04/04/12

One of the best ways to recoup an investment in a hybrid car is to buy used. An even better way to save money faster is to buy a used, high-quality car from a rental car agency. Hertz Car Sales (hertzcarsales.com) is just one site that lets you search the make, model, color and fuel efficiency of its fleet. You can try out the car for three days at a low rental price to decide if you want to buy the car. Ask your local car rental companies about their resell program. If they don't have the car you want, ask them to put you on a waiting list and to notify you when one becomes available.

04/03/12

Spring-cleaning tip: Take the time to go around the house and unscrew light bulbs to give them a good dusting. Built-up dust can be an economic hazard -- it limits the amount of light the bulb can emit, causing it to burn up faster than a clean bulb. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates a coating of dust on a light bulb can reduce light output by as much as 50 percent. So dust away!

04/02/12

Here are some simple ways to properly store food in your refrigerator: Raw meat, poultry and seafood should never be placed on the top shelf of the refrigerator since bacteria can drip down and contaminate items on the lower shelves. Don't place eggs on the side of the refrigerator door -- not even in the built-in plastic egg trays. Eggs on the door don't get cold enough to remain stable. Many fruits emit ethylene, an odorless gas that quickens the ripening process. So keep these fruits (apples, bananas, peaches, pears and tomatoes, for example) separate from other produce to extend shelf life.