Saving money in Atlanta, and everywhere else, has never been so important. With the economy in turmoil and unemployment at numbers we haven’t seen in years every penny counts. Even those of us that have maintained our household income are still being cautious. While we may buy fewer clothes and eat out less often we still need household services like gutter cleaning and movers. That’s why Local Price is more important than ever. Now you can compare the costs and features of local services without having to spend hours shopping around.
Archive for January, 2009
Service Comparison More Important than Ever
Friday, January 30th, 2009How to Save Money on Home Energy Bills
Monday, January 19th, 2009With rising energy cost even the most “non-green” of use are aware that resources are limited and that we need to find ways to save money, as well as the environment. There are several things we can all do to save money on home bills including the following:
- Change your light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs. These new bulbs last longer and use less energy.
- Install low-flow toilets. These new toilets use less water and flush better than your old ones. Some municipalities are even offering tax breaks for installation of these improved thrones.
- Install a digital thermostat. A digital thermostat can be programmed to adjust when you are not home and can also keep little hands from turning it up and down at whim.
- Check windows and doors for good seals. If you can’t afford new double pane windows at least make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed to keep warm air in and cold air out. This will save money and make your home more comfortable. Curtains and blinds are also a great way to control indoor temperatures.
These are only a few ways to keep your energy bills lower. There are many more. What tips do you have to help others save money on energy bills?
Coupons are Back
Thursday, January 15th, 2009With the economy is turmoil folks are once again turning to coupons to save money. Even with a little searching the average shopper can find enough coupons to save ten to fifteen dollars per week on groceries. But there’s no reason to stop there. You can also find coupons to most of your favorite restaurants, to your favorite stores, and other places you do business. With only a few minutes of looking online you can find coupons to your favorite places. Check out your favorite restaurant’s Website or a store you frequent. You’ll be surprised what you can find. There are also dozens of great coupons sites online as well.
Time to Clean your Gutters
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Now that most of the leaves of fall have fallen it’s a good time to have your gutters cleaned. Keeping your gutters clear of debris is important to protect your roof and to allow for proper drainage of water. Getting a professional gutter cleaner is important because it ensures that the job is done right, and the cost is usually well worth it to most homeowners.
If you get your gutters cleaned select a professional that is licensed, bonded, and insured. You don’t want someone falling off your roof that doesn’t have insurance because you may be responsible for their medical and other bills. Using a bonded company is also important because you want to be sure that any damages they cause will be covered. Local Price has cost and service comparisons of Atlanta gutter cleaners where you can compare each company and find someone to clean your gutters.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery and How to Pick a Surgeon?
Friday, January 9th, 2009LASIK eye surgery is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to improve vision issues like astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. If you live in Atlanta and are considering eye surgery review our guide to Atlanta LASIK surgeons. This will help you compare costs and procedures from some of Atlanta’s best surgeons. When you select a few surgeons make sure to ask them the questions below:
- How many eye surgeries have you performed?
- How long have you been performing this procedure?
- How many of your patients gained 20/20 vision after the procedure?
You’ll also want to ask for references and check your local BBS for any complaints against the doctor. It’s also a good idea to visit several doctors and choose the one that has the best record and you feel most comfortable with before making your choice.
Carpet Cleaners Can Clean Your Car Too
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009If you are considering having a carpet cleaner clean your home, you may not want to stop at just a carpet cleaning. Many carpet cleaning companies are happy to use their equipment to clean the carpet in your car or truck as well.
Stains from spills, dirt and grime build up over time on your car. Most folks seem to tolerate stains on their vehicle’s carpet that would be unacceptable their home. It is difficult to find the time to get carpets cleaned. Having them cleaned while you are at home if often far more convenient.
The cost for this service ranges from $50 to $100 per car depending on the size and condition of the car or truck. This covers a thorough cleaning of your vehicle’s carpets, mats and cloth seats. The carpet cleaning company will give you a specific quote while they are at your home. See our Atlanta carpet cleaning section for more details on rates and the companies that offer this option.
A Quick Estimate of Your Countertop Area
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009If you are interested in pricing granite countertops, you’ll first need to know the square feet of granite you will require. For a rough estimate of this:
1. Start with the countertops that abut a wall: Measure the length of the countertops – in inches- where the countertops meet the wall
2. Multiply the length by 29.5″. This is the standard depth of countertops (25.5″ + the standard height of the backsplash 4.”) Divide by 144 to calculate square feet
3. Bars/Islands: Add the area of bars and islands by multiplying their width and length in inches and dividing by 144.
4. Round up total square footage of all surfaces to nearest whole number and multiply by the granite price per square foot. See our Atlanta granite countertops section for pricing.
Other fees for things like sink cutouts, countertop removal, edging will also apply. See Atlanta granite countertops for more details.
Avoid Craigslist Scams
Monday, January 5th, 2009If you haven’t visited Craigslist yet you’ve probably heard of it. Craig’s List is a free classifieds site with sections for most major U.S. areas. On Craigslist you can find jobs, meet people, sell things, and best of all you can buy items for cheap. With everything from books to cars you can probably find what you’re looking for on Craigslist or find someone wanting to buy what you’re selling.
But with any medium that facilitates the transaction of money you need to proceed with caution. Keep yourself and your wallet safe when you buy or sell things on Craigslist by following a few safety precautions :
Watch out for check scams
This scam is when a buyer sends you a check for more than the amount of the item being purchased. They will ask you to send them back the difference. Later you’ll find out the check was fake. There are many variations of this scam.
Only buy or sell to those in your local area
Exchange funds in person and in a public place
Make sure someone knows where you are going and what you are doing. Better yet, bring someone with you.
Research an item before you buy it to get an idea of what it’s worth
If you’re buying it’s a good idea to search Craigslist for similar items. You may find a better deal.
Do not wire money
If you send money before getting an item you may never get it.
Follow your Gut
If you don’t feel good about a transaction avoid it. Scammer will play on greed so if an offer is too good to be true it probably is.
Happy New Year
Friday, January 2nd, 2009Local Price wishes you and your family a happy new year.