I think it will be more expensive to heat my home this year, although not because of rising prices.
I live in a basement apartment in Virginia with central air and three above-ground walls. The upside of this is that I don't have to turn on my air conditioner once in the summer, even with multiple 100 degree days. It's always a pleasant 70 degrees.
In the winter, the temperature without heat drops to the 50s. The central air access panel is in front of the front door, which includes multiple windows and is drafty. No matter if I set-it-and-forget it at 70, 65 or 60 or turn it way down at night/when I'm not home and then turn it up to 65 or so, my bill costs $90 to $150 a month. Last year, I bought a space heater that I placed next to my desk, where I spend most of my time after work, in conjunction with central air on at a low level. That cut the bill down quite a bit, but I stopped wanting to shower because the bathroom was so, so cold no matter how many towels I wrapped myself in. The colder I am, the less likely I am to exercise or do anything but watch TV and eat.
This is my last year in this place. I've decided to buy some really warm pajamas that I can slip into once I come home. I'm going to run the space heater in the bathroom while I shower so showering isn't so miserable. I don't have any pipes that can freeze, so I'm only going to run the central air when I have guests or at a low level if it's completely unbearable. My cats have fur coats, so they'll be OK. And if I am too lazy to exercise, I'm going to shovel some snow or go walk around the mall.
I don't know if I can go as extreme as I want to, as I have a family and can't decide what my wife and kids think is important :) but I plan to rid my life of TONS of clutter before 2011! Thanks for the great tips
Excellent comments! I especially like the advice about calling Goodwill and Salvation Army after the sale to send a truck to pick up items. Good point also about the value of garage sales vs. increasing itemized deductions - I personally rent my home and don't itemize on taxes, but will keep that point in mind!
I have a new baby so my heating bill will definitely be higher. I normally leave the thermostat at 65 but am setting it a few degrees higher so she will be warm. I also heard we are expecting a super cold winter in the PNW. Bundle up!
Leaving a passport in a hotel room is bad idea. Always have it on your person. Do not think for a minute that a maid will not sell your passport for more than she makes in a year. Even the in-room safes are a bad idea. Others have a master key.
Leave a copy of the original at home that can be faxed to an embassy if needed.
In a number of countries that I travel to you must have your original passport on you at all times. A copy will get you in jail.
We are considering moving when our lease is up in July, and we plan to conduct the same exercise. It's amazing how much we value something when it's in our face every day, but we can go months or even years without using them.
Please review and edit your parent blog, "Make Money Blogging | A Guide for Beginners on How to Make Money Online", especially since you say that you direct so many people to it, like you've done in this article. There are a few mistakes in it.
I'm was in the third paragraph when I came across, "This post shares how I make how I make money blogging, as well as a collection of some of the best articles I’ve read on the topic of blogging."
I'm no grammarian or professional writer, but I figured that you wouldn't mind the assistance.
Great post. I'm a guy who buys used cars for cash, takes care of them, and drives them into the ground. Drove my 1992 camry from 2001-2009. Hoping my 2005 subaru will last just as long. Regular maintenance is key. It also helps to know or learn about your car. You can save more money by performing your own oil changes, and your belt, battery, and fluid replacements, etc. My father taught me some basics about cars, and I've got a regular mechanic who knows me and my car well, should I need serious work. Whenever possible, watch your mechanic work, or ask him to explain the issue/repair process. Every car has its quirks, so learn yours.
I totally agree about reading the fine prints. Oftentimes, they require a minimum monthly balance to receive the advertised rate. If you fall below, they'll not only charge you a fee, but also give you a much lower rate for that month.
There a couple of points about using it with beef in cooking. That really works. I was in South Africa a few years ago and had the most tender steak ever in a restaurant, when I asked the waiter whether the chef's marinade was a secret she told me that all she knew was that it contained coke. I thought is was a wind up, but have tried it myself a few times and it really does help!
If your physical appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken - say, maybe you lost a lot of weight, grew a goatee, or radically changed your hairstyle - be sure to take at least one additional form of identification since the difference in appearance can cause problems. I had a panic-stricken several minutes in Moscow customs a couple of years ago because of this!
Nice post. I love to declutter and organize, and I like to keep things very simple around our home.
By the way-I had to rent a public storage unit once for one month while moving (got it for $20 for that month), and while I was in the office of the storage unit, a man came in and paid his $100 or so. He was joking around with everyone, and finally told me that he had kept things in the same unit for TEN YEARS!!!!! You do the math....
Some good storage tips here. Egg containers also work well for storing those tiny trinkets, screws, nuts, bolts, small stationery items etc. When travelling, the inner rolls from paper towels come in very handy to store many items of lingerie or underwear inside.
Alternatively, store small underwear items inside shoes and other items. They fit in almost anywhere.
I predict a cold winter and prices of fuels will be on the increase, thereby making it an more expensive heating season. We have an outdoor woodstove, oil furnace and a woodstove in the basement.
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
- Theodore Roosevelt
I had totally given up owning a car myself as I find it unnecessary since I live in the city where there are lots of mode of transportation I can have. It does give me peace of mind by not having a problem on maintenance and parking wherever I go. Walking on short distances gives me the exercise I need. I guess changing lifestyle too will make it easy for you to give up your car.
Well that's just depressing. Whenever I really think about what probably goes on in the back of the kitchen, I don't want to eat out. However, I also love not having to cook once in awhile.
I never take those mints in a bowl either (the ones served with a spoon. You know that not everyone is using that spoon).
I'm an Apple Authorized computer dealer.
Here's the scoop on "Cheap Applecare":
Applecare sells wholesale at about a 30% discount off of retail. ONLY an APPLE authorized dealer can purchase the REAL Apple product, FROM Apple.
A dealer has the right to discount and sell at whatever price they choose, but if someone is selling at more than a 30% discount, that would be below dealer cost. This is suspect.
Ask if the seller is an Apple Authorized dealer, and get the business name.
Buying that way is the only SAFE way to go.
We are lucky to live in an apartment where heat is included, so I'm not too worried about staying warm at home. However, my office is FREEZING year-round (too much A/C in the summer and not enough heat in the winter). Everyone on my floor spends the winter wearing their coats and hats. I am a person who is naturally cold anyway, so the worst part of work every day is never getting warm enough. Last year was my first winter on the job and so I was under the delusion that if enough people complained they would turn up the heat. However, this has apparently been going on for several years, so this winter I will be spending more money to keep myself warm. I have invested in thermal underwear and convertible mittens/fingerless gloves, and will probably bring in a space heater and maybe a Snuggie if I'm brave enough. To me, it is worth the investment not to freeze 40 hours a week.
Romeo,
Careful on being a grammar officer, there! You, yourself, wrote:
"I'm was in the third paragraph..."
Tsk, tsk!
I think it will be more expensive to heat my home this year, although not because of rising prices.
I live in a basement apartment in Virginia with central air and three above-ground walls. The upside of this is that I don't have to turn on my air conditioner once in the summer, even with multiple 100 degree days. It's always a pleasant 70 degrees.
In the winter, the temperature without heat drops to the 50s. The central air access panel is in front of the front door, which includes multiple windows and is drafty. No matter if I set-it-and-forget it at 70, 65 or 60 or turn it way down at night/when I'm not home and then turn it up to 65 or so, my bill costs $90 to $150 a month. Last year, I bought a space heater that I placed next to my desk, where I spend most of my time after work, in conjunction with central air on at a low level. That cut the bill down quite a bit, but I stopped wanting to shower because the bathroom was so, so cold no matter how many towels I wrapped myself in. The colder I am, the less likely I am to exercise or do anything but watch TV and eat.
This is my last year in this place. I've decided to buy some really warm pajamas that I can slip into once I come home. I'm going to run the space heater in the bathroom while I shower so showering isn't so miserable. I don't have any pipes that can freeze, so I'm only going to run the central air when I have guests or at a low level if it's completely unbearable. My cats have fur coats, so they'll be OK. And if I am too lazy to exercise, I'm going to shovel some snow or go walk around the mall.
I don't know if I can go as extreme as I want to, as I have a family and can't decide what my wife and kids think is important :) but I plan to rid my life of TONS of clutter before 2011! Thanks for the great tips
Excellent comments! I especially like the advice about calling Goodwill and Salvation Army after the sale to send a truck to pick up items. Good point also about the value of garage sales vs. increasing itemized deductions - I personally rent my home and don't itemize on taxes, but will keep that point in mind!
I don't think it will be by very much, maybe $5 more per month at most.
I have a new baby so my heating bill will definitely be higher. I normally leave the thermostat at 65 but am setting it a few degrees higher so she will be warm. I also heard we are expecting a super cold winter in the PNW. Bundle up!
I tweeted this giveaway!
@railroadmommy
Instead of trying to repair your discs with gum or brasso cleaner - send them to www.wefixcds.com
It's a lot easier!!
Leaving a passport in a hotel room is bad idea. Always have it on your person. Do not think for a minute that a maid will not sell your passport for more than she makes in a year. Even the in-room safes are a bad idea. Others have a master key.
Leave a copy of the original at home that can be faxed to an embassy if needed.
In a number of countries that I travel to you must have your original passport on you at all times. A copy will get you in jail.
We are considering moving when our lease is up in July, and we plan to conduct the same exercise. It's amazing how much we value something when it's in our face every day, but we can go months or even years without using them.
Thanks for the reminder!
