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	<title>Pic-A-Group.. &#187; Budgeting</title>
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	<description>Free articles about getting the most from financial institutions</description>
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		<title>Cutting Water Expenses</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2009/05/09/cutting-water-expenses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2009/05/09/cutting-water-expenses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 10:23:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/?p=191</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most used utilities in our house is water. All the showers, laundry, cleaning, and drinking really add up and it shows when the bill comes every month. So, you ask, how can I easily cut back the expenses on my water bill? Here are a few easy tips to help you out… [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most used utilities in our house is water. All the showers, laundry, cleaning, and drinking really add up and it shows when the bill comes every month. So, you ask, how can I easily cut back the expenses on my water bill? Here are a few easy tips to help you out…</p>
<p>Try to do full loads of laundry. A typical full load usually uses about 21 gallons of water. A small load uses 14 gallons. Several small loads use considerable more water than one or two large loads. Over the course of a year, this can add up to a savings of about $25-$125/year.</p>
<p>Similarly, run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Allow the dishes to air dry instead of using the heat cycle. Try to place dishes appropriately in the washer so that they get cleaned appropriately. This will prevent having to re-wash some dishes because they are still dirty. An average dishwasher costs about $60 to $100 per year to run. By waiting to clean until it is full, you can save from $35-$55/year.<span id="more-191"></span></p>
<p>Always try to fix running toilets or leaky faucets promptly. A continuously running toilet can use more than 8,000 gallons of water a year. This can generate from $25-$125/year.</p>
<p>Install flow restricting shower heads. A family of four can save 8,000 to 12,000 gallons of water a year from this simple change. You will not only save on the cost of water, but also the cost of heating it.</p>
<p>Add fabric softener to your laundry at the appropriate point in the cycle instead of adding a the end and rinsing clothes again, which can use up to 10 extra gallons of water. Figure out how much time it takes for the washer to reach the rinse cycle, and set a timer so you can add softener at the right time.</p>
<p>Rather than always using hot water in your laundry, use warm or cold water for washing clothes, and always rinse in cold water, which can save you around $50/year.</p>
<p>Making these little changes adds up to a big difference overall. You’ll be pleased to see your bills decreasing instead of going up each month!</p>
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		<title>Get Help with Your Credit Cards</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2009/05/02/debt-settlement/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2009/05/02/debt-settlement/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2009 11:38:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/?p=275</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes, debt can get out of hand, especially credit cards. Our letterboxes get crammed full of offers to extend our credit limits, just by signing a piece of paper, or making a phonecall, it can seem that more and more credit can be easily extended to us.. often way past our means to pay it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, debt can get out of hand, especially credit cards. Our letterboxes get crammed full of offers to extend our credit limits, just by signing a piece of paper, or making a phonecall, it can seem that more and more credit can be easily extended to us.. often way past our means to pay it back.  Luckily, there are folks like Franklin Debt Relief who can offer us the <a href="http://www.franklindebtrelief.com">credit card debt help</a> we need.</p>
<p>many companies say they can help.. but often this involves adding extra debt to your mortgage to pay off the credit cards.. Frankiln are different because they offer <a href="http://www.franklindebtrelief.com">unsecured debt relief</a> to help you <a href="http://www.franklindebtrelief.com">get out of debt</a>.</p>
<p>Why not give them a call and find out how you can be debt free in as little as 12-30 months, and how to lower your debts by up to 50%.  They can help you make one simple, low monthly payment, and their services are backed by a Money Back Guarantee on Service Fees.  This all adds up to good financial sense!  Debt can feel like a weight on your shoulders, but it doesn&#8217;t have to with Frankln Debt Relief.</p>
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		<title>Save on Insurance</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/07/27/save-on-insurance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/07/27/save-on-insurance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:53:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/?p=193</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Insurance is one of yet another expense that can really add up to some big payments every month. Here are a few ideas to help save you some money on your insurance plans. Ask your insurance agent how much you can save by raising the deductible on your auto collision insurance. Often, raising the deductible [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Insurance is one of yet another expense that can really add up to some big payments every month. Here are a few ideas to help save you some money on your insurance plans.</p>
<p>Ask your insurance agent how much you can save by raising the deductible on your auto collision insurance. Often, raising the deductible from $200 to $500 can save you 10%-30%. If you have a good driving record, you could really benefit from this.</p>
<p>Always be sure to notify your insurance company of all the safety features that may be overlooked, but could qualify you for discounts on auto or homeowner’s insurance, such as automatic seat belts, air bags, or smoke detectors in your home.</p>
<p>Tell the insurance company if you are a non-smoker or non-drinker, which can result in some additional discounts.<span id="more-193"></span></p>
<p>Shop around for insurance. If you’re getting good service from your company and are happy with the rates, you may want to stay with them. But, if not, shop around to see how much you can save, then decide if the savings are worth the switch.</p>
<p>Consider combining you auto and homeowner’s insurance under one policy. Many insurers give discounts for multiple policies.</p>
<p>If you have a high school or college student under 25-years old in your household, ask about the ‘good student’ discount for auto insurance. If your student qualifies, you could save 25%.</p>
<p>Avoid speeding tickets or moving violations. Many insurance companies give a discount of up to 20% if you have not had an accident or ticket for three years or more.</p>
<p>Before buying a new car, ask your insurance agent whether the model you are considering will require a surcharge due to higher theft, damage or repair costs.</p>
<p>Finally, if you drive an older car, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage (not liability coverage). Collision coverage is required if you have a car loan, but for older cars that you own, weight the car’s book value against your collision premiums. If your car is over five years old or is worth less than $1000, keeping this coverage may not be worth what you’re paying in insurance premiums.</p>
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		<title>Saving on Electricity</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/07/27/saving-on-electricity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/07/27/saving-on-electricity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:53:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/?p=190</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the expenses that can really start to add up in your home is the utilities, specifically electricity. Often we neglect to realize that we have control of how much this costs us each month. Just making a few changes can really impact your electricity bill each month. It might take a little more [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the expenses that can really start to add up in your home is the utilities, specifically electricity. Often we neglect to realize that we have control of how much this costs us each month. Just making a few changes can really impact your electricity bill each month. It might take a little more energy or using an extra blanket, but keep in mind how much you will be saving. These minor changes will really add up.</p>
<p>Firstly, install the new type of fluorescent bulbs in lights you leave on for extended time periods. They provide about four times as much light and last times longer than incandescent bulbs. This can add up to a savings of about $10-$50/year.</p>
<p>Try lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to between 110 and 120 degrees. It’s not necessary to have it any hotter and wastes energy. Cut back on the long, hot showers, this can really add up.<span id="more-190"></span></p>
<p>Find out if your utility company offers free energy audits, where they inspect your home for energy effectiveness and recommend inexpensive ways to cut energy costs, such as insulating hot water heaters, weather-stripping, etc. Just insulating your hot water heater could save you $25 a year.</p>
<p>Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in winter and no lower than 78 degrees in summer. Turn your heat down even further at night and when you’re not home (unless you have a heat pump, which operates more efficiently at one consistent setting). Each extra degree in winter can increase heating costs by 3%. In summer, each degree can raise cooling costs by about 6%. This can add up to about $325 to $500/year.</p>
<p>Try to cut back on the use of your clothes dryer. Not only is it a big energy drain, it can also suck heated air out of your house very quickly in winter. Hang clothes outside or on a clothes rack to dry and use the dryer for towels and other heavier items. This will amount to a savings of around $25-50/year.</p>
<p>Finally, when cooking up a meal, use your microwave when possible instead of your over, which can save up to 50% in energy costs for cooking. There is a potential savings of about $50/year.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Bankruptcy laws</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/06/16/bankruptcy-laws/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/06/16/bankruptcy-laws/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:52:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/06/16/bankruptcy-laws/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are not up to date on the latest Bankruptcy laws, never fear! You can get the help you need by checking out attorney Timothy McFarlin and his most informative website. Mr McFarlin is one of the top Bankruptcy lawyers California, and he has all the experience needed to safely steer you through tis [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are not up to date on the latest <a href=http://www.mcfarlinlaw.com>Bankruptcy laws</a>, never fear!  You can get the help you need by checking out attorney Timothy McFarlin and his most informative website.</p>
<p>Mr McFarlin is one of the top <a href=http://www.mcfarlinlaw.com>Bankruptcy lawyers California</a>, and he has all the experience needed to safely steer you through tis difficult time in your life without judgment or questioning your integrity.  His law firm understands that circumstances, most often totally beyond your control, can lead you to situations you would not have elected to put yourself in. </p>
<p>The firm can even help with <a href=http://www.mcfarlinlaw.com>Loss mitigation</a> if you find that you don&#8217;t need a bankruptcy after all.   Many people think they need to become bankrupt to deal with their unserviceable levels of debt, but that isn&#8217;t always the case.  You may find that simply restructuring your finances with some help from a trained professional makes all the difference.  Why not check out the site today, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Saving Money on Car Maintenance Costs</title>
		<link>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/03/22/saving-money-on-car-maintenance-costs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/03/22/saving-money-on-car-maintenance-costs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:27:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Budgeting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.picagroup.org/index.php/2008/03/22/saving-money-on-car-maintenance-costs/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today a growing expense which we often forget to budget enough money for is gas and driving. As gas prices increase, we need to be more aware of our driving practices and gas consumption. Otherwise, the costs will soon add up, and your budget will be a disaster. Stick to these few ideas to help [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today a growing expense which we often forget to budget enough money for is gas and driving. As gas prices increase, we need to be more aware of our driving practices and gas consumption. Otherwise, the costs will soon add up, and your budget will be a disaster. Stick to these few ideas to help cut driving costs.</p>
<p>Car pool to work. By sharing the driving with just one other person in a 20 mile trip (both ways), you could save about $200 a year in gasoline alone. Sharing the driving with 2 others increases the savings even more. Savings will vary depending on the length of your commute. You will also save on maintenance costs and the wear and tear on your car, all totaling a potential savings of between $400 and $700/year. Carpooling also reduces annual gas mileage on your car, which reduces the risk of accident. Insurance companies may charge you less for your coverage because of this lowered risk.</p>
<p><span id="more-192"></span></p>
<p>Wasteful driving habits can double your fuel consumption, so try to develop some gas-saving habits. (1) Always accelerate gently; (2) watch traffic ahead of you so you can anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops; (3) cost up to traffic jams by lifting your foot off the gas pedal instead of approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more gas to accelerate to normal speed from a full stop than it does from four or five miles per hour; (4) don’t drive too fast or too slow. It takes 20% to 30% more gas to drive at 70 mph than 50 mph; (5) maintain a steady speed on the highway. Avoid getting stuck behind slow cars where you have to slow down to their pace and then speed up to pass.</p>
<p>Don’t warm your car up by letting it idle. The engine will warm up faster when driving than it does when idling. Additionally, idling wastes about a quart of gas every 15 minutes.</p>
<p>Save fuel by combining errands into one trip and avoid backtracking whenever possible. Discuss with other family members when they will be going out, so you can coordinate with them.</p>
<p>Stop being lazy…pump your own gas. Self serve gas is usually 5% to 10% cheaper than full serve, which can really add up to some savings.</p>
<p>Don’t ‘top off’ the tank when pumping gas. Some of the gas may end up overflowing when it expands in the sun or if you park on a hill.</p>
<p>Change one thing at a time and you’ll see a difference in the size of your wallet over the course of a year!</p>
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