Only trust encrypted websites

Not all e-commerce sites provide the ideal conditions for safe online shopping. It’s important to limit your shopping to encrypted websites, and only conduct transactions when you’re on a trusted WiFi network. “Look for a padlock symbol on the URL bar, as well as next to your WiFi network’s name,” advises Satish Kanwar, product director at Shopify.ca. “Following these steps is the best way to ensure that your personal information is being transferred in the safest way possible.”

Protect your personal information

It’s normal for online retailers to request additional details and preferences to make your online shopping experience more personalized. However, if they ask for too much information—like your social insurance number, for instance—that’s a definite red flag.

Create unique passwords for each website

Avoid using the same password for every online shopping site you frequent. “That way, if your login information gets stolen on one website, your other accounts likely won’t get compromised,” says Kanwar.

Look for the ‘S’

Any time you input personal or credit card information into a website, ensure the page is secured. Kanwar says that the quickest way to check for this is in the URL. “The website URL should start with https:// (rather than http://) and should have a padlock symbol to indicate that the page is secure.”

Be wary of dream deals

Kanwar warns consumers to regard sale-of-the-century price tags with a healthy dose of skepticism. “When items are priced significantly lower than they should be, that should raise a flag about the legitimacy and authenticity of the website,” he says. “Low prices are enticing, but if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.”

Look for customer service information

Safe online shopping sites have their toll-free customer service line or email address readily available. Kanwar also recommends reading over the website’s refunds and exchanges policies: openness about these conditions is often a good indicator of credibility.

Don’t click on untrusted pop-up ads

While it’s common practice for retailers to use pop-up ads for e-newsletters, promotions and flyers, Kanwar warns consumers to keep an eye out for phishing scams. “Pesky pop-ups are a way for scammers to lure or confuse online shoppers,” he says. “Make sure to have an ad-blocker installed when shopping on unfamiliar websites to avoid getting phished.”

Check your credit card statement

Keep a close tab on your credit card statements, even after you’ve received your purchased item. “It’s always smart to ensure that there were no hidden charges tacked on, or unfamiliar names deducting from your account,” Kanwar suggests.

Organize Your Bathroom

Do you have a small bathroom and too many objects to store? Nothing to worry about! Here is how you can make the best of the available bathroom storage space.

Two-Tiered Stand

This blogger notes her multi-level organizer prevents her countertops from being damaged.

Custom Bathroom Storage

Are you running low on ideas and do you have more things to store than you have initially planned? Nothing to be worried about, here is a tutorial that will help you come up with your own custom storage ideas!

Fast And Easy Bathroom Shelving

Save a lot of time and money by making your own fast and easy bathroom shelving! This handy tutorial will guide you through the entire process.

Dollar Store Bathroom Organizing

If you do not have too much time at your disposal yet you do not want to spend a small fortune on furniture and storage cabinets either, then here is how you can easily and effortlessly organize your bathroom with some dollar store items!

Organize Your Bathroom Linen Closet

Organizing your bathroom linen closet can be a daunting and time-consuming task, but it does not need to! Here is a tutorial that will certainly help you save a lot of time and trouble when doing so.

Rustic Mason Jars

This is another great tutorial that will benefit those with traditional or rustic bathrooms. Make the best of mason jars and their countless uses!

Hang Products From A Curtain Rod

Not enough space in your shower to store all your products? Add a curtain rod in your shower to hang shampoo, conditioner, and face wash.

DIY Bathroom Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are not only practical and functional but also very aesthetically pleasing! Here is a tutorial that will teach you how they can come in handy for bathroom storage.

Get Organized!

Is your bathroom always messy and you have decided to do something about it? Here is a tutorial that will help you redefine your bathroom without spending too much.

Master Bathroom Organization

While it is true that master bathrooms are very spacious and relaxing, they do require a lot more attention to details when it comes to organizing them. Here is a tutorial that will teach you how to easily and efficiently upgrade your bathroom.

File Box Organizer

Place wall hooks on the side of your sink to hang up this file box, which is the perfect size for storing your go-to hair tools.

DIY Doorway Shelf

Doorway shelves are cozy, practical and very easy to use at the same time, so why not make one for your own bathroom? Here is a tutorial that will quickly teach you how.

Window Box Storage

It often happens that when we have too many things to store in our bathroom, we often overlook the available space and jump straight to buying extra shelves – here is a simple tutorial that will offer you the ultimate life hack and teach you how to exploit the bathroom windows for the best storage.

DIY Mason Jar Storage

Do you feel like there is simply not enough place to store your hair bands, your ear buds and all those small personal items that tend to get scattered all over the bathroom? Here is a super creative tutorial that will help you make the best of your mason jars.

15-Minute Drawer Organizer

If you have drawers in your bathroom, maximize your small space by placing your bathroom items in plastic dividers. Sort your items by categories (vitamins, makeup, etc.) and everything will be easier to find when as you get ready in the morning.

Organize with Magnets

If you have a metal back in your medicine cabinet, you can increase its storage potential by attaching everyday supplies to it with magnets. Glue floral fabric on plain magnets to add a cheerful space for bobby pins, nail clippers, and eyelash curlers. Hot glue a magnet to a vintage spool to hang elastic hair bands.

Hang a Hair-Styling Rack

This $8 over-the-door rack has seven holes for storing hair styling tools, including a blow dryer, curling iron, brushes, and more. Just slide the foam-covered hooks over your vanity door and that drawer full of tangled cords because a thing of the past.

Create Personalized Hooks

When everyone has his or her own space for the essentials, bathroom sharing runs more smoothly. Sew fabric loops on towels so they are easy to hang on hooks attached to a basic board that also serves as a cup rack. Personalize the cups with stenciled numbers or initials and store toothbrushes and toothpaste for each family member inside.

Water bills, energy bills, cell phone bills—oh, my! Here’s how to cut costs on every household bill to yield big savings.

Lower your mortgage

Refinance your mortgage. “With the interest rates that we’re seeing because of the pandemic, this is creating a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to lock down or lower one’s interest rate and save a lot of money,” says Kevin Leibowitz, owner of Grayton Mortgage. “Thirty-year mortgage rates are below 3 percent, and 15-year mortgage rates are close to 2 percent.” Those may sound like tiny numbers, but they could translate into thousands in savings over the lifetime of your loan.

Lower your rent

Negotiate your monthly rent. Those payments may seem set in stone, but that’s not necessarily the case. “If you’re a renter, don’t be afraid to negotiate your monthly rent with your landlord,” says Taylor Burton, a family financial expert and the cofounder of Till Financial. “Chances are, a landlord will be willing to work with a respectful tenant who pays on time each month versus finding a new tenant.” 

Lower your grocery bill

Shop online to avoid impulse purchases. “Use online grocery services to avoid impulsive purchases, especially if you can’t shop without the kids,” suggests Tana Williams, founder of the website Debt Free Forties. “This tip can easily save $20 or more [per order], depending on how much they beg for different snacks.”

Head to the store on re-stock days. “Find out which day of the week your grocery store restocks and shop that morning,” says Williams. “You’ll find lots of discounted products they want to move so that they can restock with fresh items, such as produce, bakery items, or meat.”

Lower your home-supplies shopping bill

Stop buying name-brand products. “From toilet paper to cereal, most name-brand items are similar to the generic store brands and can have huge savings,” says Scott Henderson, an accredited financial counselor and budgeting expert with Qube Money.

Skip disposable, single-use products. “Reduce single-use items like plastic baggies, paper towels, paper napkins, and plastic wrap,” suggests Bell. “A typical family could easily spend several dollars per day on disposables! Why not spend that money on good food instead?” Plus, this sustainable swap is a lot better for the environment.

Make your own cleaning products. “Items such as household cleaners, laundry detergent, and dish soap can add up quickly, but you can save money by making your own at home,” says Seppala. “Recipes for everything from homemade shampoo to buckets of laundry soap are just a Google search away. While you may have to invest in initial supplies, the overall savings can be staggering.” 

Lower your water bill

Use aerators and low-flow showerheads. “By using aerators and low-flow showerheads, you can reduce your water usage, which will lower your water consumption, thus saving you money,” says Michael Outar, owner of Savebly.com. “These devices are really easy to install, and they are a great investment because they will essentially pay for themselves over time.”

Take faster showers. “According to the Washington Post, a standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water every minute,” Outar says. “So, a simple way to lower your water bill is to take faster showers.”

Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. “Every time you flush a facial tissue or other small bits of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted,” says Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company.

Reuse your cup. An easy way to lower your water bill? “Drink from the same cup or water bottle throughout the day,” says Shimek. “This prevents dirtying as many glasses and reduces the number of dishwasher loads you run each week.”

Lower your electricity bill

Unplug unused gadgets. “Even in the off mode, many electronics continuing consuming energy—especially office equipment like desktop computers and printers, as well as your entertainment system with your cable box and large-screen TV,” says Andrea Woroch, a money-saving and finance expert. “Get in the habit of unplugging gadgets you aren’t using, from your smartphone charger to your coffee maker to your computer and TV.”

Switch to LED bulbs. “One way to save on electricity is to switch your old light bulbs to newer, more energy-efficient LED bulbs,” says Seppala. Sure, it’ll be a bit of an investment upfront, but “one thing that many people don’t know is that many utility companies offer free or heavily discounted bulbs to customers,” Seppala explains. “Not only will you save money on your new bulbs, but your home will be more energy-efficient (and your bill will be lower) in the months ahead.”

Protect Your Plants with Milk Jugs­

Worried about the new baby plants you just planted? Cut the bottoms out of gallon jugs and set them over new and fragile plants to protect them from bugs or a late frost. We love these fast-growing plants that maximize your curb appeal.

Corral Your Clippings

When trimming hedges, use a plastic kiddie pool to catch clippings, kicking it along as you clip. The clippings fall into the pool, making cleanup a snap. When you’re done trimming, dump the clippings into your mulch pile. Check out these creative tool hacks that’ll make your life easier.

DIY Drip System

Here’s an easy way to turn any hose into a drip-watering hose. Drill 1/8 in. holes every 2 in. and screw a cap the end. Weave the hose around your plants and turn on the spigot. To make watering even easier, you can add a programmable faucet timer to the hose. Want to add more color to your landscape this season?

Garden Sprayer Labels

It seemed any time I’d mix something in my garden sprayer, I’d have some leftover, but I’d always forget what was in the bottles. So, I bought a set of key labels and marked them GoMax, Aphid Spray, etc. Now, when I mix one of these chemicals in my garden sprayer, I clip on the appropriate key label. I keep the rest on my pegboard, so I can easily switch them out when I mix something different. — David Watermeier

Hedge Trimmer Sheath

I lost my hedge trimmer blade sheath, so I had to get creative to safely store the tool. A piece of foam pipe insulation was just right. I cut two 1/2 in. foam tubes to the length of the hedge trimmer blade. The tubes are slit down their length, so they slide easily over the blades. Three 4 in. bungee cords hold them in place. — Thomas Curran

Cocktail Caps

Keep bugs from swimming in your drinks by topping glasses with baking cup liners. Cut a small X into the center of each liner, poke a (reusable or paper) straw through the hole and enjoy your beverage pest-free.

Direct Watering Bottle

For healthy plants, it’s important to get water to the roots. Here’s my method: I drill holes in water bottles and bury them alongside my plants, leaving just the cap above the ground. To water the plants, I unscrew the bottles’ caps, fill the bottles and screw the caps back on. It requires some extra effort, but it conserves water, and my plants—especially the tomatoes—are thriving like never before.  — Diane Newman

Camping Toilet Paper Hack

To keep toilet paper dry and at the ready while camping, put the roll in a coffee can or CD/DVD container. It makes a handy, weatherproof dispenser right next to the biffy.

Keep Seeds Fresh

If you don’t use up all of your seed packets, store them in an airtight container with silica packets to keep them fresh for next year. The silica packets prevent the seeds from germinating or getting moldy.

Pole Protection

To protect my fishing rods in the back of the truck, I cover them with pool noodles. Cut the noodle and slip it over the rod. Depending on your rod style, use either one or two pieces of pool noodle.

Cardboard Seed Tubes

For an easy and green way to start seeds, save your toilet paper and paper towel tubes. Cut the tubes into 2 in. lengths and set them in a waterproof tray. Fill the tubes with potting soil and plant your seeds. When the seedlings are ready to move to the garden, plant them right in their cardboard tube. The cardboard will decompose. Be sure to keep the tube below the soil surface, so it doesn’t wick moisture away from the roots.

Saving Soil with Old Cans

For deep planters, fill the bottom with old cans and plant pots. The cans and pots improve drainage and create air pockets for better aeration and healthier soil.

Micro Greenhouse

Do you have a hard time starting seeds or cuttings? Try soda bottle greenhouses. Cut the bottom off 2-liter soda bottles and remove the labels. Each seed gets its own micro greenhouse! Remove the greenhouses once the seeds have germinated and cuttings are rooted.

How to Turn an Empty Milk Jug Into a Watering Can

I only own one watering can, so I need to refill it four or five times to water all of the plants on my patio. Instead of buying more overpriced watering cans, I use old milk jugs. I drill a few holes in the caps, fill up the jugs with water and I’m good to go. — Harrison Berg

Noisy-Drip Stopper

Do you have a noisy drip coming from the downspout that’s driving you nuts? I discovered an easy way to stop the drip — just push a kitchen sponge into the bottom of the downspout. It’ll muffle the dripping noise without blocking the water flow. — Susan Dahl

Handy Branch Hauler

Need a way to haul branches over to your fire pit? Carrying them in your arms is dirty work and trying to stuff them into a plastic bag is awkward. try using a sturdy plastic shopping bag with handles. Slit the sides, lay it flat, and fill it with branches and small logs. It loads easily and lets you carry wood without getting your clothes full of sap or mud.

You think to yourself, why is my water bill so high?

You start telling everyone in the house to stop wasting water or worst think maybe water is leaking out your house or the water company is somehow ripping you off because the bill is so ridiculous.

So what do you do now to lower your water bill?

Why is my water bill so high? Ever wonder why your water bill is so high? High water bills can be caused by a few things, check out these tips!

Why is My Water Bill So High?

How do you find out what is causing the water bill to be so high? Are you actually using that much water?

Before you start yelling at everyone in the house, timing showers and investigating the water company, you will want to make sure you don’t have a bigger issue.

I’ve heard horror stories of people getting stuck with a $2000 water bill and you don’t want to be one of them!

I started really diving into this topic when 6 months ago I received my quarterly water bill and it was an outrageous $366! That is triple what I normally pay, it showed I was using 6000 gallons of water.

After looking at my usage for the past 4 billing cycles I noticed my usage tripled. That didn’t add up to me because we have been in our home for over 12 years and have never used that many gallons.

Looking at the past 4 cycles I noticed whatever issue I was having started a few cycles ago and was progressing. I went from using just 1300 gallons of water to now 6000!

We immediately thought maybe it was the toilet because it seemed to be running a little longer than normal. After doing some research and calling my water company we were able to determine that the toilet was the issue and we needed a new flapper.

Simple cheap fix, big expensive lesson!

Even if your water bill isn’t high at the moment you will want to learn from my experience before it happens to you. I’ll have some prevention tips below as well.

So what is causing your water bill to be so high and how do you test it?

READ YOUR WATER METER

First things first and I only learned this after having an issue, learn where your water meter is and how to read it!

If you don’t know where your water meter is, call your water company. My meter is in my basement and looks like this one below but with a plastic cover over it.

The reading is right on the meter so you will want to verify those numbers against your bills and you can track it throughout the month or quarter.

Most meters also have a leak detector dial which looks like a little triangle or diamond shape but you will want to verify on yours. The dial turns when water runs, it will move every few seconds for even a drip. If you are not sure which dial it is because it isn’t moving than have someone flush a toilet or turn on a faucet and you will see it moving.

If it continues to move even when no water is on in the house or you haven’t just flushed a toilet than you know there is a leak somewhere.

A moving dial signifies water moving through.

CHECK FOR LEAKS

If the leak dial on your meter keeps turning then you know you have a leak. First, look for obvious leaks anywhere you have water, faucets, pipes, water heater etc.

Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.

The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. How much water does a running toilet waste? A lot!

A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. That can double your families typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible and I will give you a few tips below.

Most likely it will be your toilet’s flapper or fill valve, which are both inexpensive fixes. If the flapper is leaking, it will keep triggering the fill valve to refill the tank.

I found this super easy to follow video from Lowes that shows you how to test for leaks. I will also list the steps below.

To see if the flapper is leaking, here is a simple test:

• Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank.
• Let it sit for 25 minutes.
• If the color leaks into the toilet bowl, then there’s a leak.

Before you replace it, first check the flapper to see if sediment or debris has built up around it or if the chain is getting caught.

CHECK WATER SOFTENERS

If you have a water softener system you will want to check that. After the softener has regenerated, check to see if water is still running down the drain. If it is, the water softener needs to be repaired. Consider turning off and bypassing your softener for now.

CHECK FOR BROKEN or MISPROGRAMMED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

If you have an irrigation system make sure there are no leaks or broken sprinkler heads. You will also want to make sure they are programmed properly and not watering too often or getting stuck.

The best way to prevent getting a high water bill is to be aware of the amount of water you are using. Now that you know where your water meter is, take a look at it once a week and just be aware of the numbers.

If all of a sudden your using a ton of water then you know there is an issue and can investigate BEFORE you get a huge bill.

Also, remember your water company is there to help you, my water company walked me through finding my meter, reading it, checking the leak detector and going over ideas of why it could be so high. They also offered to come out and check it for me.

Questions, comments or stories you want to share? Leave a comment below. Think this article will help someone else? Share it!

Here are three ways to save on groceries without coupons:

SHOP FOR SALES

It seems like common sense, but many people don’t shop for sales when it comes to their groceries.

Most people plan meals and then buy the ingredients they need for those meals. Meal planning is always smart but what if you planned your meals around what was on sale that week?

You don’t have just to go to the store and wing it. You can use store flyers and other methods of seeing what is discounted first, then forming meal plans around it and buying items that are on sale to save even more.

In time, you will even come to learn the sales cycles of many of your favorite items, and this will help you to know what’s coming up on sale soon. This makes it even easier to plan around the sales.

BUY GENERIC AND USE STORE LOYALTY DISCOUNTS

Most supermarkets have a store loyalty card program. If you’re not signed up, it’s fairly quick and easy to get a card and many have keyrings so you always have your card with you when you shop, or they let you use your telephone number to pull up your account.

These store loyalty programs will give you discounts and other specials without the need for any coupon clipping.

All you need to do is have the cashier scan your card or enter your number first; then the discounts will be applied to the items you are already purchasing.

You can also buy generic or store brand items whenever possible and save from a few cents to a few dollars on the things you need and want. When you combine buying generic with store loyalty benefits, you save even more.

BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND USE WHAT YOU BUY

This is a big one and one that might require some practice if you’re not used to it. Many of us overspend and also waste a lot of food.

We cook too much and don’t save leftovers. We save leftovers but then throw them out uneaten. We buy things we don’t really need and then don’t use them.

Sometimes we do the latter because it was on sale or because we had a coupon for it, but if you’re not using it, it’s really not saving, is it?

So be smart about the things you buy and also be sure that you always use what you buy. You will be surprised at how much you can save on your groceries from this step alone.

Now that you know these ways to save on your groceries without coupons, you’re ready to start shopping. One of the best things about these methods of saving is that you can use these tips along with your coupons if you have them, as well as any store discounts and savings.

This means you can double or even triple up on your savings. How awesome is that?

Do you have any tips for saving on groceries without coupons? We want to hear about it in the comments.