How does a broke, unemployed gal make a smart, $1200 investment in her home that will save her money over the next 20 years?  Car Title Loans in Portland, that’s how.

First, here’s how the loans work.  They look at the value of your car and use that for collateral. Mine is a 1998 Volkswagen, good for $2000 in cash.  Despite my bad credit, I was able to complete the online application and get almost instant approval, and the money I needed arrived in one day.

This was the investment I made with that money.  I needed a water heater soon, and because I live sustainably in every way possible, I wanted an on-demand water heater.  They use a third less energy than traditional boilers, plus use less water by about six gallons a day.  The deal gets sweet here for two reasons: a store in Wilwaukie is offering them at a 20% discount off the full $1200 installation price.  But you’re smart to take delivery in 2009, because you get a $300 tax credit from the IRS for this type of energy-efficient technology.  It’s about a $540 savings right there, and that’s before the monthly energy bill goes down.

I used that vehicle title loan to place my order.  Note, it was nice not to have to go to a storefront operation like you see on SE Powell Boulevard.  And as I keep that old VW chugging along, I’ll just feel all that good karma from what I’m doing for the environment.