Westchester Savings Tips

Three Tips To Make Your Utility Meter Run Backward

gestroud — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:19:44 +0000

A trend emerging in new home construction, "net-zero energy," is helping homeowners keep energy dollars in their pockets. Builders construct such homes with highly energy-efficient materials, and with the means to generate their own power. The goal is to reduce the yearly total energy bill to zero, and perhaps make the meter run backwards at times.

Save Money With Green Renovations & Creative Decorating

gestroud — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:16:32 +0000

Thanks to the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, homeowners can earn a tax credit for 30 percent - or up to $1,500 - off the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, windows, water heaters, doors and more. This stimulus bill has opened the door for people who want to go green but weren't sure how to afford it.

Four Smart Home And Auto Insurance Tips For Seniors

gestroud — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:04:08 +0000

Seniors may not realize that downsizing from a home to a condo or driving less could have important implications for their insurance.Senior citizens can save money and headaches with four simple insurance tips

Simple Steps To Calm The Financial Jitters

gestroud — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:46:54 +0000

Got a case of the financial jitters? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, this financial unease has seeped into people’s relationships and emotions as well. Here are four simple steps to help you calm your financial angst.

New Moms Working To Save The Environment & Some Money

gestroud — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:24:23 +0000

A leading online cloth diapering boutique, found one-?third of parents who use disposable diapers say they would be “extremely” or “very likely” to switch to cloth diapers after learning that cloth diapers could save them $2,000 over the course of their baby’s diapering years.

How To Donate Stocks & Mutual Funds To Charity

gestroud — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:19:02 +0000

Many people think that donating the stock and selling the stock to give the money to a charity yields the exact same results. However, understanding a few tax implications regarding your contribution will help add value to your donation.

Getting Started on EBay

gestroud — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:01:59 +0000

How much can you make on eBay? Well according to data released by eBay the total value of items sold in 2007 was just under $60 billion. Doing the math that comes out to more than $1900 per second. With more than 50,000 categories your products can surely be represented on eBay and your profits can certainly grow. Let's take a look at how to make it happen.

Retirees Turn To A Surprising Source Of Cash In A Crunch

gestroud — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:39:56 +0000

Some retirees have discovered a surprising source of supplemental retirement income: the cash value of their whole life insurance policies.

Want to Make Money From Online Surveys? Here Are 3 Red Flags You Should Look Out For

gestroud — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:13:13 +0000

While it is possible to make money with surveys, you must be careful not to become the victim of an online survey fraud company. There are a few red flags that generally will alert you that an online survey company is not legitimate. hile it is possible to make money with surveys, you must be careful not to become the victim of an online survey fraud company. There are a few red flags that generally will alert you that an online survey company is not legitimate.

Keep The Pressure off Holiday Shopping

gestroud — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:53:58 +0000

The holiday shopping season can be hectic, and this year, finding good deals on gifts is important. Here are some tips to make your shopping season a little easier, and cheaper.

Help Your Home Ward Off Winter’s Chill

gestroud — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:24:16 +0000

Winterizing your home will not only keep you more comfortable, but also minimize your heating costs. In some cases, winterizing can also help improve your home’s safety. Before curling up with some spiced cider, take the following steps to winterize your home...

Your Social Security Number Might Not Be So Secret, Santa

gestroud — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:05:46 +0000

Identity thieves obtain personal information through several different methods, including shoulder-?surfing in lines, skimming devices, dumpster diving and hacking into online retail sites. What can shoppers do to protect themselves? LifeLock, a company that helps protect its members from identity theft, supplies the following tips:

Getting Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment

gestroud — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:45:58 +0000

This is an important time of year for seniors and their loved ones to review in detail their Medicare options. This year, as in any year, some reimbursement levels will likely change, and some out-?of-?pocket costs could increase. Moreover, with the difficult economy, some seniors’ retirement income may have declined, and others on fixed incomes may need to readjust their benefit levels.

3 Easy Ways To Cut Energy Costs

gestroud — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:44:55 +0000

Even though the temperatures are cooling down, it doesn't necessarily mean the energy bill is going to magically disappear. The American Lighting Association shares three easy solutions that budget-conscious households can use to immediately save money.

Americans Agree: Family Vacations Still Worth The Money

gestroud — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:46:55 +0000

Families that play together stay together - at least that's the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times Americans agree: family vacations are worth the money.

Ship Holiday Gifts On a Budget

gestroud — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:27:43 +0000

Economic woes don't have to ruin your spirits this holiday season. While costly airline tickets and gas prices may keep you at home, you can still shower your loved ones with gifts. Until Santa's magical elves start a courier service, shipping holiday gifts is the most budget-friendly way to get presents from A to B.

Americans Overlooking Health Benefits At Open Enrollment

gestroud — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:46:59 +0000

Americans have been hearing more about health care and health insurance these days than ever. But, when it comes to understanding their own health benefits, many may be missing opportunities to take advantage of their options and even save money throughout the year.

Buying a Computer? Coupons Aren’t Just For Groceries, You Know

gestroud — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:16:51 +0000

Laptop or desktop — it doesn’t matter; you need to replace your machine because it is slower than it takes your teenage children to complete an assigned household chore. And in the case of your computer, carefully constructed reminders don’t help it work any faster

New GI Bill Offers New Opportunities

gestroud — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:36:30 +0000

Unprecedented numbers of retired and active duty military personnel are wondering what the next step in their lives might be. Thanks to the newly implemented Post 9-?11 GI Bill, obtaining a high-quality education without a financial investment just got easier.

How to Cash In On Recession-driven Travel Deals

gestroud — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:58:55 +0000

With a little planning, even the most budget-?conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter. Tim MacDonald, general manager of Expedia.?com, offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacatio