All Posts Tagged With: "save money"

10 Simple Ways to Go Green & Save Money

July 22nd, 2008 • Dean • 0 comments • Related • Filed Under •

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After a long period of thought, have you finally decided to go green and save the environment? But when you look at the options, you suddenly find that ways to environment friendliness are expensive. Are there ways to go green and save money at the same time? Indeed, there are several simple, yet powerful ways to achieve this goal.

1. Usable water is one of the most precious things on this planet. Judicious use of water goes a long way to protecting the environment and also serves to bring down your water bill. Simple steps like fixing pipe and faucet leaks, remembering to close taps tightly every time and not allowing the tap water to run continuously while brushing or lathering, etc… useful ways to save water.

2. Avoid using disposable razors and switch to safety razors. Apart from costing more, the plastic packing around disposable razors is a major threat to the environment. Also, disposable razors with all their extra packing take up more storage space in the house. Safety razors that require only replaceable blades are a more economical option. Multi-packs of razor blades come cheaply and with much less plastic wrapped around them.

3. As far as possible try to use energy efficient devices. For example switching from ordinary light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLBs can save an enormous amount of power and can serve to bring down your electricity bill quite drastically.

4. Another simple way to save the environment and save money is to cook food at home. People who eat at fast food joints not only damage the environment but also add to their monthly food bills. Buying groceries and vegetables from the store and then cooking your favorite dinner back home is the best option.

5. House insulation is an important contributor to unwarranted power consumption. In improperly insulted homes, both heating and cooling will take up more power compared to well-insulated homes. Having a correctly insulated home saves power and money.

6. As far as possible buy and use second-hand items. Furniture, toys, clothing and kitchenware are good examples of items that can be bought second-hand. This prolongs the journey of these items into the garbage bin. This option is both environment friendly as well as a great money saver.

7. Prudent use of your printer can go a long way to saving paper, ink and money. Before you choose to press the print button on your computer, please stop for a moment and think twice about the necessity of a hard-copy. And if you do decide to print out a document, try to use economy-mode. This saves paper, ink and makes sure that the cartridge doesn’t need refilling very often.

8. Stop buying bottled water.  Invest in a nice water bottle and it will pay for itself quickly.  Not buying bottled water means less plastic bottles and more money in your pocket.

9. Try to recycle items that are amenable to the process. This avoids garbage pile up and the need to buy new things very often.

10. Try to use a glass water bottle that be used again and again instead of using several disposable plastic water cups over the course of the day.

Got any more tips to go green while saving money?  Let me know.  Photo Credit

Attention UK readers

For all you UK readers looking for coupons I recommend checking out PromotionalCodes.org.uk.  Not only do they have tons of updated coupons and promotional codes, they also have a great blog going with money saving ideas and frugal hacks.  One of their popular coupons right now is their Comet  promotion code.  Please let me know if you can recommend any other great websites to share with our readers.

14 No-Brainer Things You Should Own to Save You Money

June 29th, 2008 • Dean • 2 comments • Related • Filed Under •

Many people find it very difficult to save money.  It is possible to save money and accumulate a nice nest egg.  There are tons of ways that you can save money. The following are 14 simple things you can buy that will save you money in the long run.  You can think of these things as investments and while you could invest your money is many other things the ROI of these items are pretty darn hard to beat.

1.  Programmable Thermostat - Manual thermostats cost homes more money than programmable thermostats. When a person wants to heat or cool a room, they usually adjust the thermostat temperature beyond the level they want in hopes of making the house cool or warm more quickly. A programmable thermostat can help save and pay for itself in a few months.

2. Faucet Aerator - Faucet aerators are small devices you can place on the faucets in your house. They reduce the water flow coming out of the faucet by about half. Using faucet aerators will save a typical family of four about 280 gallons of water a month and pay for themselves in less than a year.

3. Low Flow Shower Heads - Replacing regular shower heads with low-flow shower heads can reduce your hot-water consumption while showering by as much as 30%. If you use the shower an average of 30 minutes a day, will save you about $100 a year in twofold savings.  Check out Treehugger.com to learn more.

4. Compact Fluorescent Lights - Compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs cost more than regular incandescent light bulbs, but they use about 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones.

5. LED Lights - Light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights cost a bit more than standard holiday lights, but they use 80 - 90% less electricity than standard lights and last 5 times longer than standard lights. Because of the way they are made, they are also virtually indestructible.  In the next couple of years you will see LED light bulbs prices drop and they will soon the light bulb of choice.

6. Sale Items - Anything that you use on a regular basis that goes on sale is worth buying and stockpiling. Following this strategy should get you a from an instant 20% to 50% return on the money you spend.  Don’t go overboard, make sure you will be able to use the items you buy.  In fact most people could eat for a couple of weeks by just eating out of their freezer and pantry.

7. Rechargeable Batteries - Batteries can cost a small fortune, especially if you regularly use electronic equipment that are “high drain” devices. While initially more expensive than regular alkaline batteries, purchasing Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money in the long run.

8. Clothes Line or Clothes Rack - If you can line dry your clothes, purchasing a clothes line will save you more than $100 a year over using a dryer. Alternatively, purchasing a clothes rack or two for drying will save you the same amount. Most cost around $20 meaning that you will regain the cost in a few months.

9. Safe Deposit Box - This may not save you money on a yearly basis, but it will save you a lot of money if any type of accident, disaster or robbery takes place. It’ll save you a ton of grief in settling claims since you’ll have all the documentation to take care of anything that might arise.  I also recommend scanning and storing documents online.

10.  Water Filter - If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water and regularly buy bottled water, purchase a water filter to save you hundreds of dollars over time. A quality water filter will make your water just as pure as most bottled water and pay for itself within months in most cases.

11.  Water Bottle - If your going to buy a water filter be sure to buy a couple of water bottles.  You can buy a cheap one or spend the money and buy a quality water bottle.  If your worried about the BPA plastic there are now a bunch of stylish BPA water bottles available.

12. Tire Gauge - This cheap little gadget can save you a bunch especially with the gas prices today.  Next time you fill up gas check your tire pressure and fill them to the recommend psi.  Your return on investment in buying a tire gauge could justified in its first use.

13. Water Heater Timer - A water heater is a major energy consuming appliance.  Getting a timer will allow you to turn your water heater off and on only when you need it.  Get one today and you will notice a difference in your electricity bill.

14.  Ceiling Fan - If you use an air conditioner then getting a ceiling fan can keep you cool at a fraction of the price.  I also recommend Vornado fans for those that don’t want to install a ceiling fan.

For those of you looking to learn more on how to save money on your electricity bill check out this awesome site by Micheal Bluejay aka Mr. Electricity.

Photo Credit

10 Ways To Save Money In Las Vegas

January 25th, 2008 • Dean • 0 comments • Related • Filed Under •

Las Vegas Strip at Night
Las Vegas Strip at Night - Photo Credit

For most people a trip to Vegas is a once in a lifetime proposition. Face it, you are going to Vegas to gamble and have some fun. It doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg and with the following money saving tips you can now hit the card tables with a bigger bankroll.
 
1.    Plan ahead - Plan your trip in advance. Most of the major air carriers offer steep discounts on fares that are bought weeks in advance of departure.

2.    Book your room online - You can get a $500 room in Vegas for $50 if you do your homework. Casinos will offer cut rate prices on rooms, because they want you to gamble on their property and not elsewhere. A cheap room is an enticement to do so.

3.    Plan your meals - Prime rib, steak and lobster dinners can be enjoyed for $10. Check your in room coupons. When you are out on The Strip keep your eyes open for the neon marquees. Most resorts have buffet specials. A healthy meal can be found.  You might want to purchase a Las Vegas Entertainment Book before you leave for your vacation.

4.    Take the time share tour -  No, you don’t want to buy a time share but 1 ½ hours early in the morning won’t interrupt your vacation. This is the ideal place for free show tickets and free meals. If you do buy the time share you are at least guaranteed a free ride in a limo.

5.    Sign up for the players card - If you are a slots player sign up with your favourite casino. Plug your player card in the casino slots for that extra $20 you’ll have to play with. Sign up usually includes a free meal and discounts for Vegas attractions or shows.

6.    Free Wifi in Las Vegas - Need to go online? Save the $20 that most casinos charge for unreliable Internet use and use the free WiFi that is available at McCarran Airport while you wait for your flight connections or the limo to your casino. The Monorail is also WiFi friendly and is a great place to check your email as you ride in comfort from one end of The Strip to the other.

7.    Pack less -  You don’t need as much as you think in Vegas. Pack an extra bag instead and load up on souvenirs and clothing from the various outlet malls in town. Free shuttle service is provided.

8.    Know your destination - Vegas cab drivers have been known to take circuitous detours. You can save ½ your cab fare if you know where you are going and recommend your preferred route to your driver.

9.    Be seen - If you like to enjoy your drinks for free make sure that the hostesses can see you and don’t hop from card table to card table or from one slot machine to another. Tips will ensure that your hostess comes back with regularity, unless you prefer spending $14 for a Vodka and Red Bull.

10.    Wear comfortable shoes - While this won’t save you money, The Strip is longer than you think and comfortable footwear will make you less tense when you find your poker table. Happy feet can lead to peace of mind and is one less thing for you to think about at the card tables.
 
These tips can save you up to $3000 for a week in Vegas. You will have already saved up to $1500 by the time you leave home. That’s money you can take to the bank!

This article was written by a Mr. Cheap Stuff contributor, have a tip or article you would like to submit, please contact me.