There are many ways to reduce energy costs. The following could well result in possibly a 30% reduction in your heating and cooling costs so it is definitely worthwhile considering these suggestions:

An HVAC system that is older than 10 years is probably not running very efficiently. You should consider updating to a more energy-efficient current unit.

Insulation should always be checked and added at the beginning of the fall season.

Be sure that you have closed off the space between the foundation and cladding. Many overlook this area and it has the potential to be very costly.

Confirm that you have vapor barriers underneath the crawl space and over insulation in the attic.

If you have old and poor fitting windows and doors, consider replacing them with today’s energy efficient products. If this expense is not realistic right now, consider sealing up all of the gaps with caulk and hanging very heavy insulated curtains or window shades as a temporary solution.

Check for drafts by electrical switches and outlets and use additional insulation if necessary to prevent cold air from entering the room.

Check weather stripping and replace any caulking that is no longer providing the required seal.

Consider Energy Star appliances if you can possibly afford to replace the existing ones. If this is not feasible, be certain that you only wash full loads of dishes and clothing.

Replace air filters regularly as dirty filters will cut down on efficiency.

Consider investing in a programmable thermostat which will automatically set the proper temperature and eliminate waste.

Today’s economic problems have caused many of us to suddenly realize that we have to change our priorities. Other countries have long said that Americans are pampered and spoiled. Maybe they have been right. Today, however, most of us have seen what is happening to our economy and have decided to tighten our belts and do without many of what we thought were necessities. Health insurance is definitely a necessity, but in other areas today, we have not become cheapskates, we are simply “in style” by saving money wherever the opportunity exists.

Many people have gone from shopping the “current fashions” in a store to perusing the “sale rack”. Saving money on something you really like is a fun experience. I just love when I feel as though I have gotten a great deal on something.

Many people are eating at less expensive restaurants and waiting for movies to come out on DVD’s as opposed to spending a great deal of money on movie theaters and popcorn. The current thought is that “cheap is chic”. Discussing great savings is the “in” thing to do. Grocery shoppers are using coupons in record numbers while many are purchasing store brands for additional savings. Buying in bulk at warehouse stores is definitely a cost saving move. Brown bag lunches are “in”, especially for professionals between 35 and 54.

A McDonald’s franchise owner of three stores recently stated his strategy for attracting more customers. In addition to company promotions, he decided to add bacon onto the $1.00 double cheeseburger and sell it for $1.69. His customers love it and his profits are higher than ever. This was definitely a good decision on the part of the franchise owner.

There is hundreds of cost saving measures that we can take to help us balance our budget. Look around and see what is available to help your family live better and save money at the same time. The opportunities are there, just keep searching and you will find what is right for your family.

There are many ways to save energy in your home and these are just a few ideas of things you can do. Remember, when saving energy, you are also saving money. This is definitely a win-win situation for every homeowner.

Allow nature to assist in energy savings as much as possible. Leave windows unobstructed so the natural warming sunlight can help to heat your home.

When heating a room, close doors and curtains so the heat remains in the intended area.

If you are not using specific heaters and vents, turn them off during this period of time.

If you are using a portable heater in your home, be sure to locate it far away from the windows.

If a fireplace is not in use, block it off so heat is not lost.

Heat should only be running in your home when absolutely necessary. A good investment is the purchase of automatic thermostats and heaters with timers. If you use them correctly, these have the potential to provide substantial savings.

Forego the electric blanket and just add an additional quilt or blanket to the bed for extra warmth.

Be certain that your home is fully insulated and be sure that you have draft excluders on all of the doors.

These are just a few tips that, if incorporated into your everyday life, can help save both energy and money.

Throughout the years, people have almost always rewarded themselves with a fabulous trip to an exotic place by using their frequent flyer miles. Many chose Europe or Hawaii as their destination, with others selecting the Orient, Africa, or any other place that they desired to visit. Some referred to these trips as “second honeymoons”, especially if they were experiencing marriage problems. Today, things have changed drastically.

It is just one more sign of the economic turmoil in our country that consumers are now using their frequent flyer miles for much more mundane trips. Traveling is being limited to necessary trips such as family emergencies or visiting relatives. Whereas, in the past these trips would have been paid for from family funds, there is no extra money available for many today, so the miles are enabling trips to be made.

Many are also using their miles because they see the value of their frequent flyer miles being diminished. Airlines are raising the number of miles for a trip or placing additional limitations on usage. They have shortened expiration times and consumers are reacting by using their miles now, rather than waiting to see what other changes may be made to these programs. Currently, using them can save money at a time when most of us are looking to save, plus provide free trips that will enable us to maintain family contact when needed.

If you are trying to prepare your home for the winter all by yourself because of marriage problems, here are a few tips to help you get ready for winter.

Consider testing for air tightness. When there is a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows and doors. If you find that the air stream is traveling horizontally, it may be necessary to add caulking or weather-stripping.

Be certain to check, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows if they are leaking air.

Check for air leaks where plumbing or electrical wiring penetrates exterior walls, ceilings, floors or soffits over cabinets.

Rubber gaskets may need to be installed behind outlet and switch plates when located on exterior walls.

If you locate dirty spots on your insulation, this often indicates holes where there are air leaks. Seal the holes by placing sheets of plastic over the holes and caulking the edges.

Consider storm windows over single-pane windows or replacement with double-pane windows. Storm windows, of course, would be less expensive.

Check the fireplace to make certain that the flue damper is tightly closed when the fireplace is not in use.

When all of the above has been accomplished, relax and enjoy a comfortable winter inside your home.