Sunday, May 26, 2013
No Cable Will Make You Do Strange Things
I had nothing to do this afternoon so I decided to clean the coils on the fridge in hopes to make it more energy efficient. Problem was I didn't stop there, or was it not a problem. I ended up pulling the dryer out and snaking a brush pushing all the lint out of the tube leading to the outside. I could not believe how much came out. I then took apart the dryer and vacuumed and cleaned out all the inside. You would be amazed at how much lint gets inside the machine. So there you have it. Hopefully my clothes will dry faster and the fridge will keep cooler with less energy.
Friday, May 24, 2013
How Time Brings Change
Last night my wife was watching a rerun of New Girl on Hulu. I could not believe I did not know about this, or that I forgot about it. I remember when Hulu first came about and I never took a hold on it. I had cable. why would i need it. I also had a slow internet and didn't care for the way Hulu was running. My how everything has changed. My goal in canceling cable was to wait till the episodes came out on DVD. I don't have to know. I only have to wait a couple of weeks till it is on Hulu. Thank you Hulu.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
GeoGuessr
Don't have much time to blog tonight. In looking for something to do besides TV I have come across a map game called GeoGuessr. It is very addictive game that uses google maps and you have to guess where in the world it is. It is fun to navigate around and look for where you are. Back to the game.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Big Things Come in Small Packages
Today I received the HD Antenna that I bought off of Amazon I ordered last Wed. I decided to go with the LAVA HD 2605 Ultra. This is the model that my neighbor uses and he has said nothing but good things about it. The cost was $67 which is still cheaper then a month of cable. Plus I will not have to pay a monthly fee with the antenna.
When I opened it up I thought there would be more to it. Just some pieces that clicks together. This shouldn't be to much of a problem. Once I have it put together I will install it and see what happens.
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It comes with everything that you need including a cable wire to run it to the TV. I used the preexisting wire that was being used with my Directv. So I did not have to run any wires and this saved me hours. Install only took a total of 10 minutes. (Once I had the antenna put together and was in the attic).
After I was up and running I was amazed at the picture quality. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the images of the antenna vs cable. The picture comes in clear and I get a bunch of channels.
I downloaded the TV Guide App for the iPhone and I can see what is on and what channel I need to tune to. I have to admit I was a little worried that I would not have the guide of what is on like I was use to with Directv. I also didn't want to have to log onto a computer to see what was on. This app made it really simple. I just had to put in my zip code and then click on what type of signal I would be getting (cable, satellite or antenna). I clicked on antenna and I was all set.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
It's Getting Hot in Here
In my quest to save a dime, I am holding off as long as possible to turn on the A/C. It got up to 82 degrees in the house. Luckily most of the time we where not at home and when we where we went outside to read.
My wife did tell me that she thought it was always to cold in the house during winter... Lets see what she has to say now.
My wife did tell me that she thought it was always to cold in the house during winter... Lets see what she has to say now.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
How I Save Money at Home
I have gone through a time in my life where if I wanted it I would buy it. When I got married I decided that I could not live that lifestyle anymore. So I decided to start making cuts to save money. There are great ways to cut your costs but I took the approach that I will not be able to cut every expense. I want to enjoy my life as well. Here are some steps I have done to help save money each month. Some are more extreme then others.
1. I Just Cancelled My Cable Saving $86 Dollars a Month
I decided to cancel my cable after a couple years of thinking about it. I bought an HD Antenna from Amazon for $67. If you can't manage to completely get rid of cable try calling them up and lowering your package. If you think you have the bare bones package then you are wrong. I have called in years past saying my bill was too high and they would always lower the cost. However, when I said I wanted to cancel I was offered a $29 local channels only package. I decided against that option and just go completely cable free.
2. Keep it Cold in Winter and Warm in Summer
This one was tough, I like it cold in the house but my wife doesn't. Before getting married I kept the thermostat set to 58 in winter when I was home and 54 when I was gone or asleep. My wife likes it warm. We settled on 67 when we are up and 63 when away or in bed. Summer is hitting and I plan to keep it at 78 and the windows open whenever I can. Try and make it a game to see how long you can go into summer before turning on the A/C. It helps if you have a neighbor that you can challenge. A great first step is to upgrade your thermostat. Since my schedule is all over the place it is hard for me to use a programmable one. I use one that I can adjust via a computer or cell phone. It is connected through WiFi. This is great for when I leave home and forget to adjust it. I can also adjust the temperature when I am heading home to make it more comfortable for when I get there.
3. Make Your Own Soap
I recently started making my own soap. I am a 2 shower a day guy. So I was going through my share of soap, which I was spending $4.00 on a bottle. There are a lot of great sites showing you how to make soap. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+make+soap.
4. Watch How You Drive
I drive a 2007 Toyota Yaris. It is paid off and has 105,000 miles on it. I live by the motto, "A clean car is a healthy car." I change the oil every 5k and rotate the tires every 10k. This helps on 2 fronts. First is that you get to learn a skill, and the second is you save money by doing it yourself. Rotating the tires also helps to keep even wear and tear on the tires making them last longer. I also use a Scan Gauge to help watch my gas mileage. While I am not a hyper-miler, I do practice some of their beliefs. Don't speed to the next light. Easy on the breaks (this will also help on keeping your breaks longer). My car is not a hybrid, but I am getting about 42 MPG and with the summer blend of gas hitting the market I hope that will improve. I want a bumper sticker that says, "The closer you get the slower I go!"
5. Cut Your Own Hair
I have not paid for a hair cut since 1996. While in the military we were required to get a hair cut every week. I loved the high and tight. So I learned to start cutting my own hair and carried it through college and into my professional career. I don't get it perfect everytime but since I cut my hair short it is easy to fix.
6. Expense It
I have a job that requires a lot of nights and weekend hours. In doing so I am able to expense my dinner meals from time to time. While the downside is I am away from family and friends in the evening, the plus side is I get a meal for free.
7. Watch for Sales
We are going to be moving into a new house in September and I am saving up to buy a lawn mower. I know the one I want and while it was on sale I think that if I wait there will be better sales. Point of 7 is don't buy on an impulse and get over the "I need it now" syndrome.
8. Cut the Soda or Pop
Not only is this good for your health, but soda is expensive. I would go through a 12 pack easily in a week. I still have a soda every now and then but nothing like I use to. Water is cheaper and better for you.
9. Pay What You Charge Immediately
I mostly use a debit card for paying. However I do use my credit card to maximize my rewards. The majority offer 5% cash back during certain months on particular purchases. So when I use my credit card I pay it off right away to help me realize how fast I am going through cash. I plan to use my cash back bonus for Christmas gifts this year.
10. Don't Buy Those Movies
I am a huge movie buff. I love watching movies. I used to buy a new movie just so I could watch it and add it to my library. Now I utilize Netflix and the public library. I can't wait to watch Season 7 of Dexter and it is on a long wait in my Que, but this route will save me $30 in the long run.
11. Don't Do a Fancy Lunch
While it would be better to just not eat out, I know I would just not enjoy that. So for lunch I try to pick restaurants that I don't have to leave a tip. I am all about saving money but will always tip the 20%. Hey, everyone is trying to make a living and just because I am cheap doesn't mean others have to suffer.
12. Save the Money for Bigger (Should be Any) Purchases
We all have the impulse buys, and if you don't that's great! I make sure to save up the cash for big purchases of $50 or more. Whenever I am buying something, I am like a kid before Christmas. I can't wait to get the new toy. Make that feeling last longer and pay in cash. I mentioned earlier how I am going to be buying a new lawnmower. While I am waiting for sales I still get to Google or Youtube videos of the lawn mower. I know, sounds stupid but what am I to do with no cable? The point is, enjoy the excitement and anticipation a little longer and save the cash versus charging it and figuring out how to pay it off later.
13. Save Cans
How many times have you seen an aluminum can on the side of the road or in the parking lot on the way back to your car? I used to walk past them but since I have given up drinking soda my can supply has diminished. Keep a box in your trunk and throw the cans in there. Once you saved up a bunch, you can take them to a recycling plant and cash them in. This can cover a lunch for yourself.
Comment below and let me know what works for you. I am always looking for new ways to save a buck or two.
1. I Just Cancelled My Cable Saving $86 Dollars a Month
I decided to cancel my cable after a couple years of thinking about it. I bought an HD Antenna from Amazon for $67. If you can't manage to completely get rid of cable try calling them up and lowering your package. If you think you have the bare bones package then you are wrong. I have called in years past saying my bill was too high and they would always lower the cost. However, when I said I wanted to cancel I was offered a $29 local channels only package. I decided against that option and just go completely cable free.
