A Cheap and Easy Solution for Window Heat Loss and Condensation

Nasty! Click to zoom in...

This week the temperature outside has plunged into the single digits, and it will be about -10º f. tonight. Along with the cold weather comes a reoccurring problem: condensation on my patio door windows. As you can see in this photo, its not a minor problem. It's caused mildew and mold on the bottom of the frame. It shouldn't even be happening, since my house is "Energy Star" rated, and built just 3 years ago. Money is tight these days so there is nothing in the budget for a replacement door: though that's coming. Seeking an inexpensive solution until money falls out of the sky for a replacement door, I tried one of those plastic shrink wrap window kits last year. And the result? MASSIVE FAIL. I had to buy 2 long window kits, and the tape included wouldn't stick from the start, even though I cleaned and dried the entire door. After just a few days, the plastic started falling off. I had wasted several hours and about $10.

This year, I started searching the internet for another solution, and discovered a trick that works like a charm, costs very little and can be done in minutes. The answer is a spray bottle of water and bubble wrap. Here's how it's done:

Chase Screws Their Loyal Customers - Again

Just a brief post to share the notice Chase Banks sent their loyal checking customers regarding fees for their checking accounts. Chase has decided that if you don't make a SINGLE direct deposit of $500 every month, they will charge you $12. Note that it is a SINGLE deposit of $500, weekly or bi-weekly deposits of $499 don't count. So they've effectivly killed their free checking accounts.

Rather than type in all the BS on their notice, here's some scans that explain exactly HOW they plan to stick it to you, and the limited ways you have to avoid the fees.

Default: The Student Loan Documentary

Default: The Student Loan Documentary is a 27 min. long documentary chronicling the stories of borrowers from different backgrounds affected by the private student lending industry and their struggles to change the system.

In 2005 private student loans were exempted of ALL consumer protections. No matter when their loans were taken, many borrowers now find themselves in a paralyzing predicament of repaying two, three or multiple times the original amount borrowed, with no bankruptcy protection, no cap on fees and penalties and no recourse to the law. The consequences are dire, with stories of borrowers in financial and emotional ruin.

Student Loans Make Education Affordable.. Or Do They?

Have you ever wondered why college costs have risen at twice the rate of inflation, and four times the the rate of wage growth? I'm not a big fan of conspiracy theories, but this is no theory. These are the facts the government doesn't want you to know about. In another post I'll be sharing a few tricks and tips I learned about surviving college without a crushing debt during my college years - and more I learned after.

From http://www.collegescholarships.org/:

How the US Government and Colleges have caused rampant price increases in tuition and abused students.

"Genuine Imitation Pasteurized Process Cheese Food Product Substitute"

Ah, Cheese. I love good cheese: give me some aged extra sharp cheddar, the kind that bites back when bite into it. Steven Urkel ain't got nothing on me! The USDA says that a serving of cheese is roughly equal to the size of 2 dice. I agree - the size of 2 "fuzzy dice" that hang from a rear view mirror.

(This could explain my high triglyceride levels)

But I digress. What I really want to piss and moan about here is the desecration of cheese. Specifically, American Process Cheese; but also cheese in general.

Discounted Shave and a Haircut.

  While not as cheap as "Two Bits", and also not including the shave, I no longer pay more than $4.25 for a haircut. This is pretty cheap, considering the local clip joint charges $13.00, plus tax and tip. Oh, yea, they sometimes have a sale and I'll go to them, but I haven't been to see them in 6 months.

 The secret to getting your hair done for this price is...

The Fleecing of the American Consumer

If you haven't noticed it yet, I'd like to point out a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common.
DOWNSIZING.
No, I'm not talking about corporate downsizing, where companies cut staffing, although it is corporations that are doing this downsizing. I'm referring to the act of decreasing product sizes while the price remains unchanged.

Kmart is having an AWESOME clearance!

Check the date: this is an old post, and no longer relevant.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Our local Kmart (Logan Utah) is having a clearance. 20 to 50 % off the lowest marked (already on clearance) price. I just bought a $4.98 pair of sneakers, reduced from 24.99. They do this every year to make room for Christmas inventory. I've gotten Levi's Jeans for $5, shorts for a buck, kids complete outfits for a few dollars.  

Your Kmart may or may not be doing it, but its worth checking out. Your mileage may vary. And don't forget, if you buy something you don't really need just because it's a bargain, it really wasn't a bargain, was it?

A Cheap Sniveling Tool Kit, Part 1

As a Cheap Sniveler, I have discovered that having the right tool, and knowing how to use it, can save me huge amounts of my hard earned money. Whether it be saving an appliance from the trash (what would it cost you to replace it?) doing a home improvement project (what would a contractor charge?), or changing your own oil, (about $30 on up if your mechanic does it) buying tools and maintaining a tool kit is defiantly an investment that will pay for itself many times over. Besides that, if you are reading this blog, there will be some money saving projects here that you can do. Even if you are convinced you can't fix anything, even if your the type would rather pay someone to do it for you, you should always own at least some basic tools. Even if its only 2 screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, and a hammer, it is worthwhile to have tools around. If you're not handy with tools, you may have a friend or family member who, upon seeing your half finished project, will declare "I can fix that!"

Announcement!

Most television related articles from this point forward will be posted at Cache Free TV and DTV USA Forum. I will post links to relevant articles from this blog, as well as my other blogs: if you are seeking free TV information, you can visit Cache Free TV .

This will allow me to focus on other ways to save money on this blog.

The "Secret" for Getting FREE HD TV

The "Secret" for Getting FREE HD TV.

 Ready?

Put a TV antenna on your roof, in your attic, or on a wall. Aim it toward your desired stations, and enjoy.

Huh? That’s it? Hey, I know what you're thinking. "My grandfather had an antenna. He got 4 stations and bad reception. That’s why we pay for TV now - more channels and HDTV. Besides, do they even do that anymore?"

This is NOT your grandfather's Antenna TV!

True cost of Pay-TV

The True Cost of Pay TV

*fine print: AFTER THE 6 MONTH PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, COMCAST’S REGULAR CHARGES APPLY UNLESS SERVICE IS CANCELLED. SERVICE MAY BE CANCELLED BY CALLING 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast’s current monthly service charge ranges from $56 to $62 for Digital Starter, $72 to $78 for Digital Preferred, and $105 to $130 for Digital Premier, depending on area. Limited to service to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. May not be combined with other offers. Certain services are available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at the time of purchase. Converter and remote required to receive certain services. HD choices include HD channel lineup and HD programming available from Comcast On Demand. Choices and availability may vary by market. Call Comcast for full details and restrictions. DVR service may require a deposit. DVR service requires an additional monthly DVR service fee. Number of recording hours varies by model. Please call your local Comcast office for restrictions and complete details about service, prices and equipment. Comcast ©2010. All rights reserved. HD choices based on a comparison of satellite’s HD channel lineup to the combination of Comcast HD channel lineup and Comcast HD programming available On Demand.

Sure, that $29.95 offer from the pay TV sevices looks inviting.
But once the "promo" expires, whats it really going to cost you?