Are You Getting the Most for Your Vacation Dollar?
Tips for Getting a Great Vacation at a Great Price
May 2013
Are you already thinking about a summer vacation? Getting away from the daily grind can be refreshing and energizing. Too often, that feeling lasts only until the bills arrive. Then buyer’s remorse strikes.
You can avoid spending more than you can afford on this year’s vacation—or any vacation. All you have to do is ask yourself the right questions and invest some time in planning. That may sound like drudgery—particularly when a TV ad promises a dream resort vacation for "one low inclusive price" if you call immediately. Stop before you pick up that phone. Planning done right can be a fun treasure hunt. A little time spent exploring your options online and via phone can save you big. Here’s how to do it.
When Life is Like an Angry Monkey...
You're cruising along just fine when it strikes; that Barnum & Bailey semi in front of you hits a bump, the trailer door breaks and out bounces a crate of circus monkeys. And they're angry...
Now that you're on the edge of your seat, what's this have to do with anything? Nothing, other than lately my life has had difficulties I equate to the likeness of angry monkeys. Life sometimes hurls unexpected circumstances at you; sometimes you can duck and avoid the bad stuff, but sometimes you can't.
My ducking skills have been better... I've faced the loss of my job and several other family, health and "old house" repair problems. Some of which I probably should have seen coming, other I could not. Am I looking for sympathy by telling you this? On the contrary, I want to tell you how I am coping with life.
Read MoreThings You're Better Off Buying Second Hand
By Will From Holland
We all know the car example, right? Buy a brand new (regular) car off the dealership parking lot, and it loses about 20% of its value right away. how can that possibly be a good investment?
But young people these days spend most of their cash on smaller items like clothing, electronics and entertainment. Why not try buying those items used, too? It's cheaper, and the selection can be just as good.
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May 2013
How to Opt Out of Receiving Facebook Ads Based on Your Real-Life Shopping Activity and The Disconcerting Details: How Facebook Teams Up With Data Brokers to Show You Targeted Ads
These articles from the Electronic Frontier Foundation explain what the targeted ads mean to your privacy and show you how to opt out of them.
A Parent's Guide to Playing It Safe With Kids and Cars
This booklet from safercar.gov provides information about the safety features in today's vehicles, installing car seats and keeping kids safe in and around vehicles.
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Check out the mobile apps and sites offered by USA.gov. Categories include travel, news, business, medical, health and fitness, education, utilities, and reference.
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