Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Power Up
Electricity. It’s on your mind everymonth when it’s time to pay the bill and when you come home to find that porch light still on after a weekend away.
But keeping electrical maintenance top of mind can help you save on your electric bill, keep the kids safe and conserve energy.
Here are a few things to consider.
addition to stowing cords away
from pets and children, keep a close eye
on appliances that generate heat, such as
computers, televisions and dryers. Don’t
drape anything flammable over these items.
Check cords regularly for frays, cracks
or kinks and use tape or twist ties to keep
cords in place rather than securing them
with nails or staples. Covered cords generate
heat, so try to avoid covering cords
beneath flammable materials such as rugs.
Consider hiring a licensed electrical
contractor to evaluate your electrical
systems, including fuse boxes and home
electric meters to be sure they’re up to
date. And be sure to ask for tips about
possible energy-saving investments.
Try to maintain control over how much
electricity your household is using. It’s
cliché, but turning off lights and appliances
after use will greatly decrease your
electric bill.
And try running your dryer
at night, if at all. Curbing your hot water use is another way to cut electricity costs; wash clothes in cold water when you can.
Finally, consider plugging all computer, TV and DVD components into one
power strip and get into the habit of turning it off when not in use. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an easy way to save
energy and money.
Information provided by www.crs.com
But keeping electrical maintenance top of mind can help you save on your electric bill, keep the kids safe and conserve energy.
Here are a few things to consider.
addition to stowing cords away
from pets and children, keep a close eye
on appliances that generate heat, such as
computers, televisions and dryers. Don’t
drape anything flammable over these items.
Check cords regularly for frays, cracks
or kinks and use tape or twist ties to keep
cords in place rather than securing them
with nails or staples. Covered cords generate
heat, so try to avoid covering cords
beneath flammable materials such as rugs.
Consider hiring a licensed electrical
contractor to evaluate your electrical
systems, including fuse boxes and home
electric meters to be sure they’re up to
date. And be sure to ask for tips about
possible energy-saving investments.
Try to maintain control over how much
electricity your household is using. It’s
cliché, but turning off lights and appliances
after use will greatly decrease your
electric bill.
And try running your dryer
at night, if at all. Curbing your hot water use is another way to cut electricity costs; wash clothes in cold water when you can.
Finally, consider plugging all computer, TV and DVD components into one
power strip and get into the habit of turning it off when not in use. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an easy way to save
energy and money.
Information provided by www.crs.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
Mistaken Identity
More than 8 million
people were victims of
identity theft in 2007,
according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Most people know the
basic prevention measures, such
as committing passwords and PIN
numbers to memory and shredding
credit card receipts. But
there are other habits that can help
you prevent fraudulent activity.
Check your mail often. Identity
thieves often take pre-approved
credit card offers and sign up for
a new card to use without your
knowledge. Be sure to shred these.
Reduce the number of credit and debit cards in your wallet;
if possible, carry only one debit card for bank withdrawals and
one credit card for other purchases. Use a credit card rather
than a debit card while shopping online. You’re better protected
because credit accounts are more often monitored for unusual
charges and offer quicker ways to freeze and replace cards
than banks. Keep a list of all credit and bank card numbers and
expiration dates, as well as banking account information in a
secure place, such as a locked safe in your home.
When ordering new checks, make the trip to the bank to
pick them up rather than having them delivered. When you are
waiting for a new credit card to be delivered, be sure to call the
issuer if it hasn’t arrived within the promised amount of time to
ensure it hasn’t been stolen.
Paying bills the old-fashioned way? Park the car and deliver
mail inside the post office rather than the outside box. Neighborhood
mailboxes aren’t monitored as closely and could be
broken into, leaving your checks open to alterations by a thief.
Information provided by www.crs.com
people were victims of
identity theft in 2007,
according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Most people know the
basic prevention measures, such
as committing passwords and PIN
numbers to memory and shredding
credit card receipts. But
there are other habits that can help
you prevent fraudulent activity.
Check your mail often. Identity
thieves often take pre-approved
credit card offers and sign up for
a new card to use without your
knowledge. Be sure to shred these.
Reduce the number of credit and debit cards in your wallet;
if possible, carry only one debit card for bank withdrawals and
one credit card for other purchases. Use a credit card rather
than a debit card while shopping online. You’re better protected
because credit accounts are more often monitored for unusual
charges and offer quicker ways to freeze and replace cards
than banks. Keep a list of all credit and bank card numbers and
expiration dates, as well as banking account information in a
secure place, such as a locked safe in your home.
When ordering new checks, make the trip to the bank to
pick them up rather than having them delivered. When you are
waiting for a new credit card to be delivered, be sure to call the
issuer if it hasn’t arrived within the promised amount of time to
ensure it hasn’t been stolen.
Paying bills the old-fashioned way? Park the car and deliver
mail inside the post office rather than the outside box. Neighborhood
mailboxes aren’t monitored as closely and could be
broken into, leaving your checks open to alterations by a thief.
Information provided by www.crs.com
Friday, November 5, 2010
Great Walls!
No matter how big or small, all homes have one thing
in common: wall space. But many homeowners get
stumped by what to do with it. Walls are a blank canvas
for creating an inviting space and showing off personality,
and although homeowners’ tastes vary widely, there are a few
general ideas and guidelines to consider when deciding how
to make the best use of your walls.
Sconces are a great way to add light and style to a room.
They should be placed about six feet above the floor, and if there
are two or more, be sure to place them evenly to provide balanced
sources of lighting. If the sconce is merely an accent to
an already decorated wall, choose a simple design and a smaller
sconce, rather than upstaging what’s already there.
If art is your wall decoration of choice, it’s important to
decide on a style before choosing the paintings or photos. More
traditional decorators might go for landscapes or gardens, while
those with contemporary taste might lean toward bold, bright
colors. A little quirky? Think about framing old records or
vintage movie posters instead of ready-made pieces. Be sure
the size of the framed pieces complements the furniture in the
room — wall art shouldn’t compete. A room with minimal furniture
can have large art, but if the room already has big, ornate
pieces of furniture, keep the art minimal.
Play with groupings of framed pieces. Experts suggest combining
odd numbers such as three or five in a row or a square
block of nine small prints. Be sure the pieces are similar in color
and theme, and take time to choose a neutral colored frame.
Information provided by www.crs.com
in common: wall space. But many homeowners get
stumped by what to do with it. Walls are a blank canvas
for creating an inviting space and showing off personality,
and although homeowners’ tastes vary widely, there are a few
general ideas and guidelines to consider when deciding how
to make the best use of your walls.
Sconces are a great way to add light and style to a room.
They should be placed about six feet above the floor, and if there
are two or more, be sure to place them evenly to provide balanced
sources of lighting. If the sconce is merely an accent to
an already decorated wall, choose a simple design and a smaller
sconce, rather than upstaging what’s already there.
If art is your wall decoration of choice, it’s important to
decide on a style before choosing the paintings or photos. More
traditional decorators might go for landscapes or gardens, while
those with contemporary taste might lean toward bold, bright
colors. A little quirky? Think about framing old records or
vintage movie posters instead of ready-made pieces. Be sure
the size of the framed pieces complements the furniture in the
room — wall art shouldn’t compete. A room with minimal furniture
can have large art, but if the room already has big, ornate
pieces of furniture, keep the art minimal.
Play with groupings of framed pieces. Experts suggest combining
odd numbers such as three or five in a row or a square
block of nine small prints. Be sure the pieces are similar in color
and theme, and take time to choose a neutral colored frame.
Information provided by www.crs.com
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