Must-reads for the money- and eco-conscious.
But first, a side note: Was anyone else amused that the name of the Kentucky Derby winner seemed perfect for our recessionary, coupon-crazed times? Old news by now, but the Derby winner’s name is: Super Saver. That’s a horse every cheapskate has to love.
Now, on to some stories:
“Recycling the Smart Way,” from the Chicago Trib, which answers all sorts of recycling questions asked by readers. For example, while it’s great to recycle plastic, most recycling centers cannot do much of anything with CD or DVD cases or plastic clothes hangers, so the best move is to reuse or donate them.
“The Hidden Costs of Homeownership,” from the LA Times, gives a head’s up on expenses far and above the price agreed to at closing, such as utilities (avg. $1,900 a year), upkeep (an estimated 1% of home’s value per year), and home improvements (average of $14,206 during first two years in a home).
$25,000 Family Sedan Shootout,” from USA Today, reviews eight five-seater sedans priced at least $2K less than the average new car today, which costs just over $27,000. A panel of six car journalists and one American family weighed in, and the winner of the “shootout” was … the Hyundai Sonata.
I’m not sure I’m sold on the results, though. As you can see below in the data used to tally scores, the Sonata scored much higher than the pack in two categories: First Impressions (which can be wrong, and has nothing to do with resale value or durability) and Family Features (vague, not sure what that means exactly). But if you’re in the market for a reasonably priced sedan, there are several good options reviewed in the story.
