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Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Smart saving for health
We can place a dollar value on many things; what it costs us to eat or to fill up our car with gas, what school costs or how much it is to go on vacation.
There are also many things in our life that we can’t place a dollar value on; things like our relationships and experiences with those around us that we care about.
The things we can’t place a dollar amount on are the ones that we value the most; they are the ones we remember and hold dear to our heart and the ones that we don’t want to lose or go without.
Although there are numerous factors that go into allowing and affording us our freedom to have those experiences, maintaining and improving our health by controlling what factors we can, is one that we can have influence on.
There are factors of our health that we cannot control such those related to genetics, gender and age, but there are also many strong factors that we can control, two of which are what we put into our bodies to provide fuel and energy for the day and prevent disease, and also how much we move our bodies to maintain things such as our strength and flexibility. Our health in relation to the value and scope of our experiences can be strongly affected by the foods we eat and the accumulation of physical activity that we provide ourselves each day.
In order to do the things we want to do and create those memories that do last a lifetime, we need to make the right healthy decisions that afford us that luxury.
If we think about all the times in our days, weeks and months that we have the opportunity to eat or move — it’s astronomical in size.
Each time we have an opportunity, we have a decision to make; and each time we make a decision you could say we are putting pennies in the bank with each healthy decision, and making a withdrawal with each unhealthy one. Accumulate many ‘pennies’ or good health decisions and we place ourselves in a better position to afford the freedom to ‘buy’ the things that money can’t — the experiences that come with a healthy body.
But don’t get too worried, it’s not all or nothing.
As we all know, if we have a bucket of pennies and take a few out (or make a few unhealthy choices) it shouldn’t have a large effect our overall bucket (or health); but if we keep making withdrawals through unhealthy decisions, or don’t have a very large bank to begin with, we risk losing control of our health and our freedom to do what we want and create those memories that are so valuable.
Our challenge this week is to start investing in our ‘bank’ so that we can experience what we want to out of life.
How do you start if you’re starting with an ‘empty jar’? Start small and accumulate. We can’t fill up our ‘bank’ overnight, nor should we try. The benefits are going to come when we keep adding, over time, with simple and small changes to our
lifestyle.
Start with something active after dinner, change one type of food that you eat, eat out one less time per week, take the stairs, reduce the amounts of oil or sugar that you use in baking, switch to the grill instead of frying, stand instead of sit at meetings or when watching events, drink water instead of pop, turn off the television, go outside.
The possibilities are endless to get started and it doesn’t matter what you start with as long as you start and keep at it. Change can happen at any age, we just need to start investing.
To suggest a column idea or to ask questions, Jennifer Wilson can be reached at jennifer.wilson@strathcona.ca. For more information on health and wellness, visit a fitness technician at Millennium Place or Glen Allan Recreation Complex.
Monday, May 13, 2013
JVC Kenwood's Heads-Up Nav System Keeps Your Eyes On the Road
Sure, in-car GPS navigation systems make it easier to know where you're headed. But it's all for naught if you're so distracted checking the map that you end up rear-ending someone. So to help ensure you're at least keeping one eye on the road, JVC Kenwood's new MDV-737HUD nav system includes a see-through heads-up display that sits right next to your rear-view mirror.
A more traditional and highly detailed map is still available via a pop-out LCD display in the dashboard, but the smaller HUD, which uses the same LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) technology as a projector, provides simplified directions and easy-to-read instructions. So not only are the driver's eyes still on the road, the information being provided is easier to instantly comprehend.
Of course if you couldn't care less about distracted driving, the large LCD display on the base unit can also be used to watch TV, play DVDs, or serve as a speakerphone for your handset. And what would you expect to pay to (kind of) make your fighter pilot dreams come true? JVC Kenwood has priced the MDV-737HUD at around $2,500, so start saving your pennies Maverick.
A more traditional and highly detailed map is still available via a pop-out LCD display in the dashboard, but the smaller HUD, which uses the same LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) technology as a projector, provides simplified directions and easy-to-read instructions. So not only are the driver's eyes still on the road, the information being provided is easier to instantly comprehend.
Of course if you couldn't care less about distracted driving, the large LCD display on the base unit can also be used to watch TV, play DVDs, or serve as a speakerphone for your handset. And what would you expect to pay to (kind of) make your fighter pilot dreams come true? JVC Kenwood has priced the MDV-737HUD at around $2,500, so start saving your pennies Maverick.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Splendour In The Grass 2013 Lineup – The People React
After this morning’s highly anticipated Splendour In The Grass lineup announcement, social media has gone crazy with opinions. And the verdict is… *drumrooooollll* MIXED! What’s the deal, Splendour lineup? Can’t you please 100% of the people 100% of the time?
Many people are absolutely loving the announcement, and to be honest so are we. The massive list of 77 bands, set to play over 3 days in July, contains some absolute gems, especially further down the list – HAIM, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Surfer Blood, Wavves and Laura Marling are all acts we’re super keen to catch in Byron Bay.
Others, however, are noting what they see as a lack of headlining acts, though with bands like Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, The National and TV On The Radio, we’re not sure what more people need. Many are lamenting the fact that larger names like Phoenix and Kanye West are missing from the bill, despite many being discounted in our final countdown wrap-up.
There’s a lot of interest in certain buzz bands this year, with English guitar band Palma Violets sure to win over some Australian fans and prove worthy of the hype, and triple j darlings Everything Everything and Fidlar coming to live up to the constant plugging from our national broadcaster.
Many have been disappointed in the number of recent return trips to Australia, with acts like Of Monsters And Men and Ms Mr returning to Australia having just played Laneway Festival at the beginning of the year. The same goes for James Blake and Deap Vally, who both came out for 2-date promo tours in March and April.
One thing most people can agree on is that The Polyphonic Spree performing The Rocky Horror Picture Show is going to be something worth catching, and definitely a refreshing twist on the well-trodden grounds of festival performances. Can you see 30,000 mud-splattered punters dancing The Time Warp led by Tim DeLaughter in fishnets? Epic!
What are your thoughts? Opinions? Gripes, rants, exclamations? Let us know on social. For now, we wait – general release ticket details should be coming very soon, so get ready to spend those pennies you’ve been saving. The full Splendour lineup and ticketing details are on our announcement page, and under the very frothy tweets below.
Many people are absolutely loving the announcement, and to be honest so are we. The massive list of 77 bands, set to play over 3 days in July, contains some absolute gems, especially further down the list – HAIM, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Surfer Blood, Wavves and Laura Marling are all acts we’re super keen to catch in Byron Bay.
Others, however, are noting what they see as a lack of headlining acts, though with bands like Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, The National and TV On The Radio, we’re not sure what more people need. Many are lamenting the fact that larger names like Phoenix and Kanye West are missing from the bill, despite many being discounted in our final countdown wrap-up.
