A few nights ago my expensive high speed internet went down.  Not for a few minutes, but for hours.   And then it happened again…..every day (but not all day) for 2 weeks.   While this was inconvenient it could have been worse.  So many services today tout the ease of storing your data online.  They tout high up time and redundant servers, backup systems, etc.  That’s all find and good — but what if you can’t get online?  You can’t access your data.

Here’s a few things to think about storing locally (on your own computer) or at least not keeping your only copy online.

• Address/Phone Book – I use Palm Desktop to sync my Palm.  This has been a great tool for looking up phone numbers when I don’t have online access.  And it’s backed up, locally and on my Palm.  Last night I even used an old fashioned phone book to look up the number for a local store.
• Financial Data – Keep it locally in Quicken (my favorite), Microsoft Money, or even a spreadsheet.  If you don’t like any of these programs, you can still do it the old fashioned way — in a check register.
• Podcasts – download into iTunes so you can have something to listen to when you’re offline.  Last night I caught up on the nightly news, NPR shows, and a devotional.  I know way more about the oil spill than I did 24 hours ago — because I had podcasts to listen to.
• Documents – I love Google Docs for the ease of sharing documents with others, but when I’m not online I can’t read and edit them.  Keep a copy locally for when you work offline.
• Recipes – Ever had the net go down when you’re making dinner and trying to find that recipe you read about on someone’s blog?  Buy the book, print out the recipe, or at least save it to your computer.
• School Projects — My kids use Education Backpack to move files between school and home.  This eliminates the need for thumb drives to be lost or stolen.  Make sure you have a backup at home for when the internet is down.  This is most likely to happen the night before a big project is due.

Make it a habit — and don’t store all your data online.

Make it a habit to at least skim local news magazines, flyers and mailings.  You never know when you’ll find something useful to help your family save money.

1. to buy bonds for Ohio’s Third Frontier

2. to change the location of the casino in Columbus from downtown to the west side

If you live in SW Ohio there are many school levies on the ballot.  Whatever you do, please vote.  Without your vote, the district you live in doesn’t know what you think and what you support and value.  Butler County polling places are open until 7:30pm tonight.

Don’t forget to bring your photo id.

Going on a trip this Spring?  If so, you might want to save a few dollars while you’re there.  Did you know that you can buy an Entertainment book for the area you’ll be visiting?  And right now Entertainment is having a SALE!  50% off plus FREE SHIPPING! Most of the books are under $20 shipped.  Every time we travel, I check out a local book.  It can save us tons of money while having fun.

Traveling to see the Mouse in Orlando or LA? There’s a book for that. Family in Texas? There’s 7 books. There’s even books for Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Get Discounts (many 2 for 1 or 50% off) at:

• Fancy Restaurants
• Bagel and Donut Shops
• Fast Food
• Hotels
• Attractions

Here’s a few of my favorites:

This Old House

Money

Time

I’m an Amazon affiliate.

Save even more with bonus gift card deals at other stores and restaurants.

When I’m shopping for an item I make it a habit to look at all sellers.  Take the 30 seconds to see if the Amazon price is really the best price.

Check out this Daily Doodle calendar

Amazon’s price (which can change several times a day) is $10.39

But check out the link to other sellers

Notice some items cost $3.99 to ship and others qualify for Free Super Saver Shipping.   Those items are FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) items.  They are in an Amazon warehouse and can be packaged with the rest of your Amazon order.  This helps you get to the magic $25 free shipping threshold faster — and supports a 3rd party seller.  In this example, check out the $8.05 price tag — shipped FREE.  That’s about 20% cheaper than buying directly from Amazon.

It’s quick and easy to see if there’s another cheaper option.  Take the 30 seconds and save yourself some money.

Disclaimer:  Yes, the calendar used in this example is actually one from our company.   For a full list of what we have for sale at Amazon visit our webstore.  Most of these items are available for Free Super Saver Shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment By Amazon Program.  Happy Savings!

1. Check out your current rate at the PUCO’s Apples to Apples Comparison Chart.  There’s a chart for each natural gas supplier in the state of Ohio.  Locate what you’re currently paying — listed on page 1.  Mine says “Duke Energy Ohio’s Rate” is $0.76 per ccf.  This is the base to compare.
2. Check out page 2 and compare the rates of the other natural gas suppliers.  You can choose a variable or fixed rate.  Since I’m not a gambler I chose to look at fixed rate plans.  I could save money with a variable rate, but I could also spend more money.  I’ll stick with predictable.  Your situation may be different.
3. Consider early termination fees — this is a real fee.  If you cancel your plan with a 3rd party supplier before your contract is up, you’ll have to pay this fee.  One supplier currently charges $150 fee to cancel.  Ouch!  Weigh this against the benefits of a lower natural gas rate.
4. Found a company you like?  Give them a call or check out their website (listed here) to verify current pricing.
5. Grab a current Energy bill and make the call.  If you have questions, ask.   You can set up a new account over the phone and information will be mailed to you.

If last year’s usage is any indication, this one phone call is going to save me over $100 this winter.  Not bad for 15 minutes of my time.

If you’re reading from outside of Ohio and know of a similar program in your state, please leave a comment with a link to your state’s program.

Happy Savings!

Here’s what I stock up on for the holidays and the price I’m looking for this holiday season:

• Flour 5# bag $0.99
• Chocolate Chips (name brand) 12oz $1.25
• sugar 5# bag $1.75
• brown sugar 2# bag $0.99
• powdered sugar 2# bag $0.99
• butter 1# sticks $1.50
• eggs $1/dozen
• imitation vanilla (any brand) 8oz $0.99

Watch my weekly deals posted on Monday’s to see when to stock up on these and other items.