David Pogue is one of the world's bestselling how-to authors with over 3 million books in print. He has 120 titles in the Missing Manual series, a collection of funny computer books, and he wrote or co-wrote seven books in the "for Dummies" series.
David is a former New York Times columnist, the tech critic for Yahoo Finance, and he writes a monthly column for Scientific American. He's worked in TV as the host of science shows on PBS's "NOVA" and as a correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning" since 2002. He's the recipient of prestigious awards like multiple Emmys, Webbys, and a Loeb for journalism.
In this interview. we talk about his most recent title Pogue’s Basics: Money – Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System. It covers 150 simple tips and tricks to stop leaving money on the table every day. You can pick up a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Booksamillion.
[Listen to the interview using the audio player in the upper right sidebar of this page or on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify]
Free Resource: Laura's Recommended Tools—use them to earn more, save more, and accomplish more with your money!
You should never buy anything but refurbished computers. - David Pogue
I had a great time chatting with David about some of my favorite money-saving tips from the book. Here are some of the topics we discuss:
- The right way to purchase computers and laptops
- Whether you should pay for extended product warranties
- Tips to save money on insurance
- How to get free money from Amazon programs
- Places to turn unused gift cards into cash at sites like CardCash or Cardpool
- How to leverage credit cards for cash back
No matter how much or little money you have, you'll take away easy tips and shortcuts to outsmart retailers, leverage savings programs, and keep more of your hard-earned money!
Get More Money Girl!
Want to know the best financial and productivity tools that I use and recommend to save time and money? Click here to check out 40+ tools I recommend!
To connect on social media, you’ll find Money Girl on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Also, if you’re not already subscribed to the Money Girl podcast on iTunes or the Stitcher app, both are free and make sure that you’ll get each new weekly episode as soon as it’s published on the web. The show is also on the Spotify mobile app!
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Money Girl audio podcast—it’s FREE!
There’s a huge archive of past articles and podcasts if you type in what you want to learn about in the search bar at the top of the page. Here are all the many places you can connect with me, learn more about personal finance, and ask your money question:
- Dominate Your Dollars - Laura's private Facebook Group
- Money Girl on Facebook
- Google+
- Money Girl podcast on iTunes (it’s free to subscribe!)
- Money Girl on the Stitcher app (also free to subscribe!)
- Email: LauraDAdams.com/contact
Click here to sign up for the free Money Girl Newsletter!
Download FREE chapters of Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich
To learn about how to get out of debt, save money, and build wealth, get a copy of my award-winning book Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich. It tells you what you need to know about money without bogging you down with what you don’t. It’s available at your favorite bookstore as a paperback or e-book. Click here to download 2 FREE book chapters now!
Hands Taking Out Money image courtesy of Shutterstock
Radiator Hack
If you use radiator heat, make them work harder without spending an extra cent. Wrap a very large piece of corrugated cardboard in aluminum foil (shiny side out), and place it behind your free-standing radiator. The foil will reflect the heat, and make the room warmer.
Stuffed Animal Draft Dodgers
Do your kids have lots of stuffed animals? This winter, put those they play with less often to good use: Line them up in front of their bedroom windows to prevent drafts from coming in underneath.
See Also: 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Home During Winter
Keep It Humid
It’s true that it’s not the heat that makes you feel warm, it’s the humidity. Humid air feels warmer than dry air, so in the winter, instead of cranking the heat, run a humidifier. This allows you to turn down the heat, save energy, and still feel comfortable. Live, leafy plants also help raise humidity levels.
A Ceiling Fan Can Keep You Warm Too
Don’t let your fan go to waste just because it’s no longer warm outside. To stay toasty during the frigid days of winter, hit the reverse switch to push hot air down into your room.
Plug Up Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a well sealed home can be up to 20 percent more energy efficient. Most leaks occur in the basement or attic—look where you feel a draft or around wiring holes, plumbing vents, ducts, and basement rim joints. You’ll be able to seal lots of leaks with a simple caulking gun, but for instructions on how to plug larger holes, check out this guide at EnergyStar.gov.
Lock Your Windows
In the winter, don’t just keep windows closed, make sure they’re locked for the tightest possible seal. This could greatly reduce drafts.
Winterize Your Door
If you have a sliding glass door that’s rarely used during the winter, seal the top, bottom, and sides with duct tape to keep cold air from coming in. Or, cut the sleeve off an old sweater or sweatshirt, then fill it with uncooked rice and knot the ends. Place in front of drafty doors and the rice will absorb the cold!
See also: Your Fall/Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Dust Buster
Make sure to vacuum your heating and air conditioning vents regularly. When they get caked up with dust your furnace or air conditioner has to work much harder! For the best energy efficiency, make sure to keep them dust-free.
Close Some Vents
Close the heating and air-conditioning vents in rooms in your home you don’t frequently use, like a guest room or laundry room. If your vents don’t have closures, simply seal them off with duct tape.
Slow and Steady with the Thermostat
When it’s time to turn on the heat, be patient. Your house won’t heat up any faster if you crank the thermostat way up, but you are likely to forget to turn it down, which can be a huge energy waster.
Follow us on Facebook for our Who Knew? Tip of the Day!
Image courtesy of Who Knew?
Produce Protector
The next time you get a package that contains bubble wrap, save some for your produce drawers. They’re the perfect liners for the bottom of your fruit and veggie compartments because they keep produce from bruising, while keeping cold air underneath them. Plus, when you need to clean your fridge you can just remove and replace the bubble wrap!
Save Your Soles
You just dug out last spring’s heels from the back of your closet, but they look like they’ve been flattened by a truck! Reshape your shoes by stuffing bubble wrap into your shoes until they’re back to their normal form. Leave inside your shoes for a half an hour and they’ll be permanently back to their old selves again!
DIY Padded Hangers
No wire hangers, ever! Wire hangers are often free from the dry cleaner, but they’re barely useable—they create unsightly creases and sometimes do permanent damage to clothes. However, if you have a bunch of bubble wrap, you can make DIY padded hangers: Simply wrap a sheet around the shoulders of the hanger and tape to secure. They won’t look fancy, but they’ll work just as well as the expensive kind you’d buy at the store.
Necklaces on the Go
Packing for a trip? Keep your necklaces safe and tangle-free by laying them out on bubble wrap, then taping the ends to the bubble wrap with some Scotch or masking tape. Then simply roll the bubble wrap up and pack safely in your suitcase!
DIY Lumbar Cushion
Instead of buying an expensive lumbar cushion, make your own with bubble wrap! Using a roll of bubble wrap, tightly roll up a portion lengthwise until you reach a thickness that will rest comfortably in the small of your back (a few inches thick). Next, thread a length of kitchen twine through the center and tape the roll shut. Fasten to the lumbar region of chair with the twine, and when you sit make sure it supports your lower back, so you improve posture and reduce pain.
Save on Energy Costs
Cut down on heating costs and keep your loved ones warm this winter by insulating your windows with bubble wrap. It’s free, and works even better than the plastic window insulations you can buy at the store. All you’ll need is the bubble wrap, a scissor or utility knife, and a spray bottle filled with water. First, cut the wrap to fit the size of your windows. Spray a layer of water on the windowpane, and press the bubble wrap against it so the bubble-side is against the glass. The wrap will stick to your windows all winter long, just like that! If your bubble wrap needs extra adhesive help, use double-sided tape to keep it in place.
For more second uses for everyday items from all around the internet, check out our Clever 2nd Uses board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Image courtesy of Who Knew?
Restarting Your Engine Uses More Gas than Idling
If you are waiting for longer than 30 seconds in your car, turn off the engine. You use more fuel idling after 30 seconds than you use to restart your car.
Your Car Needs to Warm Up in Winter
If you have a newer car, you can skip the long warm-ups, even in winter! Today’s cars are designed to warm up while being driven, so after you give the car 30–60 seconds of idling time, you can be on your way—just take it easy for the first few minutes on the road. You’ll save both time and gas!
Seat Warmers Waste Energy
Heated seats in your car may seem like a luxury, but they can actually be a huge money-saver. Heated seats don’t have to use as much energy (that is, gas) as your car’s heating vents to keep you warm. If they aren’t offered when you buy your car, consider getting a heated pad for your seat or even having heated seats installed after-market.
Changing Your Oil Less Frequently Saves You Money
Change your oil regularly and you’ll have to fill up on gas less often. As oil ages, it gets thicker and harder to push through the engine, causing more energy to be used. By changing your oil regularly, you’ll make sure you get the best fuel economy possible.
Premium Gas Makes Your Car Run Better
Only 5 percent of cars actually run better on premium gas as opposed to regular. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to see what it recommends.
“Topping Off” is Worthwhile
Have you ever “topped off” your car’s gas tank to round out the price at the pump? You should know that since the pump is only pumping out vapors at that point, they’re automatically sucked back into gas station’s tank. In other words, even though you now have exact change, you didn’t get any extra gas!
For more easy ways to take care of your car, follow our Car Tips board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
The satisfaction of receiving a year-end bonus may soon be tempered by the realization that income taxes will have to be paid on the extra money. Bonuses are treated as income and thus subject to taxation, but there are ways … Continue reading →
The post How to Avoid Paying Taxes on a Bonus Check appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Bruce Lubin is the co-author of the best-selling Who Knew? series of household hints books, with his wife Jeanne. They’ve written more than a dozen books that have sold more than 5 million copies.
You may have seen Bruce sharing his clever and money-saving tips on national TV, like the Today Show and the Hallmark Channel. Now, Bruce and Jeanne are also hosting a brand new podcast on the Quick and Dirty Tips network, which goes by the same name—Who Knew?.
[Listen to the interview using the audio player in the upper right sidebar of this page or on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify; for Spotify, just search the app for "Money Girl."]
Free Resource: Laura's Recommended Tools—use them to earn more, save more, and accomplish more with your money!
Some of the cool tips Bruce and I talk about in this interview include:
- Knowing which appliances cost you the most and how to use less energy
- A clever tip to cut the time it takes to dry your clothes by 25%
- How to hack your water bills
- Tips to cut back your air conditioning usage but still stay cool
- How to keep your kitchen from overheating during the summer
- Ways to get your entire family on board to save energy—especially teenagers
See also: How to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
Cool Tips to Save Money on Utility Bills
No matter if you own a large house or rent a cozy apartment, this interview will help you cut the cost of energy and water and save money on your utility bills. Here are a few great tips from our interview:
With today’s high efficiency dishwashers and washing machines, the expense is really heating the water. So wash everything as cold as you can.
Q: What are the appliances that suck the most energy? What are some tips to use less energy with them?
Bruce: Dishwashers, but it’s really the dry cycle, which uses steam. De-select the Dry Cycle, or, if you have an older dishwasher, just open the door at the beginning of the dry cycle.
Dryers too—use a large towel to reduce drying time. Check your dryer’s screen: the lint from the screen in your dryer may not be enough to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible. The fabric softener used in dryer sheets can get caught in the mesh, even if you can’t see it. To be sure you’re completely cleaning the screen, remove it and clean it with warm, soapy water and a brush. Leave it out to dry completely before placing back in your dryer.
Q: What about saving water?
Bruce: Back to dishwashers—you should actually wash pots and pans by hand (usually)—you save up so much room and you don’t have to do Pots ‘n’ Pans mode.
With today’s high efficiency dishwashers and washing machines, the expense is really heating the water. So wash everything as cold as you can. You also may want to lower the temp you keep your hot water heater at. We recommend 120º F, which is plenty hot, even though many water heaters come set at 140º.
Other than that, low-flow showerheads and other faucets are a must! Definitely worth the price. Just ask at the hardware store.
Q: What about teenagers taking long showers?
Bruce: Give teens an incentive to take shorter showers—5 minutes added to their curfew for every 1 minute they shave of their shower time. (Or 5 minutes more of time with their phone at the end of the night, etc.)
Q: What about tips for saving money on air conditioning?
Bruce: Keep blinds closed during the day – people probably know that! But also, close all closet doors, and seal off rooms you aren’t using. Use duct tape if your vents don’t close. And, make sure your windows and doors seal properly—that can save you big.
Q: Any other tips for saving energy?
Bruce: Believe it or not, MOST electric companies charge you more for electricity during peak times, which are usually between 4 and 8pm. Google the name of your electric company and “peak pricing” to see if yours does. If possible, keep your AC off during these times, and do more laundry and other electricity-intensive tasks during non-peak times.
Get More Money Girl!
Want to know the best financial and productivity tools that I use and recommend to save time and money? Click here to check out 40+ tools I recommend!
To connect on social media, you’ll find Money Girl on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Also, if you’re not already subscribed to the Money Girl podcast on iTunes or the Stitcher app, both are free and make sure that you’ll get each new weekly episode as soon as it’s published on the web.
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Money Girl audio podcast—it’s FREE!
There’s a huge archive of past articles and podcasts if you type in what you want to learn about in the search bar at the top of the page. Here are all the many places you can connect with me, learn more about personal finance, and ask your money question:
- Dominate Your Dollars - Laura's private Facebook Group
- Money Girl on Facebook
- Laura on Facebook
- Google+
- Money Girl podcast on iTunes (it’s free to subscribe!)
- Money Girl on the Stitcher app (also free to subscribe!)
- Email: LauraDAdams.com/contact
Click here to sign up for the free Money Girl Newsletter!
Download FREE chapters of Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich
To learn about how to get out of debt, save money, and build wealth, get a copy of my award-winning book Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich. It tells you what you need to know about money without bogging you down with what you don’t. It’s available at your favorite bookstore as a paperback or e-book. Click here to download 2 FREE book chapters now!
Bills at Home image courtesy of Shutterstock
Owning a rental property can help you to grow wealth long-term and diversify your income streams. Receiving regular rental income can help supplement withdrawals you might make from a 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA) in retirement or give you an … Continue reading →
The post Reducing Capital Gains Tax on a Rental Property appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Does this sound familiar? You start the holiday season feeling festive and full of good cheer. You have big plans and ambitions to make everything merry and bright for you and your family. But as your to-do list grows, so does your stress level. The next thing you know, you just want to settle in for a long winter's nap and not come out again until spring.
Even before I became a mom, I wanted nothing more than to give my family the gift of the most magical holiday season possible. First, I had to orchestrate amazing decorations. Then I would not only make festive treats but plan elaborate five-course meals. And let's not forget shopping 'til I dropped so I could shower my friends and family with impeccably wrapped, showstopping gifts!
No pressure.
I spent so much time and energy trying to pull off the perfect Christmas that, come December 25, I was run so ragged I hoped to never see another candy cane for the rest of my life. I would collapse after the last gift was unwrapped. Fa la la la la la la la ... ugh.
Each year I vowed to be smarter with my time and efforts, but I still wound up mindlessly repeating this vicious cycle. That is, until I was expecting my fifth child. Seven months pregnant, I ended up with pneumonia and a cracked rib. As miserable as I was, it was the year I received the best gift ever—the doctor ordered bed rest!
I had to rely on my husband and the grandparents to take over so that our kids would still have a Christmas. By no means did they do everything the way I would’ve done it. (Actually, they did nothing the way I would've done it!) But by letting go of the control, I watched a wonderful holiday unfold. I finally wasn’t in the trenches driving myself crazy trying to create a perfect holiday. Instead, I was living in the moment.
I knew right then that I was finally done with all the holiday hype.
De-stress this holiday season by deciding what's important
I still enjoy the magic of the holiday season, but now I approach this time of year with much less fuss.
If you've realized that spending time with loved ones is more important than pulling off the "perfect" holiday, think about what you can cut back on this year.
- No time to stage a photo card of your family this year? New Year’s cards are festive, too! Bonus: They might even stand out more if they arrive after the rush of holiday cards.
- Is it really necessary to spend time and money on gifts for teachers, bus drivers, teacher assistants, and the school nurse this holiday season? Have your child write a heartfelt card to these special folks instead.
- Does the Elf on the Shelf really have to make a pre-Thanksgiving appearance? Maybe he could show up the week before Christmas. Less work, same fun!
- Can you simplify your holiday décor by cutting back on outdoor lighting or limiting your decorating to just one special room in your home? You don't have to be the neighborhood Griswolds to have a happy holiday.
- Which holiday invites do you really want to accept? Politely decline invitations for parties you're not really interested in or just don't have time for.
Center your time and energy more on the things you actually love doing and less on those that feel like a chore. You’ll automatically simplify this hectic time of year.
Tap into your holiday senses
I’ve always been a Christmas junkie! Whether it's enjoying all the lights and bling of the season, soaking in the enchanting sounds and delicious tastes that surround us, or decking the halls—count me in. Being mindful of the elements that make this time of year so special can deliver an entirely new experience for both you and your loved ones.
Instead of rushing from one errand to the next, tap into your holiday senses so you can be more present this season. Here are some festive, low-key ideas.
Bake with your kids. Find an afternoon where you can roll out some sugar cookies, decorate a gingerbread house, make homemade fudge, or dabble with delicious peppermint bark. Notice how amazing your house smells while these goodies are baking. Enjoy an ice cold glass of milk as you nibble on a delightful iced gingerbread man. Make an extra dozen or so for your neighbor and leave them as a surprise on their front porch. Savor the experience. Check out these yummy holiday recipes on Food Network.
Get crafty. Watch your child swell with pride when they create a special masterpiece for Grandma and Grandpa. Head over to Pinterest for hundreds of easy, jolly ideas. In our house, our favorite DIY holiday décor is paper snowflakes. Even my college kids love to make these every year. We sprinkle a little glitter on them and decorate our windows to create a real winter wonderland feel.
Play holiday tunes. Get in the spirit by playing festive music first thing in the morning. When your kids get up, they can jingle all the way to the breakfast table. Sing along with Frosty the Snowman as you carpool to practice. Let holiday music play quietly in the background on Christmas Eve as you prepare for the excitement of Christmas Day.
Check out holiday light displays. Take a brisk early evening walk through your neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful glow of holiday lights. When you get home, make some creamy hot cocoa and talk about which scenes were your favorite. Or drive through your community to take in the festive displays. Soaking in the holiday bling can illuminate positive energy and it’s a low-cost way to spend some time together as a family.
Watch holiday classics. Pick a cozy afternoon or evening and binge-watch your favorite holiday movies together. Don’t forget the popcorn!
RELATED: 7 Ways to Save Money During the Holiday Season
Focus on tradition
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is celebrating the traditions we’ve created over the years. There’s something comforting about practicing a tried and true ritual that belongs to your family.
My parents established a fun tradition—Christmas Eve PJs! We opened them before bed each year.
When I had my own family, we continued the tradition. But I incorporated a theme each year like footed pajamas, Star Wars, Polar Express, or our favorite sports teams. This year we’re getting reindeer pajamas, and yes, they will come with antlers!
The beauty of a traditions is that you can start them any time. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- Make a gingerbread house
- Cut your own fresh tree
- Have a Secret Santa exchange
- Donate gifts to those less fortunate
- Go caroling
- Have a grab bag of both practical and gag gifts
- Explore another culture’s tradition
- Have a potluck holiday celebration with friends
- Decorate your tree with colorful, handmade paper chains
- Have a family game night
- Create a romantic, special quiet time for you and your spouse to exchange gifts—just the two of you
RELATED: 6 Ways to Create Family Traditions
Give Experiences
The average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion nationwide. Yikes!
Don’t get me wrong, I love watching my kids open their gifts on Christmas morning, particularly when the gift is some pricey item I know they weren't expecting. But gifts are not what the holiday season is all about.
Experiences are a great alternative to material gifts. We started doing this years ago, and my kids look forward to receiving things like concert or sporting event tickets, a family weekend away, or private lessons more than a new electronic gadget. One year we gave them bedroom makeovers and let them pick out their color schemes!
Rely on Mother Nature
I recently attended a wellness workshop and one of the speakers focused on one of the most neglected, free assets available—mother nature.
If you live in a climate where winter weather is getting into high gear, it may be tempting to limit your time with nature to climbing in and out of the car. But winter is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Embrace a walk in the new-fallen snow, take your kids to an outdoor ice-skating rink, or hike on a nature trail and take in the frosty landscape. A walk on the beach in the winter can also be invigorating. With fewer people around, you can have some quality time with your own thoughts.
Reconnect with yourself
Most parents focus on making things fun for their kids throughout the holidays. The decorating, baking, shopping, and constant running around seem to be for everyone but ourselves. Instead of waiting until post-holiday exhaustion sets in, use the holiday season to reconnect with yourself.
Finding quiet pockets of time throughout the week may seem like a laughable concept, but if you put your mind to it, you’d be surprised at the different ways you can sneak some me-time into your schedule.
Give meditation a try. Listen to an inspirational podcast or captivating audiobook that takes your mind away from the daily annoyances you have little control over. This well-spent me-time will help you to relax and get into the true spirit of the season. You may also learn something new!
Social Security benefits, including disability benefits, can help provide a supplemental source of income to people who are eligible to receive them. If you’re receiving disability benefits from Social Security, you might be wondering whether you’ll owe taxes on the … Continue reading →
The post Are Social Security Disability Benefits Taxable? appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Does Turning Off Your Water Heater Save Money?
Yes, turning your water heater off when you’re not going to need hot water will save you money—but you may have to wait awhile before you have hot water again. It’s definitely worth it to turn it off while you’re out of town, and you may also want to invest in a water heater timer, which is like a programmable thermostat for your water heater. A better option, however, is turning down the heat!
Turn Down the Heat
You never use your water on full-blast hot anyway (140ºF!), so it’s worth it to lower how hot you keep your water heater. You can save up to $125 per year by simply lowering the thermostat on your hot water heater from 140º to 120º F—and you probably won’t even notice the difference.
Buy Your Water Heater a Jacket
A water heater insulation jacket (also called a blanket) costs $15–$35, but it can cut the cost to heat your water dramatically. By insulating your water heater, you’ll cut down on the amount of energy it needs to use to heat standing water in half, also cutting down on the amount you need to pay. To find out if you need a water heater jacket, touch the side of it. If it’s warm, it’s leaking energy. You may also want to insulate your hot water pipes.
Drain Your Water Heater to Save
Make sure to drain your water heater once a year to get rid of sediment. Left too long, this grit can build up until you’re using energy to heat sludge. Flush it out to use less energy and save.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Cut down on the amount of hot water you use by washing your clothes in cold water with a cold rinse. Due to advances in detergents and washing machines, the only time you really need to use warm or hot water is when you need to get a really bad stain, like red wine or oil, out of an article. Not only will you help the environment, you’ll save money on heating the water, too.
For more ways to save money from all over the internet, check out our Saving Money board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.