7 Reasons Why You Will Need an Internet Thermostat

There's a lot of talk around the net of a new generation of home appliances; refrigerators that write your grocery lists and order your food for you, ovens that can be controlled remotely, and most interestingly - thermostats for your home that can be controlled through the internet or a phone line. Why would you want to control your home thermostat from afar? Here are 7 reasons why:

The outside temperature's pushing -5°F and you're looking at a late night at the office - using an internet thermostat and a few keystrokes you won't be heating an empty house.

You've left for vacation and forgotten to turn off the thermostat - a quick phone call or connection to the internet and you're saved!

You've decided to extend your vacation for an extra week and your thermostat is set to return to normal operation right before you get home.

You own a retail store or warehouse and you want to keep your staff or mischievous customers from changing the temperature.

You leave your pets at home during the day. With an internet thermostat you can monitor and adjust the temperature to keep them cozy.

Imagine setting your PC at work to automatically turn off your thermostat when you log in - and then turn it back on at the end of the day when you log off so no matter how long you work, your home will accommodate your schedule. How convenient would that be?

You're sitting at your computer and getting a little hot... but the thermostat is a whole 8 feet away. Oh the humanity!

While internet thermostats are still new on the marketplace and a little pricey, there is little doubt that they are going to quickly replace those old, ugly dials we've grown so accustomed to seeing in our hallways.

Save Money! Opt For Xerox Ink Cartridges

You must have noticed that you could buy a new printer for what you spend buying three or four cartridges. Have you ever thought about why printer ink cartridges cost so much compared to the printers themselves?

The reason is that the companies that manufacture devices for printing actually make more money selling ink rather than printers. Remember that an appliance can be sold only once and no matter how high the price is, the profit come in only once. However, everyone who has a printing device will keep requiring supplies for printing jobs. Manufacturers have realized that their profits are maximized if they sell appliances at low prices and make profits from the supplies that have to be bought again and again. This is why the prices of even high-end printers are plummeting these days.

Once the appliance is sold the customer has to come back to the manufacturer every time he runs out of supplies. And you know that that happens quite often. The customer is warned that if they buy their supplies from other people, then the manufacturers will not be responsible for any damage to the machine. Naturally people buy their supplies from the company that manufactured the device. People are led to believe that the company that has made the printer will know more about what kind of ink should be used.

However, this is not true. Companies like Xerox have been making similar products for ages know enough to manufacture good ink. After extensive research, Xerox has come up with cartridges that are compatible with devices manufactured by Hewlett Packard. Moreover, Xerox ink cartridges are up to thirty percent cheaper than the ones manufactured by HP. Xerox is so confident about these products that they agree to pay back customers who can prove that their products are not up to the mark. So if you are not satisfied with the products that you have purchased, you have nothing to lose. Another advantage of buying from Xerox is that they even deliver supplies faster than others.

If you have to print many documents regularly, you'll be surprised by the savings that you'll make by merely changing the brand of your cartridges. You may also consider purchasing your printing supplies in bulk because wholesale prices are always drastically lower. All you need to do is calculate how much ink you use in a specific period of time. Planning, as they say, always enables you to take better decisions.

Top Ten Ways to Start Living Frugally

If you are ready to start living frugally, here are some good ways to get started:

 
Eat out less. No matter what you think, preparing your own food at home is always less costly than eating at restaurants.  If you are pressed for time, do a lot of the preparation work on the weekends.  You can even prepare casseroles and other meals in advance, and freeze them for later.  

Clip coupons.  Clip grocery coupons for those items that you typically purchase to save.  Of course the big discount and warehouse stores don't accept coupons, but they are handy for those products that you do purchase on a regular basis at the grocery.  At this time of year, look for coupons on products you will use for holiday meals, paper products, and cleaning supplies. If you want to save big, find out if any stores in your area double coupons.  

Use the library.  Go to the library to check out those best sellers you've been dying to read.  You can even save costs on magazine subscriptions by checking out your favorite magazines at the library, too.  

Plan your errands. Plan your errands in advance so that you can take care of several things all in one trip.  This will not only save on gas, but it's a real time saver too.  

Watch for free stuff - especially online.  It's amazing the stuff you can find for free online.  From classic book downloads at the GutenbergProject.org to free business cards, free language lessons, free jewelry, and more.  In addition, look for buy one get one free offers at the grocery and save.  

Utilities - turn off the lights when you are not using them.  Same goes for other appliances and your computer, too.  Check the thermostat.  Get a digital thermostat to automatically turn the heat down during the times you are not at home, or are sleeping, and turn it up a tad when you are in the house.  Works the same way for the A/C in the summer.  

