Changing weather can be delightful and fun. Now that winter is here, preparing your house for the harsh weather can save you money in the long run. Check out these helpful ideas:

• Install ceiling fans. Fan blades tipped to push warm air down can help sae on heating bills.
• Use a hot water heater blanket
• Insulate and wrap pipes
• Check attic insulation and add more if necessary
• Check caulking and stripping around windows and doors
• Get an energy audit to inform you of your home’s inefficiencies

The holiday season is upon us and planning for gift giving can help alleviate the post-holiday money blues. Look over your bank records or make a simple estimation of how much you spent on gifts last season. Since it’s already November, we have just less than 3 months to prepare!

Here are 6 reasons to get started on your shopping today!

1. Spreading out the expense prevents trauma to your finances in December
2. Alleviate the stress of last minute shopping by doing a little at a time
3. Get deals and catch sales that might not exist later
4. Avoid the crowds and long lines in mid December
5. Enjoy peace of mind when your shopping is done and you can enjoy the festivities

Most importantly, if you’re hoping to save money on gifts this year, allowing yourself ample time to prepare is key to your success!

The Believe website offers some helpful resources about preparing for the holidays. Don’t wait, now is the time to prepare!

If your household income is below $50,000 per year, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) of up to $5,800 – even if you don’t owe any taxes! You may also qualify to have your taxes prepared and filed for free by IRS trained and certified volunteers through Earn it. Keep it. $ave it. and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA has provided free tax preparation services through local communities like yours since the early 1970s. Sites are located throughout Utah and we’re ready to serve you.

Find out if you qualify for EITC!

Find a VITA site near you!

Participate in the Utah Individual Development Account program. You attend financial education classes and set a savings goal (home, education, business). The Utah IDA Network program matches $3 for every $1 you save!  You can save up to $1,500 in your IDA account and receive up to $4,500 in math money, giving you a total of $6,000 to invest in your goal!

For more information about the IDA program, click here.

Low and moderate-income taxpayers qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. This refundable credit often pays more than $1,000 (sometimes more than $2,000) to those who claim it. This free money can be a huge help to tight finances or low savings accounts. Be sure to save at least half of the money!

Visit the Believe website for more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit.