More Tips for Better Gas Mileage

Although gas prices have gone down over the last few days, it is not enough for relief. Here are some tips from Carmax.com:

1. Drive Efficiently

-- Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at higher speeds.

-- Don't drive aggressively: speeding, quick acceleration and excessive
braking all waste gas. Driving aggressively lowers gas mileage both on the
highway and when driving around town.

-- Use overdrive and cruise control: If your vehicle has a manual
overdrive, make sure it is ON; overdrive reduces engine speed, which helps
to save gas. Cruise control also saves gas by maintaining a consistent
speed.

-- Avoid idling: idling for longer than 30 seconds uses more gas than
starting up your engine.

2. Maintain your Vehicle

-- Get the manufacturer's recommended maintenance done: keeping your
car in shape improves gas mileage.

-- Make sure your tires are filled to the correct pressure: this can
increase gas mileage by three percent. Always refer to the manufacturer's
specifications.

-- Whenever possible, use synthetic oil: look for "Energy Conserving"
motor oil; it will reduce friction and increase fuel economy.

-- Check and replace dirty air filters: clogged filters can decrease
gas mileage up to 10 percent.

3. Plan Ahead

-- Combine errands: this will save time, money and gas.

-- Remove excess weight: excess weight in the cab or trunk can reduce
mileage. Every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by approximately two
percent.

-- Eliminate excess wind resistance: roof racks and carrier crates on
the top of the car create drag or wind resistance. Removing these items can
increase fuel economy by about five percent.

-- Use air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds: driving with
the windows open uses more fuel due to the increased drag.

-- Fill up your car in the morning: early morning is the best time
because the gasoline is cooler and denser. Since gas pumps measure volumes
of gas and not densities, you get more fuel for your money.

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AA Airlines Travel Deals for September to December

American Airlines and its regional affiliate, American Eagle, have put
many of their destinations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and
Bermuda on sale for travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 10, 2008.

Here are highlights of American's sale:

American Airlines Sale to Caribbean / the Bahamas / Mexico / Bermuda

-- Sale fares available between the United States and select destinations
in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda.

-- Begin travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 8, 2008; return no later than
Dec. 10, 2008.

-- Purchase tickets no later than July 31, 2008.

-- Other restrictions, including embargo dates, apply. For rules and
restrictions, see the terms and conditions below, or visit American's
Web site, AA.com.

Priceline.com Hotels - save up to 50%

Here are samples of American and American Eagle's great low fares to
the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda.

SAMPLE SALE FARES

Sample Fares are each Way based on Round-Trip Purchase*
City Pairs

Miami - Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago $76

Miami - Freeport, Bahamas+ $78

Fort Lauderdale - Kingston, Jamaica $89

New York Kennedy - Bermuda $123

Miami - Grand Cayman, Cayman Is. $127

Los Angeles - San Jose del Cabo, Mexico $131

Miami - Bridgetown, Barbados $186

Dallas/Fort Worth - Tampico, Mexico+ $190

New York City - St. Lucia, B.W.I. $239

* Fares shown are each way based on off-peak round-trip Economy Class
travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares are valid
for travel beginning Sept. 2-Dec. 8, 2008; complete travel by
Dec. 10, 2008. Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and
fees.
+ Service operated by American Eagle.

Travelers can check schedules and fares and book flights by visiting
http://www.aa.com. On AA.com you'll find the absolute lowest fares
available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R)
flights -- guaranteed. For full details on our Lowest Fare Guarantee, visit
http://www.aa.com/benefits.

For Current travel deals visit CheapCaribbean.com for All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacations to getaway before September!

Pick $1 DVD Rentals at Your Supermarket

Over the last several months, a big red machine has been sitting near the doorway of my local super market. It is a Red Box DVD machine. You can rent new release dvds from the machine for only $1 per day plus tax. You are charged a $1 for every day (plus tax) you have possesion of the dvd. You need a valid credit card to rent the movies...no cash accepted.

In addition, they may debit or put a hold on your credit for more than the cost of the rental to cover late fees etc. SO make sure you have enough credit on your card to cover the hold.

