Huddler Bobkart developed a formula for computing the total (tangible) cost of ownership of light bulbs that takes into account the initial cost of the bulb, its energy consumption, its light output, its lifetime length, and the cost of electricity. The full analysis and explanation is below, but we'll start with the comparison of an incandescent, CFL, and LED lamp each with identical 800 Lumen output capabilities, but with vastly different initial cost, energy consumption, and lifetime length:     60W/800 Lumen Incandescent... More

Sometimes I think it would be nice to buy a brand-new shiny car, but then I think about all the downsides. Car payments. Being at the mercy of what the manufacturers are willing to create. The off-gassing that we call "new car smell." Credit checks. Learning how to negotiate with car dealers. Let me tell you what I've done instead....   Finding a Reliable Used Car When I last started shopping around for a "new" car, I got very excited about things like hybrids and natural gas vehicles. I dropped the dream of owning a... More