Guest Article Feature

From saving money on gas to improving fuel efficiency and lessening your carbon footprint, there are many reasons to start using green technology for your car. While it’s always great to walk or ride your bike, it’s not always possible or practical. On those occasions when you have to slide behind the wheel, why not reap the benefits of eco-friendly technology?

You Won’t Spend So Much on Gas

Image via Flickr by Nakeva

One of the main reasons you should start looking into green technology for your car is because you won’t spend your entire paycheck on gas. Gas prices are absolutely ridiculous. If you live in a suburb or a city, the odds are good that you spend far too much time topping off your tank, and you probably never spend less than $50. With green technology, whether you have a GPS that leads you away from stop-start traffic or drive an electric car, you won’t use as much gas. That means more money and fewer greenhouse emissions.

Your Vehicle Will Last Longer

Image via Flickr by CDavisWI

Because of advances in eco-friendly technology, you end up taking better care of your car. There are smart tires, for example, that let you know when they need more air. Even low tire pressure leads to less fuel efficiency. A car or truck with a low capacity general purpose sensor runs cleaner and longer. There are even engines designed to last longer without wasting fuel. Lots of automakers are even recycling the batteries from their hybrids and electric cars, meaning that current models will drive better for a lot longer.

You’ll Spend Less on Maintenance

Image via Flickr by Matthew Burpee

Those smart tires are apt to keep you from needing a realignment, because you’re never in danger of riding around on your rims. The standard GPS feature that shows you the quickest, smartest routes to work keeps you from dealing with stop lights and traffic jams, which means you won’t wear out your breaks as often. Green technology keeps your car in better condition for a lot longer. From cleaner gas tanks to better tire maintenance, you won’t find yourself visiting the mechanic once a month.

Smarter Cars Save Money

Image via Flickr by Slabby

Whether you drive a hybrid or an electric vehicle or install greener, eco-friendly technologies in your current ride, you’ll save money. When gas prices increase again, you won’t worry because you’re no longer wasting gas. You won’t end up buying four brand new tires because you are always driving on bad roads, stopping all the time, or driving around in spite of low pressure. Getting your engine overhauled or considering newer, smarter fuel injectors might seem costly at first, but once you see how well your car runs and how much longer it lasts, you’ll appreciate the one-time financial sacrifice.

Investing in greener technology is always a good idea, whether you do it in your home or in your car, so take the time to do the research and learn about the benefits. What have you done to make your vehicle greener and more environmentally friendly?

 

The shops are full of stylish maternity clothes, with no shortage of office wear, skinny jeans and bodycon dresses. But for those nights when you just want to chill out, get the comfort you crave with these cheeky choices.

1. 1. Joggers – Even if you have never worn a pair of jogging bottoms in your life, you will find yourself longing to being able to take off your tight denim jeans and slip into a pair of soft cosy joggers. Follow Jessica Simpson’s example when heavily pregnant with her second child, and leave the drawstring waistband nice and loose for ultimate comfort.If it’s relaxation with easy care you’re after, you’ll find it with a polyester and cotton blend. The more polyester they contain, the less ironing you’ll have to do!
   2. Sleep bras – If you’ve had a long day and need to curl up on the sofa, don’t wait until bedtime to embrace the unbeatable comfort of a maternity sleep bra. Daytime maternity bras are usually pretty comfortable but most expectant mums agree – sleep bras are in a league of their own.The most comfortable sleep bras are cotton with a little elastane or spandex, and can be pulled on easily. There is a time and a place for lace and underwiring but this isn’t it!
   3.  A pregnancy pillow – There are several pregnancy pillows on the market now, each designed to provide body-length support. These giant curly sausages of pillows come in a variety of shapes but, whichever one you like the look of, it should offer you new levels of comfort for your back, tummy and hips.Pregnancy pillows remain useful after the birth of your baby, as they can double up as supportive nursing pillows and later as a baby nest and plaything. You can also roll them around to form a cosy little chair for a toddler, so you can enjoy the sublime comfort they provide during pregnancy knowing they will later be enjoyed by your little one, too.
   4. Onesies – It’s not only children who can enjoy the comfort and joy of a good onesie. Since last December, when fashion giant New Look reported selling one every three seconds, sales of onesies for adults have continued to boom. Wearing one is said to be like ‘being inside a teddy bear’s womb’, and, for pregnant women, the onesie offers a level of comfort that no other item of clothing can offer. In warmer weather, opt for a light cotton or cotton and polyester blend, while winter pregnancies call for warm and cuddly soft fleece.

Remember, being pregnant is one of the few times in your life you have total permission to take it easy. So hire or download a chick flick, fix yourself a non-alcoholic cocktail and some snacks, get in your onesie or joggers with your pregnancy pillow and enjoy!

Guest Article Feature

Is it getting harder than ever to picture affording a vacation this year? Take heart, there are ways to organize your budget to get in a fun trip for the family. But get started as soon as possible so you’ll have enough saved up by the time you need to make reservations.

Image via Flickr by Images_of_Money

1. Make Savings Your #1 Priority

The mistake many families make is spending first and saving what’s left over. Financial experts say this is the opposite of what we should do. Set aside a reasonable amount to save out of each paycheck, and transfer that money into a special vacation savings account before you do anything else. This way, you’re not tempted to spend your vacation money on other things.

2. Set Aside Certain Funds for Vacation Savings

Do you have a part-time job, get an annuity payment, or any other income from a source other than your primary job? This makes a perfect contribution to your vacation savings. Take the small amount you’re earning from a secondary source and dedicate it to your vacation savings fund.

3. Prioritize Spending

When you’re shopping or browsing online and find something you’re tempted to buy, ask yourself, “Would I rather have this or the vacation?” If the answer is, “A great vacation!” then put the money you would spend on the item into your vacation savings fund. Also, it teaches you to make purchasing decisions based on long-term goals, not whims.

4. Eliminate Unnecessary Spending

Most families eat out, go to the movies, and hit the mall too frequently. Swap your nights or weekends of spending for low-cost fun at home. Dedicate one night per week to prepare a meal together and get out some of the old home movies or a DVD you picked up and never got a chance to see. For the average family of four, you can save almost $200 by swapping a family movie or game night with a night of dinner, a movie, and a trip to the mall.

5. Watch Your Fuel Costs

Are you in the habit of jumping in the car and running to the store every time you realize you’re low on something? This is just one mistake people make that eats away at their ability to afford a good vacation. Keep a list handy and combine those trips into one. Also, invest in a more fuel-efficient vehicle like one from Arrigo Automotive used cars in West Palm Beach. This saves you money on regular errands, but also makes a driving trip more affordable by consuming less gas.

6. Sell Unwanted Stuff to Fund the Vacation

Have you got closets and a garage stuffed with things you never use? Turn this wasted space into a nest egg for your vacation fund. Sell it off on Craig’s List, eBay, or have a yard sale. It’s amazing how much cash you can get for unwanted clothing, shoes, furniture, housewares, gardening tools, and other old items.

7. Have Kids Contribute to Vacation Savings

It’s never too early to start teaching kids how to contribute to the family, even when it comes to affording a vacation. Consider having little Johnny cut the grass to save what you’re paying the neighbor kid, and put the money into the vacation savings. Or, get Jenny to clean the house or babysit to save the money you’d pay for those services. Explain that they are getting paid, but the payment comes at vacation time. Learning delayed gratification is healthy for young people.

With a few minor changes in your daily routines, you can soon have the money you want for a rocking vacation this year.