Herald Helper ; How to Beat Hard Times

No one has better ideas for saving in hard times than Herald readers. Every week, we'll publish your best suggestions in the paper and on the Web at bostonherald.com. Please post your ideas in the comments field on our Web site or e-mail them to newstips@bostonherald.com.

Following, a special holiday-season edition for shoppers and travelers:

** Send away for mail-in rebates immediately after making a purchase so it won't have time to slip your mind.

** Cancel that health club membership. How often do you use it, anyway? You can get a great workout at home, even without fancy equipment.

** Never go shopping while hungry. You will be more likely to splurge on snacks.

** Just say "No" to impulse buys. You will probably regret the purchase once you get home, anyway.

** Speeding is expensive! Not only do you save money on gas by driving a little slower, but you will avoid getting slapped with expensive speeding tickets and increases in auto insurance.

** When eating out, split a main course between two people rather than buying two entrees.

** Plug electronics into a power strip and shut it off when nothing is in use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 75 percent of the electricity used to power electronics is used while they are turned off.

** Be careful buying final clearance items. If the item doesn't fit or just isn't right, you will not be able to return it.

Compiled by Renee Nadeau.

(c) 2008 Boston Herald. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

Car Insurance News: Herald Helper ; How to Beat Hard Times...Get an auto insurance quote!