Live Green; Save Green!

Have you seen the recent article on a new "green" residential high rise in Battery Park? It's called The Solaire. For a look at the hopeful future of architectural efficiency, check out the myriad of cost saving and environmentally-friendly features of the building:

http://www.batteryparkcity.org/concept/green

The article got me thinking of ways to help you personally benefit from being environmentally-friendly, without having to re-locate! I've come up with two areas worth consideration.

(1) Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid Vehicle

New owners may write off $2,000 of the purchase price of the following models:

Ford Escape Hybrid ('05)
Honda Accord Hybrid ('05)
Honda Insight ('00 to '05)
Honda Civic Hybrid ('03 to '05)
Toyota Prius ('01 to '05)

Initially, the amount was scheduled to be reduced in 2004, but new tax law allows the full $2K deduction until the end of 2005, at which point it drops to just $500. That gives you about four months to take action, but only if you're in the market for a car.

One further benefit is that the deduction may be claimed directly on Form 1040 long-form, line 35 (it does not require Schedule A). Additionally, there are no income thresholds. There are, however, a few limitations. (a) It's a one-time deduction. (b) Only the original owner can claim the tax break. (c) You must take the deduction in the year you put it on the road, or file an amended tax return within three years of original intended filing date.

(2) Conserve Your Gasoline!

At nearly $3/gallon, filling up 20% less often could save the average commuter $400/year:

(a) Use a sunshade. A cooler car requires less air conditioning.

(b) Don't top off your tank-The excess is lost as fumes, and make sure your gas cap is tight.

(d) Avoid peak traffic times-Idling uses unneeded fuel, and unnecessary time.

(e) Optimal efficiency for most cars is 55-60mph. Speeding may cost you more than a ticket!

(f) Clear your car of junk. Extra weight uses up gas.

(g) Keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. Check them every 2 weeks.

(h) Get regular oil changes, and check your air and fuel filters while you're there.

(i) Finally, in your home, a programmable thermostat can save you an additional $150/year.

Matthew S. Clement is a financial planner and investment advisor representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. He provides holistic wealth management and retirement planning to individuals and businesses. He can be reached in New York at (845) 942-8578, or by email: clementm@financialnetwork.com.

rental limo Atlanta .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

A Texas company is developing a hypersonic jet, Stargazer, that could fly from New York City to London in under an hour, redefining boundaries of aviation.

Porch pirates are on the prowl this holiday season. Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson has a number of tips to prevent holiday package thefts.

Fueled by artificial intelligence, CyberDog the robotic dog is designed specifically locate fire ant nests, which are endangering ecosystems.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.

Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.

Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.

Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.

China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries

Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.

The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.

ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.

Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.

The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.

You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.

Live Green; Save Green!

Personal Finance