So if you're like me and looking for a cheaper and easier way to get your movie fix, you should consider the two top online movie rental services: Netflix and BlockBuster Online. If you're not familiar with online video rental, here's how it works in a nutshell. For a flat monthly fee, you can rent as many movies as you want, with a limit to the number of movies you can have at any one time, depending on the plan you select. Pricing of the plans is related to the number of movies you can check out at once; more movies = more money.

Both services are good and they both offer a free trial, so you can't go wrong with either one. Heck, you could try them both in a head-to-head test if you want! That's what we did!  There are a few differences that may make one service work better for your situation than the other.

• BlockBuster now offers Total Access, which allows you to return and exchange your videos at a store (if there is one) in your neighborhood as well as by mail. That is really their big advantage over Netflix, if they serve your neighborhood and you like that flexibility. Since I'm the type that gets an urge to see a particular movie right now, that's better for me.
• Netflix has a larger and broader selection of movie titles and TV shows(100,000) compared to BlockBuster Online (90,000). So if you are into indies, art house, exercise and specialty titles, Netflix may be a better option for you.
• Netflix now offers an on-demand video streaming service at no extra charge for 12,000 titles directly to your TV for Netflix ready devices (such as the Roku digital video player and the TiVo Series 3). That's really "right now"!

Fuel efficiency driving techniques

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), there are many simple ways a driver can improve his or her vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The most notable is to avoid aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving not only increases the chance of collision and injury, but also reduces fuel efficiency by 33% on the highway and by 5% in the city. Aggressive driving occurs when one vehicle rapidly accelerates and brakes and in between that drives at excessive speeds. Adhering to the following suggestions by the DOE maximizes your vehicle’s effectiveness:

• Follow the speed limit:  Typically, a vehicle’s fuel efficiency begins to decrease once a driver reaches 60 MPH (miles per hour). A general rule of thumb is that every five MPH over 60 MPH costs an additional $.20 a gallon.
• Avoid idling:  An idle vehicle receives zero miles per gallon. Larger vehicles like SUVs use more fuel than smaller vehicles do when idling. However, regardless of the size of your vehicle, it is still wise to turn off the engine whenever possible.
• Use cruise control:  For long periods of driving, turn on the cruise control. Cruise control not only reduces the possibility of receiving a speeding ticket, it also helps maintain an engine’s efficiency by avoiding additional acceleration.
• Use overdrive gears:  Newer vehicle models generally possess an overdrive gear. This gear reduces engine speed, which increases fuel efficiency as well as reduces engine wear.
• Remove excess weight:  The heavier your car is, the more fuel you need to operate it. Each hundred pounds of excess weight can reduce your fuel economy by 2%. This translates into losing $.04-$.07 a gallon.

Proper maintenance

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to ensuring it receives the best possible fuel efficiency. When driving green, the most common ways to ensure that your vehicle operates at its optimal level is to:

• Properly tune the engine: Repairing an improperly tuned engine can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 4% depending on the specific repair. Major problems such as repairing a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve efficiency by up to 40% according to the DOE.
• Check and replace air filters:  Air filters prevent unwanted deposits from reaching the engine. Replacing a dirty air filter can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. To ensure your air filter works properly, check and replace it as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Maintain proper tire pressure:  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 66 million vehicles have underinflated tires. This, in turn, wastes millions of gallons of fuel and costs drivers billions of dollars a year. Each vehicle should possess a tire gauge so that drivers can easily perform routine tire pressure checks. Tires underinflated by one psi (pounds per square inch) can reduce fuel efficiency by 4%.
• Use the recommended oil grade:  Using the manufacturer-recommended oil grade could improve gas mileage by 1-2%. It is also wise to consider using an energy-conserving oil to help reduce engine friction.

Consider alternative vehicles

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider the financial and environmental benefits of a fuel-efficient vehicle such as a hybrid car. Hybrid vehicles use both an electric motor and gasoline-based engine to enable the vehicle to maximize fuel efficiency. Hybrid cars typically receive upwards of 40 miles to the gallon. While the hybrid sticker price is higher than traditional gasoline-based vehicles, the savings in fuel costs you get over a period of years will more than compensate for the initial price.

By requiring renter's insurance you do a couple of things:

1. You provide some protection for your income stream from the rental income. A renter without insurance who has a loss from theft, for example, may not be able to pay the rent the next month because they had to spend money replacing their property.
2. You screen out potential bad financial risks as renters if someone balks at the cost of renter's insurance (which is minimal, often less than $50 per month).

Do yourself and your finances a favor and make renter's insurance part of your renter's requirements. You'll sleep better at night!

It pays to shop around and compare mortgage rates and fees before you lock in your loan. You can quickly check the latest mortgage rates on BillSavings home page.

What you can do

Get a free credit report and check your credit score. If it's not excellent, improve your credit score by correcting any errors, trimming credit card balances, and paying your bills on time. For more specific suggestions, use the simulators at MyFico.com.

Some of the rising credit card fees  you're likely to be facing:

• Up to 3% extra fee for foreign goods you buy in dollars (such as airfare on a foreign carrier).

What you can do about foreign exchange fees: Read the details of your credit card agreement before making foreign purchases. Swap for a lower fee card, if necessary.

• Late fee increases when you don't pay your credit card bill on time. Last year, the average late fee was about $34. This year, some credit card companies are charging as much as $38.

What you can do about rising late fees:  Set up a reminder system to pay your credit card bill on time. You can get reminders from your card issuers, or use your Outlook or electronic calendar device, or a plain old fashioned paper calendar system. for example., I have a simple checklist in a Word document of all my monthly bills and due dates, and which ones need to be paid from which pay check. I print out a new copy each month, and check them off as I pay them.  

• Higher interest rates on balances.

What you can do about higher interest rates on balances:

1. Don't be afraid to negotiate. If your rate goes up, call the credit card issuer and ask for a better deal. If you have good credit score and a good on-time payment history, chances are they will lower rate to keep you as a customer.
2. The easiest way to avoid higher interest rates is to pay off your balance every month.

• Higher balance transfer fees.

What you can do about higher balance transfer fees:  Do the math before transferring your balance to a low-rate card. Several card issuers are still offering a low introductory interest rate for balance transfers. But they've raised their balance transfer fees, which will decrease the amount you save. Some credit card issuers cap the maximum amount for transfer fees, but many others don't cap fees.This can add up to substantial charges if you transfer large balances. 

• Fees for exceeding your card limit. Many credit card issuers have lowered customers' available credit, and you may not be aware of it. Over-limit fees range from $15 to $39. Some issuers tie the amount of the fee to the amount by which you exceed your limit.

What you can do about over-limit fees:

1. Starting in February, banks will be required to get customers' permission before allowing them to make purchases that exceed their limits.
2. Set up online accounts for your credit cards and review them every day or so. I do this and have caught a few erroneous transactions recently that I was able to dispute or have credited before my statement came, which was another benefit.

• Different grace periods may catch you off guard on payment timing.

What you can do about grace periods:  Read the fine print on your credit card statement to find out how much time you've got to pay your bill before triggering finance charges and late fees. Even paying a day late could trigger fees of up to $39. Be wary of payment by phone. If you talk to a live person, most issuers will charge you about $15.

Finally, read your mail from credit card companies very carefully.

I can speak from experience. I scanned the document one of my credit card issuers sent me and it looked like the usual re-statement of the terms. However, "hidden" in the pages of small text was an increase of the interest rate to over 22% from 7%! Yikes! Fortunately, I paid off the balance immediately as I noticed it on my statement, but that could have added up to a lot of extra fees. 

This mail may be the only notice you get that your interest rate is going up, or that your issuer has increased the minimum you must pay on your balance every month.

Homeowners, mobile homeowners and renters insurance usually covers these risks: wind damage; rain damage that is a result of rain entering through a wind-damaged area; theft; vandalism and fire.

Flood insurance is purchased separately, but usually in conjunction with homeowners, mobile homeowners and renters insurance. It covers risk of damage by:  waves; tidal action; overflowing rivers, creeks or lakes; and groundwater runoff.

Comprehensive coverage under your auto insurance policy usually covers cars damaged by hurricanes.

Are you covered?

• Read your policy and get your agent to explain it if you don't understand.
• Find out if you have "guaranteed replacement cost" insurance or "actual cash value" -- depreciated cost coverage. Does your policy have an automatic "inflation guard"? 
• Separate flood insurance is obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Make sure you have phone numbers for your insurance company.
• Keep your policy in a safe, dry, place.
• If you have to evacuate, take your insurance policy with you.
• If you rent, your landlord's homeowners insurance does not cover your possessions so you need your own renters insurance.
  

Be safe this hurricane season by being informed and prepared!

If you do find that you need additional funds from a private loan, you will usually be better off with a credit-worthy cosigner for your loan. The two key ways a cosigner can be beneficial are:

• You do not have an established credit history so you may not be approved otherwise
• Your cosigner may help you qualify for a lower interest rate

You can reassure your cosigner that you can apply for a cosigner release after you've successfully completed your education, so that you're ready to take on the debt on your own. You can check out the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan for more information.
 

My all-time favorite is the Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C. concert and fireworks display. I usually watch some of this fantastic display and the concert programming on PBS TV at some point during the holiday.

Here is my list of favorite fireworks that I've experienced:

1. Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C.
2. La Jolla, California on top of Mt. Soledad (360-degree view of 5 or more simultaneous fireworks displays around the San Diego area simulcast to music on the local radio station)
3. Chicago's Historic Navy Pier
4. Orlando--Disney World
5. Boston Pops Concert

What's your favorite? Leave us a comment and let us know!

They’re right, the economy is starting to show signs that it’s turning around, but the economic issues plaguing Americans are not going to be fixed overnight. In May 2009, employers took 2,933 mass layoff actions that resulted in 312,880 workers in losing their jobs, and the national unemployment rate went up to 9.4 percent. Between high employment rates and large federal deficits, many economists are warning that it might be several years before U.S. economy recovers and we see full employment for Americans.

What should you do during these difficult economic times?

• You should be using a budget and saving your money. How much should you be saving? Try putting aside five to ten percent of your net income. Try to create an emergency fund. Start at a manageable goal, such as a $1,000 emergency fund. Then work your way up to an emergency fund that will cover approximately four to six months of your expenses, just in case you lose your job.
• Because many businesses are hurting during this recession, consumers are seeing great deals on housing, apparel, cars, travel, and luxury goods. However, that doesn’t mean you should go on an all out shopping spree. Select your purchases with care and look beyond the deal to see whether or not you really need this item. If purchasing a new car or home makes sense for your finances then do it. Now is a great time to buy. But if it doesn’t, then you should save your money.
• Look at your existing debt load. If you’re carrying a large amount of credit card debt, now is the time to start paying that off. Make sure to target the credit cards with the highest interest rate and pay that debt off first.
• Once you’ve taken care of your credit card debt, start paying extra on secured debts, such as your mortgage or car payment.
• If you’re struggling with making the payments on your credit card debt, contact a non-profit credit counseling agency for help before your debt problems get out of control. Some credit counseling agencies also offer housing counseling. If you’re one of the many Americans who bought during the housing bubble and are in an upside down mortgage, contact a housing counselor to see if you can get a loan modification.

Remember, it’s going to take time for the economy to recover. Now is the time to be proactive with your debt problems and save your money. If you need help, get assistance before your money issues worsen.

From the answer to each question, the Hunch decision-making engine takes you in a different direction, and ultimately offers you a suggestion of the best choice for you, along with several other options. You can stop at any time during the process and just ask for a "Hunch" about your decisions. Based on your input so far, and other people's choices, Hunch will estimate an answer for you.

I tried it out recently after I had just been through the process of selecting a phone for myself. I considered the new iPhone because, well, it's so cool! And I wanted a smart phone. But after researching it more, I uncovered some hidden disadvantages of the iPhone for my needs. I ultimately decided to stay with my service provider, Verizon (who doesn't offer the iPhone--I would have had to switch to AT&T) and go with the Blackberry Storm, which is the first touch-screen Blackberry.

Amazingly, the end result of the Hunch decision search was the Blackberry Storm...so I felt like I had made a good choice based on what's really important to me in cell phone features. If you think you might be interested in the Blackberry Storm, here's a great video tour of the features:

If you feel creative, you can sign up and enter your own question category and search thread about another topic.

What do you think of this new tool? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

Find out how you can build your own solar panels using helpful kits and buying tips. Better yet, learn how you can make them work for you by putting money back in your wallet in the form of energy savings and tax credits.

What exactly is a solar panel?

In a nutshell, solar panels harvest energy from the sun. They do this by absorbing sunlight during daylight hours and converting it to electricity.

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells (also called solar cells). Photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid pattern on the surface of a solar panel. A single photovoltaic cell can create an electric current of roughly two amps at two volts, which, when accumulated over the course of a sunny day, can power your entire house.

With your own supply of energy readily available, you can lower your dependence on the country’s energy grid. By lowering your use, you lower your electricity bills and save money.

How to save money using solar panels

There are many ways to save money using solar panels, but before you actually install them it’s a good idea to learn about any financial incentives you can take advantage of. There are solar panel tax credits available for both individuals and businesses, and some local governments even offer rebates to help save on the cost of installing solar panels.

You’ll want to find out the requirements for such credits and rebates before you purchase any kind of solar panel system. That way you’ll be able to reap the maximum advantage from your purchase.

Along with upfront savings and credits, some energy companies allow you to make money by selling them your surplus energy.

Lastly, but most important, is the fact that you can significantly trim your electricity costs. The money you save on energy by harvesting sunlight can add up to significant amounts over the years and is virtually always worth the investment. Just make sure you take good care of your solar panels once they’re installed. Keep them clean and in fine working condition so you can reap their full benefit.

How to build your own solar panels for your home

If you have the resources, you can always buy fully assembled solar panels. If you’re looking for a cheaper approach (fully assembled solar panels can run into the thousands of dollars), then try your hand at building your own. They’re relatively simple in concept and can be purchased in kits simple enough for any layman to assemble.

Solar panel kits come in a range of prices. Your costs will depend on the type of system you want along with how much energy you’re looking to create. Kits are available at many local retailers and through dozens of Internet sites. Shopping around and comparing prices is the best way to go if you decide to buy a kit.

A final option in building solar panels for your home is to simply build solar panels using refurbished supplies. Not only can this prove to be the most economical option, it can be quite simple and inexpensive.

The many advantages to solar power

Solar power is a relatively new energy source, but has the potential to become one of the most important sources of energy available. Here are just a few of the advantages of solar power:

• Solar power is completely renewable and cannot be depleted.
• Solar power is a clean source of energy, meaning it’s non-polluting. It doesn’t emit harmful gases, nor does it have a negative effect on the environment.
• Solar power is a free source of energy. Once you get your solar panel kits together, your costs for harvesting solar energy are zero.
• Solar cells, in addition, require very little maintenance and upkeep. Many can last a lifetime.
• Solar power is incredibly versatile - it can be used to power many different inventions, from heaters to cars to satellites.
• Solar energy can be harvested in remote locations where regular energy sources are unavailable.

Disadvantages of solar panels

Too many cloudy days can send a solar panel-dependent homeowner into energy withdrawal. This is why it’s essential that you factor in the amount of sunlight you receive in your region when you’re deciding how many solar panels to install in your home. If you install too few, you may rarely reap the advantages solar panels can bring.

Solar panels also tend to deteriorate after several years of overheating and physical wear. This can reduce their overall efficiency, making it harder to harvest large amounts of energy. The solution is often to replace the cells, which can work out to be a nice cheap fix when done right.

Worth the investment

Overall, solar panels are proving themselves to be a worthy investment. They satisfy needs on all fronts: they save you money, they provide you with the energy you need to live comfortably, and they’re good for the planet.

An overview of the Apple iPhone 3G

Hands down, Apple’s iPhone 3G has enjoyed overwhelming success due to its user-friendly touch screen technology. This palatable feature helped Apple sell over 10 million devices in 2008 alone – due in part to the touch screen’s ease-of-use as well as its straightforward functionality.

Major advantages of the iPhone 3G:

• The first Apple iPhone was released in June of 2007, meaning it’s been on the market for over two years. In that time, Apple has been able to eliminate many of the initial glitches that came with the original version of the iPhone. This means new iPhone users can expect a relatively faultless experience.  On top of that, Apple has added countless new iPhone applications that make the product exceptionally versatile.
  
• The iPhone 3G is available with two options for built-in memory. The first option comes with 8GB of internal storage and the second, for about a hundred dollars more, comes with 16GB of internal storage. This means any iPhone user has immediate access to built-in memory, alleviating the need to purchase multiple extra memory cards.
  
• For any web surfing guru, the iPhone’s Safari Web browser is pleasingly close to a real desktop browsing experience. Easy touch-gestures allow for basic navigation, scrolling, and zooming.
  
• The iPhone brings with it access to the iTunes App Store, which is essentially a mobile application marketplace. The App Store has proven itself to be both reliable and easy to use. iPhone users may access the store when they want to download or update any third-party software. The download conveniently takes place directly through the iPhone, though desktop computers may also function as download devices.
  
• On the same note, the iPhone doubles as an iPod, which is the most popular digital media player in the world. The user interface for the iPod has been widely praised as intuitive and attractive, and has been seamlessly integrated into the iPhone as its media player.
  
• The iPhone features perfect integration capability with its well-liked iTunes software – a big bonus for music fans. In addition, iTunes works well on both Macs and PCs, making it easily versatile for a variety of users.

An overview of the BlackBerry Storm

When it first hit the market, the BlackBerry Storm was touted to be the first true rival to the iPhone. Since its debut in November of 2008, it has held its own in terms of attracting customers and winning over smartphone users.

Major advantages of the BlackBerry Storm:

• The BlackBerry offers stereo Bluetooth capability, meaning there’s no need for wired headphones for users who want to listen to music in stereo.
  
• For users who wish to snap high quality images, the Storm’s 3.2 megapixel digital camera allows for some nicely detailed images. The Storm also offers video capture capability.
  
• The BlackBerry also offers a removable battery feature, meaning you can swap out batteries that cost as little as $5 each when your smartphone power is low and you’re not in a location where you can recharge.
  
• The memory on the BlackBerry can be expanded to suit your needs – it comes with just 1GB of initial memory storage but includes an expandable microSD media card slot that allows for memory cards with up to 16GB of storage.
  
• A cut & paste function is included in the BlackBerry Storm that makes it easy to share links and long text strings.
  
• The BlackBerry Storm is a proven multi-tasker, meaning it allows you to run several applications at a time without slowing down or crashing.

Quick-glance comparison of the BlackBerry Storm and the iPhone 3G

Below you’ll find a helpful chart that gives you a quick overview of the differences and similarities between the iPhone and the BlackBerry.

Feature(s)	BlackBerry Storm	iPhone 3G
U.S. carrier	Verizon	AT&T
Platform	BlackBerry (Java based)	Apple¡¯s proprietary OS X
Size and weight	4.4¡± by 24¡± by 0.55¡±; 5.46 oz.	4.3¡å by 2.4¡åby 0.33¡å; 4.05 oz.
Screen size and resolution	3.25¡å; 480 by 360	3.5¡å; 480 by 320
Input	Multi-touch haptic-feedback touchscreen with QWERTY and SureType keyboards	Multi-touch touchscreen with on-screen keyboard
Buttons	Volume; lock; left and right Convenience; mute/play; send, menu, end, and escape	Home; volume; vibrate
Bluetooth	Stereo	Monaural
Camera	3.2 megapixels; flash; digital zoom; video capable	2 megapixels; no flash; no digital zoom; no video
Battery	5.5 hours talk time; 360 hours standby; removable	5 hours talk time; 300 hours standby; not removable
Calendar	Yes, with to-do list	Yes, but no to-do list
Office Apps	Documents to Go Office-compatible suite, with editing	Microsoft Office-compatible viewers, but no editing
Desktop synching	BlackBerry Media Sync	Through iTunes
Photos	Yes	Yes

Verizon

Verizon Wireless boasts  having the nation’s largest mobile-to-mobile network in which you get free calls to specific numbers chosen by you.  Verizon actually ranked highest in a recent Consumer Reports cell phone service ratings report that looked at overall satisfaction with cell phone service providers.  In addition, Verizon boasts being the sole service provider of the popular BlackBerry Storm smartphone.

AT&T

AT&T is the only cell phone carrier that lets you take unused minutes from one month and roll them over to the next month.  Not only can this save you money, it also means you’re getting top value for your money by not losing out on minutes for which you’ve already paid.  AT&T also offers both individual and FamilyTalk plans, the goal of which is to help you avoid surprise charges.  Finally, AT&T is the only provider that can allow you to use the widely popular iPhone 3G.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile has a unique feature called “myFave” that allows you to stay connected to the people you talk to most.  Another great bonus to T-Mobile plans is the surplus of anytime minutes.  Not only does this help you avoid going over your total minute allocation, it also gives you more disposable minutes to be used outside of night and weekend time brackets.

Summary comparison of all three carriers

Generally speaking, AT&T is known for having better service, better coverage, and better phones than competitor T-Mobile, though Verizon is right up there with AT&T on all three counts.  T-Mobile’s main claim to popularity lies in its pay-as-you-go plans which are enormously popular for consumers on a budget or for those who simply don’t use their cell phones enough to warrant a full-blown contract plan.

Where AT&T and Verizon win out on quality, T-Mobile is tops for best prices.  T-Mobile is also the better option if you’re just looking for a basic phone system and want a good deal for your money.  For a few more bucks a month though, both AT&T and Verizon can offer you a better overall experience combine with the option to take advantage of smartphone or 3G technology.

Overall, though you should choose the plan that best suits your budget, tastes, and needs, it’s a good idea to converse with your closest friends and family members about their own service providers and their own experiences with those service providers.  There are certainly advantages to be found in using the same provider as those you call the most, so let that be a factor in your decision.

The heat is one thing...but you would be wise to take the hurricane season into consideration. Although locals can be pretty nonchalant about the whole thing, this video from Hurricane Katrina can serve as a reminder of how devastating a hurricane can be in one of our own top tourist destinations in the U.S.

Remember Hurricane Katrina--take hurricane seriously

Here are some things you can do to have the best chance of a great vacation in the Caribbean:

1.  Know when hurricanes are historically most active in the area. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), the official hurricane season is from June 1 through NOvember 30, but there's a "very peaked season from August to October", with:

    * 78% of the tropical storm days
    * 87% of the "minor" hurricane days
    * 96% of the "major" hurricane days

I can vouch for that with my own personal story about a ruined honeymoon on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in September, and a brush with a hurricane more recently on Labor Day weekend in Key West, Florida! On the other hand, I enjoyed a fabulous vacation in the Bahamas in July (only some storms, no hurricane) and in the Dutch Caribbean on Curacao in August!

2.  Check out the hurricane forecast when you're planning your vacation. YOu can get an idea about the general sense of the projections for the year, and if you're close to the date of your travel, you can see what's brewing out there in the Atlantic ocean. The official forecast is:  "We foresee slightly below-average activity for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season".

3.  Check the hurricane site frequently for updates and monitor the weather closely in the weeks before your trip.  Decide in advance what you'll do if there is bad weather approaching your travel destination or if it actually hits.

4.  Have a "Plan B" for some rainy and windy days in case you get some of the outer bands of a nearby storm. We spent a wonderful day in Key West exploring the butterfly sanctuary and art galleries when our outdoor kayaking plans were cancelled due to heavy rain. You may want to think about the possibility of loss of electricity and bring an extra battery for your cell phone, portable emergency radio, flashlight or other supplies. Our bed and breakfast spot did a good job of keeping us as comfortable as possible when the power went out on Key West for about 6 hours. They're very used to it there!

5.  Consider trip insurance or venues with a weather guarantee. You will need to read the details carefully, as many of the guarantees only provide for a credit toward a future date and only in the event that travel into the area is cancelled or an evacuation is in effect.

6.  Or, you can do as I do and remain optimistic that you will always have a wonderful vacation and great surroundings no matter what! I've never purchased trip insurance and I've travelled to Australia, Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Bahamas, Curacao and all over the U.S. including New Orleans, California and the southeastern coast.

For moms, especially single moms, it can be a challenge to find the extra money for school for yourself. There's only so much money available and it has to go toward essentials like food, bills and rent (or mortgage payments). So it's nice to have these new opportunities from Pell grants that you can use for yourself to improve your life and your kids' future.

Here are some of the highlights in the new Pell grant guidelines:

• You can study online -- no restrictions about online studies as some other scholarships and grants do.
• You can keep working -- it would be nice to have the luxury of just going to school, but if you need to work you can.
• Pell grant increased --  to $5,500 so you can pay your tuition fees and maybe some money to spare for books and other expenses.

Make sure you do your research and check out other tips on college loans such as:  

1. Always consider several options and talk to a financial aid counselor.

2. Be aware that if you are applying for graduate school, the options for loans and grants are more limited than for undergraduate programs.

3.  Look for a loan company that offers all of the following types of loan services so you have the largest selection:

*Private Student Loans
*PLUS Loans
*Federal Stafford Loans
*Student Loan Consolidation
*Private Consolidation Loans

4.  Try to lock in your student loan rate. Some loans are based on the Treasury bill rates and can fluctuate.

5.  Don't borrow more than you absolutely need. Compound interest can make a small student loan turn into a huge amount. Don't take out extra money to play a great stock market tip or try a get rich quick scheme. Not only do these schemes have very little chance of success,in most cases it is a violation of your student loan agreement.

Start your search with the Internet

Regardless of whether you’re looking for rest, relaxation, culture, or excitement, your best bet for finding a deal begins online. There are literally hundreds of travel deal websites where you can shop vacation bargains of all types.

Start with travel deal sites that let you customize your travel preferences like 1 800 Hotels, found at www.1800hotels.com. This site allows you to put in a specific destination or city along with your preferred check-in and check-out time. From there, you can shop discounted prices on various locations, complete with helpful details like whether breakfast is included or whether the hotel is close to major attractions.

A good way to shop Internet travel sites is to compare multiple sites at the same time. If your computer browser allows it, open up several different Internet windows at once. Pull up a different travel website in each window and cross-compare the prices on the type of deal you’re looking for.

Look to your own unused resources

A surprising number of people fail to use bonuses they already possess. Things like frequent flier miles, discount vouchers on hotels, or perks that come with memberships are often overlooked.

Bite the bullet and spend a weekend getting organized. Look though your home office to find the following unused travel perks:

• Frequent flier miles. If you suspect you have frequent flier miles but can’t find any information on them, contact airlines on which you’ve traveled in the last few years.
• Membership perks. If you’re a member of a professional organization related to your trade, contact the membership office to find out what sort of bonuses come along with your membership. If you belong to an association of any kind, look into whether it’s affiliated with deals related to travel.
• Credit card bonuses. Many credit cards offer card holders discounts at hotels and car rental companies. Several even offer free travel insurance. Contact your credit card company to find out what you’re entitled to. Chances are you’re not even aware of the extras included with your card, especially if you’ve had a credit card for a long time and no longer remember the premiums associated with opening an account.

Quick tips on deals

Even after you’ve searched travel sites and looked into existing privileges, sometimes it’s best to simply go to locations where the deals are plentiful. Some of the best summer vacation deals available can be found by taking advantage of the following getaway opportunities:

• Cruise to Alaska. If you want lavish family fun on a tight budget, trek up to Alaska. Many cruise lines offer kids free passage on any week-long cruising itinerary, provided at least two adults come along as paying passengers. Better yet, cruise ships provide tons of free stuff to do once you get on the ship. Many include educational programs where kids can learn about glaciers, dolphins, whales, and eagles. And don’t forget all meals are included with the initial cruise price, meaning you won’t have to budget for food expense on a daily basis.
• Check out a beach city. Soak up the sand and sun by visiting one of the many tourist cities located on the beach. Not only will you find a handful of getaway packages with great bargains aimed at luring tourists in, you’re also likely to find some interesting bonuses. For example, Santa Barbara has hotels offering discounted hotel packages that include free tickets to the fabulous city zoo. Other hotels in the area are throwing in dining credits, free room upgrades, and even complimentary disposable cameras. With bonuses like that, it’s hard to beat the options for thrifty family vacations.
• Head south and save on kids fares. Many vacation booking companies are offering families package deals that save a tremendous amount of money on airfare for kids. This is especially true for anyone heading south to destinations like Mexico or Jamaica. In several cases, you can qualify for a 50 percent rebate off your child’s airfare when you book your own reservation. Just be sure you keep track of the necessary paperwork and apply for your rebate within the allotted time period.

Make educated travel decisions

A final proven way to save money on family vacations is to be smart about where you decide to go and how you choose to travel: 

• Opt for places that are out of season so you can beat the crowds and savor the deals.
• Prepare your own snacks and meals to eat while you’re in transit so you won’t have to pay for pricey food at the airport.
• Pack lightly so you won’t have to pay to check an extra bag on a flight.
• Forego souvenirs and just take pictures to remember your trip.

After all, it’s the experience that counts when you head out for summer vacation, so do anything you can to enjoy it without getting bogged down in costs.

Tap into the power of online learning

The Internet has never before been as rich and diverse in free knowledge as it is today. Anybody with a little Internet savvy can virtually acquire a free college education online simply by searching out the right websites.

Here’s just a sampling of the resources you can access online:

• Free university online courses. Many courses in intriguing subjects are available for free through university websites. They range in scope from Greek mythology to economics. For example, the University of Washington offers free extension courses as part of their educational outreach program.
• Free video courses. For subjects that require hands-on learning such as sign language, you can find free podcasts and video demonstrations.
• Readings on theology. In a step up from traditional library lending, schools like Covenant Seminary offer free downloadable podcasts and .PDF files on theological history.
• Language courses. Multiple universities and language institutes offer free access to language instruction in everything from Turkish to Mandarin Chinese. Many also include audio recordings so you can learn the appropriate pronunciation of new languages.
• Instruction on health care. Free CPR classes are available through several medical school websites, some of which even include video instructions.
• Basic important knowledge. Anyone hoping to someday become an American citizen will benefit from resources that help you prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.
• Online library access. Places like the University of Pennsylvania offer access to thousands of books through the Web, putting a virtual library right at your fingertips.
• Knowledge via your iPod. If you prefer audio lessons, you can download scores of courses to your computer or MP3 player. UC Berkeley is one of many institutions to offer this type of access to a free education.

Other free routes to knowledge

You don’t have to locate an entire free online course to benefit from the instruction of professors across the country. Several university instructors post course syllabi online, complete with reading lists, research ideas, and lecture outlines. Use these free info-rich sources to construct your own learning plan. To locate free education sources on the topics that most interest you, use search engines like Google

Understand what you’re getting into

It’s important to realize that tapping into a free college education online is not equivalent to earning a college degree. Colleges and universities across the country have specific curricula approved by the U.S. Department of Education. These curricula must be completed in a certain order and within a specific timeframe in order to merit a degree that is certifiably recognized.

Don’t dupe yourself into thinking a free education from online sources will get you the same sort of benefits and privileges as earning a real degree. It won’t. But it will open the doors to possibilities you never before imagined, such as:

• New employment opportunities. By proving that you are self-motivated and fired up enough to study something without the lure of college credit, you may very well land approval from a potential employer. You may also be able to show your current employer that you’re a self-starter with an open mind, inevitably leading to a promotion.
• Personal satisfaction. Expanding your mind can be very personally rewarding. Not only will you gain better insight into certain areas of expertise in the world, you’ll also prove to yourself that you can set a goal and stick with it.
• Better social skills. Depending on the courses you pursue, you may wind up improving your ability to converse about an array of topics. This means you can say goodbye to talking about the weather when struggling to make conversation at social events.
• Training in interests or hobbies. If you have a hobby or interest that fires you up but doesn’t make sense to pursue on a professional level, taking free education courses may very well get you the information you need without the expense.
• Recognition for self-motivation. By and large, people admire those who willingly expand their minds and their ability to understand the world. Drinking up online information for the love of knowledge will likely win you respect and admiration from your friends and family.

Unlimited possibilities

If you can get yourself motivated to pursue a little independent learning, you’ll be amazed at all you can achieve. Doors will start opening where you never saw possibilities before. All it takes is a little commitment and drive, and you’ll find you can easily change your life. Start today and take advantage of the wide array of awesome, free Internet information. It’ll be an educational move you never regret.

Know what you want and what you need

When shopping for any gadgets or electronics, you need to know what to look for. Many electronics come with an array of variations that can make the selection process overwhelming. Start your search by reading up on the different types of options available for the gadget you want.

It’s essential to consider your options before you go shopping so you don’t end up purchasing something that doesn’t suit your needs. For example, when it comes to shopping for a television, you have a ton of choices. You have to start by choosing between a direct-view television, a projection TV, or a flat panel screen – among others. From there, you need to decide on size and manufacturer. Once you’ve picked those specifications, you may still have several other decisions to make, including resolution type and whether you’d like to purchase a service plan.

Start by listing the features you’d like to have included in your electronic purchase, then list the features you absolutely must have. For instance, perhaps you’d like to have a television with a plasma display panel, but you absolutely must have a 47 inch screen because it’s the only size that will fit in your home wall unit.

