A few simple ways you can help the planet.

 
Earth Day is right around the corner, and many Missourians are looking for ways to lessen their negative impact on the environment. While everyone knows how important it is to reduce, reuse and recycle, many are afraid of what it may cost them to "go green."
 

Consumers and businesses can actually save by going green--and without spending a dime. "Green" practices are often free-of-cost and have high and promising returns on investment.
 

Reduce electricity consumption.

Reducing consumption and energy usage is key to saving money and the planet. Often, it's as easy as simply evaluating technology use.
 

When you aren't using appliances and electronics, turn them off and unplug them. Leaving your computer and other electronics on, or even just plugged in, actually uses energy and racks up your electricity bill.
 

In an effort to reduce electricity consumption, it's also recommended to replace old computer monitors with LCD monitors--which use one-third as much energy--and replace screen savers with the "turn off monitor" feature, since it saves energy and increases the lifespan of a monitor.
 

Reuse electronics.

Reusing items is another good way to conserve resources and save money. For example, reuse old ink cartridges by taking them to a store that specializes in refilling them. Discarded electronics are another significant source of waste. Websites like Gazelle pay consumers for used electronics; if the electronics are not worth any money, the site will pay for shipping costs to properly recycle the items.
 

Recycle unwanted items.

Finally, recycle items that cannot be reduced or reused--many recycling centers and websites offer small monetary incentives for bringing in recyclables. Some recycling centers are willing to pay per pound for aluminum. Recycling is a great way to save the planet by reforming and reusing natural and non-renewable resources.
 

The common misconception of "going green" is that it costs a lot of green. But by merely adapting lifestyles to the rules of the three Rs--reduce, reuse and recycle--consumers can save big bucks while protecting the planet for years to come.
 

Tips and warnings for online taxpayers
 
With the April deadline approaching quickly, many Missourians are thinking about filing taxes. Taxpayers can be at ease, however, because the Internal Revenue Service offers a convenient e-filing option.
 
According to the IRS, filing income taxes online results in faster refunds, greater accuracy and quicker confirmation, giving taxpayers assurance during a usually stressful time. Other benefits include secure and confidential submission, a “file now, pay later” option, 24/7 access, and the ability to confidentially save tax information for next year. Because of these benefits, the popularity of e-filing is increasing dramatically.
 
The IRS also considers e-filing to be the most secure method of handling sensitive tax information because of secure online submission. The lack of paper trails associated with e-filing prevents tax forms from getting lost in the mail and therefore inhibits the increased risk of identity theft, ultimately ensuring the safety of last-minute filing.
 
Despite its acclaimed safety, many Missourians may still have apprehensions when filing taxes online. For maximum security, follow a few safety measures:
 
Submit tax information only on secure websites. The Internet identifies secure websites with specific addresses and symbols. Make sure tax preparation Web addresses begin with “https://” to indicate a secure site. In addition, secure sites are identified with either a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom of your Web browser.
 
Select a reputable provider. Well-known companies such as H&R Block, TaxACT and TurboTax all have credible options for filing online. For a more extensive list of e-file providers authorized and supported by the IRS, visit www.irs.gov. Nearly all e-file providers charge a small fee.
 
Use secure passwords. Choose a password with at least eight characters and a combination of both letters and numbers. Don't use commonly known information (such as a birth date, anniversary date or pet's name).

Remember to log out of tax preparation software. This is especially important if you are using a public or shared computer.
 
Tax preparation providers now offer different packages to better meet the needs of individuals, families and businesses. However, for some taxpayers there are a few situations where e-filing is not the best option. If in doubt, be sure to consult a tax professional in your area.

(Never used Pinterest before? Check out our tips for beginners.)
 
So you’re already on Facebook and find yourself spending hours looking at countless photos, reading status updates and engaging in poking wars.
 
You’re thinking, “I don’t need something else to suck away the little free time I do have.” After all, could you really show your face again if you surrendered the poking war? 
 
Pinterest may not be the time-waster you think. Here are some practical tips on how to make the social media site work for you.

 
#1 – Be Productive.  
 
Customize your Pinboards for that project you’ve always wanted to tackle.
           
You’ve been meaning to have your picture taken with your precious pup but need ideas and inspiration for the photo shoot. Create your PhoDOGraphy board. (Seriously, that’s a real thing.)
           
Perhaps you are a crafty, DIY-er instead. Save your project ideas for that playroom you’ve been meaning to spruce up for your kids. Or if you’ve been dreaming of honing your culinary skills, make a board full of recipes to do just that! 
 
 
#2 – Make a picture gift list.
 
Don’t you hate how you can think of a million things you’d like as a gift until someone asks you? Enter Pinterest.
 
Store your gift ideas on a board. Unlike wishlists on random store websites, there aren’t seasonal inventory changes.  You can also post the price of the item and where your gift-giver can purchase it.
 
 
#3 – Pin It, don’t just re-Pin.
 
You’re already spending time surfing the Web—shopping, reading news sites, browsing Facebook, etc. Many websites have “Pin It” buttons already but you can also install one on your browser to use on any website you choose. 
 
Once you get the hang of browsing and pinning, things won’t get lost in the depths of your bookmark folders anymore. AND they are saved with pretty pictures.
 

 
         pinterest.com

Pinterest isn't just another time-killing website. Chances are, you'll find something really valuable there, and you'll be glad you signed up.
 
Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got to go finish our milk-jug fort.

Last week, we mentioned that our techs were helping a lot of folks connect their new gadgets to the Internet.
 
But maybe you were one of the really lucky ones that got a brand new computer over the holidays. If so, you might be dealing with trial software (also known as demoware).
 
These third-party software applications help subsidize costs for manufacturers, resulting in a lower price for your computer. Common trial-version programs on new PCs include Microsoft Office, McAfee Antivirus and Norton Internet Security.
 
Some of these programs can be helpful, but others are rarely or never used. They consume memory and slow down your machine. And sometimes, anti-virus programs can conflict with one another and cause all sorts of problems.
 
One good way to clean up unwanted software on your new machine is to use a tool called PC Decrapifier (www.pcdecrapifier.com). While the name may sound a bit crude, many experts find it to be effective and simple to use. You can select exactly which programs to keep and which to remove, then delete PC Decrapifier from your computer so it is good as new. 
 
You can also manually uninstall programs through the Control Panel. Just be careful, though - some unfamiliar programs can actually be vital to your computer and deleting them will cause problems. Research programs and what they do before removing them from your machine.
 
Once you clean up your new computer, you'll likely find it will run much more smoothly.
 
Your desktop will be all nice and clean, too. And who doesn't like that?