You can rent two ways: Reserve online with credit card and then pick it up at your nearest location or directly rent from the Red Box machine. The company says it has over 8,000 locations so their might be one near you. Once you find a location, check that location for what titles are available! Don't forget your credit card if you reserve online with one...you will need it to get your video.

http://www.redbox.com/Locations/KioskSearch.aspx

OR you could Rent movies from Netflix!

Savvy Household Tip: Remove Wall Streaks With Ease

Have you ever accidently grazed the paint on your wall leaving behind a dark streak? I do it all the time. Recently I moved a wood box and it slid against my wall leaving a very dark and sinister looking black streak! These do not wipe off with water or cleanser.

Here is a tip: take a disinfecting wipe and dab about a 1/2 teaspoon of nail polish remover with acetone. Use the wipe to remove the surface streak. The mark will disappear. You can also use a plain damp paper towel and a 1/2 teaspoon of nail polish remover with acetone for the same effect. The nail polish remover is strong enough to just to remove the streak and not the paint on your wall.

Bonus Retail Secrets for Savvy Consumers tip: If you have surface paint transfer on your car from grazing another car, garage, or other inanimate object you can do this same trick to remove the surface paint transfer. It wont remove any deep damage but if it is just a little paint transfer, this tip will do the trick.

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Retail Secrets Freebie News: In celebration of the inaugural Coke Zero 400 at iconic Daytona International Speedway, fans would still be able to receive free Coke Zero.

Any U.S. resident 13 years of age or older can simply visit www.CokeZero.com through July 13 and follow the instructions to receive a coupon for a free 20-ounce bottle of Coke Zero (1). In addition to quenching their thirst, fans can help support a charity close to the hearts of Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers. Coke Zero will donate $1 to the Victory Junction Gang Camp on behalf of the first 10,000 people who visit CokeZero.com to request a free coupon.

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Tips On Buying A Foreclosed Property

Challenging times in the U.S. real estate market means there are record numbers of foreclosed homes for sale. Some homebuyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed home because these properties are often going for what seem like bargain prices. But buyers beware, there are some tips and tricks you need to keep in mind if you are considering purchasing a foreclosed home.

Leading online real estate site Trulia.com assembled a panel of industry experts and asked them to come up with things every buyer should know before purchasing a foreclosed home:

• Prioritize your needs: Make a list of “must-haves” for your new home. The foreclosed house you choose should have an overall appeal as well as most of the items on your list.

• Talk to experts: Make an appointment with an experienced foreclosure agent. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

• Be current: Look at neighborhood data with emphasis on real-time sales. Compare current and last year’s home values to determine which way the market is moving.

• Aim high: Find out the overall value of the neighborhood in which you are buying. A foreclosure may allow you entry into a better neighborhood. Foreclosure.com--Start Your Free 7-Day Trial Today!!

• Make inspection mandatory: Minimize hidden costs by planning a professional inspection. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

• Avoid prestage deals: The preforeclosure/short sale stage is typically not the most profitable. You could wait weeks or even months for an answer from the lender.

• Buy at the right time: The foreclosure stage can be profitable when it goes to public auction. The best deals are often situations where the home has been on the market for 60 days or more.

According to Pete Flint, cofounder and CEO of Trulia, providing guidance from foreclosure experts combined with comprehensive information on foreclosed homes across the country can help potential homeowners take full advantage of this market while avoiding the kind of risks that might otherwise make them hesitate.

Trulia, Inc. is a residential real estate search engine and one of the fastest growing U.S. real estate sites. Trulia helps approximately 5 million unique visitors per month find information on homes for sale using custom search criteria. The site also provides market trends and neighborhood data, as well as Trulia Voices, a real estate Q&A community that enables consumers and professionals to exchange information about their local markets.

For more information, visit www.trulia.com. Get a Free list of every Bank & Government Foreclosure in the Nation!

A growing number of homebuyers are thinking of purchasing a property that’s in foreclosure. If you are one of them, it’s wise to start the process by talking with an expert.

