I loathe the process of having to buy a new car. Dealing with pushy, overbearing car salesmen can be extremely frustrating. As a result, I do whatever I can to avoid buying a car. I perform all recommended DIY car maintenance checks, I keep my vehicle for as long as I can, and I consolidate my trips both to save on gas and decrease wear and tear on my car.However, buying a car at some point in time is a reality that we all have to face. I've compiled a list of several important car buying steps that you should follow. Heeding the advice in this article will help you save money, get the … [Read more...]
VIPRE Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Software Review
There are plenty of free antivirus software programs available, but they won't provide your computer with comprehensive protection. And unfortunately, many paid software programs will decrease the performance of your personal computer. Purchasing the more popular brand name antivirus programs can cause issues, too. VIPRE Antivirus software is a comprehensive antivirus solution that's well worth a look.VIPRE (Virus Intrusion Protection Remediation Engine) is designed to optimize the overall performance of your home computer by combining antivirus and anti-spyware together into one powerful … [Read more...]
Top 5 Companies with the Worst Customer Service
In this day and age, where competition seems to be fierce in just about all of the retail service-oriented industries, it is beyond me how so many companies just fail to get things right. I can only guess that they either think they are too big to make customer service a priority, or that they just don't realize that customer service is at the top of consumers' list of needs when making purchasing choices.You may have noticed poor service from your cell phone and cable TV companies, or even in the treatment you get at the checkout line of your preferred brick-and-mortar retail … [Read more...]
8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle – Checklist
In trying to live a more frugal life, I'm getting better at handling projects that I used to pay professionals to do. In addition to home improvement projects, I've learned that I can save plenty by taking on some auto repairs and maintenance jobs myself.Trust me, I'm not an auto expert. I'm not even very mechanically inclined. But I've found the kinds of repairs that just about anyone can handle quickly and easily, with minimal expenses.I've decided to hold on to my car rather than sell it, so by taking care of these repairs, I've saved quite a bit of dough over the past several … [Read more...]
Flat World Knowledge Review – Open Source College Textbooks Online
This post brought to you by Flat World Knowledge. All opinions are 100% mine.It wasn't too long ago that I was purchasing textbooks for my wife to complete her college education. The prices of those textbooks were appalling, to say the least. I remembered them being expensive back when I attended school, but the prices for college textbooks have recently gone completely through the roof!Thankfully, I recently discovered a new cutting-edge website called Flat World Knowledge that may change all of this. They offer a ton of college textbooks in an online format that is completely free. … [Read more...]
5 Alternative Uses for Dryer Sheets to Save Money
Dryer sheets make your clothes smell nice, and come out of the dryer all warm, fluffy, and static-free. But did you know they have many more uses than just for laundry?For as little as $2 for a box of dryer sheets, you can clean, store, and refresh so many different items in your house.Ready to save money and be wowed? Check out this list of five alternative uses for dryer sheets. Other Dryer Sheet Uses 1. Pack Shoes in Your SuitcaseWhen you're packing for vacation, and you put your shoes right next to your clothing, everything comes out smelling like your shoes (yuck!). To … [Read more...]
Who You Gonna Call: 6 Phone Calls to Lower Your Monthly Bills & Expenses
I don't like calling companies that supply my home services. Nor do I like pressing ten buttons just to get to the right machine and ten more to get to the right person. I don't like getting put on hold, and I certainly don't like being treated rudely by strangers when I'm the customer.However, I do like saving money and lowering my bills. And when I can make a significant cut, it's worth the irritating, time-consuming pain of dealing with phone systems and disgruntled service representatives.Use this six-part phone call checklist to make sure you're not paying too much on your … [Read more...]
Kohl’s Charge Card Review – Get Coupons & Discounts
When the first Kohl's department store opened in my city, it failed to capture my attention. They have very few signs outside, and it was years before I even knew what kind of store it was. Finally, curiosity got the best of me and I eventually decided to see what they had to offer.At first glance, Kohl's seems like your typical department store. But once I poked around a bit, I realized that this is a department store with fantastically low prices. I quickly became a regular customer.Recently, I found out that I could increase my savings even more by applying for a Kohl's charge … [Read more...]
DIRECTV Review – Promotions for Satellite Television Channels & Packages
When it comes to the world of cable/satellite TV, I am a firm believer in "jumping around." Switching from one provider to another is usually pretty easy and can save you a great deal of money. Most companies have no early cancellation fees, some require no contracts, and they always have great deals going on. In short, you should not hesitate to switch companies if there is a better deal to be had.While looking for ways to save money on my monthly television service, I considered all the major players in my area: Comcast, AT&T U-verse, and a few others. Consequently, I am seriously … [Read more...]
Head of Household Filing Status Qualifications vs. Single – IRS Tax Filing for Single Parents
Restarting life after divorce as a newly single parent can really take its toll on you emotionally, mentally, and financially. Similarly, having a child with someone you never married, and are no longer in a relationship with, can be equally difficult. If you're in one of these situations, your tax filing status is probably one of the last things on your mind.However, you can't ignore this important issue: filing your taxes with the most beneficial status for you can lead to a significantly larger tax return. As someone who recently divorced and is now a single parent, I can tell you that … [Read more...]
7 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Buy from a Pawn Shop
Unless you're independently wealthy, you probably look for ways to save money as often as you can. Shopping online for discounts is one great way, saving money on groceries, utility bills and car insurance are others.But here's one you may never have considered: shopping at a pawn shop. It's actually a viable way to save money - and not just on guns. Here's why. Dispelling the Myth About Pawn Shops I'm sure that as soon as you read the phrase "pawn shop," something like the following image came to mind: an old fat guy in a wife-beater t-shirt sitting behind a counter watching TV with a … [Read more...]
