You'll know a "convenient" psychic by the consistency of his/her predictions. The oldest trick in the book is to change, or adjust, predictions based on new information. When the client offers new and important information, predictions "conveniently" change. You acquire new information all the time while tracking and comparing your spending. Adjusting spending is directly related to the tracking and comparison of spending transactions. Use this new information to adjust your spending accordingly and help fulfill predictions.
Adjust spending to keep your spending management plan on track. If you are tracking and comparing your spending, as you should be, adjusting will come naturally. You'll adjust current and future spending, if necessary, to meet more realistic values. Adjust future goals that could be effected as well.
Help fulfill your financial goals by adjusting your spending and/or goals. At some point, while tracking and comparing your spending transactions, you may find that funds are not available, as planned, to set aside for predicted future spending or goals. In this case, you will need to first adjust what you currently spend if possible. If adjusting what you currently spend is not an option, then adjust the goal to a more realistic value or timeline. Perhaps you will need to reduce the allowance set aside for this goal and extend the estimated time to complete.
Your spending management plan is not written in stone. It is intended to be a plan for now, a plan for the future, a plan for life. Life changes. Families grow, children grow, and sometimes life brings us little surprises along the way. Your needs and your family's needs will change. A complete spending management system will help you predict, plan for, and achieve the financial needs to accommodate those changes in life. Spending management is a beautiful system of money management that grows with you throughout life. Plan, track, compare, and adjust your spending mangagement plan accordingly to meet your growing needs.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monitoring your spending
I'd much prefer if all predictions, at least the good ones, went exactly as predicted. However, sometimes reality is much different. You should be monitoring your spending by tracking and assigning purchases on a daily basis. What if you consistently find that your spending predictions are out of line with "real" spending. Comparing spending is necessary to keep your budgeting figures "real" and practical. It will be difficult to maintain a spending management plan on unrealistic money values. Keep expected spending figures at a practical value.
For example, you've predicted and planned that you will spend, on average, $195 for your electricity expense per month. But, try as you may, you consistently spend closer to $230 per month. Expenses that vary, like some utilities, should be averaged to a realistic value in your spending management budget plan. If you find by comparing your actual spending to your planned spending that the actual value is less, or more, than predicted, you must consider that your prediction may have been a little off. Comparing actual spending habits with predicted spending is essential to budget planning success. Compare your spending, and keep it real, and you'll succeed!
Comparing past and current spending will be helpful in analyzing realistic future goals. If you know you only have a specific amount of funding, after setting aside for expected expenses, you have a clearer understanding of how much you can set aside for future goals and approximately when they will be realized. Setting a financial goal only to find that it is not possible to complete the plan financially, or in the time allotted, can be discouraging. Compare to be realistic with your financial goals.
Comparing predictions with reality is important in keeping your spending management plan "real." Expecting more of yourself than realistically, financially, possible will only result in financial failures. You want to work towards financial successes. Don't live in a fantasy financial world. Don't set yourself up for failure. Individuals who do, tend to fall away from budget planning and ignore financial goals altogether. Comparing your past, present, and planned spending is essential to complete spending management. Creating, and properly maintaining, a complete spending management plan is the key to financial success.
For example, you've predicted and planned that you will spend, on average, $195 for your electricity expense per month. But, try as you may, you consistently spend closer to $230 per month. Expenses that vary, like some utilities, should be averaged to a realistic value in your spending management budget plan. If you find by comparing your actual spending to your planned spending that the actual value is less, or more, than predicted, you must consider that your prediction may have been a little off. Comparing actual spending habits with predicted spending is essential to budget planning success. Compare your spending, and keep it real, and you'll succeed!
Comparing past and current spending will be helpful in analyzing realistic future goals. If you know you only have a specific amount of funding, after setting aside for expected expenses, you have a clearer understanding of how much you can set aside for future goals and approximately when they will be realized. Setting a financial goal only to find that it is not possible to complete the plan financially, or in the time allotted, can be discouraging. Compare to be realistic with your financial goals.
