the very least, a mysterious adventure).

Grab your handheld GPS and go Geocaching. Using your GPS, follow the signal to a hidden cache, where you leave a trinket and take a trinket. Our family has enjoyed so many new hiking trails we never would have seen otherwise.
Try letterboxing. If you've got a rubber stamp and a sense of adventure, follow clues to a secret treasure box, and leave your mark. There are thousands of these hidden throughout the United States, mostly in hiking areas.
Visit your local Audubon society. They not only have sanctuaries where you can simply enjoy the trails, but there will be educational programs and activities. It was a little tricky to find what I needed on the national website, so be sure to visit your state's site for all of the sanctuaries in your area.

It's movie night, and the feelin's right...

You can choose your level of expense for this staycation must, too.

Check a movie out of the library, pop some popcorn, and curl up on the couch. It's free!
Another free option: a movie from the free section of the on-demand cable, if you subscribe.
Try renting a 99-cent movie from one of those movie vending machines at the supermarket.
Choose a bargain matinee at a local theatre, or splurge for the evening show.
If you've got one locally, a drive-in movie is a summer must, and if you've got a big family, it's a frugal alternative. And really, who doesn't love curling up in the back of the minivan in pajamas, falling asleep to a Disney flick?

Camping in your own backyard...

Literally. Maggie wrote all about her son's backyard camping adventures, Bethany taught us how to make a fake campfire, and Francesca described how to make microwave s'mores -- you may even be adventurous enough to try building Anna's mini s'mores grill!

Some other ways to spice up a backyard camp-out?

Get a telescope and do a little stargazing.
Tell ghost stories... boo!
Buy the kids new sleeping bags, stylin' jammies, or a special pillowcase for the big night.
Get a bag of 99-cent glowsticks. Play hide-and-seek or tag with them.

Culture is staycation-y, too

A break from all of the outdoor fun may be in order, to make the most of a rainy day, or just to stay cool. Why not head to a local museum? Oftentimes, we take our local attractions for granted; I bet you are overdue for a visit!

Have you explored any museums on your local college campus? There are often art or natural history museums that are worth seeing, and are less expensive than more publicized museums.
Plan an activity for after dinner that compliments your museum visit: a family art project like the Jackson Pollock you saw at the art museum, or a backyard rocket like the one at the science center.
Check your town's library for museum passes and coupons to make your visit affordable.

Dinner's on... you!

What's your favorite meal that just says "summertime?" Perhaps you have a family tradition of German potato salad, barbequed pork, and sauteed greens... or is traditional burgers and dogs more your style?

How about a regional favorite? Here in New England, it's the clambake: steamers, fresh lobster, corn-on-the-cob, and a salad straight from the garden.

Whatever you choose, plan on a night to cook in -- and relish the flavors of summertime.

Dinner's out this time

Nearly as important as the cook-in meal is the go-out-to-dinner night. You've saved a lot of money this week, so splurge on dinner. Visit a favorite restaurant, or try a new one you've been hearing rave reviews about. It might even be fun to dress up a little and go fancy....

Kids in charge?

Yep, you'll want to do this for at least one of your staycations days. Why? It will be more memorable for them, you know they'll be happy for the day, and it will probably be an easier day then you would have planned.

I know my three-year-old would choose a morning at a local playspace, and then swimming at Grandmum's pool for the afternoon. Dinner? Grandpa's potatoes, of course, unless there is corn-on-the-cob!

A staycation doesn't have to feel second-best to a get-away. With a little planning, your frugal week could be everyone's favorite "trip."

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

5 ways to save money in the kitchen

Debra McDuffee — 2008-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, money, cleaning

It seems that when I look at our budget, the greater portion of our expenses seem to be spent on food. Yes, we are self-proclaimed Foodies, so we tend to splurge on good things to eat. The good news is that there are ways to save money in the kitchen; your love of food doesn't have to break the bank.

