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TourTracker.com - BUY HOT CONCERT TICKETS WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS POINTS

Saturday, September 13, 2008
TourTracker.com keeps music fans constantly updated on their favorite band or artists tours, while providing a platform to discuss everything from set lists to favorite show moments to places to meet afterwards. The free site is sponsored exclusively by American Express and offers concert goers special incentives to buy tickets, including discounts for American Express cardholders. I recently purchased some Madonna tickets using American Express points.



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TODAY SHOW: Extended Warranties -- Deal or no Deal?

Monday, September 8, 2008

I sat down with Lester Holt on TODAY SHOW over the weekend discuss a tricky topic ... WARRANTIES. Hopefully the segment will help guide the way you think about the value of extended warranties and the decisions you make to help ensure you're not over-paying or under-insuring. The actual definitions of warranty and insurance vary. At the risk of making heads spin, we try to boil it down.

* * *



COMPANIES SELL EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING THESE DAYS – FROM BIG SCREEN TVS TO IPODS AND CELL PHONES TO RENTAL CARS AND MORE. BUT WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO PAY FOR EXTRA COVERAGE AND WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER TAKING A PASS. PLUS, WHAT'S COVERED, WHAT'S NOT AND WHAT'S IN THE FINE PRINT?

KEEPING IN MIND WARRANTY PRICES VARY BY PRODUCT AND COMPANY, THERE ARE THREE KEY THINGS YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN APPROACHING WARRANTY DECISIONS:

1. It's a Gamble
2. Understand the terms
3. Know thyself
4. Consider an Umbrella

The Gamble: Warranties are a big business. Americans spend about $15 billion on extended-service warranties annually (Source: Warranty Week – www.warrantyweek.com)

Should you do it? It's a gambling game.
When you buy an extended service contract, you're betting your new gadget will break within the next three years & that the cost of fixing it will be higher than the price of the warranty. The seller of the warranty is betting it won't. The odds vary. You beat the house if you pay $200 and run up against an $800 repair. They win if nothing goes wrong & they've pocketed $200 of almost pure profit.
Having said that, if you're risk adverse or prefer more predictable costs (i.e. knowing you're going to pay $200 for the insurance vs. wondering what a repair will run you), this could be worthwhile.

The Terms: An extended service plan is a contract, and like any contract, you need to understand the terms and the fees and consider if it's truly incremental with other coverage you may already have particularly via your credit card company. The general rule of thumb is the policy should cost between 10 percent and 20 percent of the purchase price.



It's important to know most extended warranties begin the day you purchase the product, so they overlap with the standard one year manufacturer warranty. Essentially, a three-year policy gives you only two years of additional coverage.

And, you need to know what's NOT covered. Think through the most likely scenario & the process. If you'd have to ship an item back for instance, who pays for the shipping; could you really do without it for a few days or weeks; will the item be repaired or replaced? Will the replacement be new or refurbished?

Know Thyself:
The most comprehensive
warranties include "accidental" damage.
If you're the kind of person or if your child is the kind of person, who loses things or who is prone to having "accidents" (think: losing your laptop, dropping your cellphone), you may be a good candidate. Then again, something like water damage may not be one of the "accidents" covered when you review the terms. So, you've got to weigh what incremental coverage cost guards against.

An Umbrella: If you have multiple gadgets, you may be better off getting an overall "umbrella" coverage from some new players who will let you pay a monthly fee to cover multiple computers, cameras, washers & dryers, dishwashers, etc. More than 50,000 different appliances are listed on www.greenumbrella.com. For a flat monthly fee of approximately $10, they'll handle anything you've purchased in 2008 & in the future. Arguably, the more items you register, the more valuable the potential service. There are some caveats: cellphones are not included, as would drive up the monthly fee and you can only make two claims per year (except for repeated issues on same item, which they'll deem a "lemon" on your behalf).


UMBRELLA COVERAGE IS GOOD ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE AND COULD BE THE WAY TO GO. IF YOU'RE MAKING INDIVIDUAL DECISIONS, HERE ARE SOME SPECIFIC SCENARIOS, STARTING WITH WHAT'S OFTEN THE BIGGEST TICKET ITEM:


1) FLAT SCREEN PLASMA TV

Turns out, TV's almost never break. Today's Plasma and LCD flat panel TVs are surprisingly reliable and designed to last for 40,000 viewing hours. That's about 20 years for the average TV viewer. If there is an issue, the average repair cost for a plasma or LCD HDTV is about $400.00 (source: Consumer Reports). An extended warranty at usually 15% of the cost of the item. For a 3 year extended service plan on a $2300 TV, you're talking about $370.00.



Service plans usually cover in-house repair including parts and labor for all big screen televisions 32 inches and up. And if necessary, replacement of a non-functioning television. TVs are also covered in the case of damage due to power surges. But accidental damage to the set (i.e., if you drop it while your hanging it on the wall) is NOT generally covered.

Perhaps kip the extended warranty if you are buying an established brand name TV, but consider spending to have retailer like a Best Buy install it for you, since moving and hanging TV's on the wall is sometimes easier said than done. Then, just don't mess with the screen. You can pick up a gentle screen cleaning kit at any electronics store for about $15.


LAPTOPS NOW OUTSELL TRADITIONAL DESKTOP PCS, BUT THEY'RE MORE FRAGILE
... HOW OFTEN DO THEY BREAK AND WHAT'S YOUR BEST COVERAGE STRATEGY?


2) LAPTOPS
Laptops are among the most repair prone electronics items. Over 40% of three- to four-year-old laptops will need some type of repair service (source: Consumer Reports). Desktops tend to be more a little more reliable, since we don't' make a habit of lugging them around the house, into Starbucks or on and off airplanes. The fast processors in some of today's laptops produce a lot of heat, so make sure you aren't burying them in a pillow where there's no ventilation.



All major PC manufacturers give you at least a one year warranty, some offer up to two years, which usually includes parts and labor and some level of telephone support service. After that, they offer what is called "Out of Warranty" service, where repair costs start at $160.00 and can run as high as $500-$600. Simply buying a new laptop battery can run well over $100. A simple Tech support call after your standard term expires could cost as much as $40 a call.

