I have decided to join this blog forum to see how I can save $ and spend quality time with my young family. I look forward to reading from other participants as well. You can join too!
Nov 21 (my youngest is 7mo old today!)
Camp was supposed to start Nov 15, but I never got an email like I thought I would. So I grabbed a couple of minutes today and looked "boot camp" on mommysavers.com and found some postings. We are supposed to create a holiday budget with an example spreadsheet the author created. I keep our household budget on an excel program and I created a projected budget for completing house projects, but I never thought about creating the same system for holiday expenses. Perhaps this is because I don't have a regular list of expenses. We have a fake tree, we don't buy a lot of gifts for ourselves or the kids (the oldest is 2 years old) and I don't buy extra decorations until after the holidays when they are clearanced at 75%. Sometimes the best deals come around the holiday, like Glen Ivy Day Spa gift cards, $75 for $100. So I tend to stock up for the year (as presents for the holidays or special occasions like birthdays and mother's day). We only buy presents for our close family and a few friends. This year I am also making presents like flannel pajama bottoms, jam, jewelry, and decorative ornaments. So I am hoping to make the holidays more affordable and special by making my own crafts (although finding the time with 2 kids might be the real holiday challenge for me). However, since I signed up for the holiday boot camp, I will attempt to create a spreadsheet anyway.
Showing posts with label SAVING MONEY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SAVING MONEY. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How to hire good service professionals
Good Housekeeping Reports
Updated: 02/04/2010 10:53:30 AM MST
The No. 1 rule in hiring any service professional is to get references. Word of mouth from friends and neighbors is the best way to find a good worker who will deliver great results.
Ask anyone you hire about minimum charges, and what might cause the price to go up from the quote. Inquire about insurance (in case of injury, or damage to your or others' property), and about professional affiliations and accreditation. Read contracts carefully and consider these questions:
For plumbers » Do you specialize in repair work or remodeling? Some may do both, but you'll get better rates and results if their expertise matches the job you need handled. Do you charge for travel time? Their hourly rates may include driving to and from your house.
Are you likely to have the necessary parts handy? A plumber worth his or her salt should be fully stocked.
For electricians » Do you need a permit to do the work? They're usually needed only on larger jobs, and require that the wiring be inspected by your city (this can protect you against shoddy work). Discuss who will be filing for the permit, and what it will add to the cost.
Will you buy the fixtures or parts for me? It's generally preferable, because the electrician will then be responsible for the product warranty and any breakage or missing pieces.
For exterminators » Will we need to leave the house? Are there any risks to people or pets? All pesticides should be EPA-certified, but there may be safety steps you or the exterminating crew need to take. How soon before the critters will be gone? Total eradication may not occur after just one visit. Are return visits covered in the cost?
For housepainters » What is included in the service? From masking off of unpainted areas to moving of furniture (for interior jobs), priming and multiple coats of paint, all should be delineated in the contract, as well as what supplies and tools (brushes, rollers) are included.
Can you get a discount on paint? A good painter has a relationship with a supplier to get you the best price.
For roofers » Should I repair or replace? Leaks are often difficult to diagnose, and a repair in one spot may not fix the whole problem. Recommendations will vary, so get three estimates.
Will you be roofing over existing shingles? If the basic structure is sound and leaks will be easy to patch, a cover-up job is far more cost-effective; if you already have two layers, most building codes require removal and replacement. This should be factored into the quote.
Is there a warranty or guarantee? There should be both. The manufacturer backs the materials for defects, while the work may be covered for up to 10 years by the roofer.
Updated: 02/04/2010 10:53:30 AM MST
The No. 1 rule in hiring any service professional is to get references. Word of mouth from friends and neighbors is the best way to find a good worker who will deliver great results.
Ask anyone you hire about minimum charges, and what might cause the price to go up from the quote. Inquire about insurance (in case of injury, or damage to your or others' property), and about professional affiliations and accreditation. Read contracts carefully and consider these questions:
For plumbers » Do you specialize in repair work or remodeling? Some may do both, but you'll get better rates and results if their expertise matches the job you need handled. Do you charge for travel time? Their hourly rates may include driving to and from your house.
Are you likely to have the necessary parts handy? A plumber worth his or her salt should be fully stocked.
For electricians » Do you need a permit to do the work? They're usually needed only on larger jobs, and require that the wiring be inspected by your city (this can protect you against shoddy work). Discuss who will be filing for the permit, and what it will add to the cost.
Will you buy the fixtures or parts for me? It's generally preferable, because the electrician will then be responsible for the product warranty and any breakage or missing pieces.
For exterminators » Will we need to leave the house? Are there any risks to people or pets? All pesticides should be EPA-certified, but there may be safety steps you or the exterminating crew need to take. How soon before the critters will be gone? Total eradication may not occur after just one visit. Are return visits covered in the cost?
For housepainters » What is included in the service? From masking off of unpainted areas to moving of furniture (for interior jobs), priming and multiple coats of paint, all should be delineated in the contract, as well as what supplies and tools (brushes, rollers) are included.
Can you get a discount on paint? A good painter has a relationship with a supplier to get you the best price.
For roofers » Should I repair or replace? Leaks are often difficult to diagnose, and a repair in one spot may not fix the whole problem. Recommendations will vary, so get three estimates.
Will you be roofing over existing shingles? If the basic structure is sound and leaks will be easy to patch, a cover-up job is far more cost-effective; if you already have two layers, most building codes require removal and replacement. This should be factored into the quote.
Is there a warranty or guarantee? There should be both. The manufacturer backs the materials for defects, while the work may be covered for up to 10 years by the roofer.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Websites for Families
Here are collections of websites that benefit families from free deals, quotes, vacations and the like. This will be a work in progress for a while.
Matchpoint.com. Click on a type of service and fill out a little form with what you need, Within a few minutes you'll receive several quotes from local businesses, but they won't have your personal info.
YouData. Sign up and get paid to view websites based on your profile. I have it set up to deposit into my PayPal account. Very easy to do with no hassle.
Fix It Club has tips on how to fix various things around your home. Here are some examples: Air Purifier Repair | Amplifier Repair | Appliance Controls Repair | Asphalt Repair | Battery Recharger Repair | Bicycle Repair | Blender Repair | Building Your Own Home | Button Battery Repair | CB Radio Repair | CD Player | Car Radio Repair | Carpet Repair | Cassette Deck Repair | Cellular Telephone Repair | Central Air Conditioner Repair | Clothes Dryer Repair | Clothes Washer Repair | Clothing Repair | Coffee Grinder Repair |
Do One Nice Thing is great for finding ways to help others without spending too much money or time. You can even become a fan on Facebook.
Matchpoint.com. Click on a type of service and fill out a little form with what you need, Within a few minutes you'll receive several quotes from local businesses, but they won't have your personal info.
YouData. Sign up and get paid to view websites based on your profile. I have it set up to deposit into my PayPal account. Very easy to do with no hassle.
Fix It Club has tips on how to fix various things around your home. Here are some examples: Air Purifier Repair | Amplifier Repair | Appliance Controls Repair | Asphalt Repair | Battery Recharger Repair | Bicycle Repair | Blender Repair | Building Your Own Home | Button Battery Repair | CB Radio Repair | CD Player | Car Radio Repair | Carpet Repair | Cassette Deck Repair | Cellular Telephone Repair | Central Air Conditioner Repair | Clothes Dryer Repair | Clothes Washer Repair | Clothing Repair | Coffee Grinder Repair |
Do One Nice Thing is great for finding ways to help others without spending too much money or time. You can even become a fan on Facebook.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Date Night for Parents
I like to post ideas I find from different people or websites. Below are list of ideas I've read about or seen on moomysaves.com at http://moremileage.uniroyaltires.com/e-books/family-fun-for-less/creative-date-nights-for-parents/.
When you add the expense of hiring a babysitter to the cost of going out for a meal or catching a movie, date nights can be especially expensive for parents. However, there still are budget-friendly ways to spend time with your spouse without giving up date nights altogether. Here are a few:
Picnic
On a nice evening, spending time outdoors can be particularly romantic. Pick a quiet park, a beach or a nature reserve. Bring a bottle of good, but inexpensive wine or champagne along with some nice meats, cheeses and breads. Even if you buy the gourmet or upscale varieties, you won’t spend as much as a night out at a restaurant. Sam’s Club®, Trader Joe’s® and most supermarket deli cases have more exotic cheeses and meats, so there’s no need to go to high-end stores to find them.
Coffee Shop
If you’ve given up your designer coffee habit to better manage your budget, splurging on coffee once in a while can feel like a luxury. Combine your java with something yummy from the pastry / dessert menu and you’ve got a hot date that doesn’t cost much. Bookstores that also sell coffee are great spots for this type of date. Even if you each decide to buy a book, you’ve typically spent less than you would have on dinner and drinks at a restaurant. Plus, you have something to take home with you!
Game Night
If you enjoy hanging out with other couples, consider organizing a game night. The couple that hosts the party is in charge of selecting the games and hiring a babysitter. Potlucks work great because they take the pressure off the hosts, financially and otherwise. Select a babysitter (or two) that is comfortable with the number of kids. Make sure the sitter is well prepared with activities and games for them. Have all the parents contribute to paying her and she’ll make a great wage. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Wine Tastings
Take a tour of a nearby vineyard or brewery and enjoy some free samples when the tour wraps up. Visit OfficialWinery.com for a directory of tasting events and locations near you. If you’re not close to any wineries, organize your very own tasting event with friends. Instruct guests to spend no more than $10 on an interesting bottle of wine and pair it with some cheese. Conduct a blind taste test and have everyone vote on their favorite variety.
At-Home
If kids are in the mix, it’s sometimes hard to find a babysitter. No worries! You can create a romantic (yet frugal) date at home. The trick is to feed the kids and put them to bed early so you can enjoy time alone. Set your dining room table as if you were heading to a fancy restaurant: tablecloths, cloth napkins, mood music, candlelight – the works. Crab legs or lobster tail are especially good on special nights like this because they’re easy to prepare and cost just a fraction of the restaurant price when purchased at the supermarket. You’ll feel like you’re living large without spending a lot of cash.
Some other ideas I've read about:
1. Wine and cheese tasting at home or on a picnic or with friends
2. Puzzle night
3. Go to Gameworks or Dave n Busters for a game night. You could do dinner there too.
4. Window shopping at a nice outdoor mall where you can stroll and talk.
5. Drive to the beach or mountains for a sunset. Bring some goodies with you like sparkling cider to add to the moment.
6. Hang out at a place like Downtown Disney where there's music, restaraunts, and many shops to stroll in. Fireworks at night.
7. Minor league baseball game can be cheaper than a movie depending on how much you spend on food. (Go to Costco for hot dogs before the game to minimize food spending).
8. Hangout at Border or Barnes n Nobles to check out some new books and enjoy some coffee.
When you add the expense of hiring a babysitter to the cost of going out for a meal or catching a movie, date nights can be especially expensive for parents. However, there still are budget-friendly ways to spend time with your spouse without giving up date nights altogether. Here are a few:
Picnic
On a nice evening, spending time outdoors can be particularly romantic. Pick a quiet park, a beach or a nature reserve. Bring a bottle of good, but inexpensive wine or champagne along with some nice meats, cheeses and breads. Even if you buy the gourmet or upscale varieties, you won’t spend as much as a night out at a restaurant. Sam’s Club®, Trader Joe’s® and most supermarket deli cases have more exotic cheeses and meats, so there’s no need to go to high-end stores to find them.
Coffee Shop
If you’ve given up your designer coffee habit to better manage your budget, splurging on coffee once in a while can feel like a luxury. Combine your java with something yummy from the pastry / dessert menu and you’ve got a hot date that doesn’t cost much. Bookstores that also sell coffee are great spots for this type of date. Even if you each decide to buy a book, you’ve typically spent less than you would have on dinner and drinks at a restaurant. Plus, you have something to take home with you!
Game Night
If you enjoy hanging out with other couples, consider organizing a game night. The couple that hosts the party is in charge of selecting the games and hiring a babysitter. Potlucks work great because they take the pressure off the hosts, financially and otherwise. Select a babysitter (or two) that is comfortable with the number of kids. Make sure the sitter is well prepared with activities and games for them. Have all the parents contribute to paying her and she’ll make a great wage. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Wine Tastings
Take a tour of a nearby vineyard or brewery and enjoy some free samples when the tour wraps up. Visit OfficialWinery.com for a directory of tasting events and locations near you. If you’re not close to any wineries, organize your very own tasting event with friends. Instruct guests to spend no more than $10 on an interesting bottle of wine and pair it with some cheese. Conduct a blind taste test and have everyone vote on their favorite variety.
At-Home
If kids are in the mix, it’s sometimes hard to find a babysitter. No worries! You can create a romantic (yet frugal) date at home. The trick is to feed the kids and put them to bed early so you can enjoy time alone. Set your dining room table as if you were heading to a fancy restaurant: tablecloths, cloth napkins, mood music, candlelight – the works. Crab legs or lobster tail are especially good on special nights like this because they’re easy to prepare and cost just a fraction of the restaurant price when purchased at the supermarket. You’ll feel like you’re living large without spending a lot of cash.
Some other ideas I've read about:
1. Wine and cheese tasting at home or on a picnic or with friends
2. Puzzle night
3. Go to Gameworks or Dave n Busters for a game night. You could do dinner there too.
4. Window shopping at a nice outdoor mall where you can stroll and talk.
5. Drive to the beach or mountains for a sunset. Bring some goodies with you like sparkling cider to add to the moment.
6. Hang out at a place like Downtown Disney where there's music, restaraunts, and many shops to stroll in. Fireworks at night.
7. Minor league baseball game can be cheaper than a movie depending on how much you spend on food. (Go to Costco for hot dogs before the game to minimize food spending).
8. Hangout at Border or Barnes n Nobles to check out some new books and enjoy some coffee.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Where Your Kids Can Eat Free
Where Can My Kids Eat Free?
Want to feed the kiddos for free- here is a list of restaurants I have found that offer free food to your kids. Offers can vary by location so we always recommend that you call ahead and confirm with your local establishment.
A
Applebees –Kids eat for free on Monday Nights. 1 free kids meal per adult entree purchase but additional kids are only $1.00. Locations can vary.
B
Backyard Burger – Kids eat free on Tuesday and Thursday after 4 pm with adult entree purchase.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Kids 10 and under eat free from 4-8pm on Tuesdays with adult entree purchase.
Bennigan’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays with one adult entree purchase.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream- kids who are under 40 inches receive a free baby cone
C
Captain D’s – Kids eat for free at on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Limited to 2 free kid’s meals for each adult dinner purchased.
Champps Americana- For every paying adult two children can eat free
Carrow’s – Kids 10 and under eat for free on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chik-fil-a- On Tuesdays when you purchase a combo meal you get a free child's meal
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free 7 days a week.
Culver's- Children receive a free cup of custard with their meal
D
D'amico and Sons- Kids eat free on Sunday Evenings
Damon’s Grill –Kids 12 and under get a free kid's meal on Thursdays. 1 free per adult entree.
Denny's- Kid's eat free on Tuesdays and (some locations) Saturdays. From 4-10 PM
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Kids 12 and under eat for free on Sundays . 1 adult entree and a child’s drink is a required purchase.
F
Famous Dave's- Kids eat free on Tuesdays (could vary by location)
Friendly’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays (adult meals have discounts on Tues, as well) Can vary by location.
Firehouse Subs – Kids 12 and under eat free from 4-9pm on Wednesdays and Sundays . One per each adult purchase.
Fuddruckers – (not free but cheap) 12 and under can eat for .99 (drink is included) from 4-9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Locations my vary.
G
Gatti Town Buffet – Kids 10 and under get a free kids’ buffet on Wednesday. 1 free child per adult buffet purchase.
Godfather’s Pizza – Kids 10 and under at Godfather’s Pizza buffet free from 11am - 2pm and 5-8pm on Tuesdays.
Golden Corral- Kids eat free on Tuesday Nights
H
Holiday Inn- Kids eat free with a paying adult
I
IHOP- kids eat free Everyday
Islands – Kids eat free on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays
J
Jason’s Deli – Kids eat free at Jason’s Deli on Sundays.
L
Lonestar Steakhouse – Kids 12 and under eat free On Tuesdays-all day. 2 children per adult entree.
M
Macaroni Grill- Kids get a free drink and ice cream with their meals.
Moe’s Southwest Grill – kids eat for free on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entree.
O
O'Charley's- Kid's 12 and under eat free every evening.
On the Border Mexican Grill- free sundae with kid's meal purchase
P
Perkins – Kids eat free at Perkins all day on Tuesdays.
Piccadilly – Kids 6 and under eat for free Monday-Saturday.
