How Green Technology Can Save You Money

Green technology is using tools and methods to do things that are environmentally friendly and that also conserves natural resources and the environment. Green technology does not damage or deplete the earth’s natural resources. Green technology is used so products can be re- used and recycled. It is an alternative source of technology that reduces fossil fuels and creates less damage to people, animals, and plants. Green technology also reduces the amount of waste and pollution that is created during the production and consumption of goods.

A large part of managing your finances is saving money. Using green technology is a great way to help you save money and save the environment. In some instances it may cost more money with the initial purchase but over time you will see the savings. Green technology can be used in all areas of our life – cooling, heating, driving, electricity, computers, and more. Here are 14 ways to save money using green technology.


1. Pay bills online. Pay your bills online which saves you money on stamp, envelopes, writing checks, late fees or convenience fees. It also helps you budget your money quickly and easily. You can also setup automatic bill payment through your bank.

2. Drive less. Use public transportation, car pool, ride a bicycle or walk. With the increasing price of gas this will save you lots of money. Consider moving closer to your employer or moving near a train station or metro station.

3. Showering. Install a low-flow shower head to save money on water consumption. Limit the time you take a shower to 10-15 minutes.

4. Hot Water Heater. Trade in your gas or electric hot water heater for a solar water heater. It uses the sun’s energy to preheat the water which can save 50-80% on your utility bill.

5. Water. Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Use a filter like Pur or Brita for your kitchen faucet or water pitcher. This way you are not paying twice for water (your water bill and drinking bottled water).

6. Lighting. Use fluorescent light bulbs for lighting which will help you save money on lighting. Also make sure you turn off the lights if you are out of a room for more than 20 minutes. Use night lights to light dim areas if needed.

7. Electricity. Unplug large appliances and electronic devices when not in use. Set your computer to standby or sleep mode when not in use. It takes more energy to restart your computer every time you turn it on it than it does to wake it up from sleep mode.

8. Recycled. Buy recycled products which usually cost 10-15% less than non-recycled products.

9. Power Strip It. Use power strips to plug in your appliances and electronic devices. Most energy is consumed when devices are turned off but not unplugged. To save money, turn the power strip switch to off when you are not using the devices.

10. Energy Star. Energy Star has been around for a long time but now it is even cheaper to use energy efficient products which use 70-80% less energy.

11. Insulate. Insulate your home, attic, windows and door to save money on heating and cooling.

12. Solar window film. Switch your plastic window film to solar window film to help keep you home cooler by reducing utility costs. The film prevents the sun’s rays from entering your home and reduces the need for air conditioning. This is most effective in areas where the temperatures don’t get too cold.

13. Recharge batteries. Buy rechargeable batteries to charge your electronic devices, toys, games and more. The electricity you use to recharge a battery is much cheaper than buying a 4 or 8 pack of batteries.

14. Re-manufactured Supplies. Buy re-manufactured supplies such as printer ink and toner cartridges from Office Depot which can cost up to 15% less.

Has America Lost Its Common Sense

Webster’s defines common sense as “sound practical sense, good judgment.” Waiting until the last minute to solve a problem is an example of not using common sense. Common sense is used in all aspects of one’s life including finances.

Unless you became sick, lost your job or received a reduction in pay and were previously able to pay your bills but then filed bankruptcy or foreclosed on your home, your lack of common sense prevented you from making good decisions managing your finances. Instead of filing for bankruptcy you could develop better spending habits which takes hard work and sacrifice. However, if you want something badly enough, you will do whatever it takes to accomplish it – this includes managing your finances, saving money and getting out of debt.

Many people work hard to try to get a handle on their finances but continue to be unsuccessful and in some cases repeatedly make the same poor decisions. It may seem like everyone is in debt or that everyone has bad spending habits, but that is just you trying to convince yourself that you behavior is normal. Well – it’s not. Being in debt and having bad credit is not normal.