Where to find cheap deals on electronics

Once you’re armed with the knowledge of what you want and what you need, you’ll find shopping for cheap deals to be significantly easier. Follow these tips for searching out the best places for great buys.

• Look for promotional deals. Plenty of retailers offer incentives through promotional deals, both online and off. Keep your eyes peeled for all types of promotional offers. Some may consist of a cash back or automatic rebate program while others include rebate offers that you have to mail in. Still others will throw in a gift card or gift certificate as part of a shopper incentive program.
• Clip those coupons. Clipping coupons is far from being an old-fashioned way to save. More than ever before, coupons are bringing people into stores with the promise of instant savings when they make a purchase. If you don’t come across a coupon for the items you want by searching your local paper or mail, try looking online. Use a search engine to find coupon sites for different products and dealers. Start by typing the name of the electronic gadget you’re looking for along with the word “coupon” into the search box.
• Comparison shop. If you’re serious about landing a bargain, make the extra effort to compare prices at different locations. Compare store prices with online prices as well as new and used prices (if you’re willing to consider buying used). You can also go to websites specifically designed for comparison shopping. Often times these sites will give you the best prices for nearly everything you need, along with were to purchase them.
• Shop discount electronic sites. In many cases, the best deals on electronics and gadgets of all types can be found on the Internet. For starters, large retailers with established store fronts are now competing against each other to establish an online presence that complements their store sales. Their healthy competition can mean a great deal of savings for you. Besides those locations, you can also find several virtual shops that focus solely on online sales.
• Hunt for closeout sales. As many retailers struggle to stay afloat in a down economy, several will end up declaring bankruptcy protection or closing for good. These moves result in excellent bargains and sales, especially when retailers declare an “everything must go” sale. The only catch to take note of in such a situation is that you may not be able to return your purchase in the event that you’re dissatisfied with the product. This is why it is exceedingly important to know what you want before you buy – that way you’re much more likely to be satisfied with your new goods.

Always worth the time

Just remember that putting a little extra time and effort into your hunt for cheap deals on electronics will always be worth it in the end. By doing a little extra legwork before making a big purchase, not only can you guarantee that you’ll like what you end up with, you can do it while saving a pile of money.

You need to make more than the minimum payment on your credit cards.

If you're like the average college grad, you owe about $3,000 in credit card debt. I felt invincible and optimistic about my future earnings growth when I graduated. That led me to spend more than I made at times (for an expensive European vacation or other fun thing) and carry a balance on my credit cards because I believed I could more easily pay it off in the future. Instead, I was stuck with thousands in credit card debt that was very difficult to pay off and cost me hundreds extra in interest fees.

You can  negotiate your credit card debt and payments:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Credit card debt can become a snowball that gains size and power as it rolls down the hill and creates an avalanche in your financial life.

Learn from some folks who are in way over their heads and should have known better. This woman is $60,000 in debt and says she has nothing to show for it. Another couple is $80,000 in debt with a new motor home and other purchases.

Your credit score trumps your SAT score.

It's not what you know, it's what you do with what you know that counts. In the real world, how you've handled your finances, reflected in your credit report and score, will determine your interest rate for a mortgage, credit cards or student loans, and even your ability to rent an apartment or get a job. Yes, they do check your credit as part of applications for these things.

Saving money is a road to freedom.

By spending less money than you earn and keeping it in savings, you can handle unexpected emergencies and also take advantage of great opportunities when they come along. It's a great feeling to have enough money in the bank to be able at any time to tell your boss to "take this job and shove it."

Compound interest is highly underrated.

If you calculate the value of regular savings deposits with simple compound interest, you will be amazed at how your money can grow in little increments over time. It's not a sexy, hot stock to invest in, but you can sleep well at night and smile at your money savvy.

The stock market is a form of legalized gambling.

If you own individual stocks you are entering a risky business and you need to understand the game before you accept the risk and potential rewards. The stock market is driven by things many that you can't control:  investor emotions, information that you don't have access to, and economic trends that influence all companies, good and bad.

Knowing what you own in your 401(k) and the associated costs, and risk implications is just as important as opening one.

When I started my first job, I signed up for my company's 401(k) and that was a great idea. However, I elected to put all of my contributions into my company's stock and "aggressive" investment options. My company's stock took a dive, and I later realized I was putting my retirement money into mutual funds with outrageously high fees.

You can save money on almost everything.

Now that I've had the chance to know some self-made multimillionaires, I've seen that these people are often considered "cheapskates" by their peers. Rather than always throwing around money and buying the best and most expensive stuff, they are value shoppers and very frugal. There are lots of ways to save money — you can find lots of tips and ideas on BillSavings.com and by doing research online. For example, there are more than 60 tax credits and deductions for things ranging from going to graduate school to paying off your student loans to putting solar panels on your house.

It's fashionable to be frugal in these tough economic times, and it can also be fun if you make a game out of seeing how cheap you can live.

You can read more about the Google Mobile App on the Google Blog.