January 2009 Archives

Smart cars (and micro minis) have swept through Europe with the force of a tidal wave.

We've all seen them, the cute little cars that only seat 2 people and are sometimes in very vibrant colors (such as neon green, for example).

I was actually surprised to see one of these parked on Lake City Way the other day here in Seattle. Personally, I love how cute they are, but they have other advantages as well.

Here are 7 pros and cons of the micro mini or smart car...

I am one of those people who others call and ask, “How much should I pay for an oriental rug?”

Friends call and ask me if $1,500 is a good deal for a new leather sofa.  They ask me which store is having the best coat sale. 

While I cannot give that kind of advice to everyone, I can tell you where to find this information.   
 
CostHelper.com is a new website that tells you how much you should pay for what. 

The site consists of a database of hundreds of items, where you can investigate how much others are paying and find similar deals. 

Many people (myself included) buy used tires. After all, that's one way to save money, right?

It's also another way to practice a green lifestyle since you're reusing something.

However, this might be one time when reusing an item is not in your best interest. The fact is, old tires simply may not be as safe as new tires -- whether they've been used or not.

After a tire is older than 6 years, there is an increased risk that that tire is going to suffer a catastrophic tread separation:

Following are some of the dangers associated with buying used tires -- or even OLD, unused tires!  Plus, how to make sense of the letters and numbers on your tire's sidewall and determine the true age of your tires.

As the economy worsens and parents find themselves short on funds, more and more families are pulling young children out of daycare. 

Enrollment at some child-care centers is falling, and nanny agencies are reporting mounting layoffs as families cut child-care costs, which rival mortgage payments in many households. An October online survey by the women’s website BettyConfidential.com found that 12% of 100-plus parents who responded are cutting child care.  Source

When is the last time you had an eye exam? 

Have you been putting off an eye exam because of low funds, or lack of insurance?  If so, then you'll be interested to know that Vision USA provides low-income and uninsured people with basic eye health and vision care for free. 
 

Maybe your employer doesn't provide vision insurance.  Or, maybe you don't qualify because you work part-time.  Vision USA is here to help. .. You'll be matched with a volunteer doctor of optometry.  You'll pay nothing for your eye exam.  And, in some states, you may receive eyeglasses at no cost or for a small fee.  -- Kim Komando

Who doesn't hate fax machines? I have yet to find anyone that doesn't feel like I do about fax machines.

Personally, I have wanted to heave more than one fax machine out the window in my lifetime.

I think that while fax machines are a major pain, they are necessary.

Or are they?

I mean really. You pay for the machine, then you have to pay for the ink, and the paper. Oh, and if you have an older machine and switch your phone service to digital, then you have to buy a machine that is compatible with a digital phone line.

The irritations are endless, but there are some ways that you can get the most out of sending and receiving faxes without so many of the aggravations.

Here are some ways to get the most out of faxing...