Recycle technology items for free on America Recycles Day

I have an old computer that's been sitting in our basement for about 2-3 years. Partly because we forget about it, partly because we always think we resurrect it and partly because it's such a pain to get rid of. In the past we've gotten rid of them by donating, but not many places will take old computers anymore. Our recycling center takes them for a small fee, but I'm cheap and lazy and always believe that we could make better use out of the old beast. Honestly, though, no one in our household is savvy enough to make it useful again.

So imagine my excitement when I learned about Staples participation in America Recycles Day. Staples is offering to take old desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers and fax machines this Saturday (11/15) for America Recycles Day. To sweeten the deal for each item you recycle the store will also give you a $30 off coupon to use in their store or online.

Staples is also running their Mountains of Technology program which donates $5 per recycled item to local high schools. The only stores participating in the Mountains of Technology are Littleton and Boulder. They'll divide their donations between three high schools in each area.

So don't forget America Recycles Day-Saturday, Nov. 15. Even if you don't have an old computer to take to Staples you can step up your recycling efforts.

Friday Encore: Get Rich for 30 Bucks a Month

Welcome to the Friday Encore where you'll get to read a past blog posting that I thought you might not want to miss. Okay, call it a repeat if you want. When necessary the post may be updated with new information or data to keep it relevant.

The following was originally posted January 2008.

What would you do with $30? What if you had that much extra each month? Would you blow it on coffee? Or buy something interesting? It might seem like a paltry amount after all it’s not likely to even buy a tank of gas or a pair of jeans. Okay so what if you had $30 less each month? Would you even notice?

That’s the question you should ask yourself about this time of year—you know when you’ve made a resolution to save more money or lose weight (aren’t they practically the same thing?). Or when you look at your 401(k) statement. Would you notice? Would it hurt to increase your contribution? Is it worth it?

The short answer is “Of course it’s worth it!” But don't take my word for it. This Increase 401k Contribution Calculator from Wachovia Bank lets you play with numbers. Don’t get me wrong I’m not promoting a bank, I’m just using them…uh, I mean leveraging this resource. Right, anyway let’s see what effect a 1% increase to your 401(k) contribution does.
First we’ll assume you are 35 years old, make $50,000 gross annually and will retire at 65. We’ll use an 8% annual return, a 25% income tax bracket and a round 5% for the Colorado State income tax rate. Plug this all into the calculator and voila: (You can click the chart to make it easier to read. Or, you can run your own numbers using the Coors calculators.)

For less than $30 each month you’ve increased your savings by $56,642 in thirty years. And take a look at that tax savings! Now keep in mind this is just a hypothetical example and may not be completely accurate. But it sure gives you an idea of how just a little boost to your contribution can have a significant impact.

And don’t forget that many employers will match your contribution, though there is usually a cap to that amount—typically between 4-6%. But that’s like getting free money. So whether you increase your 401(k) or just get started contributing it is definitely worth it.

Now stop reading and start doing. Open a new tab on your browser and click over to your 401(k) management site to review your current contributions and if you have access bump up your contribution. Or give your HR staff a call and get things rolling. I promise it won’t hurt a bit. Really not even a little. Go on now.

Friday Encore: Enligtening Your Monday (on Friday)

Welcome to the Friday Encore where you'll get to read a past blog posting that I thought you might not want to miss. Okay, call it a repeat if you want. When necessary the post may be updated with new information or data to keep it relevant.

To piggy back on yesterday's energy saving tips here's an enligtening post from the past.

photo by Paul Schreiber

Are you still hesitating on making the switch from you old lightbulbs to the twirly shaped Compact Flourescents?The most common reasons I here are 1) their expensive 2) their odly shaped. Well, I haven’t completely switched, but I’d say we’re close. I have to say that the first thing I’ve noticed is that they last much longer. It seemed like I was always buying and replacing the standard bulbs. So right there I have to think they are worth the cost. But if that’s not enough for you here are some facts.


This chart from the American Lighting Association shows how much money you’ll save in one year by switching to CFLs.

And if that doesn’t convince you read this blog by the man who calls himself Mr. Electricity. A few quick items that he points out are:

• Incandescent bulbs were patented in 1880, dinosaurs in our technological world
  
  

• CFLs use 70% less electricity
  
  
• Australia has made CFLs mandatory—there you go that should be all you need

If you want to find out more simple ways that you are wasting money in your home call Excel Energy. They offer a home energy audit for $35. But I think if you actually look at the inserts to your billing statement they may run occaisional specials on this service.

As for their funny shape, it’s just something to get used to.The shape does not make a difference to your lamps and who really cares?

photo by km6xo