Recently the news has been buzzing that the Great Recession is over, and recovery is on the way. However, with 15.1 million Americans out of work and about 30% of US factory capacity remaining idle, it’s clear that the economy is going to impact many families this holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), two-thirds of American families are going to be adjusting their holiday shopping plans.
Within a few weeks, I will be without insurance for the first time in my adult. Why? Well, a few reasons. The biggest reason, and the one I have not mentioned here yet, is that my wife and I are divorcing and I have been on her group insurance plan. She has amazing insurance (one advantage to being a teacher, I suppose) that I will no longer have access to as soon as the divorce is final, unfortunately. And to continue with COBRA under her plan, it would cost me over $500 a month – an expense I cannot incur at this time. The second reason, and why I cannot get insurance on my own, is actually two-fold:
CNN is running an article from Real Simple that outlines 6 simple ways to save some energy (and money) at home. While I wrote about 29 free or low cost ways to save energy and money in the past, you can never talk about it enough. So here is what they had to add to the conversation…
Seal sneaky leaks – Seal electrical outlets in the exterior walls of your house
Go with the flow – Install a high-performance showerhead. This uses 1½ gallons of water per minute (gpm) rather than 2½ gallons
Swap out bulbs – Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs
There is absolutely no reason why everyone in your neighborhood needs their own lawnmower, snowblower or gigantic ladder – why not share the cost with a few close friends? I know I have talked about this stuff before, but I just found this site called NeighborGoods that will help you find those around you with the “stuff” you need to borrow. From tools to books to sporting equipment, the site wants to become the main hub for you and your neighbors to start sharing with each other. You can even rent out your belongings for money, if you are so inclined. But I like the sharing aspect better. I think they are just getting started, but you would be wise to put your name on the site in case others in your area join up too!
I have been meaning to do this anyway, so this is just a push for me to get it done! ING Direct is offering, until October 31, 2009, a $25 bonus for opening a checking account with them and using your Debit Card to make 3 signature transactions (you know, the ones you have to actually sign) within the first 45 days. On day 50, they will put $25 in your account. With no overdraft fees, no ATM surcharges, and no monthly fees, their Electric Orange checking makes for a pretty good account. I love free money, so I will have to take advantage of this bonus for sure. You can visit ING Direct to sign up, and be sure to enter Reference Code EM365 to be eligible for the $25!
