Cleaning out the bookmarks today and realized that I never mentioned the very funny arch-nemesis blog: The Impulsive Buy.
Next time I’m in Hawaii, I’m going to punch him in the face — as soon as I can find him.
And uh, as soon as I save up the money to fly there.
From Monday’s paper (that I finally got around to reading). These are tried and true tips that are worth mentioning again (yes, even if gas prices have gone down a bit):
1. Take it easy.
Driving at a reasonable speed will conserve gas. EPA’s rule of thumb: for every 5 mph over 60 mph, you’re paying an additional 20 cents a gallon for gas.
2. Cruise Control.
Engaging cruise control on the highway for better fuel management.
3. Lighten Up.
Take everything out of the car that you don’t need so your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. If packing for a road trip, try to keep luggage inside the vehicle rather than strapping to roof where it creates wind resistance.
4. Stay in tune.
Keep up with regular maintenance. Simple things such as changing the engine air filter on a needed basis can improve gas mileage as much by 10%.
5. Pump them up.
Properly inflated tires play a big role in good fuel economy. Check the sticker at the driver side door or glove box for the proper inflation pressure. Besides affect fuel economy, under/over inflated tires can significantly affect ride handling, vehicle safety, AND add unnecessary wear to your tires, costing you more money in the future.
6. Cool it on the AC.
Use air conditioners conservatively. Most air conditioner have a “economy” or “recirculation” setting that reduces the amount of outside air that must be chilled.
Related Post:
Not to alienate any international readers… but, still the greatest country in the world, IMO.
Here’s to the next milestone, hopefully followed by less problems and more solutions.
What happens when you click on the personal finance section at CNN Money?
First article: 5 best luxury SUVs.
Kept forgetting to mention these two noteworthy blogs that some people may be interested in:
From Smart Money. Good stuff.
I need want a deep fryer.
Something below $100. With a lid, because splashy oil scares me. Easy to clean is a plus.
My theory is, I can eat fast food less, and eat unhealthy food on my own terms. As long as I moderate the use of the fryer, everything will be A-Okay, right?
Right.
Here’s an interesting piece from Seth Godin’s blog, the thing about coupons…
Different perspective about coupons, straight from a marketer’s viewpoint.
Which leads to the third benefit: a coupon can mean now. Give me a coupon and I am forced to make a decision. Will I buy the service or product before the coupon expires or gets lost, or should I forfeit this thing of value?
Although I’m not a frequent coupon user—because most of the ones I’ve come across are horrid ones that screams: “this is just us trying to get you in the door so we can sell you other crap” (e.g. car dealership coupon for services)—I do occasionally come across worth-it coupons for products that I do purchase. Which brings me to the now factor Godin mentioned above.
Ever hold a $1.00 off coupon in your hand for a bag of Cheetos? Sure, you love Cheetos, but today’s grocery trip didn’t include it on the list. But this is a whole dollar off! No strings attached! It expires in two weeks, are you going to come back before then, just for a bag of Cheetos?
So you grab the bag of Cheetos and head towards the cashier, but then you get the same lousy treatment Seth Godin got with his 10% off Barbeques Galore coupon, and you listen to the lame-o excuse the cashier gives about why that coupon doesn’t work with that particular bag of Cheetos you’re holding.
