Book Reviews With Chris Ball EYE ON THE BALL
BOOST YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY With These 3 Products
With the development of accessible, affordable technologies and home products, improving the energy efficiency of your home is easier than ever. On top of that, many of these products give you more options for home automation, so you can save money and stay comfortable without even thinking about it. Here are three home improvement ideas that can boost your energy efficiency right now. A SMART THERMOSTAT The great thing about smart thermostats is that they offer more programmable options than traditional thermostats. For example, you can buy a thermostat that connects to your home’s Wi- Fi and is controlled by an accompanying smartphone app, no matter where you are. Another awesome feature is that smart thermostats will turn on and off based on your schedule and temperature preferences. In the long run, this feature can save you money and energy. NEXT-GENERATION INSULATION While you might be familiar with fiberglass insulation, an industry standard, there are much better options that help you maintain the temperature in your home. For existing homes, spray foam insulation is a good option, as it is the easiest to install and can still save energy. It’s also ideal for insulating attics, basements, and hard-to-reach spots. For new homes or more involved renovations, insulating concrete forms are the most energy-efficient option. A SMART WATER HEATER Generally, water heaters are not the most energy efficient — especially if you’re in a household where hot water is in constant demand. But with a smart water heater, you can change that. Much like the previously mentioned thermostat, you can control a smart water heater remotely or set it to heat water according to a specific schedule. This way, the heating elements aren’t running all day, every day. They come in tank and tankless varieties, though tankless is the way to go to maximize energy efficiency without taking up much space.
How are we influenced when making decisions? Why are some people and ideas so persuasive? Robert Cialdini reveals much of the social science behind our thoughts and actions in his book "Influence.” The book provides so many good lessons on self-awareness. We are under constant pressure from many sources to make automatic decisions and form opinions without thinking them through. In a world of constant data, marketing, and social media "influencers," it is critical to understand the tactics at work. All human beings are wired to seek out protection and our own self- interest. As our world gets more complex, we need to be aware of the blind spots that can be exposed. Cialdini acknowledges a need for open-minded thinking but also the importance of keeping our guard up. Many of the principles apply directly to our spending habits and the pitfalls of consumerism. Cialdini offers some humorous examples of his own experiences. Despite his expertise in his field, he is not immune to the pressures and methods used by others. He notes that we often get that pit in our stomach when we feel we are being manipulated, but we do not always listen to it. This book will arm you with an understanding of how our minds work and what to be aware of.
The information contained in this newsletter is derived from sources believed to be accurate. You should discuss any legal, tax, or financial matters with the appropriate professional. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Registered Representatives offer Securities through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC (www.FINRA.org/ and www.SIPC.org). Investment Advisory Services offered through O.N. Investment Management Company and FAI Advisors, Inc., Financial Architects, Inc., FAI Advisors, Inc., and The LifeMethod are not subsidiaries or affiliates of The O.N. Equity Sales Company or O.N. Investment Management Company. We have representatives currently registered in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
www.financialarch.com 2
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog