Archive for January, 2012

Ways to Cut Back Your Home Bills

When Changing a Lightbulb Just Isn't Enough: 150 Ways to Slash Your Household Bills & Save Energy, Too (Popular Mechanics)
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Retail Price: $14.95
Amazon Price: $5.88
Your housing cost makes up a large portion of your monthly budget, but it doesn’t have to be as much as you usually spend. In addition to your rent or mortgage payment, insurance and taxes, you have utility bills that add up to a significant chunk of cash each month. Cut these bills in several ways to save money.

Lower Heating Costs

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 45 percent of energy used in the average home over the course of a year goes toward heating the home. Turning down your thermostat by just a couple of degrees and wearing another layer of clothes in the winter can significantly decrease the costs. In addition, install a programmable thermostat, so you can automatically lower the heat overnight and during the hours you are out of the house. Have it come on automatically right before you wake up or arrive home…. Read more »

Posted in Personal Finance | 1 Comment

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
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Retail Price: $24.95
Amazon Price: $16.09
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous due to the fact that motorcycles only have two wheels and must be balanced or you’ll fall over. You are subject to changing weather conditions while on a motorcycle, and if you’re in an accident you stand a substantially better chance of being injured than if you were in a four-wheeled vehicle. That doesn’t mean you can’t be safe while on your bike, but you must exercise caution. Here are a few motorcycle safety tips you should follow every time you ride.

Wear a Helmet

Although it’s not mandatory in some states, wearing a helmet is encouraged for safety purposes while riding a motorcycle. Some riders feel that having a helmet on their head diminishes their ability to be at one with nature. They feel that a helmet keeps out important noises, such as a vehicle blowing their horn or the approach of a… Read more »

Posted in Automotive | 1 Comment

Apartment Hunting Tips for Those Who are Just Starting Out

200 Outstanding Apartment Ideas (200 Home Ideas)
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Retail Price: $39.95
Amazon Price: $27.27
For people just starting out or for those who simply don’t want to own a home, living in an apartment is often a good choice. You could rent a house, but then you would still have to mow the lawn and shovel the walk in winter. Apartment dwellers don’t have to worry about such things. Instead they can concentrate on other facets of their lives. Just like buying a home, renting an apartment is more involved than simply signing a lease—you need to find just the right one. Here are a few apartment hunting tips.

Stay Within Your Budget

The all important issue when looking for a place to live, at least as far as most people are concerned, is how much it’s going to cost. If you’re like the majority of people, you have a limited budget, especially if you’re just starting out in the workforce or… Read more »

Posted in Home | 1 Comment

How to Save Money on Gas

Clark Howard's Living Large in Lean Times: 250+ Ways to Buy Smarter, Spend Smarter, and Save Money
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Retail Price: $18.00
Amazon Price: $3.35
Driving a car is the primary means of transportation for the majority of us. Whether we drive to get to work or simply to take a relaxing drive on the weekend, an automobile is something we don’t want to be without. However, it costs money to operate a vehicle. With gas prices in a continual state of flux, you never know when filling the tank is going to take a larger chunk of your weekly paycheck than you’ve budgeted for. These tips can help you save money on gas each week.

Drive Slower

A proven method of saving on fuel expenses is to drive slower. Gasoline engines are designed to perform smoother at slower speeds, and they’re also more fuel-efficient when you reduce your speed and drive at or below the posted speed limit. The number of miles per gallon your car gets depends a lot on operating… Read more »

Posted in Automotive | No Comments

7 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Treatment Alzheimer's Prevention: A Patient and Family Guide, 2012 Edition
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Retail Price: $19.95
Amazon Price: $14.98
Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. It affects everyone from the person who actually has it to their extended family. It can be excruciating to watch someone go from a vital, active person to not recognizing other people or remembering how to do routine chores. Alzheimer’s patients need loving affection and continuous care. Dealing with the disease can be hard for the patient, as well as for their caregivers. You should see a doctor if you suspect that you or someone you know is showing signs of the disease. Here are seven signs of Alzheimer’s disease to watch for.

Memory Loss

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is loss of memory. Almost everyone goes through some form of memory loss as they age. It’s not unusual to have lapses in memory at various times. It is part of the aging process, which can make diagnosing Alzheimer’s difficult…. Read more »

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

Tips for Choosing an Area Rug

Home Dynamix Catalina 4473-450 Black 5-Feet 3-Inch by 7-Feet 2-Inch Contemporary Area Rug
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Retail Price: $84.99
Amazon Price: $59.99
There are many things to consider when choosing an area rug for a particular room or space in your home. It’s kind of like buying a piece of furniture—you want to find one that will fit in nicely with its surroundings, and last for many years to come. Featured for you here are some tips that will make shopping for an area rug a cinch.

Think About Function

Area rugs are used for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes they are used for comfort. When placed in a room with hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, their main function might be to warm up cold feet and add some coziness to the space. They can also be used strictly for decorative purposes. An ornate rug with vibrant colors and patterns can spice-up a room and serve as either a focal or an accent piece. Other times area rugs are used… Read more »

Posted in Home | 1 Comment

How to Hire a Home Health Aide

The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Third Home Edition
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Retail Price: $39.95
Amazon Price: $22.83
The task of finding a home health aide to care for either yourself or a loved one can seem like an overwhelming task. Not only is it important to find someone with the right qualifications and skills for the job, it’s crucial that you find someone that the whole family trusts and feels comfortable with. If you are thinking about hiring a home health aide but are unsure about where to start, here are some tips and suggestions to help guide you along.

Consider Your Needs

Before you can begin searching for a home health aide that will best meet your needs or the needs of your loved one, you should determine what exactly those are. Medical care, personal care needs, meal preparation, and household maintenance are some of the things you need to think about– and if those needs aren’t currently being met, jot them down so that you’ll… Read more »

Posted in Health | 1 Comment