Northern Cheapskate

Frugal. By Nature.

Switch to LED Christmas Lights and Save

Switch to LED Christmas Lights and Save

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We've been upgrading our Christmas lights over the past few years to LED lights. The main motivating factor behind this is to conserve energy and reduce our electrical costs but still enjoy lighting up our how with lots of multicolored twinkling lights. Most of our lights are of the mini version, except our tree which has C7's. There are many advertisements suggesting that you will save money on switching over, but really what I wanted to know was HOW MUCH? The average C7 bulb are an … [Read more...]

24 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

24 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

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The following is a guest post by Jocelyn Anne. Falling temperatures doesn't have to mean big heating bills.  We've got 24 easy ways to reduce your heating bill and save energy at the same time.  Here's to a frugal heating season! Check for peak hours. Always check with your local electricity provider to see if there are peak hours when rates are higher as well as prime hours when they might be lower.  If so, change when you use major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and … [Read more...]

Beat the Heat the Frugal Way

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Here in Minnesota, we have not been spared from the hot, hot weather the whole country has been dealing with this year. I don't know about you, but this MN girl has a tough time with the heat.  I am always on the look out for a new idea of how to keep cool and save money while doing it. Here are some of my favorite ways to beat the heat and save a few bucks in the meantime. Things you can do right now: Get wet.  Somehow it is all more bearable when you are at the beach (lake or ocean), … [Read more...]

Save Money, Be Green & Stay Cool This Summer

Save Money, Be Green & Stay Cool This Summer

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photo credit: galinast You don't need to completely turn off your air conditioning to save some money or buy a new energy efficient air conditioner. With a few changes you can still stay cool and keep some extra money in your pocket for treats at the pool. The first thing I want you to consider is switching out your light bulbs to CFLs. Not only do CFLs last longer and save you money on your electrical bill, but they put off MUCH less heat than incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs … [Read more...]

Saving on Gas: Rural Edition

Saving on Gas: Rural Edition

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Our family spent most of the month of April with only one vehicle. That may not seem like such a big deal except we live about 30 miles from everywhere. And the bus for preschool does not come out to get the kids from the woods. I was forced to rely on my neighbors (also known as Mom and Dad) to help me get the kiddos to preschool and to shuttle me around for errands.  I offered to pay for gas numerous times, but only once did they take me up on it.  (They're awesome that … [Read more...]

Prevent Ice Dams from Damaging your Home

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We had just signed the paperwork on a loan for a new car (our first consumer debt as a married couple).  We had a lousy interest rate, but were thrilled to have shiny new wheels. And then we came home to discover a giant, dripping stain on our living room ceiling of our 1920s home. We had an ice dam, which occurs when the heat escaping from your home causes the snow on your roof to melt and than freeze and then melt again.  The ice dam causes damage to your roof and can start leaking into … [Read more...]

Save Energy (and Money) During the Holidays

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The expense of the holidays isn't just the gifts.  The whole season - from the lighting to the baking - takes a lot of energy that costs you money. There are some simple ways to trim your energy use during the holidays: Use LED holiday lights.  LED lights use a fraction of the energy that traditional Christmas lights use.  In addition, many utility companies offer mail-in rebates on your purchase of these more energy-efficient lights. Enjoy candlelight. This won't work for all of your … [Read more...]