Take a #TechFree15 minute break to protect your devices

Are you reading this article on your smartphone, tablet or laptop? There is a good chance you are, as more and more of us are doing everything from reading the news to ordering a supermarket shop to putting the kettle on via our devices.

The average Brit spent two hours and 29 minutes a day on their phone in 2016, according to research by market research firm eMarketer.

But, while you’re checking Facebook or shopping around for a better energy deal, a criminal could be accessing your personal information.

•     10 tips to beef up your cyber security

We’re all so busy using our phones, laptops and tablets that many of us don’t set aside the time to update our software, security programmes and virus protection.

As a result, the government’s Cyber Aware campaign has launched ‘Tech Free 15’ (#TechFree15) to get us all to put our computers or smartphones down for 15 minutes a day and use that time to install the latest software and app updates so we can stay secure online.

A survey by Cyber Aware found that more than a third (38%) admit that we’ve missed what a friend, partner or family member was saying because we were distracted by our smartphone. So, taking a Tech Free 15 break could improve our relationships too.

“We all tend to underestimate the amount of time we spend on our smartphones,” says Honey Langcaster-James, a psychologist and wellbeing expert. “Taking a Tech Free 15 whilst you install your software and app updates and using that time to relax or communicate with loved ones is a starting point and means you can have both a healthy mind and phone.” View the video below for more on this.

Why it’s important to update your device software and apps

Malware is one of the key methods scammers use to get hold of our personal information. It can get onto your computer via dodgy websites, email attachments or downloads. On smartphones and tablets you can also get infected via specially designed apps that contain malware.

Once it has infected your device, malware can give scammers control of your computer or mobile, send out spam emails or scan your computer for personal information.

• Data on mobiles, smart TVs and fitness trackers may be targeted by fraudsters

You also need to be on your guard against spyware that you can accidently install when you click on internet advertising. Spyware scans your computer for personal information or monitors your keystrokes to get passwords.

How to stay up-to-date

The key to protecting all your devices – smartphone, tablets, laptops and desktop computers – is to regularly update your operating system and browser.

Apple, Google, Microsoft and all the other software firms are constantly trying to stay ahead of hackers and scammers by adding patches and amendments to their software’s security systems.

But, unless you keep your programmes up-to-date you won’t get the benefit of the constantly evolving security software. Use your Tech Free 15 time to make sure your operating systems and browsers are up-to-date.

Be aware that many updates on your computer or laptop need a system restart to finish installing. So, when you take your Tech Free 15 break, make sure you switch your computer off or restart it, to make sure it is fully protected.

• Android users: Android smartphones or tablets should automatically check for updates for the apps you use, but sometimes you may be prompted to authorise an update.
• Apple users: Apple devices should prompt you when an iOS update is available. Make sure you keep all your apps up-to-date too. The App Store has an option to keep all apps automatically updated, or you just need to go into the App Store, click on ‘updates’ and ‘update all’. If you aren’t automatically updating apps then a red dot will appear next to the App Store icon when updates are available.
• Microsoft users: On Microsoft you can turn on automatic updates via the ‘Windows Update’ icon.

You also need to keep all your web browsers up-to-date as many of us now use third-party browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, that aren’t included in your operating system’s security updates.

• Google Chrome should automatically update, but you can check if you have the latest version by opening Chrome and clicking on the three vertical dots at the top right. If there is an update it will say ‘Update Google Chrome’ in the menu.
• Firefox is also set to automatically update itself, but you can double check you are up-to-date by clicking on Firefox in the menu bar and then selecting ‘About Firefox’. It will then start checking for updates and prompt you to install any available.

Extra protection for Apple devices

It is very difficult to download a dodgy app on an Apple product as you can only get apps via the App Store, and programmes on there have to pass Apple’s rigorous security checks.

•     17 ways to protect your money online in 2017

Apple also has inbuilt defences in its operating system – iOS – which help protect you from viruses, malware and spyware.

But, you can undo all of Apple’s hard work if you jail break your phone or tablet. This is a process that means you can download apps from anywhere – not just the App Store. This could mean you end up downloading an app designed by criminals that couldn’t pass the tests to get onto the App Store.

When it comes to anti-virus or anti-malware apps, the App Store doesn’t include many as Apple thinks they aren’t necessary. But, if you want to take a belt and braces approach there are a couple of apps to take a look at - MobiShield (99p) and Lookout (free) are the most popular.

Well-known security firms including McAfee and Bitdefender also offer security software for Apple computers. Install one of these to make sure your computer is fully protected from cyber criminals.

Added protection for Android devices

Android is an ‘open’ operating system. This means there are no safeguards in place to protect your data, and anyone can design software that you can then download onto your smartphone or tablet.

In the past, Google didn’t closely check apps on its Play Store, and as a result there were numerous occasions when malware spread via approved apps – 42,000 times in 2014 alone in fact. Google now has an approval process for apps helping users identify trustworthy sources but it’s unlikely to stop all malware.   

• Beat the scammers out to empty your bank account

Another problem for Android users is that as an open system you can download apps from anywhere you like, making it hard to be certain you are putting safe software onto your smartphone or tablet. Hackers exploit weaknesses in software, so the best approach is always to install the latest software and app updates as these contain vital security updates.

The safest way to doubly protect Android devices is with an anti-malware app. The big names in internet security all offer such software starting from free, with AVG, Bitdefender, and McAfee all offering apps via the Google Play Store.

So, if you do anything today, ensure it's taking a Tech Free 15 break to protect your devices. For more information on this and tips on how to protect yourself online, visit the Moneywise hub in partnership with Cyber Aware - Stay secure online: How to be Cyber Aware - and see Cyberaware.gov.uk.  

Please also take a few seconds to fill in the below poll.

Thinking about the article you have just read, how likely are you to install the latest software and app updates?

I already do this and this information makes no difference to me

I already do this but this information makes me more likely to continue to do it

I don’t do this but this information makes me more likely to start doing it

I don’t do this and this information doesn’t motivate me to start doing it

VoteView Results

 

Section

• Scams & rip-offs
• Consumer protection

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• Cyber Aware
• Online
• security
• scams

Related stories

• Stay secure online: How to be Cyber Aware
• 10 tips to beef up your cyber security
• Scam watch: Data on mobiles, smart TVs and fitness trackers may be targeted by fraudsters

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Chipotle Will Thank Veterans and Active-Duty Military With an Extra Burrito

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, but not everyone wants to wait that long to honor our military.

Whether you’re active duty or served in the past, that military ID can get you something we all love: a free burrito.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Chipotle will honor our military with a special buy one, get one free deal.

How Veterans Can Get BOGO Burritos at Chipotle

The offer is good from 5 p.m. to close Tuesday for active-duty military, reserves, National Guard, military spouses, retired military and veterans with a valid U.S. military ID or proof of military service.

The deal is good on burritos, burrito bowls, salads or an order of tacos. It’s for in-restaurant orders only, so don’t go online or use your phone to order ahead.

Other restrictions are pretty basic. One BOGO per military ID. Also, you cannot couple this offer with any other coupons or offers, and the freebie must be of equal or lesser value.

What’s for dinner tomorrow night? Now you know. A burrito. Or two burritos.

Can anyone eat two Chipotle burritos? I would suggest bringing a friend because even if you’re a highly decorated veteran, you probably don’t have what it takes to eat two of those monsters. At least I hope not. Don’t be a hero. Not that kind, anyway.

Grab that military ID, call a friend and make it a Chipotle night. Just make sure your friend pays so you get the free burrito. You’ve earned it.

Tyler Omoth is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder who loves soaking up the sun and finding creative ways to help others. Catch him on Twitter at @Tyomoth.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.

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Love IKEA? You Could Land a Job There During This Week’s Hiring Event

If you’ve been on the hunt for a retail job lately, the last two months have probably been more feast than famine.

Companies like Kohl’s, Toys “R” Us, J. Crew and Madewell have ramped up hiring for the holidays. And big hiring blitzes have come from grocers Aldi and Whole Foods, both of which have held in-person interview days in which they offer hundreds of on-the-spot jobs.

Now, your favorite Swedish furniture retailer is jumping on the hiring event bandwagon.

IKEA is hosting hiring days at nearly 50 of its locations across the U.S. from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. All you have to do is apply ahead of time and walk in for an interview.

Click here to find out what jobs are available at your local IKEA. And be sure to check out our tips on how to stand out at one of these mass hiring events.

IKEA Jobs Offer Plenty of Variety for Potential Applicants

If the mere sight of an IKEA baby wrench sends you screaming for the hills, you should check out The Penny Hoarder Jobs page on Facebook for other opportunities.

But if you’re excited to flex your Swedish language skills on the showroom floor or hang near those delicious (and insanely affordable) meatballs, IKEA likely has a job to pique your interest.

Here’s a sample of some of the positions IKEA will offer during its hiring event:

• Sales
• Food service
• Furniture quality and assurance
• Logistics warehouse
• Pricing and merchandising

IKEA offers health care for employees working more than 20 hours a week, a 401(k) plan, tuition assistance, merchandise discounts and a meal deal. The average minimum wage at IKEA is $11.87 per hour.

So yeah, if you’re all about the blue and yellow, this IKEA opportunity could be a “vinna” for you.

Alex Mahadevan is a data journalist at The Penny Hoarder. He shamelessly pops IKEA meatballs like Tic Tacs. Don’t judge.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.

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Chip and Joanna Gaines Launch Target Line. No, You Don’t Need All 300 Items

Everyone’s favorite HGTV couple Chip and Joanna Gaines launched their new Target line this past Saturday, and yes, the internet is freaking out.

Cue the seasonal burlap, y’all.

Chip and Joanna Gaines’ New Target Line: What We Know So Far

The “Fixer Upper” stars’ Hearth & Hand With Magnolia line features home and lifestyle products that resemble the couple’s notable farmhouse style and includes tables, decor, giftables and seasonal staples.

Aside from being stylish, the Gaineses and Target promise to keep items affordable for the everyday family. Target’s FAQ section says the 300-plus Hearth & Hand With Magnolia items range from 99 cents to $129.99. It also promises that 90% of them will cost less than $25.

Additionally, every purchase from the collection helps the couple’s Magnolia brand donate time and assistance to local communities, as mentioned on the Target brand page. Magnolia will also donate money through its Magnolia Foundation to support organizations involved in orphan care, youth development, family housing and community restoration.

Cute home decor that also fights the good fight? I dig it.

How to Avoid Impulse Spending on the New Target Magnolia Line

We’ve all heard the phrase, “One does not simply purchase only one item at Target.” And it’s true! Oftentimes, you walk in for toilet paper and somehow walk out with a cart full of items you didn’t know you needed.

Although Target is making many of its prices cheaper, all those items do start to add up. Throw this new line from Chip and Joanna into the mix and, well, things can unravel quickly.

Look, I know it’s going to make your home even more chic than it already is and going to help some good causes, but don’t go throwing away all your money at it! Resist the temptation!

Not sure how? No problem. Here are a few tips on how to avoid impulsive spending at Target — or pretty much anywhere for that matter:

1. Make a Shopping List Beforehand

This is one of the easiest ways to avoid purchases that’ll punch your budget right in the gut. Your shopping list will remind you that you’re on a mission to get what you need. If it’s not on the list, don’t buy it!

2. Save for Purchases

You have a grocery budget — if not, here’s how to make one. If you want to add to your home’s atmosphere, make a design budget, and start saving little by little to fulfill it.

3. Wait for Sales

I know, it’s hard to wait. But is there anything more frustrating than seeing something you purchased last week on sale today? Repeat after me: Good things come with time.

4. Check Out the Store’s App

Whether you’re shopping at Target or elsewhere, there’s likely an app for it. Oftentimes, there are discounts specifically for app users. Sometimes, you can even set them up to alert you when the price drops on an item you’ve been eyeing. Use apps to your advantage!

5. Take a Step Back

Yes, literally. If you’re staring at the most fabulous nightstand you’ve ever seen and didn’t plan to buy it, take a step back and refocus. “Psychology Today” calls this the SOS technique (step back, orient yourself with your values and beliefs, do a self-check). It helps clear your mind and remind you what’s more important: that nightstand or your groceries?

Keeping these tips in mind can help you enjoy shopping without breaking your budget — even at Target. Good luck!

Kelly Smith is a junior writer and engagement specialist at The Penny Hoarder. Catch her on Twitter at @keywordkelly.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.

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The Ultimate Guide to Using Instagram Story to Promote Your Business

Your company needs to be active on Instagram.

Establishing a social media presence is essential for businesses to thrive in today’s day and age.

But posting pictures isn’t enough.

You need to take your Instagram strategy one step further and take advantage of posting stories to your profile.

What’s an Instagram story?

If you are unfamiliar, they aren’t complicated to figure out.

Users have the opportunity to upload videos and photos that expire after 24 hours.

Some people think Instagram copied Snapchat with this concept, which to an extent is true.

But regardlesss, I think it’s an efficient and professional way to market your business.

Here are some statistics on what can help you increase engagement:

What can you take away from this?

Use these tips when you’re adding something to your Instagram story.

• Use images with faces
• Include multiple hashtags
• Tag your location
• Use images with people’s faces (yours or someone else’s)
• Be mindful of the time of day you’re posting

Keep this information in mind as we continue to go through different ways to promote your business with Instagram stories.

How to post a story on Instagram

For those of you who haven’t done this before, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to adding stories to your profile.

Step #1: Click on the photo icon in the top left corner:

From your homepage, you’ll see this small camera.

Tap it to proceed.

Step #2: Take a picture, or select one from your camera roll:

From this screen, you’ll have some options.

1. Take a photo
2. Record a video
3. Upload an image from your camera roll
4. Select a video from your camera roll

After you tap on the icon from the previous step, Instagram will access your phone’s camera.

To take a picture, tap on the circle located on the bottom of the screen.

If you want to take a video, hold the button down to record.

You can add a video up to 15 seconds in length.

Furthermore, you can upload previously recorded videos or pictures from your phone’s camera roll by tapping on the small square in the bottom left corner of this screen.

Step #3: Select a format:

You’ve got some options here as well.

