Summer saving tips

Summer time is one of the happiest seasons of the year. This is the perfect time to get a week of vacation from work, go to the beach and enjoy time with friends and family. As summer could mean happy times, it could also mean more expenses as you spend for family getaways and as electric bills go up due to more people staying in the house and using electric appliances. To help you save money during summer time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Turn off unnecessary household appliances

Be cautious on what appliances kids use. Turn of unnecessary appliances that might just add up to your bill. Turning off the air conditioning during a cold night is one of the helpful things to practice.

2. Let the kids try a summer business

Instead of allowing your kids to just spend more of their money during summer, you can even teach them how to be thrifty and run a summer business. They can try setting up a Lemonade stand or have a garage sale of their old clothes and toys. This way, the kids learn to value money and spend little or just enough for their needs.

3. Save on groceries

Grocery shopping, combined with the money we spend "eating out," makes up a huge portion of our monthly expenses. In order to save more money during summer, you must learn how to save money on your groceries. Choosing less expensive drinks, avoiding single-serving snacks and being realistic about the amount of food you need are some helpful ways to save you some bucks on your groceries.

4. Avoid credit cards

Using your credit card means borrowing money from the bank that issued the card. And since credit cards often have high spending limits, it encourages cardholders to spend more and more money based on their credit limit. This therefore leads to uncontrollable spending. It is more helpful then to use a prepaid debit card or a prepaid money card when making purchases as these types of cards have credit limits based on the amount of money that the cardholder has from their own bank account. This helps the cardholder think twice before spending as he knows the money will be deducted from his own savings account.

Saving money during the summer season does not mean though that you have to spoil your happy times with your family. With careful planning, budgeting and following these simple tips from reassessing your groceries to choosing prepaid debit cards over credit cards will surely help you save more money that you can use for your family"™s future needs.

Courtesy of BPT

Summer saving tips

Summer time is one of the happiest seasons of the year. This is the perfect time to get a week of vacation from work, go to the beach and enjoy time with friends and family. As summer could mean happy times, it could also mean more expenses as you spend for family getaways and as electric bills go up due to more people staying in the house and using electric appliances. To help you save money during summer time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Turn off unnecessary household appliances

Be cautious on what appliances kids use. Turn of unnecessary appliances that might just add up to your bill. Turning off the air conditioning during a cold night is one of the helpful things to practice.

2. Let the kids try a summer business

Instead of allowing your kids to just spend more of their money during summer, you can even teach them how to be thrifty and run a summer business. They can try setting up a Lemonade stand or have a garage sale of their old clothes and toys. This way, the kids learn to value money and spend little or just enough for their needs.

3. Save on groceries

Grocery shopping, combined with the money we spend "eating out," makes up a huge portion of our monthly expenses. In order to save more money during summer, you must learn how to save money on your groceries. Choosing less expensive drinks, avoiding single-serving snacks and being realistic about the amount of food you need are some helpful ways to save you some bucks on your groceries.

4. Avoid credit cards

Using your credit card means borrowing money from the bank that issued the card. And since credit cards often have high spending limits, it encourages cardholders to spend more and more money based on their credit limit. This therefore leads to uncontrollable spending. It is more helpful then to use a prepaid debit card or a prepaid money card when making purchases as these types of cards have credit limits based on the amount of money that the cardholder has from their own bank account. This helps the cardholder think twice before spending as he knows the money will be deducted from his own savings account.

Saving money during the summer season does not mean though that you have to spoil your happy times with your family. With careful planning, budgeting and following these simple tips from reassessing your groceries to choosing prepaid debit cards over credit cards will surely help you save more money that you can use for your family"™s future needs.

Courtesy of BPT

What to look for when buying a zero-turn mower

Ever wonder how those lawn-care guys get so much done in a day? They use zero-turn radius mowers that can significantly trim the time and effort involved in cutting grass. If you have a large yard to cut, a zero-turn mower can make your task quicker and easier.

These mowers offer the ability to cut tight contours, meaning less time on foot with a hand trimmer or push mower. They also offer improved visibility and faster cutting speeds, so you can spend less time maintaining the lawn and more time enjoying it.

Like any other investment, a zero-turn riding mower can be a great asset if you take the time to learn as much as you can before you buy. The lawn-mowing experts at Toro offer some tips on what to look for when you're ready to buy:

* Durability - Overall sturdiness of the frame and deck construction are key elements of durability. Comparing specs on steel frame design and dimension, the gauge of the steel (the lower the gauge, the thicker the material) and protection surrounding the rear-mounted engine can give you a good idea of overall durability.

* Deck construction - Is the deck stamped? Commercial zero-turn mowers typically have decks made of several pieces of continuously welded heavy-gauge steel, while residential mowers have decks of lighter-gauge steel stamped in a press. For homeowners, stamped decks will be more than adequate, but for properties with rough terrain they may be less durable than the welded decks found on most professional mowers. Welded decks appear on commercial-grade products and are constructed to stand up to more rugged daily use. Also look to see if the mower has small wheels designed to raise the deck over uneven terrain to protect the lawn from getting cut too short, or scalped. How many gauge wheels does the deck have, and are they adjustable to accommodate different cutting heights?

