Economy update and some questions

I have been super busy recently.  Much has happened since we last talked and here are a few things on my mind about what is going on in the economy.

Gas prices each week continue to go up.  For the last three weeks when I have been filling up I have paid $33, $37, and today $45.  Wow! When I was filling up today I saw way more motorcycles recently in the valley.  I can only imagine that more and more people will be getting bikes.  Since I sold my car recently maybe I will get a scooter.  Probably not!  The point is Gas prices need to go down and I really can’t imagine people will keep paying these high prices.  When I am driving places now I even think of getting the most out of my drives.  If all consumers can cut down on Gas usage could we drive the price at the pumps down?  How do we get cheaper prices?  Oil keeps going up and so does my credit card bill.  If you can try to carpool.  If you need to go down the street to the store to pick up a few items, get some exercise and walk.  A final thought on Gas for all of you who are getting money back on the stimulus package from the government it looks like they gave it to us to pay for gas for a few months. I hope gas prices get better.

The stock market continues to roll like a coaster.  I hope all of you are sticking in it for the long run.  Keep funding, this will not last forever.  If you are a day trader good luck to you. 

The housing market is still tanking.  I saw a news story the other day and realized that more and more people are walking away from houses even thought they now can afford the payment.  People were saying why pay for a house that has dropped 100k?  I wonder if there will be any enforcement on all these people who are walking away.  I have a big post on this matter coming up soon.

Global Warming is getting on my nerves.  I hear so many people talking about it everywhere.  Many out there who think they know all, keep telling us to worry about this Global Warming and that we really need to take care of our environment.  My one question on this whole matter is that how can we for sure be experiencing global warming if local news professional can’t even predict rain, temperatures in the weekly forecast?

Okay that is all that is on my mind.  Looking forward to every ones thoughts. 

Time saver

If you ever need to call a company that you do service with it can get annoying when they make you hit at least 5 options before you actually get to talk to someone live on the phone.  The other day I came across this site 1800Shortcuts.  This site allows you bypass all the nonsense and allows you to get someone on the phone right away.  This should help cut down on your time on the phone with them.

Renting storage sheds

Are you a pack rat?  Are you a packer so much that you need to rent a storage shed?  I think a waste of money is to put stuff in storage.  You pay at the least $50 a month to throw stuff in there and sometimes people keep them for years.  By the time they get their stuff/junk/crap out of there they realize it was stupid to even get a storage unit.  For $600 a year ($50 a month x 12) you can go buy a new coffee table, or a new mattress.  I am sure the even bigger storage units cost much more.

People are paying places to store their junk.  If you can’t fit the stuff you have where you live, sell it.  Even if you know you will want it in the future, sell it.  When you want it again shop around to buy it back.  A lot of money is wasted on these units and I really do not see any value in having them. 

I think that is the business I want to get into. Maybe one day I will own a storage center.  Seems like good monthly revenue.  Liability insurance cannot be that much considering people are storing junk in their units.

Keep home costs down

If you live in the Phoenix area, it may be very beneficial to make your home as energy efficient as possible. 110 degree summer days can force your AC and appliances to work extra hard. Any steps that can be taken to conserve energy and water (and therefore money) should be seriously considered.  

1)       Install awnings. Awnings are great! They block the sun from your windows. These can make a huge difference in the summer when west facing walls take the brunt of the afternoon sunlight. There are several websites that offer customized awnings. You can also buy more generic awnings at your local Home Depot or Lowes.  

2)       Install low flow faucets. These faucets conserve water without jeopardizing water pressure. They can be found in many different styles. 

3)       Purchase energy efficient appliances. Energy star appliances can help you save a lot of dough by using less electricity. Make sure you do your research before purchasing a major appliance. Check out consumer reports and read other buyer’s reviews of the product. 

4)       Plant low water/no water landscaping. Traditional lawns require a lot of water. That means that you will be spending a lot of money to keep your lawn green, and if there is ever a time when water usage is regulated, you lawn will turn brown. Consider adding rocks and/or cactus to your yard. Neither requires consistent watering.  

5)       Turn them off. It goes without saying that when you leave a room, turn off the lights. It is a small change that can end up saving you money in the long run. Unplug small appliances (curling iron, phone charger, hair dryer, etc.) when they aren’t being used. If you are on the 9 to 9 plan, use your washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer after 9:00pm and before 9:00am and on the weekends.  

I hope these tips help you on your quest to save money, electricity and water. What are some ways that you are already saving money by conserving electricity and water?

Paycheck to paycheck

Do you know someone who every time they get their hands on cash they spend it right away?  There are many people out there no matter how much money you give them they will always spend and never really learn how to save.  I am surprised at the people I know who live paycheck to paycheck but yet they smoke, have satellite TV, the $400 dollar car payment, and much more.  If they only spent a few minutes and changed some habits the stress of that kind of living could be lifted off their shoulders in very little time.

Plain and simple here is the way to always have a cushion of money.  If you make money then you are off to a good start.  If you always have more money coming in than is going out then you are doing even better.  Try to cut back on things you really do not need. Finally if you get a raise  at work there is no need to increase your spends just because you got a raise. Try to the next time you get a raise increase and move it into savings accounts.