Best Money Saving Articles Online

Surf Songs and Hondas

Aug 19, 2009 More Saving

From the fancy of the Hondells a great automotive manufacturer was born. This band of surf-rock aficionados took Brian Wilson’s little ditty about the very versatile, 4-stroke Honda Cub, and turned it into a Top 10 hit. Indeed, the year was 1964 and it was still possible to break into the music scene with a song about a motorcycle.

What is remarkable is how the Hondells recorded what is essentially a concept album concerning the Honda Cub. The songs range from “Haulin’ Honda” to “Two Wheel Show Stopper” to “A Guy Without Wheels” and the like. A cheap gimmick, perhaps, but an effective one. The Hondells charted, enjoyed a last hoorah with the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “A Younger Girl.” Not bad for one years work.

What the Hondells did, perhaps unintentionally, was fuel phenomenal publicity for a small motorcycle manufacturer in Tokyo. Up to that point, Honda had struggled to break into the American market. It’s surprising what a catchy surf song will do for sales — that and effective economies of scale. The Honda Cub quickly enjoyed brisk sales in 1964 and 1965. The rest, as they say, is history.

This history encapsulated Honda’s graduation from motorcycle to automotive manufacturing. With the onset of the 1973 Oil Crisis and culminating with the 1979 Energy Crisis, the American hunger for more fuel-efficient car was insatiable. Honda enjoyed the lions share of the fuel-efficient market, which propelled the company into the profit stratosphere.

The little company that could has shown through the winds of change to become the fourth largest automotive company in the world — and the second most popular in the United States. Minimal decor, friendly service and a dedication to customer service are all veritable trademarks of Honda. The inclusion of both new and used cars is further testament to the fact that Honda cars are indeed built to last and built to go fast.

Tags: a, auto, automobile, automobile;truck, cars, h, honda, honda parts department, More Saving, o, vehicles

Long Live The Clothes In Your Life With These Economy Crisis Wardrobe Saving Tips

Aug 19, 2009 Save Money

If you are like most people, you probably have invested quite a bit of money in your wardrobe. With clothes being a basic life necessity, it’s not surprising that we spend tons of cash getting and replacing them. But, what if you could help your clothes to last a lot longer? Imagine the saving! Cost-conscious people can do just that by being in the know about “wardrobe conservation”.

But, despite the amount of money that you spend on clothing, if you are like most, you want to get a lot of use out of them. If you can extend the life of your clothes, then you can save money along the way because you won’t spend needlessly in replacements. The best way to get your clothes to live up to their full potential is to properly maintain them.

Make these clothes saving tips a part of your “wardrobe conservation” plan to keep from having to spend more money on clothes. With good maintenance habits and, even, a little energy conservation, you can get more for your money and max out your clothes use. Here’s how:

Keep all clothing away from hot water! Cold water keeps your clothing from fading better than hot or warm water. For some people, this will be a little tough because hot water is thought to be wonderful against germs in the wash. Washing your clothing in cold water will also help to reduce shrinkage in some clothing. Plus, you will save money by reducing the amount of energy that you need for washing your clothes. Not only could you see a major saving with having your clothes longer, but you may also enjoy a saving, cost-reduction with your energy bill!

For those that are worried about germs in their clothes, deal with that by adding a smidgen of vinegar to your laundry. It’s a natural clothes freshener and can keep odor and germs at bay. Not just a cover up like the national brands, it really kills the germs that cause the odor. You can buy for cheap a big jug of vinegar for less than $2.

Use a cloth for ironing so that you don’t put heat directly on your clothes. This is important because all of that heat can destroy your clothes, especially if you have the iron on the highest setting. Though, you should never really iron on the highest setting. It’s one of the easiest ways to burn your clothes. This could be an old sheet or you can buy for cheap some fabric for this purpose.

Don’t wash your clothes too frequently. If you wash your clothes too frequently, you are almost guaranteed to have torn edges, holes or thinning, and definitely fading. Save on water and on detergent by washing when things are really dirty. Some items of clothing may only need an occasional wash, like denim, unless you are working and playing hard in them. To keep them fresh, get some of those dryer sheets that you can buy for cheap. Don’t use the entire sheet, instead divide it into 4 equal strips or squares. If you only need to freshen a few clothes, then use one square. Plus you can also keep some squares in your dresser drawers.

Bring back undershirts! Buy for cheap a bunch of undershirts or camisoles from a consignment or thrift store. These items help to keep the underarm portion of your shirts in good shape, otherwise, you could potentially sweat so much in your shirts or have the pits packed with deodorant to the point that they get destroyed. In this economy crisis, do whatever you can to save your clothes and keep them usable!

Tags: a, b, Bargains, budget, c, cheap, clothes saving, f, Family, finance, Free, frugal, h, household tips, l, manage finances, o, r, s, Save Money, spend less, u, w, women's issues

Car Insurance: Steps for Making a Claim

Aug 19, 2009 More Saving

A car accident can be a harrowing and traumatic event. One will be shaken and often not thinking clearly. If you are involved in a car accident, you have to think about your condition as well as the events that took place because you will most likely have to file a auto insurance claim.

In order to prepare for the results of a car accident, the following steps should be followed in order to make a proper claim:

1. After an accident, your heart will be racing and you may be disorientated. You need to gather your thoughts and think about how to proceed. If you are hurt, and the car is not a danger such as on fire, retrieve your cell phone and call 911. If there is no emergency such as a serious injury, call the police. Check to see if anyone else is hurt. Ask for people who witnessed the accident to stay and talk to the police.

2. Swap contact information, including phone numbers, license plate numbers, and car insurance details with the other drivers involved in the accident. When the police arrive share all the details you remember about the accident so that they can write an official report that can be given to the insurance companies. Make sure you tell the police officers that you want a report. If the officers won’t do it because the accident took place on the property of an establishment like a store parking lot, then ask the store owner or a security guard to write something up. If you have a camera, take pictures of the accident scene that includes any vehicle damage.

3. Contact your insurance company, even if you are not at-fault. Also, compensation is based on the extent of fault so you need evidence to support your claim. Most insurance providers have a toll free claim number. Make sure you have your policy number available. If the other person is at-fault, you must make a claim. You are entitled to have the insurance company process your claim and resolve any disputes. Your insurance company will advise the other driver’s insurance provider that you are making a claim and seeking compensation. You will have to make a list of all items damaged. If the other driver does not have car insurance, you will have to negotiate directly or go to court. Some experts suggest that if the other party is at fault, you should file claims with both insurance providers.

4. Once you have submitted all of the paper work to the insurance companies, they will sort out the claim. You may have to speak to the other driver’s provider about your recollection of the accident. Your insurance provider will tell you what statement is required. Before you give your statement, write down what you remember about the accident.

5. A claims adjuster will inspect your damaged car in order to assess the costs of the loss. They will also assess if the damage can be repaired or if you require financial compensation. If you are financially compensated, the insurance company will write you a check minus the deductible. A car accident can be a very emotional time in one’s life. It is important to remember that you need to keep yourself together so that you can make the right decisions regarding your physical well-being as well as filing a car insurance claim.

Tags: a, auto, automobile;truck, business, c, car, Car Insurance, e, f, Family, finance, h, home, i, insurance, l, legal, life, More Saving, n, o, p, params, personal, r, roadside assistance, s, society, v, Variables

The Bare Facts About Honda Civic

Aug 19, 2009 More Saving

Honda Civic is ranked not only in the top ten, but also in the top five in many of the categories that vehicles are ranked by including the category “Best new car for new drivers”. The 2007 Civic ran away with this one. With its super user friendly controls specifically designed with the new driver in mind, and its excellent reliability it makes an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a car for yourself, or your new teenage driver.

Since its inception in 1976 the Honda Civic has steadily grown a following made up of a vast assortment of people. From the middle aged businessman, the moms and dads requiring reliable family transportation, and of course the ever popular teenagers looking for that sporty car that speaks to their individuality while providing reliable transportation.

