Beech Tree News Network

Joseph Addison said, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” For me, reading is also entertainment. Three of my recent reading topics were winter weather predictions, ways to save energy at home, and financial lessons for teens and young people. 

First, I enjoy reading winter weather predictions. The Old Farmers’ Almanac 2023-2024 winter forecast for the Ohio Valley stated: “We’ll see above-normal precipitation and snowfall overall. The snowiest periods will be in late December through mid-January and late January through mid-February. Christmas week may be mild but snow’s expected in much of the region that week.... Winter will be colder than normal. The coldest spells will occur in late December, early January, and late January through mid-February” (Winter Weather Forecast 2023-2024 | The Old Farmer's Almanac). Then, AccuWeather’s 2023-2024 winter map shows the El Niño weather pattern could mean a milder winter with less snow for Kentucky. The article stated: “January and February are predicted to be much colder across the Southeast when compared to last winter. The result will be a higher heating demand….The lower temperatures may also be accompanied by the chance of snow and ice across the Tennessee Valley and the northern extend of the Gulf Coast states (US winter forecast for the 2023-2024 season (msn.com)). Also, the early NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) 2023-2024 winter forecast maps place Bowling Green, Kentucky, in the “equal chances” area for probability of being above or below normal precipitation as well as being above or below temperature (Early NOAA winter forecast for 2023-2024 (news4jax.com)). Based on these three early predictions, we might prepare to pay more than last winter to heat our homes. However, if the winter is mild, that would not be a huge surprise either.

Second, my mom gave me an article from the October 2022 Kentucky Living magazine. This article, “Top 10 Ways to Save Energy at Home” by Anita Travis Richter, was one I had previously read, but had forgotten much of it. Some of the advice provided included:

-Seal holes and insulate (attics could need insulation).

-Insulate the water heater by adding an insulating jacket.

-In winter, set the thermostat at 68 degrees.

-In winter, close drapes, shades, and blinds on north-facing windows and open them on south-facing windows.

Richter reminded readers that energy use increases during the hottest and coldest times of the year; yet, energy-saving activities decrease the energy bill. 

Third, I read “Five Financial Lessons to Learn before Adulthood” by Hallie Porter (The Modern Woodmen, Fall 2023, pp. 20-21). Because of my grandchildren, I was interested to see what Porter had to say to teens and 20-somethings. Her five suggestions were:

-Find life insurance that fits your situation.

-Plan early for retirement.

-Create and follow a budget that includes necessities, savings, and some fun.

-Save some money during the college years.

-Have financial goals that may change over time.

Porter’s five suggestions provide practical guidance to young adults as they begin to navigate the financial world. 

Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” My recent readings about winter weather predictions, ways to save energy at home, and financial lessons for young people were all informative and entertaining. And the more I read, the more I am entertained.