Comparing predictions with reality is important in keeping your spending management plan "real." Expecting more of yourself than realistically, financially, possible will only result in financial failures. You want to work towards financial successes. Don't live in a fantasy financial world. Don't set yourself up for failure. Individuals who do, tend to fall away from budget planning and ignore financial goals altogether. Comparing your past, present, and planned spending is essential to complete spending management. Creating, and properly maintaining, a complete spending management plan is the key to financial success.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Track and record finances
You've created a great budget and have planned for current and future spending. You want your spending predictions and financial goals to stay on track, now that you have a practical plan to achieve them. Today's spending will directly effect the success of planned spending. After all, if you overspend on current needs, you won't have the funds available to keep your finances moving towards your goals. So, how can you assure yourself that your finances are moving in the right direction? Tracking spending accounts keeps you in control of your money!
Track your spending accounts and assign transactions to appropriate budget categories daily. Making this a daily "to-do" will give you the knowledge to keep your finances moving in the right direction. Tracking purchase transactions daily gives you a clear picture of how much you have left to spend in each category at any given time. You've set your limits based on your individual financial information. Now, track your spending to be sure you stay within those limits. If you skip this important part of a complete spending management system, you will inevitably overspend and be short the funds to apply to future spending and goals. Give your financial predictions the winning edge. Track spending daily.
Tracking in real time is an innovative method of tracking your money. Real time money management retrieves transactions from spending accounts in a timely, efficient, manner so you can stay on top of spending everyday. Assigning spending transactions to their appropriate categories, as soon as possible, gives you an up to date picture of how much you have spent, and how much you have left to spend, in each budget category. This technique eliminates month end spending surprises and puts you in total control of your money.
Finding out you've over spent after the fact doesn't leave you many options. You no longer have the option not to spend on that expense. You must adjust other spending goals to make up for the mistake. Usually, this adjustment will come from your planned future spending. Your funding for future financial goals will be neglected and your budget falls away from "the plan." It's too late to adjust your spending accordingly once the money is spent. That's why it's so important to track your spending as it occurs.
Keep your predictions and goals on track. Track and record purchases in a timely, efficient, manner to maintain complete control of your money. This is an essential part of a complete spending management system. Know what your current financial picture looks like to give yourself more decision options. Keep the doors to your financial success open. Track your spending to keep your financial predictions and goals on track.
Track your spending accounts and assign transactions to appropriate budget categories daily. Making this a daily "to-do" will give you the knowledge to keep your finances moving in the right direction. Tracking purchase transactions daily gives you a clear picture of how much you have left to spend in each category at any given time. You've set your limits based on your individual financial information. Now, track your spending to be sure you stay within those limits. If you skip this important part of a complete spending management system, you will inevitably overspend and be short the funds to apply to future spending and goals. Give your financial predictions the winning edge. Track spending daily.
Tracking in real time is an innovative method of tracking your money. Real time money management retrieves transactions from spending accounts in a timely, efficient, manner so you can stay on top of spending everyday. Assigning spending transactions to their appropriate categories, as soon as possible, gives you an up to date picture of how much you have spent, and how much you have left to spend, in each budget category. This technique eliminates month end spending surprises and puts you in total control of your money.
Finding out you've over spent after the fact doesn't leave you many options. You no longer have the option not to spend on that expense. You must adjust other spending goals to make up for the mistake. Usually, this adjustment will come from your planned future spending. Your funding for future financial goals will be neglected and your budget falls away from "the plan." It's too late to adjust your spending accordingly once the money is spent. That's why it's so important to track your spending as it occurs.
Keep your predictions and goals on track. Track and record purchases in a timely, efficient, manner to maintain complete control of your money. This is an essential part of a complete spending management system. Know what your current financial picture looks like to give yourself more decision options. Keep the doors to your financial success open. Track your spending to keep your financial predictions and goals on track.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Preparing for future spending
Just as spending management is your financial crystal ball, budget planning is predicting the future. When you analyze your spending and plan for it, you are budgeting for your household and personal spending. It's not enough, however, to simply get by for today. The way to realize financial success is to predict, and plan a budget for, future spending as well. A complete money management system will provide tools for predicting and preparing for future spending.
Seeing beyond today's spending, and planning for future spending, is the way to achieve your predictions for future financial goals. Let's say you predict that you will be free from debt. You set a goal to become debt free. You create a practical debt elimination program and include the amount for payment in your budget plan. Your budget now includes a plan to set aside money so funds are available when payment is due. And, your goal to become debt free is achieved on schedule.
If you're financially able, you may predict and plan for other financial needs at the same time. Otherwise, predicting, planning, and achieving each goal in order of priority is a logical way to approach all of your financial goals. Reviewing current and past spending and situations can aid you in predicting future needs for yourself and other family members.
