www.columbussaves.org

Save Heat, Save Money

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again. The time we all dread. As the seasons change and the temperatures begin to drop, we find ourselves in a sheer battle of wills.

We can either turn on the heat and take the hit the next time our energy bills come, or we can tough it out and hope this winter won’t be as bitter as the last. Energy savings and other energy companies might offer you decent rates, but if you’re looking for a way to really curb those energy costs and stay warm you might need to really change the way you operate during the winter.

Don’t worry. We have a short list of suggestions that can help diminish the temptation of cranking up the heat.

1. Window Seal
You can find these in most hardware stores. Basically, you put an adhesive seal around the window frame and then you attach a thin layer of plastic to the seal to completely seal off the window. While it won’t completely shield you from the cold, it will do a decent job keeping hot air in.

2. Heavier Drapes
Same principal as the window seal except these might actually work better depending on the materials they are made from. Drapes also aren’t super expensive so if you’re looking for a way to stifle the flow of cold air, this is the way to go.

And finally, if all else fails

3. More Layers
More layers while you walk about the house and more layers when you sleep in your bed. More shirts and more blankets. Adding extra layers will help conserve your body’s natural heat.

Saving Money Using Columbus Ohio Public Transit System

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The only public transit system in Columbus is the Central Ohio Transit Authority, known as COTA. COTA is a system of bus lines and park-and-rides throughout the central Ohio area. There are many lines, with a greater concentration of stops around the central city, such as on and around High Street running north and south, and Broad Street running east and west. Park-and-rides are available for the outskirts, where you drive your vehicle to a parking lot and then get on the bus there.Is this new to you? Catch up here
Depending on the distance of your commute, parking costs and the gas mileage that your vehicle gets, the COTA bus line may provides a way to save money in this age of gas guzzling vehicles and sky high gas prices.
Bus fares are priced at 1.75 one-way for local routes, or 2.50 for express routes. However, weekly and monthly passes are also available and these are a more economical way to use the COTA buses. The monthly pass offers unlimited travel and is only 55 for local and 76 for express. There are also discounts for seniors and those with handicaps.
To determine whether the COTA bus lines will save you money in your commute, you must review the distance of your commute, the gas mileage of your vehicle, the price of gas and the amount, if any, that you pay for parking.
For example, if you assume 22 working days in a month, a commute of 10 miles each way, a car that gets 20 miles per gallon, parking fees of 3 per day and a gas price of 3.50 a gallon, you will be spending 143 each month for your commute. In that scenario, if there is a bus line near you (or a park-and-ride) a 55 monthly pass will save you 88. Obviously, the more you spend on the variables mentioned above, the more it makes sense to save money by using the COTA bus lines.

Budgeting Tips For Families Living In Columbus Ohio

admin — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone is looking for ways to save money and people in Columbus, Ohio are no exception. Because of the extreme weather in the winter they often experience very high heating bills and that can take a large bite out of the budget. Most people are not aware of the climbing prices, but they need to sit up and pay attention, because they are only going to continue to climb. It is possible to put in a water geothermal system in this part of the state and it is all just there waiting for people to take advantage of.

Another way of course to save money is by turning down the heat and adding an extra blanket. Sweaters can be worn around the house and with a little bit of effort, it is possible to lower that bill by several hundred dollars a year. Wasting energy is also hard on the environment and the carbon footprint that most people are now aware of. This is a era of responsibility and everyone needs to do their part and by getting involved in saving the environment, it will also provides ways to save money. Turning down the heater is another way of putting money in the bank.

Addressing The Latest Couponing Craze In Columbus

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With the prices of grocery items and other things going up and shows like “Extreme Couponing” the use of coupons has increased recently. As in many other states, most major grocery stores will double the value of coupons you use. It is suggested to check with the store as some stores make changes periodically regarding their coupon policies.

If they do double coupon values, in some cases it may have a limit of 1.00, which means any coupon 0.50 to 0.99 will be accepted as 1.00. Also, some stores limit how many coupons can be used per item per transaction and some may limit it so many per household. There have been cases where a shopper will take her spouse of kids along to go through the line also with coupons.

However, if you do find an item on sale and have a coupon for it, you could get the item for free or for very little. In these cases, it is wise to purchase as many as you have coupons for to stock up. However, keep in mind how much you will be able to use before they expire. If you end up not using the product it was not a good deal.

7 Columbus Ohio Staycation Ideas For Frugal Families

admin — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With more people becoming concerned about the economy and watching how they spend their money, there is gaining popularity in staycations, where you find things to do locally instead of going somewhere else for vacation.

One idea of something to do in the Columbus, Ohio area is to attend the Ohio State Fair. At the State Fair there are many things to do that are either free or low cost. Other attractions to visit are The State House & Capital Square, German Village and Metro Park. At Metro Park there are a variety of things you can do from fishing, walking through the woods on the trails to sitting down for a picnic.Is this new to you? Catch up here

You could spend the whole day at the indoor water park, Fort Rapids. You can get a family pass which is less expensive than buying individual passes. Another indoor event for hot days is spending the day watching movies at Cinemark Movies 12. They show second run movies for significantly less than regular theaters. This way you have more money to spend on snacks. Another attraction that includes shopping is the Longaberger factory that is shaped like a big basket. Although it includes shopping, kids will like the shape of the factory and can see how the baskets are built.

So you don’t need to go away and spend a lot of money to have fun.