1. Make a weekly menu and shop accordingly: Creative meal planning wastes less. You'll be less apt to buy things that aren't on your grocery list, and you'll have everything you need for the week's meals, thereby saving gas on fewer trips to the grocery store.

2. Use extra foods to make soups or stews: It's OK to buy that jumbo bag of broccoli florets. After you use what you need in Tuesday's stir-fry, throw the rest into a pot with onions, broth, some dried beans, and some seasonings. The result will be a healthy soup that you can freeze for lunches later. Some of my favorite meals have been the clean-out-the-refrigerator-stews!

3. Run the dishwasher only when it's full, and use the energy saver dry option: You'll save water, energy, and soap, which saves you money.

4. Make your own green cleaners: You'll find recipes for homemade cleaners, like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, all over DIY Life. Why spend the three to four dollars on the store-bought green cleaner, when you have everything you need already in your house?

5. Cook from scratch: Convenience foods cost money in the long run, and if you keep a well-stocked pantry full of seasonings, you'll be able to eat healthier, whole foods for less -- really!

If you make your own taco seasoning, for instance, you won't have to spend the three dollars on the taco kit. It's much cheaper just to buy the taco shells and some salsa, both of which will last you for several meals.

Isn't it amazing how a few small changes could really start to add up in savings -- on food, gas, water, energy costs, and cleaning supplies? Wow!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Organizing coupons

Ilona Peltz — 2008-07-03T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money, organization and storage

If you're a coupon-clipper, you'll know the challenges:

how to keep those bits of paper, plastic, and cardboard from taking over your purse or the drawer in the kitchen,
and how to develop a system that ensures they get used before they expire.

The super-helpful people at Tipnut have put together a list of suggestions that pretty much guarantee you'll find the system that will work for you, whatever your organizational style -- or lack thereof! You like the casual efficiency of envelopes? You can do that! You prefer an accordion file or a wallet, a card file or a binder? It's all there!
If you simply don't know how to choose a system, Tipnut provides a list of links to sites where you can see a system in action. If that's not enough, there's another set of links to articles with even more detailed information. Really! How helpful can you get?

Once you've got your system chosen, you have to determine how to use it. Will you sort by expiration date, by product, or put them in alphabetically? How will you choose the coupons you need when you go shopping? How will you get them to the store?

If there's a question about coupons that isn't answered in this post, I'll ... eat my coupons!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Going green saves resources and money

Debra McDuffee — 2008-07-03T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: cars and transportation, money, preventative maintenance, staying green, cleaning

I know, I know, you're hearing about the green movement everywhere, and it's even more prevalent now that the gas prices have risen sky-high. You want to do your part, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin.

You want to start where it will do the most good and save you the most money, right? Green Home has put together a table that can help you figure out the best ways for you to go green.

I'm concerned about gasoline right now, as I drive a (smallish) SUV -- my next car is a hybrid, I promise! I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could save over $2000.00 over the next five years if I just drive more slowly (under 60 m.p.h). Tell that to my lead foot, then join me after the break for more green money-saving tips.

%Gallery-26714%

Some other tips from Green Home that surprised me:

Waterless car wash exists, is cheap, and saves about 100 gallons of water with each washing.
Taking your bike rack off your car when you aren't using it can save you about $30 a year.
Don't forget to clean the lint trap in your dryer. That dryer fuzz is costing you about $34 a year.

Visit Green Home to read the organized chart that shows more resources, along with the bucks you'll be saving by making the green choice.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ceiling fans run counter-clockwise for maximum chill power

Diane Rixon — 2008-06-27T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: household hacks, miscellaneous, money, ventilation

Aaahh. The cool breeze of the ceiling fan is absolute heaven here in Tallahassee, Florida, where the summers are swelteringly hot and humid. In fact, this fair town -- Florida's capital -- was just voted 3rd sweatiest city in the country. A dubious distinction if ever there was one....

