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Save money with green home fixes

There are several easy ways to save green by being green. In fact, each room in your home could actually be saving you some serious cash. Don’t flush your money down the toilet. See how a few eco-friendly savers can make a big difference.

Here are some green tips from the nest and the authors of Squeaky Green:

• Living room: Unplug all of your electronics when not in use. Remember, even when they’re off they still use energy – also known as vampire power - a power strip can make this easier.
• Bedroom: Swap standard bulbs for Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy and last longer too.
• Kitchen: Microwave with glass or ceramic dishes to avoid harmful chemicals that may exist in some plastics. Also, switching to homemade or eco-friendly cleaners can be easier on your health, the environment and your wallet.
• Laundry room: Set your washer to cold when you do laundry, just don’t let the bed bugs bite – they suggest using hot water for your bedding to make sure you get rid of dust mites. You can also try good old fashioned line drying and other eco-friendly laundry ideas.
• Bathroom: Use green cleaners in the bathroom too and switch to a water-saving shower head (about $12) for extra savings. Simply taking care of a few leaks can even save you around $200 a year.

How to avoid a dead-end job search

Courtesy of Rachaelvoorhees (via Flickr)

Searching for jobs online is a great way to see who’s hiring and allows your resume to be seen by employers. But if you’re only looking online, you may be missing out on job opportunities. Not to mention, there are some common mistakes that can actually keep you from being hired.

While you should search online, you need to get out there and talk to people too. Whether they’re business owners, friends, etc. – you never know who might have a great job for you.

Make sure you’re not standing in the way of your job search. Here are a few places to get you started:

• Five Mistakes Online Job Hunters Make
• Interview do’s and don’ts
• How to find “hidden” jobs
• A basic guide to networking
• Pounding the pavement

It’s important to make a good impression both in person and online. Keep in mind, more employers are using the web to get an idea of who you are. Would you want a future employer to see what you shared on Facebook?

Chill out – stay cool even in a heat wave

Courtesy of Nanagyei (via Flickr)

Folks just about everywhere are enjoying rising temps and sunny skies. But for some – especially kids, seniors and people who are obese – extreme heat can quickly mean health problems. Being prepared can help you stay safe while you have fun in the sun.

First, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and have a plan for those who may be at risk. Along with preventing sunburns, be able to recognize symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When these go unnoticed they can become serious and in some cases fatal.

Having a plan can also help you prepare for power outages that may occur. Remember to keep an emergency kit in your home and car for those just-in-case moments.

While you can’t always stay out of the sun, there are a few things you can do to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and caffeine)
• Do not leave kids or pets in the car
• Stay inside and avoid the heat, especially during the hottest time of the day (usually 2 to 4 pm)
• Keep the heat out: use fans, AC, close blinds, etc. – need cooling assistance? Learn more about LIHEAP
• Dress appropriately (loose, light-colored clothing)
• Relax and try not to over do it

Whatever the weather or emergency may be, knowing what steps to take can help your family stay cool, calm and prepared for anything.

Health care options made easy: HealthCare.gov

Courtesy of 24oranges.nl (via Flickr)

Whether you want to compare health plans or you’ve been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, a new site may be able to help.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched HealthCare.gov — making it easier to navigate your options and get the care you need.

Along with resources, price comparisons and information about the healthcare bill, people who’ve previously been turned away for insurance can sign up for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). PCIP is temporary coverage until the healthcare bill takes effect in 2014. Once the new law becomes effective, insurers can no longer deny coverage or raise rates due to pre-existing conditions.

You can find out which plan is best for you and/or if you’re eligible for PCIP at HealthCare.gov.

Caution: work at home scams

Courtesy of Daquella manera (via Flickr)

With options running out, more folks looking to make some extra income are falling prey to work-at-home schemes. Of course, there are legitimate home based jobs out there too. Being able to tell the difference can save you a lot of headache and money.

Before you say yes or offer any information, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

The most common warning signs:

• You’re asked for personal information (bank accounts, social security numbers, etc.)
• Claims of “no experience necessary”
• You have to pay money up front for supplies or instructions
• Promises of “easy money” or high earnings for part time work

How to avoid job scams:

• Research the company: do a search online and check the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission for complaints
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone or online
• Be aware of the most common scams

Are you looking for a side job? Check out the top 20 home-based businesses and start your own side hustle.

If you think you may be the victim of a job scam, there are a few things you can do.

As benefits run out, unemployed run out of options

Courtesy of mikecolvin82 (via Flickr)

Once again, jobless benefits are running out. And the extension that would have continued covering millions on unemployment and COBRA has lapsed. This means 1.2 million people will lose the income they depend on to pay for bills, food, and everything in between. So, what can you do?

If you’re running out of coverage, there are a few things you can do to get through tough times:

Get some help with your job search

• Make some money with a sidehustle
• Get advice, resources and more from the Career Coach

Apply for financial assistance

• Family support services
• Food stamp program (SNAP)
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (HEAP or LIHEAP)
• Housing Choice vouchers
• Health care assistance

These extensions may or may not get passed, either way make sure you’re prepared and you get the help you need.