Five quick tips to save energy at home

As winter settles in and Jack Frost nips at our noses, energy costs tend to climb. But we don't have to take drastic measures to reduce sky-high energy bills. Take a look at these simple changes that can be made to everyday routines to put money back in your wallet:



Unplug



Rid your home of phantom energy by unplugging electronics and gadgets. Even when not in use, appliances like your TV, toaster and computer are on standby mode and still suck energy. To eliminate this waste, unplug your home electronics when they aren't in use.



Embrace the cold



Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water. Worried cold water won't be as effective as hot? Think again. Detergents like Tide Coldwater are specifically designed to work in cold water conditions and are just as effective at removing stains and odors. Better yet, washing with Tide Coldwater can save you $7 per load in energy costs so consider turning down the dial next time you're washing your clothes. More information is online at tide.ca.



Slow cooking



Nothing warms the soul better than a home cooked meal that has been simmering all day long. During the winter months, try using a slow cooker instead of the oven. Despite the longer cooking times, slow cookers use less energy than ovens.



Cozy up



Install a programmable thermostat in your home to reduce your energy costs. During the winter months, set the heat a few degrees lower during the day when you aren't home. For those extra chilly nights, try grabbing a sweatshirt, adding an extra blanket or cuddling up to your loved ones. These options keep you toasty warm and put money back in your pocket.



Let it rain



Thougha long soak in the tub can be tempting, showers use less energy than baths. For even more energy savings, keep showers short and choose a low-flow shower head.

​Breathe deeply and safely: 5 ways to protect yourself from CO poisoning

(BPT) - Most homeowners recognize the importance of protecting their homes from fire. They do this by checking the batteries in their smoke alarms, completely extinguishing fires in their fireplaces and keeping flammable materials away from candles or space heaters. However, while fire safety is front and center, many homeowners overlook the ways they can protect their families from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.



And that's a mistake no homeowner can afford to make.



Census data shows most homes in the U.S. have either fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage, but only approximately half of all homes have a working CO alarm - the only safe way to detect this odorless, colorless and invisible threat. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States; claiming more than 400 lives each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, more than 20,000 people visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to accidental CO poisoning annually.



Thankfully, protection can be as simple as applying these five tips.



Seek professional help. One of the most common causes of CO poisoning is a filthy or inefficient heating system. Poorly maintained chimneys and flues can crack, causing ventilation problems and preventing CO from escaping up the chimney. Likewise, a faulty furnace could also emit CO into the home. Have your chimney or heating system cleaned and serviced by trained technicians annually to eliminate this risk.



Add or upgrade your carbon monoxide alarm. Your CO alarms are just as important as your home's smoke alarms, so make sure you have one and that it is working properly.



Keep the grill and generator outdoors. Using a grill or generator due to a power outage? Put on a jacket and go outside. Never bring the grill indoors or operate it or a generator in a space attached to your home such as a porch, patio or garage. Both can emit high levels of CO, and need plenty of ventilation. Even having the garage door open does not offer enough air flow to reduce CO levels.



Use your indoor appliances properly . Only use appliances as they are designed by the manufacturer. For instance, never use gas appliances, like your range or oven, to heat in the house. This increases your risk of CO poisoning.



Know the symptoms. CO symptoms mimic the flu without fever. Since winter is also peak flu season, know the difference. If you or a loved one is feeling confused or dizzy, or if he/she is suffering from headaches, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting or weakness, but has no fever, it may be a case of CO poisoning. Get the victim outside in fresh air and dial 911 immediately.



Carbon monoxide poisons thousands each year, but you can protect yourself and your family by employing the tips above.

Three helpful tips for renting out your home

(NewsUSA) - Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream, but that may be changing.



According to an online survey commissioned by the National Apartment Association, 76 percent of consumers think that renting is preferable to owning a home in today's market.



Likewise, some homeowners believe it's better to rent out their home than to sell it for less than its worth, if they can sell it all. Those considering renting out their property shouldn't make a hasty decision. Neglecting to weigh the costs and potential risks could put first-time landlords in a poor situation. Moco, Inc., a company that provides screening services to property owners, managers and employers throughout the United States, offers the following tips:



* Look at the numbers. Renting might not be the best option. If you're going to lose money each month, it might make more sense to sell, even if you won't get your asking price. Consider all potential costs, including property taxes, income taxes on your tenants' rent, maintenance, and the normal wear and tear your property will experience. Remember that you won't be able to pocket all of the rent money; you will have to put a portion of it back into the property.



* Find quality tenants. Nightmare tenants can be, well, a nightmare. Prepare for a careful screening process. Many private landlords can't access the quality screening products available to larger businesses without going through a lengthy certification process. However, you can avoid time and expense by asking your applicants to visit MyScreeningReport.com. The report includes a consumer credit report, SSN verification, comprehensive criminal search, eviction search, national sex offender registry search and an OFAC (federal terrorism database) search - everything you need to determine whether a potential tenant meets your standards.



* Use an all-encompassing lease. Whether you use a template or hire an attorney to write your lease, make sure that the lease clearly states your expectations. The lease should state who is responsible for what, when you expect rent to be paid and what penalties you will impose if it is late.



For more information, visit www.MyScreeningReport.com.

Revive your bathroom quickly, easily and affordably

Remodeling projects have increased in popularity over the past few years as homeowners have decided to improve on what they have, rather than take a risk in the real estate market. Whether you're hoping to sell your home or create a more enjoyable living space, tackle home improvement projects that make a big impact and add value.

One of the top return-on-investment remodeling projects is updating a bathroom. Bathroom updates even outweigh kitchen projects in terms of getting back what you spend, according to CNN Money. And, if you take a cost-conscious approach and do the project yourself, your investment return will be even better. Renting tools is a key way you can cut costs and bring new life into your bathroom.

There are plenty of remodeling tasks that are easily accomplished by renting tools, versus the cost of buying expensive tools or hiring someone else to do the work. Visit www.rentalhq.com to find an American Rental Association member rental store in your area.

Bring new life to your bath with these tips:

* Replace old tile. Outdated tile is a common problem that makes bathrooms look old. Replacing it with fresh new tile that is in style will instantly give the room a modern look. Tiling is a DIY project that anyone can tackle, with the right tools. Rent the necessary items like a tile stripper, a tile saw and a mortar mixer to keep your project costs down.

* Refresh the ceiling. Ceilings can become dingy over time, and you might not suspect them as the culprit that's making your room feel dull. You'll notice a dramatic change if you liven it up with fresh new texture and paint. Texture sprayers are an unusual tool for most DIY warriors to own, but you can easily rent one to make the job quick and inexpensive.

* Add personality with paint. Another simple fix that can be done is adding a new paint color. It's an easy, quick and cheap project and can totally change the look and feel of the room. Opt for one of your favorite colors or scour interior design websites and magazines to find a trendy color that gets your attention.

* Change hardware. Some faucets and cabinet hardware clearly show their decade of origin. Switching out old hardware is relatively simple and a great way to make a dramatic change in the look of your room.

These projects set the stage for creating a new feel for your bathroom. Make the revived space a reality by choosing a decorating theme and accessories that complement it. Items like window treatments, throw rugs and wall art make the room feel more complete and stylish. To get your project started, visit www.rentalhq.com.

Protecting your paycheck - for today and tomorrow

That can happen in two ways, according to Sandy Botcher, vice president of disability income insurance at Northwestern Mutual. "When a family loses its usual source of income due to a disability, sometimes the only alternative is to dip into retirement savings to cover normal household expenses," she says. "And even if you don't have to take money out of savings to replace income, the other consequence of a disability is that it decreases your potential to contribute to your retirement plan."



Botcher adds that from the moment you start working until the day you retire, your ability to earn an income is your most important financial asset.



Consider this example: A $60,000 annual salary results in $2.4 million earned over a 40-year career, and that doesn't take into account inflation, salary increases, or the long-term growth potential of money invested in retirement saving vehicles along the way. If a disability prevents the individual from earning this income, or requires him to access a portion of what's already been saved (often with a tax penalty), it can have devastating impact on retirement dreams.



Recent research demonstrates the need to prepare for the unexpected. Over the past three years, 22 percent of Americans had dipped into retirement savings and 22 percent had stopped or reduced their savings contributions, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2013 Planning and Progress Study. More than half of those surveyed say unexpected expenses are to blame. Yet 23 percent of respondents say they want to be more cautious with their money, and feel they have a lot of catching up to do.



"The Great Recession has reminded us that we cannot afford to lose our incomes," says Botcher. "But we also need to remember that our chances of losing our incomes are determined by more than just our employers' viability or our career success."



In the minds of consumers, few things seem more unexpected than a disability. Yet the Social Security Administration reports that about one in four 20 year olds today will become disabled before retirement.



One way to prepare for the possibility of being unable to work is disability income (DI) insurance, designed to help pay living expenses, maintain lifestyle needs and preserve assets accumulated for retirement and other purposes. Many employees think that coverage they get through their employer's group disability policy is enough. They should think again.



Group DI typically has a cap at 60 percent of salary; other forms of compensation like bonuses or commissions may not be covered. In addition, the benefits are taxable. So, if earning less than two-thirds of one's current salary would make it difficult to make ends meet as well as work toward goals like continuing to fund retirement, it's important that another option be considered to bridge the gap.



That option is an individual DI insurance policy. Premiums for individual DI policies are paid after taxes, so the benefits are not taxed, and the policies are portable.



"We can't forget that the source of a retirement program is the ability to work. Having individual disability income insurance is a way to address one of the key risks to achieving your retirement goals," Botcher says.

Save money and do a world of good with reusable containers

Good news. There are simple ways to save money especially if you go back to the time-honored concept of BYO - "bringing your own" container of coffee, lunch or water as part of your daily routine. This can do a world of good not only for your pocketbook, but also for the environment, and even your health. Here are some tips to get you started:



* Bring your own coffee or tea



According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 25 billion foam cups each year. And 500 years from now, those cups will still be sitting in a landfill. Despite the convenience of foam cups, small changes such as bringing coffee or tea in a reusable container can have both an environmental and economic impact.



For example, Genuine Thermos(R) Brand makes a vacuum insulated commuter bottle that will keep a beverage hot for eight hours or cold for 12 hours. Not only is this great for a day at the office or running errands around town, it saves the cost of purchasing beverages day in and day out. If you still like an occasional custom-made coffee or chai latte, some retailers will fill your own bottle.



* Bring your own lunch



Many grownups still have fond memories of a school lunchbox featuring their favorite TV or movie character. Bringing your own lunch in an insulated lunch carrier is a good way to keep your favorite foods fresh and tasty, and a smart way to save money. According to a report in Time magazine, bringing your lunch to work can cut your weekly costs by 80 percent.



To keep foods fresh while on the go, insulated reusable containers are an ideal option. They come in all shapes and sizes to keep snacks or lunch foods hot or cold for hours, saving you the cost of going out and making it easier to stay away from unhealthy temptations.



* Keep yourself hydrated



As you get in the habit of bringing your own reusable portable container, don't neglect the one thing every human needs for basic good health - water - to help you hydrate throughout the day. According to the Mayo Clinic, water makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Lack of appropriate water intake can lead to dehydration, draining your energy and making you feel tired.



The Institute of Medicine determined that adequate water intake for men is roughly 104 ounces and is roughly 72 ounces for women. Instead of purchasing bottled water in containers that will also end up in landfills, bring plenty of your own water in a portable, reusable container. One easy option for quenching thirst while on the go is the 24 oz. Hydration Bottle with Meter that is made of BPA-free Eastman(TM) Tritan and has a rotating meter built into the lid to help keep track of your daily water consumption.



Embracing the bring-your-own mentality can make a world of difference economically and environmentally. So, take the first step to "bringing your own" on May 23, which is the inaugural National Fill Your Thermos Brand Bottle Day, and celebrate the doing-good and money-saving power of the reusable container.

Rest easy: Expert advice on choosing a mattress

Everyone likes to save money, but some purchases it just doesn't pay to skimp on. If you're buying an item that affects your well-being - like shoes or a mattress - it's smart to buy the best you can afford.



Your mattress directly affects your ability to get a good night's sleep, according to experts. Poor sleep has been linked to a host of physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, hypertension, memory loss and appetite changes.



If you're not resting as well as you know you should and it's been 10 years or more since you bought a mattress, you may need to take advantage of summer mattress sale season. The summer holidays - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day - and the weeks in between are a great time to find a new deal on a mattress, as retailers tend to ramp up discounts and promotions at this time of year.



"The Better Sleep Council recommends that you replace your mattress every five to seven years," says Jim Ruehlmann, a mattress expert with mattress-maker Simmons. "If you haven't gone mattress shopping in a while, you may be surprised and a bit overwhelmed by the variety of choices, advances in technology and plethora of sales you'll find this summer."



Ruehlmann offers these tips for making your next mattress purchase:



* When it comes to comparison shopping, patience pays off. Watch the sales fliers that will be arriving in your mailbox or tucked into your local paper. The "red, white and blue" holidays are prime sale time for mattress sellers. If you have an idea of what you want, chances are it will go on sale this summer.



* Play the pricing games to your advantage. Stores near each other rarely carry the exact same make and models of mattresses, so it can be difficult to do a direct price comparison. To get a fair comparison, note the construction of a model you like, including the types of foams, coil count, etc. Then take that information to a competing store and see if they have a bed of similar construction and quality that feels just as good - but for less money.



* Brush up on new technology. If it's been 10 years or longer since you bought a mattress a lot has changed. For example, if you tried memory foam years ago and didn't like the hot, quicksand sensation older foam types created, you may be pleasantly surprised at how new technology has eliminated that problem. For example, some mattressesfeature memory foam that provides the supportive sleep, contouring comfort and pressure relief of traditional memory foam, but helps dissipate heat and has quick recovery - meaning the foam doesn't make you feel hot when you lay on it and springs back to shape quickly as you move.



* Coils count. In traditional coil mattresses, those coils are what make a mattress comfortable - or uncomfortable. Quality coil construction equates to better sleep. Coils should provide motion separation, comfort and back support. The top section of the coil, which is tapered, conforms to your shape for comfort and pressure relief. The firmer barrel-shaped bottom section reacts to body weight and sleeping position for individualized back support and alignment.



* Never settle. You'll spend more hours in bed than on your couch, so keep searching until you find one that you feel good about. When testing in the store, lay on the bed however you normally sleep and stay that way for a few minutes. Be sure to try the bed with your sleeping partner beside you, so that you can feel the level of motion when one of you moves around.



* Ask about the store's policies for delivery charges, returns, testing periods and removal of your old mattress. Every store is different, and the policies may affect where you decide to buy.



Finally, says Ruehlmann, "Buy the box spring."



A mattress and foundation complement each other. Buying just the mattress may reduce its comfort and support - and shorten the bed's lifespan.