You look into your crystal ball and see that sometime in the future you will probably need a family car replacement, or major repairs on the current family car. Planning for future spending is one of the great benefits of a complete spending management system. Budgets allow preparation for predictable and unpredictable (emergency) expenses. You predict how much money, and when, you will need to accomplish a goal ( or fulfill a need ) and plan for it accordingly. Set aside a specific amount each pay period to meet the needs of a goal.
Include preparation for life's unpredictable emergencies in your budget plan as well. This will keep you more focused during times of need. This theory applies to every goal you have set. Whether your crystal ball foresees a new home, a college education, a wedding, or other major life change, you will plan and save for this future spending in your budget.
By now, you should be realizing the benefits of having your own crystal ball to guide you down the path to financial independence. You should also understand why budgeting is an important part of complete spending management. Budgeting will prepare you for whatever the future holds for you and your family. Emergencies will be merely obstacles that might set you back somewhat. They will no longer be financially devastating events.
Give yourself a clear picture of your financial future. Predict what you want (or will need) and plan for your goals accordingly. Budgeting for current and future spending is essential to realizing your financial predictions, independence, and security. So, what are you waiting for? Look into your crystal ball and start your budget plan today!
Seeing beyond today's spending, and planning for future spending, is the way to achieve your predictions for future financial goals. Let's say you predict that you will be free from debt. You set a goal to become debt free. You create a practical debt elimination program and include the amount for payment in your budget plan. Your budget now includes a plan to set aside money so funds are available when payment is due. And, your goal to become debt free is achieved on schedule.
If you're financially able, you may predict and plan for other financial needs at the same time. Otherwise, predicting, planning, and achieving each goal in order of priority is a logical way to approach all of your financial goals. Reviewing current and past spending and situations can aid you in predicting future needs for yourself and other family members.
You look into your crystal ball and see that sometime in the future you will probably need a family car replacement, or major repairs on the current family car. Planning for future spending is one of the great benefits of a complete spending management system. Budgets allow preparation for predictable and unpredictable (emergency) expenses. You predict how much money, and when, you will need to accomplish a goal ( or fulfill a need ) and plan for it accordingly. Set aside a specific amount each pay period to meet the needs of a goal.
Include preparation for life's unpredictable emergencies in your budget plan as well. This will keep you more focused during times of need. This theory applies to every goal you have set. Whether your crystal ball foresees a new home, a college education, a wedding, or other major life change, you will plan and save for this future spending in your budget.
By now, you should be realizing the benefits of having your own crystal ball to guide you down the path to financial independence. You should also understand why budgeting is an important part of complete spending management. Budgeting will prepare you for whatever the future holds for you and your family. Emergencies will be merely obstacles that might set you back somewhat. They will no longer be financially devastating events.
Give yourself a clear picture of your financial future. Predict what you want (or will need) and plan for your goals accordingly. Budgeting for current and future spending is essential to realizing your financial predictions, independence, and security. So, what are you waiting for? Look into your crystal ball and start your budget plan today!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Money Management Technique
Look into my crystal ballI shall tell of riches big and small!— A line from just about any psychic advertisement.
Well, as far as psychics go, I can't say if there's any truth in it or not. However, if that crystal ball was a spending management plan (a complete money management technique), I'd say that psychic was right on target! Fact of the matter is - you can't really predict the state of future finances without planning for them. That's just part of what managing your spending completely can do for you. When you use this complete money management technique your are...
Planning for spending – Budget and set aside funds for current and future spending (expected and unexpected). This means being prepared, and having funding available, for expected and necessary expenses, as well as unexpected (emergency) spending.
Tracking spending – Track what you spend by reviewing and recording spending transactions in appropriate budget expense categories. Keep track of total amounts spent in each category to keep within planned limits.
Comparing spending – Look into your crystal ball. Compare what you've actually spent with what you've planned to spend. Is it more or is it less? Compare past spending with current spending and planned future spending to foresee and anticipate (plan for) consistence growth, or decline, of amounts spent.
Adjusting spending – Adjust planning, spending, and goals to meet changing needs. Adjust what you spend accordingly, as per comparison results, to meet actual and future needs.