There’s a lot of interest in certain buzz bands this year, with English guitar band Palma Violets sure to win over some Australian fans and prove worthy of the hype, and triple j darlings Everything Everything and Fidlar coming to live up to the constant plugging from our national broadcaster.
Many have been disappointed in the number of recent return trips to Australia, with acts like Of Monsters And Men and Ms Mr returning to Australia having just played Laneway Festival at the beginning of the year. The same goes for James Blake and Deap Vally, who both came out for 2-date promo tours in March and April.
One thing most people can agree on is that The Polyphonic Spree performing The Rocky Horror Picture Show is going to be something worth catching, and definitely a refreshing twist on the well-trodden grounds of festival performances. Can you see 30,000 mud-splattered punters dancing The Time Warp led by Tim DeLaughter in fishnets? Epic!
What are your thoughts? Opinions? Gripes, rants, exclamations? Let us know on social. For now, we wait – general release ticket details should be coming very soon, so get ready to spend those pennies you’ve been saving. The full Splendour lineup and ticketing details are on our announcement page, and under the very frothy tweets below.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Bridgnorth drinkers turn down Chancellor’s beer saving
Punters asked for the cost to go up after the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave drinkers an extra penny in their pocket in his recent budget.
Mr Ireland, 59, said he was keen to pass on the 1p saving to his customers but was amazed when they turned it down.
But Mr Ireland said: “The customers are revolting and say they do not know what to do with the 1p change,” he said.
“We have three charity boxes and they are already nearly full and have filled up quite quickly with the extra pennies.”
The pub is collecting for the Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends and spinal research.
Mr Ireland, who stepped in to run the Bell and Talbot, in Salop Street, last month after the previous licensee left the premises, said he had never known anything like it in his 17 years in the pub industry.
“I have never known any customers complain before about a price reduction. It is unprecedented in all my years as a pub landlord but we have now put the price back up.
“We are trying to boost trade after the licensee left but we thought if Mr Osborne was kind enough to reduce the duty we would not be accused of profiteering and reduced the price the day after.”
Mr Ireland is a director of Odley Inns Limited, which also owns Odfellows Wine Bar in Shifnal, and the Coach and Horses in Swan Hill, Shrewsbury.
Last month Chancellor George Osborne scrapped a planned 3p rise in beer duty and replaced it with a 1p cut in the price of a pint.
He also said the alcohol duty escalator - which adds inflation plus two per cent to the price - would be abolished for beer completely.
The brewing industry and real ale drinkers’ group Camra welcomed the news as brilliant’ and ‘momentous’.
The escalator will remain for wine and spirits.
Mr Ireland, 59, said he was keen to pass on the 1p saving to his customers but was amazed when they turned it down.
But Mr Ireland said: “The customers are revolting and say they do not know what to do with the 1p change,” he said.
“We have three charity boxes and they are already nearly full and have filled up quite quickly with the extra pennies.”
The pub is collecting for the Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends and spinal research.
Mr Ireland, who stepped in to run the Bell and Talbot, in Salop Street, last month after the previous licensee left the premises, said he had never known anything like it in his 17 years in the pub industry.
“I have never known any customers complain before about a price reduction. It is unprecedented in all my years as a pub landlord but we have now put the price back up.
“We are trying to boost trade after the licensee left but we thought if Mr Osborne was kind enough to reduce the duty we would not be accused of profiteering and reduced the price the day after.”
Mr Ireland is a director of Odley Inns Limited, which also owns Odfellows Wine Bar in Shifnal, and the Coach and Horses in Swan Hill, Shrewsbury.
Last month Chancellor George Osborne scrapped a planned 3p rise in beer duty and replaced it with a 1p cut in the price of a pint.
He also said the alcohol duty escalator - which adds inflation plus two per cent to the price - would be abolished for beer completely.
The brewing industry and real ale drinkers’ group Camra welcomed the news as brilliant’ and ‘momentous’.
The escalator will remain for wine and spirits.
Monday, March 18, 2013
7 Incredible Bank Promotions that Make Up for the Horrible Interest Rates Today
High-yield deposit rates may be a rare find, as interest rates today continue their steady progression toward flat-lining at zero, but this doesn’t mean you have to be on the losing end with your banking institution. Instead of settling for pennies in return for your business, look into the best bank promotions currently being offered by large and local banks and credit unions.
What you find may surprise you, as they are often valued at exponentially more than the paltry returns generated from almost non-existent interest rates. Soothe the sting of low rates with these impressive bank promotions available now.
Most Exciting Bank Promotions
#1. US Bank – S.T.A.R.T. Savings
Customers of US Bank can link a new or existing US Bank checking account to the bank’s S.T.A.R.T. savings program for cash back rewards that are rare to find. In order to start saving money, you can either set up standard automatic transfers from their checking account to their savings account, or establish an automatic transfer of $0.25 – $5 per check card purchase.
After reaching the first $1,000 in the savings account, you’ll receive a $50 U.S. Bank Rewards Visa Card. Those who maintain a $1,000 or more account balance in the S.T.A.R.T. Savings fund after a year will receive an additional $50 Visa card — essentially a 10% return in total.
#2. Plaza Bank – Online Bill Pay
The best bank promotions give you perks for the doing the things you’re already doing. At Plaza Bank, customers receive the convenience of online banking features that turn banking into a seamless experience. Their current offer encourages customers to take advantage of the full online banking process with its online bill pay functionality.
Customers who have set up online banking, but do not use automatic bill pay, can receive a $25 Target gift card if they clear three) bill payments online within the month of February, March and April. Those who already use automatic bill pay more than three times per month, must make seven bill payments within each month to still qualify for the $25 Target gift card prize.
While this promotion is already in full swing, it’s apparent that Plaza Bank knows how to reward its loyal customers.
#3. Sovereign Bank – Checking Account Packages
Having options is always ideal, and Sovereign Bank ensures that you retain control of your own financial success with tiered bank promotions that let depositors choose how much cash back they receive.
Upon activating one of three checking account packages by March 31, you simply need to make a minimum of five debit card purchases or one direct deposit processed by May 1. Those who fulfill these requirements receive a cash bonus of $50 – $125, depending on the checking account package selected.
#4. PS Bank – eStatements
Green living and exotic cruises may seem like two totally disconnected concepts, but the team at PS Bank bridges the them together with arguably one of the best bank promotions available. Those who sign up for eStatements will be entered into a drawing for a 3-4 Night Bahamas Cruise with Royal Caribbean with a guest.
It’s as simple as that. The promotion is scheduled to run until April 15, 2013 and the winner will be selected at random.
