In the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, realtors ranked home projects in order of likeliness to increase home value for resale. The top three slots went to kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades and HVAC replacement.

In addition to big renovations like a complete kitchen redo, smaller things add value to your home as well.

1. Remodel the Bathroom

Money you invest in a bathroom remodel almost always ups the value of your home. You can do a lot of the work on your own. Even a recoating of the bathtub freshens everything up and gives a small room new life. For particularly small spaces, seek ways to make them seem bigger. Use a small pedestal sink, brighten up the space with light colors and utilize mirrors to add dimension.

2. Replace Worn Floors

The soft flooring in your home often shows wear and tear the quickest. Look at the carpet and linoleum and see if any of it needs replacing. Buyers often pass over a home because the thought of buying new flooring seems overwhelming to them. If you have just a room or two where the carpet is horrendous, replace just those rooms at first. You can also buy some beautiful laminates inexpensively and install them yourself.

3. Add Curb Appeal

You’re much more likely to get showings and sell your home quickly when it looks good from the outside. In a low-inventory market, you may even attract multiple offers at once and wind up in a bidding war. This almost always benefits the seller.

Some elements that may increase the value include beautiful new garage doors, roofing and a fresh coat of paint or clean siding. In fact, 80% of realtors said that these changes increase the listing price. Landscaping is essential for staging your home, but may not add as much value as the other features.

4. Paint Everything

A gallon of paint is fairly inexpensive, but it can give a drab room new life. Look at painting from the perspective of the potential buyer. You might adore a bold yellow in the kitchen, but most buyers want something neutral.

Stick with a soft taupe, off-white or pale gray for your walls. Don’t try to add any unique designs. If you have those elements in your home, it might be worth your time and effort to paint over them so they don’t distract buyers from the beauty of the architecture.

5. Get Rid of the Popcorn

Do you have popcorn ceilings? Look into the best way to get rid of them. It’s a messy and extensive process. Many home buyers won’t want to take on the project, but the ceilings also scream “1970s” and make a home look dated.

The best time to remove popcorn ceilings is while you’re living in a home. Work on one room at a time. Seal everything off so the dust doesn’t go all over the house. A smooth, untextured ceiling or a more modern textured design is your best bet for resale purposes.

Brighten Things Up

Look over your house through the eyes of a buyer. Is there any clutter you can move into storage? What walls seem dingy and need paint? How can you stage your home so it is appealing to the masses? Any little thing you can do to make rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms look current and updated increases the likelihood you’ll get closer to your asking price.

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. Find him on Twitter at @TModded. 

Before you need to set a date, how can you plan an affordable memorial service?

Skip the Funeral Home

While you’ll need to work with the funeral home when it comes to cremation or burial, depending on your loved one’s wishes, there’s no rule stating you have to hold your funeral or memorial service there. Renting out space in the funeral home can set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Save yourself some money and host the memorial service at home, in your church, or at a local park. Anywhere you’re allowed to host a gathering becomes an option. Aim for places that don’t charge you a fee to use their space.

Opt for No Frills

Funeral homes are there to help you through what is often the hardest time in life, but they’re also businesses. Like any other business, their goal is to make money, and they might try to upsell you with all sorts of features and options, most of which are almost entirely unnecessary. Opt for a no-frills burial or cremation. In many parts of the country, you can purchase a no-frills service for less than $1,000.

Pre-Pay as Much as Possible

Life insurance is one option for paying for your inevitable funeral service. If that isn’t an option for whatever reason, it’s a good idea to pre-pay as much as possible.

Figure out which funeral home you’re planning to use and talk to them about creating a pre-paid plan so when you finally make that final journey, everything is paid for and your loved ones don’t have to worry about scraping together the costs for your service.

If you’re not sure you’re going to be in the same area when you reach your end, life insurance or a pre-paid funeral plan will be the better option because they follow you everywhere.

