Overnight shipping may get your package there in a jiffy, but it takes a tremendous amount of fuel (not to mention money) to make it happen. If it doesn’t absolutely, positively have to be there overnight, opt for ground shipping, which uses more fuel-efficient trucks to move packages. One insider tip? If you ground ship between major cities that are close to each other, the chances are it will still arrive the next day at the much cheaper ground shipping price. Packages shipped between Philadelphia and New York City or Los Angeles and San Francisco almost always arrive the next day this way.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many dogs and cats in shelters are in need of homes. One way you can help is to sign up as a “friend” on your local shelter’s Facebook page and learn about animals that are close to being put down. By posting the animal’s photo and profile on your Facebook wall, you’ll help advertise a loving animal to all of your friends (who can also re-post it on their walls) and help an animal find a home quickly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Keep frozen food cold longer by doing this simple trick: Line the inside of your reusable bag with bubble wrap. Simply cut sheets of bubble wrap the size of the inside of the tote bag and safety pin them in place. The bubble wrap will help insulate the inside of the bag, keeping it cooler. When the bubble wrap deflates over time, unpin it and replace with a fresh sheet.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION