HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON GYM MEMBERSHIPS

You made a New Years Resolution to lose weight or stay fit. Good for you.

You need to go to a gym to accomplish your goal. Not so good for you.

Did you know that the average gym membership can run $700 or more? Yikes! Don't these people know that there's a recession?

Here are some tips to cut your membership by 50% or more:

1. Most gyms offer a 1 or 2 week free trial before you sign up. Take advantage of these offers with all the gyms in your area. This way you'll know if the facility is right for you and you can compare prices and maybe negotiate by pitting on against the other. Worse case scenario, you'll get several weeks of free gym usage.

2. As we mentioned above - negotiate. Ask about new membership sales and promotions. There are lots of discounts in the beginning of the year, so take advantage of them. Also, check the internet for prices. Look for newspaper ads and don't forget the local free papers too.

3. Check with HR. Many companies offer gym discounts available through their Human Resources Departments. Some even offer incentives to stay fit. (This is for those of you with jobs.)

4. Check with your landlord if there is a fitness center in your building. (This is for those of you in apartments.) Very often there is an additional charge for its use. If so, try to get those fees included in your rent. If there are a lot of apartment vacancies, insist on free gym use; after all, they don't want you to leave.

5. Check your insurance. Very often, Insurance Companies will offer gym promotions for their insured, and it never hurts to ask.

6. Check your other memberships. Costco, AAA, AARP, Credit Unions, etc. may offer discounts for their members.

7. Pay month to month. If you're not sure if you're going to stick with your fitness regimen, go for month to month payments before you sign a long term contract. According to research, most members visit a gym less than 50 times a year. If you become one of those people, take a long hard look to see if a gym membership makes sense for you.

Read more!

AVOID AFFINITY FRAUD

What the hell is AFFINITY FRAUD? We don't have enough to worry about....there's more?

Remember Bernie Madoff, King of the Ponzi Scheme, in the slammer for scamming many wealthy people out of billions of dollars? Well, he perpetrted a type of Affinity Fraud. Affinity Fraud occurs when investment scams are targeted at specific groups of people. Targeted groups usually include the elderly, the religious or professionals. Unfortunately, the very people who do the scamming can sometimes be the ones that people trust the most. One way to protect yourself is to understand what affinity fraud is and how to avoid it.

We urge you to read the following article and learn more:

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/avoiding-affinity-fraud.asp?viewed=1

Read more!

TOP 10 SCAMS and RIPOFFS OF 2009

The Better Business Bureau has come out with a list of the biggest scams and ripoffs of last year.

Please take note and don't become a victim:

http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-lists-top-10-scams-and-rip-offs-of-2009-14436

Read more!

AVOIDING GROCERY STORE MARKETING TRICKS

If you ever leave the grocery store with a slight sense of bewilderment at what you've just bought, you are not alone.

Despite the utilitarian look of most grocers' shelves, careful science goes into deciding how to display the thousands of items each store carries and how to make them appeal to consumers.

Marketers tug shoppers toward items they did not intend to buy (thus the bewilderment) with package design, shelf placement, tie-ins and temporary price cuts.

Here's what to watch for next time you head out for groceries.

1. End of the aisle: Marketers pay grocers dearly to put their wares on the prominent shelves at the end of each aisle because products there can sell 30 percent more than those on other shelves, even when the item is cheaper elsewhere in the store. Shoppers see so-called end-caps more easily and sometimes mistakenly assume they hold hidden deals or clearance items.

2. Eye-level, eyes open: Grocers and marketers know shoppers look straight ahead or, at most, from side to side, as they shop. So products on shelves at eye level often cost more than their lower-shelf siblings (or even items slightly higher).

3. More can be less: One in four times a smaller version of a product was cheaper per ounce or pound or serving or other "unit." So check the unit price instead of assuming that bigger means cheaper.

4. D-I-Y carrot sticks: Cut-up fruits, vegetables and cheese cater to shoppers who want to pry open a plastic bag instead of hunching over a cutting board, but that convenience can be pricey.

5. Don't pick their number: Be wary of suggestions from marketers, especially the buy-five-for-$5 type. You usually don't have to buy all five to get the promotional price, but people often do, either because they think they have to or because they feel like they'll save more.

6. That one last thing: The items in the display by the cash register are always marked up, whether they're toothbrushes, bandages, candy or toys. Avoid them.

7. Remember the tried-and-true: Buy store brands, which can be even more economical than shopping at warehouse clubs.

Bottom Line: MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT!!!!!

Read more!

$AVING ON GAS

Gasoline prices are up 29 percent from a year ago, so finding ways to stretch your personal petro dollars could be a welcome treat.

Everyone knows the basics: Avoid jackrabbit starts and sudden stops, drive slower (since every 5 mph over 60 means paying an extra 20 cents a gallon for gas) and keep your tires inflated (the EPA says doing so can reduce fuel use by 3.3 percent).

You can also skip those nutty liquid additives and air-hose attachments claiming to slash gas costs. Last year Consumer Reports tried them and concluded that you should not waste your money on them.

Here are some lesser known ways to boost gas mileage:

1. Many people mistakenly believe it’s harmful to your engine to simply start up and drive away, particularly in winter. But modern engines don’t need much of a warm-up. So start your car and drive off.

2. Not only does tailgating lead to the fuel-wasting cycle of applying brakes and hitting the gas to catch up, it can lead to sudden and unexpected road hazards. The Federal Trade Commission says that anticipating traffic conditions and avoiding tailgating can save 5 to 10 percent on your fuel bills.

3. Those toolboxes and old golf clubs cluttering your cargo space can cost you. According to EcoDriving USA, 100 pounds of extra weight translates to a 2 percent reduction in fuel economy. Lighten that load.

4. Professional drivers on the clock would never be without their electronic, windshield-mounted transponders, because E-Z Passes (and similar autopayment devices, like California's FasTrak and Florida's SunPass) let them zip through toll lanes, saving time and gas.

5. Many of us don't have a clue when the Check Engine light goes on. Often, the light is saying that the car’s emissions system is malfunctioning. If your oxygen sensor has failed, replacing it could improve your fuel economy by as much as 40 percent and end your car’s status as a gross polluter. So take the Check Engine light seriously, even if your car appears to be running fine.

6. A roof rack interferes with your car’s aerodynamics and can cost you 5 percent in fuel economy, so take it off when not in use.

7. Tighten your gas cap. The problem is gasoline evaporation. A loose or missing cap (which can also cause starting problems) can result in up to 30 gallons of evaporation annually. And that’s gas you already paid for.

8. Hybrids such as the Toyota Prius have in-car fuel-use gauges that let drivers see their consumption drop as their behavior evolves, so think about getting a mileage meter/gauge. The manufacturers claim you can increase fuel efficiency by 33%, by being aware of the way you drive.

9. Think about taking an eco-driving workshop. Don’t confuse this type of training with a standard driving school. Many driving schools are headed by former race drivers, so getting you to slow down may not be high on their priority list. These workshops teach you fuel-saving habits that also help you drive more safely.

Read more!

SAVING WHILE SHOPPING

As the shopping season begins, we're thinking ahead. Should you happen to have any money left over, we think you'll find the following article helpful:

http://www.shopsmartmag.org/files/Stock_up_and_save.pdf

We also check two websites regularly:

www. slickdeals.net

http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/


Happy Shopping!

Read more!

HOLIDAY CHEER WITH BARGAIN WINES

It's a great time to be on the hunt for bargain wine. Discounts abound. Store managers who want to clear their warehouse or balance their books are cutting deals. That means we all should drink well this holiday season, no matter what we can spend.

If you're in your favorite wine shop and you see a closeout or discontinued wine, ask about it and if it sounds good to you, buy a bottle. Go home and drink it and if you like it, then get a case or 2 or 3.....it's a good way take advantage of a bargain.

Here are some examples of good deals. Remember: everyone's taste is different and prices vary from store to store. If you happen to have a Trader Joe's in your area, bargains always abound there.

Sparkling

NV Poema Brut Cava ($10): A solid performer in the cava category. Aggressively fizzy, with apple and grey mineral flavors and a curt lemon-pith finish. A bit rounder mouthfeel, despite impressively low alcohol. Take it to the table. (Importer: Kobrand.)

NV Segura Viudas Brut Cava ($10/magnum): Quite simply, the bargain find of the season. This historic Spanish sparkling producer may be a familiar name, and the wine's all ripe apple and yeast, but all you need to know is this. Magnum. Ten bucks. I believe the translation is, "Instant holiday party."

NV Villa Sandi Il Fresco Brut Prosecco ($13): A balanced, refreshing effort from a respected producer. Fresh orange and tart candy flavors come in a lighter style, but refined bubbles and some deft sweetness (despite its brut label) round it out in a very pleasing way. (Importer: Folio Wine Co.)

White

2008 Alta Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($10): A classy, delicious effort from Australia. Freshly herbal and peach-filled, with ripe kiwi and grapefruit. Not as austere as Marlborough, but with weight (from some lees contact) and bouncy citrus fruit that keeps giving. (Importer: Specialty Cellars.)

2008 Cave de Pomerols Hugues Beaulieu Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet ($10): An always-fun pick from one of the more successful co-ops in the south of France. Picpoul is one of the obscure Rhone grapes, and this vintage is crisper than some, but there's enough weight to put it on the dinner table. White peppercorn and a floral lift to tangy, sharp lemon and saline flavors. Remember this label. It delivers. (Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils.)