Anyway, when it's this hot, ceiling fans really help cool you down. Plus they help save you money: the more you rely on your fans, the less electrical juice you'll need running the a/c. Anyway, to get the best from your fans, make sure they are set to rotate counter-clockwise in summer.

Most ceiling fan-light fixture combos can be easily adjusted by flicking a small switch on the electrical housing somewhere on the unit. For example, the switch on one of my ceiling fans is clearly visible in the above photo.

Want more ceiling fan advice? Check out Dan's post on how to silence a noisy fan. For tons of helpful info on choosing and installing ceiling fans, click over to Kelly's post, 'Install a ceiling fan now!' or this one from Bill: 'Ceiling fans: how cool are they?'

[via Lifehacker.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Magnetic money clip made from money

Anna Sattler — 2008-06-26T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money, organization and storage, crafts, geek it yourself

As a matter of convenience, I don't always carry a purse. In the event I have to run an errand or go somewhere where all I need is some cash, my driver's license, and maybe my check card, I'll forgo the bulky bag and just put essential items in my pockets, clasped together with a money clip.

I didn't know that I could make the magnetic strip on my check card unreadable if I also put my cell phone in the same pocket. Rather than put everything in different pockets, I always keep them together, but now I want to keep them separated with a magnetic money clip made by Scott Amron.

For a mere $12, you can purchase a pre-made magnetic money clip, or for $9, Scott will send the materials for you to assemble your own money clip. The kit contains two circular steel plates, sealer, and a thin neodymium disc magnet.

While I think that the kit is a great way for those who have no time or patience to make their own magnetic money clip, I am sure that DIY'ers will want to gather the materials to make the easily crafted clip themselves, me included. The clip would also make a great gift!

[via: Boing Boing]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Save money with your freezer

Bethany Sanders — 2008-06-09T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, money

After a long, cold winter, the bountiful seasons of spring and summer are here. Fruits and vegetables that often disappear from local markets over the winter are plentiful and inexpensive. With food prices soaring, it's tempting to take advantage of sales on produce, bakery items, and meat. Unless you have a way to store those perishables, however, buying in bulk will just lead to throwing away in bulk when the food goes bad.

The freezer is the perfect place to keep food good for a longer period of time. Most foods can be frozen for at least three to eight months, making that "buy one get one free" sale you just discovered a lot more tempting!

Suite 101 has several tips for freezing fresh foods, including breads, cheese, milk, and herbs, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. While those tips are relatively simple and straightforward, a user at Epinions has some more advanced techniques, for those of you who are really trying to squeeze pennies out of your food budget. Finally, Love Food Hate Waste has five tips for preventing food waste (and dollar waste) in the kitchen. When every penny counts, these tips might help.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

10 tips for focused food shopping

Diane Rixon — 2008-05-23T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, money, health

Grab your hip, new reusable shopping tote and let's grab some groceries. But, wait! First, check out the Reader's Digest 10 tips for smart food shopping. It's a quick and easy-to-read guide for staying on track once you step inside the store. Stay on track how? Answer: in every way -- in terms of your budget and your health goals.

Here are my three faves -- all ideas that have worked for me lately:
1. Limit your trips. I try to pick up extra bread and milk when I shop so as to avoid extra runs to the store. The less I go to the supermarket, the less I spend each month.
2. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. An oldie but a goodie. This is probably the best shopping advice out there!
3. Follow the walls. The less processed stuff you buy, the less money you'll spend and the healthier you'll be eating. Try it. This tip really works!

Enjoy these ideas? Check out Francesca's tips on how to be a grocery super shopper!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Quick DIY car fixes

Kelly Smith — 2008-05-23T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: cars and transportation, fix-it, money, preventative maintenance, weekend projects, cleaning

Some people are fanatical about maintaining their ride, and others let problems go on forever because they're intimidated by anything mechanical. But there are some easy, quick fixes you can do yourself without a wallet-emptying trip to the mechanic. Check these out...

