Save Money on Your Heating Bill

One of the best ways to save money on your heating bill this winter is to "winterize" your windows.  You can easily do this by applying plastic to the inside of your windows in your home.  Perhaps you don't even want to apply the plastic to all your windows.  That is just fine! 

If you close off some rooms in your home and don't heat those rooms, then you won't need to worry as much about those windows.  Focus on the rooms in your house you actual use and heat.  Most importantly, focus on the windows that have the most drafts.

Once you determine which windows you want to winterize, you can easily purchase Duck Indoor Shrink Plastic Film Window Kits at any discount store.  They sell for about $10 a box.  Once you've gotten those, you are on your way to keeping out the cold air in no time. 

It also helps to purchase a heater that runs on as little electricity as possible.  You can find those in the same discount stores.  Why bother spending money on oil or gas heat if that is not needed?  Even if saving money is not your top priority, staying warm this winter should always be important.

Adding the plastic to your windows will make you home much warmer, and in no time, you will find your heating bill goes down.  I've been applying plastic to my windows for a few years now and it makes a major difference. 

Now is the Time to Apply for Seasonal Positions

It is the end of August now and the summer is coming to a close.  The long, happy sunny days are leaving us.  We will now have to deal with the cold of autumn and winter.  This means paying more to heat our homes. Also, using the washer and dryer more since we will all be wearing more layers of clothes.  Plus, we must make plans for holiday shopping.  All of this means we need more money.

On an upnote, this is the perfect time of year to gather job applications for stores.  Many of you are already working full-time, but it is just not bringing in enough money.  Now is the time to work a second job.  I know it is depressing to be forced to do that, but you can work two jobs at once during the holiday season and not go crazy.  It is a good time to fill out the applications, since you can return them in the beginning of September.

Many retailers like to hire at the beginning of September so the staff will be properly trained by the time the Christmas rush comes in.  The down side to this, is yes, you will be working during the Christmas rush.  The plus side is, you will be making extra money and probably getting a really nice discount.  When you work at a store that gives a nice discount, it is perfect for Christmas shopping. 

If you are currently unemployed, this is also a good option for you.  Many retailers will hire you for part-time, seasonal work for the holidays, but if you show a desire to work more hours, they will probably have more to give you as it gets closer to Christmas.  If they really like you, they may keep you on for part-time work after Christmas.  Certainly this can be a difficult time for you if you've never worked in retail before or you are looking for a better job, but keep in mind many employers want to see you are working rather than staying on unemployment.  It might not look perfect on a resume, but working in retail looks better than nothing.

So if you've decided you want (or need) extra money for the winter months, make sure to start gathering your applications at the end of August.  Start returning them in September, but make sure to talk to a manager when you return the applications.  It helps to show up with a smiling face and make a great impression.  Good luck to you!