March 4, 2010
The Hot and Cold on Tankless Water Heaters 
Photo by Kevan Emmott
My neighbor installed a tankless water heater in his new house and loves to brag about how much money he's saving.
Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or demand water heaters, provide hot water only as needed; whereas traditional tank heaters electrically heat water at a consistent temperature to provide hot water on demand. A tankless heater uses a gas burner to heat the water, delivering a constant supply of hot water. As a result, you don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.
Think of it in this way: You don't leave your home furnace running while vacationing. You only keep the heating running when you need it. In the same way, you only use a tankless water heater when you need hot water.
The problem is ascertaining the exact payback, or return on investment, for the average tankless heater. Since my neighbor never paid energy costs in his new home to heat a standard water heater, he has no true standard of comparison.
Different tankless manufactures claim a wide range of savings, anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent. What many fail to figure in is the cost of exchanging out a tank heater for a tankless heater.
Consider the following nine factors and you may find yourself ready to go tankless.
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March 2, 2010
Cut The Overhead of Your Home Office 
Photo by jnyemb
I recently got some insider tips from I.T. expert Gregg Steiner, aka “Your Gadget Guru” on how to cut the overhead of my home office. They were so helpful I couldn’t resist passing them on….
iPhone for Less!
AT&T recently lowered the rate of their unlimited minutes/data plan from $130 to $100 – a savings of $360 per year! They aren’t publicizing this, so be sure to call AT&T and demand the reduced rate!
Face the Fax
At around $25 per month, I was paying about $300 per year just for my fax line! Gregg swears by an invention called a MagicJack. You just plug the little device into your computer and voila – an extra phone line with all the bells and whistles! At only $40 (including the first year of service) and $20 per year for service thereafter, you can save more than $250 per year just like…magic!
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February 5, 2010
Fix it or Nix It: A Guide to Repairing or Replacing Your Stuff 
Photo by ScallopHolden.com
We live in a consumer society that profits from disposability. Manufacturers and retailers know the sooner a product breaks or becomes outdated, the sooner consumers will replace it. This "planned obsolescence" is artificially inflated through intentionally shoddy products, while consumption is stimulated through commercial bombardment.
Some products may remain functional but become obsolete due to changing styles and preferences or improvements in newer products while others may have a short life expectancy, due to intensive use.
For example, cell phones become outdated almost the moment you buy them. On average, cell phones are broken, donated, traded-in, thrown away, recycled or otherwise replaced within the first 18 months. Every year, we add 130 million cell phones to the waste stream in the U.S. Not only is that a lot of toxic trash, it's a lot of money out of our pockets.
Electronic products are particularly susceptible to planned obsolescence: It's often far more expensive to repair a toaster, blender or washing machine than to replace it -- if you can even find someone willing to perform the repair. On the other hand, a properly installed roof made of quality products can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance. So how do you know whether to fix it or nix it? We offer the following guidelines to help you decide.
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January 15, 2010
40 Eco-Frugal Ways to Repurpose Household Items
Photo by turkeychik
Combine tight budgets and ecological mindedness and you've got the new Eco-Frugal Movement: Good for your pocketbook and good for the planet.
Repurposing -- a popular part of this movement --was actually a way of life for those raised during the Great Depression and World War II. It was simply second nature for the Greatest Generation to"repurpose" flour sacks as clothes and milk bottles as flower vases.
Now it's our turn to make this old idea new again. We've found 50 new and creative ways to reinvent stuff typically found in trashcans across the U.S.
1. Baby Food Jars
Dad stored screws, nails, anchors, etc. in empty baby-food jars long after his babies were off to college. The smaller jars also make great spice storage containers for those who buy in bulk.
2. Brown Paper Bags
Tightly twisted bags make good fire starters with more staying power than newspaper. Or slit, poke holes throughout and use to line your flower garden before adding mulch or potting soil to reduce weeds and serve as a natural mulch.
3. Butter/Margarine Wrappers
Empty wrappers allow you to grease baking pans without greasing up your fingers. Fold the wrappers up and store in the freezer for future use.
4. CDs
Use unwanted or promotional CDs as a glittering scarecrow in fruit trees and on corn stalks. Glue two discs together with shiny sides face out and string together through the middle hole as you would a wind chime. Hang and the shimmering reflections will scare off thieving birds and raccoons.
5. Cereal Boxes
Cover with brown paper to repurpose as shipping boxes. Or make desk organizers for your kids by cutting boxes with a utility knife at the desired angle and height. Wrap with decorative contact paper or leave as is for a funky look. Alternately, use to create sketchbooks for your kids. Cut off the top and bottom, punch holes with a 3-hole punch, add scrap paper (3-hole-punchedmis-fed printer paper) and tie together with a ribbon or string.
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January 13, 2010
5 Ways to Buy a Cell Phone Without a Plan 
Photo by kozumel
Cell phones fall out of pockets and purses, drop down toilets and generally get destroyed in innumerable ways. The problem then becomes replacing your phone at a reasonable price without having to extend or purchase an entirely new plan.
There's no way around it. Buying a new phone is going to be expensive because you won't receive the deep discounts offered when you sign up for a plan. Before you run out and sink money into a new phone, however, check with your provider to find out if your warranty covers replacement or reduction on the cost of a new phone. If not, ask if they offer free upgrades or rebates after you've had a plan for a certain period of time.
If you find no help there, here are five ways to purchase a new cell phone without buying a plan.
1. Buy an Unlocked Phone
Purchase an "unlocked" phone, meaning the SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module) isn't associated with one specific company. These free-agent phones are compatible with any network, allowing you to use it for which service you prefer.
2. Buy Online
You'll find unlocked cell phones on eBay, Amazon.com, Best Buy and other electronic stores.
3. Trade Up
If your phone still works and you just want an upgrade, check out TradeMyPhone, GreenPhone or CellTradeUSA to trade your working phone for another model. You'll have to pay to trade but often can find a better deal than purchasing elsewhere. You might also look on CraigsList to purchase from a private individual, but electronics purchased from this Web site come with no guarantees so buyer beware.
4. Shop Your Provider
All the major service providers sell phones independent of extending or purchasing a new plan. The problem is you're going to pay a high premium for these phones, often three times the cost at service initiation. The advantage is you can be certain the new phone will work with your preferred network. Note the large or bold price indicated for these phones refers to the cost of purchasing with a plan. Look under this price to ascertain how much you'll actually pay.
5. Try a Pre-Paid Phone
Pre-paid or pay-as-you-go phones are affordable and don't require a plan. You just purchase minutes as needed from a service provider. These phones offer all the benefits of a standard phone but the individual minutes are more expensive than with a plan.
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January 5, 2010
16 Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your Stuff
Photo by soopahgrover
Extending the life of your belongings is a sure-fire way to save money. If you're scrounging up cash for your kid's college education or your retirement, you really don't need to replace major or minor items regularly. Squeezing a few extra years out of the things you own saves not only money but the time you put into replacing these items.
Here are 16 tips on how to save your stuff while saving money.
ELECTRONICS
1. Cell phones: Buy a protective case if you tend to drop your phone.Otter Box sells top-quality hard, soft and waterproof cases for just about every device. Also, don't store cell phones in your car's glove compartment during the summer. Batteries can overheat and ruin the phone.
2. LCD TVs: Clean screens gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth or a microfiber cloth. Don't use window-cleaning agents or paper towels that can scratch screens.
3. CDs and DVDs: Discs generally don't require cleaning, but if they do, wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth, working from the center to the outer edge.
4. Laptop computers: Use only on hard, flat surfaces, rather than such soft surfaces as your couch, bed or carpet, to avoid blocking airflow and causing overheating.
5. Digital cameras: Always keep your camera on a strap to avoid dropping. Clean lenses gently with lens-cleaning liquid and a microfiber lens cloth, never a facial tissue.
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December 21, 2009
Frugal-Living Lessons Passed Down From Mom
Photo by Jo and Paul's pics
Mother was raised during the Great Depression and World War II, when economizing was considered both patriotic and smart. She lived frugally her entire life, never wasting so much as a piece of wax paper that could be re-used or re-purposed. That meant her kids wore a lot of hand-me-down clothing and carried re-used lunch bags to school. Our family of eight left very little garbage at the curb and dined on vegetables from Dad's post-victory garden.
The Greatest Generation's philosophy to "Make do or do without" is one we can all live by during this economic turnaround, not just because its cheaper but also because it's better for our environment. Here are the top seven lessons Mother left indelibly etched on my mind.
1. Garbage Stew: The sound of plates scraping leftovers into the trash drove my mother crazy. Every little scrap went into the freezer until she had enough for a savory soup or stew. Leftover bread and muffins also were tossed into the freezer, ready to be turned into turkey stuffing during the holidays.
2. Reduce, Re-use and Recycle: Mother was green before green was cool. Our kitchen drawers were stuffed with crinkly tin foil and washed plastic bags. We snipped buttons off clothes ready to become rags. Years later, I dug into Mother's button tin to create some unique earrings and necklaces.
3. Free entertainment: We never missed a free day at the museum or zoo and autumn always meant hikes in the country to admire the changing leaves. Story time at the library was a weekly treat and Christmas found us touring light displays throughout town. You can find plenty of free events through your local newspaper and Convention and Visitor Bureau.
4. Never buy books: I still find it difficult to shell out cash for a book that's readily available at the library. (Online hold systems allow card holders to place holds on desired books as soon as reviews are purchased...or earlier.) We had plenty of books throughout the house but most were purchased at second-hand stores or during the library's annual sale.
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November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving Decor on a Dime 
Photo by leshoward
According to the American Farm Bureau, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in 2009 is $42.91. Even though this is an average decrease of about 4% from last year, other costs can quickly eat up your holiday budget. Decorating is among the chief culprits.
Before you head off to Party City and dish out wads of tons for tacky, flimsy leaf plates and plastic orange tablecloths, you need some new direction for adding class to your meal at minimal cost.
1. Always buy generic fall decorations. Do you really to swap out Halloween and Thanksgiving for just three weeks? Indulge in the rich-colored, tawny decorations now while they're on sale and plan a fall scheme rather than two distinct holidays. Especially go for the mini pumpkins, gourds, and squash sold at the entrance to most grocery stores. They last forever and encompass the fall mood for cheap.
2. Buy butcher paper to use for table covers. Those pure white linens Mom passed down to you will only make you nervous as the family engorges on sweet potatoes and cranberry slop. Tape a simple layer of butcher paper, white or brown, to your table and invite your family to write what they are thankful for on it with fall-colored Crayons or metallic pens. Kids will especially enjoy the freedom to scribble on the meal table.
3. Find a teacher friend who is willing to die-cut leaves for you. Some scrapbook stores have a free die-cut machine, but the ones at schools are far more industrial--it only takes five minutes to cut leaves out of card stock, construction paper, or metallic paper. Lay the cut leaves along the middle of your table for a homemade runner with votives on top or use for place cards.
4. Bring the outdoors in. Gather a bowlful of colorful leaves from the front lawn and place corn, squash, acorns, and gourds inside the bowl for a natural centerpiece. Plants as simple as cattails buried in a vase of river stones will dress up the table with a decidedly fall flair. Better Homes and Gardens has a variety of outdoors-in decorations to spruce up any table.
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November 17, 2009
7 Tips to Organize a Thrifty Thanksgiving Meal 
Photo by LarimdaME
Is the big day at your place this year? Don't stress over grocery store anxiety. Thanksgiving meals can be organized for very little money if you're organized and begin early. Start collecting pantry goods now to plan for an inexpensive yet yummy dinner.