Shop Around

You don’t have to work with the first funeral home that crosses your path. Shop around and see what your options are before you need them. In some parts of the country, especially where concentrated retiree populations make the funeral industry a competitive one, you might be able to find a much better deal than you could by stopping on the first business that pops up in your Google search.

Purchase the Marker Later

One of the biggest expenses, after the service and the burial or cremation, is the cost of the grave marker. If burial or interment is your choice, keep in mind that you don’t need to buy the grave marker immediately, and you also don’t need to buy it from the funeral home.

Buy it directly from the manufacturers to avoid the markup, and feel free to put it off as long as you deem necessary so you’re not spending a ton of money that might not be available during this difficult time.

It’s Not About How Much You Spend

When it comes down to it, it’s not about how much you spend. It’s about honoring the life of the deceased. You don’t need to break the bank to do that — all you need is a place to gather the people who loved them, where you can share stories and memories. We all die at one time or another. Don’t make your funeral a game of one-upmanship.

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. Find him on Twitter at @TModded. 

1. Adjust the Thermostat

Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do. However, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by doing so. When you aren’t home, set the thermostat higher than you typically would. Then, when you return, turn the thermostat back down to 78 degrees. The smaller the gap between indoor and outdoor temperature, the more you’ll save.

2. Close the Blinds

Whether you’re at home or gone for the day, closing your blinds is a simple way to keep your home cool. This cost-effective practice is especially useful for south-facing windows, which tend to receive more light and heat throughout the day. If you miss the sunshine, opt for semi-sheer curtains instead.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

In the winter, you may notice drafts and cracks more readily because of the cold air seeping into your warm house. However, it may be a bit tricky to detect these money-suckers during the summer. While a little warm air may trickle in, most energy loss will occur through cool air seeping out. Seal your doors and windows to avoid this issue and stop your HVAC from working overtime.

4. Insulate the Garage

Further, promote your home’s energy efficiency and cut costs by insulating your garage door. This simple solution can bring the temperature inside to about 42 degrees on a winter day, as opposed to 30 degrees with a non-insulated door. If the garage shares a wall with your house, this will prevent it from radiating heat into your home or leaking cool air from your AC.

5. Upgrade Appliances

Household appliances are responsible for a significant amount of your total energy use, whether it’s hot outside or not. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances that proudly display an Energy Star label to reduce power output and save on utility bills. You could also switch to solar or heat pumps to reduce energy bills by over 26%.

6. Switch Out Light Bulbs

If you’re using incandescent light bulbs, you may be paying an extra $100 more every year just to light your home. Why waste money and energy when you can purchase LEDs instead? These bulbs are 85% more efficient than incandescents. Plus, they don’t generate heat like older bulbs do, keeping your home lit and cool at the same time.

7. Cut Hot Water Use

You might not be taking long, hot showers during the summer, but you can still rack up high utility bills washing your clothes and dishes in hot water. While the machine itself doesn’t use much energy, heating the water uses more than you know. Choose a detergent that still works at lower temperatures and allow both your dishes and clothes to air dry instead of running them through a high-heat or dry cycle to save even more.

8. Insulate the Attic

Heat rises and will naturally collect in your attic. Meanwhile, leaks and holes can exacerbate the issue, letting more hot air in and heating the upper floor of your home throughout the day. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk and add foam insulation to keep warm air out and cool air in.

Small Changes, Big Difference

Making all of the above changes at once can be downright impossible, not to mention exhausting. If you want to save money, begin by tackling one small project each day or every weekend. Even a few small changes can make a huge difference and translate to savings on your utility bills.

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. Find him on Twitter at @TModded. 

However, you can avoid losing out on major cash if you learn the ropes. Discover how to become a real estate pro and save money when selling your house with these suggestions.

Know the Market

Research your local area and get a good feel for the real estate market before you list your home. The longer your property sits in limbo, the less value it will have in buyers’ eyes. Start by looking at other houses in your neighborhood that have sold in the past three months. Are prices going up or down? Which homes would you buy, and why?

Look at the residences currently for sale and attend open houses. What makes one more attractive than others? Does your property have any similar qualities you can market? Consider the current prices of your competition and price your home accordingly.

Ask for a Rate Cut

When you sell, you’re responsible for the fees of both your and the buyer’s agent. To save a significant chunk of money, shop around, and discover various rates. Don’t be too shy to ask about discounts, either. While 6% is the standard commission fee, many agents can and will negotiate.

For instance, one national realty firm, Redfin, charges 1.5% to list a home. MLS Access, a California-based service, lists properties on the local multiple listing service (MLS) for six months for a $75 fee — but other available services are limited. When you meet with an agent, ask lots of questions — Who does what? Who gets what? — and ask if their rates are flexible.

Make Valuable Updates

Certain expenses, such as cosmetic repairs and repainting, can bring in more cash. Set a budget so you know what you can afford. Then, do your research to understand what parts of property buyers care about the most. For instance, you might upgrade the garage doors to increase value. You could also remodel the kitchen, adding modern cabinets and increasing counter space.

Don’t forget about simple staging techniques, either. Remove photos and other personal items, allowing buyers to envision a future space they can live in. Increase the wattage in your lamps to make rooms look bigger and warmer. You can also plant fresh greenery in the yard, such as flowers and shrubs.

Try the Private Route

With a plethora of digital tools available, many of today’s sellers opt to list their homes themselves. To start, you’ll need to go back to your local research to determine an accurate price for your property. Overpricing by even $10,000 can lead to your house sitting on the market and ultimately selling for less than its worth.

Next, hire a photographer to capture beautiful shots. According to one study, homes professionally photographed sell quicker and for thousands of more dollars than those shot by amateurs. Once the prints come back, advertise your sale and hold open houses. When potential buyers arrive, make sure you hand them a copy of your sales brochure.

Selling Your Home? Save Money and Walk Away Smiling

Selling your property can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to result in you losing money. Instead, follow the tips above to become a home-selling expert.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington

There’s a certain allure to owning something outright, but it’s not always the most economical option. Here are seven examples of items that are often better to rent than to buy.

1. Houses

Houses are among the most expensive things you’ll buy in your lifetime. In today’s real estate market, they’re often so expensive that renting is the more affordable option. Buying a house is only cheaper than renting in 35% of U.S. counties, thanks to high mortgages and rising prices.

2. Textbooks

Going to college today is a pricy venture, but renting textbooks is an easy way to save some money. You’ll likely only use each book for one semester, so why pay to have them forever? Online bookstores like Chegg and Amazon offer convenient shipping and returns, making renting even more desirable.

3. Office Hardware

If you run a business, you’ll need to consider the cost of equipment like computers and printers. If you want to use the best hardware, you’re better off renting it. If you rent instead of buying, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade when newer options roll out.

4. Power Tools

Sometimes you need a power washer or a circular saw, but you probably won’t use them every day. These power tools can be relatively expensive, too, so renting them is most likely your best option. Most hardware stores will offer rentals on these kinds of equipment and make it a hassle-free process.

5. Golf Carts

Golf carts are a convenient option for moving around a property or transporting goods over short distances. If you don’t need to use them frequently, you may consider renting a cart instead of buying one. If you’re going to use it to golf year-round then you should buy, but renting one is cheaper for use at weddings, festivals, camps, or corporate events.

6. Seasonal Items

If you only use something for part of the year, it’s probably cheaper to rent it. Some seasonal equipment like campers or fishing boats can cost you quite a bit despite their limited window of use. If you rent these items when the right season comes around, you’ll save a lot of money.

7. Luxury Clothing

Formal dresses and tuxedos are rarely cheap, and you probably don’t wear them much. That’s why these luxury clothing items and their accessories are perfect for renting. The industry knows this, too, so you can find places to rent formalwear everywhere you go.

When to Rent vs. When to Buy

There’s no set answer for when it’s better to rent as opposed to buying something outright. Variables like market conditions and location shift the balance of what’s more affordable. You should calculate these influencing factors when deciding whether to buy or to rent.

In general, if you don’t use something frequently, renting is the better option. The items listed above are often better to rent, but if you use them enough, buying is cheaper in the long run.

If you’re unsure about paying for an item, you should try renting it first. If you like it enough and will use it often, then you can go ahead and buy it. No matter the case, you should always at least consider renting. It could end up saving you a considerable amount of money.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington

Whether you want to learn how to paint or scuba dive, there are endless opportunities to do so inexpensively.

Take a look at these tips so that you have fun and save cash all at once.

1. Establish a Budget

If you already use different budgets to manage your finances, you’re on a terrific track. It’s essential to create a system for your new hobby so that you don’t overspend. Otherwise, you won’t be able to reach long-term goals. Feel free to use your current methods so that you don’t have to learn a new budget type.

Like take out and new clothes, hobbies fall into the “wants” category. Therefore, they should take up less than 30% of your monthly taxed income. Try to prioritize other expenses so that you can pursue specific activities. For example, you may want to pause your HBO subscription and use that money for a gym membership. In any case, be sure to stick with a budget.

2. Look for Deals

There’s always a deal to discover, especially when it comes to hobbies. A lot of businesses and teachers offer sales to first-time customers. For example, let’s say that you wanted to try pottery. If you signed up for a course, you could inquire about potential vouchers or coupons. Many instructors hand out these deals as a way to attract you. You can capitalize on those opportunities.

Also, you can try free online resources. If you want to learn how to edit videos, there are a lot of experts that offer virtual courses. The same idea applies to several other hobbies.

3. Purchase Used Gear

Some hobbies require specialized gear. If you need to purchase equipment, look on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. You can buy used items from other people, which helps to cut down on costs across the board. For instance, you can find gently used golf equipment that works well for a fraction of brand-new prices – and what’s better than a two-for-one? Feel free to browse thrift stores, too.

Make sure to check for any damages, as you don’t want to buy broken equipment. If you keep an eye out for specific gear, you can gather whatever you need for less.

4. Think Outside the Box

Try to remember that you don’t always have to take a conventional route. Instead, you can use alternatives methods to pursue hobbies. If you want to work out, head to a local trail and walk for a few miles. Become a master chef as you bake recipes at home with cheap ingredients. You need to consider ways to pursue hobbies for less money so that you can save cash.

Use your resources to compile different methods that work for your budget. You don’t need to reserve time at a tennis court to work on your swing!

Try These Tips to Find Fun, Affordable Hobbies

If you create an allowance and think outside the box, you can find a way to pursue fun, affordable hobbies.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington

Dents don’t necessarily mean you need to make a costly trip to the body shop. Here are some ways to fix them yourself in the comfort of your home garage.

Identify the Dented Material

Depending on where the dent is on your car, the surface is going to be made of one of two different materials — plastic or aluminum. On older cars, you may also have some steel to contend with.

It’s important to know what type of material you’re working with, because you’re not going to use the same techniques or tools for metal that you would for plastic. Knowing what’s dented can save you a lot of time and trouble, and a lot of money you might otherwise waste on tools that don’t work.

Collect Your Tools

You’ll probably have at least one person tell you to hammer out the dent, but unless it’s something you’re experienced with, you’ll probably want to leave the hammer for other tasks. Instead, take a look at the dent. How big it is, what type of material it’s in and whether the paint is damaged will determine what type of tools you need.

For plastic bumpers and other similar parts, you might only need a plunger and some hot water. Plastic can be stiff, but splashing it with boiling water can loosen it up enough that you can manipulate it and get the dent to pop right out.

If you’ve got a dent in a metal door or quarter panel, you might need something with a bit more pulling power than your average household plunger. You can use anything from wooden dowels and hot glue to kits that are specifically designed to help you remove dents yourself. Even if you spend money on a dent removal kit, it’s still going to be quite a bit cheaper than going to the shop.

If the dent also causes damage to the paint, you’re going to need a few more supplies, like sandpaper, body filler and some paint that matches your car’s current color. Don’t skimp on your paint tools, especially if you’re going to have to sand large portions of your car’s exterior to repair the scratches. Investing in a paint sprayer can help save you a lot of money in the long run.

Be Patient

No matter what kind of dent you’re repairing, remember one important golden rule — be patient. If you start pulling too hard or too fast, you could end up doing more damage that will guarantee a trip to the body shop. You can repair most dents in the comfort of your own garage, so if someone dings your daily driver, don’t head to the body shop until you give it a try yourself.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington

1. Remove the Old Door

The first step to putting in your new door is to remove the old one. Protect your floor with a dropcloth and begin by tapping the hinge pins lose. Then, open the door and lift it off the hinges. Pull off the old trim on the interior with a putty knife. Use a pry bar to take off the exterior trim, and completely remove the doorjamb using a handsaw and a pry.

2. Take Measurements

Next, measure the height and width of the rough opening. Compare them to your new door’s opening requirements to ensure it will actually fit. As a general rule, it should be at least 1-1 1/2 inches wider and taller than the new door. Then, measure your old door and compare it to the height and width of your new one just to be safe. You might even place the new door on top of the old one to visually inspect the size.

3. Fit the Door in the Opening

Regardless of whether you have a solid wood, metal or fiberglass door, it needs to fit in order to serve its purpose. Make sure it does by placing the door in the opening. Ensure it is plumb in the entry using a level. If you must adjust the door to center it in the frame, add shims under the lower side jamb. Once you’re satisfied with the fit, carefully remove the door.

4. Secure the New Door

Apply caulk around the sides and top of the door opening and sill. Then, tack in the door with galvanized casing nails. Shim behind each hinge to ensure there’s an even gap between the door and the jamb. Once you decide everything is level and even, nail through the frame into the jam where you placed the shims to keep them in place. Then, replace the hinge screws.

5. Seal and Insulate

Now all that’s left to do is seal and insulate your new door. Use minimal expanding foam to fill in the space between the jamb and the framing. Then, stuff any remaining gaps with fiberglass insulation. Layer the old trim over this or cut and install it new. Complete the job by caulking between the exterior siding and door trim. If you decide to paint or varnish, remove the door first. Otherwise, your job here is done.

Admire Your Handiwork

Installing a new door — especially for the first time — isn’t easy. However, your hard work will pay off once you can appreciate the finished product. Take a moment to step back and admire your handiwork. Oohs and aahs are encouraged.

em>Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington

For the price conscious, a new mattress should not only fit your budget, but your body type and lifestyle too. It’s never just “twin, queen or king” you need to consider before shelling out those hard-earned bucks.

Knowing how to shop and what to look for means that choosing a cheaper mattress doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. In fact, with the right intel, there’s some pretty great deals to be had… and this is where we come in.

How to Choose an Affordable Mattress

Get the best bang for your buck, by using our eight-point checklist:

1. Mattress construction: Memory foam, latex, inner-spring or hybrid?
2. Heat transfer: Looking for a cooler sleep?
3. Motion transfer: For light sleepers, it’s important.
4. Bounce and resistance: Important if you don’t want to struggle getting up from your mattress.
5. Edge support: For side-of-the-bed sleepers, it’s crucial.
6. Quality of materials: Are they Certi-PUR US?
7. Warranty: What should it cover and for how long?
8. Delivery: Free or on your dime?

5 of the Most Affordable Mattresses

Now, let’s take a quick look at five totally affordable mattresses that deliver big-time from both a pricing and quality standpoint:

1. Nectar

If your budget can extend a little, the Nectar mattress is well worth it. At $799.00, it’s an affordable alternative to premium-priced mattresses and an ideal option for heavier individuals including those suffering joint pain.

A breathable Tencel cover delivers enhanced air circulation and wicks moisture for a cooler sleep. The underlying layer of quilted gel memory foam contours to your body for optimal pressure point relief, while a 3-inch layer of Nectar’s patented Lush gel memory foam distributes bodyweight across the entire sleep surface for ideal support of heavier joints.

Nectar uses premium Adaptive Hi-Core memory foam in its base for consistent, uniform strength and superior edge support around the perimeter.

Its Certi-PUR US and OEKO-TEX certified foams are free from ozone depleting materials, formaldehyde and heavy metals so an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

Nectar’s industry-leading 365-night sleep trial allows a full year to test-run the mattress while the Forever Warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing for the entire period of ownership.

Delivery is free within the contiguous United States, but they don’t deliver to Canada.

Shop Nectar

2. Dynasty

At just $429.99, the Dynasty New Cool Breeze mattress delivers cooling comfort and exceptional pressure point relief at a price you can afford.

The cover features a convenient side zip for easy removal and washing to help extend the life of your mattress. What lies beneath is a 3-inch layer of gel infused memory foam that contours to your body across the entire sleep surface for relief on heavier joints. A lower, 4-inch thick layer of special Cool Airflow foam is designed to dissipate body heat for a cooler, more comfortable rest while the 5-inch high-density foam base delivers uniform, overall support.

All foams used are naturally hypoallergenic and Certi-PUR US certified which means they’re free from materials such as formaldehyde and heavy metals. As a bonus, you receive two free gel-infused memory foam pillows.

Enjoy a 120-night sleep trial and a 30-year limited warranty (though it was hard to find any specifics on what it covered).

Delivery is not free. Dynasty sells through Amazon and Walmart with Amazon shipping only to the United States.

Shop Dynasty

3. Zinus

If you thought your budget wouldn’t extend to a good memory foam mattress, the $235.00 Zinus Pressure Relief model is about to change your mind. As the name implies, it’s designed to provide pressure point relief for a more restful night and a pain-free morning.

The stretchy, polyester cover is well aerated across the surface and along the sides to encourage air flow. However, it isn’t removable for washing so you may want to invest in a mattress protector.

The Zinus is composed of a 3-inch thick top layer of memory foam that instantly adapts to your body contours for curve hugging comfort. Under that is a 3-inch layer of pressure relieving foam that helps dissipates body weight and alleviate stress on heavier joints. A 6-inch thick high-density memory foam base delivers consistent, uniform support.

It’s a great choice for allergy sufferers because all foams used are Certi-PUR US certified and free from ozone depleting materials, formaldehyde and heavy metals.

Zinus offers a 100-night sleep trial and optional 10-year warranty that can be purchased separately.

And free delivery is available within the contiguous United States. In Canada, it’s free via partner retailers such as Wayfair.

Shop Zinas

4. Brentwood Cypress

At $499.00, you may think we’re creeping out of your comfort zone but what you get with the Brentwood Cypress is well worth considering.

This bed’s stretchy, bamboo-rayon cover tightly hugs the memory foam as it adapts to your body contours – so no gaps and pockets. Better still, it’s lined with certified organic New Zealand wool to help wick moisture and regulate temperatures. While it is removable for spot-cleaning, you may want to consider purchasing a second cover from Brentwood to further extend the life of this investment.

Underneath, a 3.5-inch thick layer of gel memory foam supports your contours while millions of tiny gel beads help absorb heat for a cooler sleep. Talking cooler sleep, the next layer features 2 inches of Airluxe ventilated foam to help expel warm air from the mattress core.

The base is a full 7.5-inches of therapeutic foam that absorbs weight and delivers uniform support across the entire mattress.

The Cypress uses Certi-PUR US or Greenguard Gold Certified materials that are non-toxic and free from heavy metals, formaldehyde and ozone depleters.

They offer a 120-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty against material and manufacture defects.

Free shipping is available within the contiguous United States, but not in Canada.

Shop Brentwood Cypress

5. Lucid

Lucid promises a luxury mattress at a price you can afford and if $429.99 lands within your budget, the company may well have achieved that.

Similar to the pricier Nectar, the Lucid features a breathable Tencel Lyocell cover that helps circulate air and wick moisture for a cooler sleep. Best of all, it can be removed and washed to help extend the life of your mattress.

The mattress’s top layer is a 3-inch thick layer of ventilated gel memory foam that has been infused with gel beads. So, while the open-cell technology promotes better air circulation, the millions of tiny gel beads help prevent the mattress from becoming too warm. Beneath this lays a 1-inch support layer of antibacterial bamboo and charcoal infused memory foam that not only eliminates odors and manages moisture, but helps hug your curves and alleviate pressure on heavier joints.

To support body weight and add a little extra bounce, the base is comprised of 8 inches of high- density foam. This not only delivers uniform support for the entire sleep surface, but it helps lessen wear and tear.

This mattress is great for those suffering from allergies because all foams used are Certi-PUR US certified so free from ozone depleting materials, formaldehyde and heavy metals.

Lucid offers a brief, 30-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty that promises they will replace, repair or refund any defects in materials or manufacturing.

Shop Lucid

Writer and bargain-hunter extraordinaire Mary Simpson is based out of Port Credit and shares her home and bed with her two rescue dogs and three cats.

Technology enables more workers to do their jobs remotely, at least some of the time. Many cities have flourishing public transportation systems, and alternatives like motorized bicycles offer yet another way to save. If worst comes to worst, there’s always your two feet.

1. Join an Office Carpool

Office carpools offer more than a convenient way to save on transportation costs. They also enable you to forge stronger friendships with your peers and foster a spirit of camaraderie. You can check with your HR department if you’re not sure if your organization has one in place.

If you don’t have a carpool to join, why not organize one with your colleagues? Start by putting the idea out there, perhaps by posting a signup sheet for interested parties in the company breakroom. Once you find a group of fellow workers who live nearby, all you need to do is write up a driving schedule that’s fair to everyone.

2. Take Public Transportation

If you reside in an urban area, public transportation offers a viable alternative to driving. Many cities, such as Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., provide extensive subway systems that let you travel from point A to point B with ease. Other areas have buses and light rail systems to make your commute easier.

When you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road, you can use the time to work or catch some Zzzs — as long as you don’t miss your stop!

3. Bike or Use a Hybrid

Biking is an ideal method of transportation because it gets you to your destination more quickly than walking but without the carbon emissions associated with driving. You also get an excellent workout. However, what do you do when you encounter a steep hill and don’t want to get sweaty?

Consider investing in an e-bike. You can find budget models for approximately $1,000 or less at some retailers, although luxury versions cost $10,000 and up. Most of them hit speeds as high as 20 mph, giving you a boost when you’re running late for a budget meeting. Plus, if you have to take your car to the shop, you have a way to get home — no sitting on hard, plastic chairs for an hour or more.

Live a bit too far away from work? Drive to town and then bike the rest of the way. Find a decent bike rack to attach to your car, and pack your helmet, and then use your bike to get around the city. You’d be surprised at how much gas mileage you save from little trips to the coffee shop, post office, bank, and more.

4. Download an App

Sometimes, due to time constraints or other factors, you have to drive. However, that doesn’t mean you need to idle on the freeway unnecessarily. Download a free traffic app to minimize your drive time and your emissions. These programs will alert you to accidents and road repairs that can slow down your commute.

5. Talk to Your Employer

Technology makes it possible for more workers — even those in fields like healthcare — to work from home, either on a full- or part-time basis. In fact, 70% of professionals work remotely at least one day per week. Telecommuting is an attractive job perk, especially if your position doesn’t come with other benefits, like health insurance.

Talk to your employer and see if they’ll let you use this option. Be sure to keep up your productivity — working from home isn’t an excuse to watch TV in your bathrobe.

Save Money on Transportation With These Tips

You don’t have to drop a small fortune on rising gas prices. By using these tips, you can save money and avoid commuting headaches!

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington