Recession Busters
Times are tough, and our money is not going as far as it used to. Our utility bills are outrageous, and the rise in the price of gasoline is making the cost of everything else we buy go up too. What's worse is some of us worry about whether we'll be able to keep our jobs.
In order to stay ahead, it's more important now than ever to stretch our dollars and stay employed. Here are some places to help:
66 Ways to Save Money
The federal government has published a pamphlet called 66 Ways to Save Money, which gives easy tips that touch upon all the topics on this page.
Recession Buster Books
Take a look at this list of Recession Buster Books the Pratt Library has to help you and your family save money in all kinds of ways.
Blogs
Consumer Tips: Empowering YOU to be a Savvy Consumer
From CNN
Cheap Gas
Gas prices are higher than we've ever seen them, but they aren't the same everywhere. Here are a couple Web sites that let you know where to find the cheapest gas in your area.
AAA Fuel Price Finder
Once you enter your Zip code, click on the "Fuel Price Finder" link in the Savings Spotlight box on the right.
Automotive.com
Click on your state and county to see your local prices.
GasPriceWatch.com
Select your location and see the prices in your area.
Maryland Gas Prices
From GasBuddy.com, this site shows prices at your local gas stations complete with a map and the time that price was reported.
Fuel Efficiency
Saving Money at the Gas Pump
Produced by the Federal Trade Commission, this site offers quick gas-saving tips for different parts of your car, including the tires, the truck, and under the hood.
The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline
If you think that high octane gas is always the best for your car, you need to read this page by the Federal Trade Commission.
"Gas-Saving" Products: Fact or Fuelishness?
Not all gas-saving products are created equal. Get the facts from this Federal Trade Commission page.
Fuel Economy
This government site allows you to look at the fuel efficiency of different cars, read gas mileage tips, learn more about hybrid cars, and compare cars side by side.
AAA Fuel Cost Calculator
If you're traveling somewhere, this site lets you plug in the type of car you have and tells you how much gas you will use on the trip and how much it will cost. The calculator gives you a list of major U.S. cities to choose from, so you may not be able to find the exact city you are in.
Green Living
The Pratt Library has created a guide on Green Living, and many of the resources mentioned on this guide will also help you save money in your commute, your home, and at the store.
Cheap, Healthy Meals
Yes, you can eat cheaply without resorting to junk food.
Food Stamp Nutrition Connection: Recipes Finder
Database started by USDA of cheap, but healthy, recipes for people on food stamps. They'll work for anybody, though.
Low Cost Meals
Meal planning tips and recipes for all tastes from Creative Publishing Services.
Shopping, Cooking, and Meal Planning
Lots of information from the National Agricultural Library.
Coupons Coupons Coupons!
A penny saved is a penny earned, and coupons help you save a lot of pennies. Look at these places that give coupon offers you may not see anywhere else.
CoolSavings.com
Free grocery coupons, online coupons, printable coupons, free offers from top brands, free samples and more.
Coupons.com
Printable coupons for many grocery store items. You need to download special printing software, but it is free.
CouponSaver.org
Coupon Saver has many coupon codes, promotional codes, and coupons that will save you money with your online purchases.
Fatwallet.com
Free online coupons, online bargain shopping, price comparison
MySavings.com
An online community that shares money saving tips and offers. You must register and join to recieve coupons, but it is free.
RetailMeNot.com
Coupon codes for thousands of online stores
Lower Your Utility Bills
There are a lot of tricks to make your house more energy efficient, so you use less gas and electricity and have smaller bills as a result. These sites will help.
Energy Efficient Homes | DoItYourself.com
This site has lots of of pages on making your home more energy efficient, including sections on evaluating your windows and doors, insulating, and weatherizing.
Home Energy Saver
This Web site, designed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, offers an energy use calculator that can help find the best ways to save energy in your home.
Saving Starts at Home
This guide from the Federal Trade Commission gives energy-saving tips for all areas of your home.
Energy Savers Blog
From the U.S. Department of Energy, this blog provides a place for consumers to learn about and discuss energy efficiency and renewable technologies at home, on the road, and in the workplace.
Energy Savers
Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency offers links to energy efficiency tips, ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and energy use calculators.
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits
This guide from the U.S. Department of Energy shows you how to conduct your own home energy audit.
Tips for Cutting Your Carbon
Cool Capital has compiled a list of ideas for reducing your energy use at home.
Maryland State Office of Energy Programs
How to contact your local home energy program office
Office of Energy Programs
From the Maryland State Department of Human Resources
Low Interest Credit Cards
Paying down high-interest credit cards can be one of your biggest monthly expenses. Finding a lower-interest card can reduce your payments and let you use your money more efficiently.
Federal Reserve Board: Choosing a Credit Card
This Web site contains concise explanations about credit cards and terms related to credit cards such as APR, finance charge and variable-rate. This site answers questions for people new to credit cards and people who already have credit cards. Specific topics include: what are APRs, types of cards, what are liability limits, and what to do about billing errors.
Bankrate.com: Best Credit Card Offers
This site allows you to see what different credit cards are available to consumers. You can search for low-interest cards, cards for people with bad credit, or cards with specific types of rewards.
Medical Assistance
Health care costs keep going up, but these Web sites may be able to help.
Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
If you have limited income and resources, there’s a Medicare program where you pay no more than $2.40 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug.
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Programs from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Medical Assistance
Programs from the Maryland Department of Human Resources
Job Loss - Important Information Workers Need to Know to Protect their Health Coverage
From the U.S. Department of Labor.
Protect Your Investments
Are My Deposits Insured?
Find out how Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deposit insurance works and estimate coverage on your deposits.
Protect Your Pension - A Quick Reference Guide
This page, from the U.S. Department of Labor, is a brief guide to tell you how to find out who is managing your pension money and explain the rules that pension managers must follow.
Save Your House
The housing boom of a few years ago has become a foreclosure boom today. There are many community organizations who want you to keep your home.
Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition
The Homeownership Preservation Coalition works with public and private funders, lenders and nonprofit practitioners to reduce the incidence of foreclosure and high cost lending in Baltimore.
Community Law Center
Baltimore’s legal services organization dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods.
Foreclosure Resources for Consumers
A collection of federal government resources compiled by the Federal Reserve Board.
Maryland Foreclosure Assistance
This new program from the Governor's office provides access to counseling services and resources for homeowners needing to refinance.
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
The Center works to create and maintain equal housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income people and to encourage and support strong and diverse neighborhoods.
Smart Shopping
Consumer World
This is a big site with a price checker, links to product reviews, and links to consumer articles from many sources.
mySimon.com
Compare prices of electronics, clothing, furniture, books, jewelry, and more.
Tax Breaks
Have you put new windows in your house, or bought a hybrid car? The federal and state governments offer tax breaks for these and other energy improvements.
Maryland Personal Income Tax Credits
A list containing general information about some of the most commonly used credits from the Comptroller of Maryland.
Tax Incentives Assistance Project: Consumer Tax Incentives
From the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, this site is designed to give consumers the information they need to make use of federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies.
Thrift Stores
TheThriftShopper.Com Thrift Store Directory
A nationwide directory of thrift stores. Just type in your zip code or city to find stores in your area.
Thrift Store Safety Checklist
If you buy at thrift stores, here are some tips to help you make safer purchases. From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Staying Employed
One big issue during slow economic times is worrying about losing your job because of budget cuts. Keeping your résumé up to date, always looking for what other jobs are out there, and starting your own business are ways to keep you from getting the axe.
How to Get a Job
You’re currently without employment or looking for that first job. Finding a job can seem very intimidating, but getting organized with your search can help with your progress.
How to Write a Résumé
An important step in your job search is creating a résumé. But what should you include?
Small Business @ Your Library
If you are thinking of starting your own small business, the library is a great place to start.
Staycations--Vacations at Home
With fuel prices hitting record highs, traveling has become incredibly expensive. More people are trying "staycations," or stay-at-home vacations. Explore your home state as though you were a tourist.
Maryland Office of Tourism
From the mountains to the ocean, Maryland has it all. Explore all the state has to offer without having to worry about costly flights or hotel stays.
Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories
If you're not from Maryland, look at this site, provided by the federal government, which links to each state's travel and tourism Web page.
Physical Activity for Everyone: Recommendations: Young People
From the Centers for Disease Control, this page has ideas for young people and their parents on staying active. Staying at home for vacation doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Using Your Library
When money is tight, remember that your public library offers many services for free.
Don't buy a CD, DVD, or book without trying it out first. Come to the library and borrow it to see if it's a purchase that is right for you. If your library doesn't have it, they'll try their hardest to get it for you. Check the Pratt catalog for the book, CD, or DVD you're interested in.
Build up your business. We have access to databases and research tools that will help you reach new and different markets, even during tough times. Take a look at the Pratt's Small Business page.
Find entertainment. Libraries offer classes, events and activities for children and adults, almost always at no cost. A fun night out doesn't need to be an expensive night out. See what events and programs the Pratt has coming up on its online calendar.
Hold meetings that get results. Libraries often offer low-cost or no-cost meeting spaces. Whether your a school group trying to develop a fundraiser or a CEO trying to launch a business, stop in to see if you can hold your meeting at the library. The Pratt Library offers free meeting space. Check out where on the Meeting Rooms page.
Be a well-informed investor. The library has up-to-date stock market information that will help you get through tough times. Make smarter investment decisions with the most current financial information. Take a look at the Pratt's Investment Sources for Beginners page.
More Ideas
Sent by Ellie in Prince George's County, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 05:08 PM
One site I find particulary useful for myself is www.flylady.com, which is free. It is all about how to organize your house, which may or may not serve the purpose of recession busting. A companion website is www.savingdinner.com, which you must pay $30 a year for to have a weekly grocery list and recipes sent to your inbox. [The "How To" section of this site has a lot of good free stuff.]
Sent by Ellie in Prince George's County, Monday, April 21, 2008 11:04 am
I just thought of something else...a directory of thrift shops in Maryland. Here is a link for the info...Thrift Shops in -State, MD.
Maybe you've got your own ideas to save money. If so, we'd like to hear them. E-mail us with your idea, and we may include it on this page.
