The shaky economy and sickly housing market have prompted some parents to engage in risky financial behavior: raiding their retirement savings to pay their children's college tuition.
See full article on USA Today
Everyone, it seems, is eager for 3-D. It's a fad that's had its heyday more than once in pop culture, but this time all signs point to 3-D finding staying power in American theaters and homes. If you have any doubt that 3-D is hot, consider the fact that more than 100 movies - from children's animated films to big-budget sci-fi offerings - were released in 3-D in theaters and on DVD in 2009 and 2010. And weigh the fact that nearly every major TV-maker has at least one 3-D set on the market.In fact, manufacturers are banking that Americans will embrace 3-D in their home viewing experience just as they did flat screens, high definition and Internet access. A 3-D TV may well be the high-tech investment your family opts for in 2011, but before you buy, here are a few things you should know - and consider - about 3-D television:
Cost considerations
As with any new technology, 3-D TVs appeared on the market at higher prices than what you would pay for a comparable quality 2-D high definition set. While you could easily find large flat-screens for $1,000 or less in 2010, most 3-D units sold for upward of $2,000. Prices are coming down, however, and industry watchers predict they'll drop lower this year as the technology improves and manufacturers try to stimulate consumer interest.
Many manufacturers have announced lower prices on their 3-D sets for 2011. "Prices for 3-D TVs will definitely go down this year as our production costs have been dropping with improved technology," says Skott Ahn, LG's chief technology officer, who also predicts that 3-D technology will become mainstream in a few years.
What this means for you, the consumer, is that this year you can probably pick up a quality 3-D TV for about what you would expect to pay for a good 2-D set.
3-D Glasses
Current 3-D TV technology requires viewers to wear a pair of 3-D glasses to enjoy the technology. Most 3-D TVs use active 3-D glasses which contain a power source within the glasses. Expect to pay around $100 to $200 per pair of active 3-D glasses. Some 3-D TV manufacturers are beginning to offer a passive 3-D technology. Passive 3-D glasses do not require a power source to view 3-D content, so they are lighter and cheaper.
Despite some reports that "glasses-free" 3-D TV is set to come soon, most consumer electronic experts agree that the technology is several years away from being available to consumers.
Viewing angle caveats
If you've ever tried to watch a big game or movie on a 2-D LCD or LED TV with a large group of people, you've probably experienced the issue of limited viewing angle options. Because of the technology used to put the image on the screen, LCD and LED TVs don't always offer a good image from every viewing angle. The issue is even more relevant for 3-D TVs, according to Best-3DTVs.com.
That's because 3-D TVs share the same viewing angle issues as some 2-D flat screens, but with the added challenge that 3-D glasses can also block light from the screen, lowering brightness and contrast. If you're also viewing the screen from an angle, all these factors can lead to a "very underwhelming 3-D viewing experience," the website points out.
"Most industry experts argue that 3-D technology actually increases the viewing angle problem," says Jim Wohlford, vice president of Sanus, makers of TV mounts and accessories. "Early 3-D reviews indicate a ghosting effect around objects on the screen when viewed from an angle."
Fortunately, wall-mounting on a full-motion mount, which can resolve viewing angle issues for 2-D flat screens, is a good option for 3-D TVs as well. Products like the VisionMount VLF311 Super Slim Full-Motion Mount allow you to maintain the sleek, low profile look of a flat-screen while still having the ability to move the set to whatever position or angle is best for your viewing needs.
"By placing a TV on a full-motion mount, you can be sure you can always achieve the optimal viewing angle from any seat in the room," Wohlford says. "Full-motion mounts are available to accommodate all sizes of TVs, are easy to install and simple to use. They apply a low-tech, time-honored solution to one of the most common problems of our favorite high-tech toys."
(ARA) - For many small businesses who weathered the economic storm in 2009, 2010 represents a new beginning to return to growth and jump-start projects put on hold during the recession. Goal setting will be critical to help small businesses get back on their feet, map out their business plans and prioritize what they wish to achieve in the upcoming year.
Accomplishing these goals once workers are back into the daily grind, with deadlines looming and clients calling, is easier said than done. They will be more likely to achieve success with some structure, support and accountability.
If you are a small-business owner or manager, there is a new Web site that can help get you on track for 2010. The Staples stickK to it! Business Challenge is a free, online tool that can assist in developing business goals for the year, and more importantly, gives professionals an easy formula to ensure success. Users can register at www.staples.com/goals and participate for free to receive encouragement from fellow colleagues to keep commitments on track. The platform even offers incentives toward reaching goals in the form of EasyPoints, redeemable for Staples products that can also help achieve success in the workplace.
Some goals on the Web site that you might consider to get your employees or career moving in the right direction include:
* Get organized - Eliminate paper clutter and reduce the amount of time it takes you to find important information. Having a good organizational program - whether it's a filing system or more efficient computer software - will help your office reduce wasted time and energy.
* Promote career development for yourself and your employees - Set a time line to update your resume, or start setting up informational interviews through networking. Make a commitment to talk to your boss about opportunities available within your company.
* Maximize your bottom line with smart tax preparation or better money management - There are many ways your company can keep more money in the business, so take a good look, line by line, to see what can be trimmed out of your budgets.
* Green your office - More and more companies are looking at easy ways to help the environment. Printing green, recycling or using environmentally-friendly cleaning products are three simple ways to start making your office more eco-friendly.
* Improve office communications with better technology - Look into whether wireless networking, better lighting or even better furniture can help increase productivity and improve communication among workers and clients.
"Setting goals is important for any business owner to do, and the New Year is a perfect time to sit down and create professional goals," says John Giusti, vice president of small business marketing at Staples. "Staples wants to improve the lives of small businesses by giving them this easy platform to ensure success."
Other tips for setting goals come from stickK.com co-founder Ian Ayres, author of "Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-by-Numbers is the New Way to be Smart," a New York Times best-seller:
* Be specific in setting your goal. Make sure it will be easy to tell whether you succeeded or not.
* Be reasonable. Choose a goal you can accomplish.
* Invest in tools. Ensure that you have the proper resources and tools to achieve your goals
* Choose a referee and get support. Let someone else verify that you keep up with your commitment and have friends on the sidelines cheering on your progress.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.
Your vehicle can be a great "vehicle" to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle's health.
After their homes, most Americans' second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.
To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here's a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:
* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.
* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle's fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.
* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle's life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle's air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.
* Keep it clean: Consumers' cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car's finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car's finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.
* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.
For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - A slow economy and dwindling resources for financial aid may have you worrying more than ever about funding your child's college education. But there are still scholarships available for those who pursue them and take the all-important step of applying long before the school year starts.
Applying for scholarships should be one of the first steps in your search. However, scholarship myths continue to flourish and need to be dispelled.
Myth 1: Billions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed.
In reality, the number of unused scholarships is minuscule. You'll need to do your research and apply early to have a chance at getting your share of available funding.
Myth 2: Scholarships go only to the best students.
Many scholarships are awarded based on elements other than academic achievement. Some scholarships are based on the student's major field of study, involvement in extracurricular and community activities, ethnicity and geographic origin, or other factors.
Myth 3: Scholarship searches are worth paying for.
This myth eventually will die as people discover the many free resources available on the Internet or in the print media.
So how do students and their parents sort through the myths and get to the facts? Start the process early - January is perfect for the next school year - and utilize the resources around you. To find scholarship opportunities, start with your high school guidance counselor and local library for a list of possible resources. Next, check with your college financial aid office. Most states and many colleges offer scholarships, so students should also inquire about them. Finally, the Internet and organizational Web sites are excellent places to search. Remember, this information should always be free.
Don't count yourself out just because you are not the valedictorian, class president or star athlete. There are scholarships available for many interests, backgrounds and abilities. The bottom line is apply now, and the more scholarships for which you apply, especially local and regional opportunities, the better your odds are to be selected.
Though the scholarship application process can be time consuming, most scholarships require similar information. Once you complete your first application, you can easily re-use the same information for additional scholarships.
Scholarships come from many sources, but the student may have to do some detective work to uncover them. For example, at www.usbank.com/studentloans, you can apply to be one of 40 high school seniors or college undergraduates to receive a $1,000 U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship. Over the past 13 years, U.S. Bank has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarship funding for this program. Scholarship award recipients are selected through a random drawing process. There are no essays to complete or minimum grade point average requirements. The U.S. Bank Web site also features a powerful scholarship search engine.
Scholarship search tips
* Start early - Experts recommend college-bound students and their parents start looking as early as their freshman year in high school. By identifying potential awards, students can choose classes and activities that will increase their chance at winning a specific award in the future.
* Use the Internet - But be wary of scams posing as scholarships. If a scholarship is reputable, you should be able to find information about it through multiple sources. Try to use two sources and make sure the profile submitted is accurate; paying fees does not increase your chances of winning.
* Think small - Competition can be tough for large awards. Smaller awards ($1,000 and less) typically have less competition and are easier to obtain.
Additional free scholarship Web sites you may want to visit include:
* www.collegeboard.com/scholarships
* www.collegeplan.org
* www.collegescholarships.com
* www.collegenet.com
* www.scholarships.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - There are many new and exciting advances in the world of consumer electronics, and when it comes to purchasing your newest gadget, wading through endless options can be daunting. Ask anyone who has gone on vacation with a sub-par camera or sat through a grainy or fuzzy movie or sporting event on their TV - there is nothing more frustrating that dealing with outdated or confusing technology.
With so much confusion around electronics and what to look for when buying, it leaves many people wishing they had a personal shopper to help them determine what's best for them, with a minimum amount of hassle. The best idea is to turn to a trusted source that can help you make a well-informed decision.
The same attention that we pay to making sure our clothes have the right style for us should also be given to making sure electronics are the best fit for our lifestyles. While we don't all have personal shoppers, there are great online resources and tips from electronics experts that can make your search and shopping process easier and more fun.
Know the ABCs of cameras and TVs
The many acronyms that get tacked onto cameras and TVs to describe their characteristics and capabilities can make your head spin. However, it really is important that you understand what you are buying, so you can make sure to get exactly what you need. When it comes to TVs, simply finding out what kind of screen you need is confusing. Do you opt for an LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma or LED (light-emitting diode)? Is one better than the other for video games or watching Blu-ray discs?
Searching for a new camera can be just as confusing. There are so many camera terms to understand, megapixels, RAW, SD cards . . . you'd need to be a pro to explain the laundry list of functions and settings on some of the more advanced models. Before making a final purchase, you should definitely conduct some research and create a list of questions you need answered. Find a few models that are of interest to you and do some comparison shopping.
Harness the power of the Web
One of the best resources for consumer electronics information is the Internet. It's most people's go-to research tool these days, and there are some great sites devoted to specific brands and models of TVs and cameras, along with consumer reviews to give you more piece-of-mind.
However if you really don't have time to do research about every last detail, new tools like TVMatchMaker.com and CameraMatchmaker.com from Sears are ideal resources. You simply answer a few quick questions about where and how you'll use a new camera or TV and it does the matchmaking for you, providing the three top choices for your exact needs.
If you're looking for a new television, the TV MatchMaker suggests the best television options for you based on your criteria including:
* the brightness of the room
* where you'll put the TV and
* the other kinds of equipment you'll be connecting to the TV
The Camera MatchMaker takes into account information like:
* the kind of pictures you most often take
* how much control you want to have over the settings
* what type of camera design you prefer
* your brand preference
The only thing better than getting the right product for your needs is getting it for a great price. If you go to the TV and Camera MatchMaker sites and answer the questions to find your best match, you can also enter the MatchMaker Sweepstakes for a chance to win a gift card that may be used toward your home electronics purchase with one quick click. For complete official rules, go to: www.sears.com/tvmatchmakersweeps.
Just as you wouldn't wear a sweater or shoes that don't fit, you shouldn't have electronics that don't meet your needs. For more information about finding the right TV and camera for you, visit TVMatchMaker.com and CameraMatchmaker.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.
Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College - Akron, Ohio, offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work."
The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College - Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. "This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It's well worth it," Violet says.
Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students' own financial contributions.
Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. "Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran's Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country," she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.
Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.
Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:
Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.
Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.
Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.
"Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they're in school, and in the future when no bill comes due," Violet says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - As we head into this holiday season, shoppers will start to plan their holiday gift lists, hit the stores and start shopping. Getting the most for your holiday shopping dollars this year will not only be about sticking to a budget, but managing valuable time to spend on shopping for the holidays.
Bing.com commissioned University of Washington Economist Ali Tarhouni to analyze data on consumer shopping behavior and found the time spent holiday shopping could be more valuable than you might think.
* Research reveals that an average American can expect a $114 savings, or roughly 10 percent savings per transaction in time and material cost this holiday season by reducing the running around typically associated with holiday shopping.
* Shoppers could make an average of 5.4 trips to the mall for holiday shopping this coming season, which is equivalent to an average of $98 for lost working productivity and approximately $16 for gas, according to Tarhouni's research.
* A typical consumer visits an average of five stores, shops for an average of two hours and spends an average of $150 per mall trip during the holiday season, according to a survey by Baker Retail Initiative and Verde Group Research. Conducting research by comparison shopping online before heading into stores or making purchases online can help reduce the amount of time and money spent.
Mary Hunt, personal finance expert and author of "Debt Proof Living," believes it's important to be smart in the way you approach your holiday shopping so you can avoid these hidden costs and be more productive this holiday season.
"This season it is all about value, and time is often a more precious resource than money," says Hunt. "If we consider how valuable each hour of our holiday shopping experience is, consider how much more valuable spending time with loved ones is, or volunteering at a local food bank. Shopping is about efficiency this time of year, and it's about using the tools available to make better purchasing decisions faster."
Hunt offers a few tips to help you make faster and more informed shopping decisions this holiday season:
* Use tools available online: when creating your holiday shopping plan, start online. You can organize your list, set your budget and comparison shop fast and efficiently. Sites like Bing.com offer comprehensive user and expert reviews, and you can choose to shop entirely online, or hit the mall more empowered to find what you want in less time.
* Shop alone. Take the kids to the mall to see the Holiday sights and sounds and enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, but shop alone when you are not distracted or pressured. Shopping solo gives you the luxury to compare, contemplate and change your mind.
* Keep organized with an exclusive online shopping e-mail account and keep all receipts. Create an e-mail address that you use exclusively for online shopping. Now it will be a snap to keep all your invoices and receipts together in one place where they can be easily retrieved. Returns are always easiest when you have the receipt. Ask for "gift receipts" that do not show the dollar amounts to give to your recipient just in case the sweater doesn't fit or the color is all wrong. A stack of envelopes, each with the name of a person on your list, is the best way to stay organized.
* Shop early to take advantage of deals and free shipping. If you wait until the last moment you may spend all your savings on overnight shipping. Shop early when you have the luxury of the cheaper and slower - delivery options.
* Get cash back. More online retailers than ever are offering cash back this holiday season. Try Bing cashback for cash rewards on purchases from more than a thousand of your favorite retailers including Walmart, Target, HP, Nordstrom, and eBay.
Bing shopping offers you a single destination to shop and get cashback from more than 1,000 retailers nationwide. You'll reduce your online shopping time with features including search result filters, comprehensive shopping results and opinion ranking.
Bing cashback allows you to set up an account and receive actual cash back on qualifying purchases. The site tells you up front what items will qualify and how much you'll save. Money is deposited into your account and you can ask for a payout 60 days (varies by merchants) after purchases as long as your account total tops $5.
Log on to www.Bing.com/shopping to save time and money this holiday shopping season and earn cash back on your purchases.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Scam artists are always changing their schemes in an effort to trick consumers into handing over money or personal information. One of the latest scams involves hacking into social networking sites and then targeting specific friends in the victim's account.
For example, a scam artist will gain access to "Susan's" Facebook account. The scammer will send an e-mail message to all of her friends pretending to be Susan and claiming to have been mugged, injured or arrested in a foreign country, and in need of some cash immediately. But in reality, Susan is completely unaware that this message was sent out because she did not send it.
Believing that this message is from Susan, her friends want to help and immediately follow her instructions to wire money through a money transfer service like Western Union. Later they discover that they sent money to a scam artist.
The following are some tips from Western Union to help you avoid becoming a victim of these "emergency" scams through which fraudsters prey on people's emotions:
* If you receive an e-mail or phone call claiming a friend or family member needs cash, take a step back and attempt to independently verify the need. Call the person on their phone, or call a mutual friend and find out if they are aware of the situation.
* Let your friend or family member know that you have received a call or e-mail from them claiming they need help. If it turns out there isn't an emergency situation happening, they will need to report the case to local police and the administrators of their social networking site. Also advise them to change their passwords and install or update an anti-virus and anti-spyware program to help protect their computer from hackers.
* If you did send a money transfer through Western Union, and realize that it was a scam, immediately contact the company at (800) 448-1492. If the transaction has not been picked up, it will be refunded to you. Contact the police if the money has been picked up and file a report about the scam.
* Be aware of questionable situations. Scam scenarios can evolve quickly and the way scammers contact victims changes daily. Another scam similar to the social networking scheme that targets victims' emotional reactions involves phone calls from people pretending to be family members or authority figures who claim to be in need of money for medical assistance or even bail.
Regardless of whether you are contacted online or through some other means, be suspicious of requests to send money to "help a friend or family member out" unless you can absolutely verify the information you've been given.
For more information on other scams or for more tips on how to protect yourself from scams, visit www.WesternUnion.com/fraud. of ARAcontent
Courtesy
(ARA) - In a tough economy, it's only natural to look for ways to cut corners. But trimming auto maintenance expenses isn't worth the risk. Taking proper care of your car steers you on the road to safe driving. It can help to keep more cash in your pocket too.
"Even the most cautious drivers are putting themselves in danger if they're not driving a well-maintained vehicle," says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with QBE Regional Insurance. "No one wants to be in a less-than-road-worthy vehicle during an emergency."
Most drivers are diligent about addressing major mechanical issues, especially since today's cars have automatic alerts when a problem surfaces. However, many people overlook the basics - like tires - which can quickly outlive their usefulness. In recent surveys, The Rubber Manufacturers Association reported that nearly two out of three drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald and only 9 percent of vehicles have four properly inflated tires.
Valinotti warns that all too often windshield wipers go unnoticed until it is too late. "It's usually after a nighttime auto accident where there's bad weather and little visibility, when a driver realizes that they haven't replaced their wiper blades in years," he says. Holding off on an oil change or spark plug replacement is not worth compromising safety either.
In addition to the peace of mind that comes from having reliable tires, windshield wipers, brakes, suspension and steering systems, there are other benefits from proper car maintenance:
* Save yourself from expensive car repairs after an accident that could've been prevented.
* Extend your vehicle's life span and avoiding replacement costs for big-ticket auto parts. Consult your owner's manual to determine how often you should perform certain services on your car. If you take a long road trip or have greater wear and tear on your car, think of making a visit to your auto mechanic ahead of schedule.
* Save money at the pump. If you drive a car with a poorly tuned engine or tires that aren't properly inflated, you could find yourself filling up the gas tank more often. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.
* Score some discounts on your auto insurance policy. "We encourage our customers to drive safely and invest in ongoing auto maintenance," Valinotti says. "Our safe driver discount can take up to 10 percent off your premium." Approximately 85 percent of vehicles insured by General Casualty, a QBE Regional Insurance company, get that reward. The safe driver discount is applied automatically and keeps rolling over each year you are accident or violation free.
In between scheduled maintenance checks with a mechanic, drivers should do routine checks on their own, too. It's as simple as referring to the owner's manual for instructions. A little more diligence with car care goes a long way.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
