Here’s the scenario: You head into the quickie lube garage and drop $30 or so for an oil change. As you drive away, you notice a sticker in the upper corner of your windshield telling you when you’ll be due for another oil change—the classic “three months of 3,000 miles.” Unless you want to waste money (and use more oil than is …
cars
Tradio: The Garage Sale That’s on the Radio
“Long-time listener, first-time seller.” A radio program in Ohio invites callers to make pitches on the air to sell whatever they want—motorcycles, rocking chairs, wedding rings, air-conditioners, family heirlooms, cars, high school yearbooks, even pets and cemetery plots.
Shout-Out: Real Simple’s 19 Easy DIY Projects
A good how-to can save you time and money. With that in mind, Real Simple mag recently rounded up detailed instructions for 19 DIY projects—everything from fixing a faucet that spits water, to replacing a dead spot on the lawn, to changing a burned-out headlight bulb, to repairing a broken necklace.
Cheapskate Wisdom from … the Cash for Clunkers Experience
“If you give someone a free shopping certificate, they will spend it.”—Citigroup economist Steven Wieting, quoted in a WSJ story.
Strictly Business: How Emotions Screw Up Your Investments
Why do many competent, smart people make mistakes with their investments? It turns out that their feelings have been hurt, or they’re trying to save face, or they’re cocky enough to think they’re faster and smarter than the masses. Basically, they get emotional.
Last Call for Clunkers
The Cash for Clunker clock is running out. The government incentive program officially expires on Monday, August 24, at 8 p.m., so this is the last weekend you can score up to $4,500 for turning in your old gas guzzler in exchange for a more fuel-efficient model.
Words of the Recession’s Prophets Are Written on the Van’s Walls
He’s got a van, a plan, and a Sharpie. An unemployed former paint store worker from Oregon is traveling around the country, inviting people to write how the recession has affected them in black marker on his van.
Don’t Be a Sucker While Cashing in Your Clunker
For car owners with automobiles that fit the older-model-bad-gas-mileage profile, Cash for Clunkers is a good deal. That’s not to say it’s a good deal for just anyone trading in any old car.
Ten GOOD Things to Come Out of the Great Recession
It’s not all gloom and doom. Businesses are struggling, the housing market may have crashed, and jobs may have disappeared en masse, but today’s consumer is in the driver’s seat. And perhaps as in any crisis, people are being reminded about what’s really important in life.
GM Starts Selling Cars on eBay: Should You “Buy It Now”?
Troubled car giant General Motors is starting an experiment today, becoming the first manufacturer to sell new cars on auction site eBay. But before you get ready to bid $2 for a Chevy Camaro, however, note two big caveats: There are no true auctions or bidding (“Buy It Now” is the only option listed), and for now, cars are only being …
Ten Ways to Save a Little Money, or Make a Little Bit on the Side
Create a little side business to take advantage of the recession-era atmosphere. Start raising some chickens. Avoid car dealerships for oil changes and routine maintenance. Consider selling your home and relocating to a cave. And other ways to improve your financial outlook, if not necessarily your quality of life.
Why Hybrid Cars Are Worth It, If You’re Cashing In Your Clunker or Not
To hybrid or not to hybrid. As a car buyer, you look at the sticker prices and gas mileage stats for two similar cars. One (the hybrid) is more expensive but gets better mileage. The other is cheaper to buy, but you’ll have to fill ‘er up more often. So you’re left wondering: Is it worth it to pay more upfront for the hybrid?