You cannot do what everyone else does, even if they make the same amount of money as you do, live in the same neighborhood, send their kids to the same school and activities. Everyone’s situation is different and you can’t judge a book by its cover. Lack of financial common sense can cause you to:

1. Pay your bills late
2. Spend money you don’t have
3. Have no savings account
4. Don’t know how much debt you owe
5. Have bad credit
6. Buy basic necessities such as food and gas for your car with a credit card because you don’t have the cash
7. Get denied for credit
8. Hide from your creditors
9. Avoid paying your debt
10. Make a large purchase with upfront fees, hidden fees or unfavorable terms
11. Continue to apply for credit hoping that eventually a company will approve you

If you financial life is out of balance, your entire life will be out of balance. If you don’t think you have common sense, you can read books and read articles on how to develop your common sense. Common sense increases your confidence and self-esteem. Common sense can prevent you from buying a large flat screen television with your credit card and taking all year to pay it off.

Having financial common sense will cause you to:
1. Create a budget
2. Manage your money
3. Live below your means
4. Prevent you from buying something if you don’t have the cash to pay for it
5. Know how much debt you owe
6. Downsize or downgrade your lifestyle
7. Have a savings account
8. Have good credit or continuously work to improve your credit

Common sense is being able to think for yourself and being open-minded to different views and opinions. Financial common sense helps you to plan ahead which can be effective when using a budget or spending plan. Creating a budget makes you accountable for your spending.

Financial common sense also shows you more about yourself. If you spend money you don’t have, it shows your true character –what you believe in, what makes you happy, what you are good at, and what you are not good at. The lack of financial common sense can cause you to be an impulsive spender, have an emotional attachment to things, have the need to show everyone how much money you make or cause you to live in a fantasy land and live a lifestyle you truly cannot afford.

Financial common sense will minimize your chances of making bad financial decisions that will affect your future. Financial common sense can ensure you have an emergency savings fund and buy more needs versus wants. Financial common sense will help you to know how to get the most value for your money when making purchases. Financial common sense will help you to know how much you spend, how much you earn and how much you owe.

Last Minute Summer Energy Savers

Labor Day usually signals that summer is coming to an end. Temperatures start to drop and children are back in school getting homework assignments and writing reports. This summer however is a little different.

Temperatures are still in the 80-90's and appear to stay that way for the next few weeks which is not good news for homeowners and their electricity and cooling costs. Here are 8 quick tips to save money in the last few weeks of summer which can help offset some of the high energy bills we paid during this hot summer.

1. Appliances. Limit the use of the microwave. Purchase a portable grill such as the George Foreman grill or similar devices which reduces the amount of time it takes to cook food. Try drying clothes using full loads or air drying clothes to save money. Buy energy efficient appliances and light bulbs to save on energy costs. Wash clothes in warm or cold water and rinse in cold water.

2. Electronics. Turn off all electronics and appliances when not in use. If you have multiple televisions in your home this adds up in electricity costs when running them at the same time. If you are out of the room for more than 20 minutes turn off all electronics.

3. Computers. Turn off your computer when not in use or leave it in standby mode. Energy Star has free energy efficient programs for computers that will help reduce energy usage.

4. Oven cooking. Using the oven when it's hot outside will make it harder to keep your home cool. Try cooking on top of the oven to save money on electricity.

5. Thermostat. Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees F and keep it there. If you need additional cooling use a portable fan or ceiling fans. Don't place lamps, televisions or computers near your thermostat. The thermostat can sense the heating coming from the appliances and will run longer than necessary.

6. Lights. Don't turn lights on if your home gets natural sunlight. Keeping lights off also keeps your home cool. Turn lights on only when necessary.

7. Insulate. Seal any cracks or leaks around and inside your home and insulate your attic floor. Install storm windows to save on energy costs.

8. Refrigerator. Keep your refrigerator at 38 - 40 degrees F. Keep your freezer at 5 degrees F.