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Top Financial Resources, 2124 Kittredge Street Unit 276, Berkeley, CA (2026)

Name: Top Financial Resources
Address: 2124 Kittredge Street Unit 276, Berkeley, CA, 94704, US
Telephone: +18002605126

03/23/2021

Ways To Make Remote Working More Effective
Tips for Working From Home

How to make remote working work?
With Corona Virus here for the unforeseeable future, companies are rethinking everything. More and more employees are working from home, which indicates people who once met face to face must now meet virtually. Remote working is a dream for individuals who love flexibility and freedom. Still, it can be intimidating for staff who consider themselves extroverts or are used to working in an office every day. Whether you are nervous or excited about working remotely, there are some unique challenges to face as you begin figuring out your new remote work life. Build these tips into your routine to promote a smooth transition, maintain productivity, and create a sense of camaraderie with your coworkers.

How to make remote working work for you?

Invest in a communication tool
There are various reasons to hold meetings: brainstorming solutions, sharing information coordinating activities, and many others. But the main reason is socialization. Remotely located teams require social bonds to work better together. Typically, clear, consistent communication is going to be the key to your remote work success. This does not mean you need to be talking to your coworkers all day long; however, knowing that everyone has a common way to ask questions and publish notes is vital.

Right now, you might need to hold more meetings than in regular times since so many people are feeling disconnected and isolated. There are so many communication tools today. The most common is Slack and Skype. You can have a channel for each client together with many internal channels such as Analytics for HR and AdWords. You can even have fun channels such as Music and Travel, where employees can publish non-work-related content.

Develop the mood upfront a meeting
Meeting attendees will possibly be coming from a wide range of emotional spaces when they arrive (many of them negative). Take control of their mood and mindset by facilitating casual conversation before the official start time. Do not allow the meeting to be awkwardly dominated or silent by a side conversation between just a few of the many people on the line.

According to Tiersky, in regular times, you would begin by chatting about vacation or sports plans, but these are not ordinary times. You can not acknowledge the pandemic that would not be authentic but keep topics around it as positive as you can. Do not allow Covid 19 to overrun everything. You might ask in case anyone has a funny story to share, or if they have seen a creative way their community is giving back or pulling together.

Weekly and monthly check-ins
Do not be afraid to use video calls. You can let every manager and direct report a weekly check-in. Conduct these through video for those who are remote. Together with a daily staff meeting held each morning for every team member to recap what they did the previous day and what their priorities are for the day ahead. The weekly check-in is useful for non-remote workers; however, it becomes even more vital for those who are remote as it makes sure that there is a time each week where the remote worker can raise concerns and provide feedback.

They can also review goals, and feel connected to their direct manager and manager. You can also develop a check-in concept for employees to chat with each other about non-work-related matters. Put the check-ins on the calendar about once a month and talk about anything new in your lives, such as things going on with your families, workout routines, and more. This will help the employees stay connected to each other and build relationships that go deeper than work.

Keep the purpose of a meeting ahead of time and keep it front
Before you hold a meeting, try to identify the reason for the meeting and stay on message. You may say today’s goals to finalize the form you will use for the performance management process. This is vital since it is a tool that will assist in facilitating thousands of conversations between employees and their supervisors, and most of these conversations will be turning points in those employees’ careers. When you get this right, you can really impact employee morale and productivity and minimize attrition.

Establish a routine
Maybe you are thinking working remotely indicates every day is a free-for-all of Netflix and naps. But this is not right. Establishing a daily routine can be useful in terms of productivity and getting your mind in the getting things done mode. Maybe your daily routine is a weekly routine, where specific days of the week look different than others, so you still experience that remote work flexibility. Get a schedule that works for you and your team and then own it.

Take advantage of working remotely
While it is vital to develop a routine, it doesn’t have to be the same as when you were commuting to an office daily. You need to take advantage of being remote so you can get some of the perks. Maybe you can include a lunchtime yoga class in your routine twice a week. Perhaps you begin a little earlier than your coworkers and end the day earlier (or the other way around). Remember, you can work anywhere that has WiFi. In case you take advantage of these aspects, you will not feel the same confinement as you would sitting in the same position every day- despite whether that place is in the office station or your home.

Be dressed while working
This one is easy. Do not work in your pajamas. Wear other clothes. It does not need to be a pantsuit, but it can be a workout gear. Just try and wear something that is not what you wore to bed. This will do wonders for your mind and will get your brain out of the relaxing mode and into work mode. Even if your working desk is within arm’s reach of your bed.

Make introductions during meetings
Introductions are vital when people at a meeting do not all know each other. Instruct the employees to share their department, name, role, and provide a brief fun fact. Slack reported that researchers discovered that employees who shared a funny or embarrassing story about themselves with their team generated twenty-six percent more ideas in brainstorming sessions than employees who did not. According to Tiersky, in case of participants already know each other well, you should encourage team members to provide a one-minute or less verbal tweet on what the headline in their life is right now. This can be an interesting exercise, particularly in extraordinary times.

Take caution not to share sensitive documents accidentally
In case you are going to be sharing your screen, close extra open applications, email, confidential documents, or other material, you would not want to be seen accidentally. In case you have one of those desktops with ten thousand random icons on it, either maximize the presentation screen or clean it up so the audience will not see that mess.

Work in Sprints
In case your organization uses a project management tool to trace work and review that work for Y number of weeks or months, there is no need to hide. Since you do not have the typical office distractions, you will possibly be even more efficient than your non-remote coworkers. Tracking and reviewing your work in an agile way will enable you to show off all your hard work in a way that can not be seen day-to-day. It will also make you feel accomplished even though you have not justified the house in days.

Have a workstation
Just because you are working remotely does not mean you can work anywhere, like from your bed. Find a space in your home and designate it as your workspace. This will make your mind ready to work and assist you to stay focused on work. This works the same as changing pajamas. If you want to take advantage of being remote, having more than one space that is designated, the workspace will enable you to move around. This can be a sweet spot in your home or library. As a result of CoronaVirus, the concept of business has gone out of the window for most companies. This is a great time to learn how to make remote working more productive. Use the few tips we have provided to figure out what works for you.

02/25/2021

Home Office Ideas on a Budget: 16 Cheap Ways to Create a Stylish Home Office

For many organizations, offices are a thing of the past. Colleagues communicate through instant messages, and bosses use tools such as Base Camp and Skype to delegate tasks. Physical workspaces have become less essential and, as a result, more people are working from home. Working remotely can be a wonderful experience; you can wake up later, stay in pajamas, avoid morning commutes, and get tax write-offs on rent.

It can also be challenging. There are more distractions, like television, household chores, and family members. Supervisors are not around to keep an eye on you, and you might feel less inclined to work at your maximum capacity. A home office is the best of both worlds. It is the room in your house reserved for all things business.

16 tips for creating an efficient home office on a budget
Select a theme
It is essential to decorate your office in a way that will aid productivity and creativity. Not only must your space be decorated in a way that inspires you to push yourself but also mirrors your style. You can attain this by selecting a theme and going with it. A great way to choose a theme is by choosing a statement piece like a mini-mod sofa or a chesterfield sofa to base your design around.

Define your work office space
For the most exceptional efficiency in work, find a space that can be dedicated to a house office area. You can use whatever space you have for a stylish and small home office, whether it is a large stair landing, a spare room, a small closet, or even an unused corner of the living room.

Create a floor plan
It might be tempting just to move pieces of furniture- even though it is just a desk and a chair- around till space works. If you spend time measuring your space, creating a floor plan (small as it might be), measuring your furniture, and thinking it through, the final result is much more likely to be the best use of the space.

Determine what you can do yourself
Before you begin gathering quotes from professionals, identify what projects you can manage yourself. For instance, inviting professional painters to paint your home office is a costly expense, but it is not too hard to paint a small space yourself- and it will save you some good cash.

Future proof
The average office environment changes, so it is significant to plan ahead and select a design you know you will grow into. Working in an outdated workspace with an obsolete design can quickly kill your morale and limit your overall potential. Future flooring should always be your priority; floral carpets were replaced by limited wood as the designs progressed and laminate wood by commercial vinyl flooring.

Use what you have
Think about whether you move accessories or furniture from one part of the house to your new home office. If you do not have to purchase some pieces, you will save a lot of money. Do you have a comfortable chair in the guest room? Are there pictures tucked away in a closet that would be decorative and inspiring on your workspace walls? Just look around to see what you can use in your new home office.

If you cannot find anything in your own home, ask your neighbors and friends if they have unwanted furniture they would like to donate to your office.

