You can save big money on your car expenses - thousands of dollars a year. The more cost-saving measures you adopt, the more money you'll save. Potential savings will vary widely depending on your personal situation.

SAVE MONEY ON NEW CAR PURCHASES

-Keep cars longer instead of trading every few years. Not only does the cost of new cars rise each year, but cars depreciate quickly, and when you trade frequently, you lose money on low trade-in values. Buy a good quality car and keep it for five to seven years. Potential Money Savings: $400-1,000/yr.

-When buying a new car, consider smaller models. They're often cheaper, and because they're lighter, they usually get better gasoline mileage. In addition, insurance is cheaper. Potential Money Savings: $400-600/yr.

-When buying a new car, consider the impact that various options have on fuel economy. For example, you sacrifice several miles per gallon when using air conditioning on the highway and even more in stop-and-go traffic; automatic transmissions get about five mpg less than manual transmissions; six-cylinder engines get about four to five mpg less than four-cylinder engines. Potential Money Savings: $400/yr or more.

-Don't buy credit life or credit disability insurance through your car dealer when purchasing a new car. Some dealers do a hard sell on these coverages, but they are highly overpriced, and if they're folded into your car loan, you not only end up paying 100% to 500% more than you should for the coverage, you also pay interest on it. Stick to regular life and disability insurance through your employer or an individual policy. Potential Money Savings: $300-500.

-Be extremely wary of purchasing service contracts or extended warranties on new automobiles through your dealer. Many of them have very limited coverage (in spite of what the salesman may lead you to believe) and they cost much more than policies purchased directly from providers like Warranty Direct (www.warrantydirect.com). Potential Money Savings: $500-1,000.

SAVE MONEY ON CAR MAINTENANCE

-Keep your car properly tuned. A poorly tuned car uses between 25% and 33% more gasoline each year. It's cheaper to pay the cost of a tune-up. Potential Money Savings: $150-250/yr.

-Change the oil and oil filter in your car every 3,000 miles, regardless of how often your owner's manual recommends. More frequent oil changes are the single most important factor in extending the life of your engine, and will more than pay for themselves in savings on repairs and engine wear. Potential Money Savings: $500 - $3,000.

-Check your car's air filter monthly. A dirty filter shortens the engine's life and reduces gasoline mileage up to 10%. You can clean the filter by removing it and blowing it with an air hose, or you can replace it. Potential Money Savings: $130/yr or more.

-Use steel-belted radial tires. This can increase your gasoline mileage up to 10% per year. Potential Money Savings: $130/yr or more.

-Unless your car is knocking and pinging, don't use a higher octane gas than your owner's manual recommends. For most cars, premium gasoline offers no benefit. Unless your car has a high-performance engine and your manufacturer recommends a high-octane gas, use the less expensive gas. Premium gas costs 10% to 15% higher than regular. Potential Money Savings: $200-400/yr.

-Check your tire pressure regularly. You can lose up to 6% in gasoline mileage for every pound of under-inflation. Potential Money Savings: $140-400/yr.

-Add thousands of miles to the life of your tires by having them balanced once a year. In addition to destroying the tread, improperly balanced tires can wear out your shock absorbers and damage your suspension system, leading to more expense. Potential Money Savings: $175-250/yr.

-Check fluid levels regularly. Low battery water shortens your battery's life. Also check coolant, automatic transmission fluid, brake and clutch fluids. Potential Money Savings: $50-300/yr.

SAVE MONEY ON GAS

-Pump your own gas. Self serve gas is usually 5% to 10% cheaper than full service. Potential Money Savings: $65-130/yr.

-Don't "top off the tank" when pumping gas. Some of the gas may end up overflowing when it expands in the sun or if you park on a hill. Potential Money Savings: $20-53/yr.

SAVE MONEY ON INSURANCE

-Ask your insurance agent how much money you can save by raising the deductible on your auto collision insurance. Often, raising the deductible from $200 to $500 can save you 10% to 30%. If you have a good driving record, you could come out ahead. Potential Money Savings: $50-225/yr.

-Make sure you notify your insurance company of all the safety features that qualify you for discounts on auto or homeowner's insurance, such as automatic seat belts or air bags in your car, smoke detectors in your home, etc. Non-smokers or non-drinkers can often get additional discounts. Potential Money Savings: $50-100/yr.

-If you drive an older car, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage (don't drop liability coverage). Collision coverage is required if you have a car loan, but for older cars that you own free and clear, weigh the car's book value (what the insurance company would pay you if the car was totaled) against your collision premiums. If your car is over five years old or is worth less than $1000, keeping collision and comprehensive coverage may not be worth what you're paying in insurance premiums. Potential Money Savings: $100-300/yr.

-Before buying a new car, ask your insurance agent whether the model you are considering will require a surcharge due to higher theft, damage or repair costs. Potential Money Savings: $50-200/yr.

-Shop around for insurance. If you're getting good service from your company and are happy with the rates, you may want to stay with them, especially if you have had accidents or tickets. But if your record is good, shop around to see how much you can save, then decide if the savings are worth the switch. Potential Money Savings: $50-200/yr.

-Consider combining your auto and homeowner's insurance under one policy. Many insurers give a discount for multiple policies. Potential Money Savings: $50-200/yr.

-If you have a high school or college student under 25-years old in your household, ask about the good student discount for auto insurance. If your student qualifies, you could save 25%. Potential Money Savings: $125/yr.

-Avoid tickets for speeding or moving violations. Many insurance companies give a discount of up to 20% if you have not had an accident or ticket for three years or more. Potential Money Savings: $100/yr or more.

SAVE MONEY DRIVING

-Car pool to work. By sharing the driving with just one other person, you could save an average of $20/month or $200/year in gasoline alone, if your commute is 20 miles round-trip each day. Sharing the driving with two others increases your savings even more. Savings vary depending on the length of your commute. In addition to savings on gasoline, you'll save maintenance costs and wear and tear on your car. Potential Money Savings: $400-700/yr.

-Another benefit to car pooling is that it reduces the annual mileage on your car. Since this reduces the risk of accident, your insurance company charges you less for your coverage. Potential Money Savings: $25-50/yr.

-Wasteful driving habits can double your fuel consumption. Develop gas-saving habits, such as: (1) always accelerate gently; (2) watch traffic ahead of you so you can anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops; (3)coast up to traffic jams by lifting your foot off the gas pedal instead of approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more gas to accelerate to normal speed from a full stop than it does from four or five miles per hour; (4) don't drive too fast or too slow. It takes 20% to 30% more gas to drive at 70 mph than 50 mph; (5) maintain a steady speed on the highway. Avoid getting stuck behind slow cars where you have to slow down to their pace and then speed up to pass. Potential Money Savings: $390/yr.

-Don't warm your car up by letting it idle. The engine warms up faster when driving than it does when idling, and idling wastes about a quart of gas every 15 minutes. Potential Money Savings: $90/yr.

-Save fuel by combining errands into one trip and avoid backtracking whenever possible. Potential Money Savings: $25-100/yr.

Tips found on About.com Financial Planning.

We are rewarding St. Louis with half price deals for a limited time during the NEW 60 Minute Steal Deal and giving gatewaycitysavers.com customers an unfair advantage! Every Wednesday at 9am, 11am, and 2pm a great deal will be released on-air on local radio stations 92.3 WIL, 1065 The ARCH and 101ESPN. 

The 60 Minute Steal will consist of deals for family getaways, quick lunch destinations, date nights and much more! Don’t delay, as you only have 60 minutes to take advantage of each amazing deal. The Deal is up until it is sold out, OR for 60 minutes, whichever happens first.  If you snooze, you lose! 

Make certain to listen to one of the above radio stations at 9am, 11am, and 2pm beginning February 29th,  or visit the gatewaycitysavers.com website or Facebook fan page at the top of each of those hours for the NEW featured 60 Minute Steal Deal! 

P.S.  If you sign up for our deals newsletter, you will find out about the deals at least a day prior to the rest of St. Louis!  

You want your children to be great at managing their money in the future, but where do you begin to teach kids about money? From introducing the concept of money to investing, here's a road map to guide you through the process.

1. Introduce the Concept of Money

Introduce young children to coins first. Teach them the value of coins and encourage them to save their coins in a piggy bank.

2. Lead by Example

Explain what you are doing when you write a check, use an ATM card, or pay for groceries. Kids are very observant and will learn many of their money concepts by watching you and copying your behavior.

3. Open a Savings Account

Explain to children how compound interest works and show them how their money grows in a savings account. Expand to a checking account once they are ready.

4. Use an Allowance

When children receive an allowance they must learn very basic budgeting and rationing skills. As they manage their allowance money, their money management skills will improve.

5. Make Learning Fun

Play money games that encourage learning. Board games, online games, and homemade games are all possibilities.

6. Allow Them to Make Mistakes

Let your children waste their money and make mistakes with their money. It's a valuable teaching tool. However, be ready to step in and help guide them when they need it.

7. Let Them Earn Money

Working summer jobs, becoming entrepreneurs, and working for mom and dad all help kids learn about business and hard work.

8. Teach Children to Budget

Allow your children to plan and budget for a family event to practice their budgeting skills.

9. Teach Your Teens About Credit

Help your children understand the concept of delayed gratification and the pros and cons of buying on credit.

10. Introduce Taxes

Children will often be surprised by the withholding on their first paycheck. Explain the concept of taxes early on and their paycheck will meet their expectations.

11. Encourage Charitable Giving

Introduce philanthropy to your children early and they will likely become eager volunteers and donors.

12. Introduce Long Term Planning

Teach your children about long term savings and debt. Discuss the costs of college, cars, houses, and retirement early to give them a head start.

13. Teach Them to Invest

Once they have mastered basic banking skills, encourage your children to learn about the stock market. Explore appropriate stocks and mutual funds with your children.

14. Teach Children to Set Goals

Many successful financial milestones are achieved by goal-setting. Encourage your children to set savings goals and work towards them.

Tips found at About.com Kids & Money.

Whether you are someone that takes spontaneous vacations or you plan your getaways a year in advance, finding that perfect location to enjoy a weekend getaway can be extremely difficult at times. This is why we have compiled a list of the top 30 Best Weekend Getaways in the US. We have separated them into three categories: Romantic Weekend Getaways, Family Weekend Getaways and Extreme Weekend Getaways. Take your time going through the list and give one a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Romantic Weekend Getaways

Location #1
Poconos, Pennsylvania
At the top of the list is this all inclusive romantic getaway that gives new meaning to the word romantic. These couples-only resorts cater to love birds everywhere.

Love is definitely in the air when you plan a trip to Poconos, Pennsylvania. These couples-only resorts offer all inclusive packages that make spending a romantic weekend away affordable. They don’t leave out a thing and that leaves you stress free. You will stay in one of the resorts sexy suites and enjoy the finest of dining. They include nightly entertainment and tickets to big name concerts and events. Enjoy unlimited access to all three resorts and the company of the one you love.

Location #2
Cape May, New Jersey
This Victorian-era town is perfect for any romantic weekend. It is located along the southern tip of New Jersey and offers romance and relaxation. Whether taking a stroll with your sweetheart along its beaches while looking for sea glass, or visiting its historic landmark district to enjoy the shops and sites, you are guaranteed a weekend full of memories.

You don’t need an occasion to visit Cape May. This quaint town has many meticulously maintained Inns that enjoy catering to lovers year-round. Many of them offer restaurants right on the premises while others are conveniently located near one of the many fine restaurants in town. There is nothing more romantic than snuggling with your sweetheart while traveling to dinner on one of the towns infamous horse-drawn carriages.

Location #3
Niagara Falls
Located in Niagara County, New York, this magnificent destination is sure to add romance to any weekend getaway. The opportunity to create memories is endless when visiting this spectacular location.

Travel into Canada and enjoy this wonder in all its beauty. Board the historic Maid of the Mist and prepare to get yourself a little wet on this boat ride to the base of the falls. Get a birds eye view from the whirlpool aero car, otherwise known as the antique cable car, which shuttles you across the falls to view the famous Niagara Whirlpools. You may decide to stay in and uncork a bottle of champagne while enjoying the view from your room. The Marriott Niagara Falls Hotel Fallsview and Spa offers rooms with over sized windows in guest rooms offering panoramic views of the falls or the river.

Location #4
Amelia City, Florida
Amelia Island was given its name by Amelia, daughter of England’s King George II. Located just inside the state of Florida, Amelia sits just south of the Georgia border northeast of Jacksonville.

Amelia is known for its Victorian Inns, stellar resorts and a picturesque shrimp fleet. Fernandina Beach’s old downtown offers shops and restaurants that tourists love. It’s primary beauty lies in its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Bed and Breakfast Inns are plentiful in this quaint town and the romance is always at its peak. Whether strolling down the beach hand in hand or sitting on the balcony watching the sun go down, you will fall in love all over again.

Location #5
McHenry, Maryland
Deep Creek Maryland combines the luxury of year round resorts with the relaxation and romance in a lakeside retreat.

Finding Deep Creek is not the easiest task but will be well worth the effort. You can find Deep Creek in the far western portion of Maryland showcasing Maryland’s largest fresh water lake. This getaway cater’s more to the couple in search of time alone and away from all the chaos life can dish out. You can experience nature in all its glory while taking a boat ride across the 12 mile long lake or you can just sit and enjoy the company of the one you love. This getaway transports you into another world and is well worth giving it a try.

Location #6
Brunswick, Georgia
Little Simons Island is definitely a diamond in the rough. This tropical paradise escape could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean island vacation rather than a tiny destination off the coast of Georgia.

Little Simons Island is the northernmost and most secluded of the string of islands known as the Golden Isles. It is 10,000 acres of wilderness and wild creatures all in a private sanctuary. This island consists of thick forests full of color and palm trees that billow in the breeze. It is bordered by beaches with burrowing crabs and squawking gulls overhead. It is easy to imagine being stranded on a deserted island with the one you love while enjoying this getaway.

There are three ways in which you can explore the island and they include walking, biking and paddling. Simply grab a map and off you go. If you prefer company or a guide, you can join other guests and embark on a guided tour adventuring deep into the island. You might even prefer participating in a birding trip, beach combing, a nature encounter, kayaking or even fishing.

Location #7
Clinton, Washington
Couples looking for romance are sure to find it at Whidbey Island, the longest island in the state of Washington. This romantic getaway location offers visitors a little bit of everything.

Whidbey Island is a rejuvenating getaway for anyone looking for a lot of romance with a splash of fun. Some of the nearby sites include charming small towns, sandy beaches, historic parks and landmarks, and rolling pastures.

The local cuisine includes an abundance of fabulous seafood from nearby waters; and overnight lodging ranges from northwest elegant to funky-historic. The woodland cottages located at the narrowest point of the island provide the perfect accommodations. These cottages sleep two comfortably and are conveniently placed to offer great opportunities to explore the lush island landscape and create romantic memories of a lifetime.

Location #8
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
A visit to one of America’s oldest Amish Settlements is sure to be a unique weekend. Lancaster will take you back to a slower, more peaceful time where life set its own pace.

One thing Lancaster is not in shortage of, when it comes to attractions, is buggy rides. You can find buggy tours galore and they are well worth the time. Travel through town and experience life the Amish way. With its quaint little shops, vast open fields and old style farms, Lancaster induces a feeling of relaxation free of worry. You will want to take the time to enjoy visiting the Amish owned area shops. They offer a wide variety of unique, local made as well as grown, products that you may not find anywhere else.

While in Lancaster, stay at one of the many Bed and Breakfast’s located throughout the area and further enjoy this trip into the past.

Family Weekend Getaways

Location #9
Orlando, Florida
When you think of Orlando, Florida the first thing that comes to mind, of course, is Disney world and for very good reason. Disney world is the biggest family oriented attraction in the world welcoming millions of visitors each year.

Disney world is fun for kids of all ages and that includes mom and dad. Rides, games, shows and food are never in shortage in this wonderland. There is so much to do while visiting Disney World that you could almost consider this one an adventure.

As fun and time consuming as a trip to Disney World can be, Orlando does offer quite a few other attractions to enjoy. While visiting this fun family destination, try making time for the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil show, “La Nouba,” Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or the Battle for Buccaneer Gold attraction at the “virtual theme park,” DisneyQuest (located in Downtown Disney).

Location #10
Wildwood, New Jersey
What would a family vacation be without a trip to the beach? Now add the fact that the beach is actually on an island full of fun and excitement and you have the makings for a masterpiece.

Three beach front water parks give this fun filled weekend a running start. Follow that up by pushing the limits on one of the six world-class roller coasters. Then give one of the many miniature golf courses a try. When you feel like you are about to explode from the pressure of all the fun, the games, water sports and beach entertainment begin. This is definitely a fun filled family weekend.

Location #11
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is also known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!” The nation’s first indoor water park was invented right here at this much appreciated destination.

Let’s go over a few of the reasons why Wisconsin Dells can claim to be the Capital of all water parks. It has the world’s largest concentration of indoor and outdoor water parks on the planet. It has America’s largest outdoor waterpark – Noah’s Ark Waterpark at 70 acres. It has America’s largest indoor/outdoor combination water park resort – the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort actually has four indoor waterparks and four outdoor waterparks on its property that, when added together, cover the equivalent of 12 football fields. It also has Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark – the Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center. Now that’s impressive.

Location #12
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of those overlooked vacation spots that is full of life and energy. You are sure to find a place of interest to visit no matter what your pleasure.

Atlanta is home to the largest aquarium in the world with over 8 million gallons of water and more animals than any other aquarium. It also houses the Atlanta Zoo, one of the oldest in the US. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum traces the life and work of president Jimmy Carter. And finally, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site features the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried.

Location #13
Lake Placid, New York
The Adirondacks Park is the largest forest preserve in the United States. To give you an idea of just how big this preserve really is, imagine taking Glacier, Olympic, Yosemite, and Yellowstone parks and placing them side by side. The Adirondacks Park would still be bigger.

This preserve contains forty-six peaks that spire over 4,000 feet above sea level, and nine of these have rocky alpine summits. Mount Marcy reaches 5,344 feet and Mount McIntyre is 5,112 feet. Whiteface is 4,867 feet high. While visiting this breathe taking location you can enjoy lakes, rivers, peaks and flat woodlands. Perfect for any family getaway, you are guaranteed to experience nature like never before.

Location #14
Smuggler’s Notch, New England
Located in the Green Mountains near Burlington, Vermont, this vacation spot is open summer, fall and winter. It has been voted one of the top family ski resorts in the US.

Smuggler’s Notch daringly promises: “the most fun your children will ever have – we guarantee it.” Kid’s programs offered consist of two teen centers, and a 5400 sq. ft. slope-side child care center for wee ones from 6 weeks of age.

Winter offers skiing, weekly fireworks, game night, a fun zone and more. The FunZone is a giant bubble that houses a Bouncy House, ping pong, air hockey, arcade games, kiddie area, inflatable structures to climb on, 22-foot slide, obstacle course, mini golf, volleyball and basketball.

Summer offers attractions such as four waterslides, a waterpark with slides and cannons, skateboard park, zip lines, disc golf, geo-caching, “digglering”, plus kayaking, hiking, and just about anything else you can think of.

Location #15
Monterey Bay, California
Located on the coast in northern California, Monterey Bay is located about 110 miles south of San Fransisco. It is a very popular tourist spot and is home to Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a well known sightseeing destination and is located in former cannery.

Monterey is very close to legendary Big Sur where the beaches are beautiful but cold! Gray whales can be spotted from the highway turnouts from December through April.

Sea kayaking is very popular with adults and older kids alike. It’s not uncommon to see sea lions, harbor seals or even sea otters on this adventure. Don’t forget about those gray whales though. They have no problem sneaking up on you and that’s sure to create a memory that will last forever.

Location #16
Coconino County, Arizona
The Grand Canyon can simply be described as majestic. From the North Rim to the South Rim and the 18-MILE spread between them, not to mention the 227 miles of length and the mile drop to the Colorado River, this masterpiece will keep you amazed.

You have several options when it comes to exploring the Grand Canyon. There’s a leisurely (or not so leisurely) hike which is always an adventure, and a fun filled mule ride which is always a hit for the kids but the multi-day rafting trip is not for the faint at heart. For those who would rather enjoy the scenic views and eliminate the work of getting there, a helicopter tour is the answer for you.

The Grand Canyon has so much to offer that a weekend will probably not be enough but it will definitely be a weekend you won’t want to see end.

Location #17
Big Bear Lake, California
Last of the Mohicans, several episodes of Bonanza and Old Yeller were just a few of the films that producers decided to film between 1960 and 1969 in the majestic mountains called Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s largest recreational lake. It is approximately seven miles long and about one mile wide at its widest point. Fishing has always been one of this locations most popular activities and this remains so today. Trout, bass and catfish can be found in abundance here so all family members are sure to have a great time.

During the winter season, Big Bear Lake becomes a skiing and snowboarding destination for Southern California. There are two major ski resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Visitors come from all over the world to give these slopes a try and none go home disappointed. The town is also home to the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, in operation since 1999.

Location #18
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, more commonly known as the birthplace of America, has become one of the nation’s top travel destinations. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross’ House are just a few of the many attractions you can experience while visiting this historic state.

The history represented by Philadelphia makes it a must see travel destination. This location was once home to individuals such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and William Penn.

Philadelphia is full of culture and its restaurants and style shops line the streets. Revitalization projects have transformed it from old to new. The renowned Italian Market continues to offer exceptional shopping delights. Furthermore, the new Citizen Bank Ballpark has brought pride back to Philadelphia sports.

Location #19
Pikes Peak, Colorado
Pikes Peak is loaded with fun things to do for the whole family and is located near Colorado Springs. The picturesque mountain views will keep you in awe and will offer activities galore.

This is another one of those family vacation spots that will create family memories that will last a lifetime. This destination offers up a variety of activities many of which surround the beauty in nature. Colorado whitewater rafting Arkansas River is one of the most popular activities you will find. And no trip to Pikes Peak would be complete without experiencing Pikes Peak itself. But the newest attraction to the area was completed in 2010. Segway Tours at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is a great way to experience one of natures’ greatest treasures: Garden of the Gods Park.

If you prefer to enjoy nature on your own, you can always go with the spectacular hiking trails, the crystal clear fishing holes or a visit to the world’s highest suspension bridge. You will never find a shortage of things to do on this fun filled family vacation getaway.

Extreme Weekend Getaways

Location #20
Clinton, New Jersey
If you are looking for an unusual adventure, then look no further. A trip to Clinton, New Jersey will give you the opportunity to enjoy a weekend with ‘In Flight Balloon Adventures’.

In Flight was established in 1987 and provides the most personalized flying experience. They offer an absolutely amazing ballooning experience with spectacular views of the rolling hills, farms and historic buildings. The Two Night Romantic Adventure Getaway Package that IN Flight offers includes everything to make this weekend complete. It combines the adventure of a Hot Air Balloon flight with the romance of elegant dining. You will be spending your nights in a charming little Bed and Breakfast and your days soaring through the air enjoying views in a way never experienced.

If a full day of Hot Air Balloon rides isn’t your thing, you have the option of enjoying a smaller 2 hour ride while spending the rest of your vacation enjoying all of the history that the local area has to offer. The Red Mill Museum Village sits on a tranquil 10 acre site nestled along the banks of the South Branch of the Raritan River in historic Clinton, New Jersey. You can also visit the Hunterdon Historical Museum, Hunterdon Museum of Art and the Clinton Historic District.

Location #21
Moab, Utah
CanyonLands Jeep adventures offers a unique, fun filled experience that any adventurer will surely enjoy. Each Canyonlands Jeep rental comes with a recommended trail map, a cooler with ice and water, and plenty of room for your own snacks.

This adventure will take you through the red rock country around Moab. A great way to start your experience will be to travel 10.1 miles north of the adventure center where you will find the trails starting point off to your left. This is where you will parallel railroad tracks and begin your climb. Your adventure will continue as you drop into a beautiful red rock canyon and find yourself in the middle of a mesa. On your way back to Moab be sure to stop off at Wall Street to enjoy some rock climbing and see some wonderful Indian writings and petroglyphs.

A unique weekend adventure like this should be enjoyed by anyone who loves the great outdoors. It isn’t as strenuous as many other weekend adventure getaways but still provides all of the excitement. This extreme weekend can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Location #22
Las Vegas, Nevada
Yes, this weekend getaway was placed in the Best Weekend Adventure Getaways spot because that’s exactly what a weekend in Vegas is. There is so much to do in this ‘city that never sleeps’, that a weekend is almost never enough.

When we think of Vegas, we think of gambling. Although this is a very popular activity for those who frequent this light filled city, it is by no means the only activity. Shows are of the highest quality in Vegas and there are many to choose from but there is a free show that is recommended for all to see. The Bellagio fountains produces a spectacular show throughout the day and night non-stop. This choreographed stream of water shoots out of the fountain and dances to songs by Frank Sinatra or Gene Kelly. This one is sure to amaze. Now if it’s a show that costs that you are craving, there is none better than Cirque. It’s not cheap and will take up three hours of your day but it is well worth it.

Let’s not even get started on food because Vegas is the mecca of fine dinning, designer dinners and extreme buffets. Clubs, coasters, museums and spas are just a few more of the attractions you can indulge in while visiting this extreme city.

Location #23
Hope, New Jersey
If horseback riding is the adventure for you, then the Double D Guest Ranch is the place for you. This adventure isn’t for the timid but is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors.

The Triple Brook Family Camping Resort is where your adventure will begin. This 250 acre farm is tucked away in the beautiful Kittatinny Mountains. The resort offers two swimming pools, a heated whirlpool spa, fishing, boat rentals and farm animals. There is also a children’s playground with tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and mini golf.

The accommodations may not sound like a visit to the old west but a trip to the Double D Guest Ranch surely will. A short ride from the campground, in Blairstown, New Jersey, is where your adventure begins. Your horseback ride will take you through the Paulinskill River, the Allamuchy Mt. Park or the Swartswood State Park. Rides range anywhere from 2 hours long to a full day experience. This weekend adventure just might have you coming back for more.

Location #24
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers a smorgasbord of activities to satisfy any adventurer. No matter where you passion lies, this getaway destination is sure to satisfy all comers.

There is definitely no shortage in the area of activities. Kayaking and sail boating are very popular ways to travel between the islands and are generally enjoyed by all. While we are on the subject of water, let’s move right on into the topic of fishing. The Apostle Islands and surrounding area offer anglers the opportunity to fish for Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Coho Salmon. A Wisconsin fishing license and Great Lakes trout/salmon stamp are required for fishing in the park. The most unusual of water activities you can experience while visiting Apostle Islands is scuba diving. Diving is an adventure that will be different each time depending on where you visit. Apostle Islands offers clean, clear, underwater rock formations, and fascinating shipwrecks that ultimately combine to provide outstanding diving opportunities.

Hunting is permitted at Apostle Islands although there are extreme guidelines to help regulate overexploitation of game species and to ensure that hunting does not unreasonably impact the safety or experiences of other visitors. Hunting is allowed between September and the 1st week of January. The most popular of hunting activities is a muzzle loader deer hunt (by permit only) which is held during the month of October. There is also an archery season that opens for the last two weeks in September and the entire months of November and December. Anyone interested in hunting will be required to apply for a hunter access permit through park headquarters.

Location #25
New Castle, Virginia
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is one of Virginia’s all around fun destinations. It offers such a wide variety of extreme activities that, like a few of our other featured locations, one weekend might not be enough.

Since going over each activity that Wilderness Adventure has to offer would take up just too much space, we will just list them and let you decide. Keep in mind that this list isn’t according to the degree of fun because every activity offered is an adventure in itself. The water sports portion of the list consists of kayaking, canoeing, natural water sliding and white water rafting. The land sports portion of the list consists of rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, caving, wilderness adventures, high ropes trails, zip line and a 50′ climbing wall.

So now you decide, one weekend or two. Whichever way this adventure takes you, it is sure to return you home full of stories to tell.

Location #26
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
The adventure never ends in Lake Tahoe and seasons don’t change a thing. Winter brings extreme skiers and summer brings extreme bikers so this one is a year round adventure.

People call Lake Tahoe the ultimate adventure vacation and for very good reason. It takes it’s biggest asset of the winter and turns it into its biggest asset of the summer. With 18 cross-country and downhill ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is a step above the rest. Winter brings skiers from across the country who all have the same expectation: a fantastic time on one of the slopes or trails this resort destination has to offer. And if that wasn’t enough, summer brings extreme bikers who have the same expectation: a fantastic time on one of the slopes or trails this resort destination has to offer. The reason for this is because when the snow melts and the skiing season ends, the resorts opens up the slopes to extreme bikers giving them the thrill ride of a lifetime.

And if that weren’t enough, the night life at Lake Tahoe completes the package. You can expect to find fine restaurants serving up some of the best cuisine and bumping night clubs allowing you the opportunity to work that dinner off. All in all, this getaway is for the young at heart.

Location #27
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This is a destination that knows how to combine all of the adventures that the outdoors has to offer with all of the luxury of a true resort destination.

Spring Creek Ranch is located on a wildlife sanctuary almost 1,000 feet above the town of Jackson. It offers spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range which includes the world famous 13,700 foot Grand Teton. This luxury resort gives guests the choice of Inn Rooms, Condominiums, or Mountain Villas in order to provide the right accommodations to suit your needs. Whether exploring Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, or testing your skill on the Snake River Fly Fishing, White Water Rafting, or any of the other countless recreational opportunities, Spring Creek Ranch is a destination luxury resort for any type of guest.

This unique ranch features something rarely offered at an adventure destination such as this. The Wilderness Adventure Spa, located right on the premises, will pamper you just when your muscles need it the most. Here you can find yourself indulging in massages and other treatments, many of them Rocky Mountains–themed. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Spring Creek Ranch takes adventure getaways to the next level.

Location #28
Key West, Florida
This getaway transports you to a paradise where dreams can come true. The list of activities is vast and the possibilities for fun endless. This is yet another ‘must visit’ destination.

Key West, Florida is a tropical paradise destination perfect for relaxation and adventure. The island offers an abundance of activities for adults and children alike. Here you can swim with dolphins, go scuba diving with stingrays and sharks, take sunset or dinner sails or just lounge on the beach. You can also take city tours, ghost tours or Eco tours. Like we mentioned, the possibilities are endless and the list of activities would never end. This destination offers almost too much fun for one location.

Location #29
New York City, New York
This was intentionally placed in the adventure getaway section because it’s a known fact that getting around New York can be an adventure in itself. With that being said, it also has some of the best attractions in the nation.

Here’s a ‘top ten places to visit while in New York’ list. This just works better because of the enormous amount of attractions in New York City. The number one attraction that New York has to offer is hands down the Empire State Building. Right behind that is, of course, the Statue of Liberty. And in third and fourth come The Grand Central Terminal and The Rockefeller Center. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Staten Island Ferry and American Museum of Natural History follow strong with Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) bringing up the rear. Keep in mind that this is only the top ten list so the rear of this list is nowhere near the end of the total list of places to visit while in New York City.

Location #30
Jasper, Arkansas
The Horseshoe Canyon Ranch features comfortable rustic log cabins for accommodations. This vacation will take you back in time.

Fill your time at this family dude ranch with outdoor activities like horseback riding and rock climbing. The horseback riding is relaxing and enjoyable but the rock climbing is an adventure for the experienced climber. You will encounter some of the best rock climbing in the country right here in the Ozark Mountains surrounding the Horseback Canyon Ranch. If neither of these activities suites you then simply relax on the porch or get some sun by the pool but whatever you do, take in all that this old time ranch has to offer.

Tips found on VacationIdeas.org.

The recession in full swing and many families have been tightening their belts. With that in mind, I thought I’d spend a bit of time talking about how to save money on what, for many of us, is a major monthly expenditure — groceries! None of this is rocket science, but it does take a bit of discipline. With a bit of discipline, you can save a lot of money each and every month. Oh, and you might end up eating healthier, too. Talk about a win-win!

