8 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Bills This Summer

July 12, 2013

The average American household spends roughly $1,900 per year on energy, according to the Consumer Energy Center. Depending upon where you live, a good chunk of that is likely being spent during the hottest months of the year. Despite what you may think, however, you are not at the mercy of your utility company. To learn about the many measures you can take to reduce your energy expenditure this summer, read on. Continue reading “8 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Bills This Summer”

How to Really Reward Yourself for Hard Work

July 07, 2013

While at the bus stop this morning, I overheard a woman talking about how whenever she gets a paycheck, she makes sure to pay herself first. I was intrigued since I’ve often heard that “paying yourself first” means putting some money from your paycheck into savings before you’re tempted to spend it all and not have anything left As she continued however, she explained that to her, paying herself first meant immediately using a portion of every paycheck to buy herself things. “You see, you gotta reward yourself,” she concluded, for going to work. Continue reading

When It’s Time to Bring in the Professionals

July 03, 2013

Summertime is a great time to finally get to all those DIY projects you said you’d get done after New Years. The problem I have is once a project gets started, it’s not always easy to know when to quit. After months of trying to figure out how to get an ice maker to work, I finally got it done. Some projects, like replacing an automatic ice maker, are as simple as unplugging the old unit and plugging in the new one, but when it comes to more elaborate projects, like replacing the front porch stairs, I like to take a step back and count the costs before I begin. Here is a breakdown of the steps I like to take before tackling a project myself. Continue reading “When It’s Time to Bring in the Professionals”

Hi, This Is John…

July 02, 2013

My phone rang last Friday night just as I was heading out for the evening. “Hi, this is John. I’m calling to confirm a delivery.” I started to talk to John since his recorded voice had me fooled. John went on to say that my medical alert device was waiting to be shipped and to press 1 to verify my address. Since I hadn’t ordered any type of medical equipment, I quickly hung up. Continue reading “Hi, This Is John…”

Keep Your Temperature and A/C Costs Down This Summer

June 25, 2013

As summer heats up, my husband becomes very popular with the neighbors. He’s known as “Mr. Fix It” when it comes to their air conditioning units, and his two decades in the HVAC industry has kept both the temperature and the cost down for several of our streetmates. He’s always willing to take time to help out, even though the phone or doorbell rings just as we are getting ready to head out for our own summer fun. Here are his tips to keep your air conditioner running: Continue reading “Keep Your Temperature and A/C Costs Down This Summer”

How “Worth It” Are Credit Card Rewards Anyway?

June 21, 2013

This summer, you’re going to be inundated with credit card rewards offers. From your TV to your computer and especially your mailbox, avoiding these offers is going to be next to impossible. But here’s the question you should ask yourself: how “worth it” are rewards anyway? Continue reading “How “Worth It” Are Credit Card Rewards Anyway?”

Teaching a Work Ethic to an iPod Generation

June 19, 2013

I’ve lived in my current home for six years. From the day we moved in, the water dispenser built in to the refrigerator door has not worked very well—the water just kind of trickles out—so unless you like standing in front of the refrigerator for two minutes waiting for a glass of water, it doesn’t get used. On top of that, the ice maker recently stopped making ice. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I went online and looked into the problem to see if it would be an easy fix. Continue reading “Teaching a Work Ethic to an iPod Generation”

You Might Be a Redneck…But Be a Frugal One

June 18, 2013

As Jeff Foxworthy says, ” you might be a redneck if …” Well, does buying my father tickets to a NASCAR race fit the bill? Dad is getting ready to turn 80 this year, and since his June birthday always falls close to Father’s Day, he usually ends up getting dual purpose presents from my brothers and I. Even though he doesn’t meet all the criteria for being a redneck NASCAR fan, over the past several years he has become an armchair follower of Earnhardt, Gordon, Elliott, and of course, Danika Patrick. Continue reading “You Might Be a Redneck…But Be a Frugal One”

Seven Tips for Avoiding Rental Car Traps

June 12, 2013

“Good morning, Mr. Ward. How are you today?” sincerely asked the polite young gentleman behind the rental car counter. I smiled and acknowledged his cordiality. “I see you have a prepaid vehicle with us today. How does a Ford Taurus sound?” Continue reading “Seven Tips for Avoiding Rental Car Traps”

The Two Happiest Days for a Boater

June 11, 2013

They say that the two happiest days in a boat owner’s life is the day they buy their first boat and the day they sell their last. Well, I must be new enough to boating to still be experiencing my first happy day and at this point, I would imagine the day I sell my last boat will actually be a sad day indeed. However, I can see where this saying came from now that I’ve had to bear the cost of three seasons boating on the Chesapeake Bay, which has confirmed the reality of another old joke that a boat is a hole in the water you pour money into. Continue reading “The Two Happiest Days for a Boater”

Should You Trade Your Gold For Cash?

June 04, 2013

Marilyn Monroe sang that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Well, if that’s the case, my best friend and I have just had a falling out. A few days ago, I noticed my 3-stone anniversary ring was missing a stone so I took it back to the jewelry store for repair. Luckily, I faithfully take my rings in for inspection every six months to maintain the warranty so my ring was sent out to get a replacement diamond at no cost to me. Continue reading “Should You Trade Your Gold For Cash?”

Even a 14-Year Old Can Understand Dollars and Sense

May 29, 2013

This week’s blog post comes from a very special author: my 14-year old daughter. As a parent, you always wonder if your children are listening and as my pediatrician would always reassure my wife and I, they hear us just fine. Proof of this can sometimes come in the most unexpected of ways. Continue reading “Even a 14-Year Old Can Understand Dollars and Sense”

How to Make the Most of Summer Produce

May 28, 2013

It’s Sunday morning and we’ve just enjoyed a stack of blueberry pancakes before heading out to the annual Strawberry Festival. There’s nothing better than fresh fruit and vegetables bought from the local farmers’ market, which kicks off opening day each year during Memorial Day weekend with juicy strawberries, crisp lettuce, and fresh asparagus here in the mid-Atlantic region. By July 4th, fireworks signal just-picked sweet corn, plump tomatoes, and delicious peaches. The Amish fruit stand just down the road even gives me the opportunity to pick up some organic brown eggs along with the summer harvest. It’s easy to load up on healthy produce when it is in season, but it spoils so quickly that almost as much ends up in the garbage as in our stomachs. Continue reading “How to Make the Most of Summer Produce”

Planning: Don’t Leave Home Without It

May 24, 2013

Summer is upon us. And for many Americans, summer means vacation. But the prospect of long relaxing days ahead does not mean also relaxing your budget. It’s possible to be financially smart and have fun at the same time. Continue reading “Planning: Don’t Leave Home Without It”

5 Summer Tips to Help 20-Somethings Stay Frugal

May 16, 2013

We all know that the livin’s easy in the summertime, but it’s also true that it can get pretty expensive. From vacationing to purchasing wedding gifts, summer road trips and everyday livin’, no season is more fun – and quite possibly more frivolous – than the summertime in your 20s. Frugal summer living doesn’t have to mean dirt-cheap living; it simply means being smart and stashing some cash away for the future. (Think of yourself as the squirrel putting away nuts in preparation for the cold season … or don’t.) Continue reading “5 Summer Tips to Help 20-Somethings Stay Frugal”

Will the Grass Really Be Greener?

May 14, 2013

Spring crept up on me this year, giving the weeds in my lawn time to spread before I was able to spread any weed control. On top of that, when I went to cut the grass for the first time last week, I discovered my lawn tractor had a flat tire that was not easily fixed. Luck was with me though, because just as I was about to give up on the lawn care that day, I heard the sound of a weedwacker and noticed a shiny 4×4 pickup truck and trailer parked in front of my neighbor’s house. “No problem, I can cut your grass and apply some weedkiller for you today” said the landscaper with a big smile – and a big price tag. I ended up having to pay him $160 to cut my acreage and attack the weeds. Continue reading “Will the Grass Really Be Greener?”

Hungry? Don’t Let Haste Flame the Fire

May 07, 2013

There’s nothing better than a flame-broiled steak cooked out on the grill, and with the warm weather finally here, smelling my neighbor’s grill going got me hungry to get my own grill cooking for the first time this season. I’ve had my cooker for several years so I should have taken a few minutes to do a quick checkup before cranking up the flames on my gas grill. As soon as the temperature hit 500 degrees, I threw on the t-bone steaks and headed back into the kitchen to get the salad tossed. Continue reading “Hungry? Don’t Let Haste Flame the Fire”