Save Money and the Environment.

This is a guest post.

Content by Mac Kline

I have long been one who my friends thought of as a “tree hugger.” As long as twenty years ago I started looking into solar power and renewable energy. I never really thought it was a cost effective thing for me to do, though, as I am a grade school teacher on a limited budget.

Recently, I once again looked into green technologies to see how they had advanced in the last twenty years. It turns out they are much more efficient and cost effective. Plus, the federal government is offering great tax incentives for those who install these things.

I decided that before I went to solar and renewable, my house should be more efficient. So I had new, green, double-paned windows installed in my house. I now expect to see up to 20% home energy savings through green technology, just from installing new windows, and I get a huge tax break!

If you are scared to look into green technologies because of price, the time could not be better to check these solutions out. You can save on http://www.newyorkenergyrates.com/ and feel good about saving the environment at the same time.

Doing Generic.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you buy generic products? Whenever I can, I do. Most generic products are exactly like the name brand products. Generic products do not have all the advertising costs that name brand does, so the product can be sold cheaper. I recently visited a site the listed 10 Products to Always Buy Generic Some, I do buy generic and some I never thought about.

When My kids where small I always bought generic cereal. Even then the price of cereal was high, not to mention what it is today. You almost have to take out a small loan to purchase a box. I have trouble justifying that in my mind.

I always get generic medications, over the counter and under the counter. For years I went to my local drug store and purchased their brand of generic Anacin. When I get a headache I need an industrial strength pain reliever to knock it out.

I also purchase generic batteries from the Dollar Store. Why pay more when you can get them for a dollar? Plus, my digital camera eats batteries so I am not spending a fortune financing my ever growing photography addiction.

Corvette always tries to convince me that name brand gasoline is better. I am not buying it because I just do not see a difference wherever I buy it. It could be a guy thing. I do not know.

I always buy generic flour, sugar and spices. Name brand spices are unbelievably expensive. This is another item I usually purchase from the Dollar Store. Hey, a dollar for a huge container. Can not beat that.

I am not sure if store brand formula was available when my kids where babies. I am sure if it was I would have used it. Raising babies is expensive, then they grow up and you have to send them to college. Maybe the money saved on formula can go to the college fund Just a thought.

It is true that breastfeeding is best, but sometimes for whatever reason that is not possible. I had trouble with my third child and finally had to give him formula. It is easy to find store brand formula at places like Walmart, Target and Walgreens. Did you know you can save up to $600 dollars a month? Remember the college fund?

Anyway, go read the article 10 Products to Always Buy Generic and start saving some money. Your kids will thank you in the future.

Time for the Belt Tightening

I started thinking lately that I need to get back into clipping coupons and make a concentrated effort to get on a better food and product budget. I used to do this as a stay-at-home mom years ago. It was easier then because I did not have to work outside of the house.

There are so many resources these days like the internet, which makes bargain hunting a lot easier. Years ago, we only had coupons in the Sunday paper. Not so today. There are numerous sites that offer printable coupons. I am only just starting to research the best sites. When I compile my list, I will post it here and provide a little description of each site.

In today’s economy a lot of people are turning to ways to save money. Both Corvette and my hours were cut at work so some changes are in order. I am sure this will take a little time to get started, but I know it will pay off in the end. So I am off set up my new food budgeting system. If any of you have tips or links to great sites, feel free to comment on them. I will appreciate any help.