For about $80.00 for each year of extended service you choose, up to 4 years. Includes in-home service calls/repairs, but they'll first attempt to diagnose and fix the problem over the telephone, prior to dispatching a technician. If a warranty with "accidental damage protection" is offered, it's probably worth adding it, so you're covered on damage from dropping it, getting it wet and other mistakes. Parents of teenagers we spoke with, say they've learned this the hard way:)

With computer repairs, you also need to ask yourself: "Can I be without my computer for a week or two?" Manufacturer warranty repairs require you to ship the computer to them so they can work on it. UPS has a whole division just to help companies with this given the volume. If you live on your computer or have a small business, you might want to opt for the upgraded service plan, just for the ability to have "on-site" repairs at your house or place of business. Upgraded service plans for computers also often come with VIP phone tech support for trouble-shooting problems.




The extended warranty on any laptop in excess of $1000.00 may make sense, especially if you can't afford to be without it for any length of time while it's being repaired (and shipped back & forth). If you're getting the $399.00 bargain laptop, maybe take your chances, since on a percentage basis the cost could exceed 10-20% and because technology changes so quickly you're likely to be better of replacing than repairing at that price point.


SOME PEOPLE ARE ON THEIR 2ND OR 3RD IPOD ... PARENTS ALSO STRUGGLE WITH THIS, IF THEY'RE THE ONE PURCHASING THE IPOD AS A GIFT. WHAT'S THE MOST COMMON ISSUE AND OUR BEST MOVE?


3) iPod
Short battery life. Most people will get about 8 months to 2 years out of their battery – normally 250 – 500 charges. One of the major causes of short battery life is heat – keep your player out of the sun or a hot car.

On an iPod, the battery isn't something most people can replace themselves ... You literally have to disassemble the iPod. Apple offers an iPod battery replacement program for $59.00. http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/prices/#us


Another common problem with MP3 players or iPods – cracked LCD screens. A major culprit there – tight jeans ... If you carry your iPod in your jeans, when you sit down it's going to bend and that's when that LCD screen cracks; repair technicians say the pencil thin iPod Nano is especially susceptible to this ... they see it all the time.

Apple offers a one year limited warranty on iPods. They will repair your iPod with new or used parts or swap our your iPod for a new or refurbished iPod. You either mail in the iPod to an Apple service center or bring it into to an Apple retail store.


Extended service plans can be either purchased directly through Apple or through the retailer where you bought the iPod for about $60 for three years (or really two years, since Apple has the first one covered). http://images.apple.com/legal/warranty/docs/ipodisight.pdf

It's probably worth the extra $60 for extended service if you use your iPod often. If you spend $60.00 for 3 years of service and the plan covers a worn out battery – you essentially have gotten your money back if . If you're buying a much less expensive iPod, like the iPod Shuffle, maybe skip it since on a percentage basis the coverage is of less value.

WITH CELLPHONES AND BLACKBERRIES ... YOU'RE PROBABLY MORE LIKELY TO LOSE THEM, THAN BREAK THEM. CAN YOU INSURE AGAINST THAT?


4) CELL PHONES & BLACKBERRIES:
Battery life is an issue, cracked screens are not uncommon, but maybe more so than anything – lost or stolen cell phones or devices are the biggest problem. Also, spilling your coffee on it, dropping it and other "accidents." Face it, we abuse our cell phones and we don't always know where we put them.


A lot of people don't know this, but cell phone insurance can be purchased through all major cell carriers. Cost for the insurance runs about $5.00 per month. It covers you for a replacement phone if you lose or you damage it (though not necessarily if you leave it in the car with the sunroof open on a rainy day).

But for any claims made, you will likely be on the hook for a deductible/co-pay. For less expensive phones the deductible is $50.00; for more expensive models – like some of the newer Blackberries – the deductible can be as high as $125.00.


One way around cell phone insurance is via an equipment upgrade (most wireless carriers offer these about every 18 months). In that case they'll give you a break on the replacement cost, but you will have to sign a new 2 year contract. This timing may not always match up with your "accident."

Also, if you had to send your cell phone in to the manufacturer for repairs, can you really live without it for even a few days or a week? That can be a deal-breaker for some people and is a good reason to keep at least one old cellphone around, so you can transfer the # while your phone is being repaired. If you have a couple teenagers at home who commonly break or lose their phones ... Again, it may be worth it.

SWITCHING GEARS FROM TECH TO SOME OTHER TIMES WE'RE FACED WITH A GO OR NO-GO DECISION .... DO WE REALLY NEED RENTAL CAR INSURANCE WHEN WE PICK UP THE VEHICLE?


5) RENTAL CAR INSURANCE

Buying additional insurance coverage for a rental car can add up to as much as $40 per day. But consumers often don't know what they need and don't need. Collision damage waivers, liability insurance, personal accident insurance ... it can all sound and be a bit confusing, especially when you don't know what you already have/don't have.

Related: Hertz FAQ


The key it to try to avoid duplicating coverage & redundantly paying for the same service and to close any gaps in coverage that could cost you. Many travelers don't realize they're more than likely duplicating coverage they already have. Not only does a driver's insurance policy protect against theft or damages to a rental vehicle, but often so does a major credit card used to pay the rental fee. As for personal accident insurance which covers medical and ambulance bills for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident ... health insurance or personal injury protection under auto insurance could already pay for these types of bills. The best thing to do is to call your insurance agent and credit card company in advance. Don't be left standing at the rental desk, feeling pressured to buy it all because you don't have a sense of what kind of coverage you need and what you don't if you are traveling for business or personal reasons. Be sure to specifically ask what's NOT covered, so you can spot holes. For instance, if you decide to rent a fancy vehicle and you drive a clunker at home, your policy may not meet certain thresholds.


Plan ahead, then plan on filling holes and skipping upsells.


6) EVENT TICKET INSURANCE

When buying tickets to a concert, theatre or sports event, there's often that nagging feeling ... the show is three months away ... what if I can't make it? Event Ticket Insurance may give you peace of mind.


What it costs and what it covers:
Ticket insurance provides coverage for event tickets that go unused due to illness, traffic accident, car break-down or even a flight delay.

Event Ticket Protector insurance, offered through TicketMaster, which costs 6% of the total ticket and shipping fees, covers the ticket cost, taxes and shipping up to $10,000 per ticket.


Since most fans purchase tickets well in advance on the event date, usually on the day they are released, ticket insurance provides peace of mind that should something unexpected happen that prevent the tickets from being used, the ticket holder won't also lose their investment in the cost of tickets.


Example – Say you want to take the kids to see Disney on Ice. At up to $70 per ticket, it can quickly become a several-hundred dollar event. When purchasing a ticket, the thought of missing the event is usually the last thing on anyone's mind ... But if unforeseen circumstances, such as a car trouble, a traffic accident, medical emergency/illness or even jury duty, prevents you from attending, a family that has shelled out hundreds of dollars for seats is protected from financial loss. So, if mom or dad gets sick and the family can't attend, all tickets purchased are covered. Explaining why you have to miss Mickey Mouse may be a bit more complicated.


Filing a claim? Save those receipts!

Be sure to hang on to your original receipts for all ticket expenses, proof of payments, and other documents that substantiate the cost of the event. Also, hang on to your original unused tickets.

You will also need documentation to explains the cause of why you were unable to attend the event. Things like a completed and signed Physician Statement Form, a Police Report, a notarized statement signed by an officer of your employer verifying the requirement to work, etc.


If you passed on the ticket insurance and can't make it to the show ...
Consider giving your ticket to a friend or see if you can sell it on sites like Ticketmaster or StubHub.


RELATED SITES:


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Online Degree Programs: How do you Apply?

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We're focusing on earning an online degree for ABC News this week. One of the questions we're looking into is "Do you have to apply?" and "How hard is it to get in?" We had the privilege of hosting some of our favorite family friends this weekend. One of their sons is looking at area colleges. An exciting time. Millions of others are logging on to take college classes. Here's what it takes to "get in."

While they call it "admissions," is more so an application process. The online colleges we checked out or called are University of Phoenix Online, Capella University and Devry.

In general, you need one or more of the following:
- a high school diploma for sure -- all require this.
- some online universities, such as University of Phoenix require that you are currently employed -- it's a must if you are pursuing a Bachelor's degree.
- some require a telephone interview and an evaluation of your past college or work experience.
- all will transfer past college credits from accredited institutions and some offer credits for prior work experience that relates to your particular area of study.
**Getting in is one thing, but just like any accredited college, online universities require you be passing your classes/keeping your grades up or you can be placed on "academic probation."
MORE DETAIL BELOW, SITE BY SITE:

**Admission Requirements - University of Phoenix
Associate and Bachelor Admission Requirements

To enter an associate or bachelor degree program, you must:


1) Have earned a high school diploma or GED.
2) Be currently employed. If you are not employed, you must have access to an organizational environment that allows you to apply the concepts you learn in our courses. Selected undergraduate programs require applicants entering with less than 24 transferable credits to have current employment or access to an organizational environment and one year of full-time work experience.

**The online operator at Univ. of Phoenix told us they have "direct bill" programs setup with some companies, i.e., Verizon and Boeing. So, Verizon and Boeing allow their employees to take classes there and the University of Phoenix bills the company directly -- it's like an instant tuition reimbursement program. Smart.

- You must be at least 24 years of age
**College Admission Requirements for general admission at DeVry University
To be granted unconditional admission to DeVry, for an education online, onsite or a combination of both, a prospective student must interview with a DeVry admissions advisor (admissions representative in Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oregon) and complete an application for admission. In addition, all other general and specific admission requirements must be met, including those regarding age, prior education and evaluation of proficiency in the basic and prerequisite skills needed for college-level work.

Age requirement

Each applicant for either an education online or onsite must be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes.

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Best Back-to-School Deals

Friday, August 22, 2008

Away for the week, but wanted to make sure we keep this post up as the school year gets underway ... Here are some of the background notes re: getting the most bang for your back-to-school buck. We're all over this in our house, starting with a vocabulary lesson on NEED vs WANT! This exercise alone is a windfall. We'll keep this post up & continue to update it with some of the best, most current offers.

BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING - 2008

The back-to-school season kicked off this month and will last through mid-September ... And While it's considered the second-busiest retail period behind Christmas, back-to-school spending is estimated to rise at the slowest pace in seven years.

WITH summer gas prices hovering around $4 dollar A GALLON ... some savvy shoppers ARE reaching for their keyboards instead of their car keys ... taking to the Internet in search of back-to-school deals and special offers ... AND many e-tailers are deliverING unprecedented VALUE ...

AOL CONSUMER ADVISOR REGINA LEWIS is ready to teach us a cyber-lesson that'll help get us the most bang for our back-to-school buck ...

***


RECENT SURVEYS SHOW THE AVERAGE FAMILY WITH SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WILL SPEND NEARLY $600.00 ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL PUCHASES ... AND A BIGGER CHUNK OF THAT MONEY MAY BE SPENT ONLINE THIS YEAR?

- When you look at grades K-12, recent surveys indicate there will be an up-tick in online back-to-school shopping ...

- Already, in recent weeks, a surprising "bright spot" in retail has been big players, including Gap and JC Penney experiencing double-digit sales growth on their shopping sites. And it makes perfect sense when you consider online shopping has always been about three things: 1) selection, 2) price, 3) convenience.

- Selection online is bigger than ever, the prices are competitive and if you can take advantage of FREE or discounted shipping offers, by the time you factor in gas, your total cost could be lower ... and convenience just paid for itself. Bottom line: Consumers don't want to take the risk of spending time and gas driving from store to store hunting for things.

Kids Sale Up To 40% Off

LET'S TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE ONLINE OFFERS YOU'RE SEEING FROM SOME SPECIFIC ONLINE STORES ...

Online sales for GAP a full 21% over this time last year. They have a new web strategy where you can shop at all three of their big brands – GAP, Old Navy, & Banana Republic (+ their new shoe store piperlime.com ) on one site – it's four stores and one checkout. You can buy as much as you want and get FLAT RATE SHIPPING of only $7. If on the other hand you were to drive to 3 or 4 different stores looking for something – it's easy to start doing the math on how much gas you might burn through.

hello genius. grab a uniform goodbuy. Spend 50 dollars get free shipping

$7 FLAT RATE SHIPPING SOUNDS LIKE A PRETTY GOOD DEAL ... WHAT ABOUT FREE SHIPPING OFFERS ... ARE THERE MANY OF THOSE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW?

Absolutely. We usually only see this many offers around the holidays, but e-tailers know their most effective online promotion is FREE SHIPPING. In some cases you have to meet a minimum purchase amount (say $50) for the free shipping to kick in; or free shipping may only apply to certain items/categories.

Some current offers – keep in mind some of these offer change daily, so check back often:

- JCPenney.com – free shipping on all orders $99 and up.
- Target.com – free shipping on kids clothes when you spend $50 or more. Free shipping on select dorm room furniture.
- Zappos.com – huge online shoe store – free shipping & free return shipping 365 days a year.
- Kohls.com – free shipping when you spend $75 or more.
- Walmart.com – free shipping "site to store." Still a good option since it keeps you from running in circles in Walmart and by shopping online you know right away whether they have the sizes, styles, items you're after.

- Website freeshipping.org currently has free shipping promotions listed for over 800 online stores. Some offers require a coupon code, others again may require you to hit a certain purchase amount.

YOU SAY EVEN WITH FREE OR FLATRATE SHIPPING, IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO THE OVERALL MATH ... EXPLAIN THAT?

You have to take the total cost of your online purchase – that's merchandise + any shipping costs and weigh that against what it would cost you to drive to the store – or multiple stores.

You can use sites like MapQuest.com to plot out trips before you hop in the car, so you know exactly how far you're going and if you're taking the fastest route.

If you drive an SUV, live 15 miles from the mall and you're getting 15 miles to the gallon – at $4.00+ a gallon – multiple trips to the mall are not your friend. That's when it may pay off -- and the total cost may be cheaper -- to have items sent to your doorstep.

.

EVEN THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE BUYING ONLINE ... THEY CAN BENEFIT BY USING THE INTERNET TO LAY OUT A GAME PLAN FOR THEIR SHOPPING TRIP?

Sure. For every purchase made online, many more are influenced by researching products first. And, you can take it a step further by knowing instantly if the items you're after are "in stock." That way you don't get in the car only to find out when you get there, they're sold out. CircuitCity.com, for example, has an inventory tracker, that will instantly tell you if an item is available in stores near you BEFORE you get in the car.


ANY TIPS FOR PARENTS WHO ARE GETTING THOSE NO SO SUBTLE NUDGES FROM THEIR KIDS AS TO WHAT THEY WHAT THEY WANT (OR NEED) FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ... YOU KNOW THEY JUST HAVE TO HAVE WHAT THE OTHER COOL KIDS HAVE, RIGHT?

- There's definitely a lot of negotiating going on between pre-teens, teens and parents.


- Have a game plan: Make a list, set a budget, and go online together with your son/daughter to do your shopping. We'll be following this drill in our house this w-end.

- There's going to be some give and take – maybe you agree to get them the one pair of designer jeans or shoes from Nordstrom.com and in return they're willing to spend the rest of the budget on a site offering deeper discounts like Target or Walmart.com.

- By shopping online you can also take away some of the temptation of those impulse buys. By constantly reviewing your shopping cart, you can view the running total you're spending – that alone can help you stay on budget – there are no surprises at the register.

Best Book Buys


SWITCHING GEARS TO COLLEGE-AGE KIDS ... ONE OF THE BIGGEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPENSES FOR THEM ARE OFTEN TEXTBOOKS ... BUT YOU SAY THERE'S LOTS OF MONEY TO BE SAVED BY BYPASSING THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE?

The average college student spends $900 annually on textbooks. The price at the campus bookstore used to be the price you paid and that was that, but that's not the case these days – there's competition. And with a single hardcover book sometimes costing in excess of $100.00 new, if you can save 30, 40, 50%, why wouldn't you?

For those who plan to go this route, BestBookBuys.com is a good starting point. It's a textbook comparison shopping site that searches the Internet for your textbooks across dozens of textbook sites and thousands of independent sellers on eBay, Amazon.com's Marketplace and other sources.


Most textbook resellers also offer to buy back your used books. So you save on the front end and cash in a little bit on the back-end.

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Do you know who the Next Hannah Montana Is?

Monday, August 18, 2008

We are heading to The Jonas Brothers Concert tonight. Gotta hand it to these boys. Can remember thinking they we're onto something when they opened for Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) last Summer. Disney really knows how to keep kids in the pipeline. Demi Lovato will be opening tonight. Knew she was an up & comer when spotted her on the HOT SEARCH List. If you are a Parent or Grandparent ... memorize her name. She's slated to be "the next Hannah Montana." Just burnt Jonas Bros iTunes CD, so we can sing on the way to & from the show ... RELATED POSTS: Scoring Hannah Montana Tickets. Find more concert tours: HERE.

MTV VJ Damien Fahey, musicians Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers visit MTV's

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Diet.com -- Calorie Counts on the Fly

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

This is a fun one, as discussed on radio with the ever-gracious Wags & Elliot on Ohio's WLVQ FM recently. Picture this: You're at one of 1700 restaurants nationwide, one of the 36,000 item menus listed has a "healthy heart" next to it. To be clear, it often has NOTHING to do with calories. If you're an old-fashion believer in it all coming down to calories in & calories out (simple math), this new online mobile tool may be for you.


Have tested it all week & the instant results are truly instant. They call it, "Nutrition on the GO." I call it avoid crazy mistakes ... You send text message to Diet1 (34381) -- same drill as voting on American Idol. You type in the menu item (e.g, Subway 6 inch tuna sub ...) They text you right back with key -- & frankly staggering stats -- 530 calories (imagine when you have 12 inch!); carbs 45g: protein 22g; fat 31g. Then, you can make an educated call.

The new iPhone restaurant application, has a similar feature.

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Better to Drive or Have it Delivered?

Monday, August 4, 2008
It was great being back on TODAY SHOW this weekend covering the phenomenon of gas prices sparking an increase in online shopping & how to play into the trend to get more bang for your buck. We've gotten a lot of additional suggestions re: sites offering free shipping and we'll work to keep building on the list of sites featured on the show today. Keep the suggestions coming ... ;) Here's the MSNBC story & VIDEO. Plus, we've got some additional rough notes below.



GAS PRICES SPARK RISE IN ONLINE SHOPPING. DRIVE OR DELIVER?

Running errands can mean running through a lot of gas. That's got a lot of Americans grabbing the computer mouse instead of the car keys. As reported in The New York Times, online sales are a surprising "bright spot" in retail with a number of big players -- GAP, Victoria 's Secret, JC Penney -- experiencing double-digit sales growth on their shopping sites.

It makes perfect sense when you consider online shopping has always been about three things: Selection, Price & Convenience. The selection is bigger than ever, the prices are competitive, and -- when you factor in gas -- the total cost of ordering something online could be lower and convenience just paid for itself. Bottom line: Consumers don't want to take the risk of spending time & gas driving around running errands if they don't need to.

So, can you really get a "net" savings by hitting the net? We "road tested" a few examples to steer consumers in the right direction. The power move and one of the most effective online promotions online is two words: FREE or FLAT-RATE SHIPPING. Generally, there are four models:

* Flat-Rate Shipping

* Free Shipping with Purchase Minimum

* Free or Discounted Shipping on Select Items

* Always FREE

Working with these models and assuming a current average gas price of approximately $4 per gallon, we set out to see whether it's better to drive and pick up some items or whether it actually pays to have them delivered. You've got to adjust the math based on the distance from wherever you'd need to pick something up and you can get the exact mileage and even the cheapest route on sites like MapQuest.com. That number could affect your decision, so adjust accordingly.

EXAMPLE # 1 = GAP (GAP.com) FLAT-RATE SHIPPING

One of the best examples right now is this promotion from the GAP .... You can shop at all three of their big brands -- GAP, Old Navy, & Banana Republic + (their new shoe store) on one site & and buy as much as you want with FLAT RATE SHIPPING of $7. (Learn More | Gap)

Consider this math: If you drove to two out of the three stores and they were each 10 miles away (20 miles round-trip) @ $4 a gallon assuming 20 miles per gallon, you'll pay roughly $8 to get the exact same items you could have delivered to your doorstep.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE #2: BARNES & NOBLE (BN.com) FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASE MINIMUM
Books were one of the first things sold online and it's assumed they're usually pretty affordable on the shipping side. Sometimes it depends on how many you're buying. And you may think more is going to cost you more, because of weight, but it really often has to do with hitting a certain spending threshold. Here's an example -- and you see it a lot -- of how reaching a certain spending threshold can really change the math.

When we went to buy one book at $13.50, the standard shipping was $3.99 or 30%. That might be worth a drive. When we added a second book and crossed the $25 total mark, shipping was FREE. Now, you're still spending more overall, but you may be getting more for your money than if you get in the car. In fact, that second book just might be a gimmie for giving up gas. So, maybe check your calendar ... Think ahead: Is someone's birthday coming up? Might this be the time to grab something to give later?

VERDICT:

ONE BOOK = DRIVE!

TWO BOOKS = DELIVER!

EXAMPLE #3 CIRCUIT CITY (ciruitcity.com) TIP: CHECK INVENTORY ONLINE

If you're the kind of person who likes to touch and feel something, before you shell out the cash, you're not alone. In fact, it's estimated 70% of people research purchases to some degree online before they make a purchase in store. If you fit the profile, you could take advantage of the ability to "Check In-Store Inventory Online." At least you'll know if the store you are heading to has the item "in stock." This can save you from driving to three different Circuit City locations and burning gas only to find out they don't carry what you're after or it's sold out.

So, if you're seeking a specific digital camera, you'd type in your zip code -- and they'll tell you the nearest location addresses with the approximate mileage of the closest store with the item in stock. You can buy it online and have them hold it for you for in-store or you can read the reviews, get some additional information and then pick the shortest path. So, the verdict is drive, just don't drive in circles and without a clue if the item will be there when you get there.

VERDICT: DRIVE

EXAMPLE #4: ZAPPOS.COM
ALWAYS FREE OUTBOUND & RETURN SHIPPING

Commerce studies indicate one of the things people struggle most to find in both selection and size, are shoes. In fact, about one in three sales are lost at stores due to someone's size not being in stock. With a whopping three million items, to say Zappos.com is well-stocked, would be an understatement! And this is the biggie ... they have free shipping & free returns 24/7 365 days a year.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE 5: HOMEDEPOT.COM FREE SHIPPING ON SELECT ITEMS

You may be surprised a circular saw may not be worth driving in circles to go get. We've all done it, made multiple trips to Home Depot in a day. If there is something specific you need, you could buy it online this week at work & it'll be there for you free of charges when you start back up with chores next weekend.

VERDICT: DELIVER!

EXAMPLE 6: OFFICE DEPOT (OfficeDepot.com) FREE SHIPPING $50 AND UP

Office Depot offers free next day shipping on orders of $50 or more if you are in a "local delivery" area, usually within 20 miles (Office Max & Staples offer same deal). To see whether your address is in a local delivery area, look at your shopping cart total (upper right-hand side of the homepage), if your order is over $50 and you are in a local delivery area, a `Free Delivery' notice will appear in the Shopping Cart. If there is an amount listed after "delivery" in your shopping cart, then your address is outside of our local delivery area and you will incur the delivery charges shown. Is my zip code within a local delivery area?

If you're running a home business or working from home, this may be the way to go ... because every minute you're out of the office and on the road, can cost you. "Free Delivery" is not offered on items 70 lbs. and up or orders totaling more than 70 lbs.

VERDICT:

DELIVER!

DRIVE IF YOUR TOTAL ORDER WEIGHTS 70+ LBS.

Will these types of offers continue?

Retailers are pulling out all the stops to court consumers and fine-tuning their marketing models to spark both online and in-store sales. All indications are consumers can likely look forward to continued incentives heading into the all-important back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

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It's 3 AM, Have You Checked Your E-Mail Yet?

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

More Americans are Checking Email While Driving, in the Bathroom, on Vacation, in Church!

If you check your email in the middle of the night or even while driving, you're not alone. According to fourth annual Email Addiction Survey, nearly half (46%) of email users said they're hooked on email (up from just 15% last year) and 51% check their email four or more times a day (up from 45% in 2007). One in five said they check their email more than 10 times a day. Full results can be found at http://www.CrazyForEmail.com.

More than one-quarter (27%) are so overwhelmed by their email that they've either declared "email bankruptcy," deleting all their email messages to start anew, or they're seriously thinking about doing so. Maybe it's because 20% of users said they have over 300 emails in their inboxes!

To start fresh, 24% admit they've signed up for a new email address. It comes as no surprise then that 69% of email users said they have multiple email accounts, up from 52% in 2007. To get a new email address, including NAME@CrazyForEmail.com, just visit http://MyeAddress.com.

We Have Issues with Salutations, Sign-Offs & Spelling

When asked about email etiquette, nearly one quarter (24%) of email users said they don't even use a salutation – they just dive right into their email messages! Meanwhile, 23% write "Hi Bob" and 20% say "Hello Bob" when they start an email to co-worker Bob.

As for email sign-offs, most people write "Thanks" (44%) or "Sincerely (12%). The most annoying sign-off among email users? It's "xoxo" according to 25% of respondents. "Cheers" irritated 13% of users the most. Overall, 63% of email users were annoyed by some type of email sign-off.

Most respondents (88%) said that they pay attention to spelling and punctuation when writing emails, and 68% said emails with spelling and punctuation errors annoyed them. Interestingly, 74% said they excuse errors when emails are sent from a mobile device like a BlackBerry or iPhone.

We Do it in the Middle of the Night & First Thing in the Morning

So when are email users most likely to check their email? Twenty-three percent said as soon as they wake up, followed by right when they get home from work (11%) and right after dinner (9%).

Among email users, 16% said they check their email from a mobile device and 55% said they upgraded to a new cell phone in the last year so they could get their email while on-the-go. Unfortunately, 30% of mobile email users said that since getting a mobile device with email capabilities they feel "married to the office."

Nearly half (41%) of mobile email users said they keep their cell phones near them when they sleep so they can hear when a new email comes in. Worse, 49% of mobile email users said they check their email every single time a new message arrives. This can't be good for sleep.

Are We a Nation Hooked on Email?

People today check their email from the strangest of places. Where you ask?

• In bed in their pajamas: 67%
• From the bathroom: 59% (up from 53% last year)
• While driving: 50% (up from 37% last year)
• In a bar or club: 39%
• In a business meeting: 38%
• During happy hour: 34%
• While on a date: 25%
• From church: 15% (up from 12% last year)

Email users have also become too quick to hit the "Send" button. In fact, 32% have forwarded an email to the wrong person and 16% have relied on email as a way to share uncomfortable or bad news with someone. Meanwhile, 12% have used email to ask someone on a date and 7% have broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend over email. A full 16% even said they still keep email notes from ex-boyfriends and girlfriends!

We also just can't walk away from our inboxes. Of those surveyed, 60% said they've never gone more than 5 days without checking email and 17% can't go more than one day without email. They're so hooked that 11% have even hidden the fact that they're checking email from a spouse or family member.

The Most Email Addicted Cities in the Nation

Some cities are more hooked on email than others. Here are the ten most email addicted cities in the country:

1. New York
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. San Francisco
6. Sacramento
7. Orlando
8. Minneapolis-St. Paul
9. Denver
10. Phoenix

Email Addiction Tips:

Email Addiction often has less to do with curbing an obsession than it does with proper time and email management. The following tips can help people deal with "email addiction:"

** Store, don't hoard: Use folders provided in most free email services such as AOL to file messages appropriately. Simple drag and drop technology allows you to file your messages by category, and can help avoid repetitive communication. Keeping way too many old e-mails in your inbox and wastes a lot of time scrolling through them all.

**Use the away message: If you feel compelled to answer every email as it comes in, use your away message to let people know that you have stepped away from email for the day (or night), and will respond when you return.

**Follow the Rule of Three: If you have emailed back and forth with the same person on the same topic more than three times, it is time to pick up the phone and have a conversation.

**Don't over reply: You don't need to send those short, one-word replies, such as "thanks" or "yes."

**Set a virtual start time and curfew: Don't get online first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

**If all else fails, try going cold turkey: Take a weekend off; you might be surprised to find the world doesn't fall apart if you don't check your messages.

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eHAGGLING -- Your Mouse as a Bargaining Chip

Friday, July 25, 2008

It's fun to be back on WPIX CW in NYC ... Here's some of what we're covering ... With the economy on shaky ground, more Americans are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars further. This includes haggling for lower prices on everything from cars, to new flat screen TVs, furniture, home improvement products ... even clothing. But did you know, your mouse may be one of the best bargaining chips of all? It's called "e-Haggling."'





THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL OF US ... WE BUY AN ITEM AND THE VERY NEXT WEEK THE PRICE DROPS OR IT GOES ON SALE . BUT IT'S NOT GAME OVER?

www.priceprotectr.com

Most retailers offer what are called "price protection" policies, where they promise to refund a portion of your purchase price, if the product you bought drops in price within a certain time frame after you buy it. A typical period of time is 30 days. At PriceProtectr.com, they watch prices so you don't have to; if an item drops in price after you purchase it, they'll notify you by email so you can get a refund of the difference. To use the service, just enter the URL for the item you purchased.

AND THERE'S A SITE THAT WORKS IN SIMILAR FASHION FOR AIRFARES?
www.yapta.com – "Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant"
All major airlines offer what is called the "guaranteed airfare policy," which means you're eligible for a refund if the fare price decreases. Plug your email address and itinerary into Yapta.com (before or after you book) and it will alert you if/when prices drop. Even after deducting any change fee that may be levied by the airline, if the $400 round trip ticket you purchased is suddenly $200, you might have $150+ bucks headed your way – usually the money comes by way of a travel voucher you can use on a future trip.

ONE OF THE LATEST WAYS TO E-HAGGLE IS WITH OUR CELL PHONE?
Wireless E-Haggling: At
wap.aol.com/shopping there's a mobile comparison shopping tool where you can compare prices on nearly 12 million products right on your cell phone, while you're in the store. Try showing that to the salesperson ... it could move the needle in your direction.

SHOPPING FOR A NEW OR USED CAR ... ALSO POPULAR ONLINE ... SOME TIPS THERE FOR GETTING THE BEST DEAL?

75% of car shoppers start their search online ... and spring/summer is a popular time to buy a new set of wheels. Your best bet is to start out on a major autos site like autos.aol.com ... Once you find the make/model you're after, your next move should be to email the dealer for an anonymous no obligation price quote. Chances are, they're going to give you a competitive price ... after all, they want you to show up to the lot on Saturday. On the other hand, if their price seems a little high to you, email back and let them know ... Tell them you're also waiting on quotes from other dealers. If they want your business, they'll likely respond with their best price.

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SITES TO AVOID TRAFFIC !!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Sat in traffic all morning. All could think about was home much time & gas was being wasted. Ironically, every story on the radio was about gas prices and area road planning. Turns out, there are some new online applications might prove useful on this front. You can even find out where construction is underway, as lots of orange hardhats & one lane, can be a huge factor with summer road trips. Plus, in my world, if you're due at a TV Bureau at a certain time, being punctual is make or break ... Here's hoping we all find these 3 SITES TO AVOID TRAFFIC useful.

Then, again, as discussed on WSJ RADIO, you could have THIS commute in you live in Japan. UNBELIEVABLE!


3 Best Ways to Avoid Traffic

Nobody likes to sit in traffic. Searches for the word "traffic" are up 44% on AOL Search so drivers are clearly looking for help.

TrafficLand: You really can do just about everything from your Facebook page these days, and getting live video feeds of the roads on your daily commute is no longer an exception. Just go to Facebook and search for "TrafficLand" to add the application to your profile.

Traffic Legend

MapQuest Traffic: MapQuest just announced a new feature called Current Traffic that lets users overlay traffic conditions, including crashes, construction and slow speeds, on top of their route map with one click. Perfect for travel on new routes when you want to be sure to arrive on time.

TrafficGauge: If you're traveling to a new city and not sure of the traffic patterns check out TrafficGuage. This one's not free – it's as low as about $1.99 a month – but this one uses real-time data to guide you around traffic in 20 major cities right on your phone.

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How do I .... ??? Click + Watch = Learn!

Friday, July 18, 2008

All products, particularly electronics, come with some sort of manual or instructions. Sooner or later, you're going to need them. Which begs the question, "Do you really want to read them?" Personally, they make me cringe upon first sight. If you prefer having directions read TO you "show & tell" style, you're in luck ....

Even better, there are virtual "how-to"s" by way of on-demand videos for just about everything, from figuring out how to Permanently Delete Photos & Data from Your iPhone - via CNET.com – to Tips for Taking Better Snap Shots - via Switched.com.


The web is also full of "how to" videos for everyday topics like Lawn & Landscape Care - via DIY Network ... or if golf is more your speed ... there's an online cure a swing that's ailing - via VideoJug. Ok, now we've got your attention;)

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Record Gas Prices Drive College Students to Online Courses

Thursday, July 17, 2008
With gas prices currently at record highs, many of us are changing our driving habits ... carefully picking and choosing where and when we take to the roads ... some folks have even gone as far as re-routing road trips and summer vacations. Another interesting trend being driven by sky high gas prices – an up-tick in the number of college students enrolling in online courses. According to a recent AP article, while online enrollment has steadily grown for years, college administrators say the recent spike in gas prices – to more than $4 a gallon most places – is fueling a surge in students seeking to take classes without the cost of commuting.


If you're considering enrolling in an online course, a.k.a., "e-learning," here's a little bit of what you need to know before taking the plunge.

E-Learning is a growing trend: About 2 million people are taking college courses, from home, online. In most cases they never meet their instructors or fellow classmates. In addition to high fuel costs, driving the demand for online universities, one word: flexibility.



The traditional college student really has become the exception, not a rule. Fewer than 20 percent of students enrolled in U.S. colleges are full-time undergraduates, ages 18 to 22, living on campus and having face-time with professors. The rest of America's college crowd includes part-timers who likely also hold jobs, are working parents and may be serving in the military – all seeking advance education &/or degrees however they can. Usually, they've got their eye on career changes or advancement.

Popular with moms: Online learning is particularly popular among women. Moms with children under 10 years old are one of the fastest growing groups of e-learners. The most common time for them to log-in, in the evening, between 8pm – 11pm, after the after the kids are asleep.



According to University of Phoenix Online, the average student is 34 years old and the student body is 62% female. University of Phoenix pioneered online learning, establishing their first online campus over 15 years ago. Currently, they have over 150,000 students attending courses online. Stunning stat.

But can you really earn a legitimate degree online? Yes, you can. There are hundreds other colleges and universities offering classes and degree programs online in just about any subject area imaginable. It's the same curriculum you find on a traditional campus. Even prestigious four-year colleges are getting in the game, offering students access to at least a small selection of online classes.

Popular distance learning degree programs include: Graduate and undergraduate business and management programs, followed by information systems and technology degree programs. "Helping careers" such as nursing and education are also attracting an increasing number of online students.

The virtual classroom: Most online classes are administered via distance learning software such as the Blackboard Learning System. (University of Phoenix Online uses its own proprietary software). These secure Web-based software programs serve as electronic bulletin boards, allowing teachers and students to share content, post and respond to lesson plans and assignments, and leave feedback. Some classes use video-conferencing, streaming media, voice chats and have interactive quizzes.

While the bulk of coursework often consists of written assignments and essay exams, other testing can be done via a secure log-in procedure. And uploading files and attachments is the cyber-class version of passing assignments to the front of the room.

Enrolling in an e-learning institution: Online universities offer classes on a "rolling schedule" throughout the year (vs Fall & Spring semesters). Students usually take classes one at a time and they generally last about 5 to 6 weeks each. Some schools offer student orientation, either online or sometimes at a satellite location in your local area. Definitely attend if possible, so you can get your arms around how things will work day-to-day, week-to-week. Also, get the e-mail addresses of your professor and a few students in class ... it doesn't hurt to have a study buddy in the cyber-classroom.
Tuition costs: Tuition cost is actually about the same as in a traditional college or university. Most people are surprised by this (they expect it to be less). But, price is determined by how many credits you're acquiring. You do save money on room and board and there's no travel involved. Also, if you're holding down a full-time job, your employer may help pick up some of the tuition cost if you maintain a certain grade point average. Definitely look into this. I know several people who currently have this arrangement.

Make sure the online university is accredited: Before you enroll in any school, online or offline, do your homework. On the website for The U.S. Department of Education they have a search page where you can type in the name of any college or university and they'll tell you if it's nationally accredited.



Another site worth checking out is ClassesUSA.com. They have partnerships with over 100 accredited schools and they make it easy to request information from these schools re: more than 1,600 accredited degree and certification programs.

What do perspective employers say about online degrees? Some argue it takes more discipline to participate in an online course than a traditional face-to-face course. I've talked to HR specialists about this, and it makes perfect sense. They contend if you're a self-starter enough and motivated enough to take this on, you're exactly the profile they're looking for in a roll-up-your-sleeves & make-it-happen work environment.

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What's Hot on the Web - As Seen on TV Nationwide

Friday, July 11, 2008
It's time for "The Online Buzz" ... on CNN, in Phoenix (ABC), Denver (NBC), Detroit (FOX), etc., etc.
Here's some of what we're talking about this week on TV & Radio Stations across the country: Help Your Kids Fight Summer Brain Drain, Make Your Next Trip a "Staycation," and Save Money at the Pump. It's the Exclusive inside Scoop on What's Bubbling up Online ... Hear It Here First!

Go Online to Combat Summer Brain Drain: The kids are home for summer break and school is the last thing on their mind – bad news, since research shows kids can lose up to three months of learning over the summer. The Internet is full of resources parents can use to help combat summer brain drain. The trick is steering kids in the right direction. Not all websites are constructive and kids can "waste" a lot of time online if their cyber-enthusiasm isn't properly channeled.

KEEP THE KIDS READING - bookadventure.org
Nothing beats a trip to the library, but sometimes you end up walking in circles trying to decide what books to check out. On BookAdventure.org (a site by Sylvan Learning Center), children (K-8) can create personalized story lists from over 4,000 recommended titles. Kids click to check the boxes with topics they are interested in, i.e., animals, art, fairy tales, history, sports. The idea is to then print the list and bring it with you to the library.



Once they've read the books, kids can take quizzes and earn prizes for comprehension. The prizes are sent out by site sponsors and as you might expect, include books, bookmarks, etc. Gotta love it. I read all summer once just for stickers.

BRAIN GAMES - KOL
"Brain games" are great for younger kids, ages K-3. On KOL, there are lots of free resources: word finds – the ones you're used to seeing where you circle the words with a pen or pencil – they've gone virtual; there are also memory match games, word puzzles, concentration, etc. And while trying to solve the games, kids are working against the clock to score points, so it adds another element.



TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY WITH VIRTUAL ONLINE WORLDS
- minyanland.com.
Already, over 8 million kids are members of virtual online worlds ... names like Neopets or Webkinz will ring a bell with many parents. My youngest son has two Webkinz dogs and he's lobbying for a real one!



Minyanland.com, a virtual online community, is using "infotainment" to help kids understand how to manage money and make financial decisions. Minyanland, a kid safe environment, is led by a cast of animated "Critters" like Hoofy the Bull and Boo the Bear. Get it? Over 100,000 kids currently use the site, developed in conjunction with the National Council on Economic Education.

Make the Most of a StayCation: Before buying a ticket across the country, why not check out what's in your own backyard- you may be surprised about the hidden hot spots your city has to offer. "Staycations" save time and money, which we could all use a little more of these days.

FINDING ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD - CityGuide
According to a recent MapQuest survey, over 1/3 say they've canceled vacation plans altogether this summer. Those really looking to cut costs are vacationing closer to home, opting to enjoy nearby attractions and festivities. There's probably a lot more going on in your area than you know ... Many people live within easy drive of attractions they never find time to visit. Related: Summer Road Trip Tips




CityGuide has an event finder feature ... You punch in the dates you're looking to do something and it shoots back a list of what's going on – from concerts and comedy shows to festivals and fireworks displays, museum attractions, sporting events ... what's happening at the local zoo ... on and on. Also on CityGuide, reviews for the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs etc., in your local area. Key tip: Pretend you're a tourist;) Related: Cast Your Vote for City's Best.

MAKE EVERY MILE COUNT - roadtripamerica.com
With gas prices sky high, every mile counts,and that has travelers going all out to make the most of their road trips. We know road trips are decreasing in distance – the ideal road trip is now less than 200 miles, according to mapmaker Ran McNally – so you want to make the most of it and catch all the attractions along the way.



Whether you're going by car, RV, motorcycle or by bike, RoadTripAmerica can help you plan a road trip close to home – they list cool places to explore by state, have suggestions on the best road food ... and one of the best places to frequent on the site are the forums or message boards ... Here, people exchange ideas, give advice on the best road trips in particular areas and offer suggestions for people who may be traveling to their local area. The "locals" always know best. Related: Virtual Vacations - GoogleSightSeeing.com

FIND THE CHEAPEST GAS - MapQuest.com
In cities across the country, going one block or one mile could save you precious pennies at the pump. As much as .30-.50 cents per gallon. If you're filling up a 20 gallon SUV once or twice a week, it adds up fast. TOTAL MONTHLY SAVINGS: Save 30 cents per gallon X 2 tanks per week = $48.



MapQuest.com's gas prices feature works by typing in an address or zip code and it returns gas stations with the lowest prices for up to a 50 mile radius. The stations appear plotted on a map. In a given area, prices can range by as much as 50 cents per gallon and are updated up to 7 times a day.

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE AT THE PUMP ...
Hypermiling.com - Hypermiling, changing your driving methods, acceleration, etc. to maximize your gas mileage.

AOL Autos


AOL Autos Hybrids- And for those of us abandoning our SUVs or more fuel efficient car, you can also look on line for the best used hybrid vehicles.

Score the Best Concert Tickets: Summer is a great time to rock out with your favorite band, but finding great deals isn't always easy to come by. New sites allow fans to score exclusive and discounted tickets to the season's best concerts.

TRACK YOUR FAVORITE BANDS ON TOUR
- TourTracker.com
Tour Tracker keeps music fans constantly updated on their favorite band or artists tours, while providing a platform to discuss everything from set lists to favorite show moments to places to meet afterwards. The free site is sponsored exclusively by American Express and offers concert goers special incentives to buy tickets, including discounts for American Express cardholders. I just purchased some Madonna tickets using American Express points. Am also hoping to get US Open Tennis tickets via American Express.




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Summer Road Trip Tips - As Seen on The Early Show (CBS)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

If high gas prices have put your plans for a summer vacation on the back burner, you're not alone. According to a new survey by MapQuest, pain at the pump is causing 66% of consumers to alter vacation plans ... While some are simply opting for destinations closer to home, over one-third say they've canceled vacation plans altogether ... FULL STORY.

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4th of July - Keep Traditions Going

Friday, July 4, 2008

Growing up, 4th of July was always one of the most special EXTENDED family traditions & in my case, means DOZENS of aunts, uncles & cousins galore. The annual "Barn Party" was a wonderful "tradition." We even painted the barn floor as an American flag (see photo). By definition you don't have traditions, if you don't start & stick with them. Here's hoping some of these resources are helpful in some small way ... ENJOY & Be Safe.

Online Guide to 4th of July