Archive for August, 2009
Saving Energy for Folks that are Home-Based
Working from home brings a lot benefits. It saves you from commute and dressing up everyday, it gives you tine for that extra minutes of sleep and it lets you work from your most convenient hours. But working from home it may also increase your energy bills - unless you carefully choose your office equipment and do some energy saving measures.
Buy energy efficient office equipment – computers, fax machines, scanners, printers, monitors and multifunction devices (scanner, copier, fax). Some ENERGY STAR office equipment can save as much as 90% of the standard energy consumption.
Most ENERGY STAR office equipments consume 50% less energy than standard ones. Aside from energy saving advantage, some office equipments reduce electromagnetic field emissions (for monitors), air-conditioning loads, and noise from transformers and fans.
An ENERGY STAR computer is 70% more energy efficient than computers without this designation. When left inactive, this computer shifts into a low-power mode, which only uses 15 watts of power or less.
Some office equipments that do not have to be turned on all the time should be shut down and unplugged because they still draw power when turned off.
Unplugging unused electronic devices is not limited to office equipments; unplug your television, VCRs, stereos, microwave oven, electric stove and other appliances when not in use.
Do not leave other appliances turned on while working. Avoid leaving unused appliances on “standby” mode.
Turn off the computer monitor if you are going for a break. Manually turn off your computer if you are leaving for an hour or more. Avoid using screensavers because they consume the same amount of energy as with normal computer use. Activating the computer’s sleep mode is also a better way to save energy.
Do not believe that office equipment should always be turned on because it will last longer. Practicing this belief may only result to higher electric bill.
On your next upgrade, consider buying a laptop as a computer replacement as they consume less energy than desktop computers.
When the battery chargers are not in use or if the batteries are fully charged, unplug the charger immediately.
Set up your home office where you can utilize the natural light to minimize the use of lamps and room lights.
If you are working at night, prefer task lights that consume less energy instead of using room lights. Close the drapes and shades of the windows to keep cold air out and save energy on heating the room.
If you are alone in the house, make sure that you lock all the doors and windows before working.
Set the thermostat of your cooling or heating system to a comfortable level. A digital thermostat can provide better electricity savings. Work where you can reduce the use of heating or cooling system and lights. Prefer a small room as an office rather than the entire living area. Always maintain your air conditioning system clean.
Make energy saving improvements to your home. Home energy saving improvements like insulation, repairing of crack and holes (on the windows, walls, ceiling, floors, attic and basement) and switching to compact fluorescent bulbs can bring down your electric bills.
Not only that, if you are planning to sell your home, making your home energy efficient is a good strategy.
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August 5th, 2009
Starting Young: Teaching Teens About Frugality
Parents mostly complain that teenagers do not listen to them. The opposite is true when it comes to advice regarding ‘money matters’. Teens actually welcome their parent’s input about their finances.
In the past few years, teenagers have earned billions of dollars with part-time and summer jobs.
Some have spent most of what they earned, while others saved most or even all of it for a big purchase, or for their college education.
Kids these days are becoming more and more aware of their family’s source of income and financial status. They apply these frugal money principles when they venture out on their own.
Thus, it becomes more of a parent’s responsibility to start “training” their teenage kids to use their money wisely.
Here are some ways on how you, as a parent, can teach your teens to save those hard-earned bucks:
1. Lead by example.
With your lifestyle, the children will see how you spend your money.
If they see you allotting a certain amount for a specific household need, they will eventually do the same when they get to earn their own keep.
2. Help your teens get a bank account.
Establishing a bank account under their name would give them an instant financial responsibility.
Sit down and explain to them how to manage their own account, and the “rewards” that they get once they save enough.
Their savings could go to their college tuition, or a big purchase like a car.
Additionally, it gives them a sense of accomplishment once they have saved up, with something concrete to show for it.
You may check out the special benefits that banks offer for teens who open their accounts at such an early age.
3. Construct a “spending plan”.
Once they hear the word ‘budget’, teens tend to cringe at the mere thought of having to restrict the spending of their money.
Instead, you and your teen son or daughter could build a “spending plan”. This would get them excited, and think of ways on how they can wisely spend their savings.
Also, have them list down their earnings versus their expenses.
Let them know the difference between the items that they need and the luxury items that they want, which they can actually do without.
4. Make a “mock” investment in the stock market.
Make them aware of the options that they have financially.
Casually introduce to them the business part of your daily newspapers and have them make “mock” investments for companies who manufactures products that they like.
Monitor the stocks together and this would give them another option of investing their money in the future.