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WHEN NOT IN USE, TURN OFF THE JUICE
Yup, the easiest way to save energy is to simply turn your computer off when it's not being used, and the savings from doing so can be substantial. According to ComputersOff.org, simply turning your computer off at night or when it’s not being used can make a big difference.

By turning off your computer each night when you leave work for a year you will help save as much energy as it takes:

• to run a clock radio for 1,392 weeks
• to make 9,280 bags of microwave popcorn
• to wash 464 loads of washing
• to use your blow dryer for 5,568 hours
• to vacuum for 464 hours
• to produce 3,480 plastic bags
• to run your microwave 24 hours a day for a week
• to boil your kettle for 24 hours a day for 268 days

• to run a clock radio for over 3 weeks
• to make over 20 bags of microwave popcorn
• to wash over 1 load of washing
• to blow dry your hair over 12 times
• to vacuum for over 1 hour
• to light a 100 watt light bulb for over 10 hours

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WAYS TO SAVE YOUR PAYCHECK
You're in dangerous territory if you're living paycheck-to-paycheck -- especially in this economy. Here are some ways to get control of your spending and give yourself some financial breathing room...

1. Save First -- Starting with your next paycheck, look at the amount of the check, decide how much you want to put in your savings account and then work to pay the bills after that. It will take discipline, but it's the only thing that actually works.
2. Eat At Home -- Going out to eat regularly adds up to lot of money by the end of the month. Eat dinner at home and brownbag it at work. The savings will pile up over time.
3. Have Fun For Free -- Whether it's playing Wii with a few friends while playing bartender at your place or renting movies with your family, there are ways to have fun that involve less money than movies, nightclubs and restaurants.
4. Use The Library -- With booksellers, online book shopping, iTunes music store and Netflix memberships, we forget that the library is completely free. So, instead of buying books or DVDs, check your local library first.

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NEW USES FOR OLD NAIL POLISH from BellaSugar.com
Tired of last year's hot shade nail polish? Or you can tell it's starting to get thick and gunky? Instead of throwing it away, try using your polish in one of these nifty household applications:

Label maker: If there are multiple people in your home, you can always use polish to color-code and individualize everything, from clothing tags to toothbrushes.

The key to keychain success: If you have keys on your keychain that look identical, differentiate them with a swipe of polish.

Touch-ups: Cracked vases, chipped pottery, and/or scuff marks on shoes can all benefit from a steady hand and artfully applied polish.

Get crafty: Bring some life back to old picture frames or add some colorful detail to a tired old lamp. Just use your imagination.

Coming undone: Buttons that constantly fall off are annoying, but with just a swipe of coordinating polish, you can affix the end of the unraveling thread to the button for good.

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THE BEST THINGS TO BUY IN APRIL (THAT AREN'T AN iPAD)
Spring's a good time of the year to buy the following...

Televisions: New models are starting to roll in, models stocked for the holidays and Super Bowl sales might still be lingering, so it's traditionally been a good time to negotiate a TV deal. Plus, Stephen Baker, who covers electronics for the marketing and research firm NPD, notes for Money magazine that most Japanese manufacturers' fiscal years end at the end of March, so they often push out "old" models at a 20 percent discount.

House (for availability): Housing is at its cheapest in the winter, but now that spring has sprung, grass has come back, and outdoor work becomes feasible, sellers start putting their goods on the market. Buy now, rather than wait for the peak season of summer, and you might beat out some buyers who haven't jumped in yet.

Boots & Winter Wear: As you might guess, nobody's really shopping for this stuff at the moment, and few think to—so long-term snow dwellers, rejoice.

Used Cars: Kiplinger reports that car dealers are stocking up for their more lucrative warm weather season, and have a lot of inventory on hand they'd be willing to let go of for less.

Car Accessories & Parts: Starting to see a trend here? Makers of gear that sells all too easily when it's top-down, washed-and-waxed cruising season have inventory to move before they can concentrate on their summer sales, and now's the time to hit them up.

Laptops: It's not immediately apparent, but Gizmodo and DealNews suggest that laptops are cheap in April. That might share the same end-of-fiscal-year reasoning as TVs, but it might also just be a sweet spot between major selling periods.

Fabric: Some winter prints still look beautiful in the spring, and craft stores are starting to change focus away from heavier material. Now's the time to pick up a deal, as suggested by About.com.

Cookware: MSN Money suggests that with graduations right around the corner, many cookware makers are pushing their wares, and multi-piece sets in particular.

Vacuum Cleaners: Diane Ritchey, editor of Home Appliance Magazine, which is a thing that exists, tells MSN Money that new vacuum models usually come out in June, so older models start to price downward and "Spring Cleaning"-related sales start up.

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MOST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE VEHICLES TO INSURE IN 2010 - Compiled by InsureOne.com

Most Expensive

1. Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 2 Door Coupe - $2,943.78 this year
2. Mercedes S65 AMG 4 Door Sedan - $2,863.03
3. Dodge Viper SRT-10 2 Door Coupe - $2,851.89
4. Porsche Panamera Turbo AWD 4 Door Sedan - $2,837.39
5. Dodge Viper SRT-10 2 Door Convertible - $2,815.90
6. Mercedes CL600 2 Door Coupe - $2,754.80
7. Audi R8 2 Door Coupe AWD - $2,751.55
8. Porsche Panamera S 4 Door Sedan - $2,744.78
9. Mercedes SL600 2 Door Convertible - $2,715.86
10. Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo 2 Door Coupe AWD - $2,706.04

1. Mazda Tribute I 2WD 4 Door Utility - $1,070.25
2. Honda Odyssey LX 5 Door 2WD SOHC Van - $1,095.26
3. Mazda Tribute I 4WD 4 Door Utility - $1,103.29
4. Chrysler Town & Country LX 2WD 4 Door 3.3L Wagon - $1,119.83
5. Jeep Wrangler X 4WD 2 Door 3.8L Utility - $1,124.38
6. Mazda Tribute S 2WD 4 Door Utility - $1,128.29
7. Dodge Grand Caravan 2WD 4 Door 3.3L Wagon - $1,131.06
8. Toyota Sienna CE 4 Door Wagon - $1,133.97
9. Hyundai Tucson GLS 2WD 4 Door Utility - $1,134.08
10. Kia Sportage LX 2WD 4 Door Utility - $1,138.41

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16 WAYS NOT TO BLOW YOUR TAX REFUND
Plenty of lucky Americans will be receiving tax refunds from Uncle Sam in the coming weeks. According to FrugalDad.com, here are some ways to not blow it:

1. High-Interest Credit Card Debt -- Eliminating credit card debt is one of the smartest ways to spend any extra money. Getting out from under this debt pays off to the tune of 20 percent (or more) per year.

2. Emergency Fund -- Over the past year or so, many households have had to turn to emergency funds to get through financial rough patches. It makes sense to put that tax refund money back into the fund.

3. Retirement Savings -- If your debts are paid and you have plenty of money saved for emergencies, the next biggest bang for your refund buck is to invest in your retirement.

4. College Savings -- It's tough to make the monthly bills AND set aside money for retirement and college. A tax refund is a great opportunity to jumpstart a 529 college savings plan.

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WHAT TO BUY IN MARCH
Lifehacker.com says these are the things we should be buying in March.

• Winter coats & sporting goods: The season to sell people warm coats, gloves, scarves, and other gear is right near the end, and to make room for the spring stock, stores are selling it all off at a discount. The same goes for snowboards, ski gear, and other winter activity accessories.
• Luggage: It's an odd season, halfway between the periods when most cold-weather residents do most of their warm-weather traveling. Luggage makers are getting ready to roll out new wares, and stores are looking to drop the stock they've got.
• Frozen food: Yeah, it's one of those goofy "months" that seem like they don't need a month. But during National Frozen Food Month, your own nearby grocers might be offering discounts and coupons on stuff that can hold for a long time.
• Boats: According to MSN Money/Bankrate.com, March is the tail end of the winter boat show season, so there's a good chance you'll catch a dealer looking to both make a splash with a reasonable price, and see both last year's and this year's models.

• Gas grills & air conditioners: They're a bit cheaper now because it's obviously an off-season time to buy them. The selection might be a bit limited, but, really, there won't be major, life-changing events in the fields of freon-based cooling or flame-based cooking between now and late May.
• Homes: It's actually a mixed bag for those looking to buy a home right now. If you and the seller can sign a "binding sales contract" before April 30, the $8,000 federal housing tax credit can land in your lap. And those looking to sell their homes in winter can be both those with serious intent to move (read: "motivated sellers") and, under the right circumstances, negotiated with for a lower, off-peak price. Then again, the selection and appearance of homes this time of year isn't usually ideal, so you'll have to be willing to dig around and look past the superficial to find a true bargain.

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CREDIT CARD RESOURCES from CreditCardConnection.org

Credit Card Connection is your link to the most fair and ethical credit card programs in the United States. Find out which credit card programs received the Credit Card Connection Seal of Approval and which ones to avoid due to their unfair and unethical practices. Plus, locate credit card programs in your area, get answers to frequently asked questions, and much more!

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LEARN TO BARGAIN AND PAY LESS FOR ANYTHING  from MensHealth.com/fitinvestor
 - Tips from Men's Health

New Car
When: November or December
Why: Don't, as many experts advise, buy this year's model in late summer when next year's models hit. There's a year of depreciation on it already. Instead, wait a few months and buy the new model late in the year, when dealers are antsy to hit their year-end numbers. "Look for the vehicle in the far corner of the lot that hasn't been washed," suggests Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. That means the dealer doesn't consider the car a profit maker.

Home Theater - When: The week before Super Bowl Sunday
Why: You'd think everyone would be buying home-theater gear for the big game, but it's not so. "Retailers are banking on holiday money being tossed around, and manufacturers want to hit quarterly estimates," says Kevin Pereira, host of G4's Attack of the Show. Look for savings of 30 to 40 percent.

