Going “green” often means reducing carbon emissions, consuming less energy, or cleaning our water and air. There are steps you can take with your finances to go “green” that might save you time, money, and possibly reduce your carbon footprint!
Banking electronically
Special Financing
You may be able to make your home energy efficient and environmentally friendly with a home improvement loan. Special financing, including lower interest rates and fewer fees, may be available for loans to purchase electric, hybrid, or fuel-efficient cars. There may also be tax incentives; check with your tax professional.
Safely recycle
Safely recycle your paperwork whenever possible but be sure to destroy your financial information properly to maintain your financial privacy. Many communities sponsor secured shredding days. Check your local government’s website.
Keep your financial records based on retention requirements. For example, the IRS offers suggestions on how long to keep tax returns based on your tax filing situation. Be sure to save your digital records in a safe place.
Cancel junk mail
We often think of high-tech ways to steal a person’s information, but mail theft is still a concern. Thieves may target mailboxes looking for pre-approved credit cards and insurance offers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you can opt out of some junk mail for five years or sometimes permanently. This can save you the inconvenience of dealing with credit card theft, and you may help save a few trees.
Buy less, save more
Perhaps you can find new ways to reuse items or borrow them, instead of buying new. You can put the money you were going to use to purchase the item in your savings account and help the environment at the same time.
These changes can save time and money, and make the world a little greener, too.