Audit your insurance policies -  check over your insurance policies to make sure you are not paying for coverage that you don't need.  For example, does your auto insurance provide an auto club like membership while you also belong to AAA Motor Club?  Do you really need rental reimbursement coverage on your auto policy if you own more than one car?  These and other issues should be checked over thoroughly.  Call your agent to understand your policies better.  

Learn to do-it-yourself - there are many services for which we pay top dollar that we could easily learn to do ourselves - i.e. manicures, oil changes, room painting, and other small repairs.  

Avoid late fees - pay bills online.  When you pay your bills online you not only save the cost of the stamp and the check, but also any late fees that you might incur if the payment arrives late.  
Shop with a list - whether you are doing your grocery shopping or shopping for holiday gifts, plan ahead and make a list - then stick to the list to avoid impulse purchases.

You only have to waste less than $28 per day to throw away $10,000 a year.  With the frugal tips listed above, you'll learn to save at least that much!

Why Not Buy From an Online Home Improvement Store?

A home improvement store is a place where you can buy home appliances, lumber, tools, lawn mowers, paint, brushes and everything that you need for your latest project. You may be used to walking into a traditional warehouse, walking around until your feet are tired, asking for help and still leaving without all of the items that you need. Why not try something different?

Thanks to the internet, you can download a project plan and order all of the items that you need to complete it, without ever leaving your desk. Think about what you want to do the weekend before you plan to do it. Create a budget, if necessary and place your order.

With three day shipping, your items should begin to arrive a few days before your planned project. You can check out the packages after work and be sure that everything is as you ordered.

You won't have to worry about driving to a home improvement store early Saturday morning, along with hundreds of other homeowners. You can get started early and be done in time for Sunday dinner.

Some people still worry about ordering over the internet. They think the shipping will be expensive or their personal information might not be protected. But, when you go to buy home appliances from a traditional store, you will find, in most cases that the item needs to be ordered anyway. There will be delivery charges that could easily exceed the cost of shipping.

If you try to buy home appliances and then pick them up yourself, you risk injury. You will also have to pay for gas and if you don't have one, you might need to rent a truck for the day. So, there are many advantages to ordering online. You just need to think about it.

Today's online home improvement store provides every item that you could get at a traditional one. The customer assistance and advice is there at your fingertips.

The better online stores provide advice about measuring for and selecting an appliance. If you have had to buy home appliances in the past, you probably had to deal with a salesperson. If you want to talk with someone online, you can. But, you can make your selections on your own. Since there are no salespeople to deal with, your prices are lower, because there is no commission.

Lower prices, better selections and shipments right to your door. What more could you ask from a home improvement store?

How to Make Energy Efficient Upgrades in Your Home

As the seasons change, people begin thinking about improvements they can make to their homes.They may choose to only make cosmetic changes and brighten up their home with new paint or some fresh landscaping. In other cases, there may be total renovations and in a few months you have a whole new kitchen or master bedroom suite. This can be great if you are planning to spend several more years in your home or if you are planning to put your home on the market in the next few months.

However, not everyone can afford a total room makeover. They may want to make a middle of the road change that enables them to save money and enjoy their home more. If you choose energy efficient upgrades for your new appliances, you will help the environment and your utility bill. Wherever you live in the country, you may need emergency plumbing or emergency water heater installation, but hopefully will be able to make your upgrades in your own time without calling in someone in the middle of the night. If you are thinking about lowering your utility costs and improving the efficiency of your home, consider a few of the following upgrades.

New window installation can be expensive, but it will make your home airtight and add a significant amount of value to the property. New windows not only prevent airflow leaks, they protect furniture and residents from the sun's dangerous UV rays. Older windows without UV protection can let in such a significant amount of sunlight; standing in your living room is no different than standing on a sandy beach. With new windows, there will be a protective UV coating. This not only protects your skin, it prevents the sun from fading carpet, curtains and furniture. Imagine not having to spend money in the future on new carpet or furniture! Your new windows will be an investment that will pay off a great deal in the long run.

If windows are not an option or you have already installed improved ones, consider replacing one of your low efficiency appliances. Are your washer and dryer a decade or more old? Do you hear the washer clunking around as it completes its spin cycle or does your dryer need to run a load of clothing three or four times before they are completely dry? Maybe it is time to replace them with new energy efficient models. Not only will you save money by using these improved utilities, they will work better and save you time and frustration. Laundry is a chore you just want to toss in and forget. If you are running machines through several cycles or adjusting the volume on your television because of their noise, you will save yourself a lot of headaches by replacing them.

If you are in the market for a few energy efficient upgrades, consider replacing your current windows with new ones or your washer and dryer with brand new energy efficient models that will save you time and money.

What You Need to Know About Small Cardboard Boxes

Sometimes in life we are require the assistance of items to make tasks we need performed easier. How often do you use large boxes to take home a new washing machine? Or how often to use large boxes to move house? Probably not very often!

In terms of small boxes, their perhaps the most useful of all boxes! Now think about how often you use small cardboard boxes? Probably a lot more often than you think!

Some possible uses of smaller sized boxes on a regular basis include:

Play house for children and pets
Various gardening uses
Placed on floors to cover oil spills
Transporting and storing goods
Arts and Crafts purposes

The uses of small boxes are endless and the above is just the tip of the iceberg.

You'll find every business uses cardboard boxes in one way or another. Mainly to store their products - everything from small food products to full size appliances like televisions are all stored in cardboard boxes.

The material (cardboard) is cheap, natural (made from trees!) and is easily recyclable, making it much more versatile than say plastic or foam boxes. For example foam boxes are rarely recycled as they have to first be shredded and then dissolved in a solvent for it to be recyclable - not very cost effective.

If you are after some small cardboard boxes one option is to visit your local supermarket or large store and ask them if they have any unneeded cardboard boxes they are willing to give away. Although this was a common practice in the past, its getting increasing difficult to find store owners willing, as they prefer to now recyclable their boxes.

In all honesty your best choice is to buy them online as its easy, affordable and will save you a lot of time searching. Trusted stores such as Amazon is a great source and they have many quality boxes to choose from. The best part is your new boxes will be delivered straight to your front door.

How Can Lowering Appliance Electric Usage Help Me?

With the high cost of energy these days, we all want to lower our electric bills as much as we can. There are a few different things you can do to lower appliance electric usage.

One of the most effective ways to lower appliance electric usage is to buy energy efficient appliances in the first place. Look for the Energy Star seal and choose from among the options with this seal and you will use less energy than with other similar products. If there are no Energy Star options, or the Energy Star options are out of your price range, check the wattage that each of your options uses and choose the one with the lowest wattage. Keep in mind that although Energy Star appliances might be a bit more expensive at the store they save you a lot on your energy bill and you should pretty quickly make back the extra money you spend in energy savings.

Another way you can save in appliance electric usage is to turn off and unplug appliances when they are not in use. Many appliances continue to use energy while they are plugged in, even if they are not on. A lot of people don't realize this and end up using quite a bit of extra energy just by leaving things plugged in. Sometimes it is easiest to plug things like televisions and other media equipment into power strips so that you can avoid having to unplug so many things, you can turn them on and off at the power switch to save money. 

Of course you can always lower your appliance electric usage by simply using your appliances less, or using more energy efficient appliance options. For example, if you are just making something small use the toaster oven instead of the oven. You can chop small amounts of items with a knife and cutting board rather than using the food processor. You can turn off the tv and read a book or go for a walk.

There are some things like the refrigerator that you can't use less or turn off, but when you think about it you can probably save some energy by following the tips mentioned above. And for those things that you can't use less frequently, at least replace them with more energy efficient options when they wear out and you buy new ones, and then you will have the benefit of lowering your appliance electric usage.

Options For Heating Your Swimming Pool

Everyone loves to have a heated swimming pool that provides warm water to enjoy even under cold weather conditions. As you let water stay stagnant in the pool, heat dissipates from the water rather quickly when outside temperature is very low and freezing. You have to look at various options to effectively heat your swimming pool.

Pool heat pumps are the most effective methods to heat swimming pool. These pumps heat water in various methods as water passes through the flow pipes. Different types of heat pumps are used in heating swimming pool water. The cost of the pump and the amount of money you spend for heating the pool greatly depends on the type of heat pump you use. You should determine the heating unit required based on temperature outside the pool and size of the pool.

Electrical Pool Heaters

Electrical pumps are, unsurprisingly, powered by electricity. These pumps pump moves hot air in the atmosphere towards water in your pool, thereby heating the pool. Ample temperature suitable for swimming in pools is 78 to 80 degrees and this is guaranteed by electrical pumps. Electrical pumps for heating pools are available at affordable prices, and are generally the most affordable initially of the options for heating your pool.

Gas Pool Heat Pumps

Pools are also heated by heat pumps powered by gas. These pumps utilize either natural gas or propane gas depending on the availability. If you are choosing to use natural gas in heat pumps, you should buy an appropriate unit. The size of the pump and efficiency of the pump greatly determines the amount of heating provided to your pool. You should choose a unit that suits your swimming pool size and surrounding temperature.

Solar Powered Heat Pumps

Solar powered pool pumps are becoming increasingly common. These heat pumps utilize solar energy to heat water. Water flows through solar collectors where sunlight is converted into heat energy to heat the water directly. This heat energy is obtained from solar panels installed on the roof.

You should compare multiple options for heating swimming pools before choosing one. Obviously, for average home users, the cost of the system is important. Electric heaters seem to be more affordable initially because once installed, you can pull power from the grid and run them just like any other appliance. To run gas powered pumps, you have to buy propane gas or natural gas depending on the model you have chosen. However, solar pumps do not require you to spend anything after you install the system because the solar power is available for everyone for free.

Even though electric pumps do not emit harmful gases, electricity is mainly obtained from various nonrenewable resources. Gas powered pumps are also not very suitable from the environmental perspective. Those powered by solar energy are the most eco friendly means to heat your swimming pool. Solar powered pumps are a bit expensive, but they have a short payback period. After the payback period, you can simply heat your swimming pool at zero cost and solar powered systems can work without any maintenance for 15-20 years.

Groceries - A Trip Through the History Of

Groceries are havens that answer our basic needs for sustenance. A trip to the grocery may be stressful at times especially if you are on a budget, but just imagine how life in the pre-grocery era required buying food from farmers and butchers. Food markets, supermarkets and grocery stores have given consumers the convenience and the variety of food and other items housed under one roof. Furthermore, groceries have pushcarts and air-conditioning that food markets in the past did not have.

Groceries started out as trading posts which sold a variety of items aside from food. This included clothes, household items, tools, and furniture, among many others. These trading posts carried dried goods because meat was then exclusively bought from the butcher while the local dairy distributed milk and eggs. In addition, vegetables were grown by most households. The first chain of grocery stores or grocers was established in the early 20th century, but just like the trading posts of the past only carried dried goods. However, many produce vendors (those who sold fruits and vegetables) and those who sold meat often did business together to provide more convenience to their costumers.

Historically, grocery stores that contributed to the success of the food retailing business in the United States include:

the Piggly Wiggly stores which introduced self-service shopping
A & P had over 10,000 stores in the 1920s
Merill Lynch in 1926 bought other grocery stores and merged with other chains
"drive-in markets" in Los Angeles where different food retailers such as produce vendors, bakers, butchers and grocers surround a parking lot near a small shopping center
King Kullen store - the first supermarket in the United States

The 1950s and 1960s saw the transition of groceries to supermarkets and the Golden Age of the supermarket. The proceeding years gave birth to different consumers' tastes, discounters and warehouse stores, upscale stores, warehouses and mergers.

In recent years, groceries into mega-stores which are housed in warehouses where wholesale were also available. Many groceries are also part of many shopping malls to give consumers a one-stop-shop from appliances to clothes to food. However, before the conveniences that we take for granted nowadays while shopping at groceries, grocery shopping was laborious.

In fact, shopping carts came to be due to the hardships and hassles faced by early shoppers. This now indispensable fixture has been around since 1937 thanks to Sylvan Goldman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who thought about how customers could move more groceries using more than one wire basket without too much effort. His inspiration gave birth to the shopping cart which he originally called the "folding basket carrier." This was a metal frame that held two wire baskets with wheels on its legs. This invention not only gave Goldman a chance to build his own company but led stores who used his invention to double their sales. Since then until now, a customer's grocery shopping is never complete without the use of a shopping cart.

The next time you go into a grocery store, remember what a marvel and convenience it is not only because of easy access to meats, produce, and other items being sold but also everyday things such as shopping carts, scanners, computerized cash registers, and even your friendly clerk.

Don't Overlook Auctions of Seized and Surplus Property When You're Bargain Hunting

Government auctions and police auctions consist mainly of seized property and surplus merchandise that come from many sources. What is seized property? Most states have "seizure laws" in place. These laws allow law enforcement agencies to seize property that was used to commit a crime, such as a car or truck used to transport stolen goods or illegal drugs, as well as any real property that was bought with money acquired from the commission of a crime. If a drug lord uses the money he acquires from drug trafficking to buy a car, truck, boat, even a house, they come under the "seizure law" and will be confiscated. Furniture, jewelry, art...all can be seized.

The scope and quantity of seized and surplus property offered for auction is staggering. You can buy aircraft, boats, cars, trucks, tents, engine parts and accessories, clothing, computer equipment, recyclables like copper, iron, steel, aluminum and paper, houses, farms, acreage, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, hardware, tools, medical equipment, household furniture, boats...the list goes on and on. Anything you can imagine can probably be bought at a government auction or police auction, usually for pennies on the dollar.