2. Keep it Cold in Winter and Warm in Summer
This one was tough, I like it cold in the house but my wife doesn't. Before getting married I kept the thermostat set to 58 in winter when I was home and 54 when I was gone or asleep. My wife likes it warm. We settled on 67 when we are up and 63 when away or in bed. Summer is hitting and I plan to keep it at 78 and the windows open whenever I can. Try and make it a game to see how long you can go into summer before turning on the A/C. It helps if you have a neighbor that you can challenge. A great first step is to upgrade your thermostat. Since my schedule is all over the place it is hard for me to use a programmable one. I use one that I can adjust via a computer or cell phone. It is connected through WiFi. This is great for when I leave home and forget to adjust it. I can also adjust the temperature when I am heading home to make it more comfortable for when I get there. 3. Make Your Own Soap
I recently started making my own soap. I am a 2 shower a day guy. So I was going through my share of soap, which I was spending $4.00 on a bottle. There are a lot of great sites showing you how to make soap. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+make+soap.
4. Watch How You Drive
I drive a 2007 Toyota Yaris. It is paid off and has 105,000 miles on it. I live by the motto, "A clean car is a healthy car." I change the oil every 5k and rotate the tires every 10k. This helps on 2 fronts. First is that you get to learn a skill, and the second is you save money by doing it yourself. Rotating the tires also helps to keep even wear and tear on the tires making them last longer. I also use a Scan Gauge to help watch my gas mileage. While I am not a hyper-miler, I do practice some of their beliefs. Don't speed to the next light. Easy on the breaks (this will also help on keeping your breaks longer). My car is not a hybrid, but I am getting about 42 MPG and with the summer blend of gas hitting the market I hope that will improve. I want a bumper sticker that says, "The closer you get the slower I go!"5. Cut Your Own Hair
I have not paid for a hair cut since 1996. While in the military we were required to get a hair cut every week. I loved the high and tight. So I learned to start cutting my own hair and carried it through college and into my professional career. I don't get it perfect everytime but since I cut my hair short it is easy to fix.
6. Expense It
I have a job that requires a lot of nights and weekend hours. In doing so I am able to expense my dinner meals from time to time. While the downside is I am away from family and friends in the evening, the plus side is I get a meal for free.
7. Watch for Sales
We are going to be moving into a new house in September and I am saving up to buy a lawn mower. I know the one I want and while it was on sale I think that if I wait there will be better sales. Point of 7 is don't buy on an impulse and get over the "I need it now" syndrome.
8. Cut the Soda or Pop
Not only is this good for your health, but soda is expensive. I would go through a 12 pack easily in a week. I still have a soda every now and then but nothing like I use to. Water is cheaper and better for you.
9. Pay What You Charge Immediately
I mostly use a debit card for paying. However I do use my credit card to maximize my rewards. The majority offer 5% cash back during certain months on particular purchases. So when I use my credit card I pay it off right away to help me realize how fast I am going through cash. I plan to use my cash back bonus for Christmas gifts this year.
10. Don't Buy Those Movies
I am a huge movie buff. I love watching movies. I used to buy a new movie just so I could watch it and add it to my library. Now I utilize Netflix and the public library. I can't wait to watch Season 7 of Dexter and it is on a long wait in my Que, but this route will save me $30 in the long run.
11. Don't Do a Fancy Lunch
While it would be better to just not eat out, I know I would just not enjoy that. So for lunch I try to pick restaurants that I don't have to leave a tip. I am all about saving money but will always tip the 20%. Hey, everyone is trying to make a living and just because I am cheap doesn't mean others have to suffer.
12. Save the Money for Bigger (Should be Any) Purchases
We all have the impulse buys, and if you don't that's great! I make sure to save up the cash for big purchases of $50 or more. Whenever I am buying something, I am like a kid before Christmas. I can't wait to get the new toy. Make that feeling last longer and pay in cash. I mentioned earlier how I am going to be buying a new lawnmower. While I am waiting for sales I still get to Google or Youtube videos of the lawn mower. I know, sounds stupid but what am I to do with no cable? The point is, enjoy the excitement and anticipation a little longer and save the cash versus charging it and figuring out how to pay it off later.
13. Save Cans
How many times have you seen an aluminum can on the side of the road or in the parking lot on the way back to your car? I used to walk past them but since I have given up drinking soda my can supply has diminished. Keep a box in your trunk and throw the cans in there. Once you saved up a bunch, you can take them to a recycling plant and cash them in. This can cover a lunch for yourself.
Comment below and let me know what works for you. I am always looking for new ways to save a buck or two.
Friday, May 17, 2013
I just shipped my cable
Today came the box that Direct Tv sent for me to send the cable box back to them. I packed it up and went straight to the post office to start its journey back to the company. I was happy to get it out of my house. It's nice and cool outside and looks like it is going to rain. I think I will go outside.
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