One of the best ways to #save on #gasoline is to ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently, says MoneyFit. Check the tire pressure monthly and keep them inflated to the PSI level recommended listed inside the driver-side door. If you have extra #junk in the trunk, remove it to save on weight. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce drag. And finally, follow the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, replacing air filters and changing oil on time to keep the engine running smoothly. Prices at the pump will still hurt, but you’ll be maximizing your miles per gallon. #SaveOnGas
Tag: save money
Pick a Pump to Beat High Gasoline Prices
The average price of #gasoline fell 10.7 cents last week to $3.94 per gallon of unleaded regular, according to GasBuddy, 85.6 cents per gallon higher than one year ago. But that sub-$4 price is unlikely to last for long. If you must drive, you can spend somewhat less by using warehouse club discounts or joining a chain’s loyalty program, CNN reports. For example, Walmart+ members can #save 10 cents per gallon at more than 13,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations nationwide, and major chains such as Circle K and BP/Amoco offer discounts for frequent customers. #SaveOnGas
Save on Utilities by Having a Cookout
Everyone knows that #grilling for a #cookout can help keep one’s home comfortable in the summertime by eliminating the heat coming from the oven or cooktop. But it’s also an energy-efficient and cost-effective choice! A single air-conditioning unit can use up to 5.14 kWh per hour, according to Beltrami Energy Cooperative, a Minnesota-based utility. “If you are looking to maintain a cool vibe and lower your AC’s energy consumption, head outside to the grill,” it says. “Rather than generating heat indoors, the heat is dispersed outside, reducing strain on the AC, which ultimately lowers utility bills.” #NoSweatSummerCookout
Why Storing Your Extra Stuff Isn’t Always the Answer
Storage is big business. A wide variety of “storage solutions” on the market promise to help you #organize your #stuff by purpose and season, from the underbed box of out-of-season sweaters to the huge green bins designed to hold holiday lights and decorations.
What’s more, about 10% of U.S. households lease a #storage unit to contain bins, boxes, boats, cars and other #things they just can’t cram into their current homes. Self-storage is a $44 billion industry in the U.S., and it’s growing fast.
But storage is rarely the answer to one’s #decluttering and #organizing needs. “Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it’s out of mind,” says Miss Minimalist. “Your clutter is still there, hanging over your head, piled beneath your feet, lurking in the dark corners of your home.”
#Storage systems can help people #organize. You #sort items into a brand-new box or bin, label it and put it on a shelf. If you return to that bin knowing that it holds what you’re looking for, so much the better! But if you don’t, all you’ve done is hide your junk.
The same goes for a self-storage unit. You likely overestimated the value of the goods stored and/or the likelihood of using those things again. And you’ll do anything to avoid making a decision about that stuff, including continuing to pay the monthly fee.
Self-storage units can be useful in the short term if you’re transitioning between homes or downsizing. But most units are just a replacement for #decluttering. Reconsider renting if you don’t really need most of what you want to put in there.
“Because your #clutter is stored in an off-site location, there’s a greater chance you just won’t bother dealing with it,” says Garage Living. “Before you know it, years will have passed, the #junk in your storage unit will collect more dust, [and] your bank account will be emptier.”
Before you waste money on a bunch of new organizers or a self-storage unit, #declutter. Figure out what you aren’t using now and how likely that is to change. Reduce the sentimental items to only most treasured and put them in a truly safe place.
Then, contact ClothingDonations.org for a #free #donation #picukup. On the appointed day, a driver will pick up the things you no longer need and help you reclaim space in your cleaner, more streamlined home.
Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?
You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.
Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.
“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”
The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.
Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.
Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.
You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.
Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.