2008 Larry Cherubino The Yard Whispering Hill Vineyard Mount Barker Riesling ($6): Exhibit A of why you always should scour the bargain aisle. Cherubino, onetime winemaker for Tintara and Houghton, created this standout Australian Riesling from vines planted on their own roots in 1987. With beautifully austere stone and lemon pith scents, and laser-like acidity, it will improve for up to a decade. (Importer: Vintage New World.)

2008 Dashwood Winemakers' Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($10): Here's the price-killer for those wanting to save a few bucks on their Kiwi fix. Quintessential Marlborough grass notes, with shaved green papaya, pomelo and apricot skin. Racy and focused, with enough weight to match to a meal. (Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports.)

2007 Hedges CMS Columbia Valley White ($12): Washington's Hedges family makes affordable blends under the CMS label, in this case standing for Chardonnay, Marsanne and Sauvignon Blanc. Another reliable value brand to seek. Pretty chervil and buttercup highlights atop the fresh Meyer lemon and Anjou pear. Some decent weight to it, making it ample to take on fish or chicken.

2008 McManis California Viognier ($11): The McManis family and their winemakers deserve credit for a Viognier that seriously outperforms. Harvested mostly from their own vineyards in Manteca and made in steel tanks, it offers substantial peach nectar and wildflower, with perfect typicity. A citrus-zest kick provides that lively edge Viognier so desperately needs. Fantastic value.

Red

2008 Redtree California Pinot Noir ($9): A gulpable Pinot crafted by industry veterans Bob Broman and Roy Cecchetti (Pepperwood Grove), sourced from an unlikely Pinot spot: Lodi. It's this year's runaway success. Bright, true Pinot flavors of Bing cherry and watermelon skin. Straightfoward and juicy, and exactly as it should be.

2008 Castle Rock Central Coast Pinot Noir ($12): Spicy, ripe and performing above Castle Rock's average. Raspberry jam and plum skin, with an honest earthy hint lurking in back but also a touch of sourness. You can find it discounted below $8.

2008 Feeding Frenzy Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($15): A bargain-priced Pinot with great geography. Dense and darker. Blackberry, orange peel and a clear oak note. Not exactly subtle but ample and bold.

2007 Vinos Sin-Ley M5 Yecla Monastrell ($13): The latest Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) from a Spanish project ("Without Law") to make wines outside the country's traditional rules. Leathery and deep, this bottling from the emerging Yecla region is packed with pleasing bramble fruit and grippy tannins, and given depth by a bright mineral edge. (Importer: Ole.)

2007 Domaine des Escaravailles Les Sablieres Cotes du Rhone ($13): Vibrant berry notes from the Grenache, with a white pepper overtone and a bark-like grip on the palate. Full and food-friendly, exactly what a Cotes du Rhone should be. (Importer: Jeff Wilburn Selections/Wine Agencies Inc.)

2006 Jade Mountain La Provencale California Red Wine ($10): A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignane and Viognier from a pioneering California Rhone name, now controlled by Diageo. Packed with purple fruit, plus a rich oak overtone and dry-herb accents. Well assembled and gutsy, with a dark, spicy, warm finish.

2006 Montevina Amador County Zinfandel ($8): An appealing new look for this well-known Sierras label. It's solid, reined-in Zin, with spicy plum and cherry, and sweet echoes on the finish that make it user-friendly.

2007 Volver Paso a Paso La Mancha Tempranillo ($9): An outperformer from Spain's La Mancha region, one of importer Jorge Ordonez's screaming Iberian deals. Distinct smoke and plum skin, with mocha, espelette pepper and bright bramble fruit. Tempranillo's classic tannins show up at the end, but mostly as a boost for food. (Importer: Jorge Ordonez/Henry Wine Group.)

2008 Maipe Andean Culture Mendoza Malbec ($13): A hot wine in a hot category, which makes it easy to find around town. Consultant Alberto Antonini (Altos Las Hormigas) also helped propel this new runaway hit. Scents of smoky leaves, violet, currant and huckleberry, with a bright surge of fruit. A mineral edge to the tannins adds depth. (Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils.)

2006 Tin Roof Cellars California Merlot ($10): A solid effort from winemaker Melissa Bates for one of the value labels run by Jackson Family Wines. Distinct oak flavors are balanced by solid black tea and bright plum, with all the pleasing softness of Merlot.

2007 Manifesto North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): The Manifesto wines are a case of a star winemaker - Jamey Whetstone - focusing on good fruit from a lesser-known corner, in this case Suisun Valley, due east of Napa. They're a great success, and this solid, drinkable Cab is exactly what it should be: with solid oak scents, plus tobacco and dried branches, plus dried currant and juicy blackberry fruit. The screwcap's a plus.

Read more!