You’ve heard it before, everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. A funny line, no doubt, but might we say the same thing about budgeting? Maybe you’ve done your share of talking about a budget but never got around to it. Or you’ve tried and failed and your technique needs a tweak. So first up, financial planner and teacher Rob West talks us through the basics. Then it’s your calls at 800-525-7000.

No matter how much or how little you have,everybodyneeds a budget. There’s no other way to stay on top of your spending, getoutof debt, give to your maximum potential, and plan for the future.

Step 1 is list your monthly income. That means your after tax income.

Step 2 is to list all of your fixed expenses, the things you pay the same amount on every month. These would include your rent or mortgage payment, auto loans and insurance, credit card minimum payments and student loans.

Include your giving in this step because that’s certainly a needed expense. Determine a percentage for your giving and do your best to stick to it.

Step 3 is to list yourvariableexpenses. These are things that vary from month to month.

Step 4 is budget some money for your wants. Give yourself a little spending money for a few things that make life a little easier and more enjoyable.

Step 5 is start paying off your debt. You need to determine the amount of your remaining discretionary income that you can put toward debt that is,aboveyour minimum payments.

Step 6 is startsaving.And for the purpose of this exercise we’ll assume youdon’thave an emergency fund.

The 7thstep is to look for ways to cut spending. Can you raise or lower the thermostat to trim your utility bills? Can you cut something from the grocery budget?

Step 8 is to set up a system for tracking your expenses as you go forward. This is essential to know whether you’re on budget. We think the best way to do that is with the new MoneyWise app, which you can download for free at the App store.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

I am out of debt and in full time ministry. What is the best way to build my retirement?

I have a lot of my investments in silver. Is this wise?

I have a 401K and life insurance. I have student loans, credit cards and a car payment. How should I be investing?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Youve heard it before, everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. A funny line, no doubt, but might we say the same thing about budgeting? Maybe youve done your share of talking about a budget but never got around to it. Or youve tried and failed and your technique needs a tweak. So first up, financial planner and teacher Rob West talks us through the basics. Then its your calls at 800-525-7000.

No matter how much or how little you have,everybodyneeds a budget. Theres no other way to stay on top of your spending, getoutof debt, give to your maximum potential, and plan for the future.

Step 1 is list your monthly income. That means your after tax income.

Step 2 is to list all of your fixed expenses, the things you pay the same amount on every month. These would include your rent or mortgage payment, auto loans and insurance, credit card minimum payments and student loans.

Include your giving in this step because thats certainly a needed expense. Determine a percentage for your giving and do your best to stick to it.

Step 3 is to list yourvariableexpenses. These are things that vary from month to month.

Step 4 is budget some money for your wants. Give yourself a little spending money for a few things that make life a little easier and more enjoyable.

Step 5 is start paying off your debt. You need to determine the amount of your remaining discretionary income that you can put toward debt that is,aboveyour minimum payments.

Step 6 is startsaving.And for the purpose of this exercise well assume youdonthave an emergency fund.

The 7thstep is to look for ways to cut spending. Can you raise or lower the thermostat to trim your utility bills? Can you cut something from the grocery budget?

Step 8 is to set up a system for tracking your expenses as you go forward. This is essential to know whether youre on budget. We think the best way to do that is with the new MoneyWise app, which you can download for free at the App store.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

I am out of debt and in full time ministry. What is the best way to build my retirement?

I have a lot of my investments in silver. Is this wise?

I have a 401K and life insurance. I have student loans, credit cards and a car payment. How should I be investing?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

The cable channels are full of shows claiming that home renovations will get you a better price when you sell. The truth is that not every project pays off. (So much for reality TV!) If you’ve ever done it, you know that remodeling your house is an expensive proposition. Today on MoneyWise, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West reveals some projects where caution is advised.

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, nearly $400 billion a year is spent on home renovations. Home Advisor says that on the low end, the average remodeling project runs from $15,000 to $45,000. On the high end it could run all the way up to $200,000!

What doesn’t pay off is an in-ground swimming pool. It’s a great way to beat the summer heat, but consider the cost before you get your feet wet. Installing a pool could cost you around $50,000! So you really have to enjoy taking that dip. Add to that the extra cost of maintenance and insurance. And for all of that, the survey showed you’ll get back just 43% of what you spent.

Installing new carpeting throughout the house. You’d think that would be a plus, but it could actually lower your home’s value! Buyers don’t like carpet; maybe because it tends to gather dirt and germs? But if they do like carpet, what are the odds they’ll like the color you chose? A much better alternative is the more expensive wood flooring. But the survey showed that it’ll net you about a 7% return on your investment.

Master bedroom. Some folks like to expand this room by moving a wall and decreasing space in another room or they’ll put in fancy stuff like french doors and a gas fireplace. But the survey shows that the more you spend, the less you’ll get in return at the closing table, with the average return of just about 50% of what you spent on that master bedroom. Instead, consider a fresh coat of paint and maybe upgrading a few fixtures to snazz up this room.

You often hear that the kitchen sells the house. And while you don’t want to have run down appliances and beat up cabinets, a major kitchen renovation could run well over $100,000. The survey showed that a major kitchen renovation returns just over 50% of its cost. To some extent, the less you spend on a kitchen renovation, the greater your return. A minor overhaul would cost just over $20,000, with a return of over 80%. So even then, you don’t get all of your money back.

Our fifth and final home renovation project that won’t pay off is a sunroom. It can be a great place to hang out in nice weatherletting sunlight in and keeping the bugs out. But with an average installation cost of $30,000, it’s a losing proposition as far as return on investment, which is often less than 50%.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

I have $200,000 in savings. What’s the best way to invest this so I can supplement some lost income?

We just received $55,000 in inheritance. What’s the best thing to do with this?

I want to pay off all of my high debt bills. Is there a good technique to do this?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The cable channels are full of shows claiming that home renovations will get you a better price when you sell. The truth is that not every project pays off. (So much for reality TV!) If youve ever done it, you know that remodeling your house is an expensive proposition. Today on MoneyWise, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West reveals some projects where caution is advised.

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, nearly $400 billion a year is spent on home renovations. Home Advisor says that on the low end, the average remodeling project runs from $15,000 to $45,000. On the high end it could run all the way up to $200,000!

What doesnt pay off is an in-ground swimming pool. Its a great way to beat the summer heat, but consider the cost before you get your feet wet. Installing a pool could cost you around $50,000! So you really have to enjoy taking that dip. Add to that the extra cost of maintenance and insurance. And for all of that, the survey showed youll get back just 43% of what you spent.

Installing new carpeting throughout the house. Youd think that would be a plus, but it could actually lower your homes value! Buyers dont like carpet; maybe because it tends to gather dirt and germs? But if they do like carpet, what are the odds theyll like the color you chose? A much better alternative is the more expensive wood flooring. But the survey showed that itll net you about a 7% return on your investment.

Master bedroom. Some folks like to expand this room by moving a wall and decreasing space in another room or theyll put in fancy stuff like french doors and a gas fireplace. But the survey shows that the more you spend, the less youll get in return at the closing table, with the average return of just about 50% of what you spent on that master bedroom. Instead, consider a fresh coat of paint and maybe upgrading a few fixtures to snazz up this room.

You often hear that the kitchen sells the house. And while you dont want to have run down appliances and beat up cabinets, a major kitchen renovation could run well over $100,000. The survey showed that a major kitchen renovation returns just over 50% of its cost. To some extent, the less you spend on a kitchen renovation, the greater your return. A minor overhaul would cost just over $20,000, with a return of over 80%. So even then, you dont get all of your money back.

Our fifth and final home renovation project that wont pay off is a sunroom. It can be a great place to hang out in nice weatherletting sunlight in and keeping the bugs out. But with an average installation cost of $30,000, its a losing proposition as far as return on investment, which is often less than 50%.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

I have $200,000 in savings. Whats the best way to invest this so I can supplement some lost income?

We just received $55,000 in inheritance. Whats the best thing to do with this?

I want to pay off all of my high debt bills. Is there a good technique to do this?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Looking for a way to make an extra buck? Maybe you’d just like to hang on to a few more of your hard-earned dollars. Either way, the digital age is providing new ways to improve our cash flow. If you have an internet access and a computer or smartphone, you can make or save money online, sometimes with little effort on your part. Today, financial planner and teacher Rob West tells us how.

Let’s start by thinking about apps that already exist that require no startup effort or time. We’ve talked about ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, but there are many others. One of them is calledPostmates. To make money with it all you need is a smartphone and a car, just like with Uber and Lyft. But instead of driving people around, doing their grocery shopping and delivering it to their homes.

Next isTrim, a money-saving app that allows you to save $100s a year with almost no effort. Trim looks at your monthly spending habits where you might be over-spending and gives you a list of targets while you choose the ones you want to cancel.

Another app isInboxDollars. This is a way to earn money just by surfing the web. You use their search engine (instead of Google, for example) while the app monitors your search habits and provides data to companies trying to better understand consumers. It doesn’t pay muchreviewers report making less than 50 an hour. Then again, you’re only searching online like you normally would, so it requires no extra effort.

TheNielsenapp. We know them for tracking TV ratings, but they’re also big into internet usage research. Nielsen pays $50 a year just for keeping their app on your browsing device. This is a good one if you’re concerned about privacy. The app collects statistics on your internet usage anonymously, so the data is never linked to you. As an incentive to sign up, Nielsen offers various rewards including a $10,000 prize each month.

The last app we recommend isUserTesting. Most of us have gone to a company’s website and found it less than helpful. At last you can get paid for grumbling about websites! When you sign up as a website tester, you get to offer your opinions about website design, quality, and ease of use. UserTesting collects that data for companies so they can improve their sites and increase their sales. The company says you can make $10 for every 20-minute test you complete.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

As a first-time home buyer, do you recommend that I put down less than 20%?

At what point should I stop pouring money into repairs for my cara car that I love and would love to keepand get something else whether new or used?

I’m 67 and started taking social security at 65. I’m still working and still pay into social security. I average about $50,000 a year. Will I get increases in my adjustment as I continue to work?

I know that buying a new car isn’t always the best but should I avoid buying a brand new car at all costs?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Looking for a way to make an extra buck? Maybe youd just like to hang on to a few more of your hard-earned dollars. Either way, the digital age is providing new ways to improve our cash flow. If you have an internet access and a computer or smartphone, you can make or save money online, sometimes with little effort on your part. Today, financial planner and teacher Rob West tells us how.

Lets start by thinking about apps that already exist that require no startup effort or time. Weve talked about ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, but there are many others. One of them is calledPostmates. To make money with it all you need is a smartphone and a car, just like with Uber and Lyft. But instead of driving people around, doing their grocery shopping and delivering it to their homes.

Next isTrim, a money-saving app that allows you to save $100s a year with almost no effort. Trim looks at your monthly spending habits where you might be over-spending and gives you a list of targets while you choose the ones you want to cancel.

Another app isInboxDollars. This is a way to earn money just by surfing the web. You use their search engine (instead of Google, for example) while the app monitors your search habits and provides data to companies trying to better understand consumers. It doesnt pay muchreviewers report making less than 50 an hour. Then again, youre only searching online like you normally would, so it requires no extra effort.

TheNielsenapp. We know them for tracking TV ratings, but theyre also big into internet usage research. Nielsen pays $50 a year just for keeping their app on your browsing device. This is a good one if youre concerned about privacy. The app collects statistics on your internet usage anonymously, so the data is never linked to you. As an incentive to sign up, Nielsen offers various rewards including a $10,000 prize each month.

The last app we recommend isUserTesting. Most of us have gone to a companys website and found it less than helpful. At last you can get paid for grumbling about websites! When you sign up as a website tester, you get to offer your opinions about website design, quality, and ease of use. UserTesting collects that data for companies so they can improve their sites and increase their sales. The company says you can make $10 for every 20-minute test you complete.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

As a first-time home buyer, do you recommend that I put down less than 20%?

At what point should I stop pouring money into repairs for my cara car that I love and would love to keepand get something else whether new or used?

Im 67 and started taking social security at 65. Im still working and still pay into social security. I average about $50,000 a year. Will I get increases in my adjustment as I continue to work?

I know that buying a new car isnt always the best but should I avoid buying a brand new car at all costs?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

We teach our children the benefits of following the rules from an early age. Coloring within the lines, for example, always results in a much prettier picture. As adults, we often forget that those same rules are meant to help us. Coloring within the lines as we manage money is our topic. Kingdom Advisors President Rob West has some simple rules, guaranteed to beautify your financial picture.

Why do we so often want to break common sense rules that we know are good for us, especially when it comes to managing our finances? Delayed gratification. Following the rules requires discipline that pays off later. On the other hand, when you break a rule, say by making an impulse purchase, it feels good for the moment, although it’s almost always temporary. Following the rules often takes much longer to realize the reward. Saving for an emergency fund is a good example. You do it a little at a time and you don’t see the benefit right away; but it sure feels good to have that money available when your car suddenly needs a new transmission.

The absolute, most fundamental rule you must learn to follow is to spend less than you earn. Everything hangs on that. Without it, you can’t save for the future and you’ll go into debt. It starts withliving on a budget.

Prepare a written budget detailing all of your income and expenses. Set spending limits for each category and stick to them.

Analyze your monthly bills. If you don’t do this fairly regularly, you may not see costs creeping up in things like your phone or cable bill. Banking fees tend to sneak up, too. Call and request to have unwanted line items removed and if they won’t do it, cut the service or look for another provider.

Build an emergency fund. The alternative, again, is debt. Things break and need repair. Unplanned expenses always rear their ugly heads and you’ve got to have cash on hand to handle them.

Avoid or eliminate high interest debt. Use the snowball method to get rid of it quickly, paying off the smallest balance first, and so on.

Save for retirement. Social Security won’t be enough to support you when you can no longer work, so you have to put money in long term investments.

If your employer offers a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a matching contribution, squeeze every dime out of it you can. Contribute enough to maximize your employer’s contributionit’s free money! If you don’t have a retirement plan at work, open your own IRA.

Don’t touch it. Way too many people these days tap into their retirement funds to pay off debts or for other reasons that really aren’t emergencies. That’s another reason why you need an emergency fund. Let your retirement earnings grow. Your future self will thank you.

Buy cars for transportation, not status. Consider reliability and fuel efficiency when buying a car. The more reliable and the more fuel efficient a car is, the less it will cost you down the road.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

What do you think about investing in gold for retirement in addition to my other financial retirement instruments?

I’m 65 and it’s been recommended that I take out whole life insurance. Should I?

Is it advisable to move our investments from stocks to mutual bonds?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

We teach our children the benefits of following the rules from an early age. Coloring within the lines, for example, always results in a much prettier picture. As adults, we often forget that those same rules are meant to help us. Coloring within the lines as we manage money is our topic. Kingdom Advisors President Rob West has some simple rules, guaranteed to beautify your financial picture.

Why do we so often want to break common sense rules that we know are good for us, especially when it comes to managing our finances? Delayed gratification. Following the rules requires discipline that pays off later. On the other hand, when you break a rule, say by making an impulse purchase, it feels good for the moment, although its almost always temporary. Following the rules often takes much longer to realize the reward. Saving for an emergency fund is a good example. You do it a little at a time and you dont see the benefit right away; but it sure feels good to have that money available when your car suddenly needs a new transmission.

The absolute, most fundamental rule you must learn to follow is to spend less than you earn. Everything hangs on that. Without it, you cant save for the future and youll go into debt. It starts withliving on a budget.

Prepare a written budget detailing all of your income and expenses. Set spending limits for each category and stick to them.

Analyze your monthly bills. If you dont do this fairly regularly, you may not see costs creeping up in things like your phone or cable bill. Banking fees tend to sneak up, too. Call and request to have unwanted line items removed and if they wont do it, cut the service or look for another provider.

Build an emergency fund. The alternative, again, is debt. Things break and need repair. Unplanned expenses always rear their ugly heads and youve got to have cash on hand to handle them.

Avoid or eliminate high interest debt. Use the snowball method to get rid of it quickly, paying off the smallest balance first, and so on.

Save for retirement. Social Security wont be enough to support you when you can no longer work, so you have to put money in long term investments.

If your employer offers a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a matching contribution, squeeze every dime out of it you can. Contribute enough to maximize your employers contributionits free money! If you dont have a retirement plan at work, open your own IRA.

Dont touch it. Way too many people these days tap into their retirement funds to pay off debts or for other reasons that really arent emergencies. Thats another reason why you need an emergency fund. Let your retirement earnings grow. Your future self will thank you.

Buy cars for transportation, not status. Consider reliability and fuel efficiency when buying a car. The more reliable and the more fuel efficient a car is, the less it will cost you down the road.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

What do you think about investing in gold for retirement in addition to my other financial retirement instruments?

Im 65 and its been recommended that I take out whole life insurance. Should I?

Is it advisable to move our investments from stocks to mutual bonds?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Are prices rising ahead of your paycheck? When that happens, it can really put a crimp in your budget. You have to look for ways around the house where you can cut expenses. But what if your house itself is a money pit? You certainly don’t want to waste money on energy and repairs when you can avoid it. So today we’ll look at ways to keep your house from eating you out of house and home. Financial planner and teacher Rob West has some ideas. Then he’ll take your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

If you haven’t checked with your utility about ways to save energy, you should. For example, sometimes they’ll install an energy saving device on the outside of your home, usually for free.

You can lower your thermostat in the winter. If you do that by just one degree for eight hours a day, it’ll save up to 2-percent on your heating costs.

Another freebie is turning off your lights. But another is unplugging chargers and computers when you’re not using them. These and other appliances are called vampire energy wasters because they still use power if plugged in.The EPA says Americans waste 10-billion dollars a year in vampire costs.

Vacuumyour refrigerator coils, maybe twice a year. Dusty fridge coils could cost you up to 50-percent efficiency. Then, don’t run the dishwasher or clothes washer unless you have a full load.

Switch to LED and CFL light bulbs. They cost more, but last longer and use less energy, sometimes up to 75% less.

Install ceiling fans. They don’t cost much to operate, but they could allow you to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer. Each degree saves you about 1-percent in cooling costs.

When a major appliance breaks down and you have to replace it, make sure you get one that’s Energy Star compliant.

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced. Also, make sure to change the filter regularly, at least every three months. This’ll keep those units running efficiently.

On theoutsideof your house, periodically inspect your rain gutters, downspouts and the roof. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause ice damming in colder climates, and that can lead to roof leaks, and they can lead to mold formation

Make sure you don’t have any torn or curling shingles and that the flashing is in good shape.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

Sometimes I feel that certain mutual funds are morally irresponsible. Where do we draw the line, as believers?

How can a person avoid their will going through probate?

I am an interior designer and sometimes have clients that spend excessively on furnishings. How do I balance furthering my career and feeling morally responsible for people overspending on frivolous things?

I heard you talk about the financial verses in the Bible. Do you have a resource that lays all of these out?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Are prices rising ahead of your paycheck? When that happens, it can really put a crimp in your budget. You have to look for ways around the house where you can cut expenses. But what if your house itself is a money pit? You certainly dont want to waste money on energy and repairs when you can avoid it. So today well look at ways to keep your house from eating you out of house and home. Financial planner and teacher Rob West has some ideas. Then hell take your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

If you havent checked with your utility about ways to save energy, you should. For example, sometimes theyll install an energy saving device on the outside of your home, usually for free.

You can lower your thermostat in the winter. If you do that by just one degree for eight hours a day, itll save up to 2-percent on your heating costs.

Another freebie is turning off your lights. But another is unplugging chargers and computers when youre not using them. These and other appliances are called vampire energy wasters because they still use power if plugged in.The EPA says Americans waste 10-billion dollars a year in vampire costs.

Vacuumyour refrigerator coils, maybe twice a year. Dusty fridge coils could cost you up to 50-percent efficiency. Then, dont run the dishwasher or clothes washer unless you have a full load.

Switch to LED and CFL light bulbs. They cost more, but last longer and use less energy, sometimes up to 75% less.

Install ceiling fans. They dont cost much to operate, but they could allow you to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer. Each degree saves you about 1-percent in cooling costs.

When a major appliance breaks down and you have to replace it, make sure you get one thats Energy Star compliant.

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced. Also, make sure to change the filter regularly, at least every three months. Thisll keep those units running efficiently.

On theoutsideof your house, periodically inspect your rain gutters, downspouts and the roof. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause ice damming in colder climates, and that can lead to roof leaks, and they can lead to mold formation

Make sure you dont have any torn or curling shingles and that the flashing is in good shape.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

Sometimes I feel that certain mutual funds are morally irresponsible. Where do we draw the line, as believers?

How can a person avoid their will going through probate?

I am an interior designer and sometimes have clients that spend excessively on furnishings. How do I balance furthering my career and feeling morally responsible for people overspending on frivolous things?

I heard you talk about the financial verses in the Bible. Do you have a resource that lays all of these out?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.