Some surplus merchandise is simply that, equipment that is no longer used by the government, either through obsolescence or because of overstocking. You will also find unclaimed property showing up in government auctions and police auctions. One source of unclaimed property is merchandise that makes its way into the hands of the police from citizens who turn in found goods in the hopes that the police can find the real owner. Another source of auction merchandise is stolen, unidentified goods found in the possession of thieves. Sometimes law enforcement will find they have an entire warehouse full of stolen property with no way to identify the owners. After exhausting all avenues to return the stolen goods to the rightful owners, any unclaimed property goes into a government auction.

Government auctions and police auctions are held at all, from the federal government down to your local city government. How do you find these auctions? The answer is simple. There are several web sites that offer this information to the public. Simply take out a membership on one of these sites and you will have access to a full listing of government auctions where you can purchase goods at up to 90% off retail prices. Since there are so many auctions, you want to join a site that has the largest and most up-to-date database. A good source of information about Government Auction and Police Auction web sites, which rates them from the best to the worst, can be found at Government Auction Site Reviews.

Scratch and Dent Warehouses

With the economy in a downswing and money hard to come by, throwing it away on brand new appliances is not a good idea, especially if you cannot afford it. For the people who live in Delaware, when shopping for a home appliance, you would do well to consider checking out the Sears scratch and dent warehouse in Delaware. Read this article to find out how you can buy brand new appliances at reduced prices simply because they have some superficial dents or dings on them.

Sears has made it real big and the name is synonymous with quality and committed customer service and after sales support. As America's fifth largest broad line retail outlet there are numerous Sears' stores and warehouses all over the country that provide high end home appliances. When a product is damaged during packing or transportation it is sold as a scratch and dent appliance. This does not mean that it is second hand goods. It is a brand new product that has some surface dents that are sometimes so small as to pass unnoticed. The Sears product line covers a wide spectrum of home appliances, electronics, apparel and automotive products. You can find the store nearest you online. Shopping at the Sears scratch and dent warehouse in Delaware will really net you some good bargains.

You could use the following tips to help you shop successfully. When making your next home appliance purchase, try the Sears scratch and dent warehouse in Delaware.

* Set a budget for your purchase. Find out what the price for a new showroom model will be and then check online for the scratch and dent discounts. You could even take a trip down to the warehouse to check out the models available and their prices.

* Before you go off to buy anything make sure you know what size to buy. Measure the space in your home where the item will go and make a note of all the measurements to take with you to the store.

* Before selecting the model you intend buying think about what you will use it for. By that I don't mean what you will use a dishwasher for, I mean in terms of load and holding capacity based on the size of your family.

* Prior to buying the appliance check it out completely front, back, sides, insides, over and under. Make sure there are no parts missing and always make sure the sales person is right next to you to verify your findings.

* Find out about the warranty period and what it will cover. If you don't ask nobody will volunteer the information.

* You need to check on delivery; most scratch and dent places do not provide delivery and you are required to make your own arrangements. You will need to provide for delivery in your budget.

Visit your nearest Sears Scratch and Dent Warehouse in Delaware to check out the range of products available and the corresponding prices so that you are well prepared to budget for that new washer/dryer or vacuum cleaner you are keen on buying.

Kitchen Tables and Chair Sets - A Decorating Essential

In many a quaint city in Europe or North America; the sidewalk would not be complete without the inclusion of the bistro. Maybe you have your favorite place you go for a coffee and Danish or croissant. But what is it that draws you to that little spot? Is it the romance, the company, the coffee, or the ambiance supplied in part by the bistro furniture?

Wrought iron tables and chairs have a great look and feel to them, and are very stable in any environment. But whatever your preference in style of furniture, there's nothing preventing you from bringing that style into your own kitchen, or on the patio. Just imagine giving very trendy Parisian kitchen tables and chair sets to your spouse for an anniversary gift. Maybe you had a romantic encounter with that person in Paris or Montreal, and you want to recapture that moment by bringing some very attractive items into your home.

Having decided that you do want to recreate the 'bistro' effect in your domain, it is well to consider a few things at the outset. It is all well and good to buy furniture at the local discount warehouse, but is the merchandise of sufficient quality, to allow years of service? Paying a few dollars more for a better item really makes good financial sense. And, having better quality items, it could serve a dual purpose, as kitchen tables and chair sets, and also great patio sets for those warm sunny days. A weatherproof patio set is vital, especially when it lives outside for an extended period and becomes subject to the elements.

