Tip #2 A simple way to save up to 15% on your total energy bill.

phantom energy use (power strips)

Take Advantage of Power Strips (or simply unplug appliances not in use)

According to the U.S. Department of Engergy

“Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched “off.” These “phantom loads” occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. Most phantom loads will increase the appliance’s energy consumption a few watt-hours. These loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.”

One of the newest technologies for power strips is being referred to as the Smart Strip. While the strip may at first glance appear the same as any ordinary power strip, the smart strip monitors the energy draw from a single appliance plugged into the special “Master outlet”  on the strip.  As soon as that appliance is turned off (e.g. a PC), all other appliances plugged into the strip have the power cut off to them (side stepping  the costly phantom energy draw).

March could be the best time to purchase these select products.

Every month brings new opportunities for saving money.  In March these are the items that you want to look for to be priced to sell.  Patience and timing are two powerful tools for ensuring that you get the best deal on your purchases.

• Winter coats & sporting goods (gear)
• Luggage
• Frozen food: (during National Frozen Food Month)
• Boats
• Humidifiers
• Mattresses
• Easter Crafts
• Cold Weather Accessories (mittens, scarves, gloves, hats)
• Wedding gifts
• Spring clothing
• Washers and Dryers
• Garden supplies
• Air Conditioners
• China

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Could you be paying more than you figured?

Most people don’t take the time to check their cash register receipt before they leave the store.  Folks tend to trust the computer scanning equipment and don’t give it a second thought.

As more and more news reports have revealed, mistakes made at the cash register are not at all uncommon.  Some areas of particular concern involve ringing up

• Produce – Since many produce items don’t contain bar codes to scan, it is easy for the clerk to enter in the wrong price.
• Sale and Clearance Items – Items on the clearance rack may ring up at full price at even though a clearance price sign is displayed on the shelf.
• Multiples of the same item – Clerks tends to grab one of the multiples and drag it across the scanner the several times until they believe the number of scans matches the number of items in your card.

Here are a few tips that might help

• Write down the shelf price of the sale and clearance items that you’re buying and compare the cash register receipt against the prices that you wrote down.
• Watch the clerk as they scan your items (especially if you’re buying multiples of the same item)
• Take a couple of minutes to double check the entire receipt before you leave the store.  If you find mistakes, point them out to the clerk or the staff at the customer service desk.

Rebates, Tax Credits & Financing for energy efficient purchases, etc.

The U.S. Department of Energy is offering some great rebates, tax credits and financing for consumers who choose energy efficient options.

For example, you may be able to get a 20% rebate on the purchase of an energy efficient appliance when you turn in your old energy hog.   So, this example alone could be a pretty good deal when you consider that you can save  on both the appliance purchase and your monthly power bills as well.

According to the Department of Energy:

Consumers can find financial assistance for energy efficient purchases and improvements in the form of tax credits, rebates, and energy-efficient financing.

Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Learn how you can take advantage of federal tax credits for your energy efficient purchases and improvements. For information on state and local tax credits, see State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances

Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances will be available from your state in late 2009 or early 2010. Find out how the program will work and how you can apply.

Energy-Efficient Mortgages and Financing

Learn about your options for energy-efficient financing programs, including mortgages to home improvement loans.

Can Extended Warranties extend your current bank balance?

Generally, we’re not big fans of paying  for extended warranties.  However there are times that they can make good economic sense.  So, here are a few things to consider before purchasing an extended warranty.

• Does it make dollar good sense?
  Take the purchased  price of item and divide it by the number of years that you expect to own it. Next determine the difference between the price that you pay for each extended warranty year you would pay for the warranty and multiply it by the number of years that you expect to own it.   Finally, do some number crunching using the information below:
  • Determine the length and coverage of the free warranty that came with the purchased item
  • Will this warranty fit your needs?  If not
    • Subtract  the number of years of coverage you have  under the free warranty to determine how many years of extended coverage you will want to buy to arrive at [A].
    • Take the annual dollar price for each year of extended warranty coverage and multiply that by the number of years of coverage you want (See A)  to arrive at [B].
    • Take the purchase price of the item and divide it by the years that you expect to own it past the free warranty coverage period  that came with the item (see A) to arrive at [C].
    • Determine the difference between B and C (above) and this will reveal if the extra coverage  makes sense.
    • If the difference between the above two calculated numbers reveals an annual warranty cost that is unacceptable to you, then you may want to consider skipping the extended warranty.
• You may already have free extended warranty coverage and not even know it!
  • Many credit cards automatically cover items purchased with that credit card.  Call up your credit card company and as if  you card is already equipped with this coverage.  If so for the details (preferably in writing).  Read the fine print to know how to jump through the hoops.
• Your automotive insurance company may offer you very reasonable prices on your automotive extended warranty (if you choose to purchase one).  That being said they have vehicle age and mileage requirements to qualify.  So, it couldn’t hurt to give your insurance company a ring.

• Automotive extended care warranties. Are they worth the cost?
  You really need to read and understand the fine print and limitations to these types of warranties.  Many sound good, but when you need it you could be very disappointed when you need to use it.  We would start by assuming that all auto warranties contain catches to them.  So, here are some of the question that you may want to ask before signing up:
  • What isn’t covered?
  • Are there any limits to coverage based on mileage and or age?
  • What do you have to do to file a claim?
  • On what basis can they deny your claim?
  • Will your rates go up in the future?
  • Is the warranty transferable to another owner?
  • Can you take your vehicle anywhere for the repair work (including the dealer)?
  • Are both parts and labor covered?
  • Is the drive train covered (engine and transmission)?
  • Are you able to stipulate factory replacement parts on your repair?
  • Are they highly rated by the Better Business Bureau and also from independent reviews that you can find on the internet?
• Some items that it may make since to purchase  extended warranties on:
  • Expensive electronics that can cost a bundle to repair (e.g.  laptop computers, hi-end televisions, hi-end printers, large appliances).   Home warranties can be handy to help you sell your home as well.