1. Look for free turkeys.
Thank goodness our November tradition hails a cheap bird as the centerpiece rather than medium rare sirloin steak. While intimidating to cook, turkeys are definitely cheap and you can choose from fryers, boneless, pre-cooked, and roaster varieties. Many grocery stores give out free turkeys with a minimum purchase of items you'll probably need for Thanksgiving dinner. Other stores will offer buy-one-get-one free birds, especially helpful for large gatherings.
2. Get an RSVP list and assign sides.
After 29 years of sharing Thanksgiving week with 45 relatives, we have narrowed our spreadsheet to an exact science. The whole point of Thanksgiving is hosting a potluck--think Native Americans and Pilgrims. Our family takes this practice to an extreme, assigning prep work and clean up duties in addition to bringing food, but it works and we have never left out a dish. This simple act of getting an attendance commitment from friends and family and inviting them to bring something will help reduce the load.
3. Avoid the box mixes.
Making your dishes from scratch will not only taste better but will usually save some money off your bill. Stuffing and canned yams are the worst. If you're in a bind and have to go with a stuffing box, Good Housekeeping recommends Stove Top Savory Herb Stuffing Mix ($2) and Arrowhead Mills Organic Cornbread Stuffing Mix ($3).
4. Shop now for canned goods and freezeables.
Consider this next week to be the Black Friday version of holiday food. Grocery stores are fighting for your Thanksgiving buck and have reduced canned green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, and pie crusts to an all-time low. They know that you'll spend enough in quantity to make up for the deep discounts. Go online to scour weekly grocery ads for the best deals, but beware the convenience food lure. Don't buy huge Thanksgiving food "kits" without comparing prices when purchased separately.
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November 12, 2009
12 Money-Saving Energy Tips for Renters 
Photo by mulmatsherm
Renters needn't depend on simply turning down the thermostat to reduce home-energy costs. Even though most energy-saving tips are written for homeowners, there are many ways renters can save money without making major home modifications.
Begin by talking with your landlord about winterizing older windows, installing a programmable thermostat and replacing furnace filters throughout the winter. Ask your county or city government if they offer free programs to install these and more energy-saving devices. Some offer free energy audits that can help convince your landlord to make upgrades.
As a renter, your priority is to reduce energy costs quickly and inexpensively. Here are 12 ways to save energy in your rental home.
1. Regularly change filters: Ask your landlord to inspect the furnace or air conditioning units and to clean or replace the air filters at least every three months. If he's unwilling to replace the filters, ask for permission to do so yourself. Changing filters is inexpensive and a huge energy saver, not to mention it reduces dust throughout the home.
2. Manage sun exposure: Keep window shades, blinds or curtains open during the day in winter to heat things up with sunlight. Close them in the evening to retain that heat.
In the summer, keep those same shades, blinds or curtains closed during the day to prevent sunlight from heating your home. Lightly colored materials make the most effective window covers in summer. Keep windows closed during the day when it's hot outside to prevent outside air from entering your home, then open them up on cool summer nights and use a window fan to blow in that cool air.
3. Adjust the thermostat: In winter, keep the thermostat set around 68 degrees F when home, and 60 degrees F at night or while out of the house. In summer, set the thermostat around 78 degrees F. You might use high-efficiency fans to help you be more comfortable during hot summer days.
If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, set the temperature even higher in summer and lower in winter. It doesn't take long to heat or cool your home back to your preferred temperature.
4. Install a programmable thermostat: If you don't have a programmable thermostat, talk to your landlord about installing one. A programmable thermostat allows you to program different temperatures at different times of the day, giving you greater control over energy use and comfort without having to remember to make manual changes. A programmable thermostat is particularly handy in winter, to warm things up before you get out of bed or return home in the evening. Most of these thermostats have a manual override, so you can make short-term adjustments on particularly hot or cold days.
5. Install low-flow faucets: Low-flow faucets save both water and water-heating costs when installed in both sinks and showers. Turning off the shower while you soap up also reduces the amount of hot water you'll use. Don't forget to save the standard faucets and take the low-flow faucets when you move.
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