Man is Adjusting a temperature using a tablet with smart home app in modern living room

Summer’s finally here! While those sun-soaked days feel amazing, your energy bill might not. Air conditioning accounts for about 19% of a U.S. household’s electricity usage – that’s nearly one-fifth of your bill going to cooling alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to trim those costs without sacrificing comfort.

1. Get Smart with Shade & Ventilation
Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours to block heat at the source. A set of blackout curtains can shave off a few dollars from your bill. If the nights dip cooler, open windows to invite a natural breeze. And once the morning warmth rolls in, shut those windows quickly to trap the freshness inside.

2. Try Fans Before Cranking AC
Fans are AC’s less expensive sidekicks. A ceiling fan rotating counterclockwise pushes cool air down, letting you raise the thermostat by a couple of degrees with little loss of comfort. If you don’t have ceiling fans, desktop or box fans can still help. Just be sure to turn them off before leaving; fans cool people, not rooms!

3. Seal the Deal on Leaks
Wasted energy is money flying out cracks and poorly sealed windows or doors. Maybe you can fix it yourself with weatherstripping or caulk. Even just sealing window perimeters and door frames can cut your cooling bills by 10%-20%.

4. Wildly Efficient Maintenance
Clean or change your AC filters every one to three months. Clogged filters force your system to work harder, which drives up usage and shortens its lifespan. Also, consider a professional AC tune-up up every spring. Systems that aren’t serviced can lose efficiency over time, costing you more energy.

5. Upgrade Smart with ENERGY STAR
If your system is more than 10 years old, you might think about an upgrade. New ENERGY STAR certified AC units are about 20-30% more efficient than standard models ENERGY STAR window units alone typically use 23% less energy and cost about $70 per year to operate.

6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Set programmable thermostats to gently raise the temperature when you’re away or asleep and cool down right before you return. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.”

7. Seal and Clean Your Ducts
If you have central air, leaky or dusty ducts could be wasting the conditioned air you’re paying for. A professional duct-sealing and cleaning service is well worth it – and could pay for itself in energy savings in just a year or two.

8. Consider Long-Term Investments
Installing a heat pump could slash your energy use in winter and summer – it’s a longer-term project with upfront costs, however the savings over time can be significant. Likewise, adding insulation or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system could reduce your overall energy usage by 20%-50%.

No single trick is a silver bullet – however when combined, these tips can significantly dial down your energy usage. And for those times when higher energy costs affect your budget or sense of security, remember: GreenPath, our trusted partner, offers free financial counseling to help you navigate your options.

Happy couple, real estate and moving in new home with boxes for renovation, investment or relocation. Interracial man and woman owner carrying box for property rent, mortgage loan or move together.

Planning a move soon? You’re in good company. According to Zillow, June is the most popular month to move, with many families and individuals packing up during the summer to take advantage of better weather and school breaks.

Moving comes with more than just boxes and change-of-address forms – it can also be a major budget-breaker. The average cost of a local move is about $1,250, while a long-distance move can run upwards of $5,000, according to Forbes.

Ahead of summer’s biggest moving month, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Underestimating the Total Moving Costs

It’s easy to focus only on the cost of the moving truck or professional movers, however, there is a lot more to factor in. Think: packing supplies, utility deposits, cleaning fees, gas, meals on the go, and potential hotel stays. It adds up quickly.

Tip: Build a moving budget before you do anything else. Include a buffer for unexpected costs – it will save you stress down the road.

2. Not Gathering Multiple Quotes

Hiring movers? Don’t go with the first quote you receive. Prices can vary widely depending on timing, services, and distance.

Tip: Round up at least three estimates and ask about discounts – some companies offer deals for students, military members, or off-peak days.

3. Forgetting to Cancel or Transfer Services

Overlapping services (like cable, internet, or utilities) can cost you double if you’re not careful. Forgetting to cancel gym memberships or local subscriptions can leave you paying for things you no longer use.

Tip: Make a checklist of every service tied to your current address, and schedule transfers or cancellations at least two weeks in advance.

4. Skipping the Decluttering Process

The more stuff you move, the more it costs. Plus, hauling boxes of things you don’t use just makes unpacking that much harder.

Tip: If you have not used it in the last year, donate it, sell it, or toss it. You will save on moving supplies and labor – and your future self will thank you.

5. Not Accounting for Post-Move Expenses

It is easy to think the spending stops once the moving truck pulls away. Setting up your new home often comes with additional costs, like new furniture, cleaning supplies, and restocking your pantry or refrigerator.

Tip: Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for post-move purchases. Even just a few hundred dollars can help you settle in comfortably without resorting to credit cards.

Need Help Creating a Budget?
We partner with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and tools to help you manage life’s big transitions – including moving. Whether you need help building a budget, managing debt, or planning for your next step, GreenPath is here for you.

Related Resource:
Free Online Course: Homebuying 101

This article is shared by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.

Couple looks at laptop together.

April is Financial Capability Month, making it the perfect time to put fresh eyes on your finances. Ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go? You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and working toward what matters, whether that’s paying down debt, saving for retirement, or (finally) taking a vacation.

Numbers That Tell a Story

The 30-Day Budgeting Challenge
Even when money is tight, small steps can help you regain a sense of control. This challenge is about working with what you have and making a plan that fits your reality.

WEEK 1: Take Stock (Without Judgement)

Days 1-2: Gather documents – Collect checking and savings account statements, bills, and income records. If you don’t have access to everything, just start with what you know (like recent pay stubs or receipts).

Days 3-5: Sort spending into essentials vs. non-essentialsFocus on basics first: housing, food, transportation, and bills. Then, list everything else.

Days 6-7: Track daily spending – If writing down every dollar feels overwhelming, start small – like noticing where cash disappears fastest (fast food? Gas? Impulse buys?)

WEEK 2: Think Small

Days 8-10: Find areas to free up cash – Look for small, manageable changes. Might you cook one extra meal each week in lieu of going out or switch to coffee at home?

Days 11-13: Commit to one realistic goal – Maybe it’s just covering rent this month or paying one bill in full. Small wins build momentum.

Day 14: Choose a budgeting style that fits your situation – Decide what budgeting system supports where you’re at. Zero-based budgeting or the 50/30/20 rule are some examples.

WEEK 3: Adjust and Automate

Days 15-17: Adjust spending based on what’s possible – Don’t aim for perfection. Aim to find small ways to stay on top of expenses.

Days 18-20: Automate what you can – Even if it’s just setting reminders to pay bills on time, little systems can help.

Day 21: Revisit and adjust – If your first plan didn’t work, that’s normal. Tweak it and keep moving forward.

WEEK 4: Subtract, Add, and Celebrate

Days 22-24: Downgrade without losing what matters – Instead of cutting everything, swap or downgrade packages (e.g., cheaper phone plans).

Days 25-27: Explore ways to boost income – Selling things you don’t need, freelancing, or joining the gig economy part-time can provide short-term relief.

Days 28-29: Plan for expenses you know are coming – Even setting aside $5-$10 per paycheck for emergencies makes a difference.

Day 30: Reflect on progress (no matter how small) – If you made any improvement this month, celebrate it! Every step forward counts.

Remember that you don’t have to budget alone – connect with your financial institution to see what services and resources they can provide. GreenPath also offers free financial counseling and personalized debt management. Their NFCC-certified counselors are ready to meet you wherever you’re at, without shame or judgment.

This article is shared by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.

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