YZ Blog away !

Do you thrill to the sound of a circular saw?  Get chills when you hear the sweet sound of a cordless drill?  Is your can’t-live-without accessory a pair of safety glasses?  If so, check out this recent blog post from ToolCrib.com.  ToolCrib is your one-stop source for everything you need to get the job done; and their handy new price comparison tool will make sure you get it for the lowest price. 

 Search by model number, tool type, or brand name – ToolCrib will give you the prices from several major home improvement and hardware retailers, including Home Depot, Tool King, Northern Tool, Rockler, and Amazon.com.  They’ll even show you a handy side-by-side comparison of different options.

 And, even if you’re not in the market for a new table saw or a replacement air compressor, ToolCrib.com offers loads of other information on tools, safety, and more. 

 Got any other handy tips for budget-conscious do-it-yourselfers?  We’d love to hear about ‘em.

Why pay for something that you don’t have to?  It seems that a lot of net users feel the same way.   Check out www.wififreespot.com, an online database where you can find local hotspots that offer free wi-fi.  No more paying for the Internet while you sip your latte!

And while you’re at it, log on to www.netzero.net, where you can get 10 hours of free web surfing per month.  The service is dialup, so it might be a little slower than you’re used to, but freeloaders can’t be choosers.  NetZero also offers discounted Internet plans starting at only $9.95 per month, a hefty savings over some of those other MegaCorp providers.

Searching for online bargain hunting can be more than just a little overwhelming.  Whether you’re looking for electronics, clothing, or groceries, you’re sure to find hundreds of sites claiming to have the best deals.  Lucky for us, MSN Money has recently compiled a list of their favorite online bargain hunting sites.

 From big names like Overstock.com to lesser-known sites like CurrentCodes.com, MSN gives you the lowdown on each site:  How it works, what’s good about it, and any drawbacks to using the site.

 What do you think of MSN’s list?  Did they miss any of your favorite bargain hunting sites?  Share your top savings picks with us!

Do the math:  One magazine subscription costs anywhere between $10 and $40 (or more!) per year.

But free online subscriptions cost exactly $0 per year, including shipping.  And you’re not missing out on anything that’s in the paper versions of your favorite reads.

Look up Magatopia, an online reference library with links to all of the big-name magazines that offer free content.  This virtual magazine rack will connect you to over 1,000 magazines, so you can get the latest, up-to-date scoop.

Some of our favorites?  Try The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, and Time magazine.

Thinking of trading in a gas guzzler for a new, more efficient car?  Better do your research before you buy.

It’s not news that gas prices are at an all-time high, and there’s not much reason to think that the prices will ever go down.

So, in a world of ever-increasing gas prices, check out what the United States Department of Energy has to say about the cars on the market.  Their fuel economy website, www.fueleconomy.gov, can help you find and compare cars based on fuel-economy ratings.  What’s more:  The website offers information on tax rebates for hybrid, diesel, and flex-fuel vehicles.

Ever wonder how much your car is really costing you?  That’s what the people at www.edmunds.com do all day.  Check out their True Cost to Own calculator, which really breaks down how much you’re spending on your car.  Aside from sticker price, the calculator takes into account gas mileage, depreciation, maintenance, and repairs, giving you a better idea of how much your car will cost you in the long run. 

You’ll also find useful reviews on both new and used vehicles to help keep you informed on your impending purchase, as well as true market value pricing, keeping you up to date on what other people are paying for cars in your area.

For extra points, check out their 2008 Best Value Cars, which takes into the “true cost to own” each vehicle, ranking the least expensive vehicles to own.  The results might surprise you:  Chevy’s Aveo tops the list as the least-expensive car to own per mile, while the Toyota Prius is nowhere to be seen.

Let’s face it:  CDs are slowly going the way of the buffalo.  In the next few years, I expect they’ll be as extinct as records.

Have no fear – we’re living in the digital age.  Music downloads are cheaper than dropping $15-$20 on a hard copy CD, since there’s practically no manufacturing process involved.  What’s more, downloading music is a greener way to go:  Music downloads don’t require any paper or plastic, and you can just delete them when you’re done, instead of throwing away those old CDs. 

No more worrying about scratching your CDs – find out where to go:

iTunes

This one’s self-explanatory.  Apple’s online store for music is probably one of the most popular and safest on the Internet, although they might charge a little more than some of the other options out there.

Amazon MP3

Amazon’s MP3s are DRM-free, meaning that they’ll play on most music players – CD players, computers, iPods, MP3 players, and iPhones.  Plus, you have the option of buying individual tracks, instead of paying full price for the superfluous songs you wouldn’t listen to anyway.

Legalsounds

Your iTunes alternative.  This website offers legal, DRM-free downloads with a wide variety to choose from.  Also, check out their free download of the day and get a sampling of new music that you might not otherwise listen to or know about.

And what if you don’t want to spend any money on music downloads, either?  Check out some of these sites, basically just high-tech updates on a classic form of entertainment:  the radio.

Last.fm

Last.fm is like Myspace for music.  Join their network and create a profile – then connect to your friends or join groups based on similar interests.  You can search for artists and music that you like and keep track of your favorites.  You get a personalized radio station based on your musical preferences.  Last.fm also supports iPods and iPhones, so you can take your radio on the go.

Pandora

Pandora’s online radio work similar to Netflix:  Based on some of your favorite artists and songs, Pandora’s program will automatically play music similar to your preferred taste.  Best of all:  It’s free.

Where do you go on the Internet for your music?  Let us know!

Is your apartment a steal, or is your landlord padding his prices?  Whether you’re currently apartment hunting or simply curious about how competitive your rent is, you should check out the Rentometer, a nifty gadget from the folks at Rentomatic.

It’s pretty simple:  Just enter your address, ZIP code, and what you’re paying per month to live there, and Rentometer compares your rent to the average in your area.  We took the Rentometer for a test drive using a friend’s address and found that he was getting a fantastic deal ($200 below the average) on a spacious, one-bedroom apartment in a pretty darn good area.

Got any other tips for finding great, affordable apartments?  Don’t keep ‘em to yourself! 

Looking for a good time that won’t drain your savings?  You don’t have to be a high roller to find cool things to do in your area.  Check out our list of five fun ideas that will keep you entertained (and keep a little cash in your pocket):

1. Head outdoors.  Go camping, go fishing, or just take a hike in the woods.  Outdoor activities are fun, healthy, and inexpensive.  Not into roughing it?  There are lots of things you can do al fresco that don’t require a compass and hiking boots:  Check out an outdoor theater production (lots of cities do Shakespeare in the park), or go to a city park and do a little people-watching. 
2. Support your local university.  If you’ve got a college or university in your town, you’ve got some great entertainment options at your fingertips.  The best part:  The price.  For just a little money, you can attend plays, concerts, art shows, and more.  Plus, you’re supporting a great cause. 
3. Be an early bird.  A matinee is a fantastic way to get more bang for your entertainment buck.  Tickets for movies and plays are usually much cheaper if you go in the early afternoon instead of the evening. 
4. Get carded.  Library, that is.  If you don’t have a library card, sign up for one, and you’ll have access to books, movies, and sometimes music for free.  But, remember to return what you borrowed to avoid overdue fees. 
5. Work that membership.  Got a student ID?  In a club or association?  Some events offer special prices for members of organizations.  For example, your student ID may get you a discount on meals, show tickets, or drinks

Food is one of our most basic needs, but the price of groceries lately is enough to make even the healthiest appetite waver.  From personal products to produce, prices are going through the roof so here are a few tips to ease the pain at the checkout:

Clip coupons.  Scan your Sunday paper, the coupon mailers delivered to your home, and even the Internet to find money-saving deals on everything you use. 

Make a list.  When you go to the store without a list, you’re more likely to come home with random items that just looked good in the moment.  Sit down, and write a list of the things you actually need.  It’s a good idea to plan dinner menus for the week at the same time – that way, you’ll know exactly what to buy.

Go generic.  Buy the store brand when possible.  Store brand items are usually just as good as national brands, for a whole lot less. 

Curb the impulse purchases.  You went to the store to buy milk and bread, and you left with a stack of magazines, a bottle of conditioner, and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.  And, you still need bread.  Stay focused, and don’t let your wants get in the way of your needs.

Buy bulk.  Or don’t.  If you’ve got a particularly large family, buying in bulk can be a great money-saver, especially for kid-friendly items like cereal, chips, and sports drinks.  But, if you live in a household of one or two, that 20-pound box of Cheerios may go stale before you even make a dent in it.  Use your best judgment.

Do you cringe when you open your electric bill?  Is your energy usage putting a strain on your wallet?  Read our room-by-room tips to help you cut costs and lower your monthly bills.

In the Kitchen:

·         Fill that fridge.  A well-stocked refrigerator cools much more efficiently than an empty one.  So, if your shelves are bare, hit the grocery store and fill ‘er up.  Your refrigerator won’t have to work as hard.  And, make sure your fridge is set between 35 and 40°.

·         Nuke it.  Your microwave uses less energy than your oven.  Quick, convenient, and energy savvy.

·         Don’t let your dishwasher run on empty.  When you run your dishwasher, make sure it’s full.  Otherwise, you’ll just have to use it more often.  Additionally, scraping your dishes and rinsing them in cool water will take the load off your dishwasher.

• Retire aging appliances.  Not only are your avocado-green appliances outdated, they’re costing you money.  If your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher is over 15 years old, consider replacing them with more efficient (and attractive) ones.  Make sure your new appliances come with the Energy Star sticker – you’ll save money in the long run.

In the Living Room:

·         Turn off the lights.  Your parents were right.  Money didn’t grow on trees when you were a kid, and, sadly, it still doesn’t.  So, do yourself a favor and turn the lights off after you leave the room.  Mom and Dad would be so proud . . .

• Unplug the TV.  And the DVD player, and the cable box, and the PlayStation.  Even when they are turned off, most of your electronics still draw a reserve of power. 

In the Laundry Room:

·         Wash full loads.  Don’t waste energy washing one shirt or a single pair of jeans.  Wait until you’ve got a bundle of dirty laundry to avoid wasteful washes.

• Turn down the temperature.  Instead of washing in hot water, opt for cool or warm instead.  Your clothes will be just as clean – and your energy bill will shrink.

Around the House:

·         Change your air filters.  A dirty filter makes your air conditioner work twice as hard.  Change your filters once a month to keep cool for less.

·         Install ceiling fans.  A ceiling fan helps keep you cool and uses less electricity than your air conditioner.  Just remember to turn it off when you leave the room.

·         Check windows and doors.  Don’t let your cool air escape – use caulk or weather stripping to block gaps and cracks around windows and door frames.

·         Buy energy-saving light bulbs.  They’re a little more expensive to begin with, but energy-efficient halogen light bulbs can help you shave a few bucks a month from your energy bill.  It’s a good investment.