The cover story of the October issue of Consumer Reports is releasing some strategies that when used together may cut energy costs by a whopping $1,500. Bonus, saving energy is also a green perk.

The piece covers how homeowners can take their home’s energy efficiency to the next level through more-efficient product upgrades and additions as well as simple, low-cost and even no-cost upgrades and actions.
Bob Markovich, home and yard editor of Consumer Reports says, “According to our recent nationally representative survey, of more than 2,000 Americans, only 12 percent added or upgraded their home’s insulation in the past three years …read more

Technically for the best money saving battery options, I suggest reusable, rechargeable batteries. However, if you’ve got some regular batteries you can try some things that may make them work better and last longer.

Store batteries at the right temperature. The fridge is NOT the place for batteries, no matter what silly rumors you’ve heard. This can actually ruin your batteries. Read this battery storage guide for tips.
Use batteries that match. If you put batteries in some item, and they fail to work, make sure the brands match.
Don’t mix old and new batteries – not only is this a way to …read more

Today, yet another way that green can save you money and in just two words no less…
Rechargeable batteries.

Gaiam NiMH Batteries & Chargers – shown above

If you haven’t jumped on board with rechargeable batteries, you really should. The benefits are huge, both on a planet and money saving level. According to the Daily Green, “More than 15 billion batteries are thrown away each year.” WOW. Batteries not only NEVER biodegrade but they contain toxic gunk that can leak out of said batteries and contaminate soil and water. Now, if the planet is your only concern, you can recycle batteries – …read more

Ok so recently my dishwasher has been flooding all over the damn kitchen. Did I just curse? Sorry, but well, it’s super annoying. I’m talking soap and water ALL over my kitchen. I was thinking I’d need a new one, but read up on it first, and found out…
If you have a disposal, you need to run it for about 30 seconds before you run your dishwasher or debris left in the disposal can be pulled into the dishwasher drain line and clog it – which of course can lead to my issues. Do I always run the disposal 30 …read more

I was at Lowe’s Foods the other day and noticed they have Earth Saver bags for .99 or you can get them for free by spending your green points.  I think the cost of each bag (with green points) was 1200 points.
I purchased one bag with my green points and then I found out that for each bag you use, Lowe’s Foods will give you 50 points per bag each time you use it!!!! 
I was surprised with how big and sturdy the green bag was.  It wasn’t one of those cheap bags where the seams come apart after you’ve used …read more

I have told you before about my curtain dilemma? I wanted blackout curtains and couldn’t believe how expensive they were.  So I talked my girlfriend in to making her curtains.  We found the material at Wal-Mart and also some great black out liners to add to the pattern.  I loved how dark they made Turkey Butt’s room when they are down.  But what I didn’t realize until this weekend was how energy efficient they made her room.  This weekend was chilly cold at 29 degrees.  Her room is always a little colder than everyone else’s.  But I opened her curtains …read more

With the price of electricity on the rise, we all could use a little help reducing our heating bills.  Here are some tips to help you get started.
 1)  Check with your local utility company to see if they offer a free energy use assessment.  Some companies provide inspectors to poke around your home from top to bottom, looking for ways it can be made more efficient.
 2)  Install a programmable thermostat.  Have your thermostat drop down a few degrees while you’re away at work.
 3)  Keep your thermostat at 68 or below.  Put on a sweatshirt if you have to.
 4)  Open blinds during the winter.  …read more

It’s that time of year again.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight before going to bed.  Or if you’re normally late to church, maybe you should wait until tomorrow.  lol
This article gives more information about why we set our clocks back each year.

It finally happened.  This summer’s drought has caused our county and many other surrounding areas have mandatory water restrictions.  Do I have neighbors that snitch?  I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out.  Using too much water could cost people a $200 fine!  Yikes!
Due to our current water shortage, I thought we could all use a reminder of ways to conserve.
25 Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill
Picture from oakharbor.org.

Happy 20 weeks of Frugal Fridays.  Wow!  I can’t believe it’s been 20 weeks.  It seems like only 5. 
Well, it’s blazing hot outside.  If you’re like me, you try not to turn on the stove if you can help it.  Here are some tips to keep you out of the kitchen and keep your house cooler.

 1.  When it’s time to cook something that will freeze well (such as lasagnas, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, chili, etc.) make a double or triple batch for future meals.  These are also great for days when you’re in a hurry.  It will prevent you from spending …read more