Tips of the Trade

Save on Home

Energy Expenses

Replace old light bulbs. Switch old light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs, which use two-thirds the energy of conventional light bulbs. Plus, the new bulbs last up to seven years, based on average daily use.

Seal air leaks. Check for holes or cracks in walls, in ceilings, and around windows that can leak air into or out of your home. Sealing these leaks with insulation, caulk or foam spray can be one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency.

Weather-strip windows and doors. Before winter arrives, check for heat loss through windows and doors. This can account for up to 25 percent of heating bills. If replacing them is out of the question, consider replacing or adding new weather-stripping.

Change out air filters. Try to replace the air filter(s) at least every three months. A dirty filter slows down air flow and makes the system work harder to keep the house warm or cool. A clean filter can help prevent expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Take shorter showers. Showers constitute most of a household's hot-water use. Baths are even worse. If you take long showers, cut the time you spend lathering up and you'll notice a difference in your water bill.

Thinking About College?

OGSLP and the State Regents offer information and resources to help you plan, prepare and pay for college.

Did you know that if you qualify, the Oklahoma's Promise scholarship program will pay your college tuition?
    

AmeriCorps Members

Were you an OKMM-EAP member? Click here to view important information about your Education Award and life after AmeriCorps.

News & Events

OKMM Newsletter

Read the July/August 2010 edition of Your Bottom Line for the latest news about how to make your money matter. This edition explores our top 5 credit myths, provides back-to-school savings ideas and offers suggestions for dealing with damage from Mother Nature's recent acts. Sign up today to get Your Bottom Line delivered straight to your inbox.

OKMM Launches Resource Clearinghouse

Looking for personal finance publications, websites, calculators and other tools? Look no further than Oklahoma Money Matters’ Resource Clearinghouse, which went live on Aug. 18. Hundreds of financial education resources can be found by using our basic search, advanced search or browse all features. Materials are searchable by keyword, subject, audience served, language and resource type.

Are You a High School Counselor?

If so, have you received your free copy of OGSLP's UCanGo2 High School Counselor Kit? OGSLP provides a complimentary copy – including a student workbook, instructor’s guide, supplemental resources and a CD stocked with worksheets, games and tools – to every high school counselor to make it easier for you to help students plan, prepare and pay for college. Contact us today at 405.234.4457, 800.970.6566 (toll-free) or UCanGo2@ogslp.org to request your kit!

Do You Have Future College Graduates?

UCanGo2, OGSLP's college access initiative, partnered with early childhood experts Smart Start Oklahoma to develop a new publication called From Cradle to College — a guide designed to help new parents build a college-going culture in the home from birth. From Cradle to College helps parents identify developmental milestones and teaches them how to enrich playtime and maximize learning opportunities. The guide also offers advice on making learning a priority, discussing college with older children and planning for college costs. For more information or to request a copy of the guide, contact us at 405.234.4452, 800.442.8642 (toll-free) or UCanGo2@ogslp.org.

New Credit Card Changes

New credit card changes from the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 took effect Feb. 22. What does this mean for you? Visit the Federal Reserve Bank's website to learn more about the ways these changes may affect your accounts.

Ask OKMM

Have a burning question about money management, consumer issues or retirement? We have answers! Click the button at left to submit your question and visit our Ask OKMM response archive.

Money Talks Podcasts

Check out OKMM's podcasts for college students called Money Talks. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, consumer credit, FICO scores, living on a college budget, financial aid, identity theft and student loan management.