Investing now to save money this winter

Posted by Ted McEnroe October 10, 2008 at 1:47 pm

With the winter chill ahead - it is that time again, when people are looking for savings and energy companies have ideas that might cost you something now but could pay off later.

NSTAR sent out some ideas this week, and if you’re not an NSTAR customer, they’re still some interesting options. Among them (and NSTAR’s copy begins here):

Have heating systems inspected and cleaned – A properly cleaned and adjusted heating system will run more efficiently and save money. Old, inefficient systems should be replaced. NSTAR customers can save between $100 and $1,000 on a new gas, oil or propane system by taking advantage of available rebates. Home heating protection plans are also available for NSTAR Gas customers.

Switch to programmable thermostats – Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature by using settings that residents can control. Recommended settings are 68 degrees when the home is occupied and lower overnight or when everyone is gone for the day. Every degree a thermostat is lowered during an eight hour period can save up to three percent on heating bills. NSTAR offers a $25 rebate on qualifying thermostat models.

Repair air leaks – A silent waster of heating dollars, air leaks come in all shapes and sizes. Inspect foundations and sills for cracks and holes. Most can be easily sealed with calking available at local home improvements stores.

Consider adding insulation – Increasing a home’s insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the most of energy dollars. Investing in proper levels of insulation can reduce a home’s heating and cooling needs by up to 10 percent. Zero-interest financing is currently available for qualifying installations.

Repair or replace windows – Inefficient windows can account for up to 25 percent of a home’s heating bill. Simple steps to make windows more energy efficient include repairing damaged glazing, adding weather-stripping and installing insulating window shades. Old, inefficient windows should be replaced with Energy Star-labeled windows with high-performance glass. Rebates and zero-interest financing are available.

Remember the simple things – Some steps that every resident can do on their own to save energy during the heating season include: keep radiators or heating vents dust-free and don’t block them with furniture or draperies; keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of the home to take advantage of solar heating, but close them at night to retain the heat; place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned electric and gas utility. The company transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including more than one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities. For more information, visit www.nstar.com.

There are a lot of pieces of advice here, and if you’re looking for an investment that will pay off better than the stock market has recently, you could do worse

Is there a silver lining?

Posted by Courtney October 10, 2008 at 11:24 am

The wild ride on Wall Street may be hard to watch, but there is an upside to the economic turmoil. Cheaper oil, and cheaper gas. Oil has sunk to a one-year low. Gas is now $3.40 a gallon on average nationwide, according to AAA. And you can expect to see prices keep dropping — maybe even below $3 a gallon soon.

What to do this weekend

Posted by Courtney October 9, 2008 at 11:59 am

The weather’s supposed to be great, and it’s a holiday weekend — so get out and enjoy it!  If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, check out some of these fall festivals around New England, featuring fabulous foliage and, in some cases, men in tights:

International Oktoberfest in Newport, RI — Saturday thru Monday.  Highlights include Biergartens, bratwurst and, yes, German men in tights.

Mystic Seaport Chowder Festival in Mystic, CT — Saturday thru Monday.  Your chance to taste the best chowda in New England.

Boothbay Harbor Fall Foliage Festival and Craft Fair in Boothbay, ME — Saturday & Sunday.  Fall in Maine — need we say more?  Plus, steam train rides.

Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, MA — now thru Monday.  Animals galore at America’s oldest agricultural fair.

 

Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve? How about the Clarion?

Posted by Ted McEnroe October 9, 2008 at 11:24 am

So, maybe you’re a planner. Maybe you love New Year’s Eve. Maybe you just can’t wait to give 2008 a pat on the back and usher it out the door. And maybe, you’re just interested in a good deal.

The Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort and Hotel has put together a “New Year’s Eve Stay and Play Package” that might interest you. For $299 per couple, you get a night of festivities, including hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and a champagne toast, PLUS a room for the night.

Check out the full details and the tasty menu by CLICKING HERE. And hey, tell ‘em ‘Cut Your Costs’ sent you.

Clarion Nantasket New Year’s Eve Stay and Play Deal

Posted by Ted McEnroe October 9, 2008 at 11:13 am

Tired of the same old parties? Don’t want to drive, freeze your butt off walking around town, or rack your brain to come up with a “theme”?

Relax-check in, go to our spa, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner from Raffael’s in our Ocean Front Ballroom, delight in the company of your friends and family (private tables for parties of 6 or more) and dance until 2AM. You are just steps away from your Oceanfront or Partial Ocean View room with your own private balcony and fireplace. Go for a swim in our heated year-round pool and start the New Year with a brunch buffet in Raffael’s at Nantasket. Say goodbye to 2008 in style and comfort.

No Hassles-No Stress-$299.99 (plus hotel tax) and take the elevator home! Call today to guarantee your room; we’re offering the best available views on a first come, first serve basis.

Price: $299.99 (Per Couple), includes:

-Overnight accommodations in an Ocean Front or Ocean View room/with Balcony/Fireplace/Jet Tub
-Three Course Dinner Buffet in our Ocean Front Ballroom provided by Raffael’s at Nantasket, featuring:
*Hors D’Oeuvres: Imported Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, Beef Wellington, and Shittake Mushrooms
*Dinner Buffet: Mediterranean Salad (served); Prime Rib of Beef, Salmon Munei, Chicken Raffael, Orecchietti Pasta with Porcini Mushrooms in a Truffle Sauce, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus with Roasted Tomato.
*Sweet Table: Assortment of fine pastries, cookies, and tortes, coffee, tea, decaf
*Midnight Champagne Toast, and noise makers!

There will be a Cash Bar and entertainment throughout the night.

Plus, receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Raffael’s at Nantasket for Brunch on New Year’s Day – or to use however you wish!

Meal deal

Posted by Courtney October 8, 2008 at 12:21 pm

One upside of the down economy — some restaurants are chopping their prices.  The Elephant Walk recently put out a new menu, and all of the entrées are now under $20.  So if you have a hankering for French-Cambodian food (think lots of noodles, coconut milk and braising) make your way to one of the three locations around Boston.

MA State treasurer holds money management seminars

Posted by Ted McEnroe October 1, 2008 at 11:50 am

Well, you can say this… Tim Cahill is feeling the pain of the current economy. Cahill says the state of Massachusetts can’t find 100 million dollars to borrow for local aid payments, because the credit market has dried up.

In the meantime, he’s doing some teaching - giving Massachusetts residents advice on how to spend and save in these interesting times. Stephen Iandoli of NECN took in a class.

Dunkin’ Donuts deal

Posted by Courtney October 1, 2008 at 10:33 am

If you run on Dunkin’ — you’re in for a treat.  As a way to drum up business in the tough economy, Dunkin’ is selling lattes for just 99 cents.  But only from 2-5 p.m. weekdays.  You can also get an egg & cheese for 99 cents with a coffee.  Promotions start today and run through Nov. 11.

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