Smart Tips Tuesday

A penny saved is a penny earned.  You have probably heard them all.  So here is the meat of the issue….

GREAT WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR….  

1.  Use up to 60% less energy by boiling water in a microwave rather than on an electric stove.  When you use the stovetop make sure pots and pans fully cover the heating element.  A 6 “ pan on an 8” element translates to an energy waste of more than 40%.

2.  Improve freezer efficiency by keeping it as full as possible, with bags of ice, for instance.  But keep a 1” space on each side of the interior for better air exchange.

3.  By lowering your thermostat 1 degree you can cut your heating bill by 3%.  To feel more comfortable at lower temps, place pans of water near heating outlets.  Water filled air retains heat better and the added humidity reduces itchy dry skin.

4.  Save on a flush in an old toilet by putting a plastic bottle full of water, weighted with pebbles, in the tank

.

5.  Stop that dripping faucet.  Sixty drips a minute will waste about 6,428 gallons of water per year, according to the U S Geological Survey.  

6.  Save on printer ink by using the Century Gothic font, which a recent study showed consumes about a third less ink than industry-standard Arial.  That saves about $20 a year for a home user printing about 25 sheets a week.

7.  Sell your JUNK, but first get an idea what it’s really worth at www.itaggit.com an online “blue book” for pack rats and collectors.

8. Volunteer techies give free advice on common computer problems at www.fixya.com.

9.  Don’t DUMP….RECYCLE.  Join the local bulletin board at www.freecycle.org and post what you want to give away or something you are looking for.  No money changes hands, and your unwanted stuff won’t add to the landfill.

10.  DIY or hire someone?  You can get estimates of the difference in cost for a home improvement project at www.diyornot.com, as well as advice on whether you should go it alone. 

Article-99ways to Save-AARP