Getting Help with Summer Utility : LIHEAP SUMMER COOLING

In my area, the temperature can jump around. 


One week, we may find ourselves nearing 80 degrees. Within a day's notice, day-time temperatures can drop back down to the 50's and 60's-of course that is what you call Illinois weather. Unpredictable.


But once summer comes around, our electric bills can take a beating. On hot and humid days, we have our A/C's and central air units running. While they are running, the numbers on our meters just keep on spinning. Somewhere in the back of our minds, we are hearing the "Ca-ching" bell sounding or imagining the hole in our wallet growing bigger...


If you are a senior, have children under 3 in your household or are on disability, you may be eligible for the Summer LIHEAP Program. This often runs in the month of July. To find out if your area is offering it, contact your local outreach agency or community center. Seniors can contact their nearest senior center to question them too.


For households that don't meet these qualifications, you can try to keep your home cooler so that you don't have to let your electric bills sky-rocket. 


Get creative and try some ways so that you can conserve energy to lower your electricity bills. On hot and humid days, keep your blinds and curtains closed. Use ceiling fans to rotate the air. Set your thermostat at one temperature so that your unit does not continue to run. Try setting it to temperatures between 70 and 72. Also, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Use ice packs to place on parts of your body that are warm. Or --go jump in a pool somewhere to cool off. If you don't want to use your own electricity, go to the mall and hang out there where it will be nice and cool-or perhaps the library. 


If you are really having trouble with your utility bills, try speaking with the customer representatives and be honest about your situation. Tell them why you are having trouble (such as unexpected car repairs, medical bills or you have been laid off from work). Most commonly, if you have always been good about making payments, they will work with you on a payment plan. The worst that you can do is ignore the electric company. Be upfront and honest, and they just might work with you...

• For those who are seniors, have children under 3 or are disabled, click here to find out more about getting help paying your summer electric bills.....

• Click here for more information about how to conserve energy to lower your electricity bills.

Budgeting Tips, Money Advice and Free Government Programs

After working in an outreach office for almost seven years and writing budgeting articles, I finally took my knowledge and my content-and plugged it all into one financial website. For awhile, I had been thinking about completing this project, but just had not gotten everything together yet because I wanted to make sure I had enough content and information to make a website.

With the state of the economy and so many families and individuals in crisis-I knew this was one type of website that many people could benefit from. I really enjoy helping people and offering what advice I have. I may not know everything-(and I certainly don't)-but I have acquired some skills and knowledge that could be helpful for those who don't have knowledge or access about helpful government programs.

There are several people out there who don't realize they can sign up for help on their utility bills, or assistance with their rent or medical costs. Some just need a little inspiration on how to stretch the dollar (which now--really isn't worth that much!)

So now--I have many answers--all in one website: Family Budgeting at Home

I hope to get a domain name for this website soon if it becomes successful. For now-it is being hosted for free through Office Live....

Please check out my newest website,  Family Budgeting at Home, and leave your comments. I would like to know if this website is informative-or if it needs more, etc.... 

I do hope that it can be helpful for many.... 

Applying for LIHEAP in Illinois

When the budget at home is tight, or you are unable to work due to illness or a disability, 

the LIHEAP program can be a life-saver for your utility bills. LIHEAP is the LOW INCOME HOME and ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

It gives individuals and families a one time credit towards their utility bills. It is a program that is based on the amount of gross income in a household within the past 30 days. The LIHEAP Program can provide assistance for electricity, gas, propane, oil, and even some wood suppliers for those who burn wood to heat their homes.

There are several agencies and non-profit groups across Illinois that provide applications and assistance to help others sign up for the LIHEAP program.

To learn more about this program, how it can help you, and perhaps how you can sign up, CLICK HERE.