Making money: Keeping cooling costs down, and more

3 top pieces of financial advice — from insuring a teenage driver to prioritizing financial goals

A programmable thermostat could save you $180 a year.
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Keep cooling costs down

Summer is heating up, said Regina Lewis at USA Today. But before you "crank up the AC," think about how to lower your energy bill along with the temperature. Creating shade by planting trees and dressing your windows will "add to your home's curb appeal" and provide "eco-friendly" cooling by blocking out sunlight. You should clean your air conditioner's filter once a month to improve its efficiency and your home's air quality. Consider installing a programmable thermostat, too; they can save you up to $180 a year. And try supplementing your air conditioner with simple, inexpensive fans. Circulating the air in your home can allow you to set the AC's temperature higher. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, just "a 2-degree increase can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent."

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Sergio Hernandez is business editor of The Week's print edition. He has previously worked for The DailyProPublica, the Village Voice, and Gawker.