Money & Finances

The Pros & Cons Of Smart Cars And Micro Minis

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...

Continue reading: Smart Cars And Mini Cars: Pros & Cons

CostHelper Reveals How Much You Can Expect To Pay For Things

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. 

Continue reading: How Much Should You Pay For This Or That?

WARNING: How Old Are Your Tires? Even Your Brand New Tires May Be Unsafe! Here's Why...

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.

Continue reading: Even NEW Tires Can Fail, Due To Age

Ways That Parents Are Cutting Childcare Costs

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

Continue reading: Cutting Child Care Costs

How To Get Free Eye Exams

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

Continue reading: How To Get Free Eye Exams

4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Sending & Receiving Faxes

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...

Continue reading: 4 Fun New Ways To Fax

Money-Saving Tips From Grandma

Many of our grandparents were alive during the great depression.  Therefore, they have a great deal of knowledge about how to cut corners and save money. 

Here are some money savings tips from Grandma...

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3 Good Reasons To Make Charitable Contributions

Charitable contributions may be the last thing you have on your mind during tough times. 

But, the truth is, giving away money, time, and items is always a good idea. 

Here are the top 3 reasons to consider making charitable donations this year...

Continue reading: 3 Reasons To Give To Charity

Day After Christmas Sales: How To Maximize Your Shopping Trip

Everyone knows that the day after Christmas is when the really great sales are, right?

Yes, but the shopper who is not discriminating can end up with junk and/or stuff that they don't really need.

It's really important to plan ahead for your day after Christmas shopping trip, instead of going willy nilly to stores with their newspaper sales page in hand buying whatever strikes your fancy at the moment.

Keep in mind, stores use day after Christmas sales primarily to:

Unload overstock

Get rid of items that are soon to be on clearance

Sell old models that they've had on display

Re-sell returns and exchanges that have been opened (or not)

Now, in many cases, these items can be truly good buys. But it is still important to be discriminating when you shop.

Here's how you can best plan and prepare for your day after Christmas shopping trip...

Continue reading: Day After Christmas Shopping

Frugal Party Planning Tips For Holidays, Birthdays & More

Living a frugal life can teach you ways to live simply and give you new ideas about how to have fun. 

Still, nothing says fun like inviting over your family and friends for a party. 

A good party can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or so, but there is no reason to put off your fun. 

Here are some ideas for frugal party planning, no matter what the occasion...

Continue reading: Frugal Party Planning Tips