Best Money Saving Articles Online

Cash For Clunkers Program

Jul 29, 2009 More Saving

Lately, the U.S. Government passed legislation providing rebates valued from $3,500 to $4,500 when you trade in a car and lease or purchase a brand new car that is equal to or exceeds higher fuel efficiency guidelines.

Cash For Clunkers

The Cash For Clunkers program is a one billion dollar U.S. government system that will help people lease or purchase a more fuel-efficient car from a approved dealer when they trade a less environmental car or truck.

Your car must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date

In general, trade in automobiles have to get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)

System is valid through Nov 1, 2009 or when the money are depleted, which ever comes first.

The system requires the junking of your eligible trade car, and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade in car.

Your automobile is:

Will your vehicle qualify?

A car, pickup truck, van, or SUV with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or less

or less and less than 10,000 lbs.

GVWR is the max permissible total weight of a car when loaded, including the car itself plus fuel, people, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.

This is a fixed weight specified by the manufacturer.

You can typically find your auto’s GVWR (1) on the standard certification label that appears on the frame or edge of the driver’s door in most vehicles or (2) in your car owner’s manual.

Tags: automobile, budget, Buy Car, Cash For Clunkers, finance, government, Grants, More Saving, Save Money

Travel with the Beans Around the World

Jul 17, 2009 More Saving

Can you imagine a can of beans travelling around the world? Being seen in places and sites by many people?

Beans Around the World was originally a way to have some fun with a can of beans. Now it has grown to be something that many people have taken part in. It is the journey of a can of beans, which can be followed via the Internet as the can visits many different states and cities. Is it crazy? It sure is but it is something that seems to be catching on.

Beans-Around-The-World.com is where you can learn more about this interesting scenario. It all began as a joke between two friends who passed some beans back and forth across a fair distance before it evolved into somewhat of a game.

One man’s ingenuity in sending the can forth is always matched by the other in sending it back, whether hidden in a different package or disguised as something else.

Then the company vice president, Mike Park, volunteered to take the can to China, and came back with photos proving the can of beans have seen the Great Wall of China! So thus began its trip around the world.

The website details the places the can of beans had been to, and shows the pictures that prove them. Countries from Europe to Asia, from Africa to Scandinavia, from North to South Americas, and of course dozens of cities in the United States, that can of beans has seen them all. Some had been visited twice and thrice, including many countries in whose cities the beans have toured. From 1993 to 2009, the can of beans had really been around the world.

Still, its originators want more cities, more places, more participants. In fact anyone can join the Beans Around the World (BATW) Ambassadors Club, those men and women who photographed the can of beans in their favorite places. Some pictures showed restaurants, others tourist destinations, still others out-of-the-way locales they have been alone or with their families. All these pictures have a unifying element: the can of S&W Black Beans.

Beans Around the World is a fun idea that shows that it is good to have a laugh and not take one’s self too seriously. Check out their site to see the beans with some fantastic art cars or to see where else they have been. You can also get in on the fun yourself. Browse through the FAQ section if there is anything further that you would like to know. Though the original bean can has been retired, there are still new pictures and bean sightings for you to enjoy.

Tags: a, art car, automobile, automobile;truck, beans around the world, Buy Car, car art, cars, e, More Saving, r, s, Sell Car, v, vehicles

How to Change Your Car’s Engine Oil Filter

Jul 17, 2009 More Saving

The most difficult side of driving is not everyone can be a car mechanic.

Cars like people have personalities, too: they often have problems not identical to others that negatively affect the way they run “or not run”. Since a car is a complex of mechanical actions and operations each related to some others, allow just a few failures in this complexity and the car breaks down. As such, the engine oil gets much importance because it is the lubricant that keeps the internal mechanical parts of the engine working smoothly. Take out the clean engine oil and something will soon wear down or seize up and the engine stops completely. But the engine oil will not function properly without a good filter which keeps out the impurities. This is something very vital in high-performance cars like those raced. They even use specific proprietary filters of the highest quality.

Changing the engine oil filter is projected to be easy, and that anyone can do it, even the non-mechanically oriented like the rest of us. In fact, the filter is said to be replaceable by hand, and it would not be far from the truth except when the filter is slick and slippery with oil — and most car owners do not know how.

Thus filters often cannot be loosened by hand, but there are special filter wrenches that may be used. They come in two general types: the jointed pincer style and handle-and-chain style. Either is a handy tool to unscrew an oil filter, a task extremely difficult to do even when using latex gloves. At any rate, work gloves of leather, denim or latex are recommended when using filter wrenches as they minimize the metal’s bite on the hand when applying pressure to unscrew the filter. They also protect the hand from oil spills, a good thing for those who are allergic or averse to oil on their skin.

When you access the oil filter, you may well find that it is screwed on pretty tightly. With the aforementioned oil making for a lack of purchase, you would be well advised to wipe it with a rag before you ever take a wrench to it.

After the filter is loosened, twist it off by hand as using the wrench will be more cumbersome. You should have a container to catch the oil that will spill from the filter’s opening as you remove it, while turning it upside down will also prevent further spills. Place it in the container with the opening on top to avoid spilling more oil.

Before putting in the new filter, wipe off its nozzle free of dirt or other particles with a new fresh rag. Also smear some oil on the rubber gasket to ensure air tightness, as well as make it easier to twist in. Use clean oil if possible, but oil from the old filter will do as well. A few drops will do: just wet the threaded area and the rubber surface that will touch the engine.

Turn the filter by hand when it begins to thread in but do not force it at the start: you might damage the thread and the filter will not seat perfectly, causing leaks. It is good practice to turn it counterclockwise first (as if loosening it) a few turns to find the entry thread before turning it the other way to thread it in. This way you can be assured of a good thread-in. Hand-tighten it to a good fit and youre done.

Tags: a, automobile, automobile;truck, b, Buy Car, c, car filter, Car Maintenance, car oil filter, cars, More Saving, s, Sell Car, u, used cars, v, vehicles

Art Cars — Check the Internet Out

Jul 2, 2009 More Saving

Getting more information on the creation and use of art cars is pretty simple now that we have the internet at our disposal.

Such intriguing items are very unique. They need to be seen in person to truly be comprehended. Art cars are a unique method of showing off your artistic expressions and showing them to the world in a very loud way. It works wonders for the people that are actually present when the car is driven near them. An artist must be very gutsy to make their own art car and drive it.

If you want to know more about these special creations, ArtCars.com is a great resource to get you started.

On this web site you will be able to gather more information about art cars and all of the related events. There are many parades and annual art car weekend celebrations held throughout North America. Find out more about them and what really goes on at one of these events. Check out some fun photos from past events and parades. You will see everything from cars that have been turned into muffins to trucks that sport a rainbow coloured paint job. One cannot help but be inspired after looking at all of the time and hard work that went into these pieces of art.

For those that are rather new to art cars but would like to get involved, there is a really helpful section on the site where you can read tips and tricks for making your art car. It covers everything from how to properly attach things with the right adhesive to what types of things you should avoid doing. It is the perfect place for beginners. Read through it before you get started. It could save you a lot of time and trouble.

Ensure that you take some time in the planning of the Art Car. This is a huge undertaking, so make sure that you understand all that is involved.

Kids really love art, and because of that there is a section about art cars for kids. You can have them create their own art cars using cardboard cut-outs, and there are even patterns for this available on the website. This will train them for later on when they are ready to use real cars and create their own masterpieces. You will even locate a coloring section where kids can print car pictures and color them in. ArtCars.com is capable of appealing to just about anyone.

If you wish to look at and buy a unique piece of merchandise on the world wide web, then go to the Garage area at ArtCars.com to have a look at all of its highly unique items for sale. Odds are that you will notice something that you want. Most items are unique and cannot be restocked after you make the purchase.

Art cars have made their place in society. Discover more about them as this hidden wonder continues to grow in popularity.

Tags: a, art, art car, art car hobby, art car shows, automobile;truck, b, Buy Car, c, car, car art, car art club, car art parade, h, hobbies, hobby, home & family, More Saving, o, r, s, Sell Car, u

How to Buy a Steering Wheel Cover

Jul 2, 2009 More Saving

Steering Wheel Covers might seem to be a bit of an odd thing to buy, however covers do have a few different purposes. They will not just give your vehicle a designer touch; they will also enhance your grip on the steering wheel and stop it from becoming damaged during general use.

Going shopping for a steering wheel cover provides many more choices than the average person would think. Remember this, and then keep in mind that you need to have some sort of plan before rushing out and making your purchase. In truth, there are many different prices and styles to be seen in steering wheel covers.

So, how can anyone find the right cover for their vehicle? Follow these steps and the perfect cover at the right price should present itself:

Set the price ” Steering wheel covers can be a bit more pricy than most people might think. While a basic cover will set someone back less than $5, a more complex cover can run about $35 or more. To keep pricing in check, it is wise to set the range within which to look before trying to shop. Pricing will impact material choice, but there are solid options in every range.

You will find that not all steering wheel covers are adequate for the wheel of your car; therefore you have to measure your wheel, including the diameter and the circumference. If this is too much for you, then you could just write down the model and make of the car and take that with you when you shop.

Explore the materials ” Covers are made out of a wide variety of fabrics, plastic and leather. It is possible to find covers in cloth, sheepskin, vinyl, leather, suede and even wool. Each does have its advantages. Cloth covers, for example, are rather inexpensive and they tend to keep a steering wheel cooler. Leather covers look spectacular, but they can get hot on really sunny days. Suede can improve steering wheel grip if this is an issue. Expect to pay more for high quality materials like leather.

The next thing you need to do is select the color. These grips are made in almost every color that you can possibly imagine. Generally, people go with neutral colors. If you wish, you can find a match for the color scheme of your vehicle. Remember that dark colors can quickly absorb heat. I if you would rather not have an extremely hot steering wheel, then you probably will avoid a black steering cover. Unfortunately, it does an excellent job of reflecting heat.

Keep the grip in mind because smooth steering wheels may be hard to hold onto in colder weather. A steering wheel cover can resolve it. Keep in mind that the cover still needs to have a decent grip. If you get one that has a cushion or some sort of texture, then you will find that driving fatigue is reduced and you will have an easier and pleasant drive.

Steering wheel covers can be found in a number of outlets. When it is time to buy, these accessories can generally be located in online auto boutiques, through dealerships, from upholstery shops and other similar outlets.

Tags: a, accessorize your car, automobile, automobile;truck, b, Buy Car, c, car accessories, cars, d, driving comfortably, More Saving, r, s, Sell Car, Steering Wheel Covers, steering wheel grips, steering wheel options, t, u, v, vehicles

Finding Hot Car Accessories the Easy Way

Jun 25, 2009 More Saving

While there may be fewer people opting to buy a brand new vehicle right now — due to the current state of the economy — this does not indicate in any way that there are still individuals that would like to spice up their current car by purchasing accessories for it. This is considerably cheaper than buying a new car. An upgrade is much more feasible.

Outfitting a car can mean many different things. You could always get something to make your car look better, but better is an opinion formed by the person who happens to own the vehicle.

While there are people that would like to have flames painted on their vehicle, there are others that would not appreciate the art work … and would not see it as raising the value of the vehicle. Mostly people wisely decide to buy accessories for the inside of their cars rather than concentrate on making it look good to onlookers.

Making the car more functional is much more important than making it look attractive to the outside world.

Before heading for the auto superstore, you just need to do a bit of forward planning. You will by now, I am sure, have some ideas as to exactly how you want to upgrade.

Finding the right accessory is a matter of asking yourself continual questions. What am I looking to improve about this car? How much am I willing to spend? Can I get a compatible model of x item for my y car? Will I spend as much installing it as I did buying it in the first place? You can surely think of a few more questions yourself . Everyone has different priorities.

In the area of locating decent accessories for your car, you can use the internet to find just about anything that you happen to want. There are many great deals and the internet can provide merchandise, as well as information that will help you to outfit your car in the way that you want. There are many diverse websites that will allow you to perform an advanced search where you can specify the details you want and even look within a certain price range.

All too often there is a tendency to enter a store, look for the item you want, find it and pay for it just so that you can get home. With the Internet, you are already at home so you can concentrate on sourcing the right item, getting user feedback from any one of several forums, and then finding the best price.

No matter if you want some sort of navigation or some type of entertainment system like a DVD player or games for children on road trips; you will find lots of reasons to put as much time into this as you would for anything else.

Buying a car accessory for the sake of it is frivolous spending. Buying one because it will improve your car is sensible.

Tags: a, accessorize your car, automobile, automobile;truck, b, Buy Car, c, car accessories, car dvd player, car games, car upgrade, cars, find car accessories, g, GPS, hot car accessories, i, internet for car accessories, More Saving, n, p, s, Sell Car, u, v, vehicles

Installing Your Car Security System Correctly

May 28, 2009 More Saving

Keeping your car secure and safe is not something you can just take for granted. Most people think that you need a reliable security system so that your car is kept safe and you are a responsible owner.

Choosing the right kind of car security is your first step. However, after you have selected the right type of security for you, installation will be next. Many people opt to do this on their own rather than paying big bucks for a professional to install it for you. It is possible to do as long as you are careful and have a reasonable idea of what it is that you are doing.

It can make a huge difference to your wallet to make the decision to install your car security system yourself. It can be an incredibly large job though and it may be beneficial to have a friend assist you to make it go smoother and faster. You will want to read through the instructions first and make sure that you are comfortable doing all that is required. If you have zero knowledge in this area then you may want to seek out help so you do not overlook anything important.

Keep the instructions for the installation close at hand. The first thing you will have to do is find a good place to mount the brain of the security unit. Make sure that the brain is secure and will not be jostled around when the car is moving.

After you do this, you are going to need to mount the system’s sensors. Oftentimes, these components mount under the dash, because they are out of sight, and out of the way.

If you wish to have a keyless entry system then you will have to tie in the system to your door and lock controls. This will definitely require instructions because not every car is the same. After you hook this up you will need to make sure that everything is working as it should. All it takes is a crossed wire to throw everything off. Test each feature as you go.

The siren for your security system is usually mounted under the hood of your car. When doing this you need to make sure that it is not directly touching anything that will get very hot, like the engine itself. If you are not sure where to mount the siren, call a professional just to ask or consult the instructions.

Make sure everything is secure and that it will not become too wet or hot in the way you have installed it. This is important if you want to keep your security system working properly. It is very tempting to not follow instructions and call the job “done,” but you could end up with a system that does not work, so be careful.

Every feature and component of the security system should be tested. If something does not work correctly, look it over. Call or visit the place of purchase if it still will not work. Installation of a car security system has to be done right or it will not be effective.

Tags: a, automobile, automobile;truck, Buy Car, c, car alarm, car security, e, f, finance, i, insurance, keyless entry, More Saving, s, Sell Car

Dont buy/shop for car w/o this ex-car salesman expose of dealer sneaky tactics

May 12, 2009 More Saving

In the past, the horse trader was always regarded with deep suspicion. And just why was this?

Well, this is the man who would buy a lame horse and know how to fix it …. temporarily. He would then sell it as a sound animal and take the money and quickly disappear. The horse, poor equine, would soon become lame again and the buyer would be stuck with an unusable animal.

