MyPoints.com

MyPoints is a site where you earn points for various activities. You do not actually earn cash, but the points are just as good as cash. There are so many ways to earn that everyone is bound to find something they enjoy. You can earn just by reading emails received from them, you can complete offers, you can earn huge points by shopping through their site, and you can earn by joining other sites that are affiliated with them. They also have an affiliate program, which I have not tried, that pays cash. I personally use my points for emergency gas money since I earn enough for $20 BP gas cards a month. That's $20 I don't have to spend out of my pocket every month. If you're into offers, you could do much better. I typically only read emails. They do not have a referral program, this post is just for your earning enjoyment. If you click on the post title it will take you to their site. Have fun with it!

How about those gas prices?

Today's hot topic everywhere: gas prices rising again, like they weren't high enough already. I've been reading articles about it all day. I am sick to death of hearing about how people need to sell their big vehicles if they are so concerned about gas prices. I'm sick of hearing about how people should move, get better jobs, etc., if they can't afford gas. People who are hard working, yet live on a tight budget, are in serious trouble here. Not only is gas going up, groceries are going up, clothing is going up, everything is going up because everything is affected by the price of gas. If you were on a budget that met your basic needs a year ago, you are going into the red this year. No one wants to buy the big SUV's and trucks, so selling them is not an option. Trade in value is zip for the same reason. Home values have gone down, so moving closer to work is not an option for many people. What's a person to do? The only thing I know to do is cut back anywhere we can and save as much as possible. Myself, I drive 30 miles each way to work, so I check the prices in my town and the town I work in, then get gas where it's cheaper. It's only a few cents, but it all adds up. You can check them here: http://www.gasbuddy.com/ and http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx and one more http://www.gaspricewatch.com/ . Pick the one you like best and track the prices for yourself.

You can also do small things that add up:
- keep your oil changed regularly
- check the air in your tires frequently and keep at recommended pressure
- don't carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle
- walk when you can, it's good for your health and good for your wallet
- plan your trips so you can take the shortest routes
- make a grocery list and limit trips to the store (don't run out for milk, for example)
- shop at WalMart? Buy a gift card at the checkout and then use it at their pumps for gas,
you'll save three cents a gallon.

Please feel free to post any other helpful hints you may have, we're all in this together!