Drivers Switch to Public Transit to Avoid Costly Gas

What are you doing to combat high gas prices? According to an article in todays USA Today, Public transit systems across the USA are seeing an increase in ridership.

You can read the entire article here: Drivers Switch to Public Transit to Avoid Costly Gas

Popular Cars - Most Expensive To Insure

America's most popular vehicle, the Ford F-series pickup, is also the most expensive to insure according to a report released by the insurance website Insure.com. The least expensive - the Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

Insurance is the third largest cost of owning a new car, after depreciation and fuel, according to Insure.com. Insurance premium costs, now averaging almost $900 per year, have risen 27 percent since 2000, according to the report.

See the top 20 cars here: Popular Cars: Most expensive to insure

Of Course It Works

Would you be willing to buy used electronics for a substantial discount? That's what people who buy refurbished products do everyday. A refurbished product is one that may have been damaged during shipping. A production defect or even a scratch can send an item back to the company. All items sent back are tested and repaired by the manufacturer. After they pass the quality assurance team, they returned to the market place with a discount and the "refurbished" label.

So should you buy a refurbished item? Well, here are some points to consider before you do.

Price - Make sure the price of the refurbished item is discounted enough to take the risk. A similar new item may cost the same. In this case it would make more sense to go with the new item.

Brand - Stay with brand name items. These manufacturers are more likely to stand behind their product.

Warranty - A refurbished item should still come with a manufacturers warranty.

Refurbishing Policy - Read the fine print to find out exactly how the item is refurbished. Make sure it is subject to final inspection. And make sure all manuals, software, cables, etc. are included.

Return Policy - Adhere to the return policy in terms of length and the conditions that it comes along with. You want to be able to thoroughly test the item before you find out that you only had 7 days to return the item.

Refurbished items can save you lots of money, but be sure to do your homework and buy from a reputable vendor.

Till next time...