Archive for August, 2009
Way to Save #43: Be A Smooth Operator
Aug 31, 2009 - Make it a habit to be a smooth operator. Scan the road ahead and try to anticipate any slowdowns. Try to maintain as constant a speed as possible. That will save gas and make you a safer driver.
Way to Save #42: Change Your Car's Filters
Aug 30, 2009 - Keep your air and fuel filters clean. Your car will perform better, your mileage will increase and your engine will last longer. Best of all, these items are inexpensive and can be changed quickly.
Way to Save #41: Carpool
Aug 29, 2009 - Carpool! Sharing the ride with just one other person will cut your commuting costs in half. You’ll also reduce your stress level by 50% and may shave time off your commute by letting you drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes implemented in many cities.
Are You Paying Your Neighbor’s Bills?
Aug 28, 2009 - Many must pay their neighbor's bills or risk loosing their homes.
Can’t Sell Your Home? What Should You Do?
Aug 28, 2009 - What should you do when you can't sell your home? Make money from it, of course.
Way to Save #40: Check Your Tires
Aug 28, 2009 - Keep your car tuned and check your tires. These simple things can easily save you $100 a year in gas, not to mention the giant increases in your engine and tire life you’ll see.
New Rules for Credit on Campus
Aug 27, 2009 - A new law will make it harder for credit card companies to market to college students.
Super Deals
Aug 27, 2009 - Hot deals this week include cheap newspaper and restaurant gift certificates.
Way to Save #39: Use The Lowest Octane You Can
Aug 27, 2009 - Always use the lowest octane gas your owner’s manual suggests. While only 15% of cars require premium, 25% of gasoline sold is premium. Why? Probably because some people respond to advertising instead of reading their owner’s manual.
Way to Save #38: Negotiate Your Trade-In First
Aug 26, 2009 - Whether you’re buying or leasing a car, negotiate the value of your trade-in before you negotiate the new car. Actually, you should never trade in a used car. You’re nearly always better off selling it yourself. But if you are going to trade in your old car, establish its value first before you start on [...]
Way to Save #37: Watch Out For Lease Fees
Aug 25, 2009 - Be aware of the fees for excess mileage and excess wear and tear. They should show up in microscopic print somewhere in the contract. Understand them, and realize that average lease return fees total more than $1,000. Think about that before you lease.
Way to Save #36: Know Your Lease
Aug 24, 2009 - Leasing is more complicated than buying. But when you boil it down, leasing is essentially like financing part of a car’s life. There are three main components to a lease: the capitalized cost (“purchase” price), the money factor (interest rate), the residual value (what it’s worth when the lease is up). You should be familiar [...]
Way to Save #35: Inspect Cars Before You Buy
Aug 23, 2009 - Don’t think of buying a used car without a thorough inspection. Even if your car of choice was driven only to church on Sundays, have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before you think of buying it. This cannot only help you avoid a nightmare, it could also help you negotiate a better price.
Way to Save #34: Get A Mechanic Friend
Aug 22, 2009 - Make friends with a mechanic or two. Mechanics often hear of people who want out of their car. They cannot only help you find a great car at a great price, but they can sometimes vouch for the condition of the car.
Way to Save #33: Check Private Car Sellers
Aug 21, 2009 - Check with private car sellers. Dealers offer the advantage of broader selection and in some situations, warrantees. Private sellers may offer you a better deal, however, and you also get to see who’s been driving the car and how it’s been kept and maintained. But the greatest advantage of private sellers is that you don’t [...]
