NDSU Extension Service

NDSU Extension Service http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/ndsu-extension-service NDSU Extension Service http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/logo.png Consider Both Costs of New Appliances http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/features/consider-both-costs-of-new-appliances

Energy Guide label When buying an appliance or electronic device, remember that it has two costs: the cost of buying it and the cost of running it. New heating systems must disclose how much energy they deliver from their fuel source. The EnergyGuide label provides the average amount of energy that home appliances will use in a year and the average cost for that energy. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most energy-efficient home electronics.

2012-02-01T11:40:27-06:00 2012-02-01T11:40:27-06:00 Ellen Crawford Myth or Fact? http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/features/myth-or-fact

Don't build your business on a house of cards. Anyone wanting to start a business can find lots of advice, but some claims are too good to be true. You need to sort out the myths from the realities before deciding whether starting a business is the right decision for you. (Photo courtesy o5com)

2012-01-23T14:01:02-06:00 2012-01-23T14:01:02-06:00 Ellen Crawford Use Your Tax Refund Wisely http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/features/use-your-tax-refund-wisely

tax refund check Before you receive your tax refund this year, make a plan for how you will spend it. Without a plan, you may spend it on the first important thing that comes to mind, then realize something else was more important. Here are some recommendations for using your tax refund wisely: Pay off bills and save enough to cover a couple of months of expenses in case you have an emergency. Then save for long-term goals, such as a home, retirement or dream vacation. Finally, consider buying that new TV, refrigerator or sofa. (Photo courtesy of Tim Faracy of Bklyn)

2012-01-09T10:27:34-06:00 2012-01-09T10:27:34-06:00 Ellen Crawford Reduce Home Moisture Problems http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/features/reduce-home-moisture-problems

Mold growth and damage from window condensation could be worse in homes this winter because of moisture that still remains in buildings and moisture vapor transfer into basements. The best remedy for home moisture problems is to maintain the home's relative at 30 to 40 percent. Ways to limit window condensation include adding storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Exchanging inside air with outside air is another way to reduce moisture problems.

2011-12-20T15:39:05-06:00 2011-12-20T15:39:05-06:00 Ellen Crawford Keep Holiday Spending Under Control http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/features/keep-holiday-spending-under-control

Christmas shopping Don't let your holiday spending put your budget in the red. Before you go shopping, decide how much you will spend and stick to it. Make a list of what you plan to buy and check it often to make sure you don't buy more than you intended. Pay for gifts with cash instead of a credit card. And consider making gifts or giving a gift of service, such as baby-sitting or lawn mowing. (Photo courtesy of Flipsy)

2011-12-05T08:45:00-06:00 2011-12-05T08:50:10-06:00 Ellen Crawford