The Car Dealer is the generic inheritor of the horse trader reputation, of course.

These folks know how to trick you in so many ways that it will make your head swim and your eyes water. You may even, if you are so inclined, swear a great oath at them. But, that will undoubtedly be much too late. You will already have purchased the car.

Now, not every dealer is this slippery and willing to do anything (almost) for a buck. But, those kind are out there in great numbers. How can you protect yourself from these wily, unscrupulous, into-your-wallet Car Dealers?

Well, there is a way to protect yourself. It is called Knowing the Tricks Yourself.

So, what are these mysterious, underhanded tricks? Well, there are about 14 of them which might be labeled as majors. They are listed here in plain words to help you with your automobile purchasing efforts.

1. Why “hiding your trade” until negotiating your new car is completely wrong - How the dealer can still pump profits right back into your deal (and with a vengeance). He will be happy to get back at you, secretly.

2. How can you get the best financing rate that you qualify for? Dealerships usually up your true financing rate by 2-3 points. Find out how to get them working for you not against you.

3. The easiest way to get the most for your trade from a dealership - This alone can save $2000 or more when you’re dealing with a trade-in.

4. How the “no hassle pricing” system works, and how it sets you up to pay even more money - The price of the new car is only a tiny piece of the puzzle. See the other angles the dealer works in to re-coup the lost profits . . . and then some.

5. Save up to 56% on your new car accessories - This simple method can add up to fast savings, while still getting manufacturer-quality accessories.

6. The truth about leases - See exactly how leases are calculated, and how their fancy terminology allows for even more profits to be packed in right under your nose.

7. Do you like those pre-paid service coupons? You will think again after reading this . . . Know what’s really going on with pre-paid maintenance plans.

8. The persuasion tactics they’ll use to push you onto colors, features, and sometimes even a whole different car that you normally wouldn’t want. Know how to spot and overcome their influence tactics to push you onto things you aren’t interested in.

9. How dealers stack the numbers to hide the true deal, leaving you comparing apples to oranges as you comparison shop. Discover how to see which dealer is really making you the best offer.

10. The absolute best day of the month to buy a car - Knowing this can save you thousands, even taking you well below invoice.

11. How the “end of model year sale” is burying you in your new purchase - buyer beware!

12. “Tires For Life,” dealer-only “Lifetime Warranties,” and many other common ploys. What’s really in it for the car dealer? Find out here.

13. What is a “documentation fee” (doc fee) really? And, what you can do about it. Don’t take the dealer at their word - check this out, first.

14. What they mean when they say they’ll “pay off your trade” . . . Watch out for this tactic. It can create a cycle of becoming “upside down” in your car purchases for years to come.

You can be in total Control of your Car Purchase. If you know what the dealer is about to do, you can anticipate it. Then, make your counter move or maybe just say NO.

For Instance “Just knowing how to get the best deal on accessories may save you a bundle ( #5 above). Plus all the 13 others

Tags: 14 car buying tips, auto buying, automobile buying, Buy Car, buy new car, car buying advice, car buying negotiating tips, car buying secrets, car buying tips, Car Shopping, More Saving

Save Money on Your Car Insurance!

Jan 8, 2009 Save Money

An expert and Muffin explain how to save money when you buy automobile insurance.

Tips for Saving Money on Automobile Insurance (auto insurance or car insurance::
1) Raise your deductible
2) Drop your some coverage if you have an older car
3) Comparison shop
4) Drive Safely
5) Good credit score
6) Check insurance costs before you buy a car

Tags: auto, Auto Insurance, automobile, Automobile Insurance, buy, Buy A Car, Buy Automobile, Buy Car, Buy Insurance, car, Car Comparison, Car Insurance, Car Shop, Comparison Shop, Credit Score, Expert, How To Save Money, insurance, Insurance Auto, Insurance Car, Insurance Costs, Insurance Tips, money, Muffin, save, saving, tips, Tips For Saving Money