Champ Money

While it’s common for the prices of electronics and technical gadgets to drop over time, we’ve been amazed by how quickly the prices of memory sticks have dropped recently.

From what we can tell, this seems to be an across the board price drop, including everything from regular “standard” memory sticks and Sandisk memory sticks, to Sandisk Ultra II and M2 Micro sticks.

If you’ve been pushing your old, more limited capacity, memory sticks to the limits, this is an excellent time to replace them with some roomier storage.

When you need a specialized tool for a specific job, don’t buy it.

For short-term projects, always attempt to borrow any specialized tools – such as gas-powered post-hole diggers and table-mounted routers – from a Do-It-Yourselfer in your local area, even if they ask for a small fee.

While Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware stores are a few of the retailers that offer tool rentals, also try services such as Zilok.com for even better deals.

You could save $50 or more on the rentals, and even more when renting instead of purchasing.

When looking for a new hobby to enjoy during tight budget times like these, consider scrapbooking near the top of your list.

Scrapbooking has taken the country by storm for good reason. Not only is it a very affordable hobby, it can also be one of the most rewarding. Whether creating a treasure of memories for yourself, or for someone you love, the result will be a compilation like no other.

Sometimes spending a little more money will allow you to save money in the long run. We’ll use watches as an example…

Wrist watches can be purchased at very inexpensive prices. But you soon learn that they really don’t last very long, aren’t very shock resistant, and aren’t quite as waterproof as they claim. Before long, you’re buying another cheap replacement – and the cycle repeats.

By spending a bit more initially on a higher quality watch, such as Luminox watches, you’re investing in a far more durable instrument. We’re not talking about the so-called “luxury” watches. Luminox are very reasonably priced, high quality watches.

Shortening the vent hose on your clothes dryer can save you approximately $25 per year, and it’s easy to do.

Your vent hose should be cleaned with a vacuum at least once per year – so while you have it disconnected for cleaning, trim the hose so it’s just long enough to still allow you to pull the dryer a few feet from the wall. The shorter run will allow the dryer to run more efficiently.

Since you can do this yourself, for free, you’ll gain 100% of the savings.

We continually recommend to everyone that they evaluate their insurance policies and coverage once each year.

Many consumers already do this with auto insurance, but it’s equally important to obtain new term life insurance quotes annually as well.

Personal situations change and possibly you should increase your coverage. Likewise, insurance companies change, and can become either more or competitive – both of which will have an effect on your rates.

Before changing companies, however, be sure to contact your current insurer and advise them that you’ve discovered lower rates elsewhere. Give them an opportunity to look for missed discounts. It’s always easier to stay with your current insurer if you’re otherwise happy with them, but only if their rates remain competitive.

Can you save money by taking a diet pill instead of purchasing a gym membership?

Yes and no.

While diet pills can certainly expedite weight loss, they do nothing to improve your muscles and cardiovascular system.

A careful and well thought out balance between the two should be part of your weight management plan. And, of course, you should always consult a physician to help you determine that right balanace.

Do you enjoy paying taxes?

We’re been reviewing some of the leaked contents of the House Democrats Stimulus bill. While there are some good items listed, there’s also plenty of waste. Keep in mind, you – the taxpayer – will be paying for this.

Needed?

• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.
• $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.
• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.
• $500 million for state and local fire stations.
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.
• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.
• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
• $850 million for Amtrak.
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations

You decide…