We are all about saving now, right? Save a buck, save a tree, save on utilities!
San Diego is home to some of the warmer weather in southern California, and with that comes some great opportunities to save money in “these challenging economic times”. Did I just say that?
Seriously, with the increased costs in energy we are all facing, household use of water and electricity is key to keeping dollars in our wallets. To many San Diego county residents, you get the bill, you pay it. Or, if you rent in many cases, you never see the bill (especially water), so you assume there is not a water problem or costs associated with using water. Not so, my friends; your landlord sees the bills…every month. Your rent could be impacted in the near future if you and other renters are not sensitive to the rising costs and increasing shortage of our precious utilities.
I look forward to getting some great emails this week; I’ll start with the following basic tips which can make or break a tightening monthly budget! Habits are funny things, but many habits are money-making habits or money-saving habits. These are for renters and owners, and for spreading the word. Friends don’t let friends lose money to the utility companies!
Habit #1) Turn off the lights! When you leave a room, or especially a lighted closet, turn off the light! Now you know why your parents told you that…it costs money.
Except for necessary security reasons, outdoor porch lights, driveway lights, pool lights, even low voltage yard lights can uselessly drain your piggy bank by the minute. Enjoy them when they are being used to welcome guests and enjoy our great weather. Just get in the habit of turning them off when not in use…like a blender. It will save you money and save on the power grid.
Outdoor floodlights used for after-dark horseshoe tournaments and for showing off your great landscaping are utility bill death. Turn them off before you retire to the Wii indoors…it uses electricity too!
Habit #2) Get new lights! Replace your old, hot (get it?) energy sucking incandescent bulbs with the new (cooler) florescent, soft-cone looking bulbs. Not only is the savings huge, but the newer style lasts longer between replacements. That could save you some gas! Breaking the habit of buying the old style bulbs is like going from whole milk to 2% milk. Just do it, it’s better for you.
Habit #3) Open the windows! Let the cooler evening air take the temperature down in your house, condo or apartment rather than “paying” your air conditioner or fans to do it.
Habit #4) I hope you have not been leaving the air conditioner on while you have been away at work all day, have you? If so, catch up to the rest of the class and get into this habit ASAP. It only takes a few minutes to cool off the home when you arrive. An empty home needs no cooling for anything. See your pet store professional if you own fish, then decide if you really want to keep them.
Habit #5) Turn off the water! Guys, don’t let the bathroom faucet run the entire time you are shaving! Can you imagine allocating thousands of gallons of water get piped down here from parts unknown just so you can let it run down the drain unused? That’s’ what’s happening! We import over 90% of our water in San Diego County. Don’t let it go out to the ocean while you are trimming your beard. I am talking to literally thousands of guys in San Diego! That’s swimming pools full of water per year, wasted while shaving in San Diego alone!
Habit #6) Take 5 minute showers. Really. You are in the shower to get clean, not pretend you are away at Warner Springs or Niagara Falls. Use a timer if you need to (some San Diego apartment managers are passing out 5 minute egg timers). Showers are where we waste the most water ever, not to mention the heat used to make it a warm shower. 5 minutes, everyone else can do it, so can you!
Q: Someone told me that the federal government is taking away the tax deduction for interest in a home loan. Is that true? K. Garcia, El Cajon
A: So far, it is not true. There has been talk about it from the current administration, however. Keep in touch with your tax professional for the best answers to tax questions. I have a couple professionals I can refer if you need tax advice.
Keith Woolgar