Weekend Getaway - When: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Why: "Hotels are clawing for business," says John Vlahides, a writer for Lonely Planet. Rates will already be discounted 20 percent, but if you speak with the in-house reservations manager, you could score another 5 or 10 percent off, says Vlahides.

Jewelry - When: Monday morning, in summer
Why: You'll be the only customer. "You can always save 10 percent on jewelry," says Ken Gassman, president of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. "But you can save as much as 20 percent if you negotiate when you're alone."

Clothes - When: January 31 or August 31
Why: "Retailers are looking to make their monthly sales numbers and clear inventory to make room for new spring or fall lines," says Marshal Cohen, chief retail and fashion analyst with NPD, a research firm. Shop when the store is empty and you'll save up to 75 percent, Cohen says.  LEARN TO BARGAIN AND PAY LESS FOR ANYTHING!

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PFIZER OFFERS FREE DRUGS AFTER LOST JOBS

Patients can call a toll-free number, 866-706-2400, to sign up, and those whose drugs are not included in the program will be referred to other company aid programs. Starting July 1, patients can also apply through the Web site, PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com, which has information about the other Pfizer aid programs.

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HOW TO GET THE PROMOTION YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

With the economy the way it is, it’s hard enough to just hang onto the jobs we have. But trying for promotion? Hey, you might not get the new position, but you’ll at least make yourself more valuable to the company — and that’s job security.

[1] Be a good leader, show initiative and be proactive. Don't wait for work to come to you. Ask how you can help and be willing to go beyond your job description. As always, be responsible in completing assignments on time.

[2] Be focused on providing good customer service and support. A business's customers are the reason they thrive or flounder, so if you can make customers a priority, you're sure to stand out as a good asset to the company.

[3] Be willing to handle conflict when it arises amongst your coworkers. Showing you can work through problems with your team will demonstrate true management potential.

[4] Support your people -- be a coach and a mentor to your colleagues. Teach the skills you know to be successful at your place of employment. Always be open to questions others might have. This demonstrates competence, leadership and trust.

[5] Never forget you can always learn from your staff, your customers and from more training and education. Management techniques are constantly changing, and new technologies develop. Be knowledgeable and never lose your edge as a manager.

And remember…80% OF SUCCESS IS JUST SHOWING UP!

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THREE WAYS TO SPEND LESS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD

from Family Circle magazine

Get your priorities straight. Before you plan your next family vacation, or a child’s birthday party, figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend. Then, make sure your plans don’t exceed your budget.

Observe the “overnight rule.” If you’re tempted to pull out your credit card to pay for an impulse purchase, go home, and wait 24 hours. If you still want it, go get it. Nine times out of 10, you won’t bother.

Calculate what it really costs to charge something. For example, if you spend $500 dollars in cash, your cost is $500 dollars – and it’s paid for. But if you charge that same $500 dollars, and just make the minimum payments – it’ll cost you at least $790 dollars – and take almost 7 years to pay it off! Makes you want to resurrect that old phrase “cash and carry,” doesn’t it?

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TOP FINANCIAL MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE from MarketWatch.com

Mistake #1: Not buying life insurance. Having enough life insurance should be your #1 priority as soon as you decide to have kids. Chances are, you’ll have some coverage through an employer, but you should consider buying more insurance depending on your family’s needs. Experts say the best way to decide how much to buy is to multiply your income by six. Then add the amount you owe on your mortgage, plus the amount you expect to pay for college. That’ll guarantee your family’s provided for in case you pass away.

Mistake #2: Postponing a will. It’s an inevitable fact of life that everyone needs to deal with, but preparing a will is especially important for young parents. Why? Because the younger you are, the more tempting it will be to put off writing a will. Without one, a court will decide who gets to manage your finances or take care for your children.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to save for retirement. When you’re starting a family in your 20s or 30s, retirement may seem too far out of reach to even think about. However, the longer you delay starting a retirement fund, the smaller your nest egg will be and the larger a burden you’ll be on your children, who’ll be forced to take care of you when you run out of cash.

Mistake #4: Saving too much for their child’s college fund. It’s smart to start socking away money for college as soon as possible, but experts say college should be the lowest of your financial priorities. Why? Because college can be supplemented with scholarships, grants and loans, but nobody will give you a loan for retirement.  

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FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION IN SAN ANTONIO!!

San Antonio's Witte Museum is Free to everybody Tuesday's from 3p till 9p. WitteMuseum.org

And The San Antonio Museum of Art is also free on Tuesdays for 4p till 9pm SaMuseum.org.  Plus, at The McNay Art Museum there is no charge for general admission on Thursday nights and on the first Sunday of the month. At these times, the extra admission charge applies only for entrance to the selected exhibition. McNayArtMuseum.org

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Have a favorite free family activity? Let us know - dave.rios@coxradio.com