Eighth generation Honda Civics boast a 0 -60 km/hr time of 8. 6 seconds while still topping the charts with an amazing 28. 3 miles per gallon fuel economy. With the 2009 version of the car, there have been some changes, but the technical details remain. With a high safety rating and a low insurance price, it is not hard to see why the Honda Civic is rated the number one choice for teenagers.

This may well be the only car that is capable of satisfying both the teenagers desire for visually appealing, sleek, stylish, sporty, fast, and easily accessorized, and the parents concern for economical, reliable, low maintenance efficiency in a first car. While everyone else is arguing over which criteria to compromise on, you and your teenager can be discussing options for accessorizing and personalizing their first set of wheels. Naturally some of their tastes may not be your own, but that is all part of them becoming their own person.

Check this out, Honda Civic is currently made at two locations in North America. One is the East Liberty Plant, and the other one is the Alliston plant. So for those parents who want to buy something that is produced locally, the Honda Civic has got you covered.

The Honda Civic comes with its own special brand of lighting. This lighting system has a few features that bare mentioning. From its super clear and bright path of visibility to reduce night time incidents, to its enhanced visibility through super bright taillights. This combination is designed to provide an excellent state of visibility both from within the vehicle and without.

The design engineers went one step further, and created the lighting system to draw extremely less power while still providing those sleek elegant looks you have come to expect. With color temperature ranges of 4300k to 30000k they’ve got your needs covered. The electrical system also gains an advantage from this lighting system, in that its life is expanded and maintenance is an all time low. So when you add accessories you need be less concerned about extra electrical draw.

In short, when you purchase a Honda Civic you are getting a car that has repeatedly received excellent ratings both inside and out. A high safety rating and visual appearance second to none. No need to compromise on your list of requirements when your list and your teenagers are so aptly met all in one car.

Tags: a, automobile, automobile;truck, autos, cars, civic, e, h, honda, More Saving, o, v, vehicles

Frugal Cleaning Tips Cut Time and Money

Aug 18, 2009 Save Money

It is amazing how many people are turning to ways to cut down as a consequence of this brutal recession. Everywhere you look, people want to be frugal and it seems that this particular recession may cause a considerable change in our psyche as we go forward. Many experts believe that a change in our habits will remain after the recession goes away. To help you with your budget, you should seek out some frugal cleaning tips online to start off with.

Several, every day natural products can be used instead of harsh, toxic, chemical-based solutions and they are all readily available at your nearest store. Anyone advising you about frugal cleaning tips would suggest that you stock up on baking soda, cornstarch, lemon juice, white vinegar, and Borax. Once you have these elements in place you need not visit the chemical solution aisle in that store again.

When you take a good look at your carpet you may realize that it is now a different shade as compared to the one that you installed! Sometimes you move an item of furniture and definitely notice this. Turn to your frugal cleaning tips article and this will tell you to use a natural soap product. Just mix the mild cleaner with water and you have an answer. Rinse with water and vinegar. If you needed to deodorize anytime you can use a simple sprinkling of baking soda.

If you find that the sink in your bathroom is stopped up, don’t automatically reach for those drain cleaners as they are very highly toxic. Your frugal cleaning tips advisor will tell you to go and get the baking soda instead. Pour down the drain, follow with vinegar and put the sink stopper in. After 15 minutes simply flush with boiling water. You will not have released chemicals into the drains and will have saved a lot of money.

Take a good look at your monthly costs and see how expensive the laundry detergent is. If you have a family of any size you especially know how it can eat into that budget. Listen to those frugal cleaning tips and change your buying habits. Washing soda is very inexpensive and when mixed half-and-half with baking soda is great. Borax can also be used instead.

A very frugal cleaning tip for getting rid of that hardened food residue within your microwave is to put a cup of vinegar in a bowl within the microwave and heat for one minute. You will now be able to wipe out the residue without any problem just with a little bit of soapy water. Next time, try and cover the food when cooking!

