Another Angle of Spending Less/Saving Money

Sad but true: individuals rushing out to buy hybrid vehicles are finding out that at least for the first three years after purchase, they could actually be more expensive to operate than ye olde gasoline-powered four-wheeler parked in the driveway. That's because they forget about the cost of just buying a new car vs. the older one, especially if the older model is already paid in full.

Many articles in the last year have focused on how to cut expenses for groceries and fuel, two of American families' biggest outlays each year.

Here's another angle: getting things for free.

Over the years, I've checked out various sites for freebies. . .everything from diapers to cat food. The one I've found consistently the best:

http://www.momanddads.com/

Enjoy!

Vonda

Talladega is Not a New Tex-Mex Dish

The NASCAR season is in full swing. The drivers race toward points as well as the checkered flag.

In the midst of some serious concerns over wrecks and mechanical problems, how about a little humor?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/224797/confessions_of_a_nascar_widow.html?cat=41

Rest in Peace, Eight Belles

The races get faster and faster. The horses bred are more and more fragile. Read about Eight Belles, the filly who finished second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby but who lost her life at Churchill Downs:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/749837/kentucky_derby_how_much_tragedy_can.html?page=2

As of this posting, results of her autopsy are not available, and the cause of her breakdown has not been specified.

Wondering How to Convince Your Boss You Should Telecommute?

The thought of one more day driving 90 minutes each direction and the recollection of the price of your last tank of gas is enough to bring on a migraine. If you're convinced telecommuting is for you but need to convince your boss, you'll need some ammunition. I telecommuted for four years while working for the Federal Government. Read on for some ideas:

http://www.helium.com/items/986532-price-gallon-still-convinced

Finding a Summer Camp for Your Special-Needs Child

It might not be easy or particularly affordable. However, here's what you need to know to locate the right summer camp for a special-needs child:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/644655/how_to_find_a_camp_for_your_specialneeds.html?page=2

How to Survive the Recession if You Have No Savings

In the Washington, DC area, they're commonly called "McMansions". They're the $800,000-plus properties that sold for maybe half that amount 5 years ago. Many of them are currently in foreclosure.

However, you don' t have to own a piece of real estate that's actually an albatross to be affected by the looming recession. For millions of families, the idea of savings for emergencies is just plain fiction. Read on to find out what you can do if you're one of them:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/699275/how_to_face_the_recession_without_any.html?cat=3

What on earth is MaundyThursday?

Have you heard the term and wondered what it really meant? Many denominations now call it Holy Thursday. Read on to find out about its significance:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/663105/why_holy_thursday_is_an_important_part.html

Camps for Special-needs Kids

It's the second half of March, and many parents are slipping into panic over a summer camp for their children.

If you have a special-needs child, finding the right spot for a summer camping adventure is even tougher. Here are some tips to speed your search:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/644655/how_to_find_a_camp_for_your_specialneeds.html

Halting Impulse Spending at the Grocery

Are you sick of reaching the checkout at the supermarket, only to find that you've spent nearly double what you planned? Then take a look at this piece for ideas on how to squash impulse spending each time you shop for groceries:

http://www.helium.com/tm/912457/intended-spend-10000-grocery

Taking Back Your Taxes

'Tis the season to be at least THINKING about preparing your 2007 income taxes. I don't normally do ours until March, when I've finally collected all the paperwork.

If you're looking for a humorous respite from your income tax ordeal, check out this link:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/577717/taking_back_our_taxes.html

Remembering a Champion

Barbaro, winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby, might well be remembered as the greatest thoroughbred in American history despite his catastrophic injury in the Preakness.

Read why the big bay colt made more of an impression off the track than on it:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/569091/remembering_barbaro.html

In memory of Barbaro, who died January 29, 2007.

Did you spot these goofs at the supermarket?

Even the sharpest consumer, coupons neatly arranged and shopping list clenched in one hand, probably pays too much at the supermarket from time to time.

Are you aware of how to spot the most common mistakes in the grocery and why they cost you money? Check out http://www.helium.com/tm/796663/youve-everything-right-supermarket to learn how to save even more on your next shopping trip.

'Tis the Season to . . . Break Resolutions??

It's that murky time again. Thanksgiving and Christmas have already slipped away. You've written all your thank-you notes (haven't you?).

If you made any New Year's resolutions for 2008, can you even locate the list?

Most of us get bogged down by January 15th and just shrug our shoulders. Our great intentions to shape up financially and physically remain just that: great intentions. As a result, we feel overwhelmed.

If you're feeling the new year already slipping through your fingers, read http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/513315/how_to_avoid_being_overwhelmed_in_2008.html to discover three ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed this year.