Before we dive into the full list, a reader pointed out that she saves money on grocery purchases by using credit cards offering cash back or points on grocery purchases. For example Chase Freedom Visa is a no annual fee card that offers 5% cashback in rotating categories, including groceries (they are currently running a $100 signup bonus).

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card is also a no annual fee rewards credit card that offers 5 points for purchases made at supermarkets (vs. 1 point for other purchases). Just be sure to pay your card in full – rewards credit cards can be useful tools, but they can also be dangerous if you build up debt – the interest you may be charged can easily outweigh any benefits you receive from points.

Now onto the full list!

Tips on How to Save Money on Groceries

1. Go shopping alone

2. Have a budget and stick to it

3. Make fewer, larger trips

4. Don’t shop hungry

5. Plan your meals in advance

6. Scan your cupboards, pantry, and fridge before leaving

7. Keep a running list of items you need on your fridge

8. Break your list down by store and plan your outing accordingly

9. Plan your trip through the store to minimize wandering the aisles

10. Don’t forget your list when you head to the store, but…

11. Be willing to deviate from your list for great deals

12. Don’t be afraid of store brands

13. Buy the Sunday paper

14. Keep an eye on the weekly store circular

15. Clip (and use!) coupons for name brand items

16. Check the store’s website for printable coupons

17. Be on the lookout for “double coupon” days

18. Stack manufacturer and store coupons

19. Keep a price list/book so you know a deal when you see one

20. Learn your store’s sale cycle (sales are often cyclical)

21. Stock up (within reason) when things are on sale

22. Get rain checks when sale items are out of stock

23. Visit multiple stores to get the best deals, or…

24. Ask your preferred store to match prices form elsewhere

25. Avoid non-grocery items that can be bought for less elsewhere

26. Joins the store’s affinity program and flash your card

27. Buy a chest freezer

28. Buy in bulk, but…

29. Be sure to look at unit pricing

30. Bring a calculator (unless you’re a math whiz)

31. Be on the lookout for “shrinkage” (e.g., 1.5 quarts vs. half gallon)

32. Cook large batches and freeze for later

33. Don’t waste leftovers

34. Eat less – seriously, many people eat way more than necessary

35. Cook from scratch, avoid processed foods

36. Avoid frozen/prepared entrees

37. Eat more fruits/veggies, cut back on meat

38. Eat in season fruits/vegetables

39. Plant a garden

40. Hit the local farmer’s market

41. Drink more water, fewer costly beverages

42. Be on the lookout for pricing errors at the register

43. Be sure they scan instant coupons that are attached to some items

44. Always fill out and send your rebates

45. Finally, consider the value of your time. While minimizing your expenditures is always a good idea, it doesn’t always make sense to spend tons of extra time in hopes of saving a few cents off your grocery bill.

Tips found on FiveCentNickel.com.

At some point in your life, you'll probably have the need or desire to put back some extra cash for a "rainy day." When this happens, it's time to crack open that piggy bank and make a trip to the bank. These next few suggestions will help you find the right place and the right way to deposit your money.

Instructions

1. Do a little rate shopping. Call around to two or three banks in your area to see what their best rate is on a basic savings account. Some banks have rate specials now and then, but savings rates are usually pretty close across the board. Unless you have more than $1500 to initially invest, you'll be looking at a fairly small introductory rate.

2. Consider your long term goals. If you're saving for a car or a house, let your banker know this. They can suggest the best savings products for your particular goals.

3. Take in your initial deposit, sign the signature card and you're on your way! Remember, ten percent of each paycheck is the general rule when it comes to saving.


Tips & Warnings

-Make sure you add money regularly. This is not only to improve your own wealth, but also to help you avoid penalties. An account will go inactive after three months with no deposit activity, and it will be assessed fees and eventually close if it goes more than a year without any deposits.

-Consider a Certificate of Deposit. If you want to save some money and earn some interest without the worries of inactivity, a CD might be a good idea. You can open one with as little as $1000 for a term as short as one month or as long as one year.

-Don't start a savings account if you think you'll need to draw out money fairly often. The government monitors the number of withdrawals you're allowed to take from a savings account each month. For access to your cash with no limits, a checking account may be better.

Tip found at eHow Money.

Shopping for air travel can be both confusing and frustrating — airline ticket prices change frequently (with seemingly no particular rhyme or reason).

Let’s face it — your time is too valuable to be laboring over a computer screen for hours searching for a great deal — our company mission is to take the mystery out of shopping for cheap flights, so let’s get started.

We have boiled down hundreds of our tips from a decade of airfare research specifically to educate fliers on how to make the best ticket purchasing decisions for each and every trip.

Cheapest Day to Fly – Wednesday

We did an in-depth study of our proprietary historical airfare database (world’s largest) and pinpointed the cheapest day to fly is Wednesday for domestic travel (gory details at the link).

Wednesday is one of the three cheapest days, the others are Tuesday and Saturday (Friday and Sunday the most expensive days to travel). The cheapest day to travel internationally are a bit different — we are working on this research and it should be up shortly.

The cheapest time to fly is typically the first flight out in the morning – yes, that means you have to get up at 4am. Next best times are flights during/after lunch and flights at the dinner hour (of course the absolute cheapest time to fly is on those limited routes with red eyes).

Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets – Tuesday 3pm Eastern

Another of our studies shows that the best time to buy airline tickets and shop for travel (domestically) is Tuesday at 3pm Eastern – yes shopping on Tuesday is the the best time to buy airline tickets, but be careful as most of these discounted airfare are pulled on Thursdays, so your probably paying too much if buying on the weekends.

There is a significant difference between shopping for domestic and international airline tickets (we are working on now), but here are a couple of recent research articles on international travel that should shed some light on this complex topic:

• Summer Airfare to Europe – Buy Now or Wait?
• When Do Prices Drop for Summer/Fall Europe Air Travel?

Shop One Passenger First and Save on Trips for Two or More

Airline reservations systems must sell everyone in your party the same, higher price — even if there are a few cheaper priced seats that could be had by a portion of your group.

This seemingly simple reservation system glitch (or feature, depending on your perspective) is why you should be shopping for one passenger first for airline tickets in order to save on trips with two or more passengers on the same itinerary.

You’ll have to split your ticket purchase into two transactions as shown in the linked detailed story — this minor hassle can save you hundreds.

Understand How Airlines Price Tickets

I bet you’ve chatted at one point or another to your seatmate about how much you shelled out for your ticket — let me guess, you didn’t remotely pay the same amount.

Unusual? not really — you know excruciatingly well that shopping in the morning for your trip yields one price — then trying an hour or two later and voila! a completely different price appears. This behavior is both maddening and at the same time oddly exhilarating — as the gauntlet has been thrown down on your new quest to beat the airlines at their own game.

Ah! but do you really understand the rules of the pursuit you agreed to engage? If you don’t understand how airlines price their tickets the playing field is tilted (pitch for my UK friends). You can level the field by simply learning that tickets are priced in a fashion somewhere between shopping at Macy’s (Harrods) and selling lemonade — check out the preceding link to dive into these fascinating set of rules.

Don’t Forget to Check Low Cost Airlines

Some low cost airlines like Southwest in the U.S and Ryanair in Europe don’t allow tickets to be quoted on popular comparison ticket websites. Don’t forget to check them separately for potentially lower prices. I recently wrote a piece on when to shop and buy Southwest Airlines tickets (check it out if you are near one of their 70 cities).

“Potentially lower ticket prices” is important here — because low cost airlines don’t always have the cheapest ticket prices nor the best schedules — their legacy airline brethren aggressively match on competitive routes, so do you homework and check both. Also be sure and check airline bag fees on European low cost airlines they can send total trip prices soaring if you don’t pack light.

Fly First Class at Coach Prices

Recent global economic issues have made air travelers more price sensitive than ever — but that doesn’t mean you should forgo a big comfy seat, especially if it costs less than the same one in coach.

Domestic U.S. airlines file hundreds of thousands of discounted first class airfares called “Y-Ups” that you can use in a variety of travel situations and in some cases are cheaper than last minute or emergency purchases (even cheaper than close to sold out popular travel dates).

Flexibility is the Main Key to Scoring Cheap Tickets

I know many of you have specific times (like spring break) when you must travel in order to get the entire family together. This means you are taking one of the variables of flexibility off the table — “departure flexibility”.

Don’t despair you still have “destination flexibility” (like Disneyland being half the price of Disney World), so don’t get stuck on a perfect destination, be adventurous.

The day you decide to pull the trigger on your ticket purchase is paramount, so check out the following tips to hone in on the best time to buy your airline tickets.

Avoid Days When Airlines Hit You with Peak Travel Surcharges

When seats are seats are in short supply, like this summer, airlines like any other business on the advantageous end of the demand curve look to pocket a premium for their seats.

Normally airlines would do this by raising ticket prices, but that hasn’t been so easy in tough economic times, so they have resorted to very targeted departure day increases they call “peak travel surcharges“. Luckily we track these peak travel surcharges and show you exactly which departure dates to avoid being hit with ticket premiums.

Don’t Shop Too Early or Too Late

Did you know that you can actually shop too early for airline tickets?

It turns out airlines don’t start releasing cheaper seats until 3-4 months before departure for domestic travel and conversely 4-5 months before international travel. Our When-to-Buy ^SM airline ticket guide, walks you through the details.

Use Technology to Notify You When Prices Drop and Track Price Trends

You can’t go wrong when you sign up for our real-time email airline ticket price drop alerts which notify you every time an airline drops prices on your favorite routes.

Many of you already keep a sheet of paper next to your computer, so you can write down the prices you see in order to get a feel for current costs and how they change. Better idea: let us help.

We can take this bookkeeping hassle of your hands and notify you exactly when prices drop on over 500 airlines, in real-time. For social network fans you have to check out real-time airline ticket price updates for departures from your city to destinations worldwide.

Smaller City International Travelers – Fly from a Nearby Hub City

Bigger airports, mean more competition, especially for international travel from both U.S. and internationally based airlines.

Unfortunately, airlines charge a $150-$400 premium for commuter connecting international flights — this means larger groups of travelers can overpay by thousands of dollars by leaving from their nearby smaller airport.

Take a close look at driving to a bigger “hub” city, but don’t forget to factor in fuel and parking costs into the equation (and note: there are some isolated cases where this premium isn’t charged).

Save on Last Minute Emergency Flights

At the worst of emotional times you can be hit with eye-popping prices for last minute emergency flights.

Airlines assume that procrastinating travelers have their company foot the bill — and assume they can afford $1000 tickets!

Don’t despair — there is some hope you can minimize that hefty cost:

-Call for Bereavement Rates – most airlines don’t have these anymore, the ones that do typically only discount $50 or 10% — but it is worth a try

-Use Miles or Points – this is the perfect time to use those miles or points you have accumulated (or even those of friend) – if you don’t have quite enough you can buy them on many airline sites to top off your account

-Last Minute Specials – typically airlines have cheap last minute deals for off peak travel like roundtrips from Thursday to Monday or Saturday to Tuesday

-Shop Air+Hotel Packages – many packaging sites (including those within airline sites) negotiate rates that are much less expensive than walk up rates (pick the cheapest hotel and toss it if you don’t need it)

Much, Much More

These are but a few of the tips we write about weekly on FareCompare.com, so join our community and shop for air travel on a company whose sole mission is help you make the best buying decision every time you shop for airline tickets.

Tip found on FARECOMPARE.

Date night can get expensive, but don’t let that get in the way of having your special evening. Instead, check out these saving money tips, which provide ideas on how to save money on dates without skimping on the fun.

Tip #1.  Limit your alcohol intake.  Yes, having a drink can loosen you up, but having many can not only be expensive but can also cloud your judgment. By limiting alcohol, you can save money but still afford a nice dinner.

Tip #2.  Make it lunch instead of dinner.  A date can be special regardless of what time of day it is. What’s most important is that you spend quality time together. Switching to a lunch date, can save you a considerable amount of money while still receiving generous lunch specials.

Tip #3.  Skip the theater and rent or watch a movie you own. Movie tickets, plus drinks and/or movie treats can get very expensive. So switch the location of the date to your home. You can save money plus it’s easier to interact with your date. Not to mention it’s a lot more comfortable than sitting at the theater for two hours (not to mention you can actually pause for bathroom breaks…yay!).

Tip #4.  Take advantage of online restaurants discounts/gift certificates.  Websites such as Groupon and Restaurant.com offer deals of up to 60% in savings on restaurants in your area (and other services).

Tips found on Boucne Energy $avings.

STEPS

1. Decide the theme of your party. Maybe it's a birthday party, or a holiday party, or an I'm-having-a-party-because-I-can party. No matter what the occasion, even if you don't have one, it's good to clarify on a theme. However, If you don't want a theme, then you can skip this step entirely. If you DO want a theme, make sure that you pick something original and interesting.

2. Figure out where the party will happen. If you're on a tight budget, then your house would be your best bet. If you can stretch the dough a little, try having it at a club or rent out a restaurant. But, for the people who feel better close to home, then good news! You just saved tons of cash!

3. Create your guest list. Since you are on a budget, it would be best not to invite any more than 15 people. Remember, you have to feed and entertain everyone! Avoid inviting people who are too high-maintenance or bossy. They will try to take over the show that YOU worked so hard on, start talking badly about another guest, make you do everything he/she says because "I'm the guest!", etc. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and don't invite them.

4. Work out the menu, and go potluck. Seeing that you don't have that much money to spare, it would be a good idea to ask a couple of trustworthy friends if they could bring some small food items. Ask your friend who loves to bake to make some cookies, and ask your helpful but cooking-challenged friend to pick up some chips and dip. If you play you cards right, you will wind up paying for half or less of the total amount of food.

5. Find a good source of music. You might also try games, movies, or something else for entertainment! You obviously don't want to go out and buy all the new CDs, so it would be best to maybe blast your iPod on a specific playlist at your party. Even better? Ask a friend who is music-crazy to burn you a CD of all of their favorite songs and spontaneously play them at the party. Make sure that you have different types of music that will appeal to everybody.

6. Send out invitations. If you plan on saving money on a stamp and personally delivering it to them, be discreet about it. The last thing you need is for someone you hate to walk over, look at the invitation, and say, "I'll be there!" before you can explain yourself.

7. As party time approaches, make and buy decorations. Streamers and posters are fairly easy to make. Visit the dollar store since they have cheap party supplies like balloons, paper cups, and disposable utensils.

8. Party time! Hopefully your guests love the party and can't tell that it cost you about $20. Heck, YOU probably won't be able to tell! Let loose and have fun at your awesome party!

TIPS

-When picking out the songs, make sure to pick out some slow songs, too. People will get tired of dancing insanely and will want to take a breather every few songs. Besides, slower songs are a great chance to mingle and see how your party is going!

-While you set out drinks, keep in mind that not everyone likes what you do. Maybe fruity things make them sick, or they hate soda. Keep the drama at bay and set out some water!

-See to it that your decorations match your theme, if you have one. You don't want a Halloween party to have red and green balloons, and a pirate party shouldn't include fairy napkins!

WARNINGS

-Make sure that people aren't breaking things! Move all valuables out of the partying area if you want to see them again!

-It's okay to be on a budget, but don't be cheap! People don't want to go to a party with scratchy CDs and two balloons in a corner. Stretch your money as much as possible, so that several items fit in your budget! Be creative!

Tips found on wikiHow.

The weather outside is still frightful, and unfortunately, the calendar is no longer filled with homey holiday parties that keep you indoors and outside of stores. The simplest way to prioritize saving is to automate it, but there are plenty of other ways to maximize your saving potential rain or shine. Try these simple tips to keep your budget on track and bills manageable.

Reduce Energy Costs

Extreme Couponing a Little Too Extreme for You?

You're not alone. I've watched the show, and while I kind of enjoy seeing those shoppers "stick it to the man" by carting off hundreds of dollars in free grocery, the efforts they go to seem unreasonable, at least for me. I am a busy mother of two, and with my family, work, and other responsibilities, I don't have forty hours a week to devote to clipping coupons and studying unpublished sales reports. In reality, I don't think most people have that kind of time on their hands.

Another question occurs to me: What the heck would I do with four hundred toothbrushes and a pallet of canned peaches?

So, if you're like me, you want to save a reasonable amount on your grocery bill, in exchange for an equally reasonable amount of effort. Over the years I've been married to the military and feeding our brood, I've honed a strategy that helps me shave between $35 and $60, on average, off my biweekly grocery shopping total. It's not astronomical money, but it gets one of us a full tank of gas, or pays for a nice meal out with my husband, so in my mind, it's worth it. I'm able to save this money without abandoning my responsibilities or becoming that weird lady pilfering coupon circulars out of recycle bins.

* Choose Your Favorite Two Stores

If you shop around a bit, you'll notice that some items are cheaper at one store than another. This is why I shop at two stores. For me, the two stores are usually Food Lion and Target, but that's just based on my geographical area and the prices here. I buy my food items at Food Lion, but most of my non food products (diapers, training pants, hair, health, and beauty products) from Target, because these items are noticeably cheaper there. Now, in your area, this may not be the case. Just compare prices around your neighborhood and see what you discover.

*Get Your Coupons and Store Circulars

Get a sales flyer for each store you intend to shop at. Also, gather the coupons found in your local paper on Wednesdays and Sundays. If your store offers printable coupons, like Food Lion does at its MVP Savings Center, add those in, along with coupons that came with products you've already bought.

Take a quick look at what's on sale at each store, and match the coupons to the flyer when possible. Sometimes you won't find very many deals that match the coupons, and that's okay. You can still plan what you will cook for the week based on what's on sale at the stores you shop at. Be particularly aware of buy one get one free deals, as these can save you a lot, especially when combined with coupons.

Also, if the store has a loyalty card, get it and use it. You'd be surprised how much higher the prices are without it.

*Inventory Your Coupons

The easiest way to do this is to make a simple chart on a sheet of paper with two columns- product, and value. List your coupons this way, then slide them into an envelope to take to the store with you. This way, as you're shopping, you can see if you have a coupon for items that are on sale, but were not included in the sales fliers. You may think this is time consuming, but it is a lot less time consuming than trying to chase down information about unadvertised sales before you get to the store.

*Take Your Willpower to the Store

If you ask me, willpower is a lot more useful than a calculator, and it's one less thing to fiddle with. (I usually haul a clipboard, a crap load of reusable shopping bags, and sometimes a tiny human with me to the store as it is.) You know what your family needs, and what they don't. You know what will get eaten, and what will rot in its packaging before anyone touches it. Use that common sense when making your purchases, and you won't overspend. Don't let a sale tag sway your resolve. Be honest with yourself: do you really need four cases of soda? No, you don't, and your kidneys will thank you for leaving them at the store.

*Evaluate Your Purchases

When you get home with your bags and put things away, take an inventory of what you bought. Did you get what you needed, and a few things you wanted, without overspending? (Allow yourself some chocolate, or wine, or whatever it is you enjoy. You ought to get something for all the trouble you go to to feed you family.) Briefly evaluating your purchases now will help you on the next shopping trip.

See? You can save on your grocery bill, without becoming a coupon obsessed recluse who only goes out to shop. Shop with a clear head and a plan in mind, and you'll do just fine.

Tips courtesy of naturalmomwriter.

A week full of savings can mean a lot of money in your pocket — but that's only if you stick to your budget on your weekends, too. Stay savvy and alert, and keep from spending more than you need to. To make it easier on you, follow these tips and come up with a weekend game plan that doesn't involve digging into your wallet again and again.

1. Be Social and Cost-Saving — Plan a social activity that's thrifty but still fun (I promise, they're not mutually exclusive). Host a BYOB potluck or barbecue, or invite friends over for a game night.
2. Find Out If It's Cheaper to Make It Yourself — Put home economics to practical use. You could save on your grocery bills when you make cooking staples at home.
3. Calculate a Purchase in Work Time — Weighing the cost of a prospective purchase in terms of hours worked will make you think twice about unloading your cash.

Get the rest of my weekend saving tips after the jump.

1. Maximize Your Memberships — Don't spend more cash; instead, use the resources you already have — hit the sauna at the gym to unwind or enjoy a movie night at home catching up on your Netflix.
2. Save Big When You Eat Out — If you're headed out for dinner over the weekend, do your research. Find the eateries in your area offering discounts and take advantage of specials and meal vouchers.

Tips found at SavvySugar.

Want budget travel tips for free? Wouldn’t you want to travel more often without breaking the bank? What if I told you that instead of planning one family trip a year, you can go twice with the same budget? If you are at all interested, read on to find out how you can do simple things to save money next time you go on vacation.

* Airfares *

1. Airline Tickets – Plan in advance and visit discount websites to see if there are better deals. While these sites might charge you a service fee ($5 or so), they can easily combine flight segments from different airlines easily to give you a great deal. (bonus – get even more savings by finding a Travelocity promo code before you book a trip)
2. Connecting Flights – You might think connecting sucks but it sure saves you a good chunk of money doing it. Consider the pros and cons and don’t write it off right away.
3. Travel Light – Airlines are starting to charge for everything now and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember to not use over sized bags whenever possible and try to keep it all within one bag per person.
4. Substitute – Consider packing really old clothes (if you plan to buy new ones on the trip). This way, you can keep one luggage and still have room for purchases.
5. Always Look into Round Trip Tickets – Sometimes, one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don’t use the return trip. (I know it’s weird but I’ve seen it myself)
6. Try to Get Back to the Same Airport – Flying in and out of the same airport is almost always cheaper. It’s not only the flight tickets but the car rentals as well.
7. Traveling to Two Countries – If you are planning to stay in two countries and an airline makes you change planes on those countries anyway, you might be in luck. Check pricing on the flights to see if you can stay a few days at the country of the flight change instead of changing planes right away since airlines often let you do that for the same price.

* Eating *

1. Plan Your Meals – Figure out where you will be and eat before you actually go out. This is not just good for your wallet, but your stomach too since you will probably find economical restaurants that tastes great.
2. Cook for Yourself – Not many people do this but cooking while on vacation can sometimes be quite fun. Since the experience is new (cookware, dining area, supermarkets etc), it’s actually quite fun.
3. Meals Carryover – Want a breakfast that cost nothing? Ask for some bread to-go at the restaurant the night before.
4. Avoid Breakfast from the Hotels – Chances are good that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive and isn’t great. It probably pays to walk out the front door in the morning and find a local cafe. You might just stumble onto the local favorite.
5. Eat More at Lunch Than Dinners – Fancy lunches are often much less expensive than dinners. If you eat a big breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, it’s also healthier.

* Car Rentals *

1. Be Specific with Car Rentals – One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn’t take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars.
2. Car Rental Coverage – Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask)
3. Size of the Car – I used to always get the smallest car possible because not only do I not need the extra room, I also didn’t want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need.
4. Children Car Seats – If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it.
5. Fill up that Rental Car – If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that’s what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back.
6. Coupon Codes – Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.

* Transportation *

1. Rail, Metros and Subway – If you are traveling to Europe, research on multi-trip discounts. Many metros and rails have passes such as a 3-day unlimited travel passes which might be worth the cost. You may also want to check out Rail Europe, where you can find discount fares and promotions.
2. Night Train and Flights – If the transportation is going to be long, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation and many hours of time. Many people have a tough time sleeping on these, but it’s all mental. Once you get used to it, you will be able to have a good night’s rest.
3. Take the Slower Transportation – If flying is too short for you to take advantage of sleeping while traveling, take a bus ride. When you are sleeping, you won’t mind that the bus ride is 7 hours.
4. Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transportation – Tourist usually take taxis since it’s the laziest way to get from point A to B. Consider the subway or buses because it’s sometimes easier and it is much cheaper.
5. Driving is Not Bad – Want to take that 1 hour flight? With airport security and all the hassle of airport inefficiencies, you might as well drive there (it takes just as long and it’s less expensive). Once you get there, having a car is also much easier than needing to take your bags everywhere.

* Currency *

1. Watch That Currency – If you never really had a preference in travel destinations, consider the exchange rate when you travel. This sometimes makes the biggest difference.
2. Getting Cash – Many exchange centers have very bad exchange rates so don’t go there. Search the internet to find out good places to get cash in the local currency. For example, a quick search tells you that the best exchange rate is found at the airport and using ATMs in Taiwan and France respectively.
3. Try Using the Local Version of the Same Website – Due to the rapid change in currency rates, it could be much cheaper to book using the local currency. How do you do that? Go to the local version of the same website.

* Accommodations *

1. Staying in a Town Next Door – Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don’t mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle.
2. Home Exchanges – These are pretty cool and popular especially in Europe. Your trip might not be as romantic as The Holiday (movie with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law) but if you are of the adventure type, this could be exciting and refreshing).
3. Ask – Sometimes smaller hotel chains are willing to give you free upgrades (or even free nights). If you already have a reservation booked elsewhere, call them up and tell them that you would consider changing if you can get an additional night free.
4. Vacation Home – If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper.
5. Suites – Instead of having two rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites that some hotels provide. They will end up being cheaper and you get just as much privacy with your own room.

* Shopping *

1. Duty Free – Many airports have duty free shops that you can take advantage of. They might not be the best deal around if you don’t consider taxes but tax-free might make it the least expensive option.
2. Don’t Forget About Possible Tax Refunds – Some countries let you get all or part of the retail sales tax back. You might have to fill out forms and show proof but if large purchases are made aboard, it can save you a bundle.

* Alternatives *

1. Tourist Spots May Not be That Hot – Many countries have tourist spots that aren’t really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you’ve been to that place already, there’s no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation.
2. Walk Around – If your destination isn’t that far away, consider asking the locals directions and walking there. It’s a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures.
3. Enjoy the Local Version – Many consumables are less expensive when it’s made in the country you are visiting. Consider trying their local beer, coffee or food. You might be surprised at how great and cheap it really is.
4. Be a Little Flexible with Travel Days – Many prices are based on supply and demand, so sometimes it’s much cheaper to leave the day before (or after) instead. Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. This makes a difference especially around major holidays.
5. Book a Bundle – There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you.
6. Go Off Season – Everyone wants to ski or go to Hawaii in the winter. Consider this type of vacations in off-peak times (going skiing in the spring time for example). It’s cheaper and less crowded.
7. Travel Around Home – Overseas travel might be your dream vacation but there are actually many places close by that is very interesting as well. Check out those lesser known places and the local experience might very well be great.
8. Try Booking at Different Times – Online sites sometimes have rates based on the time and day of the week you book. Try different combinations and see if you can get a better deal.

* General *

1. Bid Your Own Price – Priceline.com has a great system where you can name your own price on flights, hotels and car rentals. If the same offer is available, I’ve always saved money bidding for it.
2. Discount Everything – Some countries have discount stores (I’ve seen one in Japan for example) where they sell all kinds of tickets at a discount. In that store, I’ve even seen gift cards for department stores so if you are buying something anyway, those stores will give you an instant deal.
3. Don’t Give Up Looking for Deals – Even if you have your plans set, keep trying to look for deals. Reservations can often be canceled with a full refund so if you find a last minute deal that fits into your plans, take advantage of it. (I went to Las Vegas recently and saved half my hotel cost since a last minute deal happened to fit my itinerary so it really works)
4. Reward Points – Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, sign up for those reward programs since you might qualify eventually. It’s all free anyway and if you finally get enough points, you can get always get something free.
5. Go to the Grocery Store – Even if you are away from home, chances are high that there are grocery stores where you are traveling to. It’s worth it to take a trip there and get snacks, water, and everything you need for your trip since hotels overcharge.
6. Age, Student and Membership Discounts – Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your ID and membership cards (e.g. AAA card) with you that might qualify you for these.
7. Group Discounts – We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there is no obligations to be everywhere together.
8. Talk to the Locals – Be friendly and chat with them. Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns).
9. Mini Tours – I’m not talking about bus tours that takes days but one day tours that take you to many different places within the city. Not only will they take you to places you probably want to visit anyway, the bus driver is usually quite entertaining and informative as well.

Tips found on MoneyNing.

Setting up a family budget is something that all families should consider. The more organized you can be, the better you can control spending so you will have enough for family vacations, retirement, college funds and emergencies.

Of course, it can seem pretty complicated to just set up a budget. Where do you start? How do you know what to set aside and what to spend? Luckily, there's an easy way to manage your cash flow so you will know where all of your money is going each month. If you're ready to set up your own, let's get started!

Setting Up Your Budget

1. Gather Your Pay Stubs. Your first step is to gather three months of pay stubs for you and your spouse, as well as any other monthly earnings. This way, you can determine any fluctuations in pay from month to month and average out your total monthly income (add the three months and divide by three) without guessing on the numbers - you definitely don't need any surprises when setting up a budget.  

2. Collect Monthly Bills. Your next step is to collect your monthly bills. The best bet would be to collect your bills from the past three months so you can anticipate increases. You want to get your fixed expenses, including rent/mortgage, phone bill, car payments, groceries, clothing, laundry, credit card payments, gym memberships and other monthly payments/obligations. After you add them up, divide by three.

3. Evaluate Your Calculations. Next, look at your monthly earnings against your expenses. You have now determined what your budget is based on the expenses you currently have. However, you don't want to stop there.

4. Set Up the Family Budget. It's now time to look at where you can cut back so that you will have more for savings (see tips on cutting back). Also, you want to use this as an opportunity to set savings goals that you should meet each month (a dollar amount that you must save).

5. Open Savings Accounts. Once you've set your plan into action, you have to act on it. This means you need to open a savings account, buy some CDs, and/or set up an IRA and begin making deposits.

6. Track Your Expenses. After you've gone through all of this trouble, you don't want the work to go to waste. So it's important to track your spending each month to make sure you're actually saving as much as you set in your goals. If you feel you're swaying off course, it's time to rework your budget to determine how you can reach your goal.

Involve Your Family
When you make a budget, it may be tempting to go at it alone, especially if you're the person who manages the bills. But it's important to include the family in this process so they understand exactly why some expenses will need to be cut back, as well as why this decision is being made in the first place (savings for family vacations, college, etc.).

And definitely don't forget to get your kids in on the action. As you know, many children don't like to participate in anything that seems to be an additional chore. However, if you make budgeting a fun family activity (maybe also give them an allowance to help them understand the value of money), you can teach your children responsibility, how to budget, and further manage your family's spending habits.

Tips On Cutting Back
Now that you know how to set up a family budget, here are a few tips on how you can cut back on your expenses:

-Cut those expenses you don't need. If you have magazine subscriptions you don't need, now's the time to cancel them. Also, if you have a gym membership that you only use once a month, you may want to downgrade or cancel it too.

-Reduce your shopping sprees. You may love the art of shopping and don't feel happy unless you can feel new fabric against your skin, but if you want to start saving for the future, you may want to reduce your shopping sprees from once a week to once a month.

-Adopt new dining habits. It's common for family members to eat out up to 5 times a week; however, to cut back on this expensive habit, you may start packing lunches and cooking dinner - this creates huge savings.

-Clip those coupons. You may not be a natural coupon clipper, but if you knew how much they could save you in groceries each week, you would be all over them. Try it for yourself!

-Choose generic over label brands. Another way to cut back on your expenses is to try generic brand foods, clothing, and other products. You'd be surprised by the quality you can find in generics.

Provided by Savings at Go Banking Rates.

Tips found on DisneyFamily.com.

If your New Year’s resolution is to save more money in 2012, here’s a free calendar of money-saving tips to help you save money every month of the year.

January

January can be a depressing month. The fun and frolics of Christmas are over and all you’ve been left with is one big hangover.

So if you’ve got a little carried away over the festive period and your bank balance is now suffering, make January the month to sit down and sort out your finances.

Take the time to look through all of your bills and bank statements – you can easily do this with the lovemoney.com Money Track tool – to work out what you’re spending where. You’ll then be able to set yourself a budget and start making some cutbacks. The savings will soon start to stack up!

And if your credit card has seen more than enough action over recent months, move your debt over to 0% balance transfer credit card so that you can enjoy up to 22 months interest-free.

Once you’ve made those cutbacks and tackled your debt, you’ll be able to start saving more!

This is also a good time to go through all the financial deals you have – whether it’s car insurance or a savings account – to see whether they’re still competitive. And if they’re not, it’s time to get switching.

February

February is the month for all those romantics out there because 14 February marks Valentine’s Day.

The cynic in me says you’ll save money by not celebrating this day at all. But if you really must show your loved one how much you care on this day rather than any other, there are ways to save money.

For a start, the key is to always shop around – no matter what you’re buying. If you’re shopping online, use a shopbot such as Kelkoo or Pricerunner to find the very best price, and then check websites such as vouchercodes.co.uk and HotUKDeals to see whether there’s a voucher code to save you even more money.

And don’t forget to use a cashback website such as Quidco or TopCashBack to earn money back as you spend!

If you’re hoping to take your loved one out for a romantic meal, you can avoid over-inflated restaurant prices by taking a look at our Frugal Food blog and searching for a voucher which might offer you a 2 for 1 deal!

Alternatively, why not cook a meal yourself? Check out our sister site lovefood.com for some inspiration.

March

March marks the beginning of spring. So this is the perfect time to do a little spring cleaning.

If you’re planning to do some home improvements, there are plenty of ways in which you can save money.

If you need to get in a professional, make sure you use a website such as MyHammer or MyBuilder which allow you to get a range of quotes from different tradesmen as well as read reviews from previous customers.

You can also save money by visiting websites such as Freegle and SnaffleUp and using retailers such as Wickes that are generally cheaper than Homebase or B&Q. For more top tips, check out our Make home improvements guide.

April

Easter takes place in April in 2012, which means there will be plenty of bank holidays to enjoy!

So if you’re planning to have a long weekend away somewhere, make sure you take a look at our Have a cheap holiday guide.

And if you’re looking for some cheap days out, keep an eye on our Frugal Friday blog for ideas. Websites such as Lastminute.com, Visit The Heart and EnjoyEngland are also well worth checking out.

May

By May, the weather should be warming up a little, so it’s time to ditch the car and get walking or cycling. You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save!

If you really must use your car, check out our Beat the petrol price hikes guide to find out how you can cut the cost of owning a car. And if you’re going for the public transport option, have a read of Cut the cost of your train fare.

June

By June, festival season is getting well under way. So if you’re hoping to attend a festival this summer, have a read of Top money-saving tips for festival goers for advice on how to check you’ll be fully insured, and how to save money on travel costs by using websites such as National Express and biggreencoach.co.uk.

July

With a bit of luck, the weather will be reasonably hot by now, providing the perfect opportunity to slash your energy bills! After all, the heating should be well and truly off, and you won’t need to turn the lights on in your home until well into the evening.

It's also a good time to see whether you’re still getting a good deal with your energy provider. So take a look at our energy comparison tool to see whether there’s a better deal out there for you. You can save an average of £256 a year by switching through our service.

August

If you have kids, there’s still a little way to go before they can go back to school. And by now, they’re probably getting restless.

So if you’re looking for cheap ways to keep them entertained, have a read of 10 free ways to entertain the kids this summer for some great ideas – none of which will cost you a penny!

September

If, on the other hand, you don’t have kids, September is a great time for going on that much-needed summer holiday. After all, prices will be significantly cheaper with the kids back at school.

For further tips on how to save money on your holiday, take a look at The seven top websites for holiday bargains.

October

If you’re planning to throw a Hallowe’en party this October, there are plenty of ways to save money. Retailers such as Poundland, Woolworths and Wilkinson, as well as the major supermarkets are always packed full of fantastic deals, as I revealed in Hallowe’en party bargains. So you won’t need to spend a fortune!

November

By November, the cold weather will have set in once again. So it’s time to make sure you’re fully prepared for the winter months so that you don’t have to fork out for costly repairs to your home or car.

Take a look at Protect your car from costly winter crises to find out how to check your car is in good working order, as well as Protect your home from costly winter crises for tips on ensuring your home is ready for the colder months.

December

And now we’re back round to Christmas!

Make sure you check out our articles on saving money at Christmas as well as the Top 10 sites for bargain-hunters for some great ideas on where to do your Christmas shopping! And if you want to avoid getting into debt this Christmas, have a read of 12 ways to avoid an Xmas hangover.

Happy saving!

Tips found at lovemoney.com.

Times are tight for lots of folks these days, but, just because you might have a bit less cash is no reason to stop being green. And, while compact fluorescent light bulbs, a more efficient dishwasher, or a home energy monitor all have the potential to save you some bucks, they require an upfront investment before you realize any savings. Follow these six tips -- they don't require much or any cash up front -- to stop waiting and start saving money today; by this time next year, you'll have an extra $1,000 in your wallet for it.

Stop buying cleaners

The average American family spends a whopping $600 per year on a dizzying array of home cleaning supplies, according to David Bach, author of Go Green, Live Rich. Yet, for about $20, you can replace every cleaning product in your house with a safer, non-toxic, biodegradable homemade version using common ingredients like baking soda, club soda, vinegar and salt! Check out Detox Your Home: Assemble a Green Cleaning Kit to find out how.

Annual savings: $580

Hang your laundry out to dry

Your dryer checks in at number two on the list of household energy hogs (right after your fridge), according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Stop using it so much (or stop using it altogether), replace the electric or gas-powered appliance with the warm glowing warming glow of the sun, and take the savings to the bank. Get more planet-friendly laundry tips from our guide on How to Go Green: Laundry.

Annual savings: $70

Eat more veggies (and less meat)

According to the USDA, the weighted average price for all fresh fruit is 71 cents per pound; that averages out to about 18 cents per serving. Almost two-thirds of the fresh fruits, 16 out of 25, cost 25 cents or less per serving -- that's cheap. And veggies are even cheaper: The weighted average price for all fresh vegetables was 64 cents per pound, which averages to 12 cents per serving.

Contrast that with beef, which, in October 2007, was $4.15 per pound, and the average price per pound for pork was $2.93. If you cut out one average-sized meal per person, per week, assuming a serving size of eight ounces, you'll save big bucks over a year.

Annual savings: $100 per person for beef; about $75 per person for pork.

Work one less day at the office each week Working four ten hour days, or telecommuting one day a week, will help you enjoy a longer weekend (or maybe just a less stressful one, if you work from home instead of commuting) and will save some bucks, too. You'll save 20 percent on whatever you spend for commuting, coffee, lunch, and any other daily expenses you incur by trucking yourself to the office each day. Say you do it on the cheap -- don't drive yourself, pay for parking, or spend more than a few bucks on lunch; even if you spend $2 on the bus or public transit, $2 for a coffee and $6 for lunch, that's $10 per day; add it up, and you can easily save several hundred bucks by working four days a week. Get the nitty-gritty in our guide for How to Go Green: Commuting.

Annual savings: $500, if you save $10 per day for 50 weeks -- we won't count those two weeks of vacation. Telecommuters won't save quite as much.

Bike or walk instead of driving short trips 40 percent of urban travel in the U.S. is two miles per trip (or less), so take the 2 Mile Challenge and leave you car parked at least once a week for such a trip, and the savings will add up. According to AAA, the average cost of driving is 54 center per mile, so each trip will save you a buck or so.

Annual savings: $56 per trip saved each week (104 miles -- 2 miles x 52 weeks -- at 54.1 cents per mile) so the less you drive, the more you save.

Go completely car-free Ready to really save some money? Go car-free. While cars are the ultimate convenience, and many of us use one most days, it's a convenience we pay hundreds of dollars for each month; according to a 2004 American Automobile Association study, the average American spends $8,410 per year to own a vehicle. While some of that money will likely have to go toward a different transportation option -- riding public transit, or car-sharing -- it's clear that not owning a car can save you big bucks. If you're one out of two Americans who live in cities, not owning a car is a great (and, admittedly, difficult at times) way to save money, and go green, too.

Annual savings: Hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on how often you require a set of wheels.

How you drive and maintain your vehicle can either increase or decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency and your gas costs. Consider these simple tips that can add up to savings worth weeks of groceries or other needs for you and your family. Why pay more at the pump than you have to?

(*Tips are calculated as annual savings, driving the national average of 10,100 miles per year in a vehicle with a fuel economy of 21 mpg using regular grade gasoline at $3.80 per gallon – average pump price for regular unleaded gasoline as of 5/26/2011 from the AAA/Oil Price Information Service Daily Fuel Gauge Report. )

Driving Tips

-Curb road rage. Speeding, rapid acceleration (jackrabbit starts), and rapid braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds. Drivers can save up to 240 gallons of gasoline, or up to $913, by driving sensibly on the highway.

-Drive sensibly. Around town, sensible driving can save 5% – up to 24 gallons of gasoline and up to $91.

-Cut Miles. If you can cut your vehicle miles traveled by just 5% through combining trips, walking, biking, or taking public transportation, you can save up to $91 per year on gasoline costs. Walking and biking are good for your health too!

-Choose the Right Vehicle. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible. If you drive 12,500 miles a year, switching 10% of your trips from driving a car that gets 20 mpg to one that gets 30 mpg will save you almost $63 per year.

-Turn Down the Air. Operating the air conditioner on "Max" can reduce mpg by 5 – 25% compared to not using it.

-It‘s a ”drag.“ Avoid carrying items on your vehicle‘s roof. A loaded roof rack or carrier increases weight and aerodynamic drag, which can cut mileage by 5%. Place items inside the trunk whenever possible to improve your fuel economy.

-Ditch "junk in the trunk." An extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts a typical vehicle‘s fuel economy by up to 2%. You can save up to 9 gallons of gasoline per year – almost $40 – by removing an extra 100 pounds of unneeded items from the trunk.

-Decrease Your Speed. Speeding costs! Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly above 60 mph. Each five miles per hour over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas.

-Avoid idling. Idling gets 0 mpg. Cars with larger engines typically waste even more gas while idling than cars with smaller engines.

-Combine errands/trips. If you combine errands into one trip, you drive fewer miles and use less fuel. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip when the engine is warmed up and efficient.

-Use Overdrive Gear. If available, use your vehicle‘s overdrive gear to reduce engine speed, which will enable you to save gas and reduce engine wear.

-Use Cruise Control. Cruise control cuts fuel consumption by maintaining a steady speed during highway driving.

-Consider other transportation options. Investigate options for getting to work and other places – public transportation, carpooling, biking, walking, or ridesharing when possible. Drivers who switch to other alternatives to get to work might be able to get a car insurance premium discount because typically rates are assigned based on how far you drive to work. The commuting discount applies at any time – while many other discounts apply only when buying a new car.

-Carpool. Using the average U.S. work commute of 12.1 miles, commuters could save about $159 a year by carpooling twice a week with two other people in a vehicle that gets 20.1 miles per gallon – assuming the three passengers share the cost of gas.

-Motorcycling. Motorcycles average 56 mpg—and motor scooters do even better. For one person or even two, motorcycles or scooters clearly use far less energy than a car with one or two people. If four people need to go somewhere, they are better off in a vehicle that gets 30 mpg than on two motorcycles that get 56 mpg.

-Telecommute or Stagger Work Hours. If your employer permits, avoid sitting in traffic and wasting gas, especially during peak rush hours. A worker who telecommutes twice a week would save about $478 a year in gasoline costs.

-Request the Right Rental. Request a vehicle that gets better fuel economy, and remember to fill up the tank before returning the car to the rental company, which charges much higher gas prices – and perhaps even an extra gas surcharge.

-Buy Smart. When buying a new or used vehicle, think high gas mileage. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site or look for a SmartWay© certified vehicle on EPA's Green Vehicle Guide for information on fuel-efficient vehicles.

Maintenance Tips

-Inflate Your Tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated is simple and improves gas mileage by around 3%, saving up to 14 gallons of gasoline, or up to $56.

-Tune up. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4% – saving up to 20 gallons of gasoline and about $56. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by as much as 40% – saving up to 320 gallons of gasoline or up to $1,218.

-Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged or dirty air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine – though in newer model cars it does not improve fuel efficiency.

-Select the right oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2%, resulting in annual savings of up to $37. Motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol contains friction-reducing additives. Also, change your oil to extend the life of your vehicle and to save even more money. And remember to recycle used oil which, with proper controls, can be safely re-used as a fuel or re-refined back to a lube oil.

Tips found at Drive Safer Challenge.

Even though it’s a brand new year, most of our own personal economic situations haven’t changed. That paycheck, mortgage payment, and gallon of milk price tag are the same as they were in December. As much as we’d all like a nice, fresh start on paying bills and saving money, it’s hard to make big changes when so much is beyond our control. I mean, you might be able to get a deal on diapers depending on where you shop, but they’re still expensive.

If you made a big promise to yourself to cut your spending—whether it’s to save for a specific purpose, build a nest egg, or just add to your little one’s college savings—you might be looking for some easy ways to do this. I know I can always afford to take advice on how to save some money on everyday items… who can’t? So get out your planners and Excel spreadsheets and let’s make a plan to save some money by parenting on a budget in 2012!

Make a Monthly Budget

Step one is to know what that budget you’re parenting on really looks like. Know all your expenses for the month and be honest about how much money is coming in and going out. Obviously, you want to make sure you’re spending less than one you make. And by cutting these costs even more, you could actually start putting some money away into a nice savings account, for you or you kids.

Banish Credit Card Debt

Of course, before you can save money, you should wipe out that credit card debt. Paying it later or in smaller increments means you’ll pay more down the road, thanks to rising interest rates. I’ve got a credit card or two that needs to be wiped clean, so this will be my first order of business in 2012. If you can, consider getting a 0% APR balance transfer credit card to consolidate your debts to. It will make it easier to get ahead of your payments if you’re not accruing so much interest every month! See what Wise Bread has to say about these cards and where to get one.

Save the Environment AND Lower Your Bills

Saving on energy can really help you find extra money every month. If you have the extra money to invest upfront, switch to energy-efficient appliances to use less energy, water, and heat. Swap the light bulbs in your home for lower electric bills and always turn off electronics when they’re not in use.  If you can stand it, dial the thermostat down two degrees from wherever it’s set now (in the winter, turn it two degrees up in the summer). Your heating (and cooling) bill will go WAY down, just from the slight temperature drop. And most of the time, you won’t even notice it!

Of course, you can also save on gasoline by walking or biking when you can. Obviously, it needs to get a little warmer before that happens, but take advantage of those nice, mild days and cut your costs while you get some exercise! Find more tips at Real Moms Guide for saving on your energy and water bills.

Cut Corners on Groceries

After your monthly bills, groceries are probably your biggest expenditure. I know that we can easily drop a serious amount of money on food when we’re not looking, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones! Still, buying the groceries to prepare your own meals, pack lunches for everyone working outside the house or going to school, and brew your own coffee every morning can save you hundreds every year. Consider that you’re saving $3 on every cup of coffee (that’s at least $15 per week per coffee drinker!) and about $15 per lunch (which adds up to $75 a week!) just by spending a little money up front at the grocery store.

While you’re shopping, there are a few things you can do to manage grocery expenses:

• Shop with a list and stick to it! Impulse purchases can easily add $10, $20 or more to your bill in the blink of an eye!
• Start at a farmer’s market for fresh produce. It costs less, is usually fresher, and adds a lot of healthy fruits and veggies to your diet instantly!
• Don’t buy disposable items you don’t need, like bottled water or single-use Tupperware. Invest in a water filter and Nalgene bottles for everyday use to cut out costs of up to $2 per bottle of water you drink!
• Buy generic wherever possible. Usually the store-brand products are made by the manufacturers of the top-selling brands, but they sell a lot less! Cut expenses by up to 50% just by skipping on that fancy label.

Raise Kids for Less

There are lots of ways to cut your expenses for your little ones’ needs, from clipping coupons to shopping second-hand stores. For a new baby, check out resource guides like The Complete Book of Baby Bargains by Kimberly Danger. For your toddlers and older kids, consider these tips:

• Start clipping and organizing coupons for big budget items, like formula and diapers.
• Take advantage of special cash-back or discount programs at stores like Kohl’s, Carter’s, and Osh Kosh B’gosh whenever possible.
• Get a wholesale club membership and buy in bulk. Our membership at BJ’s has helped us keep the cabinets well stocked for over a year now. I don’t know how we afforded the basics without it before.
• Join a rewards program from baby brands like Pampers or Huggies. Record your “rewards codes” from every pack of diapers or wipes and get great rewards like photo books from Shutterfly, toys, clothing, and magazine subscriptions.
• Never turn down hand-me-down clothing from friends and shop second-hand whenever possible. They grow out of them so fast, they don’t need to have the latest fashions season after season.

Tips from BurlingtonPatch.

Get in Shape

Get ready for the ads for reduced gym membership rates featuring ripped torsos oddly drenched in sweat and the friendly salespeople in polo shirts at your sporting goods store. They're there to sell you your new body, and obviously a treadmill is the answer. Not.

Going to the gym to get in shape takes motivation and dedication. So if you're going to buy a membership, and you don't have those things, forcibly commit yourself to lessons with a trainer. This will get you going and give you the guidance you need to find true success in the gym.

If sweaty mats and strangers staring at you (which they aren't doing) gives you the heebie-jeebies and you're considering the home gym route, test your commitment before testing new equipment. If you're thinking treadmill, try a walk around your neighborhood or if it's too chilly, try walking laps around your local mall. Thinking stair climber, find some free stairs and climb them. Once you've committed, start shopping and consider if it's worth the expense. For help, check out Bestcovery.com's treadmill reviews with top choices in every category.

Eat Right

Eating right is something we should all do, but rather than jumping into a full-blown "diet," try eating better. Fast food is certainly not healthy, but does become a sustenance crutch for some. If you find yourself in the drive-through lane, make a better choice. McDonald's Premium Crispy Chicken Classic Sandwich has 510 calories and 22 grams of fat. However, by having it grilled, the calorie count drops to 350 with nine grams of fat. Eating right means making drastic changes for some, but starting with small changes will prove more effective in the long run.

Now if you really want to eat better, it's no secret that your kitchen is a better place to go than the fat fryer. In CNN Health's article, "A Family's Guide to Healthy Food Substitutes," Dr. Alan Greene suggests swapping refined grains for whole grains, solid fats for oils, sugary drinks for flavored water and conventional beef for grass-fed organic beef. Dr. Greene says a minimum of 50 percent of the grains we eat should be whole grains and that only 5 percent of Americans hit this target. To help improve this statistic, and achieve your Resolution, opt for whole grain breads, bagels, pastas and cereals. Remember to read the labels and don't fall for "refined wheat flour" because it's just brown-colored white bread.

Save Money

We all want to save money and if you're like me, you'd like everyone to stop saying, "especially in these hard economic times." So with that said, how do you do it?

Start small. You don't have to be an "extreme couponer" to save money at the grocery store, but keep an eye out for coupons on items you're buying anyway, and don't forget to take advantage of your supermarket's club card discounts. A tip a checkout clerk gave my mother was to take her club savings, and put them in a jar. She did, and the yearly savings helped pay for a family vacation. You could also track your grocery budget and other spending with an online money management website.

Another easy way to save is to set up your checking account to automatically transfer a small amount into a savings account each month. For many banks, this simple transfer can help offset banking fees. If you choose to save $25 a month, that's $300 by the time you're coming up with resolutions to break next year. If you're looking to save a little more, check out Business Insider's article, "The Essential Bill-By-Bill Guide to Saving Money on Monthly Expenses."

Quit Smoking

There's a good chance you came up with this one while freezing your fingers off and you've probably said it all year long while cocking your head to the side and saying "I know I should..." Like with everything on this list, start small and achieve big. If you're a pack-a-day smoker, leave one in the pack. When you stop being angry about that, leave two. Sure it's hard, but the payoff is undeniable and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have gathered a ton of "how to quit" resources to help.

Two birds, one stone? Not only will quitting improve your health, it will also save you money. With the costs of cigarettes and the tax placed on them rising, save the money you'd normally spend buying them and use it at the end of the year to do something rewarding. For additional tips on how to quit smoking, lung cancer and news surrounding these issues, visit the American Lung Association.

Volunteer

You don't want to commit to a self-gratifying claim when the New Year's Resolution pressure is on, so what better way to make yourself look good then by blurting out that you're going to volunteer? Well, what better to do with some of your time than to actually volunteer? Whether it's for a singular event or an extended commitment, volunteering is a great way to learn new things and get involved in your community.

VolunteerMatch.org is a site that helps people find volunteer opportunities in their area based on their interests. You can also check out Volunteers of America and Volunteering in America for additional information about opportunities and ways to get involved. It's important to find something you enjoy doing. If you love animals, check your local shelters to see if they take volunteers. If you love being around people, look into nursing homes, missions, soup kitchens and libraries to see if they need assistance with their regular programs.

Whatever you decisively or accidentally blurt out as your New Year's Resolution this year, stick to it. With a few small steps, and more than half a thought, your Resolution can be successful. If you're still looking for your New Year's Resolution, consider doing something in 2012 that you've always wanted to do. It could be as small as going to a restaurant you've never been to or as grand as traveling to another country. Whatever you choose, set a realistic goal and make it happen. And, if you don't and the Mayan calendar extremists' predictions come true, it won't matter because we won't be here.

Tips found at HUFFPOST HEALTHY LIVING.