It’s true that efforts do get rewarded. But in much of my life, I just feel as though I’m making so much effort with very little to show for it. Don’t get me wrong though. I’m very grateful to have a home with central air conditioning and plenty of room for my family. And we are able to provide for our children and put a few bucks in savings each month. Yet, I spend so much time and energy inside the commercial HVAC of my office to keep those plates spinning. When we had kids, my wife really wanted to stay home with them and I supported that idea. Now that the kids are getting older and there are more expenses, we’re having to do more when it comes to our finances. So my wife has been getting some part time, online gig work. That’s really helped add to our total income. And I’ve been working with the household budget to shave off costs. That’s what led me to finally do the Winter prep on our home last Fall. I did this with an eye to saving maybe ten percent on the heating costs. Plus, I really was hoping that Winter prep on the house would also result in a cozier house this Winter. Well as we are now meeting Spring head on, the final numbers are in. First though, my objective of having a cozier house was indeed met. Our home felt so very good this Winter thanks to the tight seal I put on it last Fall. But the heating costs were what really blew me away. We more than doubled my best case scenario with a 23 percent savings over last Winter.