Pizza Hut- Kids eat free on Tuesday Evenings- may vary per location
Pizza Street – Kids 9 years and under eat free from the buffet on Tuesday from 5-8pm.
Planet Sub – Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with each adult meal purchased.
Ponderosa Steakhouse – Kids eat free from 4pm to close on Tuesdays.
Q
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Kids eat free at Wednesdays (some locations) and Sundays (some locations) .
Quaker Steak and Lube – Kids eat for free 5pm to 10pm on Mondays.
R
Red Robin – Kids 10 and under can eat for free on Monday and Tuesday from 5-9pm
Rock Bottom Cafe – Kids 12 and under eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays
Ruby’s Diner – Kids 12 and under eat for free Ruby’s Diner after 4pm on Tuesday (call to make sure your Ruby's is participating.
S
Salsarita's – Kid's eat free with purchase of an adult entree.
Shari’s Restaurant – Kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays from 4-9pm.
Shoney’s – Kids 4 or younger eat free everyday with an adult entree purchase.
Souper! Salad! – Kids 4 and under at free and kids 5-12 eat for $2.49 on Sunday.
Space Aliens – Kids 10 and under get a free kids pizza along and 10 game tokens on Tuesdays with the purchase a regular price adult entree.
Steak n’ Shake – Kids can eat free on Saturdays and Sundays with a purchase of an adult entree valued $9 or more.
Sweet Tomatoes-Kids under 2 eat free
T
Texas Roadhouse – Mondays or Tuesdays (check your location) kids 12 and under eat free.
Texas Land & Cattle – Kids 12 and under eat free on Saturdays from 11am - 4pm. 2 free kid's meals for each adult entree.
TGI Friday’s – Kids 3 and under eat for free on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Kids eat free on Sundays (participating locations).
Tony Roma’s – Kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays.
Tumbleweed SouthWest Grill – Kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays. 1 kids’ meal free for each adult entree.
Z
Zebbs Grill & Bar – Kids 10 and under eat free on Sundays with each adult meal purchased.
Want to feed the kiddos for free- here is a list of restaurants I have found that offer free food to your kids. Offers can vary by location so we always recommend that you call ahead and confirm with your local establishment.
A
Applebees –Kids eat for free on Monday Nights. 1 free kids meal per adult entree purchase but additional kids are only $1.00. Locations can vary.
B
Backyard Burger – Kids eat free on Tuesday and Thursday after 4 pm with adult entree purchase.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Kids 10 and under eat free from 4-8pm on Tuesdays with adult entree purchase.
Bennigan’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays with one adult entree purchase.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream- kids who are under 40 inches receive a free baby cone
C
Captain D’s – Kids eat for free at on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Limited to 2 free kid’s meals for each adult dinner purchased.
Champps Americana- For every paying adult two children can eat free
Carrow’s – Kids 10 and under eat for free on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chik-fil-a- On Tuesdays when you purchase a combo meal you get a free child's meal
Cici’s Pizza – Kids 3 and under eat free 7 days a week.
Culver's- Children receive a free cup of custard with their meal
D
D'amico and Sons- Kids eat free on Sunday Evenings
Damon’s Grill –Kids 12 and under get a free kid's meal on Thursdays. 1 free per adult entree.
Denny's- Kid's eat free on Tuesdays and (some locations) Saturdays. From 4-10 PM
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Kids 12 and under eat for free on Sundays . 1 adult entree and a child’s drink is a required purchase.
F
Famous Dave's- Kids eat free on Tuesdays (could vary by location)
Friendly’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays (adult meals have discounts on Tues, as well) Can vary by location.
Firehouse Subs – Kids 12 and under eat free from 4-9pm on Wednesdays and Sundays . One per each adult purchase.
Fuddruckers – (not free but cheap) 12 and under can eat for .99 (drink is included) from 4-9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Locations my vary.
G
Gatti Town Buffet – Kids 10 and under get a free kids’ buffet on Wednesday. 1 free child per adult buffet purchase.
Godfather’s Pizza – Kids 10 and under at Godfather’s Pizza buffet free from 11am - 2pm and 5-8pm on Tuesdays.
Golden Corral- Kids eat free on Tuesday Nights
H
Holiday Inn- Kids eat free with a paying adult
I
IHOP- kids eat free Everyday
Islands – Kids eat free on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays
J
Jason’s Deli – Kids eat free at Jason’s Deli on Sundays.
L
Lonestar Steakhouse – Kids 12 and under eat free On Tuesdays-all day. 2 children per adult entree.
M
Macaroni Grill- Kids get a free drink and ice cream with their meals.
Moe’s Southwest Grill – kids eat for free on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entree.
O
O'Charley's- Kid's 12 and under eat free every evening.
On the Border Mexican Grill- free sundae with kid's meal purchase
P
Perkins – Kids eat free at Perkins all day on Tuesdays.
Piccadilly – Kids 6 and under eat for free Monday-Saturday.
Pizza Hut- Kids eat free on Tuesday Evenings- may vary per location
Pizza Street – Kids 9 years and under eat free from the buffet on Tuesday from 5-8pm.
Planet Sub – Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with each adult meal purchased.
Ponderosa Steakhouse – Kids eat free from 4pm to close on Tuesdays.
Q
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Kids eat free at Wednesdays (some locations) and Sundays (some locations) .
Quaker Steak and Lube – Kids eat for free 5pm to 10pm on Mondays.
R
Red Robin – Kids 10 and under can eat for free on Monday and Tuesday from 5-9pm
Rock Bottom Cafe – Kids 12 and under eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays
Ruby’s Diner – Kids 12 and under eat for free Ruby’s Diner after 4pm on Tuesday (call to make sure your Ruby's is participating.
S
Salsarita's – Kid's eat free with purchase of an adult entree.
Shari’s Restaurant – Kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays from 4-9pm.
Shoney’s – Kids 4 or younger eat free everyday with an adult entree purchase.
Souper! Salad! – Kids 4 and under at free and kids 5-12 eat for $2.49 on Sunday.
Space Aliens – Kids 10 and under get a free kids pizza along and 10 game tokens on Tuesdays with the purchase a regular price adult entree.
Steak n’ Shake – Kids can eat free on Saturdays and Sundays with a purchase of an adult entree valued $9 or more.
Sweet Tomatoes-Kids under 2 eat free
T
Texas Roadhouse – Mondays or Tuesdays (check your location) kids 12 and under eat free.
Texas Land & Cattle – Kids 12 and under eat free on Saturdays from 11am - 4pm. 2 free kid's meals for each adult entree.
TGI Friday’s – Kids 3 and under eat for free on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Kids eat free on Sundays (participating locations).
Tony Roma’s – Kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays.
Tumbleweed SouthWest Grill – Kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays. 1 kids’ meal free for each adult entree.
Z
Zebbs Grill & Bar – Kids 10 and under eat free on Sundays with each adult meal purchased.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Are women worth less than men?
I took a class my first year in college, 1996, about women in society and we talked about wages and commercials, raising families, and other things that had to do with gender biases. I remember thinking then, “wow, there’s still wage gaps?” This class was one of the best I ever took because it opened my eyes to the way women and men get treated (in general) different from each other. Now over a decade later, it appears that there is still inequality when it comes to work and pay.
So I was really disappointed when I saw an article in Redbook magazine May 2009 regarding the pay gap between men and woman. I figured in today’s society these type of things were equal since a lot of work places have easily accessible salary scales. However, here are some current statistics that show things are not 100% equal still.
· Women earn 78 cents to every dollar earned by men: African American women earn 71 cents, and Hispanic women earn 58 cents.
Here are some current lawsuits regarding this issue:
*In 2004, Boeing settles a gender-discrimination lawsuit and agreed to pay 29,000 female employees who’d worked at Boeing the previous seven years. The settlement also calls on Boeing to change its salary structure and modify the way it evaluates performance. (And people want to start paying teachers on merit and test scores?!)
*In 2004, Wachovia agreed to pay 2,000 female employees who had been subjected to compensation discrimination over six years. The company also agreed to intake self-monitoring measures for three years to ensure fair pay to its employees. (Again, people want to start paying teachers on merit and test scores?!)
*Female Wal-Mart employees currently are involved in the largest employment-discrimination suit ever, suing the company for pay discrimination and an old-boys’ network that promotes men and prevents women from advancing in their careers. Managers have been quoted to say, “God made Adam first,” “Men are here to make a career, and women aren’t. Retail is for housewives who just need to earn extra money.”
· Gendered wage disparity will cost women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages.
· If women earned the same as men, their annual family income would rise by about $4,000 and the poverty rate would be cut in half.
So I was really disappointed when I saw an article in Redbook magazine May 2009 regarding the pay gap between men and woman. I figured in today’s society these type of things were equal since a lot of work places have easily accessible salary scales. However, here are some current statistics that show things are not 100% equal still.
· Women earn 78 cents to every dollar earned by men: African American women earn 71 cents, and Hispanic women earn 58 cents.
Here are some current lawsuits regarding this issue:
*In 2004, Boeing settles a gender-discrimination lawsuit and agreed to pay 29,000 female employees who’d worked at Boeing the previous seven years. The settlement also calls on Boeing to change its salary structure and modify the way it evaluates performance. (And people want to start paying teachers on merit and test scores?!)
*In 2004, Wachovia agreed to pay 2,000 female employees who had been subjected to compensation discrimination over six years. The company also agreed to intake self-monitoring measures for three years to ensure fair pay to its employees. (Again, people want to start paying teachers on merit and test scores?!)
*Female Wal-Mart employees currently are involved in the largest employment-discrimination suit ever, suing the company for pay discrimination and an old-boys’ network that promotes men and prevents women from advancing in their careers. Managers have been quoted to say, “God made Adam first,” “Men are here to make a career, and women aren’t. Retail is for housewives who just need to earn extra money.”
· Gendered wage disparity will cost women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages.
· If women earned the same as men, their annual family income would rise by about $4,000 and the poverty rate would be cut in half.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Energy vampires: Fact versus fiction
Energy vampires: Fact versus fiction
It's well-known that most electronic devices in our homes are sucking up energy even while they are turned off. But for all the information out there, many questions remain. I got hundreds of reader questions after writing the post What's wasting energy in your home right now. Below are answers to the five most common inquiries:
Which electronic devices waste the most energy when they are turned off but still plugged in?
Set-top cable boxes and digital video recorders are some of the biggest energy hogs. Unfortunately, there's little consumers can do since television shows can't be taped if boxes are unplugged. It also typically takes a long time to reboot boxes.
However, some of the other major consumers of standby power are more easily dealt with: computers, multifunction printers, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, VCRs, CD players, power tools, and hand-held vacuums. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) measured standby power for a long list of products.
While it's true each individual product draws relatively little standby power, the LBNL says that when added together, standby power can amount to 10% of residential energy use.
Why do electronic devices use energy when they are switched off?
Electronics consume standby power for one of two reasons, says Chris Kielich of the Department of Energy. They either have an adapter that will continue to draw electricity, or they have devices (such as clocks and touchpads) that draw power. Anything with a remote control will also draw standby power, she says, since the device needs to be able to detect the remote when it's pushed.
Does everything suck energy when it's plugged in and turned off?
No. If your coffeemaker or toaster doesn't have a clock, then it's probably not using standby power, says Kielich. Chances are your hair dryer and lamps (although they may have a power adapter for the dimmer) are not drawing standby power either, she says. Devices with a switch that physically breaks the circuit don't consume standby power.
Will switching things on and off shorten their life?
Probably not, says Kielich. You'd have to turn devices on and off thousands of times to shorten their lives. The real downside, she says, to unplugging electronics is that clocks and remotes will not work, and you do have to reset everything.
Can you ruin batteries by unplugging battery chargers and causing batteries to completely discharge?
It could be a possibility, says Kielich. Her advice: Don't let batteries get completely drained. But you don't need to have things like hand-held power vacuums and drills plugged into the charger when it's 100% charged, or even 50% charged.
Power Strip FAQs
Plugging electronics into a power strip and turning it off when you're not using it is a widely prescribed solution for curbing vampire power. Here are answers to common questions:
- Power strips draw energy when they are turned on, but not when they are switched off.
- Any decent power strip should have surge protection, according to Kielich. Flicking your power strip on and off will not create a power surge capable of damaging electronic devices. In fact, it will protect devices from other surges.
- Several readers were worried about the possibility of fires caused by plugging too many things in at once. If you plug in the allowed number of devices, then power strips are safe, says Kielich. Just don't plug your power strip into another power strip, or you run the risk of creating an overload.
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