Starbucks Secret Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #185


PICK THE SMALL CUP AND GET MORE FLAVOR + SAVINGS!

Here's a little secret that Starbucks doesn't want you to know: They will serve you a better, stronger cappuccino if you want one, and they will charge you less for it. Ask for it in any Starbucks and the barista will comply without batting an eye. The drink in question is the elusive "short cappuccino" — at 8 ounces, it's a third smaller than the smallest size on the official menu (the "tall") and dwarfed by what Starbucks calls the "customer-preferred Venti.” The short capp has the same amount of espresso as the 12-ounce tall, meaning a bolder coffee taste, and a better one at that.

This secret cappuccino is cheaper, too — generally a full .30 cents cheaper. But why does this cheaper, better drink go unadvertised? The official line from Starbucks is that there is no room on the menu board, although this doesn't explain why the short cappuccino is also unmentioned on the comprehensive Starbucks Web site, nor why the baristas will serve you this drink in a whisper.

This in fact is the Starbucks way of sidestepping a painful dilemma over how high to set prices. Price too low and the margins disappear; too high and the customers do. Any business that is able to charge one price to price-sensitive customers and a higher price to the rest will avoid some of that awkward trade-off.

The cost of overhead (staff, beans, cups) is similar for any size of drink, so, larger drinks just mean a greater margin for Mr. Starbuck. And the thinking here is simple: Offer the cheaper product but make sure that it is available only to those customers who face the uncertainty and embarrassment of having to request it specifically. Fortunately, the tactic is easily circumvented: If you'd like a better coffee for less, just ask!

Pet Insurance Promo Offer: Tip-of-the-Day #184


ENJOY FREE PET INSURANCE FOR 60 DAYS

SERIOUS illness can take a financial toll on families without health insurance - especially when the patient is the family pet! Vet bills can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the visit and only 1% of all cats and dogs in the U.S. are insured!

This may be partly due to the fact that fewer than 20 companies now sell pet insurance in the United States, but the industry is poised for rapid growth because veterinary technology is becoming more advanced, more available, and more expensive, which is leading to a greater need for insurance, especially in emergencies.

A typical pet insurance policy costs $300 a year, but can vary based on the age of the pet, species, level of coverage and other factors. But that's just a drop in the bucket when you consider what you could end up paying in an emergency.

If you’ve been thinking about getting pet insurance now is the time! Trupanion, a Seattle-based pet insurance company offers the most complete pet health insurance coverage for unexpected illnesses and accidents, covering 90% of all veterinary bills. For a limited time, Trupanion is offering 60 days of free pet insurance just for members of Catster.com (yes, I’m a member and that’s how I heard about this!). Join the Pet Insurance Clubhouse Group to take advantage of this special offer and start your FREE 60 day trial.

Sizzling Savings at Sears: Tip-of-the-Day #183


SAVINGS ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Calling all parents! Did you know that Sears has a "Wear-out Guarantee" for kids? They do! It’s called KidVantage and if an article of children's clothing or shoes wears out before the child grows out of it, it is replaced at no charge!

It’s hard to believe a program like this exists and I’m pretty sure that had this program been in place when I was a kid my mom might never have had to buy another article of clothing – at least for my sister. I mean think about the possibilities for households with multiple kids! There are multiple benefits...literally. I don’t mean to open up a can of worms but if Sears is willing to dole out a brand new item of clothing for its worn out counterpart (albeit in the same size) well then younger siblings can definitely benefit. No?

In addition to the Wear-out Guarantee, with every purchase of $100 in children's apparel, KidVantage participants receive 15 percent off their next purchase and the coupon is ready to use and attached to the end of your receipt.

Unbelievably the program is completely free, and customers can sign up at any in-store register.

Bonus: You will receive money-saving offers throughout the year too.

Save Fees on eBay!: Tip-of-the-Day #182


SAVE MONEY JUST BY BEING A WELL-RATED SELLER

Buy or sell much on eBay? I'm guessing if you do you already have a good track record by way of positive ratings from transactions. Well, now eBay is trying a new way of rewarding good sellers and it's all upside for you and me!

Under a new program unveiled this week, eBay is giving top-tier status to sellers who have very little negative feedback from buyers - even if these sellers aren't among those who make the most sales. Now top-rated vendors will get a 20 percent discount on the fees they must pay eBay after selling an item (a HUGE savings if you're selling something of any value). Also nice: your products will be more likely to show up in searches because you'll have "good buyer" status buoying you.

To qualify: a merchant must have at least 100 sales, worth a total of at least $3,000, on eBay per year. Hmm. That could be tricky...though could add up fast when you consider the average sale is $30. You just have to be consistent about it.

I've long used eBay to sell items I purchased rashly (and then fell outside of the return window) or even gently used merch that could be better served in someone else's home. If you consolidate all of your saleable merchandise and use eBay as your sole channel of redistribution you could easily meet the sales threshold and stand to gain more than you imagined with the reduced fee model in place! I'm pretty excited about this one.

Goodwill Brings Deals Online: Tip-of-the-Day #181


SHOP, SAVE & HELP THE WORLD A LITTLE!

Here's a chance to shop online, score some great deals, and even make a difference in the world!

Goodwill has introduced an online arm called "Goodwill Too." Where the traditional Goodwill store offers mostly donated goods, Goodwill Too offers its customers mostly brand new merchandise (closeouts and overstock items which keeps costs down), with a scattering of gently used merchandise. The merchandise is categorized and clearly marked - so you can easily distinguish between brand new merch and donated items.

The best part? Goodwill Too offers flat-fee shipping on its orders, with standard shipping costing only $7.99 for any order weighing up to 150 lbs (actual or dimensional weight). And, all purchases are processed through PayPal (you don't even have to have a PayPal account to use it) so if you're a little nervous about using your credit card online you don't have to!

I found some really groovy items already - from potato peeling gloves to "speed limit" pillows. Have a look!

Save Your Identity: Tip-of-the-Day #180


22 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY: IT'S WORTH MORE THAN YOU KNOW

Identity theft causes more than financial havoc, it can cause emotional duress that can go on for years. Smart women can learn how to avoid being a victim - read on.

* Keep your confidential information private. Your bank or credit card company won't call or e-mail to ask for your account information. They already have it.

* Keep an inventory of everything in your wallet and your PDA, including account numbers. Don't keep your Social Security card or any card with your Social Security number, such as an insurance card, in your wallet.

* Order and review your credit report. You are allowed one free report each year from each of the three major credit agencies. Order reports here; it is the only place to get them for free.

* Stop getting banking and credit card information in the mail. Go paperless.

* Monitor your bank and credit card transactions for unauthorized use. Crooks with your account numbers usually start small to see if you'll notice. The sooner you catch them, the easier the problems are to clear up.

* Keep your vehicle registration and insurance forms in a sealed envelope in your glove box and lock it and your car when at home or away.

* If you conduct business online, use your own computer. A public computer is less secure, as is wireless Internet.

* Look for suspicious devices and don't let anyone stand nearby when you use an ATM. Take your card and receipt with you. Keep your PIN in your head, not in your wallet.

* Don't store credit card numbers and other financial information on your cell phone. Really folks.

* If you're job hunting using resume Web sites, don't apply unless the employer has a verifiable address.

* Once you no longer need to store them, shred any bills or statements that have your personal information on them. (Note: buy a good paper shredder for under $50).

* Keep your computer system and browser software up to date and set to the highest security level you can tolerate. Install antivirus, antispyware and firewall protection, and keep them up to date as well. When possible, use hardware firewalls, often available through your broadband connection router.

* If you use wireless Internet access, make sure you get help from someone who understands wireless security when you set up your access point or router.

* Back up your data and store it away from your computer.

* Don't open e-mails from strangers. Malware can be hidden in embedded attachments and graphics files.

* Don't open attachments unless you know who sent them and what they contain. Never open executable attachments. Configure Windows so that the file extensions of known file types are not hidden.

* Don't click on pop-ups. Configure Windows or your Web browser to block them.

* Don't provide your credit card number online unless you are making a purchase from a Web site you trust. Reputable sites will always direct you to a secure page with an URL starting with https:// whenever you actually make purchases or are asked to provide confidential information. (Tip: look for the yellow "lock" at the bottom of the screen).

* Use strong passwords: at least six characters, including at least one symbol and number, and no reference to your name or other personal information. Use a different password for every site that requires one, and change passwords regularly.

* Never send a user name, password or other confidential information via e-mail.

* Consider turning off your computer when you're not using it or at least putting it in standby mode.

* Don't keep passwords, tax returns or other financial information on your hard drive.

and...

If you suspect your identity may be compromised, place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. When you place an alert, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. After that, take advantage of the free annual reports the bureaus are required to give all consumers. Stagger your requests so that you get a report every four months. Beware: A fraud alert applies only when someone tries to open a new line of credit. It won’t keep someone from using existing accounts.

* If you've been phished, contact the real bank or other company named in the fraudulent e-mail. You also may want to notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center and forward the e-mail to spam@uce.gov.

If you are the victim of identity theft, take the following steps:

* Make an identity-theft report to the police. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Also, contact the office of your state's attorney general; you may be able to file a report there. Get copies of all this paperwork and keep them in a safe place.

* Close accounts that have been tampered with. Contact each company by phone and again by certified letter. Make sure the company notifies you in writing that the disputed charges have been erased. Document each conversation and keep all records.

* Place a seven-year fraud alert or a "freeze" on your credit reports.

* Begin the process of having the fraudulent information removed from your credit reports.

* Consider purchasing identity theft insurance. It cannot protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft, but it can help you pay the cost of reclaiming your financial identity. Be wary of identity theft protection services; the Consumer Federation of America has found they may not be worth the cost.

Great S.F. One Night Stands: Tip-of-the-Day #179


TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOME REAL SAN FRANCISCO TREATS

Summer, even fog-filled ones, should be filled with a few fun getaways, no? And, per some of my earlier posts, you don't have to go far to enjoy time away. Here are a few awesome deals at San Francisco (and surrounding area) hotels that are really a can't-miss opp for some much needed R&R. Quick! Go!

40% Off In-Room Spa at Palomar
You'd go the extra mile for a good sports massage, but you wouldn't complain if that rubdown came to you—sort of like a spa version of room service—and at 40 percent off, no less. So book a night here, and don't plan on leaving your room.
Now through Sept 7, Hotel Palomar, 12 Fourth St (at Market), 415-348-1111

Urban Retreat at Hotel Vitale
They had you at free parking, but the kind people at the Hotel Vitale will also shower you with a bay-view room upgrade and $50 toward your meal at Americano when you book the Urban Retreat. You'll also get late checkout, but let's not think about that yet.
Now through Dec 31, 2009, Hotel Vitale, 8 Mission St (at Embarcadero), 415-278-3700

Ultimate Escape at the Claremont
Six years shy of a centennial, this 1915 resort on the sunny side of the Bay is offering $99 rates for an overnight and free use of the spa, lounge, fitness room and three pools to show off its freshly renovated digs. All you have to do is show up.
Starts at $99/night, Claremont Resort & Spa, 41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, 510-843-3000

Ultimate Date Night at Cavallo Point
This Fort Baker Army post turned luxury resort boasting an unreal view of the Golden Gate is throwing in complimentary breakfast and dinner at Murray Circle, spa and fitness club access and parking when you book a Contemporary King Junior Suite. In other words, you'll get the royal treatment.
Starts at $395, through Aug 31, Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415-339-4700

Dive Package at Bardessono
During the summer, it's no stretch to say: Wednesday is the new Friday—making it the perfect time to drive up for Bardessono's rooftop pool party and stay the night in a Spa Suite, with two drinks on the house and a three-course dinner for two. If only we could do something about those Mondays…
Just $299 (normally a room alone runs $800!), Weds through Oct 28, 2009, Bardessono Resort, Yountville, 707-204-6000 or email: jana.flahive@bardessono.com

Free Upgrades at AVIA Napa
The terrace fire pit alone wins it. But luckily your Master Tub Suite keeps bringing it with a gas fireplace and deep soaking tub. So while there are endless wineries at your fingertips, you just might not step outside of this month-old hotel—until checkout.
Rooms starting at $200, AVIA Napa, 1450 First St, Napa, 866-644-2842

Top 100 Useful Internet Sites: Tip-of-the-Day #178


USEFUL SITES CAN SAVE MONEY & LEND HELPFUL INSIGHT!

Here is a round up of 100 of the most useful sites on the internet today for finding deals and freebies, the best advice for tackling financial problems and tools to make your life simpler and easier. Take a look!

The best sites for saving money
Bargaineering
Consumerism Commentary
The Dollar Stretcher
Financial Integrity
Get Rich Slowly
The Simple Dollar
The Simple Living Network
Smart Spending
Wise Bread

The best sites for savvier spending
Angie's List
BillShrink
The Budget Fashionista
Consumer Reports
The Consumerist
Edmunds.com
ePinions
FreeShipping.org
Red Tape Chronicles
Shop It To Me
ShopLocal.com

Best sites for bargain hunting
Ben's Bargains
DealNews
Ebates
FatWallet
MyBargainBuddy.com
Slickdeals

Best sites for grocery savings
CouponMom.com
The Grocery Game
Hot Coupon World
Penny Pincher Gazette

Best sites for coupons
Alex's Coupons
CouponCabin
CouponCode.com
Coupon Mountain
RetailMeNot.com

Best sites for comparison shopping
BeatMyPrice.com
BeatThat!
DiscountMore.com

Best sites for saving and investing
Bankrate.com
Findacreditunion.com
Morningstar
Financial Engines

Best sites for paying for college
FinAid
Savingforcollege.com

Best sites for managing your credit
AnnualCreditReport.com
CardRatings.com
Credit.com
CreditCards.com
CreditMattersBlog.com
myFICO

Best sites for real estate and mortgages
ThinkGlink.com
Mortgage Professor's Web Site
HUD.gov
Making Home Affordable

Best sites for free government help
Federal Citizen Information Center
The Federal Reserve
Govbenefits.gov
Home Energy Saver
Mymoney.gov

Best sites for insurance
Insure.com
United Policyholders

Best sites for doing it yourself
Fix-It Club
Instructables
Nolo

Best sites for travel
Farecast
Kayak
MouseSavers.com
OneBag
SeatGuru
Theme Park Insider
TripAdvisor
The Universal Packing List
WebFlyer

Best sites for really cheap travel
CouchSurfing
HomeExchange.com
Less than a Shoestring

Best sites for charitable giving
Charity Navigator
DonorsChoose.org
GuideStar

Best sites for productivity and careers
The Blog of Tim Ferriss
The Brazen Careerist
Lifehacker
The Thin Pink Line
WebWorkerDaily
Zen Habits

Best sites for free entertainment
Fancast
Hulu
Pandora

Best sites for freebies
Freebiewatch
Free Stuff Times
Hey, It's Free!

Best sites for swapping stuff
Freecycle
PaperBack Swap
TitleTrader

Best sites for free tech stuff
5 Star Support
OnlyFreewares.com
Mozy
Tech-Recipes
Wi-Fi Free Spot
Zoho

Tax-Friendly Places to Live: Tip-of-the-Day #177


AMERICA'S TOP TEN TAX-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE

Are you struggling to stay afloat living in the Bay Area? How 'bout Manhattan? Seems it has little to do with what you earn, and everything to do with what you keep that dictates your standard of living. Kiplinger was kind enough to do a round up of the ten cities in the nation that have the lowest overall tax burden. These cities came out on top of the 2007-2008 District of Columbia Tax Rates and Tax Burdens Survey for the largest city in each state, plus D.C. Have a look!

1. Anchorage, AK

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $2,572
Sales tax: $0
Auto tax: $165

State & local tax burden: 3.6%
(National median tax burden: 8.5%)

Urban facts: Taxes? Residents of Anchorage actually receive an annual "dividend" payment derived from levies on state oil drilling operations.

In sheer geographic size, the city of Anchorage is larger than the state of Rhode Island. It is home to 42% of all Alaskan residents.

2. Manchester, NH

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $2,349
Sales tax: $0
Auto tax: $493

State & local tax burden: 3.8%

Urban facts: New Hampshire's favorable tax structure and Manchester's proximity to Boston makes it an attractive residence for New Englanders.

3. Cheyenne, WY

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $1,326
Sales tax: $1,512
Auto tax: $665

State & local tax burden: 4.7%

Urban facts: Levies on mining and oil account for nearly half of the Equality State's tax revenues. Cheyenne is in close proximity to the geographical center of North America.

4. Seattle, WA

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $1,698
Sales tax: $1,561
Auto tax: $457

State & local tax burden: 5.0%

Urban facts: Seattle may be a tax-friendly city, but it also has a high cost of living, well above the national average.

The median home sales price was $375,000 for last quarter of 2008, compared to $200,000 at the national level.

5. Las Vegas, NV

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $2,251
Sales tax: $1,072
Auto tax: $486

State & local tax burden: 5.1%

Urban facts: Gaming taxes account for 27% of the state's general revenue funds.

The city's rapid growth a few years ago that drew more than 5,000 new residents every month was propped up on subprime lending. Now Las Vegas has the highest foreclosure rate among U.S. cities.

6. Jacksonville, FL

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $2,456
Sales tax: $1,284
Auto tax: $195

State & local tax burden: 5.2%

Urban facts: The state intangibles tax on certain investments was repealed in 2007.

Jacksonville is the third-most populous city on the East Coast, after New York City and Philadelphia. (Other cities, such as Boston, Washington, D.C., and Miami, have larger metropolitan area populations.)

7. Sioux Falls, SD

Income tax: $0
Property tax: $2,760
Sales tax: $1,518
Auto tax: $294

State & local tax burden: 6.1%

Urban facts: In fiscal year 2007, lottery gaming put $110 million in the state till to provide a 30% property-tax relief.

Sioux Falls has the largest shopping center between Minneapolis and Denver.

8. Phoenix, AZ

Income tax: $1,241
Property tax: $1,401
Sales tax: $1,849
Auto tax: $588

State & local tax burden: 6.8%

Urban facts: Tax information for Phoenix includes the entire metropolitan area, which extends to cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and Peoria. But housing prices and local tax can vary significantly from locality to locality.

9. Billings, MT

Income tax: $2,559
Property tax: $1,865
Sales tax: $0
Auto tax: $689

State & local tax burden: 6.8%

Urban facts: Billings taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 can exclude up to $3,600 of their pension income from state taxes.

Dubbed locally as the "Magic City," Billings is supporting growth by dunning its energy, agriculture, and transportation industries.

10. Chicago, IL

Income tax: $2,019
Property tax: $1,023
Sales tax: $1,624
Auto tax: $478
State & local tax burden: 6.9%

Urban facts: Chicago's effective real-estate tax rate of .70% and various exemption programs keep real property tax low. Just keep in mind that this surprisingly tax-friendly city doesn't offer the same breaks for other cost-of-living expenses.

May be time to consider a move?

Key Gym Membership Perks: Tip-of-the-Day #176


GYM MEMBERSHIPS MAY INCLUDE MORE THAN YOU ARE AWARE OF!

I had no idea how many local retail discounts were available to me as a member of the JCC! I've been taking a water aerobics class several mornings a week and one of the women in the class mentioned that I could get a discount on water gloves (don't ask) at Sports Basement with my membership card. This prompted me to check the JCC website for other "member perks" and there was a laundry list! Even if you're not a member of a JCC, you may be surprised by the discounts your particular gym has to offer (but doesn't advertise). Here's the list at the JCCSF that I just uncovered! Let the buying begin!

Membership Discounts:

* 10% off home delivery from Beautifull!. Use the code 'JCCSF' when ordering on their website. Beautifull! provides tasty, healthy and convenient prepared food that is fresh, natural and whole. Meals are delivered to your home or office. Please visit www.beautifull.com for extensive menus, pricing and delivery options.

* 10% off at Nomadic Outfitters – 2426 California Street at Fillmore

* 10% off at Sports Basement at both San Francisco locations! sportsbasement.com

* 10% off at Honeys & Heroes - just a block away at 3366 Sacramento Street

* 10% off on weekdays at Pasta Pomodoro. 15% off on weekends. Offer good at Laurel Village location.

* 20% off at ASQEW Grill in Laurel Village.

* 20% off at Union B - A City Chic Boutique. Specializing in all-occasion fashion for women. 2127 Union Street. Please call 415.345.1476 for hours, shopping appointments and parties.

* 50% off subscription to J, the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California

* $1 off the general admission price at the Balboa Theater. Children and seniors are already discounted, so everyone saves! Visit www.balboamovies.com for a current schedule.

Ten Ways to Use Toothpaste: Tip-of-the-Day #175


TOOTHPASTE CAN WARD OFF MORE THAN CAVITIES...

Beyond brushing your pearly whites, toothpaste has myriad uses that many may not be aware of. I'd always known I could clean my silver jewelry with it (it's amazing how clean it gets it) but I was remiss in capturing ALL of its uses until I did some digging...have a look!

Burns
Toothpaste is awesome on a burn. It helps relieve the burning feeling, and it's like an instant cool. Do not use on open blisters or bad burns.

Polisher
You can use toothpaste as a silver polisher. It also works to help get scratches off CD's and other plastic-like surfaces.

Bug Bites & Bee Stings
Spread a little over either of these and you'll feel soothed and will be relieved of itching. Works especially well on mosquito bites, flea bites and ant bites.

Crayon Marks
Get crayon markings off of your walls by applying some toothpaste and rubbing gently with a damp rag.

Spackle
You can use it as you would use normal spackle to fill in nail holes, chips, scrapes, etc. in your walls.

Acne
Just dab a small amount on a pimple before bed, wake up and it's gone. Do not do this on extremely acne prone faces, as over time it will toughen the skin. But using it occasionally works great!

Jewelry
Clean your jewelry with a little toothpaste. Let it set over night and then wash it off. Do not use on pearls.

Shoes
You can clean leather shoes with toothpaste by squirting on a little bit where the shoe is scuffed. Then rub with a soft cloth. Wipe it all clean with a damp cloth.

Kitchen Deodorizer
Oddly, this miracle paste works to eliminate the horrible sour milk smells that we find in baby bottles, water bottles and glasses that have sat for too long. Just clean the inside of the affected item with toothpaste, and rinse.

De-Fogger
It works on goggles, mirrors, windows. Just wipe it on, clean it off and the next time the fog comes, it won't be nearly as bad!

***********CAN'T-MISS SPECIAL OFFER***********

Ask For a Refund: Tip-of-the-Day #174


IT DOESN'T HURT TO ASK FOR A REFUND IF YOU'RE UNHAPPY

A friend of mine had purchased a pair of fairly expensive shoes some months ago and had only worn them twice when she realized that they were a. incredibly uncomfortable and b. ruining her stockings because the color was rubbing off on her feet!

She was fairly resigned to the fact that it was "too late" to return them because she'd worn them already and she was outside of the window within which this company accepts returns. Not always true!

I advised my friend to send a letter to the company (in this case she used email though I tend to send a hard copy on bigger ticket items like airline tickets) explaining the situation. She did and within 24 hours she had been sent a personal response and was told that if she were to bring the shoes and her original receipt (or credit card statement!) back to the store where she purchased them, they would happily refund her money. She was shocked! But this store did the right thing. Even though stores won't always advertise this in their return policy, a lot of retailers are flexible when you are unhappy with a purchase. They want to retain your business and simultaneously don't want you to spread the word that you're unhappy.

Whether it's shoes, an article of clothing, a package of spoiled olives (happened to me a few weeks ago) or a bad airline experience, it ALWAYS pays to write a letter/contact customer support. The worst thing that will happen is that you don't get your money back. The best thing that will happen is you do! (Or you may get a store credit which is better than nothing!).

Personal Finance Programs: Tip-of-the-Day #173


MANAGE YOUR MONEY WITH A PERSONAL FINANCE PROGRAM

With banks, brokerage firms and Web sites now providing a range of options for managing personal finances, the consumer need for a money management program has shifted but that doesn't mean there isn't still a need for it. Especially for a comprehensive solution that spans saving, spending and investment tracking.

Here are more than a dozen personal finance programs to review for your needs:

* Budgetpulse offers standard budgeting and tracking features, as well as international compatibility. It focuses on tracking your core accounts - simplicity at its best.

* AceMoney is a Windows desktop app that offers downloadable transactions, budgeting, investment tracking and more. It costs $30, but there is a free version available with fewer features.

* ClearCheckbook is an easy tool that helps with balancing a checkbook and managing money. Like an online checkbook register only you can view reports, set budgets, create reminders and more.

* Expensr offers simple account tracking. Expensr enables you to compare your money habits with other broad groups that you select - a nice feature if you like to see how your spending compares with the rest of the world.

* Buxfer is a fairly comprehensive financial management tool that enables users to import data from their bank and credit card accounts, set spending limits, track shared expenses, and more.

* Mint offers support for investment accounts, and enables users to create personal budgets. With a pretty huge following, Mint has become a leader in this space. Might be worth checking out.

* Moneydance is a full-featured desktop personal-finance manager. It's platform agnostic and offers budgeting tools, investment tracking, and many built-in reports.

* Geezeo enables users to create and manage a budget with the support of other members. Kinda like Weight Watchers, you aren't going it alone.

* MoneyStrands offers lots of budgeting goals with configurable alerts ("Let me know when I've spent $100 on music this month!"). Users may also compare finances with other demographics (not individual users, but groups of users), which again can be useful if you like to see yourself on a bell curve.

* Mvelopes automatically connects with most banks and offers a free bill-pay service. Coming in at $7.90 per month, it isn't free but it also hovers right around what most banks charge for monthly Bill Pay features.

* Wesabe really leverages its active community of users as a draw to bring in new users because like most social media sites this outlet enables users to draw support from each other, sharing tips and ideas.

* YNAB enables you to import bank transactions, pay bills, etc. Again, another program really strong in the budgeting dept. but not so much on investment planning.

* Yodlee offers account-tracking functionality, integration with most banks, and a bill-pay feature. Worth checking out as it served as the model for many other tools that launched post-Yodlee.

* Quicken is the most well known tool among this round up and fairly comprehensive and well-supported (albeit not without its own set of issues). The software is "new and improved!" every year so you have to upgrade to get the latest and greatest features and after a certain point your support is sunsetted on older versions.

* Rudder enables you to connect to all of your accounts through this one app. Helping with bill pay, cashflow predictions and beyond, this tool can be helpful for simpler tasks.

* Thrive offers budgeting and bill bay prompts and encourages users to save. This tool is mostly geared toward saving.

Avoid Extra Baggage Fees: Tip-of-the-Day #172


GET AROUND GRATUITOUS FEES AT THE AIRPORT

Travel much? Even if you don't, when you do you don't want to be spending your vacation money on baggage fees, right? Airlines are now charging more and more for extra bags and even changing the size limitations for carry on to force more checked baggage. It’s clear that they are depending on ancillary revenues in general, and luggage fees in particular, more than ever. This means that air travelers must be more vigilant than ever about avoiding them. Here are a few ways to go about it.

1. Bring less.
Obviously, the best way to avoid paying for a checked bag is not to bring one in the first place. Keep your bags as light as possible. Pack a change of clothes and wear something on the plane that you can wear again on your trip. This is totally do-able for short getaways.

2. Fly a no-fee airline.
JetBlue Airways doesn’t charge for the first checked bag. Neither does Southwest Airlines. In fact, it doesn’t charge for a second bag, either. Both of these companies have acknowledged what the rest of us already know: People travel with at least one bag. Shouldn’t we be rewarding these airlines with our business?

3. Look for loopholes.
They still exist. For example, US Airways exempts all of its frequent fliers, passengers traveling to and from Europe or Asia, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, unaccompanied minors, first class passengers and active duty military. Is anyone left?

4. Ask someone else to pay.
Hotels are mindful that first-bag fees can hurt their business, so they’re offering to cover the fees. One of the first was Kimpton hotels. If you have to pay for a checked bag, why not pass the bill off to someone else?

5. Get creative.
Get creative and consolidate as much as possible; for instance purse, laptop and makeup bag. You can avoid extra fees by putting as many disparate containers as possible into one larger container.

6. Exploit policy differences.
Airlines don’t have uniform luggage rules, so when you’re flying on two or more airlines, use that to your advantage. Whenever possible, check your baggage all the way through to your final destination to avoid fees at stopover locations. The airlines can transfer your bags to another airline and there's no one there to enforce the fees!

7. Mail it.
Federal Express, UPS, the postal service, or a company like Luggage Forward can help you avoid the fees, but often, these options cost far more than what the airlines are charging. Then again, they’re probably more reliable. An overnight delivery service is far less likely to lose your belongings. Something to explore if you are moving or spending an entire summer somewhere else.

Supermarket Savings: Tip-of-the-Day #171


SAVE MONEY AT THE STORE - IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

There are a few simple ways that you can save some dough at the market. Some are obvious and will just serve as a reminder, some you may not have thought of! Have a look:

Curb impulses
Make a list and check it twice! DON'T go down every aisle if you don't have to. Why? Studies have shown that 50% to 60% of all supermarket purchases are made on impulse, and that figure increases to 70% when shoppers go down every aisle. If you stick to a shopping list you'll spend less, and you won't forget something you actually need.

Don’t shop hungry
It's hard to resist "snack foods" and other things you wouldn't normally buy if you go shopping when you're hungry. Worse yet, there is candy, soda and chips at the checkout that will also mysteriously find their way into your cart if you're not careful. Eat first, then shop. If you have to shop on an empty tummy pick up an apple. No joke - apples stave off cravings.

Ditch brand loyalty
New research by a trade group for the makers of generic products suggests that consumers can cut their weekly grocery bills by 30% if they buy a store's brand (read: generic) instead of the better-known national brands. The biggest savings can be found on over the counter drugs and beauty products.

Again, stick to your list
Grocers often place staples in the back of the store so that you must walk past all the other goodies to get there. Stay focused! And, when shopping the shelves, always check out the goods on the top and bottom shelves because the items placed at eye level are there for a reason - for you to buy them! Look around for the better deals.

Buy whole foods
While pre-sliced meats, pre-cut carrots and individually packaged servings of fruit may save you some time in the kitchen, it will cost you. A head of lettuce at a San Francisco grocery store runs $1.99, while a bag of already-cut and washed lettuce from the same store is $2.89. You'll save money if you do more of the work yourself.

Rein in your natural shopping habits
Avoid "bargain bins", end cap displays and other similar promotional tactics. These are often items that stores are trying to clear out and you don't want someone else's garbage even if it is on sale!

Check product sizes and pricing
To make sure you're really benefiting from buying the Costco-size jar of mayonnaise, check the unit price to see what you're paying per ounce, pound, liter or other measure. And, mayo aside, consider how perishable the product you're purchasing en masse actually is. Bags of fruit, potatoes or onions may be at a better per-unit price than if you buy them individually, but any savings could be lost if you have to throw away some of the produce because it spoiled before you could use it.

Clip coupons
Coupons can save you money, but don't buy something you don't need just because you have a coupon! Also, if you've been using a product you really like, don't switch to a competitor over .50 cents. Companies that issue coupons are trying to stomp out their competition. If you prefer the brand you're already using, stick with it because those few cents may not really make a difference in the end if you've had success with your original pick.

Don't shop with anyone else
It's been proven that people who visit stores in groups tend to spend more than those who go alone. And, men are more prone to making impulse buys, and kids often want everything in the cookie and cracker aisle, so just try going it alone.

Check your receipt
Too often I've been overcharged for products that were on sale and not even noticed until I got home. Check your receipt when you're still in the store so if something is wrong you can have the cashier fix it on the spot.

Start saving!

Coffee Filters' Many Uses: Tip-of-the-Day #170


14 UNIQUE USES FOR COFFEE FILTERS

We all know that coffee filters are great for making coffee. But here are some convenient uses you might not have considered!

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers and keep food items from splattering your microwave's walls.

2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they’ll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect your valuable china. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish. You'll avoid cracking and breaking that way.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter and spare yourself a cloth.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.

12. Wax eyebrows easily. You don't need expensive strips to wax eyebrows. Use strips of coffee filters instead - they are incredibly resilient.

13. Absorb grease in seconds. Put a few filters on a plate and put your fried bacon, french fries, chicken fingers, etc. on them. Soaks up all the grease.

14. Ideal razor nick fixer. Keep a filter or two in the bathroom. They make great “razor nick fixers.”

Cut Hair at Home: Tip-of-the-Day #169


SAVE MONEY AND LEARN TO CUT HAIR AT HOME

Out of the blue my boyfriend asked if I might cut his hair for him and I must admit part of me was thrilled. Growing up, some girls dreamed of becoming dancers, princesses - even mommies - but I always wanted to cut hair. Like the others, my dream was derailed and so when this opportunity presented itself I couldn't say no. That said, once the reality set in and I realized I had no idea how to cut a man's hair I thought I'd better do an internet search and take a quick crash course. And that's precisely what I did! I Googled "how to cut a man's hair" and found a particularly helpful wiki page.

Simple steps included:
1. Wet the hair generously before cutting and towel dry.
2. Comb hair to remove any tangles and to get an idea of how and where to cut.
3. Trim the back of the head first (using good styling shears) and get that nice crisp line with a small clipper. Use also around the ears. Consult the guy about how short he would like it to be.
4. Comb the hair forward and make an imaginary line down the center of his head, as if it were in between his eyes separating the right side from the left side.
5. Pull the hair up in between your fingers where your imaginary line is, and cut to desired length (usually as tall as your finger is against his head).
6. After cutting your entire line, comb hair forward again and begin at the very front of the head. You should notice the length difference where you just cut.
7. Using that as your guide, make another "line" to either the right or left of your original one and begin cutting again as described in above steps.
8. Comb one last time after the entire head has been trimmed. Look over to make sure no spots were missed or to touch up any areas a little more.

Easy as that all sounds it can still be daunting...but I had a few things working in my favor:
1. My boyfriend has a lot of hair so even if I screwed it up it likely wouldn't show
2. My boyfriend is very laid back
3. I'd had a drink

Tips:
* It's always best to have your man shower after a cut, and before going out, to get all those tiny hairs off his neck, ears, etc.
* Next time when going to the salon, take some time to observe, and maybe even take notes on, a hairdresser cutting a man's hair. This is the best way to learn.
* Get tips from your favorite hairstyle magazine.

Net net: I did a pretty good job (with some coaching) and I saved us $20 which we promptly spent on dinner!

Got Kids? Get Deals!: Tip-of-the-Day #168


FREE STUFF YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR KIDS

I don't have kids, but my friends that do have made it clear it's not cheap. To that I say, enjoy some cheap-er (even FREE) fun this summer! Here goes:

Celebrate your birthday at Disneyland or Disney World parks and gain free admission.
Season pass holders or those purchasing a multi-day pass can receive a one-day Fast Pass to skip the lines, or a gift certificate for park stores equal to the value of one day’s ticket.
Offer expires: Dec. 31

Get a second room for the kids at Hyatt hotels with a 50% off discount, including free breakfast for up to four kids.
In hotels with “Camp Hyatt” kids’ activities such as nature walks, scavenger hunts and hula dancing, one child gets a free half-day. Plus, the whole family can enjoy a 15% discount on dining and spa services.
Offer expires: Sept. 7

Kids fly free to the Cayman Islands with a special deal on Orbitz.
Stay in a participating hotel, and the kids get to stay for free, too. Flights leave from New York, Miami or Tampa for a two-night minimum stay.
Offer expires: Book by Sept. 2 for travel between June 1 and Sept. 7.

AMC Theaters offers $1 family films Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
See a movie and even feel good about it! Proceeds from tickets and concessions go to Variety’s Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.
Offer expires: Aug. 5

Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival
Savings: $8 (based on the approximate price of a matinee ticket). See selected G- or PG-rated movies for free every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Rules and restrictions: At participating theaters only. First-come, first-served seating.
Offer expires: Aug. 12 or 19, depending on location

Clearview Cinemas Kids’ Club
Savings: $8 (based on the approximate price of a matinee ticket). Clearview Cinemas in New York and New Jersey are running eight weeks of free family films Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at participating theatres. First-come, first-served seating.
Offer expires: Aug. 20

Student Rush Tickets for "Billy Elliot"
Savings: $80 for two tickets. The multiple-Tony-winning musical offers day-of student rush tickets at half price for its New York shows with a current school-issued student ID. Tickets must be purchased at the box office on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
No expiration date.

Kids’ Night on Broadway
Savings: $130 for a kid’s ticket to "Shrek," plus a free kid’s entree at participating Times Square restaurants in New York. The first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month kids get free admission to participating plays. Tickets go on sale two months in advance. Some local restaurants also offer free entrees for kids as part of the promotion. Currently "Guys and Dolls," "Mamma Mia," "Hair," "The 39 Steps" and "Shrek" are participating, although shows may not participate every night, so check with the theatre first. Kids must be 6 to 18 years old and accompanied by an adult.
No expiration date.

Kids Eat Free at Applebee’s
Savings: About $5 for one kid’s menu meal, including one side dish. On Monday nights, some Applebee’s locations offer a free meal for one child and $1 meals for any children beyond that. This offer is not available at every location, so check with your local restaurant first. Note: One child per paying adult. Additional kids’ meals cost $1.
No expiration date.

Kids Eat Free at IHOP
Savings: About $3-$5 for one kid’s entrée. Some IHOP locations let kids eat free every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individual franchises set up their own promotions, so check with your local IHOP first. Kids must be 12 and under.
No expiration date.

The D-Zone at Denny’s
Savings: About $3 (based on the price of an average kid’s meal). Kids eat free on Tuesday nights at Denny’s from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. In some locations the deal is offered on Saturday nights as well. The promotion isn’t available everywhere, so call before you go. Kids must be 10 and under. Two free kids’ meals for every paying adult.
No expiration date.

Family Fun Night at Chick-fil-A
Value: About $3 (based on the price of one kid’s meal). At some Chick-fil-A locations, kids can eat free on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The deal isn’t available everywhere, so check with your local restaurant. Free kid’s meal when an adult combo meal is purchased.
No expiration date.

Used Gadgets = Good Buys: Tip-of-the-Day #167


USED GADGETS CAN BE GREAT BUYS!

In this slower economy, people may be looking to sell their newer electronics for extra cash. So, if you waited to buy your next big ticket electronic, you may benefit from the (perfectly good) used gadgets up for sale right now. Here's a look at devices that are likely to be good buys even when used:

Plasma TVs: If it turns on and displays a good picture, a plasma screen is unlikely to have major, hidden glitches. Plasmas are solid-state products that are pretty stable.

That said, don't get one that's more than 2 years old. The sets do wear out eventually, and earlier ones did so more quickly than recent models do. Also, study the screen to make sure it hasn't suffered image "burn-in," which can leave a permanent shadow from text or video-game images.

LCD TVs: Like plasmas, these sets don't involve a lot of repair-prone parts. Study the screen to make sure it doesn't suffer from excessive dead pixels. A few aren't unusual, but you don't want them to interfere with your viewing. Once home, the set should perform well. According to Consumer Reports, LCDs and plasmas need fewer repairs than traditional tube TVs.

Blu-ray DVD players: DVD players generally don't make good buys in the used market. They have too many moving parts that suffer wear, including expensive lasers. But with new models costing $300 and up, a Blu-ray player might be tempting if it's sold at a substantial discount and was bought less than a year ago - preferably six months or less.

Computers: Only relatively new PCs sold at a substantial discount might be tempting. Stick with brand names to make sure manuals, support and parts are readily available. And, don't buy desktops more than a year old or notebooks more than 3 months old. As with everything else on this list, you should visit the seller and make sure the device is working before committing to buy.

Flash-based MP3 players: Consider newer iPods and competitors that use memory chips for storage. Those solid-state drives are much less likely to fail. Just make sure the LCD screen isn't cracked, the USB port is clear and still working, and the device is otherwise functional.

Happy hunting!

25 Ways to Save $$ on Gas: Tip-of-the-Day #166


GAS ISN'T GETTING ANY CHEAPER - BUT YOU CAN GET SAVVIER

With gas prices back up to the $3 and change range a gallon, saving money on gas is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a lot of relatively simple and inexpensive things you can do to save money at the pump.

1. Replace a dirty air filter.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, replacing a clogged air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%.

2. Keep your car's engine tuned.
Having your car's engine tuned according to the owner's manual can improve gas mileage by 4%.

3. Get regular oil changes.
Clean oil in your car's engine improves gas mileage by reducing friction. You should also look for oil that says "energy conserving" on the performance symbol of the American Petroleum Institute. It contains friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.

4. Keep tires properly inflated.
Properly inflated tires can increase your miles per gallon by up to 3%.

5. Use the right motor oil.
Make sure you use the proper grade of motor oil, which can save you 1% to 2% at the pump.

6. Rotate tires and check alignment.
Rotating the tires for even wear will improve your car's performance and gas mileage, as will keeping the car properly aligned.

7. Buy the recommended gas for your car.
Most cars run on regular octane gas. According to the FTC, there is no reason to buy a higher grade of gas than what is recommended in the owner's manual.

8. Steer clear of gas-saving gadgets.
You've probably read about any number of gadgets that promise to increase your car's gas mileage. Most of these gadgets don't deliver on their promises, and some can even harm your car. For more information on these gadgets, you can read the FTC's "Gas-saving products: Fact or fuelishess."

9. Find the cheapest gas near you.
Check out GasNearU.com or GasBuddy.com to find the least expensive gas in your neighborhood.

10. Use gas-rebate credit cards.
Some credit cards can save you up to 5% on gas. Three of the best cards are the Discover Open Road Card (5% cash rebate on gas and car maintenance purchases), Chase PerfectCard MasterCard (6% rebate on gas purchases first 90 days, 3% thereafter), and BP Visa Rewards Card (10% rebates on gas purchases from BP during first two billing cycles, 5% thereafter).

11. Keep your speed under 60.
At speeds above 60 mph, miles per gallon starts to decrease significantly.

12. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
Peeling out when the light turns green so you can be the first car at the next red light is like throwing money out the window. Gentle driving can save you up to 5%.

13. Remove unnecessary weight from your car.
Lightening the load by 100 pounds can improve your gas mileage by 2%, so take unnecessary baggage out of your trunk.

14. Avoid using the roof rack.
Items on top of your car, in addition to weighing you down, increase wind resistance, which lowers your gas mileage.

15. Use cruise control.
Using cruise control on the highway when it's safe to do so improves fuel economy.

16. Use air conditioning on the highway, not in the city.
If it's hot outside, using the air conditioner on the highway improves gas mileage over rolling down the windows because of air resistance. But in stop-and-go traffic, it's best to let Mother Nature cool you down.

17. Remove snow tires.
Deep tread and big tires consume more fuel. When winter is over, remove the snow tires for better gas mileage.

18. Telecommute.
For many, it's the commute to and from work that burns the most gas. Telecommuting even one day a week will reduce those costs 20%, will reduce wear and tear on your car, and save lots of time, too.

19. Work four 10s or nine nine-hour days.
If your boss isn't too keen on telecommuting, maybe he or she will allow you to work four 10-hour days and take every Friday off, or nine nine-hour days and take every other Friday off.

20. Rideshare.
Join a group of friends or neighbors to carpool to work. This can substantially cut down on gas consumption. And, if you live in an area that uses high-occupancy vehicle lanes, it can also get you to work faster.

21. Plan errands.
We all have errands to run throughout the week and particularly on the weekends. Combine errands so you have to take fewer trips to get your chores done. In addition to saving gas, you'll also save time and aggravation.

22. Walk or bike when possible.
More and more people are riding their bike to mass transit or to work. Even biking to work one or two days a week will save a substantial amount of gas.

23. Buy fuel-efficient cars.
There are plenty of hybrid and other fuel-efficient cars to choose from. A great site to check out is FuelEconomy.com, a government-run Web site about hybrid vehicles. These cars are the ultimate in money management when it comes to fuel cost.

24. Buy an electric- or gas-powered scooter.
These scooters are commonplace in many parts of the world, and their popularity is growing in the U.S. A Vespa, for example, gets up to 72 miles per gallon and has a top speed of 59 mph.

25. Consider fuel-efficient tires.
Some tires are designed to increase fuel efficiency by decreasing the rolling resistance of the tire. Of course, there are other considerations when buying tires, including traction and handling, but the tires you put on your car can have a significant impact on your fuel economy. The Michelin Energy LX4 is an example of a fuel-efficient tire.

Start saving!

Pet Care Practicalities: Tip-of-the-Day #165


YOU CAN SAVE ON PET CARE...LEARN HOW

Rising costs aren't stifling people's desire to own pets: About 63% of U.S. households own a pet, up from 56% in 1998. The number of dogs, cats and other pets now totals about 359 million, according to a consumer survey by the pet-products association. Now that you've got your pet, why not learn ways to pare back on the costs associated with owning a pet? Here are 13 tips to get you started:

1. Take care of some pet needs yourself. Did you know that by brushing your pet's teeth regularly you can reduce your number of vet dental-cleaning visits? Those can run about $200 a pop! Also, ask your vet about trimming your pet's claws. It's not tough to get the hang of, and it will save you approx. $40 a visit. In addition, if you regularly brush your pet's coat, you'll reduce grooming costs, and your cats will have fewer hairballs. If your dog is prone to ear infections, ask your vet how to clean your dog's ears.

2. Find out if your pet needs annual vaccinations - not every pet does! The American Animal Hospital Association changed its guidelines, recommending that "a number of the core vaccinations (be done) every three years," instead of annually. That change was to prevent over-vaccination, but it helps pet owners save a bit, too. Plus, if you have an in-door cat, you may not need all of the vaccinations associated with outdoor activity, and, as your pets age they also don't require all the shots they needed in their youth.

3. Shop medications. Just like my blog postings for people saving on meds, you can save on meds for your pets too. Call your local pharmacy or look online for lower prices.

4. Shop for a veterinarian by comparing fees. Routine visits can range from $50 on up to $200, so it pays to shop around! Nationwide, pet owners average $211 for dogs and $179 for cats in routine vet visits each year. But don't sacrifice quality, and compare the same service by finding out what that routine visit covers.

5. Shop around for pet supplies. Don't assume the pet superstore, the local mom-and-pop or the online market has the cheapest prices. For example, a litter box costs about $25 at a large Petco outlet in San Francisco, while a small mom-and-pop store nearby charged about $18.

6. Curb your desire to buy your pet gifts. Clothes and fancy bags are a completely unnecessary expense (fun as they can be). While 80% of pet owners report buying gifts for their pets, a better gift might be some playtime. Doh!

7. Avoid emergency clinics when possible. At most emergency veterinary clinics, almost every procedure and medication and boarding fee is marked up. Try to avoid going if you can, especially if your emergency occurs between 8 and 5 and your regular veterinarian is open.

8. Consider pet insurance. Check the policy's exclusions carefully to see how well it would fit your lifestyle. Some plans cover every routine visit and every vaccination, with premiums running around $25 to $30 a month. But, you don't necessarily need insurance for costs you know you'll incur. Pet-insurance policies aimed at covering catastrophic events usually have high deductibles and lower monthly premiums of about $10 to $15 which tends to make more sense for most people.

9. Think twice before adding more pets to your home. You might get a multi-pet discount on insurance, but regular costs will increase. There just aren't huge economies of scale with multiple pets. When you look at the big-ticket items - food and vet care - those are items that every animal needs in their own right and there is no shortcut in savings there.

10. Save for end-of-life care. "End-of-life issues" can run $500 to $1,000 and while some insurance policies cover the cost of euthanasia and cremation, most don't. It's something to consider (hard as it is to think about).

11. Don't buy the cheapest food. Higher-quality food helps keep your pet healthier and vet bills lower!

12. Don't overfeed. Many people feed more than the package guidelines, but feeding the right amount saves on food costs - which average about 40% of a pet owner's total costs - and reduces the likelihood of obesity-related ailments.

13. Spay or neuter your pet. Spayed and neutered pets have fewer health problems down the road (prostate and ovarian cancer among the biggest issues). Also, once neutered, your pet will "roam" less, which lessens the chance of getting hit by a car.

Coupon Watch: Tip-of-the-Day #164


FIVE ONLINE COUPON SITES WORTH BOOKMARKING

I mentioned in a previous blog posting that I never complete an online order without first Googling the site I'm buying from for active coupons/promotional codes. Well, here are five (reliable) coupon sites that will make your search even easier. Have a look!

Coupons.com
Coupons.com offers a wide variety of current coupons and simple navigation to browse them and even print them out.

CouponCabin
CouponCabin.com keeps its site uber updated. Deals are refreshed several times a day and almost always “double checked” to ensure codes work and deals are advertised accurately. You can even sign up for weekly e-mail newsletter alerts for the latest deals.

CouponMom.com
CouponMom.com lists online coupon codes, printout coupons and free samples. Discounts are easy to find and the site prides itself on accuracy.

RetailMeNot.com
RetailMeNot.com's community of passionate shoppers relay feedback on whether a discount code has worked for them, which helps other shoppers quickly filter out bad codes. Expiration dates are helpful and site is always kept current.

SmartSource.com
SmartSource.com has a great selection of items to look through, and entering your ZIP code brings even more deals specific to your area. The site compiles local store sales, coupons to print out and online deals to help consumers maximize savings.

Homemade Detergent: Tip-of-the-Day #163


HOMEMADE DETERGENT CAN MEAN SAVINGS AND MORE...

Making your own laundry detergent can mean decent savings, but it can also mean control over the amount of fragrance and dye added if you’re sensitive or have allergies to that. Now you can manage the ingredients going into the product you’re using! Fancy that.

The recipe for a powder detergent is 1 cup of grated soap (grind it in a food processor to make it easy on yourself), a half cup of borax and a half cup of washing soda (not baking soda).

Mix ingredients together and use 1 Tablespoon per load of laundry, 2 Tablespoons if it is a really soiled load.

You can use any soap you like (from Ivory to the small bars that hotels provide gratis). Borax is available in most grocery stores for about $5 a box. Washing Soda is made by Arm & Hammer and can be difficult to find so I recommend getting it at Amazon.

Worth a shot, no? At least try it once. :)