Tag Archives: Invest

 Invest to Save: Ten Home Upgrades That Lower Your Bills

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In a world where the cost of living continues to climb, finding ways to save money has become more important than ever. In cities like Portland, where expenses are 19% higher than the national average, people might hesitate to spend a large amount of money. But when it comes to your home, the right investments can lead to long-term savings and increased value. These upgrades reduce monthly bills and, at the same time, make your home more sustainable and comfortable. 

Let’s explore how spending smartly now can pay off significantly in the future.

1. Upgrade Your Insulation

Proper insulation is the backbone of an energy-efficient home. Poorly insulated walls and attics allow heat and cold to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Investing in high-quality insulation ensures that your home stays comfortable year-round while lowering energy bills. Consider eco-friendly options like spray foam or cellulose insulation for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

High-performance insulation reduces heat transfer, creating a more consistent indoor temperature no matter the season. It also lessens your dependency on heating and cooling systems, ultimately decreasing wear and tear on these appliances. 

2. Focus on Your Home’s Siding

Upgrading your siding is a game changer for both energy efficiency and curb appeal. Modern siding materials, such as fiber cement or insulated vinyl, provide better thermal performance, helping to maintain indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. Moreover, high-quality siding gives your home a refreshed appearance, complementing Portland’s charming aesthetics. Consulting a professional Portland siding contractor is essential to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.

Upgraded siding also protects your home from weather damage, reducing maintenance costs over time. Professionals can recommend materials best suited for your area and ensure proper installation, preventing future issues like moisture intrusion or drafts. Though it’s a substantial investment, the combined benefits of energy savings and enhanced curb appeal make it an excellent long-term decision.

3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Old or single-pane windows are often ignored culprits of heat loss. Replacing them with double or triple-pane energy-efficient windows prevents drafts and improves insulation. Look for windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and tight seals. Though the initial investment may seem steep, the reduction in heating and cooling costs will quickly balance the expense.

Energy-efficient windows also offer noise reduction and increased UV protection for your interiors, preserving furniture and flooring. These windows add to your home’s value and can greatly enhance comfort levels by eliminating cold drafts in winter or excessive heat in summer.

4. Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting accounts for a substantial portion of a home’s energy use. By replacing incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 75%. LEDs also last much longer, meaning fewer replacements and less waste. This simple upgrade has one of the fastest returns on investment.

Modern LED bulbs come in various designs and brightness levels, making it easy to find an option that suits your home’s aesthetic. Moreover, smart LED bulbs can be controlled remotely or programmed for schedules, providing extra convenience and energy efficiency.

5. Add a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats, such as Nest or Ecobee, let you control your home’s temperature remotely and adapt to your routine over time. These devices optimize heating and cooling schedules, ensuring you only use energy when needed. The result is not only lower energy bills but also a more comfortable living space tailored to your preferences.

With advanced features like motion sensors, these thermostats can adjust temperatures automatically when rooms are unoccupied. They also provide detailed energy reports, helping you identify areas for further savings. The initial cost is quickly recouped through the reduced energy usage they facilitate.

6. Opt for Solar Panels

Solar energy is one of the most sustainable ways to power your home. While it’s true that solar panels require a major chunk of your budget, many states offer tax incentives and rebates to make it more affordable. Over time, generating your own electricity reduces your dependence on the grid and can even earn you credits for excess energy.

Solar panels also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Advances in solar technology have improved efficiency and durability, ensuring your system delivers value for decades. 

7. Upgrade Your Water Heater

Traditional water heaters often waste energy by constantly heating water. Switching to a tankless water heater or a high-efficiency model ensures you use only what you need when you need it. These systems also take up less space and have a longer lifespan, adding to their overall value.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses. High-efficiency models are often eligible for rebates, further offsetting initial costs. The result is reduced water heating bills and an endless supply of hot water tailored to your household’s needs.

8. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can lead to significant energy loss. Simple solutions like weatherstripping, caulking, or adding door sweeps can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency. These small fixes are inexpensive and easy to implement but offer noticeable savings over time.

Sealing air leaks also improves indoor air quality by keeping out pollutants and allergens. When paired with proper ventilation, this upgrade ensures a healthier living environment while reducing energy consumption. 

9. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Reducing water usage is just as important as cutting down energy consumption. Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets reduces water bills without sacrificing performance. Many modern fixtures are designed to maintain high pressure while using less water, making them a practical and cost-effective upgrade.

Low-flow fixtures also help conserve water resources, a critical consideration in areas facing water shortages. With sleek and modern designs available, these fixtures blend functionality with style, enhancing both savings and aesthetics.

10. Improve Your Landscaping

Strategic landscaping can help lower energy bills by providing natural insulation. Planting shade trees around your home reduces heat in the summer, while evergreen shrubs act as windbreaks in the winter. Native plants also require less water and maintenance, saving money on irrigation and gardening.

Thoughtful landscaping doesn’t just reduce energy costs; it also boosts property value. Incorporating permeable paving and rain gardens can manage stormwater effectively, further enhancing environmental benefits. Investing in professional landscaping ensures a design that complements your home while maximizing energy savings.

Saving money doesn’t always mean cutting corners; sometimes, it means making smart investments. Each of these home upgrades not only reduces your monthly bills but also increases the value and comfort of your home. While the initial costs may feel overwhelming, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. By thinking ahead and taking proactive steps, you can achieve a home that’s both economical and sustainable. 

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Innovative Films Raising Funds: Alpha

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A_poster_ENFrost Magazine is doing a long-running series on innovative movies which are raising funds or about to be released. We love film at Frost Magazine. In fact quite a few of us work in the film industry as actors, producers and writers. (Myself included. I have been an actor for years, and have also written scripts and started a film production company with Steve McAleavy. Our first full-length film, Prose & Cons is currently being edited) We want to support other filmmakers out there. Making films is hard and getting them seen is just as hard. We hope you like some of the films we showcase enough to invest in them and/or watch them. Thank you.

Alpha

A is much more than a feature film, it is inspired by the ancient myth of Antigone and has a totally different approach to filmmaking as a whole.

SYNOPSIS

A woman -Alpha- is forced to sit and watch her hanged brother rot in the middle of a burned forest, until the authorities decide that she has been punished enough. She will find the strength not only to rebel against this unjust order but also to confront her brother when they meet in the afterlife.

Alpha is a movie inspired by the ancient myth of Antigone and talks about what we are all witnessing and experiencing as consequences of the so-called “crisis”.

We are using an old story, not to reiterate the past, but to explain the present and take a glimpse of the future.

With this film, we want to make our voice heard not only as artists but as active citizens, and share how we are experiencing the “crisis”.

And not only do we want to, but we have to, because this is our duty as active participants in the society we are leaving in.

HOW WE FUND THIS MOVIE

The way we cover our budget (196,000€) is as follows:

The main artistic team (Screenwriter, Director, Photographer, Production Designer, Composer, Actors) and the communication team, capitalise our work.

Our co-producers, Imagina Pictures, provide all the necessary editing and post-production equipment and facilities, for both image and sound.

Imagina Pictures also provides the camera and related shooting equipment.

All of the above constitute 40% of the budget (69,000€). To help fund Alpha go here.

What is left for us to cover :

The crew fees

The catering

Special equipment (steadicam, crane, hexacopter)

3D animation & visual effects

The above constitute another 40% of the budget (70,000€).

We cover this part with private sponsorships.

The remaining 20% (57,000€) is the Production Design cost.

This is an essential part of the movie because the aesthetics of the image need to be treated with great care.

This is the part we want to cover with crowd-funding.

This is the part in which you are actually contributing to the final look of the picture.

This is the part in which we are asking for your help.

We hope you will become our fellow traveler during this difficult but exciting journey.

WHAT IS THE MYTH ABOUT?

Antigone is the daughter of King Oedipus.

King Creon, who is now the ruler of Thebes, demands that the body of her dead brother Polynices be left unburied and eaten by predators. Whoever does not comply with his orders, will face immediate execution. Antigone will defy this unjust order and bury her dead brother, thus losing her life, but coming to terms with her feelings and her inner sense of justice, regardless what the Authority says.

There is no need to point out the relevance of the myth of Antigone with the current political and socio-economic status quo. In this new world order governed by numbers and economic indicators, an invisible King Creon has not only invaded our lives, but is gaining power day by day. Few dream of taking an active stand against him, while most of us conform to his irrational and inhuman demands.

Make the most of your relationship –top ten tips by Sarah Rozenthuler,

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Make the most of your relationship –top ten tips

by Sarah Rozenthuler, author of Life-Changing Conversations

 

Sarah Rozenthuler author of Life-Changing Conversations, 7 strategies for Talking about What Matters Most draws together tools from the field of dialogue, insights from the discipline of psychology and wisdom from a contemporary articulation of spirituality. This potent mix can transform how we talk together and how we act in the world and our lives.

 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air. It’s easy to be swept away by the romance—the candlelit dinner, the bunch of fresh blooms, the softly playing music—the “pinkness” of it all. But love has many colours, including some deep and dark hues, so it can also be timely to ask: What does it take to make a relationship work?

 

Our intimate interactions with our beloved can be a source of great joy—and immense stress—in our lives. Whether you want to rekindle some of the magic, heal some hurt or deepen your joy, here are ten top tips for a happy and harmonious relationship.

 

1.    Put that phone away

 

Give your partner some quality time by having a “media break”. Switch off the TV, put down your phone and turn off your tablet. Make your beloved the object of your attention rather than checking your emails. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, take time to listen to what your partner has to say and then reflect back what you’ve heard.

 

Resist the temptation to interrupt. Let them finish their sentence. Listening receptively is a powerful aphrodisiac that can soften the hardest of hearts.

 

2.    Create a shared vision

 

A long-lasting relationship is all about standing shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the same direction. When a relationship ends, the most painful part is often the loss of shared dreams.

 

To strengthen your bond, create a “vision board” together. Recycle your old magazines by cutting out inspiring images and use these to create a collage. Place it where you can both see it every day so that you consciously “call in” what you want as a couple.

 

3.    Spice up your sex life

 

If the physical side of your relationship has become routine, take a risk and do something different. Go to a sex shop together, do a tantra workshop or join the mile high club.

 

If you’re stuck for ideas, ask your partner for a memory of some great sex they had (with you!) and see what you can learn to re-create some of that excitement. It might be making love in front of an open fire, having sex in the kitchen or taking time to massage each other. Savour the specialness of this side of your relationship.

 

4.    Monitor your mood

 

Be aware that partners are susceptible to absorbing each other’s moods. This can be great when one of you has had a good day but it can be a real downer when one person’s bad day at the office contaminates you both. 

 

To combat the contagious effects of negativity, develop some strategies for shifting state when you’re down in the dumps. Take a five minute walk round the block, sit and watch the sun go down or enjoy taking in the scent of some fresh flowers. Each  of you needs to take responsibility for your own state of being so that your moods become mutually enriching.

 

5.    Have some fun

 

A relationship can be hard work as you each try to find ways to accommodate the other’s needs, wants and desires. Differences of opinion can cause tension and unresolved conflicts can lead to contempt.

 

To counterbalance the heavy lifting, make a mutual commitment to spend time together doing things that you enjoy. Go to the cinema, take a dance class or plan your next holiday. Find things that bring a smile—or even better, some belly laughs—and agree to do these things regularly. Remember that when you fell in love, your inner child felt alive and well. Nurture that part of you and your relationship will reap the rewards.

 

6.    Keep the romance

 

Cherish your partner by doing things that make them feel special. Treat them to something you know they’ll love whether it’s cooking their favourite meal, running a hot bath or playing their favourite track of music.

 

As you go about your day, bookmark memorable moments in your mind to share with your partner when you next see them. It’s the kind of thing you probably did when your love was freshly minted, so bring some of that attentive energy into your relationship now. 

 

7.    Invest in your relationship skills

 

If your relationship has become riddled with tension, get some help. Identify what the core issue is and search out ways to deal with it. If, for example, you have a temper that is toxic to the relationship, book yourself onto an anger management workshop or at the very least read a book such as Beating Anger by Mike Fisher.

 

Expand your communication skills by practising the tools contained in Creating the Love you Want by Harville Hendrix or in my own book, Life-Changing Conversations.  Keeping the air clear and free of past resentments will do wonders for you both.

 

8.    Have some “me” time

 

Although it may sound somewhat paradoxical, it’s important to spend time apart when you’re in coupleland. It’s a tragedy that many people lose themselves in a relationship and feel “less than” they were before—less attractive, less interesting, less fulfilled.

 

To minimise the risk of this, take regular doses of your own company. Do whatever it takes to stay grounded in your own experience whether this is through going for a walk, writing your journal or listening to music. Some breathing space will invigorate your relationship, not least because you’ll have things to share with your partner.

 

9.    Decide how you decide

 

Many a relationship has suffered as a result of one individual making decisions without consulting their partner. It can leave the other person reeling, feeling that their opinion doesn’t matter. Any couple will benefit from having a conversation about how they make decisions together, for example, agreeing up front the sum of money above which a decision must be joint.

 

For significant decisions, agree that you’ll both take time separately to consider the different options and then share your thoughts. Moving from “me” to “we” in this way maximises the likelihood that you’ll reach decisions that take into account each person’s perspective. Finding practical ways of integrating both individual’s needs is a key relationship skill.

 

10.  See the bigger picture

 

Drop your expectations that your partner is there to make you happy. If you’re expecting them to provide you with something you haven’t brought into the relationship yourself, you may be making the biggest mistake of your life. Ask yourself how you can evolve into a bigger version of yourself without demanding anything of your partner.

 

Place what is happening in your relationship into the larger context of how you are growing as an individual. Are you becoming more sensitive, more selfless or more savvy? Staying in touch with the bigger picture will stop you from retreating to your corner and enable you to create a life-enhancing relationship.

 

Sarah Rozenthuler

 

Author of Life-Changing Conversations

 

www.sarahrozenthuler.com