#5. BBVA Compass Bank – Checking Account
Most financial institutions, especially big banks, have eliminated high deposit interest rates and rewards programs from checking account product features. At BBVA Compass Bank, customers receive something else that’s just as helpful: A Kindle Fire HD tablet. Simply open a new checking account with the bank and provide a minimum $25 opening deposit. Then, make three qualifying payments and setup one direct deposit into the account within 90 days to receive a Kindle.
These types of bank promotions help you regain the financial advantage regardless of low interest rates today. And the incentives don’t stop there — mortgage loan bank promotions are extremely popular these days, as the housing market begins to see improvement.
If you’re in the market for a new home, look into the following bank promotions that add significant savings to your bank account.
#6. Premier Bank – Mortgage Freebie
Premier Bank’s current Mortgage Madness TV Giveaway promotion offers customers the chance to win a free 42″ flat screen TV. There are two ways to enter: 1) Submit a mortgage or refinance application by April 4, 2012, or 2) Fill out an entry form at a Premier Bank location.
One entry is permitted per person, per day, so increasing your chances of winning one of three TV prizes is easy. There is also no purchase necessary to enter or claim the prize. What better way to redecorate your home than with a new television you and the family can enjoy?
#7. American National Bank – Mortgage or Refinance
Mortgage payments are usually the biggest monthly expense homeowners contend with, and can be difficult to manage despite today’s affordable interest rates. American National Bank provides its customers with a generous opportunity to win $1,000 mortgage payments for an entire year.
When you open and activate a mortgage loan, mortgage refinance, home equity loan or home equity line of credit from now until the promotional period (December 31, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time), customers are automatically entered into the drawing. The total cash value of the prize is an impressive $14,000.
With so many bank promotions, rewards and prizes waiting to be claimed, there’s no reason to let interest rates today hinder you from getting more for your money.
What you find may surprise you, as they are often valued at exponentially more than the paltry returns generated from almost non-existent interest rates. Soothe the sting of low rates with these impressive bank promotions available now.
Most Exciting Bank Promotions
#1. US Bank – S.T.A.R.T. Savings
Customers of US Bank can link a new or existing US Bank checking account to the bank’s S.T.A.R.T. savings program for cash back rewards that are rare to find. In order to start saving money, you can either set up standard automatic transfers from their checking account to their savings account, or establish an automatic transfer of $0.25 – $5 per check card purchase.
After reaching the first $1,000 in the savings account, you’ll receive a $50 U.S. Bank Rewards Visa Card. Those who maintain a $1,000 or more account balance in the S.T.A.R.T. Savings fund after a year will receive an additional $50 Visa card — essentially a 10% return in total.
#2. Plaza Bank – Online Bill Pay
The best bank promotions give you perks for the doing the things you’re already doing. At Plaza Bank, customers receive the convenience of online banking features that turn banking into a seamless experience. Their current offer encourages customers to take advantage of the full online banking process with its online bill pay functionality.
Customers who have set up online banking, but do not use automatic bill pay, can receive a $25 Target gift card if they clear three) bill payments online within the month of February, March and April. Those who already use automatic bill pay more than three times per month, must make seven bill payments within each month to still qualify for the $25 Target gift card prize.
While this promotion is already in full swing, it’s apparent that Plaza Bank knows how to reward its loyal customers.
#3. Sovereign Bank – Checking Account Packages
Having options is always ideal, and Sovereign Bank ensures that you retain control of your own financial success with tiered bank promotions that let depositors choose how much cash back they receive.
Upon activating one of three checking account packages by March 31, you simply need to make a minimum of five debit card purchases or one direct deposit processed by May 1. Those who fulfill these requirements receive a cash bonus of $50 – $125, depending on the checking account package selected.
#4. PS Bank – eStatements
Green living and exotic cruises may seem like two totally disconnected concepts, but the team at PS Bank bridges the them together with arguably one of the best bank promotions available. Those who sign up for eStatements will be entered into a drawing for a 3-4 Night Bahamas Cruise with Royal Caribbean with a guest.
It’s as simple as that. The promotion is scheduled to run until April 15, 2013 and the winner will be selected at random.
#5. BBVA Compass Bank – Checking Account
Most financial institutions, especially big banks, have eliminated high deposit interest rates and rewards programs from checking account product features. At BBVA Compass Bank, customers receive something else that’s just as helpful: A Kindle Fire HD tablet. Simply open a new checking account with the bank and provide a minimum $25 opening deposit. Then, make three qualifying payments and setup one direct deposit into the account within 90 days to receive a Kindle.
These types of bank promotions help you regain the financial advantage regardless of low interest rates today. And the incentives don’t stop there — mortgage loan bank promotions are extremely popular these days, as the housing market begins to see improvement.
If you’re in the market for a new home, look into the following bank promotions that add significant savings to your bank account.
#6. Premier Bank – Mortgage Freebie
Premier Bank’s current Mortgage Madness TV Giveaway promotion offers customers the chance to win a free 42″ flat screen TV. There are two ways to enter: 1) Submit a mortgage or refinance application by April 4, 2012, or 2) Fill out an entry form at a Premier Bank location.
One entry is permitted per person, per day, so increasing your chances of winning one of three TV prizes is easy. There is also no purchase necessary to enter or claim the prize. What better way to redecorate your home than with a new television you and the family can enjoy?
#7. American National Bank – Mortgage or Refinance
Mortgage payments are usually the biggest monthly expense homeowners contend with, and can be difficult to manage despite today’s affordable interest rates. American National Bank provides its customers with a generous opportunity to win $1,000 mortgage payments for an entire year.
When you open and activate a mortgage loan, mortgage refinance, home equity loan or home equity line of credit from now until the promotional period (December 31, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time), customers are automatically entered into the drawing. The total cash value of the prize is an impressive $14,000.
With so many bank promotions, rewards and prizes waiting to be claimed, there’s no reason to let interest rates today hinder you from getting more for your money.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Higher tuition fees result in less alcohol consumption
According to recent information from Save the Student, a website devoted to saving university students money, with higher tuition fees students are going out less.
Due to the recent tripling of university tuition fees along with general rising costs of living, students may be taking more care to save money this year.
According to Save the Student, there has been a significant drop in the number of nights students go out every week.
First year students this year statistically go out less than final year students – a drop to 1.23 nights every week from 1.57 nights every week.
Furthermore, students may indeed be spending less on alcohol as well. UK students across all year groups averaged spending £19 per week.
This is down from an NUS study last year that indicated that students across all years spent an average of £28 per week.
“I’m not surprised,” University College fresher Chris McCann told Palatinate. “People have less money to spend, so they budget accordingly.
“I know more people pre-drink because it’s cheaper. Or they just try to cut down in general.”