Don’t believe all those commercials on television about how effective window cleaning solutions are. You can turn to some great frugal cleaning tips instead. Mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water and use an old newspaper to apply. You will be amazed at the results.

Right at the top of the list of frugal cleaning tips is the need to prevent rather than cure. There are so many places where stubborn stains could occur, causing you to use harsh chemicals to clean up, so you should be prepared. Put absorbent mats in place as these are highly effective and cost-efficient and will retain any potential oil or chemical spills.

Tags: a, cleaning, h, home, home & family, home improvement, home repair, home;improvement, home;repair, s, Save Money, Saving Money

Always Choose the Natural Way to Clean

Aug 18, 2009 Save Money

Our world is reacting to a variety of different forces. It is apparent that this recession is one of the worst of all time and is causing us to look at the very way that we exist and assess our daily requirements. Not only have we been too carefree, we are told by politicians, scientists and environmentalists that we have been badly polluting and damaging our environment and need to take some drastic action in this case as well. To start off with we need to throw those nasty chemicals out and look for a more natural way to clean.

As it has been so easy in the past, we have chosen to use toxic products to keep our homes clean. We do not even choose to look at the name of those dodgy ingredients on the containers, but we welcome them into our home nevertheless. Our ancestors always used to look for the more natural way to clean, so some why don’t we?

Global warming and climate change are stark realities now and it is no longer acceptable to consume for the sake of consuming. We must look for a natural way to clean our homes and understand that our forebears used to do quite nicely without the use of modern chemicals. You’d be surprised how simple it is to address any cleanup job that you’re faced with.

We have so many different ways of cutting down our everyday spending so that we can live to a more frugal budget. No longer should we be turning to those easily available, off-the-shelf cleaning solutions. By learning a more natural way to clean things we can eliminate the need for chemically-based alternatives. Cut costs and help the environment at the same time.

A wholesale transition to a more natural way to clean our homes can be very daunting and you should try and make this change gradually instead. As you run out of chemicals, start preparing the natural alternative. Store the bottles side-by-side and then simply switch over to the new alternative. Recycle chemical bottles, don’t reuse them!

The best all round, multipurpose product to use when you are looking for a natural way to clean is probably baking soda. Make sure that you keep a lot of this around as it can be used not only to clean, but also to remove tough stains, polish or deodorize.

When you are in your grocery store, pick up a good quantity of white vinegar. This is very cost-effective and productive as a natural cleaning agent as well as a food additive. If you find that you have a nasty mildew buildup in your shower for example, white vinegar can come to your aid. Forget having to breathe in those super toxic chemical fumes and wonder why you’re not feeling so good, after a while!

Remember that prevention is better than cure and sometimes you don’t want to clean at all let alone use a natural solution. Anywhere in your house that is vulnerable to a potential oil spill — this could be your garage, your patio or elsewhere — should be prepared by placing an absorbent pad. These items will absorb a spill and eliminate those chemicals, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Tags: a, cleaning, h, home, home & family, home improvement, home repair, home;improvement, home;repair, s, Save Money, Saving Money

Top Question When Renting A Car

Aug 16, 2009 More Saving

Whether or not to take out rental insurance, when you are renting a car, has been a major decision among all renters. It is important, when you rent a car, that you understand these companies want to sell you insurance because it is a way for them to make more money. On top of that, rental companies encourage you to take out their insurance because it protects their car, and that is all that matters to them.

Here are some of the most asked questions about rental insurance, and the answer are most likely going to surprise many of you.

Q: DOESNT MY REGULAR CAR INSURANCE POLICY COVER ME WHEN I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR?

A: The answer is yes, most car insurance will cover you fully when you are driving in a rented vehicle, however as with all things it is a good idea to contact your car insurance company in advance and ask them about this coverage. Don’t wait until you are standing in line at the rental agent to attempt to make this decision, know the facts before you get there.

Q: WILL THE CREDIT CARD THAT I USED TO RENT THE CAR COVER ME FOR ANY DAMAGES?

A: There is not straight yes or no answer for this question. Most of the major credit card companies do offer additional rental insurance, however you should always check prior to using it for your rental.

Q: IF I AM COVERED BY MY CREDIT CARD AND MY CAR INSURANCE DO I NEED TO PURCHASE THE CAR RENTAL INSURANCE JUST IN CASE?

A: NO, NO, NO….Although many companies will tell you that you are not covered under any insurance but theirs, this is absolutely not true. The truth is, the insurance coverage that is offered from a rental car company will provide you will no covers that you are not already be offered through your insurance and credit card companies.

Before you pick up your rental car, it is important that you find out all the required details from your insurance and credit companies. This is the difference in money in your bank or the rental company’s

Tags: a, Australia, automobile, c, Car Hire, Car Insurance, car rental, car rental queensland, e, h, holiday, i, insurance, More Saving, n, r, rental, Rental Car, Rental Insurance, t, travel, travel & leisure, travel tips, u, v, vacation

Why Choose a Limousine over Taxi Service?

Aug 15, 2009 More Saving

The limousine has long been considered a badge of luxury and wealth. The aura this type of vehicle service conjures for most is that of a method to carry around high-powered executives, overseas dignitaries, and A-list celebrities. However, for the savvy shopper, the limo service has many applications which can suit customers from many walks of life. Here we will explore some reasons why one might choose the luxurious limousine over a average taxi ride.

Taxis have long enjoyed a somewhat unearned reputation of affordability. While a taxi ride, somewhat greater than walking distance, might not break the bank, a trip a significant distance across town in light traffic can be very high-priced. The taxi driver will charge you by the minute or for each mile. When wedged in traffic or traveling a considerable distance, this can result in some pretty costly fees. Limo service typically negotiates cost based on an hourly fee. This hourly fee is much more manageable for a journey across town or in traffic that might make a fee-per-minute unaffordable. It is notable to consider that, in this way, many taxi rides will charge you more than the limousine would have.

In many cases, a taxi ride can involve some pretty intense waiting before you get to hit the road. The request for a taxi in the most familiar places they are wanted is often very high. You might be waiting in a line or struggling to hail a taxi for a long time. They are usually scrambling around town trying to move people as quickly as possible, doing huge volume. A limo service has an expectation of a more relaxed atmosphere. Scheduling a limo to take you to your destination would mean having this impressive vehicle waiting for you when it is needed. The limo option would mean reduced stress and faster service, overall. The swiftness of service for a limousine is simply one of the advantages when making this decision.

The friendly, customer-oriented environment of a limo ride is also one of the areas where it edges out the taxi service. Taxi drivers are rushing and well-worn. Keeping customers rotating around is their major concern. The limousine service prides itself on delivering a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Many people ride in limos with no given destination in mind. It sells itself on being an experience for it’s own sake. In this way, you can anticipate the type of customer service and sociability that will make your experience much more comfortable. When traveling, the last companion you want is an cheesed off and distracted taxi driver. The friendly limo driver is particularly employed with comfort and customer service in mind.

Why squeeze into an uncomfortable and dowdy taxi when you can enjoy the amenities of a limo. The large interior, filled with luxurious amenities designed to keep you entertained, will make the ride so enjoyable, you may wish you had further to go!

You can count on the safety of the limousine service. These companies employ careful background checks to keep their precious load safe.

Ultimately, the limousine service is a better way to ride around town, in many cases. This is not just for the exceptionally wealthy. A savvy and well-researched bargain hunter can take advantage of this and journey in style at an affordable rate. Imagine what your friends, family, and co-workers would think! Next time you need to hire a driver to get across town, consider the limousine instead of hailing a cab.

Tags: a, automobile, b, business, c, chicago car service, chicago limo, chicago limousine, chicago prom limo, chicago wedding limo, h, More Saving, s, small business, u, website promotion

Shopping With The Insurance Supermarket

Aug 14, 2009 More Saving

An insurance supermarket is exactly what it sounds like. Most people are familiar with supermarkets. This is generally the place were you can achieve all of your grocery needs. One stop shopping if you will. Similarly, the insurance supermarket is a place for all of your insurance needs.

Things are very valuable these days. We all work very hard for what we have and want to keep it. This requires us to have insurance. If you don’t do some research, you may end up paying too much or being underinsured. The insurance supermarket gives people the opportunity to see what is available and compare prices.

Homeowner’s insurance can be very costly. It is in fact, as anyone with a mortgage can tell you, required by your bank. Even if you own your home outright, without a mortgage, home owner’s insurance is an absolute must. Without it, your financial well-being is vulnerable to personal accidents, natural disaster and other unforeseen mishaps.

If you are purchasing an automobile through a dealership, you will also be required to have automobile insurance. You can eliminate the time consuming and tedious task of visiting many insurance companies, until you find the one that fits, by using the insurance supermarket. Here you can obtain many quotes in order to compare the cost of each offered policy.

It is a sad but true fact that none of us know when we will die. Whether from old age, accidents or illness, the one thing that we all do know is that we will die eventually. This makes life insurance a necessity for everyone. Even if you have no family members that you are concerned will have to pay for your remaining estate upon your death, there will with certainty be costs incurred.

Health insurance seems to be the topic of everyone’s conversation these days. Finding affordable health insurance is serious business. Many people have absolutely no idea where to begin. Once again insurance markets will eliminate the need for ridiculously lengthy hours of research in order to obtain the best health insurance available to you at the best price.

If you are purchasing a new motorcycle, boat or camper, you will want to make sure that you have enough insurance coverage in the event of loss or damage. You will not have any difficulty obtaining quotes for these.

The insurance supermarket has made shopping for affordable insurance as simple as logging onto your computer. This is definitely an excellent method, whether you are in need of one type of insurance or many combined.

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5 Fun and Ultra-Cheap Sleepover Tips For Saving Cost-Conscious Parents Money In An Economy Crisis

Aug 13, 2009 Save Money

It’s been a favorite past-time for children through the ages. An opportunity to hang out with friends all through the night. The reality is that kids are starting to feel some “pull” during this economy crisis as many families have to cut back and work harder in order to make ends meet.

Saving, cost-comparing, and working those frugal recipes are becoming a basic part of daily life for lots of people. But, kids just want to have fun! So, here are some great tips for helping them to have a great time together for a sleepover without spending a lot of your hard earned cash to make it happen:

Everyone should be in on the snacking. Instead of your family putting up a wallet load of cash to feed all of the kids that will be there, have each one of them bring something for their buddies to munch on. You will be assured that you will have something that each one of them likes and you won’t have to put out a dime for snacks.

Find and make the most fun and frugal recipes ever. It doesn’t take a lot to pull of cheap eats. Whether it’s little pizza treats made with mini bagels and whatever fixings that you have around your house, or fun sweet rolls that can be made out of basic canned biscuits that you can buy for cheap. The recipes just needs to be simple, fun, and made with stuff that you can buy for cheap!

A $1 movie rental is perfect for sleepovers. First off, it’s super cheap to rent, and can be incorporated into the other wacky stuff that you have planned for the night’s event. If you don’t want to rent a movie, then, canvass a few thrift stores or yard sales where you can find movies that you can buy for cheap. Then, if the kids really like the movie, you could have a raffle or play a game where the winner gets to keep it.

Get crafty at the sleepover. Buy for cheap the “ingredients” to create a fun edible sculpture or try the dollar store where you can get lots of stuff that you can use to make some type of art that the kids can take with them. It’s always great to have a “souvenir” from a fun sleepover.

Games are a must. Kids love games and so the more the better. You can make up your own games or create fun scavenger hunts for the kids to do. Buy for cheap lots of cheesy awards and keep the games simple for maximum saving. Cost-conscious parents should definitely plan to use household stuff for the scavenger hunt to keep the costs in control.

Your next sleepover doesn’t have to hog your family’s piggy bank savings. Just use a little creativity, let others join in on the materials and foods, and the kids will have a fantastic night of adventure.

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