Take Small Energy Savings Steps to Put Cash in Your Pocket in 2012

Albany, New York (PRWEB) January 05, 2012

The new year is the perfect time to evaluate home energy use and make a stronger commitment to lead a more energy-efficient lifestyle. Experts agree that even taking small steps to reduce home energy consumption all year long takes less effort and can result in big energy savings.

Stay on track toward greater energy savings with these helpful tips from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA):

Watch out for build up: One of the easiest things to do is remove build-up in a clothes dryer?s lint trap before every load. Removing built up lint not only reduces the risk of fire but also will increase drying efficiency and could save the average consumer up to $ 34 per year. Additional savings can be found by consolidating loads and drying loads with similar fabrics together.

Keep water bills out of hot water: Identify?and fix?any water leaks in the home. Leaky faucets and showerheads, for example, can be a big source of waste. Repairing these fixtures can save up to $ 100 per year. And, don?t forget to inspect that hot water heater for leakage. At a rate of one drip per second, gallons of water can go down the drain in a short time, costing you money and wasting a valuable natural resource.

Seal the gaps: Air leaks can occur in some unusual and out-of-the-way places?crawl spaces, attics, overhangs, garages, porches and other architectural features, to name a few. NYSERDA experts suggest home owners have a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

TheAdvice.com Provides Banking Advice to Help Individuals Save Money in 2012

Bayside, NY (PRWEB) December 31, 2011

Personal Finance expert Walter Edelstein, CFP

Five Simple New Years Resolutions For a Healthier Diet and a Healthier Planet

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) December 30, 2011

Celebrity Chef, Gen Anderson, creator and host of Gen?s Guiltless Gourmet, a healthy and eco-conscious cooking series premiering on PBS stations in 2012, unveils her top five New Year?s Resolutions for a ?healthy planet, healthy you.? All of the resolutions call for people to make small changes in their daily diet and shopping habits that have powerful impacts on their health and the environment.

?Consumers can make choices that really affect change in their lives and in the world,? Chef Gen says. ?Every time someone makes a healthy choice for their family and the environment, it sends a message and makes a direct impact. I think that?s an incredibly empowering thing to realize.?

As New Year?s Resolutions for 2012, Chef Gen invites people to commit to these five simple but powerful changes:

1). Participate in Meatless Monday: forgoing meat once a week not only reduces saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet, it also reduces the water, fuel, and grain needed to produce meat and the pollutants and byproducts created by large-scale meat farming. In addition, meatless options like beans and lentils are very budget-friendly.

2). Make healthy swaps: Substitute items like almond milk, vegan cheeses and vegetable margarine for butter and full fat-dairy products in recipes. Swapping one serving of each saves approximately 75mg of cholesterol and 7 grams of saturated fat each day. Raising dairy cows also has a high water and energy cost, so even a small reduction has a major positive impact on the planet.

3). Commit to organic whenever possible: Chef Gen encourages her viewers to shop organic whenever possible. But if an all-organic diet seems out of reach, consider going organic for at least breakfast and snacks. Switching to organic fruit and cereal won?t overwhelm the food budget, and it will spare families and the planet a lot of pesticides!

4). Consider portion control: Face it; many of us just eat too much. Serve a sensible amount and refrigerate or freeze leftovers immediately. Something as simple as portion control will help save on the budget, the waistline and resources.

5). Clean green: Use eco-friendly cleaning products that don?t contain phosphates or harmful chemicals to clean the kitchen and home. This will keep harmful chemicals away from the family and out of the water supply.

As her own commitment for the new year, Chef Gen is resolving to provide a new Meatless Monday recipe on her website every week in 2012 to help people commit to these resolutions!

For recipes, healthy tips, and a clip of Gen?s Guiltless Gourmet visit http://www.gensguiltlessgourmet.com.

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With the Year Coming to an End, Ideal Tax Solution is Preparing to bring in the New Year Helping Americans who are Suffering from Back Tax Debts. In Light of that, Here are a few Tips for Filing this Years Taxes.

Costa Mesa, CA (PRWEB) December 21, 2011

While many Americans are less than chipper during the holiday seasons due to debts owed to the IRS, it?s the end of yet another year and news of year-end tax tips have been released. While the year has almost met its end, there is still some time to utilize these tax benefits- but hurry; they are only available until December 31st. The IRS released some nifty tips for reducing 2011 taxes.

First on the list is to make charitable contributions. You must have donated the items prior to December 31st and the donations must be in decent used condition in order to be deductible. For cash donations, a cancelled check, bank statement, or written statement from the charity must be provided. If the donations were charged to a credit card before December 31st, they can still be claimed, even if they aren?t paid off until 2012. Donating clothing and household items also require a receipt of some sort in order to be deducted. So go, good Samaritans! Donate your little hearts out before the month runs out.

Next on the list is to install energy efficient home improvements. Installations such as insulation, new windows, and water heaters, can provide up to $ 500 in tax savings. Those planning to go green can benefit from the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Making home improvements such as these can allow you to benefit from one of these two credits available. And remember, keep your receipts!

Third on our list is to consider a portfolio adjustment. By evaluating investments for gains and losses one may find their net capital losses are more than the $ 3,000 standard and the excess may be carried forward for deduction in future years.

Fourthly the IRS is recommending Americans contribute the maximum to retirement accounts stating ?Elective deferrals you make to employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, or similar workplace retirement programs for 2011, must be made by Dec. 31. However, you have until April 17, 2012, to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA and still have it count for 2011. You normally can contribute up to $ 5,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA, and up to $ 6,000 if age 50 or over. The Saver?s Credit, also known as the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit, is also available to low- and moderate-income workers who voluntarily contribute to an IRA or workplace retirement plan. The maximum Saver?s Credit is $ 1,000, and $ 2,000 for married couples, but the amount allowed could be reduced or eliminated for some taxpayers in part because of the impact of other deductions and credits.?

Fifth on the list is to make a qualified charitable distribution. This allows folks over 70 years of age to donate money straight from their retirement to a charity and exclude the amount from their gross income. The maximum exclusions for this tax benefit is $ 100,000. And finally, last, but not least, don?t overlook the small business health care tax credit. Small businesses who pay at least half of their employees? health insurance premiums can qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the premiums paid. And to add one final tip, Americans must remember to always keep their receipts and records that relate to your taxes. This assists in quick and accurate tax return filings at the end of the year. For more information on the year-end tax benefits see http://www.irs.gov.

Tax professionals are encouraging tax payers to utilize these tips and to seek assistance with tax debts owed from the past.

About the company: Ideal Tax Solution, LLC is located in Costa Mesa, CA and provides tax negotiation services, preparation and is a collection defense specialist. Their Tax Attorneys, IRS Enrolled Agents, CPA’s, Senior Tax Consultants have over 55 years of combined experience working to help American tax payers with the IRS and State Tax Agencies. Ideal Tax boasts an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau earned through providing excellent services.

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Kitchen Trends for 2012: Old World out, Simplicity in, says FaceYourKitchen.com

Foster City, Calif. (PRWEB) December 20, 2011

FaceYourKitchen.com, a website dedicated to kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing, released a new article today, which features the newest kitchen trends for the upcoming year. Kitchens are where family and friends come to cook, eat and socialize and ?2012 Kitchen Design Trends,? offers expert predictions on where kitchen design is headed and which materials will continue to be in vogue.

Home design experts predict that 2012 is going to be an exciting year for kitchen design because homeowners want more creativity in their homes and are becoming more thoughtful in their decision-making. To begin a kitchen overhaul, homeowners shouldn?t be afraid to dispose of anything from the last two decades, especially Old World kitchen styles with heavy molding. Instead, FaceYourKitchen.com suggests that homeowners embrace new materials, like countertops made out of quartz, glass and wood, which can vary in style, shape and color.

?It?s interesting to see just how much kitchen styles have evolved over the years,? said Patricia Davis Brown, award-winning designer and FaceYourKitchen.com contributor. ?As we move into 2012, the overall trend is to keep it simple, energy-efficient, and comfort-oriented. De-clutter, go natural, lighten up and make it work for you and your household.?

“Green design” will also become a standard request this year. Designers recommend homeowners choose to use energy efficient items like compact fluorescent bulbs because they use two-thirds less energy than those who do not. For those who do decide to ?go green? FaceYourKitchen.com suggests working with a professional lighting designer, who can help introduce modern technology fixtures and more energy saving items.

?When it is time to revamp the kitchen work space, FaceYourKitchen.com has everything needed to guide homeowners during the process from design ideas, cabinet styles and colors, countertops and contractors to hire,? said Brown.

For more information about home design, kitchen renovations and upgrades, follow @FaceYourKitchen on Twitter or Facebook.

About FaceYourKitchen.com

FaceYourKitchen.com is the ultimate homeowner?s guide to quick and easy kitchen remodeling. Since 2000, FaceYourKitchen has provided homeowners with helpful tips, styles and trends, informative articles, and cost information on cabinet refacing. FaceYourKitchen.com is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (NASDAQ: QNST), one of the largest Internet marketing and media companies in the world. QuinStreet is committed to providing consumers and businesses with the information they need to research, find and select the products, services and brands that meet their needs. The company is a leader in visitor-friendly marketing practices. For more information, please visit QuinStreet.com.

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FLASH Invites Families to the Great Winter Weather Party

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) December 21, 2011

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Save Energy At Home Tips

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Seniors Face Tough Times this Holiday Season; Home Instead Senior Care Network Offers 10 Money-Saving Tips

Omaha, NE (PRWEB) December 15, 2011

Even though Congress increased the debt ceiling earlier this year, allowing older adults to get Social Security checks on time, seniors face financial challenges that could contribute to a bleak holiday.

In 2011, for the second consecutive year, seniors received no Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), according to the Annual Survey of Senior Costs from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a senior advocacy organization. What?s more, seniors can expect to receive only a very small COLA next year, TSCL reported. Unfortunately, a downward trend is continuing for older adults. Since 2000, the COLA has increased just 31 percent, while typical senior expenses have jumped 73 percent, more than twice as fast, according to the survey.

?Cuts of essential items such as food and medication should be of immediate concern to seniors? families,? said President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Huber of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network.

?Other reductions in spending can lead to less obvious issues. One of the biggest problems that we see is senior isolation, which has been magnified during this troubled time in the economy, especially considering the high price of gas,? he added.

In an effort to help older adults make the most of this holiday season, the Home Instead Senior Care network offers the following money-saving tips:

1. Consider in-home care. The costs of home care are often lower than other living options for seniors who need help. However, seniors and their families typically over-estimate that cost, according to research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care network.

2. Economize at mealtime. Look for affordable meal options such as Meals on Wheels® or a local senior center, which can offer both cost savings and opportunities for companionship.

3. Get back to basics. While winter might not be a great time to garden in many parts of the country, container and potted gardens can be grown indoors year-round to deliver fresh herbs or even produce.

4. Avoid convenience. While that might seem like a strange statement, convenience many times equates to increased cost, especially when it comes to food. Avoid convenience foods and watch for sales on fresh or canned fruits, vegetables and meats, which can be less expensive.

5. Look for deals. It always pays to look for the best price, but no more so than with medications. Buy generic when possible. Contact a pharmacist about ways to save money on medications.

6. Thrifting is thrifty. Just because money is tight doesn?t mean that family and friends need to go without a holiday gift. Look to thrift stores for affordable gifts. Or make presents. A grandchild likely would love a recipe box of favorite family recipes and the stories that go with those dishes. Scrapbooks always are popular as well.

7. Carpooling makes sense. If it?s too cold to walk, contact others going in the same direction or to the same place and share costs.

8. Save energy. Installing weather-stripping, caulking leaky doors and windows, and installing gaskets behind outlet covers can lead to cost savings.

9. Decorate the natural way. Go green and save money. It?s amazing the beautiful holiday ornaments that can be created from pine cones and branches sprayed with silver, white or gold paint. Cranberry and popcorn garlands make pretty and affordable decorations as well.

10. Look to the experts. Call a local Area Agency on Aging if the costs of food and gas have become prohibitive. For more information about programs and resources, contact the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Family caregivers can look to the Home Instead Senior Care network?s many online resources, such as the CaregiverStress.com website, to help seniors and their loved ones cope during difficult times.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care services for seniors, with more than 900 independently owned and operated franchises providing in excess of 45 million hours of care throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Finland, Austria, Italy and Puerto Rico. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ more than 65,000 CAREGivers(SM) worldwide who provide basic support services ? assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, incidental transportation and shopping ? which enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. At Home Instead Senior Care, it?s relationship before task, while continuing to provide superior quality service that enhances the lives of seniors everywhere.

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The Sachs Center, New York City’s Premiere Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Treatment Center, Now Offers Organizational Coaching for Adults with ADD

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 13, 2011

Organizational skills are a vital component to a happy and successful life. Most people with ADD have added difficulties with organization, often because they fear they won?t become perfectly organized. For those in need of support to become more organized, The Sachs Center in Manhattan has announced new therapy services for adults with ADD who struggle with organizational difficulties. In commemoration of this new service, Dr. George Sachs offers these 10 Organizational Tips:

1. Limit Your Lists

Compiling lists with endless projects tends to lead to jumping around between tasks without ever finishing any one of them. Keep no more than five tasks on the to-do list at a time. Once those five tasks are finished, start a new list.

2. Reward Accomplishments

Making organizational changes doesn?t happen overnight. And just the same with any project, ADD causes many people to lose motivation while endeavoring to make new organizational practices a habit. To avoid pitfalls, set up a reward system for smaller accomplishments (such as completing a 5-task to-do list) to stay motivated.

3. Mandate Deadlines

Don?t spend days agonizing over decisions. Set a time and date to make decisions by and stick to it. Remember, there is no ?perfect? choice when tough decisions need to be made. And endless pro/con lists only further complicate the decision-making process. Make the best choice by the deadline and move on.

4. One Step At A Time

Trying to tackle multiple steps of a large project all at once often leads to failure, or at least to major frustration and burnout. To counter this, take small steps to finish a large project. And remember to focus and complete one step at a time before moving on to the next; jumping ahead is counterproductive.

5. Schedule Everything

Successful organization requires good time-management, which is often a major challenge for people with ADD. Avoid distractions by using a daily planner to structure free time each day. Get a jump on the next day by setting cell phone or computer alarm reminders before each appointment the night before.

6. De-clutter Keepsakes

Keepsakes serve as an emotional reminder of good times past, which are important. But, holding on to every sentimental object will create clutter home in a hurry. Set aside an hour every Sunday to catalog a few keepsakes at a time by photographing them and scrapbooking the photo with a descriptive paragraph about why the item is important. Then donate the items each week.

7. Give Keys a Home

Assign a special place for the most-used items, such as keys, wallet, mail, etc. This allows for quick access to those important possessions and saves the time and stress of searching for them while running out the door.

8. Plan Ahead

We can?t predict the future, but we can plan for it. An overwhelming day can incapacitate and impede the progress of even the most successful people, and especially those with ADD. First, adjust expectations for a challenging day ahead by acknowledging it will be difficult and may feel overwhelming at times. Then, take breaks throughout the day and remember that we are always doing our best. And lastly, if a busy day is ahead, lay out clothes the night before, pack a lunch and store it overnight in the fridge, and lay out car keys or purse by the door.

9. Streamline Your Finances

Pick a time and date each month to review information regarding bank accounts, investments, and retirement plans. Switch to online banking and have access to account information 24/7. Deposit checks from home electronically, saving valuable time and energy. Use a single checking account if possible, allowing for easier access and management of your finances. And keep credit cards to a minimum, limiting open credit accounts to two or three total.

10. Employ an ADD Therapist or Organization Coach

Few of us like asking for help, but sometimes the best way to organize ourselves is to elicit the help of a professional. Working with a therapist or organization coach will provide an ally for support in becoming organized and successful. They will help with motivation to stay on the path, while encouraging the development of skills to more effectively manage time, incorporate a structured schedule, and prioritize what?s most important.

To contact The Sachs Center for more information on their new Organizational Coaching services, or to schedule a consultation:

http://sachscenter.com/attention-deficit-disorder/

Video on ADHD featuring Sachs Center founder, Dr. George Sachs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytw3vKJeBAQ&feature=player_embedded

To learn more about Dr. Sachs, visit:

http://sachscenter.com/dr-george-sachs/

The Sachs Center is New York City’s premier ADD treatment center, providing clinical answers, support, and treatment for Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD in children and Adult ADD). Therapists at The Sachs Center also can help with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and anger management issues. They also offer ADD testing, academic testing and psychological testing.

Call 646.807.8900 for an initial evaluation.

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Find More Home Energy Saving Tips Press Releases

Custom Curtains Save Energy, Cut Heating Costs–and Transform a Room

Kennett Square, PA (PRWEB) November 04, 2011

Custom Curtains Save Energy, Cut Heating Costs?and Transform a Room

Learn how to save up to 15% on your heating bills this winter with tips from the professionals at CurtainsMade4U.

Stop drafts and prevent heat loss at the windows by adding interlining to custom-made draperies, now available online at CurtainsMade4U, a newly launched sister division of Calico Corners. Few online or catalog sources of curtains offer true custom sizing?and even fewer offer interlining or blackout lining options.

What’s interlining? It’s a flannel-like fabric, never seen because it’s sandwiched between a decorative fabric and the lining, creating three layers of defense against cold and heat. “Layers of fabric trap air, and this is why interlining is so effective. It can keep you from turning up the heat this winter,” notes Julie Morris, director of the new online venture CurtainsMade4U.

“These linings were added to the CurtainsMade4U menu so that consumers could have linings that add lush fullness and are energy efficient as well,” states Morris. “Interlining also makes your draperies look fabulous!” she adds. “It adds a sumptuous quality, like a fabulous ballgown that is supported by tulle and lace petticoats beneath.”

Most homeowners would be shocked to learn that as much as 40% of the heat that escapes a home in winter is lost through the windows. Custom curtains are among the most effective window treatments to keep warm air from leaking out of a house. “They are made to fit the window exactly,” notes Morris, “Custom curtains can be made to overlap in the center and with returns that hug the wall for a snug fit around the window.” Air pockets between the layers create degrees of insulation–the more layers, the more warmth.

The advantage of layered window treatments is that they can be opened and closed to allow sunlight to generate warmth, continues Morris. “Why do we feel cold in bare-window rooms in the winter? Because our body heat radiates to these cold surfaces. Window treatments make us feel more comfortable without turning up the thermostat.”

Each layer at the window has an R-Value, which measures the ability of a product to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the more effective that product is at insulating and reducing loss of warm or cool air. “As window treatments are added, R-Values keep increasing,” explains Morris. “With two or three layers, they add up to real energy savings.”

Layer 1: Shades are a good start

Ways To Save Electricity