Anthony M Gray

I have heard so many reasons why one shouldn’t pay off his/her mortgage. Tax deductions, money for investments and the list goes on.

I came across this interesting piece from the NBC Today show. Financial Guru Suze Orman answers the question, Should I pay off my mortgage?

Vacation trips, higher gas prices and an ever increasing energy demand during the summer can put a strain on your wallet. Here are a few summer time tips to keep the additional costs under control.

Treat your AC with care. Your air conditioner can be a major expense during the summer. To keep it running efficiently, do a maintenance check as early as possible to ensure air ducts are clear and change the air filter monthly. Also, turn off the lights when the air conditioner is in use to help lower costs, as heat from light bulbs raises indoor temperatures, making AC units work harder.

Compare travel options. Investigate and compare travel options to find the most cost effective solution. For example, keep an eye on airline travel deals. A short flight or train ride to your destination may be cheaper than gassing up the family SUV.

Keep your garage empty. If you have a garage that is connected to your home try not parking your car in it. The heat that your car produces will raise the temperature in your home and result in higher air conditioning costs.

Lowering gas usage. Summer brings rising gas prices due to higher demand and the switch to cleaner burning fuels. Find out how changing your driving habits can lead to savings at the pump. Check out www.drivesmarterchallenge.org.

Cook smarter. Reduce summer food and energy costs by purchasing ingredients in bulk and cooking several meals at one time. Food can be prepared on cooler days, stored in the freezer, and reheated in a microwave or energy-efficient electric skillet to keep indoor temperatures low during a heat wave.

Sources.

• California Energy Commission, “Staying Cool in the Kitchen,” February 2009 (http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/cool_in_the_kitchen.html)
• TVA, “Powerful Money-saving Ideas,” February 2009 (http://www.energyright.com/tips.htm)
• How Stuff Works, “How Gas Prices Work,” Kevin Bonsor and Ed Grabianowski, February 2009 (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/gas-price.htm)
• Money Saving Gas Tips, “The Alliance to Save Energy,” March 2009 (http://drivesmarterchallenge.org/money-saving-tips/default.aspx)