* Engine design - Zero-turn mowers at the lower end of the pricing spectrum may come equipped with a single-cylinder engine. Twin-cylinder OHV engines are becoming more prevalent, and are widely used on commercial grade zero-turn-radius mowers. These engines are more powerful and run smoother.

* Easy-to-adjust cutting height - Adjusting the cutting height on the mower should be easy and fast. Look for a foot assist, if you want the extra leverage, in addition to a hand lever, to quickly raise the deck for short periods, such as when you're mowing over an exposed tree root.

* Wider tires - Look for a mower with wider tires, which distribute the machine's weight over a large area and are easier on the grass. They also provide improved traction. Opt for more durable four-ply-rated tires.

* Comfort - Granted, you'll spend less time riding your zero-turn mower than you would a lawn tractor, but comfort is still key. You will be leaning back against the seat instead of leaning over a steering wheel, so back support is an important consideration. Is the control panel easy to see and reach from the seat? When all the controls are on the same side, it makes operation easier.

* User friendly - Are you a novice or an expert operator? Some zero-turn mowers allow you to adjust your mowing speed to match your level of comfort and control. Choosing the "high mode" gives you maximum speed for mowing flat, open spaces in your yard. The "low mode" allows for enhanced maneuverability when cutting around trees, landscaping, or other tight spaces.

* Price - Zero-turn mowers range in price from just less than $2,500 to a little more than $6,000 for residential versions, and more for commercial ones. While it's possible to get a quality zero-turn at the lower end of the price range, keep in mind riding mowers at higher range of the spectrum usually come equipped with more features and added durability.

Finally, while zero-turn mowers can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort involved in caring for a large acreage, you'll still need to follow appropriate lawn mower safety practices. To learn more about lawn mowing and zero-turn mowers, visit www.toro.com.

Courtesy of BPT

Is kitchen remodeling cost-effective?

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? In either case, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future, however, andnbsp;if you are planning to stay in the home, your choices can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can also install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. Buying appliances that are more energy efficient is a great investment and you will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home.andnbsp;

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances, and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget, and you'll be left with the feeling that it was money well spent.

by: Leonard Simmons
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7310.shtmlandnbsp;

Bathroom remodeling ideas: From small to total overhaul

Ready to give your bathroom a face-lift, but can't decide what changes to make? From tubs to toilets to tile, the sky is the limit when it comes to bathroom renovations, even if budget is not.

Whether you are planning some small do-it-yourself changes, or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for bathroom remodeling that will help you build the smart, stylish, and functional bathroom of your dreams.

Start living large
Feeling crowded in a small bathroom? For a small-budget fix-up, replace your old space-wasting vanity with a smart open-design style that maximizes storage, while visually opening up the room.andnbsp;andnbsp;If your project is major and you are opening the walls, replace your floor-mounted toilet in favor of a wall-mounted toilet, such as Porcher Solutions Dual Flush toilet, which stows the water tank behind the wall. The Porcher Solutions toilet is water-wise, as well as space-savvy, and the EverClean surface inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.

Focus on your faucet
If you have a small budget, making a simple change like updating a bathroom faucet and accessories can still have a dramatic impact on the style of the room. Faucets with the Speed Connect drain can be installed in minutes, and reflect any decor choice, from traditional to minimalist in popular finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome. Change light fixtures and drawer pulls to match your faucet, splurge on some updated colors for towels and rugs and you have a beautiful before-and-after makeover of your very own.

Think accessible
A bathroom remodel is a great time to invest in fixtures that will allow you and your loved ones to remain independent in your home through illness, aging or other unforeseen events. The best products also work great and feel terrific in the here and now. A taller, Right Height toilet is a luxurious comfort. If you rarely use your bathtub, it can be easily replaced with an acrylic seated-safety shower unit that simply slides into your existing tub recess. Optional acrylic surrounds are easy to install and easy to keep clean, while the integral seat provides a safe option for both bathing and shaving.

Go green to save green
The cost of water will be rising, so get ahead of the curve by choosing toilets, faucets and showerheads that carry the EPA's WaterSense certification label. The label assures that you won't be sacrificing performance. Visit www.responsiblebathroom.com for a wide range of WaterSense-certified products and a handy calculator so you can watch your water, and money, savings add up.