Your spending management plan is your financial crystal ball. Setting financial goals, and planning for future spending, allows you to somewhat predict your future. Set goals for the future:
Look into your crystal balland see the riches big and small.Oh, the riches you will see,when you manage spending completely
Learn more about this innovative complete money management program that will help you take control of your money and reach financial goals.
Well, as far as psychics go, I can't say if there's any truth in it or not. However, if that crystal ball was a spending management plan (a complete money management technique), I'd say that psychic was right on target! Fact of the matter is - you can't really predict the state of future finances without planning for them. That's just part of what managing your spending completely can do for you. When you use this complete money management technique your are...
Planning for spending – Budget and set aside funds for current and future spending (expected and unexpected). This means being prepared, and having funding available, for expected and necessary expenses, as well as unexpected (emergency) spending.
Tracking spending – Track what you spend by reviewing and recording spending transactions in appropriate budget expense categories. Keep track of total amounts spent in each category to keep within planned limits.
Comparing spending – Look into your crystal ball. Compare what you've actually spent with what you've planned to spend. Is it more or is it less? Compare past spending with current spending and planned future spending to foresee and anticipate (plan for) consistence growth, or decline, of amounts spent.
Adjusting spending – Adjust planning, spending, and goals to meet changing needs. Adjust what you spend accordingly, as per comparison results, to meet actual and future needs.
Your spending management plan is your financial crystal ball. Setting financial goals, and planning for future spending, allows you to somewhat predict your future. Set goals for the future:
- plan your budget
- track spending transactions regularly to stay within budget expense limits
- compare your planned spending (budget plan), actual spending and advancement towards goals
- adjust goals or spending limits if necessary to stay on track with planning
Look into your crystal balland see the riches big and small.Oh, the riches you will see,when you manage spending completely
Learn more about this innovative complete money management program that will help you take control of your money and reach financial goals.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Saving Money on Treats
We all know it's healthier to just eliminate desserts and snacks from our food budget. But, how many of us do? We are constantly bombarded with ads for these yummy treats. Our taste buds call out for them. Prepackaged desserts and snacks can be quite expensive. But, you don't have to give up your favorite desserts and snacks to save money. You can have your cake, eat healthier snacks, and save money too! Your Sunday savings challenge is to make a dessert or snack and enjoy it! This may be the best (or yummiest) savings challenge yet. Here are a few tips for saving money on treats.
- For a special Sunday family treat, buy your favorite ice cream sundae ingredients and make your own Sunday Sundaes. Make it a Sunday family tradition. The children will have just as much fun creating their own sundaes as they will eating these yummy treats. Going out for ice cream sundaes will cost plenty of money. Save money when you create your own at home.
- Instead of buying microwave popcorn, invest in a popper (or pop on stovetop) and buy regular popcorn kernels. This method of popping corn is healthier, saves a lot of money, and tastes better.
- Most cake mixes require milk, egg, and oil. For not much more effort you can mix your dry ingredients from scratch as well. Save money, don't buy boxed cake, cupcake, or brownie mixes. Make your own!
- Find an easy fudge recipe. Your kids will love you!
- Popcorn balls, candy (or caramel) apples, monkey bread, and rice crispy treats are all easy to make yourself
- Cookie savings anyone? Bake a variety of cookies (peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip, sugar) and store in tightly sealed containers to have treats on hand whenever you need them.
- Salty savings - Cook your own fries and chips for cheaper salty snacks. A ten pound bag of potatoes costs just a few cents more than an 18 oz bag of chips.
- You can bake your own crackers. Don't believe it? Here's a recipe to try:
Wheat Thins
(makes 2/3 lb)Preheat oven to 350 degrees
F.Combine in a mixing bowl:
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 Tablespoons wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons dry milk
Cut in with a pastry blender:6 Tablespoons
MargarineCombine separately and stir in:
1/2 cup water1 Tablespoon Molasses
Knead a little until smooth. Grease two cookie sheets and sprinkle each with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Roll out half of dough directly onto cookie sheet with floured rolling pin. Roll dime thin. Sprinkle lightly with paprika, garlic, onion, or seasoned salt. Run rolling pin over once more. Prick with fork. Cut in squares or triangles. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. - courtesy Doris Janzen Longacre's More with Less Cookbook
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Funds for entertaining yourself and your Family
Family entertainment is important, especially if you have children. That's why it's so important to include family time in your budget planning. Set aside funds for entertaining yourself and your family. Your Saturday savings challenge is to think of a number of ways to entertain your family on a budget. Budget a family movie night, a weekend local trip, a sightseeing tour of local attractions, or a dinner out once in a while. Plan for it and you'll have the finances available to do it! I know it can be difficult to plan entertainment if you're on a really tight budget. Here are some ideas for family fun that could help you save money.
