Consumer Tips from NBC 10’s Tracy Davidson
May 25, 2011
04:38 PM
Spending Money Wisely, From Home Repair to Shopping
By Tracy Davidson
How would you like for someone to do lawn work or run errands for you—almost for free? TimeBanks USA is an organization in which people exchange a currency called “TimeDollars,” instead of U.S. dollars, for an array of services. Kennett Square, Phoenixville and Bryn Mawr College all have TimeBanks and, now, one is open in Media. Here's how it works: You join the organization for $35/year (individual) or $45/year (family). You then get three TimeDollars to spend on services being offered by your neighbors. You can also earn TimeDollars by offering your own services. Think: bartering—but instead of trading services with just one person, you can "pay it forward" and use your earned TimeDollars with anyone in the organization. For example, every hour spent working for someone via the Media TimeBank gets you an hour to spend on a service offered via that TimeBank. Visit timebankmedia.org.
If you haven’t already switched your electricity-generation company, do it. As many as 300,000 PECO customers already have. And remember, PECO doesn’t care if you switch because they don’t make money on the generation portion of your bill. And you’ll still call PECO when the lights go out. Visit papowerswitch.com.
Also ... Are you thinking about some "new" furniture to spruce up your home this spring? A lot of people are turning to consignment stores to buy—and sell—old furniture. Even Home Furnishing Consignment in Wayne says its business has increased 25 percent in the past two years. It's becoming quite a trend. Visit hfconsignment.com.
» Asking Consignment Shops the Right Questions
» Switching Utility Companies: The Questions You Should Ask
» CFL 'Light Bulb Finder': Free Mobile App Saves Energy, Money
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About This Blog
Tracy Davidson is an anchor and consumer reporter for NBC 10 News. She brings her passion for consumer issues to her blog, “In the Know,” with a dedication to making the Delaware Valley a better place to live and thrive. To learn more about this five-time Emmy award-winner, visit her website at tracydavidson.com.
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