Courtesy of BPT

Five tips for conserving water during warm-weather months

Water and the summer months tend to go hand-in-hand - water skiing or fishing at a lake, taking a dip in a swimming pool and watering home-grown plants with a garden hose are among the season's most popular activities. Recent summers have also been some of the driest on record, prompting grass fires, drastically low lake levels and water utilities having to implement water restrictions on their customers.andnbsp;
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The National Weather Service has predicted that states from Georgia to Texas to California and even the Hawaiian islands will see drought conditions this summer. In addition to local droughts, water scarcity is a global issue. According to the United Nations' Water for Life campaign, around 1.2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world's population, live in parts of the world where access to clean water sources is extremely difficult. Additionally, water around the world is unevenly distributed, taken for granted and wasted, polluted or unsustainably managed.andnbsp;
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"Water scarcity and access to clean water are issues in the U.S. and around the world, but the good news is that we can all make a positive difference when it comes to saving water," says Caitlin Feehan, environmental engineer with MWH Global, a water-focused engineering consulting firm. "While climate change, population growth and tendency to waste resources are impacting the world's water, there are small steps each of us can take to conserve water every day."
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So how can you positively impact water usage inside and outside your home? Here are five simple tips for the summer months:
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* Start with smart landscaping decisions. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting - longer grass shades the root systems and holds moisture in soil better than shorter grass. Also, consider composting kitchen scraps, lawn clippings and garden waste to retain more water, reduce erosion and even decrease weed growth.
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* Water your yard responsibly. When summer temperatures heat up, water your lawn in the mornings to reduce water loss from evaporation. You can also set your sprinklers to a lower pressure. Why? Higher pressure creates a fine mist that evaporates faster or will blow away, thus wasting water.
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* Start your day by showering with a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads limit the water flow to around three gallons per minute as compared to twice that for a normal showerhead. Pick one up at a local home improvement or hardware store. If you're remodeling a bathroom, you can look at other water- and energy-saving gadgets like tank-less water heaters or low-volume flush toilets.
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* Reduce the amount of water that runs down drains. It's estimated that 95 percent of water that flows through a home runs down the drain, but simple steps like turning off the running water while brushing teeth or washing hands until it's time to rinse decreases water waste. Consider collecting some of this water when there may be another use for it, such as watering a plant. Also, rather than running cold water from the tap until it's cold enough to quench your summer thirst, refill and store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.
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* Save water and energy in the laundry room. Reduce water waste by running a washer only when it's full. Using cold water also reduces the amount of energy used and conserves hot water for other household needs that require it. Need a new washer? According to ENERGY STAR, the average American family washes almost 300 loads of laundry each year, but can significantly reduce energy and water usage by purchasing ENERGY STAR-qualified products. For example, a full-sized ENERGY STAR qualified washer uses 14 gallons of water per load, nearly 50 percent less water than a standard machine.andnbsp;
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"Summer is the perfect time to evaluate how we use water as part of our daily routine," says Feehan. "Water is our planet's most precious resource that we can all conserve for future generations by taking smart, simple steps today."andnbsp;
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For more information on water savings tips this summer and information on incentives or rebates in your area, check with your local water utility.

Courtesy of BPT

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Squeeze more savings out of the gas pump this summer

With gas prices on an eternal upswing and the summer driving season in full force, drivers are looking for ways to alleviate the pain at the pump. Some simple steps can make a big difference in your fuel economy so you can save money and get the most out of every gallon.

Start with the type of tire you have, for example. Thanks to a mix of Mother Nature and clever eco-technology, there's a new tire that uses the oil from orange peels to create a special rubber compound that makes it more fuel efficient and last longer.

"The mixture of orange oil and rubber in our new AVID Ascend improves grip and treadlife without giving up other gas-saving properties like low rolling resistance," says Pat Keating, manager of technical engineering for Yokohama Tire Corporation, maker of a variety of truck and car tires. "Orange oil, a sustainable resource, is the differentiator."
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Keating explains that low rolling resistance (LRR) tires improve fuel efficiency because they provide less friction as the tire rolls down the road. Less energy is wasted, which is good for eco-conscious and budget-wary consumers who want to maximize their mileage.

"Studies show driving on LRR tires alone can save about $100 annually on gas. Add orange oil and the savings go even higher. It makes the Ascend about 20 percent more energy efficient than a standard touring tire - that means hundreds of dollars in fuel savings over the life of the tire."
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Thanks to the presence of orange oil in the manufacturing process, fuel efficiency is achieved as well as long life. How long? Up to 85,000 miles in the case of the Ascend so drivers can keep driving on this season. But consumers can also save money by simply driving smarter and checking/maintaining their tires regularly. Here are some of Keating's money-saving tips:
* Keep your tires properly inflated. Once a month, when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven), check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage.
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* Slow down. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph. Driving 55 mph instead of 75 mph can reduce fuel cost by 25 percent. Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can save 13 percent.
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* Turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than a couple of minutes. Fuel efficiency savings of up to 19 percent are possible by not letting your engine idle too long while stationary.
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* Taking off from a stoplight like a drag racer and then slamming on the brakes to stop consumes gas at a faster rate. Accelerating less and slowing moderately can increase fuel efficiency by more than 30 percent. Also, many traffic lights are timed for efficient traffic flow, so you'll hit more green lights in a row by maintaining the speed limit.
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* Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. An easy test: place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.
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* Tires should be rotated at least every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and the alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can cause the car to scrub, which lowers mileage and causes unnecessary tire wear.
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For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com or www.rma.org.andnbsp;

Courtesy of BPT

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