green living, smart spending
Small cars are back in style, thanks to gas prices that peaked at $4 per gallon last year, and the additional power, style and comfort manufacturers have been able to pack into new models like the Ford Fiesta and Audi A3 TDI clean diesel, named Green Car of the Year by the Detroit News. Perhaps
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Gas prices are down substantially from last year, and you can buy great new car for under $20,000, but owning and maintaining a vehicle is still expensive. These websites will help you save green — dollars, that is — with whatever you drive in 2010. Repairs — Check Repairpal.com to find out what the job
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The W San Francisco makes history by earning the first LEED certification for an existing building belonging to a major hotel chain, and only the seventh hotel in the United States to earn the LEED Silver rating. The W San Francisco is also certified by the state of California as a green business. This is
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If you have been planning to get a U.S. Passport, or renew one, act fast. U.S. Passport fees increase dramatically on July 13, 2010. The cost of a new passport jumps from $100 to $135. Renewing your existing passport will rocket from $75 to $110, a 47 percent increase. Charges for a minor to age
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Get behind the wheel of a legendary Ferrari and drive the famous Corniche road of the French Riviera in Monaco. Yes, you can do it. A company called Monaco Auction is offering four different great drive choices on this curving, scenic road that is the perfect place to let a roadster stretch its legs and
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The good guys are volunteering and working overtime to undo the damage of the BP oil spill, the worst environmental disaster US history. Beware of frauds. The bad guys are out there scamming instead of skimming. Job Scams — One fraud is asking you to pay up front for a job helping clean up
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There are discounts galore from airlines and hotels. Act fast, since these travel bargains don’t last forever. AirTran Airways has a getaway sale valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. You have to book your flights by July 8, 2010, but you can travel through November 16, 2010. Sample fares are $114 each
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Summer vacations with Fido, Fluffy and maybe the kids, too, can stress out the budget. There’s a growing list of pet friendly hotels, especially in the budget category that will help stretch your travel dollars. Motel 6 earns its ‘four paw’ rating by welcoming pets at each and every one of its 900-plus locations. One
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It’s safety first for any holiday driving, including this long Fourth of July weekend. Every family road trip should start with a ten minute check of the car in the driveway to give you peace of mind on the road ahead. Ten minutes now can save you headaches, time and money, and avoid ruining the
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The Fourth of July and fireworks displays go together like hot dogs and mustard, kids and ice cream. Here are five of the best places in the United States to watch Fourth of July fireworks: New York City The biggest and best, of course, is the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display. This year again,
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