Simple insulation may be the best “investment” you can make, returning as much as 35% or more, tax-free, in annual savings on heating and cooling. Why put $1,500 into the stock of some utility and earn $150 in annual taxable dividends if you can put the same money into insulation and save $150 tax-free on your utility bill? (Check also the federal and state tax credits that may be available to encourage such energy-saving investment.)
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OK. You have some money in a savings bank; you have set up an Individual Retirement Account — and a Keogh Plan, if possible — and are contributing to them at the maximum rate allowed; you have equity in a home, if you want it; you’ve tied up $1,000 in bulk purchases of tunafish and shaving cream; you have lowered your auto and homeowner’s insurance premiums by increasing your deductibles; you have adequate term life insurance; you’ve paid off all your 18% installment loans; there is
