To Sip, or to Guzzle
ACCC helps you decide whether you should trade in your gas-guzzler
Rising gas prices are driving consumers to curb their SUV’s and take the wheel of more fuel-efficient cars, but is this the right move? Many people think only about their immediate cost at the pump, and forget about the long-term effects. Trade-in value, driving habits, how much is owed on a car loan; these should all be considered before deciding to sell a used SUV.
The first tip is not to sell a car after less than 3 years of driving it. This is the time when a vehicle depreciates the most, losing 40 - 50% of its original value. A car can be used for a few more years, and still retain nearly as much value. SUVs in particular are quickly depreciating in value (8% in the last 6 months on average). Still, trading in the gas-guzzler may not save money. The gas may still be expensive, but it’s better in the long-run to get the most value out of the vehicle while being able to drive it for twice as long. It’s also important to know that the savings may not be immediate. For most, trading an SUV for a compact will cost more right now, but balance out years later.
Here is an example: A consumer trades in a four-year old GMC Yukon, worth $17,314, for a new $24,076 Toyota Prius. The difference is $6,712. If the consumer drives 1,200 miles per month and gas costs $3.74 per gallon (national average), the monthly fuel savings will be $249.74. At this rate, it will take 27 months to pay back the additional cost of the Prius over the trade-in value of the Yukon, and start saving money from the lower fuel price.
Buying a small, fuel-efficient car is an excellent way to combat rising gas prices, but the sticker price is what dents your wallet. The average price of a compact car has increased by $2,532 since 2004. That’s nearly double the average price increase of all other cars. Right now is the worst time to sell an SUV, and also the worst time to purchase a compact car. Every situation is different and it may take some time to see the savings, but consumers must weigh all of the factors and compare all of the costs before making a change.
Good Times with Short Money
Impress a new friend with these fun and inexpensive date ideas
Everyday life is getting pretty expensive as it is. On top of that, you just got yourself a date. So, you want to impress your new flame without burning through all your cash? The credit counseling professionals at ACCC have some great ideas for having a good time without emptying your pockets.
- How about a picnic in the park or at the beach? Yes, it’s a cliché but everyone secretly loves doing it. Gather up your favorite snacks, some good wine, and find a nice spot to sit and enjoy. Take it one step further and look up your local parks, amphitheaters, and other outdoor venues. There’s a good chance that you can find some free outdoor concerts and plays, particularly in the warm weather.
- Speaking of parks, why not get some exercise? Take your date bike riding, rollerblading, or hiking for an afternoon. Take a nature walk in the woods or on the beach. Bring a camera and have some fun “striking a pose.” You can save money, get to know your new friend, and get in shape.
- With a little research you can find a lot of fun free things to do in your area. A simple online search can reveal free or discount days at local museums and art galleries. Newspapers and local weeklies are also great resources for free event listings. Check the entertainment section.
- Show your softer side by bringing your date to do some volunteer work. Are you passionate about a particular cause or charity? Prove it to your date. Volunteer at a hospital, an animal shelter, a charity event, or help spruce up your community by cleaning or gardening. Whatever piques your interest.
On inexpensive dates like these you can have tons of fun and build great memories, all without having to worry about how much you’re spending.
Save at the Supermarket
ACCC offers tips to save money on your groceries
Food is more expensive than ever, and ACCC has discovered some excellent ways to help you save money on your next trip to the grocery store. Use these tips, and you won’t need any coupons. Although, we still recommend using them whenever appropriate.
- Don’t buy pre-cut, pre-made, or prepared meals. It is far less expensive to buy the ingredients and make the meal yourself. Pull out a knife and chop the meat and vegetables yourself.
- Try the store brands. It may be just as good or even more to your liking than the national brands. Often times, one factory will produce the same product for more than one company. The only difference is the label and the price.
- Make a grocery list that fits your budget. You should always have a plan for grocery shopping. Don’t wander around the store for ideas of what to buy. Make a list, stick to it, and don’t shop on an empty stomach.
- Try another store. The grocery store might not always have the best deals. Check out drug stores for deals on milk, bread, soda, snacks, and paper products.
- Buying in bulk can save money, but only buy as much as you’ll actually eat. There’s no point in buying two gallons of orange juice if the second gallon expires before you even open it. Buying in bulk is better if the item can be frozen, like meat. This way you won’t have to worry about the waste, just freeze it for later.
- Why buy two when you only need one? If you see an item priced “2 for $5,” you don’t always have to buy two. Usually you can just buy one for $2.50. The same goes for “10 for $10” deals. You can buy three for $3.00 if you want to.
- Join the rewards program or members club for any area grocery stores. It’s usually free, and you’ll have access to discounts every day. The good prices and sales are often reserved for those who are members.
With these tips you can save money, eat well, and minimize waste.
20 Money Saving Tips for the Grocery Store
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Sign up for customer loyalty programs.
- Don’t crisis cook and plan meals ahead.
- Clip coupons- newspapers & magazines, coupon swap boxes, supermarket & brand websites, in-store displays & circulars.
- Stop paying the middle man: shop for in season produce at your local farmer’s market
- Make a grocery list and stick to it.
- Shop alone.
- Never shop hungry, tired, or angry- save money and shop healthier.
- The best deals are up high, down low, and on the ends; avoid the main aisles and middle shelves.
- Buy store brand for better savings.
- Compare unit costs, not list prices.
- Buy only the minimum amount you need.
- Don’t buy non-grocery items at the grocery store: pick up toiletries, medicines and hygiene. products at a discount store or pharmacy.
- Look for manager’s specials in the meat department.
- Keep an eye on the scanner.
- Skip the pre-made foods; make meals ahead of time and freeze them.
- Be willing to shop at more than one store per week to save up to 19% by getting each store's best deals.
- Shop early in the day- go faster and save more.
- Shop with a calculator.
- Get a rain check if a sale item is gone.
- Make coupons go further- use with store coupons or items on sale.
Big changes are coming in television broadcasting
On February 17, 2009, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. Federal law requires it to free up the airwaves for police, fire, and emergency rescue communications. Viewers will like it with added programming and better picture and sound quality.
No need to buy a new TV. Here’s what you need to do:
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Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. Visit www.dtv2009.gov for two $40 coupons per household.
- Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner). You do not need a HDTV to watch digital broadcast television. You only need a digital TV.
- Subscribe to a paid TV service. If your TV set receives local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already prepared for the DTV transition.
For more information contact the Federal Communications Commission at
www.dtv.gov or 1-888-CALL-FCC.
