Wow, this is a handy page. Check out this helpful list of energy calculators from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

It’s no secret that many home improvements can save a ton of energy while also saving you a lot of money. But — no surprise here either — sometimes these projects cost some money up front. If you’re trying to pencil out the actual costs and savings of buying a new appliance or making your home more air-tight then these online calculators are a great shortcut.

Will junking your old refrigerator save you money? Check out the Refrigerator Retirement Calculator.

What’s the most cost-effective level of insulation for your home? Find out with the ZIP Code Insulation Tool.

 Are you looking for a comprehensive tool that can tell you how to save energy at home? Try the Home Energy Saver.

If you’re trying to figure out how to save energy and money at home, I think this energy calculators page is a great place to start. For even more energy info, be sure to check out the EERE home page, too.

Photo by Nathan Winter/IstockPhoto

Who isn’t concerned about the economy right now? If you’re wondering about your best options for taking care of your savings, the New York Times had a great article yesterday with some basic questions and answers for the average person worried about the stock market or bank failures. 

The article is called “Is My Money Safe, And Other Questions to Ask” and you can read it here. It’s a good discussion of how to deal with all the recent economic uncertainty, with specific advice depending on your financial situation (Are you close to retirement? Saving for a child’s college education? Worried about losing your job?) No matter what your personal circumstances, paying down debt if you can, and putting some money aside in FDIC-certified bank accounts seems like a sensible recommendation.

While you’re thinking about money, now is also a good time to strategize about how to save on your heating bills this winter. Check out this article How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient for great tips on simple, inexpensive home improvements that can save energy and slash your utility bills.

Photo by ISTOCKPHOTO