Wednesday

Top Retail Markups Revealed

Denim-The market is notorious for its mark-ups of anywhere between 100 and 300 percent. Demand for designer jeans, especially, has skyrocketed over the last several years, creating a $54 billion global industry. Retail experts say consumers are willing to pay up for denim — as much as $200 or $300 a pair — because nowadays they're considered multifunctional.  You can find better deals at online fashion retailers, like Gilt.com and Bluefly.com, as well as at consignment shops. At Fisch for the Hip, a consignment boutique in Manhattan, lightly used designer jeans sell for around $60, less than half their retail price.

Cosmetic industry has big mark-ups, especially on high-end make-up. Think there's a significant difference between a $25 lipstick and a $5 one?

"It's the same compound or chemical makeup whether you're buying Maybelline or Lancôme or Mac," says Bentz. Even so, retailers get away with massive mark-ups in the $170 billion beauty industry — often more than 100% — thanks partly to clever marketing, celebrity endorsements and fancy packaging. So don't poo-poo the makeup at your local drugstore. If you buy a lot of cosmetics throughout the year you may also want to consider joining a rewards club at your local beauty supply store to earn discounts. For example, after spending $25 club members at Sally Beauty Club, a national beauty supply store, receive 15% off their next purchase.

Concessions -A small bag of popcorn from the movies, for example, goes for about $6, when it's just a bag of popped kernels. The mark-up is more than 1,000%. To save money bring your own snacks from home when permitted. You can also try to offset the high cost of concessions with lower priced movie tickets. AAA, Sam's Club and Costco sell discounted tickets for some movie theaters.

 

How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs

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Wednesday

How to Reduce Your Cooling Costs

Raise Your Thermostat. If you have central air, begin by automatically setting your thermostat to a higher temperature, say 78 or 80 degrees, during times when you're not at home. A programmable thermostat could save you as much as $180 a year, according to Energy Star.

• Utilize Ceiling Fans. While you're at home, put your ceiling fans to work — even with your air conditioner running. It may sound counterintuitive to do so, but ceiling fans can create a cooling effect that leaves you dry and comfortable, enough so you can raise the temperature on your air conditioner. A 2-degree increase can lower cooling costs by up to 14%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Keep the Air Conditioner in the Shade. It's not always possible, but if you can install your air conditioner in a window that's facing shade, instead of sunlight, you'll lower the AC's workload.

• Time the Chores. Leave some household tasks — like running the dishwasher or washing machine — for either the early morning or late evening since some utility companies charge a premium during peak hours of the day.

• Skip the Stove. Your stove is another giant source of heat. Consider warming up small-sized portions in the microwave. You could save as much as 80 percent in cooking energy, according to Energy Star. Your outdoor grill is another great alternative for cooking, not only because it conserves energy — it also keeps the heat outside!

Ways to make money

Wednesday

Make Extra Income Without Much Work

What about renting out your car?

and HERE




Renting out a room in your home?



Mystery shopping?


Moneysaving

Car Maintenance Tips

Wednesday

Car Maintenance Tips That Pay Off Big

One popular myth is that you should change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, but with advancements in oil and vehicle technology, oil change intervals have also improved, according to Jay Rosenthal, a Jiffy Lube owner and operator in Mercer County, New Jersey

 "Some cars can go as long as 5,000 miles, even 7,500 miles between oil changes, but you have to consult your owner's manual," says Rosenthal.

 Next tip: Choose the gasoline that gives you the most miles per dollar, according to Mike Allen, senior automotive editor at Popular Mechanics. "Almost any car made since 1996 will in fact run just fine on regular," says Allen. "If your car does, in fact, call for the use of 91 octane premium in the owner's manual, it might very well do pretty good on 89 or 87 [octane], which is a lot less expensive."

Finally, keep a close eye on your check engine light, which usually turns on when a gas cap is loose, so, if you notice the light coming on about three miles after a fill-up, check that part of the car first. Then, make sure you hear three clicks when you're tightening the cap back up.

 

Allen suggests investing in a code reader device, which detects what your car's computer thinks is wrong when the check engine light turns on.The device ranges in price, but they can be as low as $30 and are usually no more than $100. Some common manufacturers of code readers include Actron, AutoXray and Equus. You can find the devices at general stores, like Walmart, or auto stores.

He also adds that instead of buying one, some mechanics will let you borrow the reader while you're at the repair shop.

A final tip for cleaning your car: Wash beyond the surface. Salt deposits from the road can eventually rust the car from underneath, so it's really important to clean thoroughly.

Hospitals phone numbers

 Here is a list of hospitals.

This will come in handy when you need it.

 Hospital Directory by States and Territories 

 Hospitals in Austin, TX  and areas

Tip of the day-Freebies

Tip of the day!

There are several department stores that will give you FREE hangers, just by asking.
I like these plastic hangers (usually they are the clear ones) even if they break, they are
replaceable for free. This makes great sense when you are saving money and this is an
easy was to start plus everyone needs hanger.


Stores that I have dealt with are Macy and Kohl's.

HomeSchooling

Sites and more sites on Homeschooling

Came across my old Stuff4yall

Stuff4yall for Homeschooling