It is good to also consider style, from the comfort point of view. It is one thing to visit a bistro for an hour or so and sit in a trendy chair, but to spend a lot of time in that chair, it needs to lend itself to comfort and be supportive of the lumbar regions. The legs of our furniture are also important, as the structure needs to be stable and strong. There's nothing worse than leaning elbows on a coffee table, only to find that it rocks back and forth like a see-saw, spilling coffee all over the place.

Bistro furniture comes in more than wrought iron of course, and there are the imitations. Some of these items need to be avoided for many reasons, one of which is the dubious quality it may provide. There are many plastics on the market today that look like iron, from a distance. But on closer inspection we discover the hidden truth.

There are also the kitchen tables and chair sets, which come, adorned with tassels, bows, and fabric. It would only require matching the colors and texture to current décor, and it would complete the bistro effect.

So, no need to fly to Montreal or Cannes for that wonderful café ole and croissant. Bring it all to the confines of your very own home. Kitchen table and chair sets a la bistro are yours for the choosing. Have fun.

Guide For Obtaining the Lowest Shopping Prices

Never pay full price! But how can I obtain the lowest shopping prices?

Comparison shopping is among the simplest ways to save money. 99 percent of products and services marketed today is available less expensive somewhere else. For example, car insurance is one thing that differs on price from company to company. Look around, and if you obtain a reduced quote than what you're now paying for the same protection, call your current car insurance provider and tell them. They will most likely match the competitor's price tag to be able to keep your business. This specific strategy applies to health insurance, life insurance, telephone coverage, tools, and almost anything you can imagine. For large ticket purchases, check online price comparisons websites, yet make sure you factor in delivery charges vs. in-store price.

Reap the benefits of discount programs like the "Entertainment Book" and "Diners Club". Ensure you bring the book or card along with you and don't forget to use it while shopping! Furthermore, hunt for discounts when buying on the internet, since some stores will offer you a discount for signing up as a member, and you'll usually come out ahead, after all has been said and done. Utilize any kind of benefits you receive via your credit card, bank, as well as warehouse clubs. In many cases, these companies will give you discount rates on tickets, certain events, car loans, plus much more.

Bargain whenever you can. This does not work properly at big chain stores, but use negotiating when purchasing a vehicle, shopping at swap meets, storage sales, and also when purchasing something from a private person. Tell the other person what you're willing to pay; the worst that could possibly happen if they dislike your offer is to say no. Should they like your offer, you simply saved money! Nine times out of ten, most of the people do agree to a reasonable offer, therefore give haggling a try.

Auto dealerships are the worst places for paying sticker price. Whatever you do, never enter an auto dealership and pay the total listed price. That price is always too high and most likely, several "extras" have been added to the vehicle in order to increase the cost. Next time you look at cars, examine the information. You may find that there is $400 worth of car mats included in that price. When there are a plethora of of extras added onto the vehicle, tell the dealer you don't want extras therefore you will not pay for them. In the event the dealer refuses to budge, consider going on the internet and purchase your car from the manufacturer. By doing this, you will not get many extras you do not need or want and the car eventually ends up being a lot less expensive as compared to a dealer's price tag.

Should You Hire a Moving Company Or Do-It-Yourself?

It's often fun and exciting moving to a new location, even thought the process of moving might not be the highlight of your day. In addition to either hiring someone to pack and unpack your things or doing it yourself, the cost of hiring a moving company and equipment is not cheap. And if you're moving far away, you will need a lot more help than having a neighbor with a pickup truck give you a hand.

If you want to pretty much guarantee that everything will arrive safely then you will want to do it yourself. This way you can carefully pack and unpack everything. Of course it's very time consuming.

An alternative is to find a reputable professional moving company that you can sign a contract with that will clearly state that your things are guaranteed to arrive safely or they will be replaced by the company.

Even if you pack your own household you'll probably find that it's almost impossible to move on your own, especially if you're moving across the state or across the country. Even if you hold a garage sale to get rid of things you'll probably find that it's less expensive to move most of your possessions to your new home than to furnish it from scratch.

With that in mind, the process of hiring a moving company takes a bit of planning. That's because some companies might offer you a free moving truck upgrade and charge you by the mile while others may offer unlimited mileage but charge you based on the size of the truck you need.

So in order to save the most money you will have to compare potential prices. The best thing to do would be to get quotes from a number of moving companies. How far in advance you contact them and the day of the week you move will impact your cost.

If you know you're going to move well in advance of the actual move, don't delay in calling the moving companies. Then, when you find one you want to hire, sign a contract to guarantee the price. Do not wait because the prices might change.

