September 2011 a special supplement to
Washington Daily News
FALL HOME
Think “Fresh” When selecting roof colors
www.wdnweb.com
PATTERN POINTERS Don’t be afraid to introduce patterns into your home BUILDING A BUDGET Things to consider when budgeting your home improvement project
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FALLHOME The Washington Daily News • September 30, 2011
FALLHOME
2…Cheap ways to freshen the house 4…Easy and Economical Solutions for Those Postponed Remodeling Plans 5…Create a designer look on a budget 6….Customize Your Home To Suit Your Lifestyle 7…Don’t be afraid of pattern 8….Things to consider when budgeting your home improvement project 9….Keep Your Home Exterior in Top Shape 10…Think “FRESH” When Selecting Roof Colors 11…The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Cheap ways to FRESHEN THE HOUSE Most people want their living spaces to smell clean and fresh. However, pets, aromas from the kitchen, cigarette smoke, and other things can make a home smell bad. Here are inexpensive ways to remedy all that. • Find the source of the bad smell and eliminate it. This could be a garbage pail sitting in the sun or sink disposal that’s filled with food debris. • Use a chunk of cedar or sandalwood in drawers and closets for a fresh woodsy smell. • Simmer some cinnamon sticks and water in a pot on the stove. • Dab a favorite essential oil onto a piece of fabric and stash it wherever you want a pleasant smell — even in the car. • Toss a used dryer sheet in the linen closet to keep sheets and towels smelling freshly washed. • Grow herbs in a window box. When the breeze blows, the fresh smell of basil or rosemary will come into the home. • Keep fresh flowers or plants inside
the home. They’ll filter the air and provide a pleasant aroma. • Use lemons to clean the sink and kitchen surfaces for a fresh, citrus smell. • Bake some cookies or another dessert for a wonderful aroma. • Place a tray of fallen pine needles on a cookie sheet sprayed with a little water into a warm oven. The pine scent will fill the house. • Push cloves into an orange. Hang the clove-studded orange on a string and place in a corner. The orange clove scent will slowly fill the room. • Open up the windows and let fresh air in. • Soak cotton balls in vanilla and stash around the house. • Bathe and groom pets frequently. • Use a favorite-scented reed diffuser, which will lightly scent the house for weeks. • Keep a pot of water with potpourri on a wood-burning stove or radiator for a wonderful scent.
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The Washington Daily News • September 30, 2011
Here are some other remodeling ideas that will have high impact without high expense:
EASY AND ECONOMICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE POSTPONED REMODELING PLANS by Gale Steves If you cannot wait any longer to make some much needed changes in your home, you are not alone. Americans are once again getting ready to begin the home improvement process. This pent-up energy often begins in the kitchen, a room that gets a lot of wear and tear but also seems to go out of fashion more quickly these days. This time around, you will be more cautious like many consumers are with their choices and costs … and yet you want to make observable changes. The most obvious change is installing a new countertop. Remember that countertops represent 30 percent of the color in any kitchen. Create new excitement by simply replacing your tired, scratched or stained counter surface with one made from the latest generation of premium laminate. The latest additions to the popular Wilsonart®HD® High Definition® design series reflect new interest in natural, classic and tumbled marble, limestone and travertine.
The good news is this fashionable look is available without the high cost of stone or the constant maintenance those stones require. These lighter, less patterned laminate designs are perfect for today’s hectic lifestyle. In fact, the new cost-efficient countertop can be installed within a few hours and without disrupting family life. They also give an existing kitchen the promise of a whole new look that’s universally appealing. That equals a big change for small change. All of these new designs are available in a new surface effect of a lower matte-gloss sheen that seems almost glazed. The “Glaze” texture is actually a layering of matte features over a glaze of semi-gloss. This creates a timeworn result that is less reflective and more restrained. It’s a perfect balance for the sophisticated dramatic materials that are part of today’s kitchen: stainless steel, chrome, copper, and even glass. Wilsonart patterns benefit from AEON
Enhanced Performance technology, which brings four times the scuff and scratch-resistance of conventional laminate, as well as five times the wear resistance to the surface. Unlike granite, the surfaces of these new laminates are non-porous and never need to be sealed.
• Replace your old refrigerator with an energy-efficient model. Look in the big box stores for floor models or even those with a little dent on the side, which will never be seen. • Refresh your cabinets with a coat of paint, and change all the cabinet hardware in the process. This makes everything look new. • Swap out your old ceiling light fixture and install under cabinet lighting as well. A little light can make a dramatic difference. • Change your sink or sinks. Consider a new sink when adding a laminate countertop. These sinks were designed to be mounted to a laminate surface. Still puzzled by the process or need more help choosing the right color or pattern for your countertop? Visit www.WilsonartHD.com for many good answers. Gale Steves is a frequent contributor to home design publications.
September 30, 2011 • The Washington Daily News
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Use a magazine picture as inspiration for your room, then select similarly shaped and scaled furnishings that mimic the look for less money.
Create a DESIGNER LOOK ON A BUDGET Interior designers have a knack for pulling together furniture and accessories to create rooms with widespread appeal. But not every homeowner has the resources to hire a professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab. Fortunately, it doesn’t always take a pro to transform a home’s interior. The key to creating a beautiful room is planning. Designers do it and so should you. Measure the dimensions of the room and create a sketch of the area using graph paper or computer software. Be sure to plot any windows or doors on the drawing so that you will be aware of obstacles. Homeowners unsure of what they want should browse through magazines or pictures on the Web for inspiration. Search for key phrases that describe your design style, such as Tuscan, farmhouse, country, colonial, etc. Then read up on the components of these styles that define it. This will help you select items that fit with the style. Once a particular style has been chosen, create a design board just like the professionals. Cut out swatches of fabric, select paint swatches,
find magazine pictures that fit with your goal and arrange them on a piece of poster board. See how the items work together. If you are unsure of colors, see which shades were used in the inspiring picture and determine if it will coordinate with your home. When designing, identify or create a focal point in the room and build off of that. This may be a large window, fireplace, or even the entertainment center if it’s a family room. Place furniture around the focal point and then move outward. It’s also important to keep scale in mind. Large walls or tall ceilings will create plenty of wall space. A small print or wall hanging will be lost in such an area. Be sure to choose furnishings and accessories that fit with the scale of the room. In other words, a huge sectional may overpower a small living room. When choosing colors, make sure they are cohesive. Research the color wheel that artists use to help with designing the room. Some colors are complementary or opposites and still work together. Homeowners nervous about color should choose a color from fabric or furniture
and use a few different shades of the same color in the room. Select an accent color that can be used on trim or as a spot of color on a pillow or accessory. When plotting wall hangings or other decor, odd numbers often look more pleasing to the eye. Experiment with different sizes of framed artwork or different shaped accessories for visual appeal. For example, a few rectangular shaped items with a circular clock and a conical flower vase can mix it up in the room. This is where looking at magazine layouts can be extremely helpful. Many stores sell items that mimic the look of higher-priced items. When copying a designer room, select pieces that are similar, but not necessarily the same brands. Consider shopping at second-hand stores or antique shops for discounted pieces. With a little new fabric or stain, many items can look like new again. Shopping online also may enable shoppers to find items more readily and see how they look in staged rooms. When designing, it never hurts to think outside of the box. Items that were intended for outside may
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work well inside as well. Hanging lanterns or plant stands could be put to use in a rustic room. Save some money by making some items yourself. For instance, if you cannot find a particular throw pillow or drapery that fits with your style, go to a fabric store and purchase fabric to make your own. Decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune or look like you pieced odd items together. By following the guidelines of a designer room and selecting lower-priced items that mimic the shape and scale of similar accessories, it’s possible for any homeowner to create a room for less.
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FALLHOME The Washington Daily News • September 30, 2011
Homeowners who opt to stay in their homes rather than buy new ones or those who need to reallocate space to accommodate an extended family can create a “new” living environment tailored to their tastes and needs with some well-planned changes. Check out the following tips and tools to help you.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOME TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Envision A New Look Give your entrance a fresh appearance by installing a new front door or painting the existing door. Update your home’s interior with crown molding, chair rails and trim that reflect your tastes and give your living space a unique architectural look. Bring new life to your kitchen by replacing countertops and installing new cabinet hardware — or buying or building new cabinets.
Then Round Up Some Tools & Supplies To Help! Several user-friendly tools will make these projects easier. • The Rockwell BladeRunner is a portable, multipurpose precision cutter that utilizes any T-Shank jigsaw blades. The variable speed motor control and simple blade changing mechanism allow you to cut wood, metal, plastic, aluminum and ceramic tile. The 18-lb. tool can be operated on any benchtop surface or mounted to the wall (bracket included). • For quick and easy joinery, choose the Kreg Jig K4 Master System that includes what you need to create strong pockethole joints with only a saw and drill. • The new Rockwell 3Rill 12V LithiumIon Cordless Drill — a three-in-one cordless tool that functions as a drill driver, screwdriver or impact driver — is another handy helper. Use it to drill holes in wood and metal, drive small screws with controlled torque, or fasten bolts or screws with high speed. • Kreg Crown-Pro Mitersaw Guide gives
trim carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike a fast and easy way to add beautiful crown molding to any room. The Crown-Pro works with molding up to 51⁄2” wide and is easy to use for inside and outside corners. • Tackle nearly any sanding task with a 5” or 6” lightweight (2 lbs.) Mirka Ceros Random-Orbital Sander, powered by a brushless DC motor that delivers controlled variable speeds from 4,000 to 10,000 RPMs for an ideal finish in a variety of applications. • Titebond Molding Glue is specially formulated for finish trim and carpentry, including crown molding, baseboards, and window casings. • For indoor projects, Waterlox Original and General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Clear Finishes are nearly goof-proof, provide superior results and age well. • General Finishes Milk Paint is a tough, durable premixed water-based acrylic for both indoor and outdoor applications. Traditional milk paint colors produce a flat
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Andrew Bondi, Woodcraft power tool sales manager, “test drives” Mirka’s new Ceros Random-Orbital Sander. Listen To An Expert Veteran remodeling contractor Danny Lipford, host of Today’s Homeowner (television) and Homefront with Danny Lipford (radio), offers the following advice:
“If you are a beginner DIYer, start with modest projects, and then move on to more ambitious tasks once you have the confidence and a little more experience. Also, do your research to choose the right tools for the job; it will minimize the frustrations.”
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September 30, 2011 • The Washington Daily News
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Try out pattern, even if it is only on an accent chair in one room of the house. It can add visual dimension to a space.
DON’T BE AFRAID OF PATTERN Many homeowners want to introduce pattern to their rooms but don’t know where to start. They may wonder if two patterns match or how to determine scale. It may take a little practice, but using pattern is easier than one may think. Nothing adds visual interest to a room more than pattern and color. While homeowners may have the knack with color, they may shy away from pattern. Individuals can trust their instincts — they’re usually right. For those who have mastered pattern with their wardrobes, it’s time to try out some pattern in home design. Varying pattern size adds dimension to a room. Not every pattern should be the same size and variety, otherwise things can look too matched and staged. Try varying patterns of similar colors but experiment with size. For example, place
a largely patterned area rug on the floor. An ottoman may feature a medium-sized pattern. Mix things up by alternating throw pillows in a floral or paisley print with subtle stripes. However, make sure the texture of the fabrics match. Gauzy curtains with heavy chenille pillows may clash. When selecting patterned items, choose similarly colored items. This way even if the fabrics or patterns aren’t exactly the same, they’ll look cohesive through color. For a room to feel a bit more upbeat, consider complimentary opposite colors. If you prefer a more restful atmosphere, try a palette of colors from the same family. Just vary the intensity of the shades. Homeowners who have gained some pattern confidence may want to strike out on their own to create a room that is unique. Those who still
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need a little help may want to consider taking the path of designers before them. There are certain patterns and fabrics that have already been established as working together for certain design styles. Here are a few. • American Southwest: Navajo patterns are at the forefront of this design style and can be used on upholstery or pillows. Use a smallerscale stripe on window treatments. Solid-shaded throw pillows in a complementary color to the Navajo pattern will coordinate well. • English country: This style is about largescale chintz on sofa and draperies. Mix in narrow striped, slip-covered lounge chairs for a little extra panache.
in chintz or paisley featuring golds and robin’s egg blue are just some of the options for classic decorating. • Modern: Mix stripes and geometric patterned items in splashes of color to add a modern feel to a room. Individuals can experiment with patterns to make a room more personalized and less of a neutral blank page. If it proves difficult to come up with patterns that work together, look at design magazines or books for some inspiration.
• American country: A small floral print on the sofa or comforter can be offset with a large country quilt pattern hung on the wall as a wall treatment. Checkerboard checks, medium stripes on draperies or select crocheted valences coordinate well. • 18th century: Lavish patterned fabrics
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The Washington Daily News • September 30, 2011
Things to consider when budgeting your home improvement project Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners should construct a budget to ensure the project is a success.
Home improvement projects have become de rigueur for today’s homeowners. Be it a kitchen remodel or the ever popular man cave project, home improvement projects remain a goal for many homeowners. As enticing as a home improvement project might be, no project can be successful until a budget has been established. The right budget will keep homeowners from going deep into debt when improving their homes, ensuring that, upon the project’s completion, they can fully enjoy their revamped castles without the specter of significant debt hanging ominously over their heads. Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners can take the following things into consideration. • Personal finances: It sounds simple, but homeowners must examine their finances before starting a home improvement project. Just because a bank will loan out money for a project doesn’t mean the project is affordable. Homeowners should compare their monthly expenses with their incomes, and then determine what’s left that might be able to go toward a project. Monthly expenses include everything from groceries to mortgage payments. When the comparison between monthly expenses and monthly income has been made, homeowners can get a grasp of just what they can and cannot afford. • Credit score: Many homeowners finance home improvement projects with loans from the bank. Particularly in the current economy when banks are being forced to tighten lending requirements, securing such loans isn’t easy. Homeowners with significant credit card debt should eliminate such debt before beginning a project. Doing so serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, eliminating outstanding debt will free up more money to allocate toward the project. Eliminating debt will also make
loan applicants more attractive to prospective creditors, increasing their chances of securing a loan and a lower interest rate. • The project’s priority: Budgeting a home improvement project also involves being honest as to just how necessary the project is. For example, a man cave might be a dream project, but should it be a priority over other things around the house? If wear and tear is taking its toll on the roof, for instance, the money going toward the man cave should probably be allocated to replacing the roof instead. If a project is low on the priority list but high on the want list, re-examine those projects higher up on the priority list to determine if they are more deserving of immediate attention and funds than vanity projects. • Overrun costs: Not every home improvement project will come in at or under budget. Many, in fact, go over budget due to a host of factors. Homeowners should not be caught off guard when a project goes over budget. Instead, plan for the project to go over budget and expect such frustration. Allocate extra money in the original budget for overrun costs. This will reduce stress and frustration, and if the project comes in under budget, then there’s extra money when the project is completed.
September 30, 2011 • The Washington Daily News
Feel like cheating? Forget what the inside of your home looks like for just a bit and focus on your home’s exterior.
KEEP YOUR HOME EXTERIOR IN TOP SHAPE
“The exterior of your home makes a lasting and daily impression on your friends and family, along with your neighbors,” says Mark Clement, professional contractor and host of MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio show. “While the weather is good, my advice is to get outside and fix up problem areas, work on the landscaping and invest in products that make your home’s exterior not only look great, but work great.” Clement, who is in the middle of an ongoing renovation of his 100-year-old home in
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Pennsylvania, recommends assessing your needs and then diving in on projects. “On the exterior of the home there are three big, critical areas I recommend people evaluate every year — the roof, the windows and the entry door. Those are key areas because, along with being visual focal points of the home, they help protect a house from severe weather. And, if you have problems with older windows,
Contractor Mark Clement installs polymer roof tiles on his home.
doors or roofing tiles, you’re looking at higher energy bills and growing problems that can affect your wallet long-term.”
CLEMENT OFFERS THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOME EXTERIOR IN TOP SHAPE:
ROOFING TIPS
ENTRY DOOR TIPS
WINDOW TIPS
TRIM TIPS
1. Check your roof yearly (from a ladder or from a neighbor’s home with binoculars) to determine the condition of your roof. Look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future.
1. If you can see light around your main entry door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door.
1. Evaluate the functionality and decorative appeal of your current windows. If you have condensation between glass panes, the windows are hard to open or close, your energy bills are soaring or if there are drafts coming in around the window units, then it’s time to seriously consider replacement windows.
1. If you have the opportunity to replace your entry door or windows, make sure to finish off the job with stylish window and door trim. Lightweight and easy to install, weather-resistant synthetic mouldings, shutters and entryway surrounds from Fypon® are a definite do-it-yourself project for any homeowner.
2. Don’t forget to check the sides of your roof. The southern exposure weathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof, so make sure to carefully examine this one. Also, shallower pitches weather faster than steeper pitches. So again, if your roof has a shallow pitch — like a shed dormer — make certain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of the condition of your roof. 3. If you’re in the market for a new roof, investigate polymer roofing tiles as a good option. These impactresistant slate and shake tiles are man-made in a wide variety of colors. Some tiles, like those from DaVinci Roofscapes® that Clement chose for his home, have a 50-year limited warranty and are ideal for all types of weather conditions, including hurricanes and hail. 4. Since the installation of a new roof exceeds the capabilities of most homeowners, make sure to research and hire a professional roofer. Check to make sure your roofer is insured, licensed and certified. Ask for a written job estimate and references along with warranty information for both the roof you select and his installation services.
2. Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. On a very cold or hot day, hold the back of your hand an inch or so away from the bottom and perimeter of your door. If you can feel air moving or a significant cold spot, that’s a signal your existing door could benefit from better sealing. 3. Determine what role you would like an entry door to play on your home’s exterior. Do you want it to be a focal point with a splash of color? Is it important that you have decorative glass in the door system? Will you need vented sidelites to allow more light and air into your home? Search the web for “Door Designer” and “My Saved Door” online tools to help visualize how a new door will look on your home. 4. Think about the weather conditions your home’s door faces along with your energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing your entryway with a high-performance fiberglass door (which has four times more insulation than wood doors). You can also request features such as the Tru-Defense® Door System from Therma-Tru Doors that features enhanced weatherstripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill that all work together to provide strength and stability in your entry door.
2. Vinyl framed windows are the category of windows with the highest growth rate in the country. Why? These frames are extremely energy-efficient and some of the best have fusion-welded corners and multi-chambered construction. Plus, maintenance hassles are so low you’ll forget the horrors of rotting frames, scraping and repainting that come with wood windows. 3. Investigate your window options and stick with a national manufacturer that can stand behind a long-term warranty. For his renovation project, Clement selected Simonton vinyl windows. The award-winning company impressed him with its 65-year history and return-on-investment with their ENERGY STAR® qualified windows. 4. Remember that a thermally-efficient window is sealed tightest when it’s locked. So, to keep your energy bills lowers, don’t just close your windows, make sure to lock them.
2. Take an eagle’s eye look at your home. Most houses have louvers placed high above the attic or garage space to allow ventilation in those areas. And, most houses have wooden louvers that can rot with time. Replacing louvers with insect-resistant and rot-resistant synthetic louvers can improve the home’s appearance and functionality. 3. Wrap it up. Clement recommends that if you have unsightly porch posts you can easily transform them into showpiece parts of your home by using Column Wrap Kits. The decorative synthetic pieces can be installed in less than 15 minutes around existing structural posts and columns to give an upgraded look to any home. For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com.
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The Washington Daily News • September 30, 2011
THINK
Thinking about a new roof for your home? Then think “FRESH.” That’s the advice national color expert Kate Smith recommends for homeowners considering a new roof.
“FRESH”
WHEN SELECTING ROOF COLORS
“The acronym FRESH stands for fixed features, regional colors, environment, style of home and historic colors,” says Smith, president of Sensational Color. “Considering these five elements can help you select the perfect roof color.”
FRESH Approach • Fixed Features — These are the permanent design elements of the home that need to be considered a constant feature of the house, such as the foundation, partial stone or brick facades, pathways and retaining walls. Each feature may be of a different material, but they usually will have a common color or color cast. Once you identify that common color, you can find a roof tile with a similar color or undertone that will work well for the overall home. For a home with slate tile walkway in shades of gray, Smith recommends a DaVinci Slate Castle Gray combination of three tones of gray in a slate blend. A predominantly white brick house may look best with a solid slate black Bellaforté roof … or with a Milano blend of grays with a tinge of purple. • Regional Colors — Each region of the country has prevalent colors based on the housing styles, available materials, natural surroundings and the quality of light. Determine the colors in your area (mostly those you see a great deal of on other homes) to stick with regional colors.
This polymer roof includes a combination of tan, gray, violet and amber tones to create a blend that highlights the style of this home.
According to Smith, a southwestern style home in the desert may look best with a slate roof comprised of a Sonora blend of medium and dark terracotta colors gently mixed in with light and dark clay colors. Or, West Coast homeowners seeking the feel of real wooden shakes, but the advantages of fire-resistant polymer shakes, can benefit from an Abruzzo color blend of light, medium and dark mountain tones. • Environment and Surroundings — Is your home in a rural setting or a downtown? Are
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you near the waterfront, a desert or a mountain? Temper the colors to complement your surroundings and the natural colors around you. The goal is to stand out while still fitting in. Consider a Mountain blend of multi-width shake tiles that complement wooded settings or a Chesapeake blend of oceanfront grays for coastal area homes. • Style of the Home — Remember that colors support the home’s style and architecture, not the other way around. So, determine your home’s style (are you a Ranch? Tudor? Art Deco? Greek Revival?) and then research to determine what colors are most associated with your style of home. For a Craftsman style home, Smith recommends considering a natural looking shake roof in a New Cedar or Weathered Gray color. And, while you can’t go wrong with an elegant solid black roof, she recommends softening the appeal of the roof by considering a combination of neutral tones, such as medium tan, dark gray and light stone to create a warmer roof appearance. • Historic Colors — If you live in a historic district, check for local guidelines and/or restrictions on adding colors to your home. More traditional colors, such as whites, browns, and shades of blue and green, work well on historical homes. Match them up with a Tahoe blend of shake roofing tiles with five varying shades of brown and you have a stunning house décor. Smith suggests “playing” online with the free DaVinci Color Design Program to determine the color roof that works best for your home. There are roofing colors and 28 standard color blends available at www.davinciroofscapes.com to make the roof color decision easy for everyone.
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September 30, 2011 • The Washington Daily News
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THE HIDDEN COST OF CONVENIENCE
With so many different devices deemed necessary these days, people often are unaware of the amount of energy used and the costs associated with keeping these devices running. While there has been a lot of discussion on “vampire” devices, electronics that continue to consumer power even when in the stand-by position, it seems that many other everyday hidden costs are overlooked. Take a refrigerator that was purchased ten or more years ago. It may still be running today just as strong, and appear that is does not need replacing. But did you know that the refrigerator technology has improved energy efficiency features and offer better performing motors to help save electricity? According to the California Energy Commission, older refrigerators could be costing you up to $280 a year in electricity. A newer, more efficient model could pay for itself in a year or two.
Similarly, if you have an older television with the classic cathode-ray tube in it, even if just as a secondary TV in the bedroom, it still may be consuming more energy than you think. A study done by Cornell University found that a similar size LCD monitor compared to a CRT monitor used nearly 69 percent less energy (25 watts (LCD) vs. 80 watts (CRT)), including 40 percent less when in stand-by mode. With the energy difference in mind, it might be the last evidence you need to justify buying a new TV for the
bedroom.
A more everyday example that might not be considered as often is batteries. Batteries power all of our portable devices, and without them, we are powerless to use them — quite literally. Standard alkaline batteries may last a long time, but we constantly need a supply of them on hand and they can be expensive. When you stop to add up how many AA or AAA batteries a standard home uses (all those remote controls, wireless keyboards, mice and game controllers, not to mention the loud toys for the little ones), the hidden cost of replacement batteries can surprise you. Luckily, there’s a solution that’s more efficient and costs less over time. Rechargeable battery technology has improved in the last five years that gets rid of many of the questions of using rechargeables.
When we become aware of hidden costs and how they affect our pocketbooks over time, we become smarter consumers and realize that a little up front investment can often mean less money paid out over time, saving us more money to buy the things we want.
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