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Travel Freebie: FREE Companion Airfare to Canada from United Airlines

Retail Secrets for Savvy Consumers loves free offers. Supriseinly, United Airlines is giving away free companion airfare. With air travel costs through the roof, this is huge !

Travelers can have their companion fly absolutely free when they book their vacation of three nights or more bybJune 30, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2008.

The offer is quite simple to book -- just enter promo code FLYFREE at
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Book Flight + 4-Night Hotel in Banff, Vancouver, or Whistler and Save $50> PROMO CODE: CAN50ADA


And if by chance travelers have a particular interest in the impressive
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-- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver -- 4th night free

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Top Destination for hotels!

Travel Freebie: VEGAS.com Gives Out $50 Gas Cards and Discounts on Las Vegas Hotels

Beginning July 7, Las Vegas is dishing out more than winnings. VEGAS.com announces Gas Cards to make getting to and from Vegas a little easier on the wallet. Rising gasoline prices have already impacted Americans’ travel plans. To relieve some of the pain at the pump for Vegas visitors, VEGAS.com is giving customers a $50 gas card for the ride home and a $10 discount on Las Vegas hotel reservations with the Cash In and Top Off promotion.

When you book a Vegas vacation, add an activity to your trip and save $100! > PROMOCODE: VEGAS100 > Exp. 7/31/08

Customers enter promo code “GAS” at checkout to receive $10 off their Las Vegas hotel booking of $250 or more. The $50 gas card can be picked up at one of the many VEGAS.com concierge locations at Las Vegas hotels on the Strip. Reservations must be made between July 7 at 9 a.m. PDT and July 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT with stay dates between July 7 and Aug. 31, 2008.

Top Hotel Deals in Las Vegas


According to a survey by Rand McNally, 66 percent of Americans who plan to take a road trip this summer say that rising gas prices have prompted them to change their plans. Almost three in five (57 percent) said they expect to cut back on the number of days and/or distance driven.

Private Student Loans: How To Spot Deceptive Offers

This is good information from the FTC for parents seeking funding for their student tuition:

An education beyond high school can be expensive and could require you or your family to take out loans to help pay for it.

Student loans fall into two categories: federal loans and private loans. Federal loans are subject to oversight and regulation by the federal government. Private loans, sometimes called “alternative loans,” are offered by private lenders and do not include the benefits and protections available with federal loans.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, and the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the agency that oversees federal student loans, say it pays to learn about student loans so you can make an informed decision about financing your education.

Private Loans

Private companies may offer you loans and other forms of financial assistance for your education. They often use direct mail marketing, telemarketing, television, radio and online advertising to promote their products. Let SimpleTuition find the right student loan for you.

Comparing the costs of different ways to finance your education is important. Private loans tend to have higher fees and interest rates than federal government loans. Generally, they do not offer the opportunities for cancellation or forgiveness that are available on many federal loan programs. So it makes good financial sense to exhaust your federal loan options (as well as grants and scholarships) before considering loans from any private companies.

If you are thinking about a private student loan, it’s important to know whom you’re doing business with and the terms of the loan. The FTC and ED offer these tips to help you recognize questionable claims and practices related to private student loans:

• Some private lenders and their marketers use names, seals, logos or other representations similar to those of government agencies to create the false or misleading impression that they are part of or affiliated with the federal government and its student loan programs.

Search for student loans from competing lenders at SimpleTuition

• ED does not send advertisements or mailers or otherwise solicit consumers to borrow money. If you receive a student loan solicitation, it is not from ED.

• Don’t let promotions or incentives like gift cards, credit cards and sweepstakes prizes divert you from assessing whether the key terms of the loan are reasonable.

• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know with whom you are dealing.

• Private student lenders typically ask for your student account number-often your Social Security number (SSN) or Personal Identification Number (PIN)-saying they need it to help determine your eligibility. However, because scam artists who purport to be private student lenders can misuse this information, it is critical to provide it or other personal information only if you have confidence in the private student lender with whom you are dealing.

To learn more, see “Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers” at www.ftc.gov and visit www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

Comparing the costs of different ways of financing your education is important.