Rest Assured: Choosing Quality, Affordable Bed Sheets

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

We spend eight hours each day between our sheets; hopefully, they’re comfortable and add to the quality of our sleep. With all the choices in sheets, how do you choose ones that will provide the best in comfort, fit and long wear for the money? Fortunately, we routinely find coupon codes that work for home goods, but even when there aren’t any discounts, you don’t have to splurge on silk or linen to indulge in wonderfully soft sheets.

Factors to consider when buying sheets

Thread count – This metric describes the total number threads that run horizontally and vertically in a square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, which creates a fabric that is soft and durable – up to a point. Several years ago, prevailing wisdom insisted that high thread count was “the” way to determine the quality of sheets. The truth is, over 300 thread count, differences are difficult to perceive. And, as thread count reaches 1000, the fabric actually becomes less sturdy. There’s a lot of other factors that come into play to make quality, luxurious sheets.

Fiber – Cotton is the most common fiber used to make sheets. As a natural fiber, it stays cool, wicks away moisture and doesn’t easily stain. For extra warmth, consider cotton flannel which is brushed on one or both sides, creating a fluffy texture. As opposed to thread count, quality flannel sheets are identified as those with a fabric rating of 5 ounces to 6 ounces for every yard.

While wrinkle-resistant, polyester is simply not as soft as cotton; when blended with cotton however, it makes for particularly long-wearing, inexpensive sheets. For extra warmth, consider synthetic microfiber fleece.

Yarn Size – This refers to the fineness of each individual yarn – the higher the yarn size, the finer the yarn. Finer yarns allow for lighter, more supple fabric weave.

“Staple” refers to the length of the cotton fiber; longer fibers create stronger and finer yarns. Terms referring to high-quality fibers to look for when choosing sheets are, “Egyptian,” “pima,” and “Supima.”

Weave – The weave affects the texture of a sheet, the way it feels, the way it looks, its longevity, and its price. Basic plain weaves, woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are least expensive. Most sheets are made from either percale weave fabrics or sateen weave fabrics. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and smooth, crisp feel. Sateen sheets are woven with more fibers on the fabric surface, creating a luster like that of satin.

Construction – Equally important as the fabric from which your sheets are made is their fit and construction. Poorly constructed sheets will be a disappointing waste of money. Take these factors into consideration as well:

Look for the basics of a well-manufactured sheet like evenly sewn, double-stitched hems on flat sheets and pillowcases.
A fitted sheet with elastic all the way around – or at least on opposing sides – rather than only at the corners will keep it on the mattress where it belongs.
Make certain the sheets you choose will properly fit your particular bed. If you have a pillow top or an extra thick mattress, make certain that you choose a fitted sheet with sides deep enough to properly fit its total height.
Choose sheets with generous proportions because cotton sheets can shrink as much as 7% in their first washing.

Quality sheets are an investment in your quality of life. When outfitting your bed, choosing sheets that are comfortable, fit well and are made to last is the recipe for a good night’s sleep.

How do you choose quality, comfortable, affordable bed sheets?

Gift Registries: Do You Really Just Want Cash?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

These days, it seems that more and more people are looking for cash gifts, rather than relying on physical gifts. It’s not really a surprise these days. After all, when you have cash, it’s possible to buy whatever you want. When you receive a physical gift, you can try to return it, but if you can’t return it, you are stuck.

Cash is the most versatile of gifts. Plus, it can provide the means for the recipient to put it toward a bigger goal.

Cash Gift Registeries

One of the growing trends to accommodate these opportunities for recipients to ask for cash is the rise of the cash gift registry. These registries are designed to allow recipients to ask for help reaching a goal. One giver might not be able to provide all of the funds for a $2,000 honeymoon, or $15,000 for a down payment on a house. However, if several people contribute, there is a good chance that the combined efforts can help the recipients get that much closer a little bit faster.

Cash gift registries work much the same as other, more traditional gift registries. The recipients share what they hope to buy — whether it’s an expensive new bedroom set or a college education for a new baby — and givers can log on and make a contribution. Often, these registries allow the giver to specify an amount they are willing to pay. Then, it’s possible to pay with credit card, echeck, and sometimes even a third-party payment processor like PayPal.

Even if the total amount isn’t reached, the cash received from such an effort can substantially help the recipients toward their goals.

Do We Need Traditional Gift Registries Anymore?

One of the reasons that cash gift registries are growing in popularity is that many recipients don’t have a need of traditional registries. After all, the marriage is older now. In the past registries let others see what items were needed to outfit a home. Now, though, many couples already have what they need — or even duplicates as they combine households.

The same is true of baby gift registries. Many parents have money to purchase the basics, rather than needing help from friends and relatives to purchase basic items. A cash gift registry would allow parents to ask for help when paying for more expensive items, or even encourage givers to help contribute to a college fund for the future, rather than something fleeting for the moment.

The use of cash gift registries is one that has generated some controversy, however. Some givers find the idea tacky (although not quite as tacky as just asking for cash outright). The idea of providing an actual physical gift is one that is still strong in our collective psyche. Perhaps, though, the rise of social giving, and different opportunities to use social media to accomplish financial goals will change the tenor of the conversation.

What do you think? Do you think that cash registries are a step in the right direction? Or do you think that it just encourages more materialism and grants more status to money?

5 Steps to Transitioning to Lower Income

by Jessica Sommerfield · 3 comments

Transitioning from two incomes down to one can be a scary but often necessary or advantageous step for families. There are many situations which can create the need to operate on one income, such as a change in child or family care, injuries or illnesses, or a loss of employment. Perhaps you don’t need to reduce your income, but have the desire to be a homemaker and more available to the needs of your family.Whatever your reason for considering this change, whether forced or voluntary, it’s important to look at the math and all contributing factors so as to avoid financial disaster. However, it’s just as important not to stubbornly cling to the security blanket of ample finances just because you are afraid of change.

Follow these five steps as you consider and put into action a significant reduction in your family income, and you will be making an informed decision on what’s best for your family’s budget needs and your personal happiness.

Evaluate your current budget (or lack of budget) to get a good understanding of your fixed expenses and spending habits.

It’s easy to get relaxed with your finances when you know you don’t have to pinch pennies, and therefore harder to transition to a lower income level because you aren’t aware of your spending. Using a software or online budgeting program can help you categorize your expenses and see where your money is going now. This will help you start to see some areas you need to tighten up or eliminate, and provide a reality check of exactly where you are financially. Free budgeting tools are available on sites such as kiplinger.com, daveramsey.com, betterbudgeting.com, and mymoney.gov among others.

Start from the ground up, and literally re-build your budget based on the reduction in your income.

The best way to get a clear picture of what you have to work with is to start over, using your reduced income and fixed expenses, and build up from there. You will probably discover a lot of expenses you no longer need because of one adult being at home, such as: childcare, car fuel, repair and insurance expenses, wardrobe and grooming expenses, and convenience food. Eliminate the things you don’t need or want in the new budget, and then assess how many wants and luxuries you may need to cut as well.

Start building up your savings — at least six months of expenses as your ‘emergency fund.’

You may have your budget planned down to the penny, but unexpected expenses will mean dipping into your savings unless you provide for an emergency fund. Make these funds hard to access so you can’t use them on impulse — only in a true emergency. Budget regular contributions to your emergency fund; if you don’t need it, this money can be used somewhere else.

Leaving a job or otherwise reducing your income is less scary when you know you have this to fall back on if things don’t go as planned.

Leave your options open.

It’s always a good idea not to burn your bridges, but to leave the door open to returning to work if it becomes necessary, even if it’s only part time. If you can’t leave your home but need more income, consider your options for working from home. If you are a professional, maintain your certifications and stay aware of changing requirements in your field so it won’t be as difficult to transition back to work if necessary or desirable.

Reduced spending abilities can be scary no matter how prepared you are, but if you are aware of your spending and have a reasonable budget which accounts for the unexpected, it doesn’t have to be daunting.

Potholders: Pretty vs Functional in the Kitchen

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Visit the kitchen department of any store and you’ll be bombarded by the latest, greatest equipment and the most attractive kitchenware and gadgets. Most of these shops put the average kitchen to shame with their displays of perfectly coordinated equipment. It makes us wish that our kitchens were as lovely and beautifully outfitted.

I wonder what kind of spell kitchen shops cast upon us… We walk through an idyllic scene, more like a museum than a real, honest-to-goodness kitchen. Anyone who cooks knows that a kitchen is a workroom – the farthest thing from idyllic. There’s heat, spills, splatters, water and other liquids – all kinds of potential dangers and messes. Even if our equipment starts out pretty and color-coordinated, it doesn’t stay that way for long!

I recently had occasion (after receiving yet another nasty burn on my hand) to rethink my potholder situation. For the purposes of this article, I’ll be using the terms “potholder,” “hot pad” and “oven mitts” interchangeably, as equipment used to protect your hands from excess heat and burns in the kitchen. The ones I currently use were purchased, not because they would do the best job at protecting my hands, but because they matched my towels, which, of course, matched my kitchen decor.

The lesson to be learned from experience is that it’s more important to invest in the “right” equipment than the pretty stuff. Rule of thumb: Use what’s functional and save the pretty things for decoration. Not to say that functional kitchenware can’t be attractive – it just shouldn’t be the major criteria for choosing it.

So, as for hot pads, I’ve been conducting some research. This time around, I want to make absolutely certain that I’m choosing what will protect my hands and prevent me from dropping the dishes I’ve prepared. There doesn’t appear to be one all-purpose solution but I’ve narrowed the field to these two options:

1. The ‘Ove’ Glove is a heat-resistant glove that protects your hand from temperatures up to 540° F. It allows for natural hand movements because, unlike a mitt design, it has fingers so you can retain your grip. It’s outer layer, constructed of Nomex and Kevlar, make it possible to hold hot items in your hands for a longer period of time before the heat penetrates. They will not catch fire or melt, even when exposed to an open flame (which my pot holders are routinely at my gas stove top). Machine washing doesn’t lessen their effectiveness.

There are a couple caveats which prevent the “Ove” Glove from being the perfect solution: It’s a glove and as such, only covers your wrist. You could still receive burns on your forearms from hot oven racks. Also, it’s not waterproof so hot liquids can penetrate and cause a scald.

2. Orka Plus is a 100% silicone mitt which is heat-resistant to 480°F and is long enough to protect the forearm. They’re waterproof (even in boiling water) and feature a non-slip surface to aid with gripping hot dishes and handles. Because they’re silicone, they can be wiped clean and won’t stain.

As for the downside of this product: It will not stand up to open flame, so they’d serve me better when removing items from the oven than when working at my stove top.

I’m considering buying both to meet all of my potholder needs. They won’t necessarily match my kitchen decor but my hands will stay safe.

Leave pretty for other rooms in your house. Where safety is concerned, spend your money on functionality first.

What do you use to protect your hands in the kitchen?

5 Places to Sell Your Stuff Online

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Whether you are looking to make money from the clutter in the attic, or whether you want to create something to sell from scratch, there are ways to reach a wider audience by selling online. If you are interested in selling online, here are some of your options:

1. eBay

This is a tried and true place to sell your items. Whether you are cleaning out the storage room, selling unused gift cards, or knitting cute animal hats, you can sell your items on eBay. It’s even possible to set up an eBay storefront and sell that way. Many people sell trinkets, as well as the results of their hobbies. It’s one way to make a little more money, and it’s easy to receive payment through PayPal.

2. Craigslist

Another common way to sell your items is to make use of Craigslist. Not only can you cast about for people from other areas, but there is also a local element. You can arrange a transaction with someone in your city, and you don’t have to worry as much about shipping costs, or being paid. However, there is also the chance that someone else from another area will see what you are selling and decide to buy it.

3. Etsy

Many people know that Etsy is the premier marketplace for selling hand crafted items. If you have made something that you want to sell, whether it’s a wood carving, or a sweater, or antique-looking decor, you can sell it on Etsy. An Etsy shop can provide you with a quick and easy way to reach many more people, all over the country. There’s a lot to be said for selling through marketplaces like Etsy, which help you handle your transactions, and can help you keep everything straight.

4. Local Classified Sites

Another option is to keep it even more local than Craigslist. Many local newspapers and TV stations also have Classified sections online. This can be a good place to sell items in your local area. Many potential buyers check their local news sites for information, as well as items they are looking for. At the very least, it can help to spread the word about what you offer. However, this might not be the best option if you expect to make a business out of selling your stuff.

5. Your Own Web Site

You can start your own web site to sell various items. This can be especially helpful if you are interested in selling the items that you make. You can showcase what you create, and set up a shopping cart to handle the sales. While this type of setup takes a little more time to create and manage, it can also mean that you don’t have to worry about giving a cut to a different site that you are using to facilitate transactions.

There are plenty of other places out there to sell your stuff online, from Amazon.com to TheKnot. You don’t need to rely on a yard sale. Do you have a favorite place to sell stuff online? What works for you?

5 Tips for the Brown-Bagging Community

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Brown-bag lunches are well-associated with school-aged children, but many adults don’t think they have the time to pack a bagged lunch for work, or that it would even be worth the effort in savings. After all, you have to eat, and food costs money. It’s just a matter of preference, right?

On the contrary, considering that the average prepared meal costs anywhere from $5-$9, those who eat out or get take-out every day for lunch could be spending nearly $50 a week, or $200 a month just on lunches. This is a huge difference from the $1-2 meals you can prepare from the groceries already stocked in your refrigerator. So if you’re looking for a good way to save extra money, packing your lunches is a great money-saver. You don’t have to totally eliminate eating out to see the difference; even taking your lunch to work 3 out of 5 days translates into a huge savings.

Not only is packing a lunch cheaper, it’s often a lot healthier. Convenience foods, take out, and even deli sandwiches are usually loaded with excess calories and fat. Packing a healthy bagged lunch for work will allow you to trim a little off your waistline as well as your budget. Reducing calories and increasing nutrition in your bagged lunch can be as simple as switching to low-fat mayo, opting for whole-wheat bread, and packing carrot sticks instead of chips.

The following are some ways to make packing your lunch more time-efficient and interesting.

Leftovers. Don’t underestimate the potential of leftovers. Even a small portion of meat or casserole can be quickly made into a sandwich or completed with a few extras to make another meal. This is a great way to keep your refrigerator cleaned out and avoid waste, as well.
Think outside the (lunch) box. A traditional bagged lunch consists of a sandwich and a piece of fruit. This is perfectly fine, but can get boring if you pack the same thing every day. Try switching things up a little – consider options such as dried fruit, applesauce and pudding snack cups, hummus and veggies, frozen dinners, or fresh salad.
Invest in a quality insulated bag and/or thermos. Giving yourself the option of a wide variety of cold and hot foods, regardless of whether you have access to a microwave or refrigerator, can break up the monotony even more. Soup works great in a thermos, while insulated bags with ice packs can keep cold cuts and yogurt chilled all day.
Pack your lunch the night before. A frequent excuse used by non-baggers is a lack of time to prepare a lunch during the early morning hustle. Preparing your lunch the night before eliminates this excuse and also allows you to plan your lunch more carefully.
Consider weight-loss and nutrition shakes. Lunches should remain light, since a heavy meal can leave you tired and sluggish the rest of the afternoon. Consider using meal-replacement shakes, especially if you are trying to lose weight. These drinks, particularly the ones you mix yourself, are loaded with nutrition, are filling, and will energize you for the rest of your work day. While requiring little if no preparation, each nutrition shake costs only a few dollars.

Consider the savings, health benefits, and multitude of options, there is little excuse for working adults not to make an effort at least a few times a week to brown-bag it.

Save on the Warm Glow of Candlelight with Homemade Candles

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

A pleasant way to brighten our homes, especially during the cooler and darker time of the year, is with decorative candles. If you burn candles regularly, you know that the cost can add up quickly. An easy, fun and cheaper alternative to purchasing candles is making them yourself. You can design homemade candles to be precisely the shape, size, color and scent you desire. Homemade candles also make personalized, attractive, thoughtful and useful gifts.

Making basic candles is easy but before I proceed with instructions, I want to stress some important safety issues. Candle making involves very hot substances that can cause serious burns. It should be attempted only by adults or by older children with adult supervision. Never leave hot wax unattended and, because it is a flammable substance, monitor its temperature constantly. Should a wax fire occur, do not attempt to extinguish it with water! Put out the flames with baking soda or a fire extinguisher.

Basic Paraffin Wax Candle Making

Materials

Candle making materials are available online or at craft shops:

Paraffin is standard candle wax made from petroleum.
Wicking with base is available in various sizes depending upon the type of candles you’re making.
Coloring and/or scents (optional) are available specifically for candle making.

Equipment

Heating apparatus – The safest, simplest and most straightforward way to melt wax at home is in a double boiler. One can be fabricated by setting a metal coffee can into a larger pan containing a couple inches of water.
Candy thermometer – This is a crucial piece of candle making equipment. The temperature of the wax must be carefully monitored because it will catch fire if it gets too hot.
Candle molds and/or containers – These will contain and create the shape of your candle. They can be purchased or you can reuse and/or repurpose items around your house as candle molds and containers. A candle will be removed from a mold; it will remain in a container. If using glass, make certain it is tempered so it will withstand the heat without shattering.

Technique
Prepare any molds by coating them inside with vegetable oil to facilitate the removal of the candles. Set a wick in the bottom of each mold and/or container. The wick should stand straight and be 2” longer than the height of the candle. Wrap the tip of the wick around a stick, and place it across the top of the mold or container to hold it out of the wax when it’s poured in.

Attach the thermometer to the side of the can, making certain that it doesn’t touch the bottom. Place the wax, broken into 1”-2” pieces into the can; add desired coloring and stir in thoroughly. Heat on low heat until wax reaches no more than 170°F. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in scent, if desired.

Carefully and slowly pour the hot wax into the molds or containers, to ⅛” from the top of the container. Allow to cool. Wax shrinks as it cools and will cause a dimple around the wick. Reheat the wax to 180°F and fill the container to the top to level the surface.

When candles are completely cool (depending upon their size, from 1-12 hours), remove molded candles from their molds. Trim the wicks to ¼” and wait 24 hours before burning your new candles.

Enjoy the satisfaction and savings from homemade candle making!

Have you tried making candles at home?

Money Does Buy Happiness — When You Spend It On Others

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

We hear, so often, that “money can’t buy happiness.” But this might not entirely be true. Really, it’s more about how you spend your money. I recently watched an 11-minute TED video from Michael Norton. He talked about how people can actually feel better at life when they spend money on others.

Norton talked about social experiments related to spending money. He looked at the impact different spending habits have on happiness. Are you happier spending on yourself? Or on others? Here are some of the more interesting takeaways from the results of his efforts to determine how money can buy happiness:

Those who spend money on themselves don’t see a change in attitude. They aren’t any happier, but they aren’t unhappy, either.
Those who spend on others are happier.
It doesn’t matter how much money is spent. Those who spent C$5 on others were just as happy as those who spent C$20 on others.
It doesn’t matter what the money is spent on. Buying a gift for a loved one boosts happiness as much as helping a friend with a serious financial need.

I really found this interesting, since it seems to be the unselfish act of spending money on someone else actually boosts feelings of happiness.

What Do You Spend Your Money On?

One of the things I found most interesting was that those who spend money on themselves weren’t any less happy than they were before. That means that spending money on yourself is going to send you into some sort of sad spiral. (The story might be different if you spend until you’re in debt, though. But that’s more about about the fact that now you owe someone money, and your money isn’t your own anymore.) It’s possible to spend money on yourself and still feel good about it.

However, I find that in my own life, I am more satisfied when I spend money on what I feel is important to me. While I might not be less happy overall when I spend money on something that I don’t really value or care for, I still feel buyer’s remorse. And, after a while, resentment can build up. Instead, I try to focus on spending on things that I really enjoy, and that are important to me. My overall happiness might not be affected, but I feel a little more satisfied with my life when I take the time to really think about my purchases, and only make those that are actually important to me.

And I do like spending money on others. I feel good when I give to charity, and I like shopping for gifts for others. There is something that makes you feel good about helping others, as well as that feeling you get inside when you watch someone enjoying a gift you purchase for them. My husband gets very excited about buying cool toys for our son, and anticipates our son’s enjoyment of the toy. He loves that moment when our son unwraps the present.

Ultimately, it looks as though you can find happiness in spending money. What do you think? Do you feel happier when you spend money on others?

How to Save the Most on Your Next Vehicle Purchase

by Jessica Sommerfield · 3 comments

Next to your home, your vehicle is likely to be the most expensive purchase you ever make; and, if you don’t plan on driving your vehicle until it will no longer move, you will probably purchase several of them in your lifetime. Since vehicles are such a major purchase, it’s important to put a lot of forethought, research, and financial planning into the process. People who stop at a car lot on a whim, test drive a vehicle once, and sign away their life are not showing financial responsibility (unless, of course, they’re wealthy enough to pay in cash!).

The first factor to consider is what kind of vehicle you need and want. Your needs may not always match your wants, so be sure you are making your decision based on what is most practical for your family size, driving habits, location, insurance rates, gas mileage, safety ratings, and other important factors, and not based on the looks or make and model of the car. A dream car you can’t afford the insurance for or doesn’t accommodate a car seat will be a purchase you quickly regret.

Once you’ve narrowed down what vehicle you want and established a price range, start saving for your down payment, if not the entire amount. Here are few facts to consider:

Cars that are 2-3 years old and under 40,000 are often a better deal than buying a new vehicle. A new vehicle depreciates in market value drastically in the first year while the car itself, if well-cared for, loses little actual value while still offering quite a few years of use.
A good rule of thumb is saving toward 20% of the entire purchase, preferably in a high-yield savings account. If you need to finance the rest of the purchase, seek a loan you can pay in 36 months or less. Your payments will be lower the longer the term of the loan, but the amount of interest you pay rises with its age.

Set aside the amount you can afford for a car payment on a monthly basis. Not only is this a great way to save quickly for a down payment on a new vehicle; it gets you used to budgeting the expense. It’s not a bad idea to keep setting aside the same amount after your car’s paid off, in anticipation of repair costs.

Shop around for your loan — don’t just go with the dealership’s financier. Banks, specifically credit unions, often offer low interest rates on vehicle loans. If you are already established at a bank, check with them first since you may qualify for special discounts or better loan terms.

Get the best deal on your current vehicle. Another great savings boost for a new vehicle is selling an old one. You will usually get more for your vehicle if you sell it privately than if you trade it into a dealership, so go this route if possible. Keep your current vehicle in good running order and take good care of it so its value doesn’t fall. Check the Kelly Bluebook if you are unsure of what your vehicle is worth so you’re asking enough for it.

Purchasing a new vehicle is an important decision that can have a huge impact on your finances and your credit history for years to come, which is why it’s important to pay as much as possible up front to reduce your loan amount and keep your payments affordable. Saving takes time, planning, and discipline, but it’s much wiser than going into long-term debt with your next vehicle purchase.

Choosing a Washing Machine: Don’t Get Taken to the Cleaners!

by Gina Blitstein · 2 comments

A washing machine isn’t an appliance we think much about – until its time to replace it. That’s when we begin considering such issues as to its cleaning ability, energy and water efficiency and capacity. Let’s look at what’s available in the world of washing machines to discover what makes a washer both a good performer and a good value:

Thanks to ConsumerReports.com for the following intel about washing machines:

General types of washing machines

Traditional washing machines are top-loaders with a center-post agitator. These machines typically wash 12-16 lbs of laundry per load. They’re the least expensive, at $300 – $650, and quickest-washing type of washing machine but they aren’t the most effective at cleaning clothes. They consume more energy than newer types of washers on the market and use 45 gallons of water per load.

High-efficiency washing machines use less water than traditional washers per load, hold larger loads of laundry (up to 20 lbs) and extract more water, which leads to a shorter drying time. They can, however, tangle and wrinkle clothing. Their cost is considerably higher than traditional washing machines at $600 – $1100.

Front-loading washing machines use the least amount of water per load (only half as much as a traditional top loading machine). Because front-loaders use less water, it can take 1/12 hours to wash a load of laundry, as compared to a traditional top-loader which takes 35 minutes. They have a 12-20 lb laundry capacity and spin even more quickly than high-efficiency washers, creating laundry requiring less drying time. Front-loaders have been found to clean significantly better than the other two types of machines and treat fabrics more gently, preventing undue wear. They’re the most expensive to purchase (from $700 – $1300); however in the long run, these washers can provide the most savings over time.
Features

Once you decide, based upon your priorities and budget, which type of washer you’re looking for, you’ll need to navigate the plethora of features available. Some may prove handy, while others only raise the price and provide little benefit to you. Here are some features among which you’ll have to choose:

Automatic Dispensers – These allow you to add not only the laundry detergent but fabric softener and bleach at the beginning of the wash, to be dispensed at the appropriate time during the wash cycle.

Automatic Temperature Controls – Instead of simply mixing hot and cold for the optimal wash temperature, these adjust the actual temperature of the incoming cold water for more effective cleaning.

Dial Controls vs Touchpad – Dial controls are the traditional, straightforward means by which to choose settings, cycles, temperature and operate the washer. Touchpad controls are electronic and in addition, offer the ability to save certain settings and cycles as favorites, indicate the current cycle and time remaining and time delay your wash cycle. They are, however more complicated than a dial to operate and can require a costly repair when and if they malfunction.

High-Quality Wash Tub – Stainless-steel or plastic wash tubs won’t rust like a porcelain tub when chipped.

Steam Setting – According to Consumer Reports, the steam feature is effective at removing stains but washers on which it is available are particularly effective at washing even without steam.

When Consumer Reports tests and compares washing machines, it judges performance in specific areas which include:

Ability to remove specific stains (wine, blood, cocoa, body oil…)
Gentleness to fabric
Greatest effective load capacity
Noise/vibration
Energy and water efficiency
Brand reliability

It’s a good idea to read Consumer Reports findings when you’re in the market for a washer to help you find a great performing machine at a price within your budget.

What washing machine features are important to you?

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