In today’s world, where energy conservation and sustainable living hold utmost importance, homeowners are finding innovative ways to reduce their utility bills. This article explores various alterations around the home that not only contribute to energy efficiency but also promote significant savings on utility costs. By implementing these changes, households can benefit from economic relief while also playing a part in preserving the environment.

Embracing Clean Energy and Efficiency Upgrades

Providing incentives for clean energy, the U.S. Department of Treasury reported in 2023 that over 3.4 million American families received $8.4 billion in tax credits. These incentives were specifically designed to assist families in managing the costs associated with installing clean energy systems and enhancing their home’s energy efficiency. By adopting such upgrades, families can not only reduce the initial expenses but also enjoy long-term savings with lowered energy bills.

Tax credits have been instrumental in encouraging homeowners to shift towards more sustainable energy sources, such as solar panels and energy-efficient home appliances. The financial support reduces the burden of upfront costs, making it feasible for more families to invest in energy-efficient technology. Over time, as these systems become part of standard home infrastructure, their contribution to reducing utility expenses becomes evident.

Furthermore, using energy-efficient appliances and clean energy sources ensures a significant decrease in reliance on non-renewable energy, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The strategic implementation of these systems represents not only a monetary saving but also a commitment to lowering carbon footprints, which is a key advantage in the global pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Water Conservation through High-Efficiency Installations

ServiceTitan highlights a strikingly effective measure to manage utility bills—installing high-efficiency toilets, which can result in saving approximately 13,000 gallons of water per household annually. These toilets utilize advanced technology to minimize water usage without sacrificing performance, making them a smart choice for families seeking economical benefits.

Besides reducing water consumption, high-efficiency toilets prove to be cost-effective due to decreased water bills. Homeowners who install these toilets find a noticeable reduction in their monthly water expenses, making it a valuable long-term investment. With water becoming an increasingly precious resource, adopting water-saving technologies supports both financial savings and water conservation.

The decision to invest in high-efficiency plumbing fixtures also reflects an understanding of ecological responsibility. By conserving water, households contribute to a significant global effort to sustain freshwater resources, ensuring that both current and future generations can maintain their water needs without excessive strain on natural sources.

Improving Air Conditioner Efficiency Nationwide

In a global endeavor to enhance energy efficiency, Consumer Affairs reported that the U.S. was one of 60 nations that pledged in December 2023 to boost the efficiency of new air conditioners by 50%. This commitment demonstrates a proactive effort to address climate change by reducing energy consumption related to cooling systems, which account for a considerable portion of household energy use.

The initiative pushes for innovation in air conditioning technology, encouraging manufacturers to produce units that offer superior cooling with minimal energy use. This leads to a reduction in electricity bills, allowing consumers to save significantly on their utility costs over the lifespan of the air conditioner. Upgrading to more efficient units is not only practical for savings but also crucial for reducing household carbon emissions.

As air conditioners become more efficient, their potential to contribute positively to household finances grows. The global agreement illustrates the significance of collective action in addressing energy usage, setting a precedent for other household technologies. The resulting benefits from such energy commitments extend beyond immediate financial savings; they encompass well-being and environmental health.

Navigating the financial landscape of utility bills can be challenging, but by adopting these energy-saving practices, homeowners can achieve considerable economic relief. From implementing clean energy and energy-efficient appliances to enhancing water conservation and improving air conditioning efficiency, these changes are within reach and impactful. Saving money on utilities not only aids in balancing household finances but also promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Photo Credit: stock photo

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I wish everybody could have an Aunt Doris in their family.

When you buy a refrigerator, or a car, or even a teakettle, you get a booklet that tells you what to expect, how it works, and basically what to do in the case it doesn’t work. We humans don’t have that luxury, we simply go along thinking: Oh, I’m going to live forever!

But then — bam! — it starts. For me, getting old started with an innocent little twinge.

Then, one day, I looked in the mirror and discovered that I had broken out in wrinkles. And now I not only look like my mother, but my grandmother too.

Each passing year has brought me a new twinge.

Eventually I found myself grunting every time I got up or sat down.

Remember the old television show Sanford & Son starring the late Redd Foxx? His venerable character, Fred Sanford, used to clutch his heart and look to the sky as he’d cry to his late wife, “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” I feel the same way now, not that “Elizabeth” would ever know me.

I used to go all day in the mall. Now sometimes it takes me that long just to go to the restroom — but that’s another story.

I used to run like the wind, but now I get winded getting out of a chair.

My hair is falling out.

The thing is, although I’m almost 91, my brain still works as well today as it did when I was 21.

Life’s funny that way.

The post My Nonagenarian Aunt Doris Shares Her Thoughts On Growing Old appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Fear not, though. It turns out there are many good jobs that don’t require a lot of experience — some of which even offer the potential of a six-figure income!

You may be wondering if encore careers are even possible. They are! More than 4.5 million people aged 50 to 70 have entered second careers that are fulfilling and contribute to their income. Another 1 million are planning encore careers.

Read on to find new careers that don’t require a ton of experience.

Delivery Driver

If you notice an increase in delivery trucks in your neighborhood, you’re not alone. The rise of online shopping leads to many people getting home deliveries of common items they once would have purchased at the mall. As a result, delivery companies need drivers more than ever before.

The position can be ideal for someone who wants a flexible schedule. You may need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in addition to a good driving record.

Salaries for delivery drivers range from $40,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and the number of hours worked.

School Bus Driver

Many school districts need bus drivers. You need a CDL and a clean driving record for this job as well. You also need to pass a security check and have no criminal record.

Many school districts offer benefits to school bus drivers. The job pays from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. Drivers receive school holidays and vacations off, of course.

Security Guard

While some security guards have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military, it’s not required. Many retail stores and schools need security guards. Security guards also work in businesses and at travel sites, such as the airport.

You need to be observant and reliable to work as a security guard. You may be required to take a drug test and show a clear criminal record. Some security guards may be required to acquire a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Security guards make from $40,000 to roughly $60,000 per year.

Real Estate Broker

Okay … real estate brokers likely need some sales experience, but if you have any at all, you can definitely work as a real estate broker. While some real estate brokers have a license, it’s not necessary. If you do want a license, you can earn one by completing a 60-hour course.

The most successful real estate brokers know their community and are people-oriented. It helps to have a good head for figures. It’s also helpful to be familiar with the industry to be able to give prospective sellers advice on how to maximum the sales potential of their home.

Real estate brokers work on commission. As a result, salaries can range widely depending on how many houses you sell and home prices; it is not uncommon for real estate brokers to earn a six figure income.

Tradesman Apprentice

Trade apprenticeships for plumbers, electricians, carpenters and masons are a great way to get your foot in the door on a great career with no experience. The average starting wage for an apprentice is currently $20 an hour, with increases over time. Licensed tradesmen typically earn from $60,000 annually to six figures. Depending on the trade, journeyman status can be attained after approximately 2000 hours of on-the-job training, and an additional 200 hours of technical training.

Financial Planner

Being a financial planner requires no specific experience, although it helps to have a license. Licensure to become a financial planner takes roughly 60 hours.

Financial planners give people advice on personal finance strategies, retirement, tax planning, real estate and more. You need to be trustworthy and knowledgeable about optimal strategies for people at all stages of life.

Financial planners usually work on commission. The annual salaries can range from $50,000 to six figures.

Fundraiser

Many nonprofit charitable organizations need professional fundraisers or development specialists to approach both people and organizations to give to their cause. To be a fundraiser, it helps to have sales experience, but that’s not a show-stopper. You need to be able to explain clearly and persuasively what the organization provides and why its cause is important.

Many fundraisers also oversee the work of volunteers and manage the movement of contributions through the organization.

Fundraiser salaries vary depending on the size of the organization. The middle range for large organizations is approximately $75,000 for full-time work.

So there you have it: six jobs that require minimal experience and are excellent for those starting out, changing jobs or seeking additional income in retirement. In fact, there’s no reason one of these can’t become your new career almost immediately.

Photo Credit: Innovate Impact Media

The post 7 Great Careers That Require No Experience to Start appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Thanks to the longtime custom of tipping, restaurants are one of the most common places where this skill routinely comes into practice.

That being said, let’s assume for a moment that I am a waiter. And let’s say that I seat four adults for dinner at the same table who wish to pay for their meals with separate checks. Let’s also assume that all four diners order the exact same thing to eat and drink, and that they experience the exact same quality of food and service. I then give each of them their bills (with identical totals).

Okay, Len, what’s your point?

I strongly suspect that, even though the service, food, and orders were identical for everyone, I’d stand a better chance of being declared People‘s Sexiest Man Alive than getting the exact same tip from everybody.

Don’t believe me?

Here’s a Tipping Experiment…

What follows is a different hypothetical scenario. After reading it, can you tell me how much the gratuity should be?

The Scenario:

• You’ve just had dinner at a neighborhood restaurant you go to several times a year. For the purposes of this experiment, let’s assume it’s similar to a Chili’s or Applebee’s.
• The service was average; there were no major flubs by your waiter, but it wasn’t excellent service.
• The food was good, except for the side salad which was terribly wilted. So it was graciously taken off the bill by the manager.
• At the end of your meal, you are presented with the following itemized bill:

Coke $2.95
Potato Skins $7.95
Side Salad $4.95
Side Salad -$4.95 (Comp.)
Cheeseburger $11.95
Chocolate Lava Cake $4.95
Subtotal: $27.80
Tax: $2.22
Total: $30.02

• After agreeing with the bill’s total, you choose to pay with your credit card.

So, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Again, I want to know what the tip should be. Obviously, there is no right answer here; everybody is different when it comes to tipping. However, I’m really curious to see just how varied the tip amounts would be for this experiment.

Of course, this experiment will be a major flop if I don’t get at least four readers to participate (but the more the merrier) — so I’m counting on you to not leave me hanging!

Leave your answer in the comment section below — and remember, you’re on your honor to not look at any other reader answers until after you’ve submitted your own. Besides, the last thing you need is to see my ugly mug one day soon on the cover of People.

Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals

The post Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Calculate This Bill’s Tip appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

The Thomas Crown Affair

It offers a rare glimpse into the life of someone who literally had too much money. We see how he acquired it, how he kept it, and how he became bored by it.

Of course, no one ever promised vast wealth would bring happiness.

Indeed, Thomas Crown is a Wall Street paragon so bored with his success and wealth he’s taken to stealing and other risky activities just to feel alive.

As implausible as that may seem, there are some pragmatic personal finance lessons that we can pull from The Thomas Crown Affair. Here are five of them:

Trust Is Important in the Pursuit of Wealth

Although The Thomas Crown Affair is a love story, it’s complicated by money, loyalty, and ethics. Catherine stood to get a handsome bounty if she could apprehend Thomas for stealing a valuable Monet painting. During the pursuit, she had a brief encounter with him which revealed a strong mutual chemistry between them — but their relationship didn’t prosper until they started trusting one another.

Over 100 years ago, Russell H. Conwell wrote on the importance of trust in our pursuit of wealth in his brilliant work Acres of Diamonds. This contradicts those who lament that the wealthy are dishonest.

Consider how unlikely we are to do business with the untrustworthy. The implication is that if we’re rich, there’s a good chance that many people have trusted us as we acquired our wealth.

Most Wealthy People Enjoy What They Do For a Living

Thomas treated earning money like a game. This is a common characteristic among the wealthy. Thomas built, acquired and occasionally sold businesses. He relished in his triumphs. His boredom surfaced only after he mastered business.

President Donald Trump says he often works on vacation because he enjoys working.

Gene Simmons, Oprah, and Ryan Seacrest are additional prominent examples of people who are constantly working. Each of these people could have retired to live the good life long ago, but they’re arguably already living the good life because they inherently enjoy what they do. It’s no coincidence that most millionaires typically work 55-hour weeks — or more.

Wealth-Building Is a Team Sport

Thomas Crown also hired the best advisers that interfaced with every facet of his personal and professional life. Employees would be with him while he got his suits tailored, and he even prepared dinner with one of his personal attorneys. I’m convinced that getting wealthy is often a team sport. No one possesses expertise in all areas. Thus, it’s important to make sure we’re getting the best advice.

The more we have, the more time we should allocate to making sure that our insurance, investment, tax, and legal needs are taken care of properly. By acknowledging others expertise, we can accelerate our wealth-building by making fewer mistakes.

Knowing How to Negotiate is Important

Serious negotiations can be very important to our financial health. Poor negotiators needlessly waste time negotiating trivial details. Thomas Crown was a fierce negotiator — but only when it mattered.

One particular acquisition during the movie stands out. Thomas was selling one of his businesses, and the negotiations were intense. After Crown signed the final paperwork, the buyers’ agents began gloating about how he was finally “forced to sell something,” and asked him if he had any regrets in how he played the negotiation.

His response was classic: “Regret is typically a waste of time, as is gloating. Have you figured out what you are going tell your board of directors once they realize that you paid $30 million more than anyone else was offering?”

Negotiate the things that matter very meticulously. Donald Trump’s classic The Art of The Deal is a great instruction manual on how to do this.

You’re More Likely to Become Wealthy if You’re Self-Employed

Lastly, Thomas controlled his financial destiny because he owned several businesses. According to The Millionaire Next Door, self-employed people are four times more likely to be millionaires than those who work for others.

As our own bosses, we can control our income capacity, taxes, and expenses. Of course, there are risks associated with going into business for yourself; nine out of ten businesses fail.

And while there is nothing wrong with working for someone else, there’s risk in depending on an employer for your financial security. True security only comes from doing your job well and staying marketable.

So the next time you see a movie with a somewhat preposterous storyline, don’t dismiss it as irrelevant. The fiction doesn’t diminish the value of the lessons, financial and beyond.

Photo Credit: United Artists

The post 5 Nuggets of Financial Wisdom from The Thomas Crown Affair appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Service Your Vehicle

First things first: your car must be able to handle the trip. At a minimum, that may require taking a trip to the service shop for a break inspection, tune-up, oil change, and topping-off critical fluids.

“To avoid the hassle and cost of auto repair expenses mid-trip, service your car before you leave,” advises money-saving expert, Kendal Perez. “I’m clueless about car repair, so I have professionals replace the oil and filter, top off fluids, and make sure my tire pressure is at optimal levels. It also gives me peace of mind that my car is in good shape ahead of a long drive.”

Before you head to the shop, do yourself a favor a do a quick search online or through your stack of coupons for the best deals. There are plenty of them out there this time of year, and you may be able to double up on discounts if you have built-in savings through memberships like AAA, cash-back deals from your bank or an app, or your credit card provider.

Pack Light

Overloading your car with heavy bags reduces your fuel efficiency and makes your road trip less comfortable. Instead, pack light and leave room for a few inexpensive and lightweight tchotchkes from your travels. And if you really want to save, then use photographs of your road trip your as inexpensive framed souvenirs.

Stock Up

Convenience stores are the worst place to buy food and drink; you pay exorbitant markups for subpar cuisine. You can save money and physical discomfort — all those Hot Cheetos and Kit Kats will do a number on your stomach — by purchasing your favorite snacks ahead of time from a supermarket or bulk goods store like Costco.

Adds Perez, “Buy a pack of bottled water from the store to bring as well, or bring a couple reusable water bottles to fill up at gas stations. This alone will save you $2 to $4 per bottle!”

Time Your Departure

I was married once to someone who always wanted to leave for a road trip at peak rush hour — and it was the most GD frustrating thing in the world. Unless you enjoy screaming at each other in the car, then sitting in silence ignoring each other for hours, it’s better to plan your departure smartly. You’ll get out of town quicker by leaving early in the morning or late at night, thereby also saving yourself extra money on gas wasted from sitting in traffic. Before you leave, check Google Maps or Waze to find out how long the trip will take.

Use Cruise Control

“Frequent acceleration and deceleration reduces your fuel efficiency, so take advantage of your vehicle’s cruise control. Cruise control can also maintain your speed near the speed limit and help you avoid pricey speeding tickets,” says Perez.

Don’t Wait to Refuel

If you’re an I-just-want-to-get-there kind of road tripper, you probably wait until the last minute to refuel. However, being more strategic about where you fill up can help you save money. If you put it off, you may have to fuel up at a gas station in the middle of nowhere that charges a premium. Instead, use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel, wherever you are.

Prepare For the Worst

Life happens, but nobody wants hiccups when they’re on a road trip, far from home with the children. Hedge your bets, says car expert, Scott Chesrown. “Before you leave, download the Honk app or the AAA app. It’s unlikely you’ll need roadside assistance but planning ahead can downgrade a travel nightmare to a minor snafu.”

Photo Credit: iainmerchant

The post 7 Ways to Get the Most for Your Money on a Road Trip appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

I love ’em; they’re an incredibly tasty treat. Especially on hot arid summer days.

Don’t tell that to my daughter, Nina. She hates banana date milkshakes; the mere sight of them makes her gag.

What’s really funny is Nina swears that the only thing worse than a banana date shake is escargot – although she’s never tried either of them. I know.

My daughter is no different than folks who stubbornly refuse to try credit cards for the first time. They’re certain that credit card companies take advantage of consumers. They think nothing good can ever come from credit cards – nothing! – and they know this because, well… somebody told them so.

If they only knew what they’re missing.

Fiscally responsible people don’t fear credit cards and the companies that issue them. They embrace them.

In fact, savvy credit card holders actually turn the tables and use those “evil” credit card companies every chance they get.

How is that possible? Because the competition for customers is extremely fierce. It’s true! For proof, most people only have to check their junk mail.

With that in mind, I try to rip off my credit card company as often as I can – and I do so without any guilt. Here are several ways you can too:

Take advantage of the sign-up bonuses

In the world of personal finance, patience is a virtue. I remember when Marriott was courting me on an almost-monthly basis to sign up for their rewards card. At first, they were offering me 40,000 points. After six months, they had upped the ante to 50,000 points. Not long after that they sweetened the pot to 70,000 points. Hey, it’s not just the girls. Every guy has his price too. Chumps!

Demand a lower interest rate

That’s right. If you’ve been a good customer, by all means, call up your credit card company and ask them to lower your interest rate. Odds are they’ll cave. But if they balk, tell them you’re going to close your account and:

Transfer your balances to a new credit card with a 0% APR

If you’re already carrying a balance on your other credit cards – and paying high interest rates in the process – then make sure you get the last laugh by finding a new card with an introductory 0% APR that allows you to transfer the balances.

Have customer service waive your interest charges

Awhile back I was charged $107 of interest after my credit card company received the payment after the grace period. Since that was only my third late payment in 25 years, I asked them to waive the charges. They did. Push overs.

Avail yourself of their concierge services

Higher-end rewards cards offer fabulous concierge services that bend over backwards to help their members with almost any request they can think of – everything from securing last-minute dinner reservations and hard-to-find concert tickets, to hunting down giant tubs of nacho cheese sauce. And they say credit card customers are the easy marks. Right.

Tell them you want a higher credit limit

If you need a small bump in your credit line for, say, a vacation, ask your credit card company if they’ll raise your limit, but without making a credit inquiry – which usually affects your credit score. You’ll have more leverage if you’ve been a longtime customer with good credit history.

Take advantage of their free extended warranty plans

You want another way to rip off your credit card company? Well… because it results in more business for them, some credit card companies eagerly play the fall guy by offering free extended warranty protection. Yes, free.

Take advantage of their free insurance

If you get in a car accident, most credit cards offer at least secondary rental car insurance that will cover any gaps in your policy. And higher-end credit cards provide other kinds of insurance too, protecting you from unforeseen events like lost baggage and even canceled trips.

Always pay off your credit card bills in full each month

By paying off your credit card balance in full each month, you’ll avoid wasteful interest payments that can be used for more important things like building your retirement nest egg. Oh… and don’t worry about those credit card companies – they’re still making plenty of cash off those fees they charge merchants every time you make a purchase.

Even if you use it to buy a banana date milkshake – or a plate of snails.

Photo Credit: http2007

The post 9 Guilt-Free Ways to Rip Off Your Credit Card Company appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Welcome to another rousing edition of Black Coffee, your off-beat weekly round-up of what’s been going on in the world of money and personal finance.

I hope everybody had a wonderful week. And with that, let’s get right to this week’s commentary, shall we?

Financial crises are like fireworks: They illuminate the sky even as they go pop.

– James Buchan 

Credits and Debits

Credit: Did you see this? Let’s start with some good-news-bad-news this week. First the good news: Roughly 1 in 9 American adults have a net worth of at least $1 million. Now the bad: A $1 million net worth doesn’t go very far these days in retirement – especially if most of that million bucks is tied up in home equity.

Credit: Of course, the so-called “magic number” for retirement varies from individual to individual. But one study from last year found that Americans believe it takes a net worth of $2.3 million makes you officially “rich.” We agree that number should be more than enough for retirees in most parts of the US – although for most people that probably isn’t enough for a perfectly happy retirement in places like the Northeast or West Coast. Besides, depending on who you ask, everything is relative… especially when you consider that wealth can be fleeting…

Credit: Speaking of happiness, the amount of money it takes to keep us in high spirits varies, too. In fact, yet another study has determined that although happiness increases for most people as their income increases, it plateaus once they reach $100,000 per year. The take-away here is that being happy is an easier goal to obtain than being rich – especially for those whose age is somewhere in the vicinity of their shoe size.

Credit: With that in mind, saving for retirement is more important than ever. And it’s a generally-accepted fact that women display better savings habits than men. But while women tend to save more of their paycheck for retirement than men, a recent study of 5 million retirement accounts shows that they still trail them in 401(k) account values. The average 401(k) balance among men in 2025 was $194,597, compared with $146,476 for women. For what that’s worth. As for elsewhere in the battle of the sexes…

Debit: Then again, many Americans are having trouble living on their own, let alone saving for retirement. As of last year, more than 25 million adult Americans under 35 lived with a parent. For those of you not counting at home, that means roughly one in three people in that age group have yet to leave the nest. Yikes! And, no… it wasn’t specified how many of those adult children slept in their parents’ basement. Er… assuming they’re even allowed in the basement…

Credit: In other news, we see that Elon Musk recently became the world’s first trillionaire. Put another way: Elon is now a billionaire 1000 over, and a millionaire one million times over. Yeah… that’s undeniably wealthy by any measuring stick. Now here are a few more fast facts: Musk became a millionaire at age 27, a billionaire at 41, and a trillionaire at 54. Oh… and then there’s this:

Debit: On a related note, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDPNow model currently estimates the US real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the second quarter of this year at a 3.3% annualized rate. And while that may seem impressive, things don’t look quite so rosy when measuring America’s GDP in terms of gold instead of the US dollar (USD). See for yourself:

(h/t: @gloeschi)

Debit: By the way, with the National Debt is careening towards $40 trillion, the CBO is projecting that the US deficit will finish the current year – which ends on September 30th – at nearly $2.3 trillion. And yet nobody in Washington seems alarmed. Unlike these guys…

Debit: At today’s market price of roughly $4350, the US gold reserve is worth $1.2 trillion. Now for the punchline: The federal government spends $1.2 trillion every two months. That also means gold would need to be about $87,200 to fully back the M2 money supply. And it would take $150,000 to cover the National Debt. Unfortunately, after decades of gross mismanagement, the Fed has steered the economy and the financial system into a cul-de-sac. So the choice remains the same: Keep printing and accelerating inflation, or stop and watch the markets fall apart. Then again, that decision is among the worst-kept secrets ever …

Credit: Needless to say, at this point it’s important that we all get one thing perfectly clear: Silver and gold have always been a long-term storage of wealth – that is, wealth insurance as opposed to an investment, regardless of how they both perform over the shorter term.

By the Numbers

With the United States’ 250th birthday quickly approaching, Americans are gearing up to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in patriotic style, with parties, picnics and professional performances. With that in mind, a recent study revealed the ten states that spent the most per capita last year on fireworks. Can you guess the two states that spent far more per person on pyrotechnics than all the others?

$2.89 Indiana

$2.92 North Dakota

$3.46 Montana

$3.91 Wyoming

$4.21 Ohio

$4.69 Nebraska

$5.34 Alabama

$5.49 Kansas

$11.60 Missouri

$12.29 South Dakota

Source: Facebook

Last Week’s Poll Results

How much was the biggest prize (cash or merchandise) you’ve ever won?

• Less than $100   43%
• $100 to $1000   41%
• I’ve never won anything!   7%
• $1001 to $5000   6 %
• More than $5000   3%

More than 2100 Len Penzo dot Com readers responded to last week’s question and it turns out that nearly 60 of them claim to have been fortunate enough to win more a prize valued at more than $5000. Wow! Frankly, I find that a bit hard to believe – especially since there were slightly more respondents who claimed to have won a prize valued at more than $1000 than those who claimed to have never won anything at all. But, hey… what do I know? These polls are not scientific, after all. And maybe I’m just extremely unlucky when it comes to contests.

Last week’s question was submitted by reader Frank. If you have a question you’d like me to ask the readers here, send it to me at Len@LenPenzo.com and be sure to put “Question of the Week” in the subject line.

The Question of the Week

Useless News: True Story

When asked for his name by the coffee shop barista, my brother-in-law answered: “Marc; with a C.”

A few minutes later, he was handed his coffee with his name written on the side: Cark.

(h/t: Paul Neelon via rd.com)

Squirrel Cam

When the squirrels (and my dog) are away, the bunnies will play. This is a (very) up-close view of a desert cottontail…

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Buy Me a Coffee? Thank You!

For the best reading experience, I present all of my fresh Black Coffee posts without ads. If you enjoyed this week’s column, buy me a coffee! (Dunkin’ Donuts; not Starbucks.) Thank you so much!

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More Useless News

Hey, while you’re here, please don’t forget to:

1. Subscribe to my weekly Len Penzo dot Com Newsletter!

2. Make sure you follow me on follow me on X. And last, but not least…

3. Please support this website by purchasing my book! Thank you!!!!

Letters, I Get Letters

Every week I feature the most interesting question or comment — assuming I get one, that is. And folks who are lucky enough to have the only question in the mailbag get their letter highlighted here whether it’s interesting or not! You can reach out to me at: Len@LenPenzo.com

This week’s note is an e-mail message from Sandy:

I’m going to try a test. Do you think this is good enough to get air time in Black Coffee?

Not a chance, Sandy.

If you enjoyed this edition of Black Coffee and found it to be informative, please forward it to your friends and family. Thank you!

I’m Len Penzo and I approved this message.

Photo Credit: public domain

The post Black Coffee: Red Sky at Night appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Shareholders get respect, employees don’t. Companies aim to impress shareholders and Wall Street. Employees not so much. Employers pay their workers as little as possible. And they lay off their employees to benefit the company’s bottom line. Employees deal with workplace stress such as toxic managers, discrimination, and unpaid overtime.

However, being a shareholder is like living in a whole different dimension. In terms of connection, it’s as detached as it gets. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing. When you’re a shareholder, you don’t have to be in a good mood, be energetic, or be the life of the party. When you’re a shareholder, you don’t have to worry about being a man or a woman. You don’t have to worry about being too short or too tall.

Basically, being a shareholder is a generic state that takes subjectivity out of the equation. Judgment doesn’t exist. When the corporation pays a dividend, everyone gets paid, not just the boss’ pet. When the stock price grows, it grows for all shareholders and everyone gets rich. There is no getting passed over.

You might say, “Stocks go down,” or, “I don’t play the stock market.” Anything can happen, it’s true. But it’s a safe bet that AT&T is going nowhere. Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson are here to stay.

I paid off my second car with GE stock. When I saw that sucker drop to $6 in 2009, I bought 1000 shares the next day. That helped me pay off a big chunk of a car loan amidst the economic uncertainty. The market can go up or down, but the resources of these giant companies don’t disappear because of some temporary influence that jolts the stock market. (Hint: Those are occasions to buy more.)

Most of us are employees right now. One of my goals is to transition from an employee to a shareholder. Because I’m only one person, I can only take myself to work and earn one paycheck. But by converting my W-2 income to shares of stock, it’s my way of having others work for me. Those shares act like worker bees and I’m able to exponentially leverage others’ skills.

Becoming a shareholder allows me to tap into the profitability of industries for which I have zero expertise. I don’t know anything about the construction industry. Hell, I’m a 5-foot woman — it wouldn’t be good for my nails. But the brawny men who are made for that line of work enjoy getting up every morning to play with heavy equipment. By investing in a construction company, I stand to gain from the earnings and growth potential of that enterprise without getting my hands dirty.

I look around at all the nicely-designed stores and new buildings. I can get a piece of that rental income by investing in a REIT. REIT stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. One of my best investments was buying several hundred REIT shares in 2005. Not only has it grown multi-fold since then, but the dividends still buy me a few shares each month. That’s from doing nothing. I’m riding the gravy train on dividend reinvestment compounding. Even better: it’s in my IRA where I don’t pay current tax on the dividends.

I also think of stock ownership as owning my own business but without the stress of the day-to-day management. The enterprises’ managers and employees worry about the mundane operations. Plus, I’m not risking my life savings or personal assets, other than my investment.

I can’t know every industry, but if I spread my money into buying shares of each industry’s leading companies, I’m now promoting their success as well as my own. I’ve taken a very aggressive stance on the switch. Every payday, I commit a minimum of $500 into an investment. If you’re an employee that loves your job, that’s great, but I think that’s the exception. Based on my experiences, employees are truly short-changed and don’t get enough respect.

I feel it’s time to regain my integrity.

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About the Author: Dora DeLellis is a CPA and CFP. Dora is the author of How Ally Found Her Financial Freedom and Jake’s Financial Transformation.

Photo Credit: Arch_Sam

The post Why It’s Better to Be a Shareholder than an Employee appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.

Water-Efficient Shower Head

People often think of water-saving shower heads as inconvenient since some of them don’t have good water pressure. Business Insider recommends a model from Niagara Earth that uses 75% less water than traditional models and is available for purchase on Amazon for a song. But regardless of which model you buy, investing in a “low-flow” shower head will reduce your utility bills.

Solar Powered/LED Outdoor Lights

While solar products require an initial investment, they’re unique in that they never need new bulbs or batteries. Some LEDs now have long enough lifespans to be almost as convenient. When the correct driver is installed and proper thermal control is maintained (which can be avoided by using a LED specific Dimming Driver or a heat sink), LED lamp life can easily achieve 80,000+ hours of usage while still maintaining 70% of the original light output.

“Once you start using solar power to make your home more energy-efficient, you’ll likely wonder why you haven’t been doing this for the outdoors (where the sun is most abundant) for as long as you possibly could have,” writes Mara Leighton of Business Insider.

Programmable Thermostat

Those who are truly interested in saving money on energy-efficiency projects should turn to their HVAC system and home’s air flow. In the average home, 38% of heat loss is through windows and doors. And since airflow problems alone can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 15%, you’d be surprised at how much you can save over the long term by investing in new windows or doors.

If you’re in need of a quick fix, however, a programmable thermostat is the way to go. It allows users to set the temperature on a timer. As a result, their home doesn’t have to stay heated or cooled when they leave. Many models now offer smartphone capabilities. So you can even set your heat or air conditioning to turn on 15 minutes before you arrive home. This type of technology saves money on utility bills. It also prevents over-usage, and the reduced wear and tear on your furnace is worth every penny.

“Since your thermostat controls half your energy bill it’s a great place to focus your attention. Especially if you want to cut down on use and costs,” writes Leighton.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, it’s important to do your research before investing in eco-friendly products and appliances. Make sure to look for Energy Star ratings, check reviews, and consult the owner’s manual to assure that you’re using the item properly and are getting all of its energy-efficient benefits. There’s also a convenient energy-efficiency calculator that can help you determine how much energy and money you’re really saving. But making the time and effort to invest in eco-friendly products is an investment into our Mother Earth.

Photo Credit: public domain

The post 3 Eco-Friendly Home Improvements That Will Actually Save You Money appeared first on Len Penzo dot Com.