If your family has started to rethink your travels because of fuel prices, you may be looking for ways to save a few dollars at the gas pump when you fill up your truck. And if purchasing a new, more fuel-efficient truck isn’t an option for your family, here are some ways you can save gas money now.
The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, but by making just a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save approximately $170 per year and help the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. From replacing inefficient appliances, to taking small steps at home to eliminate water waste, you can make a huge dent in your water usage and save some cash.
Part of the joy in planting beautiful flower beds and produce gardens each summer is in daydreaming about the outcome. Summer garden daydreams involve the anticipation of the blooming daisies, the splash of color added by waves of petunias, biting into juicy tomatoes and cooking up crisp green peppers or yellow squash.
Sprucing up outdoor spaces doesn’t have to cost a lot to create a big impact. Rather than buying new, consider refreshing or upgrading furnishings, equipment and features you already have. You will save some green and give new life to items that might otherwise wind up in the trash – and ultimately in the landfill. Here are some summer spruce-up ideas.
We all know what it means to save for a rainy day. But when it comes to sudden financial storms, few of us are really prepared. Unexpected loss of income can dampen even the best financial plan, as many have learned the hard way during the recent economic downturn. That’s why having adequate insurance coverage is so important to your family’s fiscal security.
The kids have been begging you for a tree house for months now and – let’s be honest – the idea of building a mini house up in the treetops appeals to your inner child. But now that you’ve decided to go forward, how do you get started on this project?
You know that where you live, what you drive and how you drive can affect how much you pay for auto insurance. But did you know that your credit score can also influence how much your insurance company charges you for coverage? Most vehicle insurers now use your credit score as one of many factors when determining your level of risk, and how much to charge you for insurance.
Most of us view our backyard as an extension of indoor living space where we can relax and entertain, where no harm will come to us, our children or our pets. However, from a practical and statistical standpoint, this is an incorrect assumption. Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to childproof your backyard.
Summer’s sizzling temperatures can make it difficult to keep your home comfortable, and even more difficult to keep up with the higher utility bills that often come with it. Yet even a few well-chosen improvements can make a big difference in home comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some ways to save on energy costs this season.
As temperatures rise this summer, so do the risks of droughts. Water shortages can be a threat to your home and community. That’s why it makes sense for Americans to conserve water as a matter of course. The best place to start is right in your own backyard.
Some 30 million Americans have experienced cellular bill shock, a surprise that comes along with receiving unexpected – and expensive – charges when it comes time to pay their monthly wireless bill. In addition to finding a provider that notifies its customers as they approach their monthly voice or data allotment, there are additional steps consumers can take to avoid bill shock.
The back-to-school season can become a very expensive time of year – especially if you have a child that grew several inches over the summer months. Add to new clothes all the school supplies and sporting equipment she’ll need if she decides to try out for a school team, and you’ve got yourself a full list.
What project can instantly update your home’s appeal and make it the shining star on the block? Landscaping can add value and curb appeal. Good landscaping doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. With the right plan and some creativity, you can easily be the envy of all your neighbors. Here are some great tips.
Many people believe they must have a traditional checking account for basic financial needs like paying bills, cashing checks and keeping finances balanced. The truth is there are alternatives to traditional checking accounts that can work just as well.
Ask an elementary or high school student what they want to do when they grow up and rarely do you hear the answer “accountant.” But increasingly it seems that the very profession that conjures visuals of the comic character “Dilbert” and his colleagues is one that offers staying power and opportunities for growth, given the right training and education.
Kids are heading back to school, tomato harvests have begun to dwindle and the leaves are starting to change color once again. Another hot summer is drawing to a close. This does not have to mean that thriving gardens must to fade into blissful memories. Even as temperatures start to drop, cold-weather crops can extend the harvest well into the fall months.
You get one chance to make a first impression. Make yours stand out and last longer with professional business cards, proposals and other printed materials that help define your business.
Summer is all about fun in the sun, but those warm days send many of us straight to the swimming pool. While splashing in the water or taking a few relaxing laps is the perfect way to cool down, it’s important to exercise some caution in and around your backyard pool.
If you don’t make $1 million a year, only own one modest home and are still driving the same car you bought six years ago, you might think you don’t need to engage in “estate planning.” But if you have anything that your heirs will inherit, you need to plan for how it will be managed and distributed. Here’s how to find a professional to guide you through the process.
Warm weather is perfect for entertaining outdoors. Creating a space that’s comfortable and stylish makes guests feel welcome for friendly gatherings. Here are some easy tips and tricks you can try at home.
Cool drinks. Barbecues. Relaxing. They’re all the makings of the perfect summer evening when enjoying time with family and friends. It’s the season when everyone is looking for ways to spend time outside – and with a little ingenuity, a bit of a green thumb and a knack for do-it-yourself projects, the backyard can easily become an outdoor oasis.
Long winters, hot summers, violent storms – the weather caused many headlines this past year. Meteorologists blame La Nina, which dumped record amounts of rain, sleet and snow across the country. That’s not all La Nina is responsible for – it’s also creating the perfect environment for unwelcome insects.
Many of us know someone – a co-worker, relative or neighbor – who has been affected by the recession. Unfortunately, lost jobs haven’t been the only casualty during these tough economic times. In fact, new results from The Commonwealth Fund’s Biennial Health Insurance Survey reveal that 9 million Americans lost their health insurance during the past two years on account of losing their jobs. According to the survey, this data suggests that nearly 52 million American adults were uninsured at some point during 2010.
Many of us experienced damage caused by last winter’s ice dams. Were you concerned about snow and ice buildup on your roof? With the warm weather, this could be the last thing you may be thinking about. However, being prepared for the those nasty cold surprises and taking care of the preventative roof maintenance when it’s warm is a better alternative than having to make an emergency repair outside during cold or extreme weather.
Insects are the worst kind of unwanted guests. Nearly all of us have experienced the horror of finding roaches in the kitchen or fleas on the family pet. Learning more about these common critters, and how to prevent them from invading the yard and home, will help bring peace of mind to the entire family.
More homeowners are seeking function and efficiency from their outdoor living spaces, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Demand is growing to make outdoor spaces unique and usable year-round. Experts say one of the first ways to create this personal year-round oasis, is by bringing the indoors outside.
Getting out on a nice day and giving your lawn a fresh cut can be a peaceful and rewarding experience. But when mowing your lawn begins to cut into your free time, it becomes less of a joy and more of a chore. The good news is there are ways to decrease the time you spend mowing.
It’s not hard to get people to come to an outdoor gathering on a warm summer’s evening, and it should be just as easy to pull together a memorable affair. To make the most of your time and budget, look for low-maintenance solutions that you can use throughout the season – and in summers yet to come. From the dishes you serve to the way you decorate, the less work you have to do, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the time with your guests.
This summer, take steps to ensure your gardening experience is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Here are some ideas for avoiding injury and irritating existing conditions while gardening.
Making your home a safe haven for your family – no matter how big or small, young or old – should be a top priority. Luckily, updating your home safety doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Instead of viewing it as one big project, break it up into several smaller projects. Within seven days your home will be safe, sound and secure.
