Winter is when utility bill balances head up for most people. For those using electric heat, saving on electricity will be critical, as the weather gets colder. There are several easy ways to trim that sky-high electric bills of course, and this article will lay them out for you.
Use Local Resources
Almost every utility company runs an energy savings program. They will send someone out to evaluate your energy usage and wastage and help you design a plan that will reduce your energy needs. With this plan, you might have to invest some money, but the final expenses will be lower since you will be using less electricity over time.
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Jane has a question that all of us have asked one time or another. How much car should we buy? Below is a brief introduction to her situation, and she needs your help.
My car [is] a Hyundai Elantra. I have had it for 11 years in August. I would like to buy a new car in about 5 years with cash. Up until now I have not been in a position to save money for this. I’d like a fun car and I like to drive stick shift. Currently, I do not have a particular car in mind. I have been [contemplating on] a good amount to save [for it].
My question to you and everyone is, “How much would you spend on a car?”
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The honest advice is difficult to hear, but it’s almost always the most useful.
For years, I was always a little too blunt. My mom told me that my brutal honesty affected my personal and professional relationships. It is a character flaw, and one that I’m still working on. It’s not that the advice is not genuine, but telling it exactly like it is can sometimes be disrespectful.
Giving the advice may make other’s faces cringe, but what about receiving genuine advice no matter how bad it sounds? Isn’t it appropriate to hear what others really think sometimes?
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Habits and actions greatly affect one’s wealth, but why listen to me talk about it when you can just see for yourself. Are we frugal or not? You be the judge.
Our Afternoon
1:30ish pm, at our apartment.
David: Let’s go look at houses today, honey.
Emma: Okay.
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As you know, the provisions from the Credit CARD Act are taking effect. Some of these changes definitely offer better protection, but it doesn’t mean that you can just ignore the letters that come through the mail. When it comes to credit cards, you will always need to read the fine print. Credit card issuers still have a lot of leeway, and you need to be on your guard. But good news first, let’s talk about the positive changes.
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Is personal finance a subject parents should “teach” their children?
With Sara’s imminent arrival, her upbringing is naturally a very hot topic these days. I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I’m already thinking about how we are going to share our values and money habits with her. On the finance side, I know that our biggest gift to her:
- is not a large inheritance but an environment that allows her to grow into a competent individual capable of generating her own income.
- is not just to lead by example but show her the mistakes too and the consequences of those actions.
- is not a bunch of parenting lectures but to show her the beauty of financial freedom.
This takes communication, care, the occasional embarrassment and most importantly, time. This is going to be a journey, but the effort required will most definitely be worth the troubles. I admit that I don’t have a completely comprehensive plan yet, but here are three approaches I will definitely pursue.
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