• Normal
• Boomerang
• Rewind
• Hands-free

Normal is self-explanatory.

Boomerang creates an image similar to a GIF. Hold down the button for a few seconds, and the clip will play forward and backward continuously.

Rewind plays your video in reverse.

The hands-free option gives you a chance to put your phone down to record a video.

That’s a great option if you’re doing a demonstration requiring both hands.

Step #4: Add a location:

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access these features.

You can tag a location or add other cool effects like the time, temperature, or other stickers.

Step #5: Include some text:

If you want to write on your picture or video, simply tap anywhere on the screen to access the keyboard.

From here, you can change the color of your text as well as the size, angle, and location of it on the screen.

Step #6: Choose a filter, and add it to your story

The filter is optional.

If you want to add certain effects to your photo, swipe left or right on the screen.

Once you’re happy with the way everything looks, simply tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom left corner.

You can continue adding multiple pictures and videos to your story by repeating the process.

Each part of the story will play in the order it’s uploaded.

See how easy that was?

Now, I’ll give you some tips for what to include in your story.

Offer discounts and other promotions

Consumers love to get something at a good price.

Give the people what they want.

It may be the reason why they are following your profile in the first place.

Since stories are posted only for 24 hours, it’s a great opportunity for you to run a flash sale for your followers.

Here’s a great example from Paleo Passion Foods:

This sale can be exclusive to your Instagram followers. Or you can use Instagram as just another channel to advertise an existing promotion.

Try both methods to see what kind of response you’ll get.

You can try using different promo codes to see where your customers are coming from.

Looking at the above example, this company could use a code “LD20” for their email subscribers.

Then, they can compare the metrics from this promotion with those of their Instagram story to see which campaign was more successful.

Take over another account

Reach out to other Instagram accounts related to your brand.

See if they will let you take over their profile for a few hours.

It will give you a chance to reach a wider audience than just your existing followers.

But why would someone let you do this?

You might have to give them an incentive.

If they usually let companies take over their account to promote their personal profile, you can explain why your business is the perfect candidate for their next one.

However, if that’s not something they normally do, you may need to return the favor.

Let them take over your account as well so they can get the same benefit.

Just make sure everything is screened and appropriate before you post it.

You can use other platforms to promote an Instagram takeover as well.

Buffer Social promoted this Instagram takeover on their Twitter page.

It’s a great opportunity for you to get followers from other channels to start interacting with you on Instagram.

Celebrity social proof

Let’s take the profile takeover strategy one step further.

Instead of just posting on another brand’s account or letting them advertise on your profile, you can get a celebrity to take over your account.

If they promote the takeover on their personal account, you can get their followers to check out your profile as well when they view the story.

Plus, this strategy generates social proof.

Here’s an example of how Shopify did this on their story:

Amber Mac is a Canadian television personality.

She has nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram.

By getting her to take over their story, Shopify potentially increased brand awareness with 25,000 new prospective customers.

It’s a great idea.

People will take advice from people they know.

Even though they may not know Amber Mac personally, if she stands behind something, it must be good, right?

That’s the power of celebrity social proof.

Create mini versions of your website content

You can use an Instagram story to promote other pieces of content on your website.

Let’s say you have a blog and you’re trying to get more readers.

Put snippets of the content in your story.

Here’s an example of how Real Simple approached this strategy:

This story shows a sample of what their followers will see if they read the blog.

It teases the viewers and piques their interest.

But they don’t give it all away in the story.

It’s a great technique for increasing click rates and conversions.

Go live

Instagram lets you stream a live video story as well.

Consumers respond well to live content.

It gives you a chance to have a more authentic interaction with your followers.

When you’re live, the viewers have a chance to comment in real time.

Respond directly to those comments, and call out users by name.

It’s a great way for you to increase user engagement.

Do a Q&A segment to encourage lots of comments on your live video.

Once you finish, Instagram gives you the option to keep your video posted as a story for the next 24 hours.

Take them behind the scenes

Show your followers what your business is up to on a daily basis.

Taking people behind the scenes will make them feel as if they have access to exclusive content.

Look at how Happy Socks incorporated this method into their Instagram story:

Viewers got a chance to meet some of the employees.

It shows you’re human.

Nobody wants to support some nameless and faceless brand.

Adding a human element to your marketing campaigns can help customers feel more connected to your brand.

Earlier, I talked about how faces can impact how people feel about an image.

Happy Socks definitely achieves this by showcasing real people in the office.

Encourage user-generated content

UGC can grow your business without you having to put in too much work.

It’s one of my favorite forms of social media marketing.

The key is to get your customers to promote your business for you.

But how do you accomplish that?

Use your story to run a contest.

Create a hashtag, and encourage users to post photos to win a prize.

Look at how Starbucks does this in their Instagram story:

This post will get users to share a photo that has the Starbucks logo on it.

When these posts pop up on the newsfeeds of their followers, they could give someone the urge to buy a coffee from one of Starbucks’ locations.

Overall, it’s a great way to promote brand awareness.

It gets your name and image out there without costing you any money.

Use your story to promote UGC.

Launch a new product

Use Instagram story to reveal a new product to your customers.

You should obviously promote the release on other channels as well, but don’t forget about Instagram.

It will encourage your followers to stay connected and engaged with your brand.

They’ll know that if they continue to follow your profile, they will get instant access to new products.

Look at how Instagram has surpassed Twitter for marketing:

Marketing experts have recognized how powerful Instagram’s platform is.

They are using it to generate profits.

Make sure you’re using all the features to your advantage, and don’t forget to mention new products in your story.

Run a sponsored story

If you’re willing to spend some money on social media advertising, you can create a sponsored story.

The story will appear in your target audience’s feeds.

In 2012, Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion dollars.

If you want to advertise on Instagram, you go through Facebook’s platform.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to running a sponsored story.

Step #1: Select a primary marketing objective:

What’s the goal of your marketing campaign?

I think some of the best options are:

• engagement
• lead generation
• conversions

Consider those choices if you’re having trouble coming up with an objective.

Step #2: Create an advertising account:

Before you can proceed, you’ll need to provide some more information.

Your personal profile may not be the same as your advertising account, so you’ll set it all up here.

Step #3: Focus efforts on your target market:

From here, you can start to narrow down some general information about the consumers you plan to target:

• age
• location
• gender

Narrow your focus based on your brand’s audience.

If your company sells dresses and skirts customized for college sorority girls, you shouldn’t be including men over the age of 65 in this advertisement.

Be specific.

Facebook allows you to include more filters such as:

• demographics
• interests
• behaviors

It gives you a chance to narrow down your audience so that it’s directly related to your brand.

Step #4: Come up with a budget and schedule:

Your budget will determine how often your story gets run as an advertisement.

You can let it run continuously or select certain days to start and stop.

Make sure you compare these figures to your company’s marketing budget before you lock in a rate.

You get charged per impression or by post engagement, depending on what you select.

Step #5: Create your ad:

Select “Ad” from the bottom left corner of your navigation menu to access this screen.

From here, you can choose the format of your story.

For this example, I’ve selected a single video.

Single videos account for 25% of Instagram ads.

That’s it.

Those of you who have some money to spare in your marketing budget can take advantage of sponsored stories on Instagram.

While it’s not completely necessary for all businesses, it’s an option.

Conclusion

If you’re not using Instagram to promote your business, that needs to change right away.

But make sure you’re taking advantage of everything this platform has to offer.

Instagram stories are a great way to promote your brand and generate leads.

There are over 700 million people active on this platform each month.

This number continues to rise each year.

Use your Instagram story to offer exclusive discounts or promotions to your followers.

To increase brand awareness, see if another company will let you take over their account and post.

You can generate celebrity social proof by letting someone with a large following to take over your account as well.

Go live.

It’s one of the best ways to increase user engagement through Instagram story.

Give your followers a behind the scenes look at your organization. This will generate a more personal connection with your brand.

If you want to promote a feature on your website, e.g., a blog, give a preview of that content in your story.

You can also use Instagram story to promote user-generated content or launch a new product.

If you’re willing to spend some money, try running a sponsored story as well.

Do you think you’ll use more photos or videos to promote your brand through Instagram Story?

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Questions About MoviePass, Popcorn, Novels for Younger Kids, Motorcycle Sales, and More!

What’s inside? Here are the questions answered in today’s reader mailbag, boiled down to summaries of five or fewer words. Click on the number to jump straight down to the question.
1. Full time or not?
2. Federal employee health insurance question
3. MoviePass
4. Microwave versus stove top popcorn
5. Freezing child’s credit
6. Pension or investment plan?
7. Budgeting for irregular expenses
8. Reading books to stick
9. Read-aloud novels for younger children
10. Selling off motorcycle
11. Handling self-judgment
12. Screenless Sundays

I say it about twice a year, and I’m going to keep saying it: the switch to and from Daylight Savings Time in the United States is a move that hurts far more than it helps.

There may have been a time in America’s history where it was a good idea to have a clock switch twice a year, but in today’s world, where the vast majority of people have service or information economy jobs, the benefits of the clock switch have nearly vanished.

Instead, we’re left with all of those service and retail and information jobs full of people who are trying to deal with the sudden adjustment in their internal clocks, very much akin to an hour of jet lag. Some handle it just fine, but many do not – they’re off their game for at least a few days every time the clock switches.

Please, Washington, end the Daylight Savings Time switch. Stick with one or the other. I don’t really even care which one you stick with. Just stop the switching.

Q1: Full time or not?

I am in a unique situation regarding my income and health care affordability. If I was to work full time I could not afford to live because of how much health insurance costs at my place of work. My income and family size qualifies me for certain Market Place discounts but I am unable to receive them if I have insurance available through my place of work. By working part time I qualify for government assistance and can afford to live. Working full time I still qualify for government assistance based on income but not based on situation.

Some numbers to help explain. I make $15 an hour putting me at roughly $32,000 a year which qualifies me for Medicaid for a family of 4. Because my work offers me insurance I do not qualify for Medicaid, therefore I have to pay $800 dollars a month for insurance through my work. If I work part time under 30 hours a week I will earn $18,270 based on 29 hours a week. Neglecting taxes for simplicity. After insurance is deducted from gross pay for the year I will only bring home $21,600 for the year, only $3,330 more for 572 extra hours of work. Meaning that I only earn $5.82 an hour for those extra hours. SNAP benefits scale with income so assume food necessities are covered.

I guess my question becomes do I work full time or part time? My wife cannot work due to child care being more expensive than she would earn plus moral reasons. I could obtain 2 part time jobs earning more money while still qualifying for benefits. Part of the reason I am in this predictament is because of health insurance affordability under the ACA only uses single person as a form of affordability and not family insurance.
– Terry

Welcome to (some of) the absurdity of how health care coverage in the United States works. When health care is tied to income thresholds, people are quite often discouraged from working because they make very little money from working additional hours. They’re far better off not working and focusing on home economy (or doing cash-only jobs that don’t get reported on taxes, which happens quite often).

That, honestly, seems to be where you’re at, especially if the insurance at work is comparable in quality to Medicaid (I don’t know the specifics of the plan).

If I were you, and the plan was comparable to Medicaid, I would reduce my hours there and then devote those extra hours to a concerted effort toward greater home economy or to other ways of reducing your costs. It’s very likely that you can save more than $5/hour for 10 hours a week of home economy effort – in fact, I’d virtually guarantee it.

Q2: Federal employee health insurance question

I’m trying to decipher the standard and basic options for Fepblue 2018 coverage. I’m planning a hip replacement surgery. For the life of me I can not figure out which coverage will benefit my pocket more. It’s very convoluted. Where is there a lay mans explanation?
– Thomas

For those unaware, Fepblue is Blue Cross / Blue Shield’s federal health care insurance program.

I spent some time on Fepblue’s website and I was unable to find a definitive answer to your question because it relies greatly on your family’s situation, whether you’re a current federal employee or a retiree, and your larger health situation. My best guess, based on this comparison and the fact that hip replacements usually involve 3-4 days in the hospital and may involve additional work after that, that the standard plan is better for you than the basic plan.

If I were you, I’d go to two resources to figure this out for sure. One, I’d contact Fepblue directly and ask about which plan covers your general scenario the best. Their phone number is 1-800-411-BLUE. Two, I’d contact the human resources officer at your work location and talk to that person, who may have some additional advice or resources for you.

Q3: MoviePass

I anticipated that you would write an article on MoviePass, at some point, since they reduced their subscription rate to $10/month, but I haven’t seen anything about it yet (unless I missed it). MoviePass is a pretty awesome service for anyone who is thrifty and enjoys going to the movies. The service allows you to see one movie each day for a simple rate of $10/month. MoviePass sends you a debit card that pays for your movies. The best part is that your local theater doesn’t lose anything (at least not in the short-term. While it was a slow struggle to get signed up and receive my card, it has been a breeze to use and has saved me and my wife a ton of money. We will see a ton of savings when Oscar/Christmas movie season comes around and I am at the movie multiple times in a week. Typically, we go to the movies at least once a month together, and I usually go once or twice by myself (more frequently in summer and winter). We have always been thrifty, going to cheap Tuesday-night showings and weekend matinees, but MoviePass frees us up to go as much as we want, whenever we want.
– Kevin

My experience with MoviePass is this: if your local theater and theater chain supports it well, then it’s great; if it doesn’t, then it’s not worth the $10 a month.

Over the long run, however, you need to recognize a few things about MoviePass. One key thing is that their primary business seems to be customer data, not movie tickets. Also, they openly admit that it’s not sustainable unless a lot of people buy passes and never use them.

I am hesitant to give MoviePass a full-throated recommendation because of those factors and because they seem to be at war with movie chains, with AMC threatening lawsuits.

The product itself seems to be a great idea, however, and my suspicion is that theater chains – at least the smart ones – will move to a MoviePass-like subscription model where you can buy a pass for X movies per month for $Y and then use that data to help market movies to people.

Q4: Microwave versus stove top popcorn

while there is definitely a convenience factor in preparing microwave popcorn, stove top preparation is quick, easy, cheap, and tastes much better. one can regulate the amount of oil to keep calories down. to cut cost even further, use bacon grease instead of oil. makes a really tender, flavorful popcorn. to make caramel corn, brown sugar and bacon grease make the best! melt the brown sugar in the bacon grease (or oil), place just enough kernels to form a single layer of kernels in the melted sugar/grease (or oil) mixture. when kernels begin to sizzle, place lid on pan and continue to shake the pan back and forth over medium to high heat til the kernels stop popping. remove lid carefully to avoid a steam burn. eat while hot or very warm. costs just pennies per serving.
– Jed

I’m actually mystified as to what the problem is with doing it in the microwave with a glass bowl and some butter already mixed in there.

We just put a bunch of popcorn kernels (like about 1/3 cup) into a glass bowl, add a healthy pat of butter and a bit of salt, put a plate on top to cover it, and then run it in the microwave until there’s a few seconds between pops. That’s it. It always seems to turn out fine to us – not overly dry or anything.

I will agree that buying microwave popcorn bags is a waste of money and there are many ways to do it at home for less, though.

Q5: Freezing child’s credit

I’m a recently divorced woman with a 13-year old son. While I don’t really think my ex would do anything to harm our son’s credit, he’s made a lot of decisions recently that I never thought he’d make either. He’s shown himself to not be the person I thought he was all these years. In light of the recent credit hacks (and after realizing that after 25 years of marriage my ex has all my personal information), I’ve been looking at credit protection options for myself. In my research, I’ve seen several articles about freezing your child’s credit. It looks like a good idea. I want to do all I can to protect my son’s credit as well as my own. However, it seems like I need to provide a lot of information to verify his identity that I do not have to provide to protect my credit. I hesitate to send that information in the mail or to the wrong company. Do you have any suggestions for protecting my child’s credit safely?
– Dee

The method for protecting your credit is to deal directly with the three credit bureaus yourself. Your credit history in the United States is managed by three federally recognized credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. To freeze one’s credit, you need to contact them directly and go through the process for each one.

Here’s where to get started at Experian: http://ift.tt/KL35zX

Here’s where to get started at Equifax: http://ift.tt/1iqjWqU

Here’s where to get started at TransUnion: http://ift.tt/1iqjWqV

They each have a different process to follow, but none of them are too difficult. You can always unfreeze your credit or your son’s credit later.

Q6: Pension or investment plan?

The state of Florida offers a Pension and Investment Retirement plan. I originally chose investment when I became a teacher because I knew I wouldn’t want to teach forever. After 7 years, I left teaching and worked in the private sector with a 401k for 3 years. Now I’m working for a State Agency and wonder if I should use my one time 2nd election to change to the Pension plan. From here on out I believe I’ll be working for the State or University System. The way I understand this is that I’ll probably have to pay some extra or even use my 401k to get caught up in the Pension Plan. Since I already have 7 years with the state retirement system, I only need one more to vest. Is this a good idea? Would I most likely earn more in retirement if I were in the Pension plan? I’m not entirely sure how Pension Plans work.
– Carl

I have a hard time fully recommending that anyone rely fully on a pension plan for retirement. While pension plans aren’t inherently bad, they live under the assumption that the state (or whoever is offering the pension) is never going to change that plan, and over the last few decades, countless pension programs have changed, even when they seemed completely untouchable.

In addition, this article compares the two and seems to indicate that, over the long run, the investment option offers better returns anyway if you’re going to be there for a lot of years. If you’re close to retirement and will just accumulate enough to vest before retirement, then the pension plan may be better, though.

My recommendation, given those things, is to stick with the investment option.

Q7: Budgeting for irregular expenses

With respect to budgeting, do you break out infrequent, yet predictable expenses, such as that once-per-year anti-virus/security software subscription, or do you just lump these into a miscellaneous category?

With the little expenses broken into individual line items, I end up with a virtual-envelope budgeting system….and it’s enlightening to see just how many little bills there are !
– Bill

Personally, what we do is just contribute a fairly large amount to our emergency fund each month, far more than enough to cover our total irregular bills for the year. Then, as an irregular bill comes in, we try to pay it out of the “breathing room” in our budget. If we can’t do it that month, we pull money out of the emergency fund to pay for it.

Because we contribute a lot to our emergency fund, it’s not going to cause our emergency money to go into decline if we use it for irregular bills like this.

In general, for smaller irregular bills, we are able to pay them out of the flex in our budget, but for larger ones (like property taxes), we usually have to tap our e-fund.

Q8: Reading books to stick

Do you have any good techniques for reading books that help the ideas to stick in your head? Feels like whatever I read goes in one eye and out the other lol!
– Dana

I have two different “modes” for reading books. One mode is entertainment, which I use when reading novels and other purely for-fun books. I read pretty fast in that mode and try to just get swept along by the story and characters.

My other mode is enrichment, which is what I think you’re talking about. In that mode, I read a lot slower. As I’m doing this, I usually take notes in some fashion and stop to look up terms and concepts I don’t feel like I fully understand. I vary my exact technique here – for the last several months, my technique has been to add little post-its to the pages as I go for concepts I want to come back to and think about but I still stop for terms and ideas I don’t understand. Then, when I’m done with the book, I’ll give it a day or two, then I’ll pull out a notebook and go back through all of the Post-Its, writing down all of the concepts and my thoughts on them.

That “enrichment” process takes a while, but the ideas stick when I do it. I can remember tons of details and ideas from books that I do this with, even months later, whereas books that I read for fun will quickly fade from memory unless I do something else (like reread them or have lots of conversations about them shortly after I’m finished).

Q9: Read-aloud novels for younger children

I know that you read to all three of your kids at once, and would like some recommendations for children’s novels or series that appeal to a range of ages. My kids are 4 and 7, so I’m looking for something simpler than Harry Potter, for example.

Thank you very much for your writing over the years; I’ve always enjoyed the practical aspects, but find the recent posts on contentment, and spending time / money on the things that you consciously and personally value to be really inspiring.
– Miriam

When our kids were in that age range, we read almost the entire Magic Tree House series to them. I would say that the target age for Magic Tree House books is between the ages of 5 and 6, so it often felt like they were just a hair simple for our oldest child at the time and pretty much right on target for our middle child (our youngest usually had a picture book read to him at that time).

Here’s a list of books that are probably just on the edge of being appropriate right now. Your oldest would likely enjoy all of them; your younger child may have a bit of a challenge keeping up with some, but he/she will be there soon.

Thanks for the compliment on some of my recent posts. Those things have really come from the heart of my thinking recently. The truth is that my best work (in my opinion) for The Simple Dollar comes from subjects that are deep in my heart and mind at the moment, even when they’re not necessarily practical ones. I go through times where I get very into practical things and I tend to write about them more. I don’t know if it’s an early “midlife crisis” or what it might be, but I find myself thinking a lot about the “big picture” things lately and how that ties into the practical nature of my personal finance ideas, so that’s what’s been on my mind a lot lately. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.

Q10: Selling off motorcycle

I have a motorcycle in my garage that I haven’t rode in three or four years. I keep gas in it and make sure it runs every few months by driving it around the block but then I just park it again. Passion is gone, I guess. What’s the best way to sell it?
– Dave

In your shoes, what I would do is talk to others who own motorcycles in the area and ask where they typically look to buy a used motorcycle. Where do people in your area look for motorcycles? That’s where you should go to sell yours.

If you don’t have any local motorcycle enthusiasts, I’d look for a Facebook group and ask there. Try to find a Facebook group for motorcyclists in your area – you can generally find such groups just by doing a Facebook search. Where do people go to buy used bikes in the area? See if the group can tell you (again, start by searching to see if this has already been asked).

Clean up your bike to the best of your ability, then try to sell that bike through whatever channels seem the most popular in your particular area. Peruse those forums to get a sense as to what kind of price to put on your bike, then put it up for sale there.

It’s hard to get more specific than that because you honestly have to go where the buyers go in your area. You’re much more likely to get your bike sold if you’re putting it in front of the maximum number of local eyes.

Q11: Handling self-judgment

How do you handle the feeling of constantly judging yourself? It seems like some of your advice is couched in that where you are constantly judging your impulses and finding yourself wanting. I get caught up in that and it feels like a downward spiral into self-hating.
– Erika

The simplest technique I’ve ever found for solving this is that whenever my thinking moved from simply correcting something I was doing wrong to actually criticizing myself as being generally bad in some way, I consciously stepped back from that and pointed out to myself how ludicrous that mistake was.

Typically, I transition that thinking into noting the things I do well. Everyone does some things well and some things not so well. That does not make you a bad person. That makes you a normal and generally good person. The key is to make sure that when you’re trying to fix flaws – a good thing – that you don’t transition into criticizing yourself on the whole – a bad thing. Look instead at the bevy of positive things about you and recognize that, even though you’re imperfect, everyone is, and you’re a good person on the whole.

Another factor that’s important to me is to remember that my worth is not judged by others. My life’s value is not based on whether someone else approves of what I’m doing. That has far more to do with them and their own life than it does with me. No matter what I do, someone is going to disapprove of it, so why should that fact bother me? It shouldn’t, and it shouldn’t bother you, either. Reflect on that whenever you start thinking about your whole self through the lens of being accepted by others.

Q12: Screenless Sundays

Just sharing a tip of advice that has really helped my well-being over the last year or so. On Sundays, I go completely screenless except for complete emergencies where I have to contact someone. I read actual physical books. I go on walks. I play board games with my kids. I do household chores. I make a nice homemade meal or two. I go to bed at a reasonable time. It’s been a game changer. I feel actually refreshed on Monday mornings.
– Gary

That is a wonderful idea, Gary.

I find that “screen time” has some great advantages, but it has some huge disadvantages, too. It takes away from human interaction, for one. It often leads us into being distracted from the task at hand. It also often just reinforces our beliefs rather than challenging them (I am of the mindset that the best and strongest ideas are ones that are constantly challenged, not ones that are constantly reinforced).

A day without screens once a week is a great way to undo some of the bad parts of screen time and appreciate the many wonderful things about life away from screens.

Got any questions? The best way to ask is to follow me on Facebook and ask questions directly there. I’ll attempt to answer them in a future mailbag (which, by way of full disclosure, may also get re-posted on other websites that pick up my blog). However, I do receive many, many questions per week, so I may not necessarily be able to answer yours.

The post Questions About MoviePass, Popcorn, Novels for Younger Kids, Motorcycle Sales, and More! appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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Cost Benefits of Switching to Solar: A State-by-State Guide

The advantages of solar power and other renewable energy sources are colossal, and arguably necessary for our survival. On solar, the electric grid becomes more efficient and resilient to natural disasters (including hail) and disruptions — not to mention scalable to the 1.3 billion people on our planet living without electricity. On solar, power becomes cleaner, moving us that much closer toward the net zero goal advocated by climate researchers. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Solar costs are falling. In fact, the installed price for residential solar systems is less than half of what it was in 2009 (due in large part to technological and manufacturing advances from cleantech leaders like Tesla, SolarCity, and SunEdison). After installing an 8kW (8,000-watt) solar system, the average American stands to save over $23,000 on electricity in 25 years, which is the average, ever-increasing lifespan of a residential solar system.

The average cost for an 8kW system is $17,700. You might think, “Why should I bother investing that much money if I will only profit around $7,000 over 25 years?” First off, a study by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center found that solar’s value can be a better investment than the stock market. Secondly, these numbers are based on national averages. The cost of installing a system in your area could be lower, possibly thousands lower. Your roof might get way more sunlight, too, which means more power. These are just a few of the many factors to consider.

Most importantly, more and more states are offering their own variety of rebates, tax exemptions, and other incentives that make systems even more affordable — and buying one isn’t the only way to go solar, either. Keep on reading for a complete breakdown of how you could save money with solar and reduce greenhouse emissions, even if you can’t afford a system.

Table of Contents

1. How can I save on a solar system?
2. State-by-state solar breakdown
3. You don’t have to buy a system to go solar
4. Other alternative energy sources
5. A list of state incentive programs

How can I save on a solar system?

It’s a great time to invest in solar. Residential solar systems are more affordable than they’ve ever been, and prices are still dropping. And depending upon where you live, there are several types of incentives that you might be able to take advantage of. The first is something called the solar investment tax credit, otherwise known as the ITC.

How the solar credit works

The ITC is a 30% federal tax credit for residential and commercial solar systems. It’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction in income taxes that would otherwise be paid to the federal government. For example, if you purchase an $18,000 solar system, you’ll get a $5,400 credit on your tax return.

But the benefits aren’t going to last forever. The federal solar tax credit will be reduced in 2020, and by 2022, there won’t be any federal tax credit for residential solar systems at all. Here’s the current ITC timeline:

Year	Federal credit for residential systems	Federal credit for commercial systems
2020	26%	26%
2021	22%	22%
2022 and on	None	10%

As long as you own your system, you can claim the ITC. To do so, complete IRS form 5696 then add your renewable energy credit information to your regular individual income tax return (IRS form 1040).

Many states offer their own line of incentives, too

Only a handful of states currently offer their own tax credits for a solar system (like the federal ITC), but many more offer a variety of incentives that come in a few common formats:

• Feed-in tariffs (FiT)
  A feed-in tariff is a payment that you receive for the solar power that your system produces. That might sound a lot like net metering, but it’s not. FiTs have a separate meter, and the energy produced goes directly into the grid. (In a net metering situation, you’re paid for the excess power produced by your residential system.)
• Rebates
  Solar rebates are awarded by local utility company to help you purchase energy efficient technology or a renewable energy systems. For example, the average rebate might award $400/kW. So if you purchase an 8kW PV system, you’d receive $3,200 to offset the cost of your system.
• Property tax and sales tax exemptions
  Some states offer property and sales tax exemptions for renewable energy systems.

Let’s not forget about SRECs

Every state has a Renewable Energy Portfolio. And in that portfolio is something called a solar carve out: an outline of the state’s goals for the amount of energy produced by solar every year. Utility companies have to meet those goals — let’s say 500MWh a year — and if they don’t, they’re charged a hefty fine for every MWh they’re short.

That’s where you come in. Every time your solar systems produces one MWh (the average 5kW system produces around 5-6 a year), the state will award you one SREC, which you can then sell to utility companies that are running short on their solar quota. As long as there’s a market, SRECs can bring in anywhere from $200 to $400 apiece.

What about net metering?

Net metering is a process that allows homeowners to earn a little cash for excess power produced by their solar panels. Here’s how it works: Your local power company installs a “net meter” on your property that tracks both the electricity consumed by your home and the electricity generated by your solar system. Then, the excess energy produced by your panels is fed directly into the grid. At the end of the month, you receive utility credits that can be applied to your next power bill.

The problem is that net metering is facing a lot of pushback due to market forces and well-funded lobbying campaigns that have convinced many state capitols to cripple their solar incentives and programs. The primary argument is that allowing homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid at retail price is unfair to homeowners who can’t afford a solar system. In fact, Arizona, Maine, Nevada, Hawaii, and Indiana have killed net metering altogether.

As policies continue to change, the future of net metering looks bleak. But if you live in an area that still offers the program, it’s a great opportunity for you to turn excess sunlight into extra cash in your wallet.

State-by-state solar breakdown

There are quite a few variables that come into play when you try to predict how much money you can save on solar, including roof size and shape, state incentives, sunlight potential, and inflation in electricity costs, just to name a few. We evaluated several of the most important data points to find out how much money the average home in each state might be able to save over 25 years with an $11,060 5kW (5,000-watt) solar system. (That’s the national average price for a 5kW solar system after applying the 30% federal solar tax credit.)

Remember: Our calculations are based on state and national averages, like the cost of electricity and amount of direct sunlight available. Your state may offer incentives that shave off costs even more!

Solar Savings Breakdown by State

Potential Energy Savings with a 5kW Solar System

State	Potential Monthly Savings	Potential Yearly Savings	Average Annual Electric Bill	Years until payout*
Alabama	$72.94	$875.32	$1,704	13
Arizona	$90.90	$1,090.83	$1,488	11
Arkansas	$59.97	$719.65	$1,320	16
California	$126.07	$1,512.78	$1,128	8
Colorado	$74.17	$890.03	$996	13
Connecticut	$116.74	$1,400.92	$1,836	8
Delaware	$76.42	$917.06	$1,572	12
Florida	$71.29	$855.52	$1,584	13
Georgia	$72.89	$874.67	$1,548	13
Idaho	$59.92	$719.03	$1,140	16
Illinois	$72.38	$868.54	$1,068	13
Indiana	$57.73	$692.72	$1,332	16
Iowa	$77.80	$933.60	$1,176	12
Kansas	$81.97	$983.69	$1,320	12
Kentucky	$60.91	$730.91	$1,368	16
Louisiana	$58.11	$697.38	$1,440	16
Maine	$73.78	$885.31	$1,032	13
Maryland	$81.10	$973.18	$1,668	12
Massachusetts	$86.56	$1,038.69	$1,428	11
Michigan	$75.98	$911.75	$1,116	13
Minnesota	$65.28	$783.42	$1,104	15
Mississippi	$63.72	$764.58	$1,644	15
Missouri	$60.45	$725.44	$1,380	16
Montana	$58.87	$706.44	$1,068	16
Nebraska	$70.16	$841.86	$1,212	14
Nevada	$69.04	$828.48	$1,392	14
New Hampshire	$94.95	$1,139.46	$1,368	10
New Jersey	$91.02	$1,092.26	$1,320	10
New Mexico	$87.19	$1,046.23	$948	11
New York	$85.64	$1,027.66	$1,332	11
North Carolina	$65.66	$787.91	$1,500	14
North Dakota	$59.12	$709.40	$1,248	16
Ohio	$62.14	$745.71	$1,344	15
Oklahoma	$63.66	$763.89	$1,320	15
Oregon	$56.31	$675.68	$1,152	17
Pennsylvania	$67.90	$814.84	$1,392	14
Rhode Island	$95.30	$1,143.59	$1,368	10
South Carolina	$74.54	$894.48	$1,728	13
South Dakota	$67.39	$808.64	$1,296	14
Tennessee	$49.87	$598.42	$1,536	19
Texas	$72.56	$870.69	$1,632	13
Utah	$73.33	$879.94	$960	13
Vermont	$82.22	$986.60	$1,140	12
Virginia	$62.49	$749.88	$1,560	15
Washington	$34.05	$408.57	$1,044	27
West Virginia	$54.67	$656.03	$1,332	17
Wisconsin	$65.23	$782.79	$1,128	15
Wyoming	$69.64	$835.62	$1,092	14

*We used the national average cost for a 5kW solar system after the federal solar tax credit ($11,060) to calculate the year of payout assuming that the system was purchased upfront, not leased or financed. | Data involved in our calculations was sourced from: U.S. Energy Information Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EnergySage.

Note: If you want to explore all the data that went into these calculations, go here.

Next steps

If you’re ready to reap the benefits of sunlight, it’s time to talk with a solar provider. You should be prepared to answer questions about your average monthly utility bill and your energy consumption, but the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t stop at just one provider. The more quotes you get, the better. In fact, a study conducted by the National Energy Renewable Laboratory found that solar shoppers who get multiple quotes can save up to 10% on the cost of their system.

We asked Ronald Roedel, the director of the professional science masters graduate program in Solar Energy Engineering and Commercialization (PSM-SEEC) at Arizona State University, for some tips on finding the right solar provider. Here’s what he had to say:

“Basically one asks the same kind of questions of any building contractor. How long have you been in business? Do you have all the appropriate licenses? Are you familiar with all the local and NEC building codes? Are your installers certified (NABCEP, for example)? Can you show me examples of your installations? Can I get reviews from your customers?”

According to Roedel, the process differs when it comes to ensuring compatibility between the solar system and the local utility: “The real difference is that the system must meet all electrical requirements for interacting with and connecting to the local utility, and the provider must show the potential purchaser that the system design and construction does this.”

You don’t have to buy a system to go solar

There are a number of reasons that you might not be able to install a solar system on your roof. If you rent or live in a townhome, you probably don’t have control over your roof. Perhaps your roof’s shape or material components aren’t compatible with a solar system. Or maybe your roof gets far too little direct sunlight to justify the investment. Community solar gardens are a solution to this problem, and they’re popping up across the U.S. thanks to new policies and incentives.

How do community solar gardens work?

The average solar garden (or solar farm) includes several thousand solar panels that cover two to three acres, enough to produce power for over 100 homes. Each homeowner who wants to be a part of the community buys or leases some of those panels (usually ten to 20).

The power produced by those panels doesn’t go straight to the home, though; it’s purchased from the local power company and fed into the grid. Homeowners then get a credit for the electricity produced by their panels, which is applied to their monthly power bill.

Contact your local energy provider to find out whether there’s a community solar garden near your home.

Other renewable energy sources to consider

America’s renewable energy boom has only just begun, and relatively few Americans have access to large-scale renewable energy, like wind farms and solar gardens. If that’s you, don’t give up hope — you still have a few options.

Live in a windy area? Why not integrate a residential turbine into your home’s grid? The average system runs about $2,000 and produces up to 2,000 watts — as long as the wind is blowing 20 mph or more. Similar to solar panels and sunlight, turbines are very dependent on the wind, though some can continue to produce power in just 7 mph winds.

If enough water flows through your property, you might be able to utilize a micro-hydropower system. These systems need an exceptionally good flow of water to compete with solar panels, but they have one distinct advantage: They continue to produce power when the sun goes down. (Systems cost anywhere from $400 to $3,000.)

Solar is still one of the best options

Roedel explained to us that one of the most economic alternative energy choices for homeowners is a high-performance battery system: “With the cost of high performance batteries dropping dramatically, the best economic decision for additional alternative energy will be to convert the solar energy system to an integrated solar and battery storage system.”

Nega-watts. Get it?

One of the simplest, but often difficult ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to use less power. Investing in eco-friendly appliances; utilizing a smart thermostat; driving a hybrid; insulating your home; becoming more conscientious about your water consumption — all of these things are great steps in the right direction. For more ways to become a better steward of your environment, visit climatecare.org.

A list of state solar tax credits

Check this list to see if your state offers its own solar tax credit. Remember: State tax credits can be applied in addition to the ITC.

State	State Residential Solar Tax Credit
Alabama	None
Arizona	25% of net costs (up to $1,000)
Arkansas	None
California	None
Colorado	None
Connecticut	None
Delaware	None
Florida	None
Georgia	None
Hawaii	None
Idaho	None
Illinois	None
Indiana	None
Iowa	8% of net costs (up to $5,000)
Kansas	None
Kentucky	None
Louisiana	None
Maine	None
Maryland	$0.0085/kWh on 20kW systems and up
Massachusetts	15% of net costs (up to $1,000)
Michigan	None
Minnesota	None
Mississippi	None
Missouri	None
Montana	Up to $500 per individual taxpayer and $1,000 per household
Nebraska	$0.0005 per kWh for 10 years
Nevada	None
New Hampshire	None
New Jersey	None
New Mexico	None
New York	25% of net costs (up to $5,000)
North Carolina	None
North Dakota	None
Ohio	None
Oklahoma	None
Oregon	$1,500 per kW (up to $6,000)
Pennsylvania	None
Rhode Island	None
South Carolina	25% of net costs (up to $3,500) or 50% of tax liability
South Dakota	None
Tennessee	None
Texas	None
Utah	25% of net costs (up to $2,000)
Vermont	None
Virginia	None
Washington	None
West Virginia	None
Wisconsin	None
Wyoming	None

Source: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).

The post Cost Benefits of Switching to Solar: A State-by-State Guide appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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Here’s How Far a $100 Donation Will Go on 4 Popular Crowdfunding Platforms

Penny Hoarder senior editor Caitlin Constantine didn’t create a Facebook invite for dinner and drinks for her birthday this year. Instead, she started a fundraiser using Facebook Payments for relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island’s infrastructure.

In 11 days, 21 of Constantine’s Facebook friends donated $760 — short of her $2,000 goal, but a significant amount for what she considered to be an easy process.

Compare that with a couple of years ago, when Constantine raised $1,000 for Free to Run, a nongovernmental organization that promotes sports for women in conflict zones. Although she used her blog and social media accounts to promote it, raising that money took months.

Of the $760 she raised for Puerto Rico relief with Facebook Payments, about $716 of it went to the nonprofit.

So, where did the other $44 go?

How Much of Your Donations Do Crowdfunding Platforms Take?

For many, using online platforms to raise money — be it for a cause, medical bills or to start a business — has become a way to quickly cover costs.

But does the convenience they bring mean less of your money goes to your cause?

We looked at four popular crowdfunding methods to find out.

Facebook Payments

If you’re looking for a way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time, Facebook Payments can be a great option.

When you create a fundraising campaign, you have the option to invite your friends to donate and share it on your news feed. You can create campaigns for yourself, a friend or a nonprofit.

The payments are integrated with PayPal, making it easy for people to donate. The payment processor, Stripe, doesn’t deposit donations into the beneficiary’s account until six days after they are received –– and that doesn’t include the time it takes for banks to process the payments.

Donations to personal causes are charged a 6.9% fee plus 30 cents. Fees for donations to nonprofits, on the other hand, range from 5-5.75%.

That means for a single $100 donation to a personal cause, $92.80 goes toward the cause. For a $100 donation to a nonprofit, $94.25 to $95 would go toward it.

According to Facebook’s fundraisers section, all fees cover payment processing, operations and fraud protection.

GoFundMe

Another one of the most popular personal fundraising platforms is GoFundMe. According to its website, the platform has helped people raise more than $4 billion since it launched in 2010.  

According to its pricing page, 5% of donations go directly to GoFundMe, and 2.9% plus an additional 30 cents per donation goes toward processing. Beneficiaries can access donations at any time throughout the campaign.

Based on a $100 donation, about $91.80 would actually go toward your cause.

GoFundMe also advertises that it has no penalty for missing your goal, as well as no deadlines or requirements. The platform accepts major credit and debit cards as forms of payment from donors.

CrowdRise

This platform empowers users to create fundraisers that directly benefit their charity or brand of choice. On CrowdRise, which is a part of GoFundMe, you cannot create fundraisers for personal benefit.

There are no goal or deadline requirements with CrowdRise, but the company still encourages you to set them to create momentum and track milestones.

The timing of when your charity receives funds raised depends on what payment processor you use. For example, if your organization receives the money via Network for Good, a third-party software company that delivers funds via check, it will receive funds on the 15th of the following month. For example, you’d receive funds raised in March on April 15. If it’s set up through WePay, you can choose daily, weekly or monthly transfers.

The fees for CrowdRise sound big at first: The platform fee is 3-6%, depending on the pricing plan the company has chosen, plus 30 cents, and there’s an additional 2.9% processing fee per donation. If the donation is under $1,000, though, CrowdRise gives donors the option to cover the fees themselves, instead of taking it out of the donation.

Based on a $100 donation, about $90.80 to $94.10 would go to your cause, should your donor choose not to cover the fees. If the donor does cover the fees, the charity will receive the full $100.

YouCaring

YouCaring is free to use, meaning it charges zero platform fees. You can create fundraisers for both personal and charitable causes. However, it still charges for the WePay and PayPal processing fees that it says are “unavoidable.” Those fees are 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation.

Based on a $100 donation, $96.80 would actually go toward your cause.

So What’s the Best Crowdfunding Site?

Depending on what you’re raising money for –– whether it’s for yourself or a charitable cause –– there are many routes you can take when it comes to setting up an online fundraiser.

If you want the potential to keep up to 100% of the donations to your cause, CrowdRise may be your best option –– but keep in mind, you cannot create a personal fundraiser on the platform. If you need the money, YouCaring is probably the best crowdfunding site for you based on its low fees.

No matter what platform you choose, though, with organization, promotion and persistence, any of these platforms can bring you success.

Kelly Smith is a junior writer and engagement specialist at The Penny Hoarder. Catch her on Twitter at @keywordkelly.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, one of the largest personal finance websites. We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. In 2016, Inc. 500 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the No. 1 fastest-growing private media company in the U.S.

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