10/7/12

Barbecuing tonight? Here's a quick, entertaining idea: After the burgers are grilled and the corn is cooked, recycle the hot coals in the grill for dessert! Scoop the coals into fireproof bowls, and provide guests with a toasting stick. Bring out bowls of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars. Instant s'mores!

10/6/12

Wedding gowns can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. For something that is only worn for a few hours just once in your life, this is the time to think about getting more dress for your money by thinking, "once wed." The online store oncewed.com has a marketplace of almost-new wedding gowns ready to be resold at a fraction of the original price. In-demand designers like Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier can be found up to 90 percent off. With the money save, you can honeymoon at a five-star eco-resort after the wedding!

10/5/12

Donating an old car to charity seems like a good idea: It gives you a tax deduction, helps a worthwhile case and your car can be "recycled" for a good cause. But if you ever see a nonprofit with billboard, TV or newspaper ads that make it easy for them to pick up your car and do it for you, be sure to avoid them. Those agencies are actually for-profit intermediaries that take a huge chunk of the proceeds -- up to 90 percent -- and donate the rest to the actual charity. If you want to really, truly help a nonprofit, donate directly. Or better yet, sell the car yourself and write a check to the charity of your choice.