10 Ways to Cut Your Utility Bill and Stay Cool

And, seven states where gas taxes increased on July 1. Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( July 4, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] [Stepping Into the Founding Fathers’ Finances]( How to finance the new country was under great debate in 1791 when Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson tried to make the case to President George Washington for and against having a national, central bank. Our founding fathers helped shape the financial future of America and they have some wise words we can all heed to prosper in the future. My Kiplinger colleagues have [gathered words from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and others that offer great everyday advice and encourage financial independence.]( - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Maximize Your Wealth: Why A Trust in Neveda May Benefit You]( Discover why so many Californians are choosing Nevada for their trust administration. With no state income tax and favorable trust laws, Nevada offers unparalleled tax savings and asset protection. Set up an irrevocable trust to secure your financial future. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] BEST DEAL FOR GROCERIES [] [Costco vs. Sam's Club: The Warehouse Club Showdown]( [Costco vs. Sam's Club: The Warehouse Club Showdown]( (Getty Images) We all need a break in prices for our groceries and household supplies because inflation and [shrinkflation]( have drastically reduced our purchasing power. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) the index for all [food increased 2.1%]( year-over-year in May. Shopping at a warehouse club can lower your food costs — but which retailer delivers the biggest savings? We share [how Costco and Sam’s Club stack up in five areas]( including better return policy and best store credit card. Happy Saving! [] BEST SAVINGS OPTIONS [] [Is a Roth or traditional 401(k) Right for You?]( [Is a Roth or traditional 401(k) Right for You?]( (Getty Images) Having the choice between a traditional and Roth 401(k) is a great problem to have. Both accounts give you some tax advantages and a way to build a retirement fund. The most obvious and salient difference is the traditional 401(k) gives you a current tax deduction for contributions and delivers taxable distributions later and the Roth flips the script. With a Roth, you make contributions with after-tax wages and draw distributions tax-free. Keep reading to [learn how to evaluate which 401(k) account is better for you now and in the future](. [This Billion Dollar Startup Wants to Help You Retire]( This Princeton grad's startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. If you're one of the whopping 110 million Americans over the age of 50, or wisely planning ahead, SmartAsset's no-cost tool can help match you with up to 3 vetted financial advisors. [Learn more]( ADVERTISEMENT [] LOWER YOUR ENERGY COSTS [] [10 Ways to Cut Your Utility Bill and Stay Cool]( [10 Ways to Cut Your Utility Bill and Stay Cool]( (Getty Images) Energy prices are a product of supply and demand, so electricity is cheapest when consumer demand is low. Households in most regions of the United States consume more electricity in the summer than in other months because nearly 90% of U.S. households cool their homes with air conditioning. So, it’s not surprising that energy costs are up this summer, but there are ways we can lower our bills. Here are [10 tips to help you cut costs and stay cool](. [Earn up to $2,500]( Enjoy premium, international banking with priority services and global support, and no HSBC fees on everyday transactions. Live, work, and travel with HSBC Premier privileges & status around the world. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Seven states where gas tax increased beginning July 1]( But it's not all bad news. Gas tax rates were reduced a bit in a couple of places, offering some relief. Is your state one of them? [Five ways to save money on summer flights to Europe]( Follow these strategies to avoid paying top dollar to fly across the Atlantic. [How to donate your life insurance policy to charity]( Donating an unneeded life insurance policy to charity can extend your charitable legacy. To maximize that gift, consider methods that may reduce your tax burden. 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