Restoring cloudy headlight lenses - These usually don't have to be replaced at the crazy dealer price. Auto parts stores sell restoration kits to get them looking like new.
Door hinges that squeak - If your door hinges are squeaking, they're already being damaged. Quench their thirst with some white lithium grease. Why not do this on a monthly basis?
Corroded battery terminals - This is probably the most overlooked auto maintenance chore. When they corrode they put a strain on the charging system. Make them spic 'n span today.
Rear window defroster grid DOA - A frosty or dewy rear window is dangerous in the morning. Pick up a Permatex Quick Grid Repair Kit at the auto parts store. You can get it working again in a flash!
Changing your coolant - This should be done at least annually. Folks know about oil but forget coolant. The most important thing is to not mix colors. Coolant comes in blue, yellow, red, and orange flavors. Mixing colors makes mud and will hose your heater core. The cheapest replacement cost is about $400!

These are just a few things to keep your ride rolling. Keep up with them and save money in the long run!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Perpetual remodeling syndrome: Choices for home cooling systems

Kelly Smith — 2008-05-22T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money, preventative maintenance, seasonal, electrical, staying green, ventilation, remodeling, Perpetual Remodeling Syndrome

There eventually comes a time when your home's cooling system will have to be replaced. While you might shell out some big bucks initially, modern systems are very energy efficient and will pay for themselves over time. The type of indoor environment altering equipment you purchase depends on many factors.

These factors include where you live, cost of the available systems, the size of your house or condo, and the availability of those good old tax credits!

Central air conditioner systems

Central air conditioners are probably the most popular home cooling systems. They actually perform two functions; they remove heat from the air, and additionally, remove humidity. The main elements of central systems are an air distribution system (duct work), a condenser unit (located outside), and an evaporator coil (inside the furnace).

The home's heating system shares some of these resources.Window-mounted air conditioners

Window-mounted air conditioners are basically a miniaturized version of central air systems. Where would you want to use one? In some northern areas the summer heat doesn't get so brutal so that a full-blown system is called for. The cooling might only be limited to the living room or bedroom, especially for apartment dwellers.

When a window mounted A/C removes the humidity from the air, it has to go somewhere. You can either let it drip straight down or use tubing to direct it elsewhere. Although different models can be had with more capacity than others, and this is a consideration, the square footage calculations are not as complex as they are for larger systems.

Portable air conditioners

When I worked in the engineering department at a large hotel, my office was in the basement. Since I was at the end of a very long, poorly designed duct run, it got pretty miserable in the summer. Portable air conditioner to the rescue!

Portable units come in various sizes. They are ideal for areas where there is nowhere for the reclaimed humidity to go. The simple solution is a slide-out tray where the water accumulates. When the tray gets full a sensor automatically shuts the unit down. Empty the tray, slide it back in, and you're back in business!

Some portable air conditioners are actually swamp coolers.

Swamp coolers: cool air in dry climates

A swamp cooler is the unit of choice for drier environments such as the desert. Rather than removing humidity from the air like a conventional air conditioner does, swamp coolers can humidify the air. This added moisture not only makes the home more comfortable, but it also keeps household items from drying out excessively.

This is the reason swamp coolers are also known as "evaporative coolers." I don't know about you, but I just think the swamp thing sounds cooler. Strong selling point.

How does a swamp cooler actually work? It's nothing at all like a conventional air conditioner. The swamp unit is a box that contains a fan and some water-soaked hanging pads. It also contains a water pump that keeps the pads saturated to a regulated consistency (just enough so that the pads drip slowly).

Since the desert air is so dry, the water evaporates. As it evaporates, it has the effect of cooling the air that the fan pushes through the pads and into the home. This reduces the temperature of the air by as much as 20 degrees.
The air absorbs heat as it moves through the house, then it's vented outdoors.

What size is right?

Just as air conditioners come in different sizes, so do swamp coolers. Basically, the two flavors are stationary and portable. The portable units are best suited for smaller areas, while the stationary ones are situated in a window or on the roof.

