Going Green in 2009
Here are 10 things you can do to save money and the planet at the same time.
In the past few years, the environment has been all the rage – until the economy took its place as the No. 1 topic of interest. The good news? You don't have to prioritize the two. Rather, consider these tips for saving green – both the stuff in your pocketbook and the Earth.
Housing: Consider refinancing. With rates at historic lows it may be a good time to revisit this. Before embarking, ask yourself, How long do I plan to be in my current home? How much will I save each month, and how long will it take me to recover the closing costs? Then determine how many years you have been in your current loan. By going to a new 30-, 25- or 15-year loan you are resetting the mortgage clock. If refinancing makes sense in your situation, you could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
If you rent, consider moving to reduce your monthly rent. Landlords are always looking for good tenants – and there are great deals out there right now!
Gasoline: Trying to predict whether gas prices will go up or down from week to week right now might be too big a job for even Nostradamus. But if you know where to look, you can at least make sure you're paying the best price. To get the most up-to-date gasoline prices in your area, visit gasbuddy.com, gaspricewatch.com or fueleconomy.gov.
Utilities: Install fluorescent bulbs in areas where lights are kept on for long periods of time. They provide four times the light and last ten times longer. Your savings? $10 - $50 per year.
Keep the temperature setting on your hot water heater between 110 and 120 degrees to save about $20 - $40 annually.
By setting your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in the winter and no lower than 78 degrees in the summer, you could save $325 - $500 a year.
Food: With the high cost of food and household products, many smart consumers are clipping coupons. Websites like couponmom.com and coolsavings.com offer printable and online coupons. These sites also offer a selection of free samples and alert you to special promotions.
RX – prescription drugs: Prescriptions can be very expensive at the pharmacy. Purchase drugs at warehouse stores or buy in bulk online. You can save up to 50 percent.
Home Improvement Projects: Use the internet you can access your favorite home improvement store and realize substantial savings. With promotional offers and incentives you can receive savings and possibly save on shipping costs.
Insurance: Do some comparison shopping not only for car insurance, but also health and home coverage. Consider raising your deductible if you're in good health. Also some insurance companies are providing savings for individuals with good credit and clean driving records.
Clothing: Buying clothing on sale and off season can save you big. Discount chain stores also provide bargains – often on designer labels. With you busy schedules it may be difficult to remember when these sales occur. Consider developing a relationship with a salesperson at your favorite stores who will alert you to upcoming sales.
Entertainment: For those who enjoy theater performances consider "rush tickets." These tickets can be purchased right before the performance at a great discount. Movie fans can attend a less expensive matinee showing. Plus, do a little research online to find out when local attractions, such as museums or zoos, have discount days or free admission days.
Trying to predict whether gas prices will go up or down from week to week right now might be too big a job for even Nostradamus. But if you know where to look, you can at least make sure you're paying the best price.
