When Nature Attacks

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www.GivingGrinch.com
BudgeFree for Life!
Editor: Shreyas Nanavati
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Visit the GivingGrinch Website: http://www.givinggrinch.com/
Subscribe to newsletter, click here.
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When Nature Attacks

We pride ourselves on providing sound budget advice for a balanced life, but this month lets deviate from tradition and focus on emergency survival needs for a balanced life.

As I write this, Hurricane Ike is about 40 miles away from my house. In case the outside world impacts my indoor life, I’ve stocked my home with essential supplies to meet my basic physiological and safety needs over the next 72-hours. I want to share with you my survival list.

Home Emergencies

Water & Food:
Store one gallon of water per person per day – for up to three days and keep an ample supply of ice on hand. You can never have enough water. Before the hurricane, I stored extra water in food storage containers.
For food, think non-perishable, non-salty items that do not require preparation or refrigeration. A few examples: ready-to-eat canned beans, fruits and vegetables. You should also stock dry cereals, bread and high energy foods and drinks. For babies, have enough infant formula. And, for pets, food and water for a week (pet food maybe hard to come by). Have disposable plates, cups and utensils on hand in case your water is turned off.

Communication:
Access to outside information is critical – especially if you lose electricity. Keep a battery-powered or hand crank radio on hand, a whistle to signal for help, flashlights and fresh batteries. Store matches in a water-proof container, but don’t light candles in the middle of a storm. If a window breaks the wind may knock over a candle.

First Aid:
Every home should have a first aid kit. You can assemble our own or by ready-made. A first aid kid should include sterile dressings, cleansing agent, antibiotic wipes to disinfect, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, various size band-aids, eye wash and non-prescription drugs such as aspirin and anti-diarrhea medicine. Keep a supply of your prescription medications in the kit as well.

Hygiene:
Hygiene is paramount. For maintaining proper sanitation stock up on moist napkins, tissue, toilet paper, diapers, pet waste bags, feminine supplies and other personal hygiene items. Clean clothing may be a concern so store a complete change of clothing including long pants and durable shoes in a water-proof bag. A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person might come in handy. In addition, have several heavy duty trash bags at your disposal – you may need them for waste or as water-proof waders in case of flooding. Finally, fill your bathtub with water. With a bucket, you will be able to flush your toilet with this water if your system is turned off.

Documents & Currency:
Cash is king, have enough to last several days. ATM machines will not work during power outages and businesses may not take credit cards. Put your important family documents including insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a safe place.

Miscellaneous: Duct tape, Scissors, Fire Extinguisher…am I missing anything? Add your comments to the end of this month’s blog post.

Auto Emergencies

Car incidents can occur just about any time - a flat tire, dead battery, engine problem, lack of gas or an accident. Basic car care knowledge is essential – even if you have AAA, you should know how to change a tire or jump your battery. If you don’t, watch these videos:

How to Change a Tire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPqs3ZykE3A


How to jump a car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB3SnrgsycA




Here is a list of important items to keep in your car in case of emergency.

For Automotive Emergencies
• Jumper Cables
• Two quarts of oil
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head)
• Adjustable wrench
• Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Rags
• Pocketknife
• For Winter Driving: Gallon of antifreeze, Ice scraper

For Personal Emergencies while driving:
• First aid kit (see above, in addition you may want to pack ice and heat compresses)
• Blanket
• Granola or energy bars
• Bottled water
• Flashlight and extra batteries

In Conclusion

As I wrap up this newsletter, I’m happy to say there was minimal damage to my property. Thousands of others in the Houston and Galveston area were not as fortunate.

In home and auto emergencies, you can only prepare for what you have control over. Keep this newsletter handy and stock up on the items listed and you will improve the odds to meeting your core physiological and safety needs through natural disasters or road hazards.

Your Emergency Fund

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http://www.givinggrinch.com/
BudgeFree for Life!
Volume 1, Issue 5
Editor: Shreyas Nanavati
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Visit the GivingGrinch Website: http://www.givinggrinch.com/
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September 2008: Your Emergency Fund

Six months cash is an essential safety need. Not only does it bring short-term security in times of uncertainty, it’s also a hedge that allows you to lower costs associated with other safety needs.
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GivingGrinch.com interview: I had the pleasure of being interviewed by moneyreallymatters.com. Read the interview and visit the blog: http://www.moneyreallymatters.com//
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Experts tout the need to have a fund to cover living expenses in case of emergency, but how much is enough? In this newsletter we’re going to answer three points:

1. Why six months cash is ideal
2. How to determine the amount you need
3. Some tactics you can use to trim three costly safety needs without negatively impacting your lifestyle

Why Six Months
This logic is based on the average duration of unemployment. Presently the average length of unemployment is 18 weeks – just over four months. This period can vary based on factors including where you live, your qualifications and willingness to relocate. Having six months cash gives you the flexibility and security necessary to make sound decisions during times of distress without having to tap other sources of credit, savings or assets.
How to Calculate your Six Months
Having enough in your emergency fund to ensuring you continue to live a balanced life is crucial. The checklist below will allow you to calculate your major physiological, safety and social expenditures. If you need a refresher on how the hierarchy works, click here: http://www.givinggrinch.com/.
Physiological Expenses:

• Mortgage/Rent
• Food
• Utilities: Electricity, Gas, Water
• Prescription Medicine

Safety:

• Health Insurance: Medical (COBRA?), Dental (optional), Eye (optional)
• Other Insurance: Auto, Home, Life
• Utilities: Phone, Cell Phone, TV, Internet, Home Alarm, etc.
• Transportation: Gas, Public
• Taxes: Property, School, etc.
• Education/Daycare/Childcare
• Debt Obligations: Auto, Credit

Social:

• Personal/Entertainment Fund
• Personal Care/Grooming

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Need suggestions for how you can fulfill these and other categories for less? You can download our Master List of Budget Advice from either our website (http://www.givinggrinch.com/) or Blog (http://givinggrinch.blogspot.com/).
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Buoy your emergency fund with this simple tactic
Finding the money to build an emergency fund is not easy. The tactic I’m going to discuss will help immensely. Once you have a couple months cash stashed away, you have enough to cover most short-term uncertainties such as family emergencies, auto accidents or other unanticipated events. This will provide enough security to pursue a strategy that will save a lot of money in another safety area – insurance.
Many people choose the minimum deductibles for their home, auto or health insurance. That doesn’t mean you should. An emergency fund provides a cushion to manage minor mishaps. With this buffer you can avoid high premiums by focusing your coverage on major catastrophes.

Home Insurance

• According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), raising your deductible from $500 to $1000 can cut your premiums by 25%
• Combine your auto and homeowner’s policy under the same company can reduce your premiums an additional 5-10%
• Review your policy; make sure the information used to estimate the reconstruction of your home is accurate.
• Call your provider and ask for a list of all the discounts they offer. Some discounts you may not be aware of: home security, new home, auto/home, non smoker and claim free.
• Shop around

Auto Insurance

• According to the III, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 can cut 15-30% off your premium. Increasing your deductible to $1000 can bring up to a 40% savings
• Have an older car? Do the math on the premium you’re paying for collision (damage) and comprehensive (theft) coverage. Insurance companies will only pay the vehicle’s current resale value. To find out what your car is worth visit Kelly Blue Book at www.kbb.com. Compare the value with the amount you are paying annually for collision and comprehensive coverage. Consider cancelling this coverage if it's costing you more than the insurer will pay or if you have enough cash on hand to cover the difference if your car is totaled
• Call your provider and ask for a list of all the discounts they offer. Some discounts you may not be aware: low-mileage, longtime customer, defensive driver, anti-theft device, multiple car, passive restraints, ETF and home-auto discount
• Do you really need tow and rental car coverage?
• Shop around

Health Insurance

While it’s important to be able to visit a doctor when necessary this is not the primary reason for having health insurance. The main purpose of health insurance is to make certain that you're covered against the high cost of hospital visits and specialty care. If you and the individuals on your plan are healthy, make infrequent doctor visits and rarely require prescription drugs consider the following:

• Co-Pay: Raise this amount if doctor visits and prescription medication needs are few and far between
• Deductible: Same as with home and auto, raising your deductible reduces your premium
• Health savings accounts (HSAs) or similar programs allow participants to set pre-tax dollars for medical related expenses.

Where should you put your emergency fund?

Keep this money safe and liquid, but not accessible for daily use. Saving accounts pay very little interest. Money markets offer a better return. You can also put a portion of your emergency fund in a CD where your principal is preserved even if you have to withdraw funds before maturity. Bankrate.com makes it easy to shop around for the best rate: http://www.bankrate.com/.

The Bottom Line

Having a emergency cash fund to cover life’s unexpected – and often untimely – events will not only bring you peace of mind; it will also open other avenues towards building a balanced life.

The Hottest Month

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www.GivingGrinch.com

Volume 1, Issue 4

Editor: Shreyas Nanavati

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August 2008: The Hottest Month

With energy prices on the raise, the following stat may no longer surprise you – the average family spends over $2000 a year on home utility bills. What may surprise you is that a large portion of energy usage is wasted. Here is a “best of” list for quick, easy, NO COST solutions to stretch your energy dollar.

Climate control (heating and cooling) accounts for 45% of a typical utility bill.

• AC: Setting your thermostat to a colder than normal setting will not cool your home any quicker. The excessive cooling will result in unnecessary expenses.
• AC: Replace air filters once every three months. Dust and dirt can block airflow which forces heating and cooling systems to work harder increasing operating costs by 10%. Ok, there’s a cost associated with this, but it’s a GivingGrinch no-brainer.
• AC: Don’t place lamps or TV sets near your AC thermostat. The thermostat picks up the isolated heat from these devices causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Fan: A fan will create a wind chill effect allowing you to raise the thermostat about 4 degrees without reducing comfort.
• Vent: Turn off kitchen, bath and laundry room vent fans within 20 minutes of use to avoid sucking out the climate controlled air in your home.
• Space: Close unoccupied rooms and shut off the vents in areas that do not require heating/cooling.
• Windows: During winter nights, close drapes and blinds to limit heat loss; over summer days do the same to prevent the sun from heating your home.

Appliances & Electronics make up 20% of your home energy consumption. Refrigerators, washers and dryers are tops in consumption.

• Dishwasher: Cold wash and air dry dishes instead of using the heat/dry cycle.
• Washer/Dishwasher: Wash only full loads of dishes/cloths.
• Washer: Wash with cold water. Up to 90% of the energy used for washing clothes can come from heating the water. Today’s detergents work just as well in cold as they do in warm water.
• Dryer: Clean out the lint filter after each drying cycle.
• Dryer: If cloths don’t dry in one cycle, make sure the vent (back of machine) is clear of debris. Editor’s note: I found an abandoned bird nest blocking air flow from my vent.
• Dryer: Don’t over dry your cloths. Use the cool-down cycle to finish drying with residual heat. Or, air dry your cloths.
• Refrigerator: Maximum efficiency occurs between 37 - 40 degrees for refrigerators and 0-5 degrees for freezers.
• Refrigerator: Do not leave door open, up to 1/3 of the cold air can escape every time you open the door.
• Oven: Cooking temperatures can drop as much as 50 degrees ever time the over door is opened.
• Cooking: Use small appliances, like water boilers, crock pots, toaster ovens and microwaves to save electricity/gas when cooking.
• Electronics: Electronics draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. This drain can add up. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while tuned off. Use a power strip to avoid individual plugging/unplugging.

Water heating is the third largest expense accounting for 13% of your utility bill.

• Shower: If the hottest setting in your shower is uncomfortably hot you’re wasting money. Play with the settings and find your tipping point; 115-120 degrees is idea for a nice, hot shower.
• Shower: Cut down daily shower time from 15 to 10 minutes.
• Washer: Wash cloths in cold water (see above)
• Water Heater: Many websites suggested putting an insulation coat around your water heater to reduce heat loss. This is generally the case with older water heaters. Newer tanks do not require insulation. A quick test – if your water heater is not warm to the touch you do not need additional insulation.

Lighting makes up 11% of home energy bills.

• Use task lighting to target work and leisure activities
• Turn lights off in rooms that are not in use
• Use a timer to light a single bulb lamp for a safety light when not at home

Sources: 2005 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 4.2.1., 2003 Energy Cost Data; U.S. Department of Energy

Question of the Month:

Is it cheaper to turn the air conditioning off during the day and let it run full blast for a few hours to cool the house when I get home from work, or to let it run during the day at a slightly warmer setting?

“Mr. Electricity,” Michael Bluejay says, “yes.”

Leaving the AC on at a higher temperature while you're away does not use less energy than turning it on when you get home. Why? Heat goes to where it's not. With the AC off, your house will absorb heat from outside, but at some point it will be so hot it can't absorb any more heat. When you come home and turn the AC on it has to remove the accumulated heat once. If the AC is on when you're gone, then your house is constantly absorbing heat because your AC is constantly cooling down the house.

You can learn more by visiting his site: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/cooling.html.

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GivingGrinch.com Newsletter Updates

June 2008: Tips for Air Travel. A few people have asked me where they can find information on airline fees. Here it the link from last month’s newsletter to RickSeaney.com: http://rickseaney.com/domestic-airline-fee-chart/

July 2008: Hypermiling. I know lead foots, it’s not easy. Don’t give up; the benefits extend beyond your pocket book.

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Your Suggestions: Keep them coming: advice@givinggrinch.com. You can find the master list of GivingGrinch.com suggestions on this page: http://www.givinggrinch.com/2.html

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Physiological (Basic needs - food, warmth, water and other necessities critical to our survival).

• Clothing: If you have a choice, choose garments that do not require dry cleaning and save the added cost and nuisance. Suggested by Patricia in San Antonio.

Safety (Our desire for a predictable, orderly world secure from injustice and uncertainty).

• Build a secondary income stream to keep you above water in case of job loss. Realtor, investment advisor, landscaping, “handy man”, jobs you can do, and will enjoy doing on part-time, while also having a full-time job. Suggested by Kristin in Michigan.

• It takes money to save money. Have six months cash to cover expenses in the case of job loss or personal emergencies and you gain the ability to raise your deductable to reduce costs on other necessities like auto or health insurance. S. Nanavati,GivingGrinch.com.

Social (Our desire for belonging and acceptance).

• Easy Upgrade: Car rental agencies rarely stock “economy” sized cars even though they offer them to be price competitive. If you’re travelling light, increase your odds of an upgrade by renting an economy sized car. Suggestion from Walter in Houston, TX.

• Inquire about “kids eat for free” days at your local restaurants. Suggested by Pamela in Houston, TX.

Interview with MoneyReallyMatters.com

Special Interview with guest, Founder of GivingGrinch.com

Hi folks, this week post is going to be an interview from special guest Shreyas Nanavati (MBA, Vanderbilt), founder of GivingGrinch.com, an on line budget and lifestyle advisory service, and the BudgeFree for Life System. He accepted my request in a short notice to talk about his model for you readers.

I met him a week ago and we had an interesting conversation about money, life and budget and so much more. I was so surprised to meet a person who exactly reflected my thoughts on Budgeting and money management ideas. So I wanted him to do an interview with me to share his ideas and introduce to you all about his model.

Vijai>>Shreyas, Welcome and Thanks for talking time for us.

Shreyas>>It's my pleasure vijai.

Vijai>>Let me start by asking you, What made you to come with this Balanced Life - Budget model ?!

Shreyas>>I wasn’t a budget guru until I experienced my job loss. After a few days of sleeping in, I became restless. I created a daily routine that included having someplace to be in the morning – as if I had a job – and I made sure two or three objectives were accomplished daily. The other thing I did was keep a journal of this experience: standing in the unemployment line, attending networking events, sending out resumes, working through my finances, making sure I meet my social and emotional obligations, etc.

One morning I was typing in my journal and the dots connected – without a job I choose to organize my life in a manner similar to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This hierarchy encompassed every facet of life and if broken down into individual expenses it shows us how the money we spend, the money we build and the life we lead impacts our overall well-being.

From this experience, I created the BudgetFree for Life system which became the foundation of my website:

www.GivingGrinch.com: Budget Advice for a Balanced Life.

Vijai>>That is an interesting story.

Can you kindly, explain more about your model for my readers?
Sheryas>>Maslow's Hierarchy categorizes an individual's needs into five levels: physiological, safety, social, esteem and self actualization.

Physiological are basic needs - food, warmth, water and other necessities critical to our survival.

Safety needs represent our desire for a predictable, orderly world secure from injustice and uncertainty. Insurance – auto, home, health are examples of safety needs. So is a professional and financial security.

Social needs emphasize our desire for belonging and acceptance. They can range from participation in organizations (professional clubs, support groups, religious affiliations) to intimate personal relationships (family, friends, partners).

Esteem represents our need to be respected by our self and others; our desire for recognition, to participate in activities - professional or personal - that bring a sense of contribution and self-worth.

With this structure, the BudgetFree for Life system is able to determine how your monetary decisions fit to the hierarchy – what levels those decisions attempt to fulfill. You can read more about it on my website: www.GivingGrinch.com.

Vijai>> It like pyramid system of meeting each levels first to move on to the next level? That means, we never go above the next level if one level is not satsified. Don't you think thats stops you from moving above the ladder?

Shreyas>>That’s not correct. Life is not this black and white. It’s true, Maslow believed lower level needs had to be met before higher levels could be pursued, but I believe fulfillment should occur in unison. Another point I would like to make, the hierarchy is a foundation for a balanced life. This includes, but is not solely focused on wealth. The definition of wealth will vary on an individual basis.

Vijai>>Tell me how is it different from the usual mantra of budgeting we all hear out there?!
Shreyas>>There’s a saying: you can take off the good ingredients off of a pizza and it’s still a pizza, but nobody will want to eat it. The same is true for life – we advocate a balanced life. The hierarchy is a foundation for balance, a philosophical approach that helps you create a budget and a lifestyle to ensure each level is being enriched.

Our approach was unlike anything else I’ve read. It’s simple yet holistic. The pyramid crystallizes an approach to life in a neat and easy to remember system. You don’t have to clip coupons, crunch numbers or learn how to use a general ledger. You can it you want, but you don’t have to. Believe in the system, practice the system and you’ll find ways to reduce expenses and build security without thinking about it, without negatively impacting your lifestyle. The numbers work themselves out.

Vijai>>Really, I might have to try myself and check it out.

Tell me, how can one start savings even they are struggling to meet their needs?! Gimme some examples which you use this model practically in your life?
Shreyas>>You asked a simple question, but I want your readers to understand short-term answers are easy, long term meaningful change requires an understanding and transformation of behavior and habits. Working through the system helps you understanding what your expenses, savings and actions aim to fulfill.

On my website you can download a laundry list of suggestions broken down by categories within each level in the hierarchy:

http://www.givinggrinch.com/2.html .

Now, let me answer your question. Sometimes we find big expenses that can easily be replaced with an alternative activity and still maintain balance. More often it’s a culmination of minor adjustments – finding bits from multiple areas where you are leaking cash. For example, building a social life around experiences – entertaining friends, outings to the park, pot lucks instead of socializing a restaurants or bars. A few other examples:

Physiological: Self auditing your energy and water consumption (see my August newsletter)

Safety: Evaluating the benefits of add on features in many utilities – cell (ringtones, text plans, internet plans), TV (premium versus basic), internet (high speed DSL versus low speed DSL), home phone (caller ID, call waiting, long distance), alarm (ADT versus NextAlarm or other online services), etc.

Safety: Modifying your driving habits (see my July newsletter on how to become a hyper miler).

Social: Developing strategies to fulfill our social needs in a more cost effective manner (visit my website: www.GivingGrinch.com for a list of suggestions).

Esteem: Participating in altruistic pursuits (volunteering, for example) versus the accumulation of high-end material goods.
Another tip, I tell my clients to annualize their expense. For example, a morning coffee at Starbucks is only $3, but annualized it can exceed $1,000/year.

If you visit my BudgetFree for Life page, you’ll see an example at that bottom that can save $1214 from basic utilities without neglecting any of your needs. http://www.givinggrinch.com/8.html

Vijai>> That is some good tips. Do you provide any service to help people get on to this model?!
Shreyas>>Absolutely. I love helping people and I believe a balanced life should NEVER cost arm and a leg. I have a basic package, but each client receives personalized consultations for a very affordable price. You can learn more by visiting my website: www.GivingGrinch.com or email me: contact@givinggrinch.com.

I also write a monthly newsletter. It’s free. No spam. Send me an email I will add you to my list. You can find prior newsletters in two places: www.GivingGrinch.com and www.GivingGrinch.blogspot.com.

Vijai>>Thank you Shreyas for taking time to share and shed some light about your model to our readers.

Shreyas>>Thank you for giving this opportunity to visit with you and your readers.

I hope you had a nice read of this interview and got to know more about this new BudgetFree model. Please go ahead and contact him if you need more information.

Car Talk/Gas Talk

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www.GivingGrinch.com

BudgetFree for Life!

Editor: Shreyas Nanavati

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Word or PDF Version, click here: http://www.givinggrinch.com/2.html

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Car Talk/Gas Talk

We’re spending more and driving less: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-19-drivingless_N.htm. Every day I see a new article on how to reduce gas consumption. I sifted through the suggestions and put a few to the test. Here are some safe, simple and cost effective do-it-yourself solutions to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing your standard of living.

Actionable

1. Keep tires properly inflated. According to fueleconomy.gov under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 2% through increased friction with the road. Edmunds.com puts the number at 5%. Either way, it’s a quick and easy fix with an added benefit of improved vehicle safety and longer tire tread life.

2. Replace your air filters every 15,000 miles (more often if you frequently drive on dirty roads). Your air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of the engine. Not only will replacing a dirty filter improve gas mileage by up to 10%, it will protect your engine. Don’t know how? It’s easy! Watch this video: http://video.about.com/autorepair/Replacing-Air-Filter.htm.

3. Remove excess weight from your car. Stop using your trunk for storage and you will improve fuel efficiency 2% for every 100 pounds of loose weight.

4. Keep windows shut while driving on highways. When driving in town the A/C is a efficiency killer, but close your windows on highways or an increase in drag will reduce fuel economy by 10%.

Behavioral: Be a Hypermiler.

Hypermilers are drivers who exceed EPA estimated mileage on their vehicles by modifying their driving habits. A few simple adjustments can improve overall fuel economy by up to 8% for city and 33% for highway driving. Hypermiling also makes you a safer, calmer and more aware driver. All it takes is a rational head and a patient foot.

1. Cruise (control) on highways: Cruise control cuts down on unnecessary speed fluctuation. It also prevents the tendency to gradually drive faster over long trips. Edmunds.com's measured the mpg for a Land Rover LR3 and a Ford Mustang on cruise control at 70 mph versus driver controlled with fluctuations between 65 and 75 mph. On cruise, the Land Rover got 14% better mileage while the Mustang improved 4.5%.

2. Zero to 60 in 20 seconds? Your car’s engine requires more fuel when you accelerate quickly. In Edmunds.com tests accelerating from zero to sixty in 20 seconds cut fuel consumption for the Land Rover LR3 by 35%, the Mustang by 27%.

3. Coast to Zero: Stop and go driving guzzles gas, especially in city traffic. Avoid it when it’s prudent and you can improve fuel economy by up to 8%. Two suggestions: (1) time lights, don’t floor it on green only to have to stop at the next red and (2) limit quick stop and go behavior by coasting - instead of accelerating - towards a yellow/red light or stop sign.

Test A: Your need for speed

Does hyper-miling mean longer commute times? I tested this concept by making two round trips to my dentist’s office. The round trip journey is 16.2 miles. The route I took included residential, business and highway driving. To face similar traffic congestion, I left at 1215PM on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Trip A (a.k.a. the rabbit), I drove aggressively. Trip B (a.k.a. the turtle), I hypermiled.

Results: Trip A (rabbit) took just over 29 minutes while Trip B (turtle) completed in 30 minutes, 20 seconds. A minute difference, but the turtle was safer and cheaper. Another plus, I was less agitated by stop lights and slow drivers. Traffic and stops are the great neutralizer. Simply put, saving a minute is not worth the added financial and emotional costs.

Test B: How much can hypermiling really save?

I only fill up once every 2-3 weeks. About 90% of my driving occurs in town so my fuel efficiency is on the low end for my car. I created a log and compared my mpg after two fill-ups. For the first fill up I drove normally and averaged 17.8 mpg. For the second, I hypermiled and averaged 19.3 mpg, an 8% increase! Annually this amounts to about a $150 savings. Not much, but I’m driving safer and smarter while saving a few dollars without any sacrifice.

How about you? According to Cambridge Energy Research the average American drives 13,600 miles per year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined the average mpg of vehicles sold is 24.7. Test these numbers:

Assumptions:

Average annual miles: 13,600

Average mpg: 24.7

Driving Conditions: 50/50 city/highway = 20% improvement in fuel economy by hypermiling

Average hyper mpg: 29.65

Cost per gallon: $4

Results: $383 annual savings!

Number of Gallons Used Annually: 550 (13,600/24.7)

Annual Cost = $2,200 (550 gallons x $4 per gallon)

Number of gallons hypermiling: 458 gallons (13,600/29.65 mpg)

Annual Cost = $1,832 (458 gallons x $4 per gallon)

Annual Savings: $363 ($2,200 – $1,832)

Find out your savings: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/findacar.htm

In closing, if you live for the thrill of the ride, it won’t be easy becoming a hypermiler, but try, it’s really not that difficult.

TIPS

Physiological (Basic needs - food, warmth, water and other necessities critical to our survival).

Two food and beverage tips from Kristin in Michigan:

1. Make a week’s worth of lunches on Sunday and put them in a spot in the refrigerator that you can grab and go. For example - a sandwich (ham lasts a week), yogurt, carrots, and an apple (or other fruit) are easy to transport, won't go bad sitting and won't smell up the office when you eat it

2. Take tea bags or instant coffee bags to work. All you have to find is hot water to get your caffeine fix.

Three tips to reduce water consumption:

1. Water your grass at night when evaporation and wind minimize water waste

2. Cut shower time in half (sing elsewhere)

3. Turn off running water when brushing or shaving

Safety (Our desire for a predictable width='100%', orderly world secure from injustice and uncertainty).

Reliable transportation is a safety need. Here are four tips to reduce transportation expenses:

1. Car pool
2. Public transportation
3. Bike to shorter distances
4. Minimize trips by grouping your errands

Social (Our desire for belonging and acceptance).

It’s summer time; spend your weekends enjoying many free events your area has to offer: public festivals, free concerts in the park, etc. Submitted by Andy Sarasota, FL.

Travel Tips

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www.GivingGrinch.com

BudgetFree for Life!

Editor: Shreyas Nanavati

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Word or PDF version, click here.

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May Newsletter Redux: The Wall Street Journal recently discussed the book “Bottlemania: The Marketing of Thirst,” by Elizabeth Royte. It supports what we discussed in our May Newsletter. Here is the link.

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For the summer newsletters we’re going help off-set the raising costs of travel and transportation and improve your overall experience.

June 2008: “Balanced” Travel Tips

1. Trip Research: Online or check out travel books from your local library.

2. Hotels: Before making a bid, compare notes with other Priceline or Hotwire shoppers at http://www.biddingfortravel.com/ or http://www.betterbidding.com/

3. Consider Renting an apartment at your destination: More space, a fully functional kitchen and the feeling of being at home away from home…perfect for family or couples.

4. Passport Photos: Instead of paying $15-20 for “professional passport photos,” use your digital camera. Take several picks up against a neutral backdrop, select the best 2x2 of your face and print/cut the quantity you need.

5. Packing for Travel: Avoid baggage check fees by packing light. Coordinate your outfits and shoes so you can mix and match. For those with children consider (a) buying diapers upon arrival (b) bringing disposable bibs that cover outfits to prevent frequent change and (c) packing disposable toys to occupy your child’s attention. Suggested by Kristin in Michigan!

6. Airport Transport: Compare the cost of taxi, shuttle, bus services and airport parking before choosing your mode of transportation to and from the airport.

7. At the Airport: Bring an empty water bottle; after security fill it up at the food court water/soda fountain. Good for the pocket book and the environment. Suggested by Kanak in Michigan!

8. Local Transport: Buy local transportation passes in bulk if you’re going to use the service frequently. Consider staying next to a local transport hub for quick and cheap access around town.

9. Overnight Travel: In Europe overnight trains with sleeper accommodations more than offset a hotel night, it actually gets you to your destination while you sleep.

10. Staples: Instead of room service, visit a local grocery store and stock up on water, foods, snacks and drinks saving time and money. Suggested by Kristin.

11. Museums for Less: If you’re not a museum buff, drop right before closing time. Many are free the final 30 minutes.

12. Communications: Use internet cafes or public libraries to communicate to avoid over-priced hotel internet services or international calling fees.

13. Drink for Less: Beers, not spirits. A local beer carries the pride of a region…unless you’re in a vodka producing nation (than drink vodka). For those with children, stock up on libations at the local grocery store so Mom and Dad can have a drink after the kids doze off. Suggested by Kristin.

14. Less (foreign) Change: Get rid of extra foreign currency by paying as much of your hotel bill with your remaining local currency before using your credit card.

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How about some of your ideas? Drop me an email at: advice@givinggrinch.com

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Advice from our Readers:

Physiological Tips

When buying furniture, U-Haul rental costs $19/day versus $100 for home delivery. Suggested by Niki in Houston!

When looking for an apartment always ask for specials and waived application fees. Also, apartments without “views” tend to cost less. Suggested by Niki.

Safety Tips

Electricity: In many states competing energy companies charge different rates to attract customers. The delivery of energy is regulated so it doesn’t matter who you buy from, but the price difference can really add up. Suggested by Niki.

Social Tips

Gifting Giving suggestions from Kristin:

a. When you see a good gift idea on sale purchase it and put it in a dedicated area so you can 'grab and go.' Keep good re-gifting items, but post a note so you know where the gift originally came from.

b. Buy $1 cards for every occasion and keep them in a box (in the gift closet). Write out a full year's worth of birthday cards every January and keep them organized by date.

c. Reuse gift bags

Dining out? Look for BYOB (Bring your own bottle) restaurants. They charge a small corkage fee (for beer or wine), but you’ll always come out ahead. Suggested by Niki.

Water Consumption

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www.GivingGrinch.com
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A Giving Grinch Commentary: Give back to Mother Nature (and your wallet)

I never understood the stigma against tap water. I grew up drinking from a faucet, most of us did. Today people pass up drinking fountains for a $2 bottle of… Dennis Miller once noted “Evian spelt backwards is Naïve,” and I think he was onto something.

Last year, in America alone, we spent over $11 billion on bottled water. What is the cost of this once free resource? According to http://www.thegreenguide.com/, it costs 1.5 million barrels of oil annually to produce the over one million bottles of water we consume daily takes and every year over 22 billion empty plastic bottles wind up in the trash.

Don’t misunderstand; I grew up in a corner of God’s country free of industry and pollution and water tasted like water should. These days I live a large metropolitan area and the tap water tastes of the urban environment. Still, there are win-win solutions. Consider home filtration products, like PUR, Brita or your refrigerator water filter (replace it annually and the water tastes great). Not only is it a cheaper solution for you, it is better for environment.

This just in, research has proven that we really don’t need to drink 8 glasses of water a day. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/health/article3574829.ece

I’m not trying to be preachy; I drink bottled water from time to time, it has its time and place, but hopefully this column makes financial and environmental cents of the matter.

And now, some of your suggestions…

Physiological Tips

• Use a power strip to turn your devices on/off when not in use. Suggested by Shefali in NYC!
• Close walk-in closet and bathroom doors when heating/cooling rooms. Suggested by Sonali in Bangkok!
• Let dishes in the dishwasher air dry instead of heat dry. Suggested by Sonali in Bangkok!
• Keep your freezer full (an empty freezer uses more energy to remain cold than a full one. Suggested by Kaen in Bangkok!
• Shop at discount, outlet or big box (Costco, Sam's) stores for your basic clothing needs (T-shirts, socks, etc). Submitted by Shefali in NYC!
• Purchase non-perishable items in bulk (or when on special). Suggested by Clarence in NYC!
• Use mail-order drug providers (ExpressScripts, MedCo) for routine prescription refills. Submitted by Sonali in Bangkok!

Safety Tips

• Study your employers benefits, many offer insurance (life, disability, etc) up to one year's salary (or longer) for a deeply reduced fee. Submitted by Sonali in Bangkok!
• Request periodic job reviews to know how you stand with your employer. Submitted by Shefali in NYC!
• If your company is experiencing trouble, stay ahead of the game by networking, looking for alternative employment opportunities. Submitted by Sonali in Bangkok!

Social Tips

• Make your own gifts (jams, jewelry, knit-wear, etc)! Submitted by Sonali in Bangkok!
• If you have friends in common, go in on a gift together; usually you can give a nicer gift for less by splitting the cost. Suggested by Saheli in San Francisco!
• Visit your library to quench your reading, movie and music fix. Submitted by Clarence in NYC!
• Don’t shop to curb your stress – exercise instead. Submitted by Nick, NYC.
• Shop for trendy clothes during the off-season for a deep discount (winter clothes after Christmas, summer clothes in the Fall). Submitted by Sonali in Bangkok!