How much maintenance do swamp coolers need?

Since swamp coolers are so simple, routine maintenance is quite simple. Usually, except for the largest units, a tune-up is only needed at the beginning of the sweaty season. The water pump and the fan should be given a visual inspection and lubricated as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Are there any belts on the moving equipment? If so, check them for fraying or cracking and replace as needed. The interior of the box should be thoroughly cleaned out and checked for blockage where water flows. The hanging pads should be inspected and replaced when needed.

Don't forget about ceiling fans!

If you live in a climate where the summer heat is less than sweltering, ceiling fans might be all you need. Even if that's not the case, ceiling fans are an excellent idea. The circulating air adds its own cooling effect. This means that you can set your thermostat higher.

The net result of this is that you save money over time. Your cooling equipment should last longer as well, since it doesn't have to work as hard.

With all the models on the market today, your choices are very extensive. They start with the basic type , but from there you can add remote controls (handy with high vaulted ceilings) and variable speeds, similar to dimming lighting systems. And of course, some are just aesthetically more sophisticated.

Energy efficiency: it's green and saves money

Energy efficiency with air conditioners is calculated using the factors of BTUs (British Thermal Units) and the watts consumed. Specifically, how many BTUs per hour does it produce for the number of watts consumed? For example, a rating of 11 is for 10,000 BTUs/900 watts.

But, what is this rating called? For central air conditioning units, the term is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) while window-mounted and portable models, it's just EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). Why the difference? Someone in the government made it up. Us regular folks would assume that they're all used in the same season.

Look for the Energy Star label

Just like all your other appliances, look for the Energy Star label while shopping. This is your guarantee that the unit has been engineered to be energy efficient and will save you money. For marketing purposes, manufacturers often estimate how many dollars you'll save per year.

Of course, the real numbers are not that simple and rely on many factors, but it's a great tool for an analytic comparison.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Being unorganized may be costing you money

Bethany Sanders — 2008-05-21T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money, organization and storage

When I was young and admittedly foolish, I supported myself by waitressing. Though I was constantly broke, I once dug through all of my coat pockets/waitressing aprons/jeans and came up with $150. I couldn't pay my bills, but I was floating in cash. I was a victim of a disorganized lifestyle. (Fortunately, a lot has changed since then!)

There are a lot of reasons to get organized -- a cleaner living space, less clutter, simpler routines, less stress. But did you know that being well organized could also save you money?

By knowing what you have and being able to actually find it, you're less likely to take a trip to the store (where you're sure to buy more than that one necessary item). Getting your financial life in order will help you avoid late fees when you miss a payment. And donating the things you don't need any more can help you at tax time, when you receive a deduction for charitable donations. Lifehack has eight valuable opportunities for getting organized and padding your pocketbook in the process.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Full spectrum light bulbs help slash your energy bill

Debra McDuffee — 2008-05-16T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: money, staying green, lighting

Saving energy is important to the environment. Even the government is starting to get on board, recently passing a bill that will phase out incandescent light bulbs by the year 2014. And the buzz is that your energy bills will drop by approximately 70 percent from simply switching light bulb types.

Gives a whole new meaning to "changing a light bulb," doesn't it?

It seems to me that if I can save that much on my energy bill, then perhaps I should be looking for another type of bulb before the year 2014 comes around.

Right now, we use the "daylight" bulbs that are supposed to make your lighting resemble natural light. The bulbs are light blue, not white or clear. Somehow, it just makes me feel more centered and balanced to be bathed in light that imitates the outdoors, and I hate to give that up.

Now -- thanks to Dr. Mercola -- there is a full spectrum (same deal as the daylight bulb; imitates sunlight) fluorescent bulb available that lasts longer than the incandescent bulbs and uses low energy. Sign me up! Health benefits, a lower energy bill and environmental friendliness: who could ask for more?

And changing a light bulb is probably one of the easiest DIY projects you can do!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments