Terms of Use With gasoline prices on the rise, there has never been a better time to tune up your car and practice energy-wise driving techniques. Below is a list of tips that will not only improve your car's gas mileage, but also improve your car's overall performance and safety while reducing wear and tear on your car's engine. Driving Tips The first place to start is to drive smart. By simply practicing efficient driving techniques you can improve your car's fuel economy by   More...

Terms of Use: Chex Systems, Inc. is a consumer-reporting agency governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the FCRA. When you apply for a checking account at a financial institution, there's a good chance that your name will be run through ChexSystems to see whether you are a check bouncer (writing checks on your account when there is not enough money in it to cover the amount of those checks) or have cheated the financial institution i  More...

Terms of Use Claims of wiping away your debt problems painlessly may be too good to be true. While some credit counseling agencies may help those who are behind in their debts to get back on their feet, others may not be on the up and up. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling with nonprofit affiliate offices in just about every city, originated the concept of negotiating lower interest rates and payment plans for people who had fallen behind. With consumer debt at an all-time hig  More...

Terms of Use: Many people put off balancing their account, but it's a good idea to ensure that you know how much you have available and that you are in agreement with the amount reported to you by your financial institution. There are several ways to balance your checking account. You don't have to invest in financial software, but some find using software such as MS Money or Excel helps them to track their budgeting and spending habits, too. You can reconcile your account by going online or u  More...

Terms of Use: BREADS AND GRAINS Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products. Buy regular rice, oatmeal, and grits instead of the instant and flavored types. Try whole-grain bread and brown rice to add nutrients and variety to family meals. VEGETABLES AND SALADS Look for large bags of frozen vegetables. They may be bargains and you can cook just the amount you need, close the bag tightly, and put the rest back in the freezer. Foods at salad bars can be costly. Some food items—   More...

Terms of Use: How to Choose a Repair Shop What should I look for when choosing a repair shop? Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust. Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. Shop around by telephone for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs. Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to be licensed or registered. Also, your state Attorney General's offi  More...

Terms of Use Things to consider when looking to cut costs on your homeowners insurance: Deductible The first place to start is to consider your deductible. You can save up to 25 percent by simply bumping up the deductible on your homeowners policy from $500 to $1,000. Usually, you won't file a claim unless there's a large damage, so anything less than $1,000 wouldn't be turned over to your insurance anyway. Multiple Policy Discount If you combine your homeowners policy with at  More...

Terms of Use Whether moving across town or across the country, moving is often more expensive than most people realize. Here are some money-saving tips: Map out a budget before you pack a single box. Decide whether you'll haul things yourself or to hire a moving company. Depending on when and where you'll be moving (in addition to how much you'll be moving), hiring a moving company can cost anywhere between $800 to $4000. If you decide to hire a moving company, be sure t  More...

Terms of Use: Most experts agree it's best to exchange U.S. currency for foreign currency when you arrive at your destination. Most foreign airports have ATMs that will convert your money at a better exchange rate than you would get back home. Even after considering the fees (currently about $3 plus a 1 to 3 percent currency-conversion fee) that you may be charged by your financial institution for withdrawing money outside this country. Of course, if you like to arrive with local currency  More...

Terms of Use With the current economy, many consumers are concerned about costly repairs, especially when purchasing a big-ticket item such as a flat screen television, appliances or other electronics. Sales of extended warranties on computers, for example, are on the rise, according to the Service Contract Industry Council, a trade association. Extended warranties usually cost between 5 and 20 percent of the purchase price of the product, but most experts agree they are not worth the cost.   More...