Go mobile
Having a landline in addition to your mobile can be expensive and unnecessary. If you are not comfortable using your mobile phone for receiving work calls, buy a separate device for these calls. Why not give your phone calls a little more personal and speak to your clients or employers via skype.

Opt for energy-efficient products
Shop with energy efficiency in mind to save money over the life of the product and save money on the purchase price. A smaller laptop utilizes less power and costs less than a heavy-duty desktop computer, for example.

Get your employer to chip in
If you are an employee working from home, you can ask what your company can contribute in terms of supplies and equipment. Often, you do not need to pay for your own equipment, since your employers can give you laptops or other equipment to use. If your organization has not said anything about equipment, it does not hurt to inquire what your boss wants you to do.

Negotiate your internet service or phone
Sometimes you can get a deal on your telephone or internet connection, particularly if you switch providers or you are bundling two services into one. Even though you have been with your current provider for a while, call and ask about any current deals or offers they have accessible to you.

Create a list of what you need
You can spend time on Pinterest scrolling through beautiful, well-staged photographs of people’s home office. However, your home office needs can differ from what you see presented on digital media. Do you really need a designer couch in your office space?

Possibly not unless you are a therapist who is going to see clients at home. And do you need fresh flowers brought to your home daily? Most likely not unless you are an Instagram influencer.

Some essential items people need for their office include (but not limited to)

A work surface: You will need somewhere to do your work, like a desk or table. How large your work surface should depend in large part on how complicated your setup needs to be.

A chair: Even though you decide to purchase a standing desk, it is nice to have a home-office chair to sit on from time to time. Your home office chair does not have to be fancy, but it should be comfortable and the appropriate height for your workspace.

Computer equipment: You need a desktop computer or laptop for most remote jobs. How sophisticated your computer setup needs to depend on your job.

Specialized equipment: Some jobs require more specialized equipment, like lighting for photographers, beakers and microscopes for scientists, and kitchen gear for cookbook authors or personal chefs.

A secure place for files and documents: Even though you mostly digitize your documents, you can have a few essential work-related documents. Those documents require a place to live, and ideally, that place is not on the corner of your desk under your coffee mug. It is a wise move to invest in a locking file cabinet for sensitive documents and files. If you get a fireproof one, it is better.

Office supplies: It is simple to go overboard when it comes to office supplies, particularly when framing your home office for the first time. Be realistic when choosing what you need for supplies.
Phone and internet: You will need a reliable high-speed internet connection and maybe a dedicated phone line for your home office.

Desk accessories: Little things matter when you are trying to stay organized and get a job done. Two desk accessories that you will have to have are desk trays to keep your paperwork sorted and some containers for your pencils or pens. Office supply stores and department stores provide all kinds of desk trays.
Buy new decor at bargain prices

Home decorating centers, lighting showrooms, furniture outlets, home centers, and discount stores offer a fantastic assortment of items at a discounted price. You may be surprised to find a beautiful desk at a great price next to factory-second towels.

Mind the light
Peace and quiet are vital, but so is having enough light in your home office. If you can, choose an area that gets natural light, like a corner by a window.

Take it one step at a time
Even though it can be tempting to purchase everything you need for your office straight away. It is essential to take your time setting up your office; you do not need everything at once. Create a list of everything you need and prioritize them in terms of importance.

Consider the quality of the furniture
Look for online reviews to see what consumers have to say about a product. Red flags include unresolved complaints of equipment or furniture, equipment that broke quickly or were not described when they arrived.

Convert a closet into a home office
If space is limited, set up a work surface or a desk in a tiny closet. If all you require to work at home is a laptop and reliable internet, even the tiniest of closets can offer enough space. When the workday is over, simply shut your laptop and shut the closet door.

After you have settled into your new workspace, ensure you find time for a few breaks during the day. Your work-life balance is just as essential as staying focused while working from home.

02/15/2021

8 tips for choosing a bank that meets your needs

At some point in life, everyone chooses a credit union or bank to keep their money. Whether you feel the need to make a change or you are new to banking, there are several things to consider. There is no one right bank account for each person. Choosing the right bank begins with knowing your individual preferences and bank usage.

What are the 3 types of banks?
Different types of banks: Which one is right for your needs?
Typically there are three main types of financial institutions that manage personal banking. These include online banks, credit unions, and traditional banks.

A bank is frequently used as a blanket term for these three financial institutions; however, there are critical differences between credit unions and traditional banks. The advent of online banks has further sophisticated the term.

Traditional Banks
Traditional banks are the most popular, and typically the largest, of the three kinds of institutions. Think PNC, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase.

Why you need traditional banks?

•People often choose traditional banks since they provide a wide variety of financial products such as certificates of deposit, loans, money market accounts, credit cards, checking, and saving accounts.

•More locations: Generally, traditional banks have more brick and mortar locations and ATMs naturally and even internationally.

•Traditional bank users often like their bank since they have easy access to in-person assistance when they need it; however, they also have the option of user-friendly websites and technology when they would instead figure things out on their own.

Disadvantages of traditional banks

•Lower rates and more fees: Larger banks have more overhead with physical locations and full-time staff. This can indicate more (and sometimes hidden) charges and lower interest rates.

•As a result of some banks’ sheer size, the level of customer service may sometimes be poor.

Credit Unions
Even though credit unions might seem similar to banks in principle- you go in, you hand over your funds, and then you take some bank when you need it- the two kinds of companies are entirely different.

Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits, thus when the credit union does well, so do its members.

What are the advantages of credit unions?

•Enjoy dividends: Credit unions share their success with their members in the form of dividends.

•Credit unions can also offer interest and lower fees rates on loans. Besides, they can pay higher interest on savings and checking accounts than traditional banks. Nonetheless, they are still not as competitive as online banks.

•You can vote out board members. Credit union members get voting privileges to determine who makes decisions about how the money is used. If the members do not like the way the board is running the credit union, they can vote them out.

•Customer service: Because of the small nature of credit unions, there is better customer service.

What are the disadvantages of credit unions?

•Poor technology: Most credit unions have room for web development.

•Fewer locations: Getting a nearby location or ATM can be hard with a credit union, mainly if you do not participate in shared branches or an ATM network. If your credit union is regional, you will have no physical access when out of town.

Online banks

Online banks are the newest kind of financial institution to join the industry of banking. These banks are appealing to those who prepare to manage all clients’ service issues online or phone.

If you opt for the physical ability to go in and get money assistance, you should go with a brick-and-mortar banking institution.

Advantages of online banks

•High rates: The most significant benefit of online banks is that they have low overhead from fewer employees and no physical branches that can offer very competitive interest rates on checking and savings accounts.

•No fees or relatively low: The best online accounts should be fee-free and have no monthly maintenance fees, no ATM fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no overdraft fees.

What are the disadvantages of online banks?

•Depositing cash can be difficult if your online bank does not have an arrangement with a specific network of ATMs.

•No in-person help: The idea of an online bank is that everything is carried out online. However, if you run into trouble and talk to someone in person, you are out of luck.

Which bank suits your needs?

Typically, the type of bank you choose reflects your needs. That is if you need a place to begin savings and checking accounts, mortgage or loan, or merely easy access to ATMs. Remember, you do not have to do all your banking in one institution. While some people appreciate the ease of controlling their money entirely with one bank or credit union, being flexible enables others to get the best rates or deals for their goals.

For instance, you can have your first standard checking and savings accounts with a credit union, your auto loan through the credit union, and your second purchase from traditional banks. Ensure you research thoroughly before you choose a bank since not all banks have the same offers; some have cashback rewards and lower interest rates while others have a higher credit limit.

8 Tips for choosing a bank

Understanding how to select a credit union or a bank that suits your needs is essential as you start or continue with your financial journey. Consider these smart tips when making a choice.

Ensure your money is secure

Most credit unions are warranted by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Most banks are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); however, do not just assume yours. Look for an institution that can promise NCUA or FDIC insurance. These insurance providers protect your money up to $250,000 should your credit union or bank should fail.

Read reviews and news

When it comes to security, you should thoroughly research the top contenders on your list to check if any have been subject to major breaches in recent years.

In this web age, looking at a bank or credit union that prioritizes security and customer privacy is vital. NCUA and FDIC might protect your physical money; however, the cost of having your personal data compromised or identity theft can be expensive.

Also, you can read online reviews to check what common complaints members lodge against their banks. However, as with all user-generated content online, take reports with a grain of salt.

•As a result of some banks’ sheer size, customer service level may sometimes below. Members. Reconsidering and then read their reviews in your app store of choice. Consider it secure and straightforward to make a mobile check deposit and see the account balances easily. You might want to check online bill pay and offer two-factor authentication for additional security. Lastly, do not forget to check if the app allows you to make payments on loans and credit cards.

When you are in doubt, source for opinions from people you trust. Turn to your co-workers, friends, family members, and even social media connections to get more personalized reviews about particular credit unions and banks.

Read the fine print

Do not sign any dotted lines without going through all of the terms and conditions. Ask questions about interest rates, monthly fees, and investments before handing over your money.

Do not forget the website

For most bank members, physical and online bank locations are equally essential. A study by J.D Power in 2018 on Retail Bank Customer Satisfaction proved that members are least contented with digital-only banking; however, those who bank solely at physical locations are not much happier. Those individuals who do a blend of brick-and-mortar and online banking are significantly more satisfied.

If you feel you can bank without a functional app and mobile site, perhaps a small town bank will work for you. Or, if you do not like to get face-to-face, online banking is probably the way to go.

Check out the mobile app

If mobile banking is your main concern, you need to check out apps of credit unions and banks you are considering, and then read their reviews in your app store of choice. Consider it secure and straightforward to make a mobile check deposit and see the account balances easily. You might want to check online bill pay and offer two-factor authentication for additional security. Lastly, do not forget to check if the app allows you to make payments on loans and credit cards.

Compare fees and rates

Let your money grow when banking by choosing a bank or credit union with high-interest rates on checking and savings accounts. These are often higher at online banks and credit unions.

Nonetheless, you should also consider typical interest rates for ATM and loan fees, overdraft, and monthly maintenance fees. You can sometimes get these charges waived; however, if you can find a bank that does not charge you for overdrafts and monthly maintenance, all the better.

Look for versatility

You should find a credit union and a bank that works for you. For example, you can get a credit union that lets you create sub-savings accounts of your primary savings account and name them how you see fit.

Here you will create sub-accounts for savings, vacation savings, taxes, emergency savings, and real estate savings. It is immensely useful to see those accounts separately and move money from every paycheck to those savings goals as budgeted monthly.

02/03/2021

Home Energy Conservation Tips For Winter

The strategies here will help you save money, save energy, and stay comfortable during the cool winter and cold winter months. Some of the post strategies are free and can be used daily to increase your savings; others are inexpensive and simple actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter.

If you have not already, conduct an energy audit to identify where you can save the most, and consider making a more substantial investment for long-term energy savings.

Top twenty energy-saving tips to help you make sure your home is ready to combat the big chill

Deal with the draughts
Draughts coming in through the floor, windows, and doors can significantly contribute to energy waste.

Even though they might appear small, cracks and gaps can let out a large amount of heat while allowing cold air to increase your bills. One way to manage this is by installing draught excluders on your windows and doors. Even cat flaps and keyholes can make a big difference, so try to keep them covered. Alternatively, insulating strips, sealants, and rolled up newspapers can go a long way to making sure heat stays in your house. Lastly, double-glazing is exceptionally effective at keeping your home well insulated. While installation can be costly, it is a definite way to save on heating bills.

Switch your ceiling fan’s blade rotation
Chances are you have never thought about what direction your fan is spinning; however, the blades’ rotation can really help you save on your winter heating bill. Hot air rises, thus reversing your fan’s blades to a clockwise rotation can push that warmth right back down to you.

Upgrade your wood-burning fireplace
We all love a good crackling fire; however, your old wood-burning fireplace could be costing you more money than you think. Consider upgrading your fireplace to an EPA certified-version or more efficient insert-you will conserve energy and might even get a tax credit.

Reduce heat from the fireplace
The following tips will help you keep the fireplace heat low:

•Keep your fireplace damper closed, not unless a fire is burning: Having a damper open is similar to keeping a window wide open during the winter; it lets warm air go right up the chimney.

•When you use the fireplace, lower the heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox or open the nearest window slightly- approximately one inch- and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting around 50° and 55°F.

•If you use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warm air back into the room.
Cork and seal the chimney flue if you do not use it.

•Make sure the seal on the fireplace flue damper is snug as possible

•Buy grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.

•Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.

Consider smart heating
Thanks to the improvement of technology, we can help us get to grips on our energy usage, and possibly cut our bills. Devices like smart thermostats can go a long way to reducing heating bills by allowing greater control. Apart from giving you the choice of heating specific rooms, smart thermostats can learn your home heating habits- enabling you to consistently maintain the right temperature at the right time of the day. Current innovations, like handy apps, have been designed to make smart technology even more convenient. If used well, it is estimated that they can save households more than $150 a year.

Make use of heat from the sun.
During the day, open your curtains on the south-facing windows to allow sunlight to naturally heat your house and close them at night to lessen the chill you might feel from cold windows.

Cover drafty windows
Use a clear plastic sheet on a frame, tape clear plastic film, or a heavy-duty duty to the inside of your window frames through the cold winter months. Ensure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to reduce infiltration.

You can also install tight-fitting, insulating shades or drapes on windows that feel drafty after weathering. Alternatively, you can find other window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.

Turn off your units
Through our habits, we are quite used to using the standby button to turn off and on our electric appliances, when in fact, it is far more efficient to turn them off completely. Mobile phones, TVs, laptop chargers are still switched on even when they are on standby, which indicates they are using energy unnecessarily. Switching off appliances properly will help you save.

Choose efficient fuels for off-grid areas.
If you live off-grid and choose an energy-efficient fuel, it could be great to keep your bills low. This can be done by switching from one traditional off-grid fuel such as oil to a cleaner, greener option such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). With the modest carbon footprint of any off-grid fossil fuel, LPG is better for the environment, and it is inexpensive. Its abundance of supply also makes it dependable, so you do not need to worry about running out.

Compare energy prices
With utility bills being one of the leading contributions to an entire household cost, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars per year if you switch providers. Note that it is not just the Big providers that offer competitive deals; switching to a smaller energy supplier can also reduce bills.

Get used to cold wash.
When that chore comes that you require to wash your clothes, opting for a lower temperature is an easy way to save money. Merely turning the temperature down from forty to thirty degrees can be cheaper. Over the space of the year, it can add up to save you a lot of money. An occasional hot wash is still a good idea even though it makes the washing machine remain clean.

Maintain your heating systems
Schedule a service for your heating system. When it comes to furnaces and heat pumps, replace your filter once per month or as required. It is also essential to find out more about maintaining boilers or furnaces and heat pumps.

When it comes to wood and pellet-burning heaters, clean the flue vent often and clean the inside of the device with a wire brush periodically to ensure that your home is heated efficiently.

Rock your winter wardrobe indoors
Mittens, earmuffs, and scarves- make your home your runway and stay bundled in your winter best. You can save five percent on every degree you drop your thermostat between sixty and seventy degrees, so wear some fuzzy socks and matching PJs to allow your clothes to do the warming.

Consider insulating your home.
If you have the right insulation in place, you could make significant savings. It is approximated that a quarter of all heat from your home could be lost through your roof if proper insulation is not in place. There are insulation grants, so insulating your home can be easier than you think.

Alternatively, smaller quick fixes can also help- foam tubes that cover your pipes can keep your water warmer for longer and cost a few dollars. You can also use a lagging jacket that fits over your boiler and assists in retaining heat. At around $5, they are a cost-effective way to prevent you from using extra energy to reheat the water.

Cook clever
The oven heats every shelf regardless of whether there is food on each shelf, so make the most of the energy you are using by cooking more than one thing. Try cooking several meals at once- you will have dinner sorted for the rest of the week, and you will save on energy.

Keep internal doors closed.
Keeping doors closed within the house will trap heat in every room and mean you use less energy to warm up your home. To keep all the rooms cozier, use a thick mat to block the heat from escaping through the gap underneath the door.

Treat yourself to a wooly winter throw.
Putting a luxurious warm blanket over your duvet makes the room look lovely, but it will also make the difference on a cold winter’s night, meaning you can keep your heating at a lower temperature.

Double-check your energy bill
The billing division at the utility company can make mistakes. Question any strange numbers and ensure the meter matches up with usage posted on the bill.

Let the laundry pile up.
The washer uses the same amount of energy despite how much you stuff in. It is more energy-efficient to do big loads than small loads.

Install quilted curtains to block drafts
If you turn up the house's heat to compensate for drafty windows, consider using quilted curtains, which can enhance your comfort and allow you to keep the temp down. The curtains are available in various sizes, patterns, and colors. Enter a quilted curtain in a search engine to find retailers. Generally, a curtain can be installed in less than ten minutes on your existing curtain rod. •

Address

2124 Kittredge Street Unit 276
Berkeley, CA
94704

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm

Telephone

+18002605126

Website

http://www.topfinancialresources.com/

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