Bringing in a tradition of family nights at home is a great way to save money on family entertaining. Designate a night each week for family games, crafts, movies, and even cooking. Some of these are also great ways to sneak in quality time with your kids! On game night choose games that are suited for the age range of all children, or have two game nights if ages vary drastically. Dedicate one family game night to younger children, the other to older children. Adults, of course, should participate in both.
Family cooking night is a good time to practice math skills, as well as have loads of fun and yummy treats. Whether you cook desserts or bake bread (which is great fun for the children!), children get a lot of practice using fractions in measuring. Here's a family favorite that children love. Your children will think their at the carnival!
Funnel Cakes (Makes 4)
1 Egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 & 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powdervegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar for dusting cakesOne Funnel
Combine dry ingredients. In separate bowl, lightly beat egg into milk. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix well, until smooth. Place about 1 inch oil in frying pan or electric skillet. Heat to 350 degrees F. Note: Adults should always do the actual cooking when hot oil is used. Use a ladle to scoop one full ladle of batter into funnel (be careful to hold one finger over hole of funnel to prevent leakage) Hold funnel over oil. Starting at center, release finger from hole of funnel, and moving around in a circular pattern dispense batter until all in funnel is gone. Turn over with tongs when light golden color is achieved. Cook other side to lightly brown and remove to drain. Shake or sprinkle on dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Family Crafts can be not only entertaining, but could provide lasting family treasures and decorations. During holidays create holiday specific ornaments and crafts, Children's homemade crafts can be displayed and then stored for their future enjoyment. Children love going back and looking at items they created during younger years. Scrapbooking is becoming a popular family pastime that you may consider for a craft night.
Going to the movies today is cost prohibitive for many larger families. Even a family of four can break the bank it they enjoy the snack bar. But, you can enjoy your movies at home and have your snack too! Rent movies for a family movie night. Enjoying movies at home can prove to be cheap entertainment for the entire family. Pop your own popcorn. Don't use those little microwave bags. They cost tons more than investing in a good popcorn popper and regular popping kernels. Bake goodies on your cooking night in preparation for family movie night snacking.
Besides enjoying family nights at home, you can enjoy some low cost entertainment out. Many bowling alleys and roller skating rinks have family night where entrance and game fees are reduced. If you choose to dine out, look for family nights at restaurants, and/or use restaurant coupons to save money on the bill. You may have historic landmarks in your area that your children would enjoy visiting. Use your imagination to cut costs on family entertainment. Have some family fun and save money too.
Bringing in a tradition of family nights at home is a great way to save money on family entertaining. Designate a night each week for family games, crafts, movies, and even cooking. Some of these are also great ways to sneak in quality time with your kids! On game night choose games that are suited for the age range of all children, or have two game nights if ages vary drastically. Dedicate one family game night to younger children, the other to older children. Adults, of course, should participate in both.
Family cooking night is a good time to practice math skills, as well as have loads of fun and yummy treats. Whether you cook desserts or bake bread (which is great fun for the children!), children get a lot of practice using fractions in measuring. Here's a family favorite that children love. Your children will think their at the carnival!
Funnel Cakes (Makes 4)
1 Egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 & 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powdervegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar for dusting cakesOne Funnel
Combine dry ingredients. In separate bowl, lightly beat egg into milk. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix well, until smooth. Place about 1 inch oil in frying pan or electric skillet. Heat to 350 degrees F. Note: Adults should always do the actual cooking when hot oil is used. Use a ladle to scoop one full ladle of batter into funnel (be careful to hold one finger over hole of funnel to prevent leakage) Hold funnel over oil. Starting at center, release finger from hole of funnel, and moving around in a circular pattern dispense batter until all in funnel is gone. Turn over with tongs when light golden color is achieved. Cook other side to lightly brown and remove to drain. Shake or sprinkle on dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Family Crafts can be not only entertaining, but could provide lasting family treasures and decorations. During holidays create holiday specific ornaments and crafts, Children's homemade crafts can be displayed and then stored for their future enjoyment. Children love going back and looking at items they created during younger years. Scrapbooking is becoming a popular family pastime that you may consider for a craft night.
Going to the movies today is cost prohibitive for many larger families. Even a family of four can break the bank it they enjoy the snack bar. But, you can enjoy your movies at home and have your snack too! Rent movies for a family movie night. Enjoying movies at home can prove to be cheap entertainment for the entire family. Pop your own popcorn. Don't use those little microwave bags. They cost tons more than investing in a good popcorn popper and regular popping kernels. Bake goodies on your cooking night in preparation for family movie night snacking.
Besides enjoying family nights at home, you can enjoy some low cost entertainment out. Many bowling alleys and roller skating rinks have family night where entrance and game fees are reduced. If you choose to dine out, look for family nights at restaurants, and/or use restaurant coupons to save money on the bill. You may have historic landmarks in your area that your children would enjoy visiting. Use your imagination to cut costs on family entertainment. Have some family fun and save money too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Enjoy lower Utility Bills
Reducing monthly bills is just one more way to save money on your household budget. While air conditioning and heating are responsible for a good portion of utility costs, there are other areas where you can take measures to conserve energy and save on utilities. Here are some additional conservation tips to help reduce utility bills and save money.
Hot Water Heater:
Hot Water Heater:
- Blanket your water heater with an approved insulation jacket
- Set hot water temperature at 120 or lower (unless you have a dishwasher, follow recommended guidelines)
- Insulate hot water pipes
- Use cold water in washer rinse cycle
- Clean and maintain water heater. Drain water from bottom of water heater tank to remove sediment, at least one or two times per year.
- Take showers instead of baths
- Reduce wasted water. Fix leaky faucets promptly
Small Appliances and lights:
- Use florescent bulbs
- Turn off small appliances and lights when not in use
- Install and use dimmer switches to reduce energy used by lights
- When buying new appliances, look for ones with auto shut offs to reduce wasted energy
- Unplug TV, cable box, computer, and other electronic devices while away from home
Large Appliances:
- Use the energy saving cycle on the dishwasher and wash full loads only
- Clean drains and / or filters regularly on all applicable appliances to increase efficiency
- Only wash clothes when you have a full load
- Use the smallest pan possible when cooking, and cover pots to retain heat
- Reduce stovetop and oven use. Use a crock pot, toaster oven, or microwave whenever possible
- Turn off burners and oven just before cooking is completed
- Reduce oven heat loss. Avoid opening oven door during baking
- Avoid excessive opening of refrigerator door
- Let hot items cool before placing in refrigerator
- Make sure door gaskets have a tight seal on refrigerator
- Ask your local utility company to do an energy assessment on your home
If you are on a low or limited income, you may qualify for assistance in replacing or repairing furnaces and refrigerators. The Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to assist limited income families with reducing their energy usage by providing installation of energy conserving measures, as well as offering furnace cleaning and tuning. Eligibility is based on Energy Assistant Program guidelines. Contact your local Department of Housing and Community Development to see if you qualify. Also, inquire about income guidelines for other energy assistant programs like utility bill payments. Many families qualify for energy assistance and do not take advantage of this service.
Use as many energy conservation tips as possible to complete your savings challenge and reduce utility bills. Then, practice these tips year round to conserve energy and enjoy lower utility bills. Add insulation products as can be afforded in attics, basements, crawlspaces, around windows and doors, pipes and hot water heater to reduce heat and air loss. Each little savings will add to the cumulative value of your conservation efforts and mean more savings on your energy bills.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Conserving our Resources
Energy consumption is a big concern for many families. Your savings challenge today is to conserve as much energy as possible. Heating and air conditioning can take a big bite out of your budget. Since you're not likely to negotiate a lower rate with the utility company, energy conservation is the best way to lower utility bills. You'll not only save money, you'll be conserving our resources. The type of home you live in can play an important part in determining how much energy you use. Other factors, such as health and lifestyle, can also play a major part in energy consumption. Here are some heating and air conditioning tips that will help your save on energy and trim your utility bill.
Very old homes may not be insulated sufficiently and could benefit from added insulation. When these homes were built, conserving energy was not a big concern and was not given priority during construction. Newer homes have addressed energy concerns during construction and may be sufficiently insulated, but you can still save energy through conserving.
People with certain health problems will almost always require the use of air conditioning in the summer. When you are at home, and have no health problems aggravated by heat and humidity, eliminating the use of air conditioning will save substantial money on your utility bills. Most of us seek some period of relief during extremely hot summer days. If you live near a mall or department store, you may find some relief from the heat by taking a stroll around the mall. Just be careful not to blow your savings on compulsive purchases. Using a dehumidifier can greatly reduce humidity in your home and consequently provide a cooler feeling environment. It will use less energy than air conditioning, which also dehumidifies the air. Use fans (ceiling, floor, window, etc.) for ventilation and increased air flow.
Don't cook during the hottest hours of the day if it can be avoided. Do all baking, if your must bake in the summer, during cooler evening hours. Reduce oven usage as much as possible to avoid putting additional heat in the home. Plan no cook meals, such as sandwiches and salads, during hottest days. When you do cook, use the microwave or barbeque, instead of stove top or oven, for cooking. Avoid or limit usage of any heat producing appliances during hottest hours.
Since we need heat during winter months, it would be hard not to use the heat at all. However, you can save money by using conservation efforts everyday. Home insulation will go a long way in conserving if your home is lacking. This can mean a major home improvement for some families to achieve proper and effective insulation standards, depending on the age of your home. These types of home improvements are tax deductible for most individuals. But, even if you can't afford a major home improvement, you can reduce energy consumption through smaller conservation measures. Window insulation, outlet and light switch insulators, and storm windows are just a few measures that can improve your home's energy efficiency. Prevent heat loss by finding and fixing air leaks in the home.
Wear warmer clothing, layers of clothing are best, during the winter months and reduce the thermostat as low as is tolerable. Bake at night and dry clothes at night, during colder periods, to take advantage of heat from heat producing appliances. Clean furnace filter once a month for best performance. Maintain furnace and air condition units on a regular schedule to keep them operating efficiently. Don't make your furnace work harder than it has to, you'll pay for it. While these are great ways to save on heating and air condition, there are lots of other ways to conserve energy and reduce that bill. More tips to reduce your utility bills on Frugal Friday!
Very old homes may not be insulated sufficiently and could benefit from added insulation. When these homes were built, conserving energy was not a big concern and was not given priority during construction. Newer homes have addressed energy concerns during construction and may be sufficiently insulated, but you can still save energy through conserving.
People with certain health problems will almost always require the use of air conditioning in the summer. When you are at home, and have no health problems aggravated by heat and humidity, eliminating the use of air conditioning will save substantial money on your utility bills. Most of us seek some period of relief during extremely hot summer days. If you live near a mall or department store, you may find some relief from the heat by taking a stroll around the mall. Just be careful not to blow your savings on compulsive purchases. Using a dehumidifier can greatly reduce humidity in your home and consequently provide a cooler feeling environment. It will use less energy than air conditioning, which also dehumidifies the air. Use fans (ceiling, floor, window, etc.) for ventilation and increased air flow.
Don't cook during the hottest hours of the day if it can be avoided. Do all baking, if your must bake in the summer, during cooler evening hours. Reduce oven usage as much as possible to avoid putting additional heat in the home. Plan no cook meals, such as sandwiches and salads, during hottest days. When you do cook, use the microwave or barbeque, instead of stove top or oven, for cooking. Avoid or limit usage of any heat producing appliances during hottest hours.
Since we need heat during winter months, it would be hard not to use the heat at all. However, you can save money by using conservation efforts everyday. Home insulation will go a long way in conserving if your home is lacking. This can mean a major home improvement for some families to achieve proper and effective insulation standards, depending on the age of your home. These types of home improvements are tax deductible for most individuals. But, even if you can't afford a major home improvement, you can reduce energy consumption through smaller conservation measures. Window insulation, outlet and light switch insulators, and storm windows are just a few measures that can improve your home's energy efficiency. Prevent heat loss by finding and fixing air leaks in the home.
Wear warmer clothing, layers of clothing are best, during the winter months and reduce the thermostat as low as is tolerable. Bake at night and dry clothes at night, during colder periods, to take advantage of heat from heat producing appliances. Clean furnace filter once a month for best performance. Maintain furnace and air condition units on a regular schedule to keep them operating efficiently. Don't make your furnace work harder than it has to, you'll pay for it. While these are great ways to save on heating and air condition, there are lots of other ways to conserve energy and reduce that bill. More tips to reduce your utility bills on Frugal Friday!
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