Spare Change

Money tip

If you’ve been mistreated by a company, taking action via a well-worded complaint letter can get you the results you expected in the first place.

Janet Rubel, attorney and author of “101+ Complaint Letters That Get Results,” offers these steps for getting your complaint addressed:

Write a courteous letter to the company stating the problem and what you hope to achieve. Never use profanity or harsh language.

Include a date for when you expect to hear a response.

Limit your letter to one page.

Looking ahead

With winter fast approaching, don’t wait to make home improvements that will result in a more energy-efficient house. You’ll save money and help the environment. But if that’s not enough of an incentive, Uncle Sam is giving you another reason as well: tax credits.

Make simple improvements such as beefing up your home’s insulation, replacing your water heater or furnace, or installing high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment between now and Dec. 31, 2007, and you are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $500. All improvements made between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2007, count toward the credit.

On the Web

The best things in life are free — and they’re even better when they’re high-tech (or at least seem that way). Here are two great technology-based freebies that will help you work and play more efficiently:

Backpack is a simple Web application that allows users to create shared Web pages that can include to-do lists, notes and more. Your office staff or book club can stay easily organized with this free tool. Find it at www.backpackit .com.

FreeConference .com offers the ability to set up — you guessed it — free conference calls through its Web site. Though callers have to join by calling a long-distance number, there is no fee for the service.