Curbing the Electric Bill

Electricity is one of those monthly expenses that is somewhat in your control. After all, we demand the electricity, and then the electric company happily gives it to us and sends off the bill. Here are some ways that you can reduce your usage and reduce your cost. There are two main types of ways that we use electricity in our homes. The first is on demand, such as when we enter a room and turn on the light, and the second is continuous demand, such as when we plug in the refrigerator and leave it plugged in for its … Continue reading

Oven Saving Strategies

With the warm weather coming, I am reluctant to use my oven. Not only because the heat of it will add to the warmth of the house when we don’t need it, but also because of the cost of the energy involved. With summer, our electric bills rise because of the need for air conditioning. Using the oven in a smart way, or finding alternatives is one way to balance out the extra summer energy cost. Using the Bread Machine If you have a decent bread machine, you may be able to use it for cooking items other than bread, … Continue reading

Extra Expenses of Caring for an Elderly Parent in Your Home

If you will be caring for an elderly parent in your home, you may need to budget for some extra expenses. Even if your parent has his or her own income to pay for items such as prescription medication, you still may have additional costs that creep up and raise your bills at the end of the month. Make sure to put a little extra aside in the following categories of your budget. Electricity With an extra person in your home, you may see an increase in your electric bill. Many elderly people can’t get around and tend to watch … Continue reading

Energy Price Increase Predicted

Now is the time to start thinking about energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, certain energy prices will rise in 2011. Be prepared by taking these steps to increase efficiency. The increases are said to be specifically in the areas of electricity and natural gas, so it is these areas that you can concentrate most upon in your energy savings strategy. Cooking with an oven can use lots of energy, whether it is with natural gas or electricity. Therefore you want to minimize wasteful sue of the oven. It takes a good amount of energy to heat … Continue reading

Paying Off Your Debt for the Summer

Whether you have a large mortgage payment or owe your best friend $50, paying off your debt can be satisfying, not only for your financial well being, but for your self esteem as well. But how can you pay off debt when you are overwhelmed? Summer is a great time to pay off some debt. Here are some tips. Go on lock down Stop adding to your debt and avoid spending money on anything new. Obviously, you will need food and shelter. Unless you are going around naked, new clothes are not a necessity. Stay home, cancel the gym membership … Continue reading

Green Hotels

You’ve heard of “green” homes but when was the last time you saw an ad for a “green” hotel? These days it seems as though more and more major hotel chains are jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon and designing “greener” buildings. According to hoteliers, the trend is still in its infancy, but some larger chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham are making strides by constructing new eco-friendly and energy-efficient hotels and making sure you know about it. For the hotels, going “green” is regarded as a win-win situation: Green properties gain customers who care about preserving the environment and … Continue reading