However, this shift might not necessarily indicate that students are actually drinking less. All the data means is that students spend less time and less money drinking.
Earlier this year, Palatinate reported on Durham’s increase in alcohol consumption from 16.5 units last year to 18.8 this year, according to another university advice website, studentbean.com.
Evidently, Durham’s innovative student body may have therefore managed to pull off the impossible. On statistically less money, Durham students have managed to drink statistically more alcohol.
Of course, there are a few things that are also skewing the results. The first is simply that there’s a significant time overlap between the studentbeans.com survey and Save the Student.
Additionally, the studentbeans.com survey focuses on the results from alcohol drinkers alone.
Whatever the numbers may say, however, Save the Student does recognize that these results might not mean as much as they appear to.
“This news does not necessarily mean that students are drinking less, as it may be that the typical student is simply becoming more price sensitive to pennies spent at the bar,” said Owen Burek, founder of Save the Student in a statement.
But the bottom line is that many students who may wish to follow the preceding years in sheer volume of alcohol consumed will need to be creative.
Due to the recent tripling of university tuition fees along with general rising costs of living, students may be taking more care to save money this year.
According to Save the Student, there has been a significant drop in the number of nights students go out every week.
First year students this year statistically go out less than final year students – a drop to 1.23 nights every week from 1.57 nights every week.
Furthermore, students may indeed be spending less on alcohol as well. UK students across all year groups averaged spending £19 per week.
This is down from an NUS study last year that indicated that students across all years spent an average of £28 per week.
“I’m not surprised,” University College fresher Chris McCann told Palatinate. “People have less money to spend, so they budget accordingly.
“I know more people pre-drink because it’s cheaper. Or they just try to cut down in general.”
However, this shift might not necessarily indicate that students are actually drinking less. All the data means is that students spend less time and less money drinking.
Earlier this year, Palatinate reported on Durham’s increase in alcohol consumption from 16.5 units last year to 18.8 this year, according to another university advice website, studentbean.com.
Evidently, Durham’s innovative student body may have therefore managed to pull off the impossible. On statistically less money, Durham students have managed to drink statistically more alcohol.
Of course, there are a few things that are also skewing the results. The first is simply that there’s a significant time overlap between the studentbeans.com survey and Save the Student.
Additionally, the studentbeans.com survey focuses on the results from alcohol drinkers alone.
Whatever the numbers may say, however, Save the Student does recognize that these results might not mean as much as they appear to.
“This news does not necessarily mean that students are drinking less, as it may be that the typical student is simply becoming more price sensitive to pennies spent at the bar,” said Owen Burek, founder of Save the Student in a statement.
But the bottom line is that many students who may wish to follow the preceding years in sheer volume of alcohol consumed will need to be creative.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Many welcome departure of pesky penny
The penny is on the way out, and that’s good news for people tired of dealing with the nuisance coin.
The Royal Canadian Mint stopped distributing pennies Monday after more than 150 years of production. But it was Finance Minister Jim Flaherty who announced the penny’s demise about a year ago, saying the cost of manufacturing a coin was actually 1.6 cents.
Some bank managers are welcoming the disappearance of the pesky coin from circulation.
“I’m not sad to see the penny go, I’ve been waiting for it to go for years,” said Dominique Vallière, a branch manager at TD Canada Trust at Billings Bridge Plaza.
She said it became too cumbersome to roll up pennies brought in by customers. On the weekend, more than a dozen customers brought in their pennies, figuring the currency was no longer legal tender, she said. In fact, the penny is still legal and will be for some time, she added.
She said an in-branch display of a big jar of pennies is “to make people aware” that the penny is still with us. But at banks, retail stores and other businesses where cash transactions occur, the landscape is changing.
Across the country now big and small merchants are beginning to round cash transactions to the nearest five-cent increment. For example, a $1.02 transaction would round down to $1, but a purchase of $1.03 would round up to $1.05.
The owner of the International News store at Billings Bridge Plaza said he started phasing in the new system a few weeks ago to familiarize customers.
So far. customers are understanding and he hasn’t had any problems with the system, said the owner. He said he doesn’t mind saying goodbye to the penny, adding it’s a “hassle” adjusting the cash register to the new rounding system.
A Starbucks spokeswoman said its outlets will continue to distribute pennies when cash is owed to customers.
“When the pennies are not available (anymore) on cash owed we will round up or down using the government recommended guideline,” said public affairs spokeswoman Louisa Girotti.
Home Depot stores are rounding down to the nearest nickel on cash purchases by customers.
“It’s going to be automatic at the point-of-sale machines and self-checkouts and it will be a very easy and smooth transition,” said spokeswoman Erika Botond.
She said the “rounding down” is the right thing to do and fairer for customers, and the feedback from store owners so far is that it’s been a positive experience. She said customers will see a new line item on their bill showing what they saved under the new system.
Ilse Mitchell remembers saving “German pennies” when she was a young girl.
“I had a big metal box and once a week my father would take me to the bank with the money I had saved during the week,” said Mitchell, sipping a coffee at Billings Bridge Plaza.
“That’s how I learned to save and I still do it.”
Mitchell said she learned the value of money as a young girl and it is important to instil that in young people today.
“I still will pick up a penny if I see one on the floor,” she said, adding that most people wouldn’t bother.
She said she feels nostalgic about the demise of the penny in today’s cashless society.
“I will keep a few pennies in an old wallet because I know today is the last day (for distribution),” she said.
Source http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Many+welcome+departure+pesky+penny/7917406/story.html
The Royal Canadian Mint stopped distributing pennies Monday after more than 150 years of production. But it was Finance Minister Jim Flaherty who announced the penny’s demise about a year ago, saying the cost of manufacturing a coin was actually 1.6 cents.
Some bank managers are welcoming the disappearance of the pesky coin from circulation.
“I’m not sad to see the penny go, I’ve been waiting for it to go for years,” said Dominique Vallière, a branch manager at TD Canada Trust at Billings Bridge Plaza.
She said it became too cumbersome to roll up pennies brought in by customers. On the weekend, more than a dozen customers brought in their pennies, figuring the currency was no longer legal tender, she said. In fact, the penny is still legal and will be for some time, she added.
She said an in-branch display of a big jar of pennies is “to make people aware” that the penny is still with us. But at banks, retail stores and other businesses where cash transactions occur, the landscape is changing.
Across the country now big and small merchants are beginning to round cash transactions to the nearest five-cent increment. For example, a $1.02 transaction would round down to $1, but a purchase of $1.03 would round up to $1.05.
The owner of the International News store at Billings Bridge Plaza said he started phasing in the new system a few weeks ago to familiarize customers.
So far. customers are understanding and he hasn’t had any problems with the system, said the owner. He said he doesn’t mind saying goodbye to the penny, adding it’s a “hassle” adjusting the cash register to the new rounding system.
A Starbucks spokeswoman said its outlets will continue to distribute pennies when cash is owed to customers.
“When the pennies are not available (anymore) on cash owed we will round up or down using the government recommended guideline,” said public affairs spokeswoman Louisa Girotti.
Home Depot stores are rounding down to the nearest nickel on cash purchases by customers.
“It’s going to be automatic at the point-of-sale machines and self-checkouts and it will be a very easy and smooth transition,” said spokeswoman Erika Botond.
She said the “rounding down” is the right thing to do and fairer for customers, and the feedback from store owners so far is that it’s been a positive experience. She said customers will see a new line item on their bill showing what they saved under the new system.
Ilse Mitchell remembers saving “German pennies” when she was a young girl.
“I had a big metal box and once a week my father would take me to the bank with the money I had saved during the week,” said Mitchell, sipping a coffee at Billings Bridge Plaza.
“That’s how I learned to save and I still do it.”
Mitchell said she learned the value of money as a young girl and it is important to instil that in young people today.
“I still will pick up a penny if I see one on the floor,” she said, adding that most people wouldn’t bother.
She said she feels nostalgic about the demise of the penny in today’s cashless society.
“I will keep a few pennies in an old wallet because I know today is the last day (for distribution),” she said.
Source http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Many+welcome+departure+pesky+penny/7917406/story.html
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Reducing Energy Consumption When Cooking
As part of a larger re-branding effort headed by the collaborative efforts of Brand Design, Sigma College of Small Business, and RevBuilders Marketing, EnviroSolutions, Inc. recently launched a re-designed website. The new website comes after numerous efforts by all parties to redefine the company’s image in order to help it compete with the other major players in the industry, such as Waste Management.
“I don’t think most people are aware of which company manages the waste at their home or place of business,” says Scot Small, President of RevBuilders Marketing. “That means that they aren’t considering the possibility of there being a better way. We tried to capture the different efforts which ESI makes to be environmentally friendly as part of the re-branding and redesigned their website with this focus in mind, while also giving their site a much needed overhaul in terms of functionality and style.”
“We’re excited to be launching our new website,” says Gary Hewes, Vice President of EnviroSolutions, Inc. “RevBuilders Marketing worked closely with us to develop the new website. They made the process smooth from design to launch, making it easy for us to get our message out.”
Many municipalities throughout the country encourage recycling through education-based initiatives, and many of these are sponsored by local waste companies like EnviroSolutions, Inc. These businesses are also often the first to apply new methods to reducing the overall volume of waste which is put into a landfill, as well as new ways of harvesting useful natural resources such as biogas and water from the landfills. “It’s an important job that ESI has,” says Small. “We hope our efforts allow them to provide their services to even more of the people who need it.”
About Brand Design
Brand Design has been in business for more than 17 years, providing in-house marketing and branding services. The company focuses on small to medium size businesses, associations and other non-profit institutions. Brand Design is established locally in Fauquier and surrounding counties, serving clients in and around the Washington Metro Area, North Carolina and South Carolina.
About Sigma College of Small Business
Sigma College of Small Business is a business development consultant agency and social media marketing trainer. Founded by Jamie Gorman in 2008, the company is concerned with helping businesses improve how they meet management, financial, strategic and marketing needs for their company. After several years working with small business owners in his spare time, Gorman realized the need for practical, convenient and affordable business management education for small business owners. Visit SigmaBizLearning.com for more information.
About RevBuilders Marketing
RevBuilders Marketing is a full-service online marketing & branding agency, offering a complete range of integrated online marketing services: SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Paid Search Management, Social Marketing, Email Marketing, Content Writing & Branding. In addition, through effective Web Design and conversion optimization, RevBuilders converts the increased SEO traffic into leads and sales for their clients. RevBuilders Marketing is located in Gainesville, Virginia, serving a client-base across the country. Click here for more information.
“I don’t think most people are aware of which company manages the waste at their home or place of business,” says Scot Small, President of RevBuilders Marketing. “That means that they aren’t considering the possibility of there being a better way. We tried to capture the different efforts which ESI makes to be environmentally friendly as part of the re-branding and redesigned their website with this focus in mind, while also giving their site a much needed overhaul in terms of functionality and style.”
“We’re excited to be launching our new website,” says Gary Hewes, Vice President of EnviroSolutions, Inc. “RevBuilders Marketing worked closely with us to develop the new website. They made the process smooth from design to launch, making it easy for us to get our message out.”
Many municipalities throughout the country encourage recycling through education-based initiatives, and many of these are sponsored by local waste companies like EnviroSolutions, Inc. These businesses are also often the first to apply new methods to reducing the overall volume of waste which is put into a landfill, as well as new ways of harvesting useful natural resources such as biogas and water from the landfills. “It’s an important job that ESI has,” says Small. “We hope our efforts allow them to provide their services to even more of the people who need it.”
About Brand Design
Brand Design has been in business for more than 17 years, providing in-house marketing and branding services. The company focuses on small to medium size businesses, associations and other non-profit institutions. Brand Design is established locally in Fauquier and surrounding counties, serving clients in and around the Washington Metro Area, North Carolina and South Carolina.
About Sigma College of Small Business
Sigma College of Small Business is a business development consultant agency and social media marketing trainer. Founded by Jamie Gorman in 2008, the company is concerned with helping businesses improve how they meet management, financial, strategic and marketing needs for their company. After several years working with small business owners in his spare time, Gorman realized the need for practical, convenient and affordable business management education for small business owners. Visit SigmaBizLearning.com for more information.
About RevBuilders Marketing
RevBuilders Marketing is a full-service online marketing & branding agency, offering a complete range of integrated online marketing services: SEO or Search Engine Optimization, Paid Search Management, Social Marketing, Email Marketing, Content Writing & Branding. In addition, through effective Web Design and conversion optimization, RevBuilders converts the increased SEO traffic into leads and sales for their clients. RevBuilders Marketing is located in Gainesville, Virginia, serving a client-base across the country. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Health Tips from DOCTOR: Anal itching in children
Healthspring World Clinic
Quite often we hear parents saying “Recently I have seen my little child scratching her bottom. Sometimes she can’t get to sleep because she stays up scratching so much. I check to make sure she’s wiped well enough after going potty, so I don’t know what else could be causing this.”
You’re right to check to make sure she’s thoroughly wiped, since this is one of the most common causes of anal itching in young children, especially those who are just learning to use the potty. Other common causes of anal itching are:
• Pinworms
• Fungal and bacterial infections of anus
• Diarrhoea
• Reaction to detergents
• Irritation caused by spicy food or citrus juice.
What are pinworms?
Pinworms are small, white worms (Enterobius vermicularis) that infest the intestines. The worms, which look like quarter-inch-long pieces of dental floss, can be seen wiggling around the anus and in the stool.
Pinworms are most common in school-age kids, but any age child, even babies, can get them, especially if they go to daycare or have siblings who have pinworm infestation.
How can I tell if my child has pinworms?
If your child has pinworms, he’ll scratch his anus maximum at night. Irritated skin around the anus (and sometimes vaginal itching, in girls) can also be a clue. Pinworms occasionally cause nausea and vomiting, too.
Make sure that the area stays clean. Those new to potty training may need some help for a while until they get the hang of wiping properly (front to back) . If your child is a baby, he won’t be able to tell you what the problem is, of course, but disturbed sleep and fussiness caused by nighttime itching are big tip-offs.
Pinworm infection is easy to treat and reinfection happens because of failure to wash hands properly after toilet and before eating any food. It is absolutely necessary that the fingernails should be trimmed often.
Bacterial and fungal infections around anus need to be treated with proper antibiotics.
Other issues can be treated at home:
If your child consumes a lot of spicy foods or citrus juices, try eliminating them from the diet for a couple of weeks and see if the situation improves.
Try using dye-free, perfume-free soap on your child’s undergarments. Make sure you aren’t using fabric softener, which can also cause irritation to these sensitive areas.
There are a variety of anti-itch creams (usually containing hydrocortisone) that can safely be used in the area. These are for external use only and you should first consult with your paediatrician about proper usage and dose.
Quite often we hear parents saying “Recently I have seen my little child scratching her bottom. Sometimes she can’t get to sleep because she stays up scratching so much. I check to make sure she’s wiped well enough after going potty, so I don’t know what else could be causing this.”
You’re right to check to make sure she’s thoroughly wiped, since this is one of the most common causes of anal itching in young children, especially those who are just learning to use the potty. Other common causes of anal itching are:
• Pinworms
• Fungal and bacterial infections of anus
• Diarrhoea
• Reaction to detergents
• Irritation caused by spicy food or citrus juice.
What are pinworms?
Pinworms are small, white worms (Enterobius vermicularis) that infest the intestines. The worms, which look like quarter-inch-long pieces of dental floss, can be seen wiggling around the anus and in the stool.
Pinworms are most common in school-age kids, but any age child, even babies, can get them, especially if they go to daycare or have siblings who have pinworm infestation.
How can I tell if my child has pinworms?
If your child has pinworms, he’ll scratch his anus maximum at night. Irritated skin around the anus (and sometimes vaginal itching, in girls) can also be a clue. Pinworms occasionally cause nausea and vomiting, too.
Make sure that the area stays clean. Those new to potty training may need some help for a while until they get the hang of wiping properly (front to back) . If your child is a baby, he won’t be able to tell you what the problem is, of course, but disturbed sleep and fussiness caused by nighttime itching are big tip-offs.
Pinworm infection is easy to treat and reinfection happens because of failure to wash hands properly after toilet and before eating any food. It is absolutely necessary that the fingernails should be trimmed often.
Bacterial and fungal infections around anus need to be treated with proper antibiotics.
Other issues can be treated at home:
If your child consumes a lot of spicy foods or citrus juices, try eliminating them from the diet for a couple of weeks and see if the situation improves.
Try using dye-free, perfume-free soap on your child’s undergarments. Make sure you aren’t using fabric softener, which can also cause irritation to these sensitive areas.
There are a variety of anti-itch creams (usually containing hydrocortisone) that can safely be used in the area. These are for external use only and you should first consult with your paediatrician about proper usage and dose.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Slickdeals: Find Every Way To Save Your Pennies
It's that time of year when you probably feel like you're just
leaking money out of your pores. And that's why it's great that
Slickdeals has pushed out a new iPhone app.
What does it do?
Finds you deals snatched from all around the web.
Why do we like it?
We
will never argue with saving money. Slickdeals nabs the best offers and
puts them on the front page of the app. On a map, it also lists
promotions near you from Groupon and LivingSocial. And Slickdeals has a
community of spies stalking the internet for the most enticing
money-saving options. Find one yourself? You can post it right from the
app. Your wallet says thanks.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Ditch the U.S. dollar for coins? The debate goes on
The Government Accountability Office is suggesting that the United
States can solve some of its money problems by eliminating part of its
currency. The plan would be to phase out the dollar bill over a
four-year period, and switching over to dollar coins.
According
to an Associated Press story on WTOP.com, the GAO says replacing dollar
bills with coins could save taxpayers about $4.4 billion over the next
30 years. The American people have heard this before. In a 2006 poll,
about two-thirds of the country preferred the use of bills, even after
hearing about potential savings.
NBC News reports
that pennies cost about two and a half cents to mint, mainly due to
copper and zinc in each coin. It also costs more than 11 cents to make a
nickel, due to the rising prices of copper and nickel. The government
makes a profit when money is issued but is not used, and dollar coins
last about 30 years, compared to less than five years for a bill.
The U.S. Mint is putting together a report that explores a number of new metal compositions in creating coins.
Vending machine operators support the use of $1 coins because they don't jam machines, saving repair costs and lost sales.
According
to Mail Online, the U.S. Mint has produced 2.4 billion of the
Presidential $1 coins, but production was suspended about a year ago.
New York Representative Carolyn Maloney says dollar coins are hard to
tell apart from quarters. She said, “If the people don't want to use It,
why in the world are we even talking about changing it?'
Former director of the U.S. Mint Philip Diehl pointed out that Canada has had success removing $1 bills. According to The Week, Canada’s popular $1 coin, the Loonie, with the image of a loon on the back, inspired a $2 coin, the Toonie.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Coins of steel seen as money-saving alternative for pennies, nickels
Your change could be a-changin’.
U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers
from Columbus is pushing for production of pennies and nickels to be
switched from the existing metal combinations to a makeup that is mostly
steel.
The House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing this week tackling the topic in advance of a U.S. Mint report on alternative materials for Americans' money.
“In these times of fiscal strain, we can save millions of dollars,” Stivers said.
Good news for Stivers and interested observers, such as Columbus-based Worthington Industries Inc.,
was that the steel discussion was well-received by the panel.
Executives from Worthington Industries (NYSE:WOR) didn’t testify, but
the company has a vested interest in the topic
because it is the supplier of steel for coins produced by the Royal
Canadian Mint. That institution is being looked to as a model after
switching to steel in 2000.
Beverley Lepine,
Royal Canadian Mint chief operating officer, said the Mint’s multi-ply
steel process produces the most economical and durable coins on the
market. It produces coins not only for Canada, but makes more than 70
other denominations for 30 countries.
The result? The mint’s profit in the past five years has exceeded its
net income in the previous 25. It generated a $43 million (Canadian) on
$3.2 billion in revenue in 2011. Stivers cited one study that projected
the U.S. could save $182 million to $207 million a year by making a
switch to coins made mostly from steel. The debate has been spurred by
the fact that since 2006, the cost of producing pennies and nickels has
outstripped the coins’ face value.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Just for Kids: Super Saving Tips from Credit Union Mascots
Saving money is a great way to prepare for your future, help others, and
buy the things you’ve always dreamed of. However, as all kids and
grown-ups know, saving money can be really tricky. How can we make it
easier? To find out more, NerdWallet asked the experts: a penny, a tree,
a monster, a dinosaur and an eagle! We learned that saving money may
not be easy, but it’s really important, and it’s actually pretty cool,
too. Here’s what these credit union mascots had to say about spending,
saving, asking for help, and hanging out with kids like you.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Start saving your pennies! Single-person mini helicopter coming in 2021
Admit it: At one point or another, you've dreamed about purchasing some
form of personal aerial transportation. I know I have. With that in
mind, there's something seriously appealing about Hirobo's a one-person
mini electric helicopter.
Scheduled for completion sometime in 2021
(it would probably make a rad gift for your children…someday), the
nascent vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (about
62mph). Of course, the upcoming machine can only sustain that velocity
for about thirty minutes at a time, but it's a fault I'm willing to deal
with.
The single-passenger flying craft, which made its debut at the
International Aerospace Exhibition in Nagoya, Japan, will be available
in two flavors: an unmanned variation that will cost 10 million yen
(roughly $125,000) and a single-seater that will set potential owners
back a whopping 30 million yen ($375,000).
Will it ever be able to accommodate romantic travel? Maybe. According to Rocket News, Hirobo president Kotaro Matsuzaka says that a two-seat version is in development. Here's hoping.
Although it was ostensibly created to serve as a mode of transportation
during emergencies or natural disasters, it's hard to imagine this not
becoming the luxury vehicle of the future. I mean, really, who needs a
Ferrari when you can have a freakin' helicopter?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Conserving water is a good way to save money
I recently heard an expert say World War III is going to be a battle for
water. If we want to be a step ahead, we should take steps now to
conserve water.
The process of saving water is nothing new to those who haul water. You know how to conserve water, but those of us who have a well or live on a water delivery system need to polish our skills.
Just like dealing with money issues, look first at where you are spending your water budget. If you have a water delivery or if your water comes through a pipe, you know how many gallons of water you are consuming. It is a little more difficult for those of us who have wells, but it is just as important to conserve. You don’t pay for the water, but you pay for the electricity that pumps the water.
All of us pay a cost for water whether it is in the form of an electric bill, cost of city water, or the time and energy it takes to haul water.
Saving water is easy. Become aware of where you are using your water and use some of these ideas to cut down your water consumption.
Bathroom — This is the biggest area of water use in the home with the toilet being the No. 1 culprit.
• If the toilet was installed before 1992, it can use as much as 6 gallons per flush. If it doesn’t need replacing, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. Keep in mind that at least 3 gallons is needed to ensure proper flushing, though there are some new commodes on the market that use as little as 1.6 gallons. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• Check the toilet for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the food coloring appears in the bowl within 30 minutes without flushing, there is a leak that needs repair.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a low-flow showerhead. Using these low-flow devices is the best water conservation action to take and usually the cheapest.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month. Every minute, 5 to 10 gallons of hot water is running down the drain. Take showers instead of baths. Filling the tub uses more water than a shower.
Kitchen — Only run the dishwasher when there’s a full load. Check dishwasher directions. Most new machines clean more thoroughly and do not recommend pre-rinsing dishes before putting in the dishwasher. Here are some more water-saving tips in the kitchen.
• When hand washing dishes, use one side of the sink to wash and fill the other side with rinse water. For a single sink, wash and stack dishes in a drainer, then rinse with a sprayer. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Disposers require a lot of water to run properly. If you have a septic tank, that much water just fills the tank. Compost vegetable waste instead and save gallons.
• Use a bowl or pan filled with water to wash and rinse fruits and vegetables. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• Keep a pitcher or beverage dispenser of water in the refrigerator. This will eliminate running the faucet to get a cold glass of water.
Laundry — Washing clothes is the second largest use of water in the home.
• Wash only full loads of clothes or adjust the water level to the amount of clothes.
• Use the correct amount of detergent to eliminate second rinses.
• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy, while helping your clothes to keep their colors.
• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient. Compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
Water costs money and could one day be in short supply. Take steps now to conserve.
Roxie Rodgers Dinstel is a professor of extension on the Tanana District Extension Faculty. Questions or column requests can be e-mailed to her at rrdinstel@alaska.edu or by calling 474-2426. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The process of saving water is nothing new to those who haul water. You know how to conserve water, but those of us who have a well or live on a water delivery system need to polish our skills.
Just like dealing with money issues, look first at where you are spending your water budget. If you have a water delivery or if your water comes through a pipe, you know how many gallons of water you are consuming. It is a little more difficult for those of us who have wells, but it is just as important to conserve. You don’t pay for the water, but you pay for the electricity that pumps the water.
All of us pay a cost for water whether it is in the form of an electric bill, cost of city water, or the time and energy it takes to haul water.
Saving water is easy. Become aware of where you are using your water and use some of these ideas to cut down your water consumption.
Bathroom — This is the biggest area of water use in the home with the toilet being the No. 1 culprit.
• If the toilet was installed before 1992, it can use as much as 6 gallons per flush. If it doesn’t need replacing, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. Keep in mind that at least 3 gallons is needed to ensure proper flushing, though there are some new commodes on the market that use as little as 1.6 gallons. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• Check the toilet for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the food coloring appears in the bowl within 30 minutes without flushing, there is a leak that needs repair.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a low-flow showerhead. Using these low-flow devices is the best water conservation action to take and usually the cheapest.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month. Every minute, 5 to 10 gallons of hot water is running down the drain. Take showers instead of baths. Filling the tub uses more water than a shower.
Kitchen — Only run the dishwasher when there’s a full load. Check dishwasher directions. Most new machines clean more thoroughly and do not recommend pre-rinsing dishes before putting in the dishwasher. Here are some more water-saving tips in the kitchen.
• When hand washing dishes, use one side of the sink to wash and fill the other side with rinse water. For a single sink, wash and stack dishes in a drainer, then rinse with a sprayer. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Disposers require a lot of water to run properly. If you have a septic tank, that much water just fills the tank. Compost vegetable waste instead and save gallons.
• Use a bowl or pan filled with water to wash and rinse fruits and vegetables. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• Keep a pitcher or beverage dispenser of water in the refrigerator. This will eliminate running the faucet to get a cold glass of water.
Laundry — Washing clothes is the second largest use of water in the home.
• Wash only full loads of clothes or adjust the water level to the amount of clothes.
• Use the correct amount of detergent to eliminate second rinses.
• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy, while helping your clothes to keep their colors.
• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient. Compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
Water costs money and could one day be in short supply. Take steps now to conserve.
Roxie Rodgers Dinstel is a professor of extension on the Tanana District Extension Faculty. Questions or column requests can be e-mailed to her at rrdinstel@alaska.edu or by calling 474-2426. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Frugal Family: How to save money around the house
I am always looking for ways to cut costs. I find there are a couple
of everyday examples on how you can cut pennies and make even simple
changes on your budget. However, the simple changes can add up and make a
huge difference on your wallet.
One of the ways I have been
saving money lately is by opening my windows during the day and shutting
my air conditioning down, letting natural air run its course throughout
my home. I have to admit, throughout the day the temperature can get a
little sticky. However, I have several box and ceiling fans and I let
them run. This helps circulate the air and still cuts costs on air
conditioning bills.
As I told you in last week’s column, I am a
big fan of packing lunches. I pack a lunch for my husband every single
day. But I don’t stock up on sandwich bags. Instead, I have small
plastic containers that I purchase with coupons for less than $2. Once
they are used, I wash and reuse them in the next day’s lunches. Not only
do I save money by not having to continually buy sandwich bags, but I’m
also a little friendlier to the environment.
With the holidays
approaching, I have become a hard yard sale shopper, consignment sale
shopper and eBay shopper. I have checked off almost all of my children’s
wish list by purchasing used items for a fraction of the cost. I also
have participated in garage sales to help raise money to pay for
Christmas.
Finally, it’s important to check out what is happening
in the community. The community calendar is a great place to find free
events going on in town. I belong to several Facebook pages that help me
find out what’s going on in the community.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Saving, but pennies must still be spent
PROBLEMS caused by the lack of public toilets in Longridge could be
solved by a local or
council takeover of the Berry Lane facility.
Longridge town councillors are considering this as
one option to answer local criticisms and concerns about the closure of
this central public convenience.
Visitors and regular
shoppers had complained there was “nowhere to go” particularly at the weekends.
Councillors
had learnt public knowledge of the Community Toilet Scheme was scant
and information about it was not prominent enough to enable people to
find out who was taking part.
The community scheme was launched throughout the Ribble Valley to cut costs for the borough amounting to £140,000.
The Berry Lane facility had been fully closed as it had high turn-out costs to maintain it and was also very run down.
The
Stonebridge toilet has been kept open and independently maintained and
the Market Place convenience mothballed to be opened and used on public
occasions.
But Terry Longden, head of engineering for Ribble
Valley council who attended last week’s meeting of the council to help
thrash out the problem and determine the future of the borough’s
facilities in the town, said his visit was timely.
He was in the
process of
conducting a review of the
community scheme operation, find
an answer to the problems and report back to the Community Services
Committee in November.
The new scheme had been slow to take off,
but he said that it seemed to be gaining more use throughout the
borough, while public convenience use was lessening.
Better
signage to shops and businesses in Longridge in the scheme, including
Sainsbury’s and Booths supermarkets, would help visitors and shoppers,
He
said he would also look at the demand and needs in Longridge, and find
out the costs of running the Berry Lane facility independently and, as
requested by Longridge council, whether it would be worth it.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Black Friday Year Round? How Penny Auctions Save You Money.
For so many of us in today's economic climate,
saving money... a lot of money, is becoming more important with each
passing day. As the cost of living continues to grow under the current
American political spectrum, nothing is safe from rampant price
increases. Food items, for example have risen by as much as 30% for
wheat since last April through July. Factor in the rapidly increasing
cost of fuel for not only your car but for home and office as well and
you'll quickly understand: Americans are looking to save each and every
penny earned.
So then how can people still save money on the items that, while not
mandatory, are still on peoples shopping lists in order to
maintain their accustomed standard of living?
A few months ago I stumbled across an ad that touted electronics like
Macs and iPads for pennies on the dollar. Choosing to be "wise", I
initially dismissed these ads as some kind of come on.
"Just another scam" on the internet, befitting of my (until then) unknown rich uncle in Nigeria who died leaving me trillions of dollars in hidden bank accounts.
Oh how foolish I was. But I can rest assured that indeed hindsight is 20/20.
So how can I save money? How do I get the electronics at blow out prices and maintain my standard of living and technology? Penny Auctions.
Penny auctions have been around for a few years now and after an
initial teething period where some scammers came and went it
appears that now is the time that the true and honest penny auctions
come to power and legitimize the entire industry. But be mindful, there
are only a handful that I myself trust: QuiBids.com & PennyGrab.com
While each of these three differ significantly in their business
models, they all offer the same idea: virtually anything you want to buy
can be "won" for literally pennies on the dollar in a safe, secure
environment.
PennyGrab.com for example, has several different styles of penny
auctions. The traditional penny auction where there is a timer and
once that timer reaches zero, the final bidder wins. But Pennygrab also
has what's called the random reserve (or hidden reserve price) auction
where the final ending price is randomly selected and "hidden" until the
final price is met. Sometimes it's pennies, other times it's (still) at
a significant discount. But what is truly unique about PennyGrab is
that within most of the auctions are Bonus Prizes of anything from free
bonus credits that you can use to place subsequent bids... to items like
gift cards, electronics and more.
While not as "giving" as PennyGrab.com, QuiBids and Beezid both also
offer items at substantial savings, but nowhere approaching the near 50%
off retail pricing that you quickly fall in love with at PennyGrab.
PennyGrab offers Black Friday pricing 365 days per year and that's no
small feat!
What's equally impressive is PennyGrab's commitment to customer
service, quality and fair play. Not only do they hold
themselves accountable, but they expect each PennyGrab Member to be fair
and friendly and every bit as honest as they hold themselves.
But does it work? In a word, YES!
During my investigative time using PennyGrab, I logged intotheir chat
room and met some of the other Members. Not only did they give
this newcomer to all that is penny auctions plenty of advice and tips,
but they also hand walked with me and helped me to actually win my first
few items! How is that for community involvement?
Need more? How about the 27" iMac I won for $423. Or the (near) $400
in various gift cards (that I was allowed to exchange in equal dollars
for other items and gift cards that I truly wanted? Now this folks
is customer care in its purest form.
If you're looking to save money, you should give penny auction sites
a look. With all else in the world seemingly increasing in cost
each and every day, it is an amazing thing to find value in a world
fraught within a vicious cycle of increasing costs.
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