Tag Archives: surge protectors

Signs Your Husband’s Having an Affair…

…with a DVR. Before I list the symptoms, let me explain how I got us into this mess. Because it was me who agreed to bring this third party into our marriage. Oh yes, make no mistake about it. I purposely introduced him to this vixen. Don’t get me wrong. I wanted it just as bad as he did and I’m smitten with it too, but Wayne is really head over heals. The surefire signs he’s gaga for the DVR: 1. He set it up the moment he came home. (To save us money, I went to pick it up … Continue reading →

How Did We Ever Live Without a DVR?

I know TiVo’s been around for a while now, but Wayne and I aren’t always the most up-to-date techy users. In fact, we’re usually well behind most trends. It was only three years ago we got cell phones and only because he had to for his job. And it was only this past Christmas I got a digital camera. So it’s really no surprise we waited as long as we did to finally upgrade to DVR service with Comcast. Which we did this past week. Actually, it was two days ago to be exact and we can’t figure out why … Continue reading →

Three Ways To Save Some Money In The Kitchen

Food is one of our most expensive resources, and we have to have it to survive. It is certainly not a want, but definitely a need. So how do you save more money after using coupons, sales and other discounts? Easy, follow these tips. Eggs – This has got to be one of my favorite things I have learned to do in the kitchen. After starting to cook one night, I realized I was out of eggs. While I am sure I could have gone and knocked on my friends door to see if she had one I could borrow, … Continue reading →

Gas or Electric Dryer?

Trying to decide between a gas or an electric dryer? Do you really have a choice? What are the differences in each option? Check out this simple guide that will answer the most common questions and help you make the right decision. Is there a difference in efficiency? In general, gas dryers are more efficient than are electric dryers. They operate more with and almost “instant heat” as compared to electric dryers which take time to reach temperature. Also, gas dryers tend to operate at a hotter setting, and this can shorten drying time by a few minutes, but in … Continue reading →

Appliance Repair for Less

Just recently, I wrote about how sometimes it makes sense to pay for an extended warranty when buying products on appliances. But what if you don’t have a warranty on your machine? Major and minor appliances can be costly to repair. When something such as a dishwasher breaks down, it can cost hundreds of dollars just to have someone look at the appliance, let alone fix it. This goes for other things around your home, too. One time, a plumber tried to charge us $300 just to tell us that we needed a new sink. He did nothing more than … Continue reading →

Are Extended Warranties Worth It?

Have a major appliance or other large piece of equipment break down? It can cost big money to repair or replace a unit such as a washing machine, refrigerator or oven. Even outdoor items such as a lawn mower or weed-wacker can run up a big bill when the repair man comes to call. It is pretty common these days to be offered an extended warranty whenever you make a major purchase. Manufacturer warranties seem to be shrinking by the day. No longer do you get a lifetime warranty on products, or even a year-long warranty. Most of the time, … Continue reading →

The Good Old Days: When Home Products Were Made to Last

I have a TV that I bought when my oldest daughter was about a year old. Yes, I’m old, she just turned seventeen. That television still works and is now in the room she shares with sister. Do you think there’s a TV made today that will last that long? We purchased a television for our living room about two years after we moved here and it’s been gone for at least a year. It just stopped working one day. That means its lifespan was around six years. By today’s standards, that’s probably not too bad, but it can’t compete … Continue reading →

How Long Will Your Kitchen Appliances Last?

My parent’s microwave is dead. My dad called last night to inform me of its demise. Frankly, I was never attached to the thing, but it has been a staple in their household for more than a decade so I suppose parting is sweet sorrow… My dad went out and bought another one, but his shopping trip was not without dismay. His problem is that he was trying to find an exact replica of the one that sat on the counter of my parent’s home for the last decade. (Good luck… I told him as much.) In the end, he … Continue reading →

Frugal Shopping: When To Shop For New Appliances

Buying appliances can be a very expensive endeavor. So finding sales, and discounted prices is an extremely important aspect for saving money. But there are a few other ways you can be sure you are getting the best price. Shopping for certain appliances during particular times of year, can ensure that you will get the lowest price available. Below is a breakdown of the best times to purchase these appliances. Overall, the very best month to shop for new home appliances is during the month of July. But breaking it down, adds a few more months during the year, that … Continue reading →

Frugal Appliances: Scratch and Dent Store

Ready for a major appliance? Save up to 50 percent on a new appliance with a scratch and dent store. As part of our frugal lifestyle, I do a lot of stockpiling and freezer cooking, so a stand alone freezer became a real need for us. I love being able to buy large bags of chicken or vegetables on sale (March is Frozen Food Month), and take advantage of buy one get one free turkeys. Tripling my recipes and freezing the extras saves on both money and time. Having a well-stocked freezer also means that we are less tempted to … Continue reading →