With much of the focus on going green today, the average family can do much to help the environment. Not only will you be doing your part for global warming and climate change, you will be doing your wallet a big favor as well.
Investing for the Future
The winds of change are definitely blowing in the direction of green business practices and sustainability. Instead of investing with the old tried and true methods, research the options for investing in companies that are promoting a smaller carbon footprint, social responsibility investments and greener business practices. When you see that Wal-Mart is promoting these types of methods, you can practically see the writing on the wall.
Pay Your Bills Online
As simple as this may seem, many people are not utilizing the convenience of paying their monthly bills electronically. Not only will it save the trees by eliminating paper, it will also save you time. Reports indicate that the average American family receives about twenty bills per month. Take into consideration the time you spend opening the bills, writing them out, buying stamps and posting them and it is thought that this task takes approximately two hours a month. By paying your bills electronically you can find yourself saving as much as an hour or more of your time plus eliminate the need to buy stamps which no longer are so cheap.
Direct Deposit
Having your weekly paycheck deposited into your account automatically can save you lots of waiting time in line at the bank. You will not have to deal with tellers or make a special trip to the bank because you had to wait for your check to clear. Many financial institutions will provide you with monetary benefits for using this method such as a higher rate of interest on savings accounts along with free checking.
Investment Reports
Instead of waiting for your financial information to arrive in the mail each month, sign up for alerts through your email so that you may check on the status of your investment whenever it is convenient for you. This will help to stop the paper trail that follows so many of us like a faithful dog.
Opt Out of Receiving Catalogs in the Mail
Just about any shopping you can do from a catalog can be done just as easily online. Many times online purchases afford the consumer bargains and incentives that are not available through conventional catalog purchases. You will enjoy a shorter waiting period for your purchases to arrive and many times shipping and handling charges are absorbed by the merchant when you shop online.
When you manage your financial affairs in the virtual world, you are helping to reduce the greenhouse effect that is threatening the global environment. You can enjoy a savings of as much as $150-$200 per year on checks, stamps and even late fees when you pay your bills and do your banking online. Invest the money you save so that your profits continue to grow from caring for the environment you are leaving for future generations.
Saving money while helping the environment sounds like a plan without a doubt! I am a college student in my last year of college, which means I need to save as much money as possible. I can’t wait until the days of eating Top Romen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are over.
I didn’t realize that by me doing the little things that I do like pay my bills on ltime and prefering direct deposit, was helping the earth. I guess I have a little more “green” in me than I thought which is awesome. Just recently I went out on a limb and decided to go green all together. I’m starting to see how the slightest changes in my daily routine, can have such an affect on mother earth.
One of the most interesting changes I have made is switching to bioheat. It is FABULOUS during fall and winter. It’s biodegradable and made of fun stuff that you would never think of like cotton and corn oil.
Working for NORA has played a role in my decision to go green. I found a majority of my tips at http://oilheatamerica.com/index.mv?screen=bioheat. You should check it out and see what kind of info it has to offer. It certainly helped me to make the change.
Sometimes opting out of the magazine purchases just lead to more magazines being sent to you! But a good way to get them taken out for you is Greendimes.com – Big fan here!