Fuel Shock

Today's post is a cost saving tip written by David Muhlbaum of Kiplinger magazine. With the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, and depending on the amount you drive, this idea could lead to a significant decrease in your overall fuel expenditures.

According to Muhlbaum,“Even if your car says premium fuel recommended, or even required, few really need it. Most late-model cars can adjust to regular fuel because engines are now equipped with knock sensors, which adjust the engine's timing automatically when they detect tell-tale 'pinging'. You may experience a slight decrease in power and fuel economy, but no damage to the engine. A key exception: If your vehicle is turbocharged and specifies super, follow the manual. You're doing neither your car nor your wallet any favors by putting higher-grade gas in a car that calls for regular.”

                                 Roger L Caron

Simple vs Easy

A good coach knows fundamentals are what counts when it comes to performance. Lose sight of the basics and things quickly go off track. Your finances are no different. Without exception always pay yourself first, live beneath your means, save and invest the difference over time and prosperity will ensue. It sounds simple and it is. However just because something sounds simple, does not imply it is easy to do.

One could pile up everything ever written about weight loss and it would reach the top of Mount Everest. Yet it can be summed up in one sentence. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, cut down on sugar and starch intake, and weight loss will follow. Simple in concept, yet often a big challenge ... as anyone who has ever battled their waistline can attest.

The important thing to remember is success in any endeavor, be it money management or weight control, is far easier said than done.

                                Roger L Caron

Wet Your Whistle

Have you ever been on a restaurant's waiting list, yet observed open tables? Sometimes its done by design. A ploy to get you to sit in the lounge where there is a higher probability of selling you drinks ... since beverages have the highest profit margins in eateries. Which is why successful restaurant owners train their wait staff on the importance of suggestive selling. And with good reason beyond improving the owner's bottom line, as the higher the total bill, the larger the tip the server stands to receive. Can I get you started with an ice tea, or a glass of wine a typical opening remark. A legitimate invitation to be of service coupled with vested interest.

Since you're reading this blog you know I'm a frugal guy who enjoys saving a buck or two. So here's a little tip you can use to do the same, if you like lemonade as I do. Simple ask your server for some sliced lemons when taking your order. When it arrives squeeze the lemons in your water glass, add sweetener to taste and walla! A tasty drink and more money in your wallet or purse when it comes time to pay the tab.

                                                    Roger L. Caron

Downside of Debt

According to a recent study by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. A substantial percentage of Americans give themselves low marks on their knowledge of personal finance, expressing doubt about their ability to make sound financial decisions. Even more worrisome, is the fact that fully one third of adults have no emergency savings. And nearly forty percent of all adults carry credit card balances from month to month.

The downside of living on the financial edge and use of high cost credit can be enormous, as illustrated in my recently published book, Save and Grow Rich How to Turn Small Change into Large Fortune ... to read an informative excerpt from the book simply click on the cover photo at upper right.

                                                           Roger L. Caron