All The Simple Dollar
Good gas conservation habits pay offMaking a few little changes to how you drive can save you a surprising amount of fuel without adding much time at all to your trip.
For short trips, use a bikeSpring is around the corner. That means warmer weather, bike rides, and savings from not going by car.
Why carpooling is cool againWhen you add up all of the little costs, every mile you drive costs you at least $0.50 in fuel, maintenance, wear and tear, and tolls. If you’re commuting 10 miles each way every day, that’s $10 a day saved by sharing the trip.
The real importance of good personal financeA solid personal finance foundation will help you reach your goals and prioritize your life.
Use public transportation. Save hundreds.Even if it's not every day, riding the bus or train instead of driving a car will put money back into your wallet.
Want to save gas? Clean out your car.Lugging around even ten pounds of extra weight in your car can have a significant financial impact. Lightening the load will increase fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your car.
Skip the 3,000 mile oil changeAn oil change every 3,000 miles was a good idea thirty years ago, but cars have changed since then.
Go ahead, buy the cheapest gasConsistently buying the cheapest gas you can is smart, but don't drive too far out of your way to find it.
Why you should skip the extended warrantyMost of the time, that initial offer for a service contract or an extended warranty is way overpriced and does little for you.
Banks are not your friendsFinancial institutions do not give you money because they want your dreams to come true. They give you money for their own gain. Here are the best ways to reduce your reliance on these businesses.
Don't read the manual? It'll cost you.The owners' manual is full of tiny useful facts that, taken together, will save you time and money.
Buying a car? Shop for reliability and fuel economy.All of the luxury features you might want in a car should be completely secondary in your search. Focus instead on getting the best bang for your buck in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability.
Are you prepared for appliance failure?One of the most common reasons for the failure of short term financial plans is a key appliance failure. Setting aside just $10 a week to an appliance replacement fund can make a difference.
Do you really need that deep freezer? Really?The distinction between wanting an item and needing it is a key one. If you don't need something right away, it pays to be patient with your shopping.
Don't forget your lint trap!It's a small thing, but forgetting to to clean out your lint trap after a load of laundry will cost you dearly when it comes to your energy bill. But a few further steps will help your dryer run even more efficiently.
Keep the dishwasher and fridge apart; save a bundle on energyWhy would you put a device that gets hot next to a device that gets cold? They would both be using energy to fight the effects of the appliance next door.
Is there life after debt?To get out of debt, there’s a clearly-defined path to follow. Afterward, it gets a bit more complicated.
Skip the stove, use the microwaveFor the specific tasks at which microwaves excel, they’re much more efficient than stove tops and ovens.
Only run full loads of dishes and clothesIf you run your dishwasher, your washing machine, or your dryer with only half a load of clothes or dishes, you’re losing out in terms of efficiency. But how much?
How much do you save by leaving your oven light on?Leaving your oven light on while cooking, instead of opening the door to check your food, will save you money.
