Getting The Best Auto Insurance Rates

When is the last time you reviewed your auto insurance policy with your agent to make sure you are getting the best rates possible? Depending on the company, the following discounts may be available to help reduce your rates. Check to make sure you are getting all the discounts you may be entitled to such as: Air Bag, Garage Parking, Good Student, Antitheft Device, Driving Skills Course, Multi-Policy, Multi-Car, Mature Driver Course, Persistency (long-term loyalty to your carrier).

Being Prepared with Your Coupons at The Register

Did you know there is a "proper order" to submit your coupons at the cash register to maximise your savings? Don't trust the cashiers to put them in the correct order, take matters into your own hands! Here are examples at three popular drug stores: Rite Aid: If you have a coupon for money off your entire order, present that to the cashier first, then hand over any other store and manufacturer coupons for specific items. CVS: Scan you ExtraCare card first to ensure you get Extra Bucks. Give money-off coupons next (such as $5 off $25 purchase), then store coupons, manufacturers' coupons and lastly, Extra Bucks. *Note from Barb- First thing you should do when you enter CVS, way before you get to the register is scan your card at the kiosk by the door for special coupons generated just for you- you might want to use them on your shopping trip. Walgreens: Most avid coupon clippers can not agree on the best order to hand things over at Walgreens. Try different combinations until you find the one that works for your particular store. Bet you did not realise there was such a science to couponing. I know I will be paying better attention the next time I hand mine over.

North County Bikers

Did you know that more miles were added to the bike trail by San Luis Rey last year? The trail now stretches nine miles from the west end of Neptune to North Santa Fe Road. The Class 1 bike trail sits completely separate from roadways and is used by cyclists, runners and walkers. Check it out soon!

If You Are Not Satisfied, Speak Up

Recently I have had trouble with two products that I routinely purchase. One was for a dishwashing detergent, and another was for a condiment. With both products something was clearly wrong with the consistancy and it did not meet my standards or match their usual quality. I took a moment to go to their company websites located on the labels, wrote to tell them of the problem I had encountered, and in both cases I was sent a coupon for a replacement product (up to a value of $10). It is important to most companies to keep their customers happy, so always be sure to speak up if not satisfied...it pays!

Travel Smart/Save Money

Summer is upon us. Before you go, consider unplugging appliances and lowering the thermost in your house and on your water heater. To save gas, fully inflate tires, locate the cheapest fuel on your route at http://www.aaa.com/ or http://www.gasbuddy.com/ and check http://www.traffic.com/ for congestion. Bring snacks for the ride, try to keep your speed to 60 mph and pack light for greater fuel efficiency.

Printer Ink Cartridge Refills at Costco

Have you tried refilling your ink cartridges, rather than paying for a brand new one? Costco has a wide variety that they will refill. They will need to examine your empty cartridge to make sure the facing is in good shape, and if it is still usable, refills are very nicely priced- between $8 and $10. As you can see, that price trumps the cost of purchasing a new cartridge by far and is a greener answer. http://www.costco.com/

Affordable Travel Sites

Many of you have asked me in recent days about my favorite travel websites as you get ready to plan your summer getaways. I have many. I love travelzoo- you need to sign up for their weekly top 20 deals which are perfect for spur of the moment travel. I also like Snique Away, who will give you the latest specials- they are for people that appreciate a higher-end property at steep discount. I would never take a trip without using Trip Advisor to do my research. They are an invaluable resource. I love reading other travelers opinions and ratings, and gathering their suggestions for each destination. For those that would rather skip the hotel and enjoy the comforts of home, try VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner). This site is great for people that want more space that a home affords and extras such as more bedrooms and baths as well as pools and other home comforts. Hope these suggestions help. Happy travels!