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The Unofficial New Year: Resolutions

BOSTON (CBS) - Summer is almost over! One more week and Labor day which for most of us signifies the end of summer will be here!

The school year is about to start. With the kids starting new grades it always feels more like the beginning of a new year than January first does.

In preparation for the new year folks have been shopping for supplies and clothes for school for weeks. Even adults have begun to buy their fall wardrobes. We begin a new year mentally as we change seasons.

Kids go from the carefree summer fun to settling down in school. I think that carries over to adulthood.

As I approach this last week of summer I have begun my fall chore list for the garden and house projects. Also, I have begun to think about all of the things I put off so I had time to play in my garden or with my granddaughter this summer.

I looked at my list thinking perhaps I was creating New Year's resolutions in September or maybe just a simple To Do List.

The house needed some annual maintenance. The trim on the porch needs painting, the lawn needs fertilizing. I should buy some mums for the porch and I need to think about paying estimated taxes next week.

Next was having the new humidifier installed before we turn on the heat this fall. Which got me thinking about our energy efficiency resolutions we made last January.

We have replaced almost all of our light bulbs with LEDs. Now we are looking for the nonstandard LEDs for the bathroom fixtures and hanging lights in the kitchen. I am sure they will go on sale soon somewhere.

Check what you can do this fall to save on energy costs this winter. I don't want you to be cold this winter but I don't want you to be broke either. Most of our energy loss is through our attics, windows and doors.

Check your attic. Simply laying insulation up there can reduce your heat loss. Are your windows tight? Can you caulk them yourself? Do you need storm windows or new windows?

Check the doors next. Do you need a storm door or weather stripping? Do these chores now before the real cold settles in.

Consider an automatic thermostat.

One more thing: Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's website on where to begin.

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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.

Subscribe to Dee's Money Matters newsletter here.

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