You don’t have to be in AP History to know Benjamin Franklin was green, that’s how he got his face on the $100 Bill. Ben Franklin didn’t have Google Maps or GPS, or even an alarm clock, and yet, he knew time was money. Think: electricity, refrigeration, and more. He also invented the odometer. How else would you track the Miles Per Gallon of your carriage in 1790?!

In 2011, everyone in our family needs a little more “Benjamins” and practical, eco-economic wisdom. A good way to start is to be prepared, organized and informed. Simply leaving early with a clear plan, so you don’t have to speed or get lost, saves money. How much? Well, it could be a few “Benjamins” a year for the average family. Factor in the cost of increased risk from accidents, tickets and missed opportunities, and you’ll be asking your history teacher who was on the $1000 bill.

So this year, refresh the family on Benjamin Franklin. Help mom and dad leverage those new gadgets to finally get organized. Pack lunch and pick clothes the night before to avoid the morning scrammble. Not only because it will make them less stressed, but because you are going to help them save time and money.

And if you missed the MythBusters on how Franklin “discovered” electricity, it’s worth checking out.