Craig,
Please review and edit your parent blog, "Make Money Blogging | A Guide for Beginners on How to Make Money Online", especially since you say that you direct so many people to it, like you've done in this article. There are a few mistakes in it.
I'm was in the third paragraph when I came across, "This post shares how I make how I make money blogging, as well as a collection of some of the best articles I’ve read on the topic of blogging."
I'm no grammarian or professional writer, but I figured that you wouldn't mind the assistance.
Romeo
Great post. I'm a guy who buys used cars for cash, takes care of them, and drives them into the ground. Drove my 1992 camry from 2001-2009. Hoping my 2005 subaru will last just as long. Regular maintenance is key. It also helps to know or learn about your car. You can save more money by performing your own oil changes, and your belt, battery, and fluid replacements, etc. My father taught me some basics about cars, and I've got a regular mechanic who knows me and my car well, should I need serious work. Whenever possible, watch your mechanic work, or ask him to explain the issue/repair process. Every car has its quirks, so learn yours.
I totally agree about reading the fine prints. Oftentimes, they require a minimum monthly balance to receive the advertised rate. If you fall below, they'll not only charge you a fee, but also give you a much lower rate for that month.
There a couple of points about using it with beef in cooking. That really works. I was in South Africa a few years ago and had the most tender steak ever in a restaurant, when I asked the waiter whether the chef's marinade was a secret she told me that all she knew was that it contained coke. I thought is was a wind up, but have tried it myself a few times and it really does help!
If your physical appearance has changed significantly since your passport photo was taken - say, maybe you lost a lot of weight, grew a goatee, or radically changed your hairstyle - be sure to take at least one additional form of identification since the difference in appearance can cause problems. I had a panic-stricken several minutes in Moscow customs a couple of years ago because of this!
Hello Little House!
Nice post. I love to declutter and organize, and I like to keep things very simple around our home.
By the way-I had to rent a public storage unit once for one month while moving (got it for $20 for that month), and while I was in the office of the storage unit, a man came in and paid his $100 or so. He was joking around with everyone, and finally told me that he had kept things in the same unit for TEN YEARS!!!!! You do the math....
Thats to generous on the maintenance:
If you own a honda or toyota, you can get away with a timing belt change after 75K... I waited till 100K on mine.
Oil changes every 5000 miles (7500 on some)... (3000 is just stupid on newer models)
windshield wipers when they start streaking
new Air filters when you cant pat the dirt out
Transmission fluid shouldn't be changed if you've never ever done it
Some good storage tips here. Egg containers also work well for storing those tiny trinkets, screws, nuts, bolts, small stationery items etc. When travelling, the inner rolls from paper towels come in very handy to store many items of lingerie or underwear inside.
Alternatively, store small underwear items inside shoes and other items. They fit in almost anywhere.
I predict a cold winter and prices of fuels will be on the increase, thereby making it an more expensive heating season. We have an outdoor woodstove, oil furnace and a woodstove in the basement.
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
- Theodore Roosevelt
I had totally given up owning a car myself as I find it unnecessary since I live in the city where there are lots of mode of transportation I can have. It does give me peace of mind by not having a problem on maintenance and parking wherever I go. Walking on short distances gives me the exercise I need. I guess changing lifestyle too will make it easy for you to give up your car.
Well that's just depressing. Whenever I really think about what probably goes on in the back of the kitchen, I don't want to eat out. However, I also love not having to cook once in awhile.
I never take those mints in a bowl either (the ones served with a spoon. You know that not everyone is using that spoon).
Oh my god,
I have few of the signs...
So I create some website to make my life fun..
haha
I'm an Apple Authorized computer dealer.
Here's the scoop on "Cheap Applecare":
Applecare sells wholesale at about a 30% discount off of retail. ONLY an APPLE authorized dealer can purchase the REAL Apple product, FROM Apple.
A dealer has the right to discount and sell at whatever price they choose, but if someone is selling at more than a 30% discount, that would be below dealer cost. This is suspect.
Ask if the seller is an Apple Authorized dealer, and get the business name.
Buying that way is the only SAFE way to go.
We are lucky to live in an apartment where heat is included, so I'm not too worried about staying warm at home. However, my office is FREEZING year-round (too much A/C in the summer and not enough heat in the winter). Everyone on my floor spends the winter wearing their coats and hats. I am a person who is naturally cold anyway, so the worst part of work every day is never getting warm enough. Last year was my first winter on the job and so I was under the delusion that if enough people complained they would turn up the heat. However, this has apparently been going on for several years, so this winter I will be spending more money to keep myself warm. I have invested in thermal underwear and convertible mittens/fingerless gloves, and will probably bring in a space heater and maybe a Snuggie if I'm brave enough. To me, it is worth the investment not to freeze 40 hours a week.