And when you're getting quotes keep in mind that the demand for moving equipment is usually lower midweek. If you can schedule your move between Tuesday and Thursday you can save a lot of money.

When getting quotes find out if boxes, packing materials and packing tape is included in the price or if you will be charged extra. Also find out if you have to rent dollies and other moving and lifting equipment or if that, too, is included in the price.

Once you've narrowed your choice of moving companies down, ask for contact information for three of their most recent clients and call them to find out what their experiences were.

Prior to moving, make a written inventory of everything. Then, once you've moved, check each item on your list to see if it arrived safely. If it's damaged knows that the sooner you file a complaint the more likely it is that you will get compensated for it.

Since movers may not be qualified to take apart and put together complex electronic equipment and/or appliances you should do this yourself or hire other professionals to do it.

And finally, if you do decide to hire a moving company to pack your things for you, make sure that you are charged by weight instead of by volume. If they charge by volume you are opening the door to having them intentionally under pack your boxes in order to charge you more.

How to Start a Paper Shredding Business

Paper Shredding Business Opportunities are blossoming up everywhere because in recent years, privacy concerns and new policies have forced companies all over the country to invest in paper shredding services. Large corporations and small are in need of shredding services.

Even in many homes, people have purchased small, trash can sized paper shredders for mail and receipts. Most businesses will not be able to shred the material they have by purchasing one of these same machines. First, the small machines are not capable of the volume. Secondly, companies in general are downsizing staff and it is unlikely that they are going to pay someone to feed documents into a tiny shredder all day.

That is where you come in. Investing in a paper shredding business now is like buying a gold mine. The list of documents the Federal Government says must be destroyed is getting lengthier everyday. Every time you sign a document, be it a job application or a credit card receipt, there is a time limit that the receiving company has to hold that document. After that time limit, they are required by law to destroy, or shred, that document.

Large corporations can take in thousands of signed resumes' a year. Restaurants and retail outlets that have not gone to electronic signature devices can have thousands of credit card receipts a month. Think of all the banking records that come due for destruction every week. Now think about the amount of tax documents that need to be rotated and destroyed every year. These are just a few examples of the growing necessity of paper shredding businesses for confidential document destruction.

Mobile shredders are a fantastic investment, as the shredding device is built into the back of a large truck trailer for onsite paper shredding. This allows the shredding company owner to go to the client for onsite shredding. Companies spend thousands of dollars warehousing these documents that often get kept years past their required time because no one wants to deal with all that paper. Mobile paper shredding would allow you to go directly to their warehouse or storage facility. Clients will appreciate not having to pay someone else to have all of this information brought to you.

Even in this electronic age, there are still things that will be in paper form. Recorded documents and legal papers are still required to have pen and ink signature. Many companies are even having computer components such as hard drives and floppy disks shredded for security purposes. The federal government requires such stringent privacy laws due to identity theft and fraud, that nearly any document with a name and address on it must be destroyed after a certain period of time. This continuing process virtually guarantees that a confidential paper disposal service would thrive in the right hands.

Time limits for document destruction will play in your favor as well. Nearly every set of documents has a different holding date. For example, resumes and cover letters have a hold date of one year, if the applicant was not hired. Hired applicants can have part of their file destroyed in three years, for example, the application and some privacy statements. Corporations as well as individuals are required to keep tax records on file for three years. Companies that process financial data, such as banks and paid tax services, will always have documents that are in need of destruction. This gives you the perfect opportunity for a home employment paper shredding business.

Things to consider when thinking about a paper shredding business will depend on what type of service you wish to offer. Having a fixed location where people can bring their records to you for destruction is one idea. However, it is worth considering purchasing a mobile shredding unit in addition to this or even as the sole business operation. Mobile paper shredding will allow you to be even more flexible to your clients needs.

The demand in this industry will only be growing in the coming years as laws and policies change. It is clear that this is a growing enterprise. Be it on site shredding with a mobile shredding unit, or a permanent paper shredding location, you can be sure that there is a public in need of this critical service.

Picking the Right Kitchen Paint Colors

You can totally transform your space on a budget by choosing kitchen colors that work together. You might not think that a kitchen remodel is in your budget because these renovations can cost hundreds of dollars so use paint to save money and get a custom look.

Think about how expensive materials are when picking a shade. Neutral colors should be used on the most expensive items to maximize how long your makeover will last. You might want terra cotta stone counters for a cheerful look but think about how your home will show when you want to sell. You can still bring in vibrant colors on decorations and through the use of paint so you can easily transform your space whenever you want.

Mother nature can help you pick out your color palette. Look to the colors of a stone slab and then match your cupboard and flooring shades for a room that flows together. You can have a floral kitchen that looks modern instead of like it belongs in your grandma's house by creating daring focal points. Try a hot pink shade on one wall and then keep the cupboards plain white for balance and bring in pop floral art work. If you want cheerful rooms then think of the color of sunshine; yellow doesn't have to be annoying just put it with sand and cream shades to tone it down.

You can create a theme kitchen just by which colors you choose. If you want a Spanish cooking space then look for bright tiles and pots. If you want to take a trip to the French Countryside whenever you walk into the room then look for sunshine and sky hues. If you want sophisticated rooms that will have an enduring style then try a completely white room.

You don't have to throw out your cupboards and buy new ones; transform them with paint. Neutral colors like cream or white will go with almost every decorating category. For an elegant room then pair black and white with plain cupboards. You can put stainless steel appliances, taupe walls and white cabinets for a contemporary feeling. If you want a shabby chic room then just put a layer of glaze on top of the paint.

The colors in a kitchen can influence your appetite. Restaurants tend to favor warm shades such as gold, red and terra cotta. Turn these colors into a sophisticated space by using them as wood shades such as mahogany. If you want a more toned down look then it still needs to have some vibrancy to be appetizing such as a turquoise kitchen island.

Red Microwave - A Stylish Look For Kitchen

If you want an awesome look for your kitchen, a red microwave oven and other various colorful appliances are a must. It looks and feels good to have an awesome and colorful design for your kitchen. After all, it is one of the areas in your house wherein you will go to prepare your first meal in the day. You have most of your time on your kitchen preparing for meals particularly if you are a plain housewife who is a hundred percent focused to attending the needs of your family.

Once you are in search for a fast and easy way for your kitchen make over then red microwave oven can be your best choice. Its nonsense for you to stick to the usual designs, and colors of appliances for your kitchen and even in the other areas of your house, you have to cope up in today's modern world and design your house with these innovative products. After all, living in a house with stunning interior design can somehow make your day and further encourage you to make the most of you everyday.

This can also be a great advantage on your part since it can greatly help you prepare the best meals for your family. Hence, if you have plans on purchasing these electronic pieces then you have to make it a point to purchase the ones that has excellent features to offer. However, you can also prefer simple red microwave if you will use it only to reheat foods or in preparing instant foods like popcorn that you will eat while enjoying a movie with your family. The bottom line is that these appliances can be a great contribution to your kitchen make over at the same time as can be a very useful kitchen appliance. Having a comfortable and inviting ambiance in the kitchen is also a great contribution in preparing for the best meal for your family.

The Convenience of Dishwashers

Modern dishwashers have all kinds of features today that allow you to customize your wash. Do you have bone china you want to machine wash? Put the machine on a gentle setting. Do you have a couple of huge pots caked with cooked-on food? Put it on a tougher setting.

And now, when you can have a solid dishwasher for anywhere from $200 to $1800, what reason do have for not buying a dishwasher? Some people say that space is at a premium. Well, with smaller units, and even portable units, your kitchen can afford to eek out some extra space.

You can buy dishwashers at Sears, Menards, Target, ABC Warehouse, or at any number of large appliance outlets. You can also buy online and have them delivered for a fee.

Most quality dishwashers come with a 3-year warranty for most key parts, and a 20-year warranty for the casing and tub. Often you can buy a 5-year warranty, which is highly recommended. You never know which machines will break down; reviews always vary. A Bosch or a KitchenAid can be a lemon to one person, but be a savior to another.

When shopping for a dishwasher, keep water efficiency in mind. Up to 80% of a dishwasher's power goes to heating the water via the heating elements. Older models used to use 10 gallons of water per wash. Now the standard is about 8 gallons. Check the size of the holes on the spray arms: the smaller they are, the more powerfully they spray. This will save you money on your electricity bill. Also ask for the energy efficiency rating. It should appear on the label.

Thicker insulation around the dishwasher tub will make the unit quieter. Check this out before you buy.

Most dishwashers range from $350 to $600. You can also get one for as little as $200, or as much as $1800. Just remember that inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean cheap, and expensive doesn't necessarily denote quality. More economical units tend to have fewer whistles and bells, and fewer dishwashing options. Many people like these for their simplicity and easy serviceability.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some dishwashers can cost $1000 to $2000. Usually, these more expensive models simply have a greater number of features, such as timers, antibacterial cycles, delicate and tough settings, etc. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you want to look at it. It's your choice.