April's Tips
Be MoneySmart with your vehicle:
*Save money at the pump by using the right grade of gasoline. Despite the hype, most cars run just fine on regular.
*Some often overlooked maintenance items, such as a dirty air filter and under-inflated tires, can increase your fuel cost up to 13 percent.
*Don't forget to watch your speed, as all vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph.
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Spring garden beds are very tempting for neighborhood cats. To keep them away, bury small jars -- baby food jars work great -- of ammonia up to the rim in dirt with the top open and exposed. The smell will repel them.
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Want to make your bleu cheese dressing last longer? Cut it with equal parts mayonnaise.
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Making potato salad? Take Armanda Iavenditti's advice! The South Buffalo resident suggests boiling the eggs and potatoes at the same time. Fill the pot with extra water and, since the eggs will be done first, set them on top of the potatoes so you can pull them out easily.
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Yes, zippered storage bags are marketed to be used once, but they can be used repeatedly if cared for properly. You can even throw them into your washing machine inside out and hang them to dry!
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If you don't have a fire safe or safety deposit box, your freezer could work almost as well in a pinch. Important papers and other things vulnerable to fire or disaster can be put in plastic zipper bags and stored in the freezer, where they'll be better protected than if left in a regular wooden drawer.
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Dry-erase whiteboards can be costly at office supply stores. Try buying a piece of shower board at a building supply store instead. It will work the same, but you can get a much larger surface for a fraction of the price.
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Ask your insurance company about VIN etching. Many companies offer an insurance discount if a car's vehicle identification number is etched into its windshield, making it easier to recover if stolen.
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Printing on both sides of a document can save offices up to $60 a month in paper expenses.
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