Cell Phone Tip of the Day

I can't believe I have never posted this before, but it is age old wisdom:

Cell Phone companies are out to screw you

Once you realize that, everything else makes a little more sense.

Coffee Tip of the Day

I don't drink coffee but I hear it is starting to catch on. If you want to taste this new fad for yourself, Barnes & Nobles will give you a free tall Starbucks with printable coupon. Choose from caffé latte, cappuccino, espresso, regular (boring) coffee or hot tea.

Ikea Tip of the Day

Flat pack boxes, alen wrenches, funny names and all, are catching on as totally awesome in the US. As you work to enhance your Ikea experience, follow this handy 3 step guide

1. First download the song and listen to it while you read the rest of this tip
2. Make your own Ikea furniture name
3. Assemble new creations by using the Ikea hacker guides
   

Car Buying Tip of the Day

How to Buy a Car in 6 minutes:

Warning: Picture of rude gesture for 15 seconds

Dishwasher Tip of the Day

Lots of lots of dishwashers, but how do you pick? What do you need?

These days, being 2008, all dishwashers clean pretty well. They are all reasonably quiet, aka. quieter then your old dishwasher. So you have the basics covered. There is one other hidden bit to watch out for (da da dun): squishy racks. That right, squishy racks. The racks that hold the dishes in place. On the lower end models, the coating on the racks, over time can crack and flack off. That leaves rusting metal exposed in your dishwasher, touching your otherwise clean dishes.


Dishwasher with minor rack damage, showing a little bit of rust

In some cases in can get so bad that it may ruin and entire set of dishes but covering them in rust if your continue to use the dishwasher with large amounts of rust exposed. The solution is to look for racks you can't squish with your fingernail. When that is the case, you've likely found racks with a nylon coating.

Also, Bosch has been long esteemed as making some of the quietest dishwashers out there. They achieve this by doing something a little bit different. Instead of running the top and bottom spinny-water-shooty-thingies at the same time, they alternate. You may or may not like the idea of that. The other way they do that is by being really expensive and using three layers of insulation. But recently they have started to make cheaper models, and even the less expensive models have gotten good reviews.

Consumer Reports has some additional notes on buying a dishwasher.

Appliance Shopping Tip of the Day

Walking into any appliance dealer and you will see rows and rows of fridges, dishwashers, dryers, and ranges. The first step when buying kitchen appliances is not to be distracted by the big ol TVs. You're here for the kitchen, and no you don't need a 56" plasma in the kitchen. What you do need is stuff to cook, cool and/or clean your food and dishes.

It can be a daunting process, so that is why you need to enter Appliances R Us with a plan. The first step is determine what you need. You can literally spend anywhere from $300 to $3,000 on a single appliance. So the best thing to do is to determine what you need and want in an appliance. If your stove is broken, you probably need a stove that works. Any other amenities you want? In the next few days we'll be talking about specific things to look for in the different appliances, but you probably already have a pretty good reason why you're buying new appliances. So list want you like and don't like about one's you've used in the past and most importantly, why you're getting new ones anyway. If could be as simple as you are moving into a new house that doesn't have any appliances, so you just need things to cook, cool and clean.

Secondly, don't get a brand that sucks. For all the reputation about the Maytag repairman, a leading consumer magazine that asks their readers every year to report maintenance problems, Maytag is always near the top of the list as being the least
Third, do you really need/want stainless steel? Stainless steel has a reputation for smudging easily, but some brands or sub-brands have a clear coat that greatly reduces that problem. Luckily this is really easy to test, just bring your fingers shopping with you. Also stainless steel does carry a premium price, but there are ways to reduce that premium, we'll talk about that in the last part of our appliance shopping series next week.

Coupon Tip of the Day

So the savvy shopper picks through the coupons they get in the mail and throws out the rest. But sometimes the coupons are so good and they are to places you would visit anyway that you wish you had more. Well now you do. If you get Family savings Magazine in your area, they reprint online. (Just click on the "Now in Digital Online" button.) Love getting a Burrito from Sonic for 99¢? Now you can get one every day! You are only limited by your printer paper!

Less Wal-Mart Tip of the Day

Thanks to the new thing called the internets, you can actually subscribe to your groceries, or Marketplace: your favorite toilet paper. It is a new program from Amazon.com where you can have items from their Grocery department shipped to you every month. Plus you save 15%!

Pricing Tip of the Day

Round numbers can cost you money. If your bidding on a website or selling your house, people are less likely to haggle if you don't use round numbers. That's why Wal-Mart's $2.74 feels like they cut the price by as much as they can because it's not $2.99

Turkey Tip of the Day

Turkey Pepperoni = Better for you and they taste good
Turkey Hot Dogs = Better for you but they taste bland.

Just thought you should know.

Alcon Tip of the Day

So the day has come when it is not just Used Car Salesmen you have to watch out for. Now you have to check your back at every turn…eyecare companies are trying to jip you.

See these two different but very similar in size bottles from Alcon? One is for Opti-One and the other for Opti-Free RepleniSH. The solution in the two bottles do the same thing, they clean soft contact lenses. Notice in the picture below that they bottles look like they hold the same amount of solution



The two bottles come in the same size boxboard packaging. But on the side of the Opti-Free RepleniSH bottle, I noticed this very interesting "Fill Line" on the side, kind of buried in all this other text you'll never read:



Ahha, they are up to something here. Closer inspection, identifies the problem!



Turns out that is why the prices on the shelf aren't that much different! They are selling you what looks like the same size product for what looks like about the same price.

After using Alcon products exclusively since I got my first contacts over 10 years ago, I guess it is time to switch brands.

Jump Tip of the Day

Really, just go buy jumper cables already. I know you've been putting it off, but you will be glad you have some one day. They're relatively easy to use, and you can get them for as little as $10.

Or maybe that was just me who was putting them off.

Rebate-and-Switch Tip of the Day

Has it been weeks, or even months, and your rebate still hasn't shown up?

It could be that the company in question is just inefficient, and needs a little encouragement to follow through on their promises.

But sometimes it's because your rebate is in a dumpster in San Jose!

Fie!

Christmas Tip of the Day

People who start shopping now for Christmas are not just Christmas-obsessed shopaholics who buy too much, like your Aunt Hilda. The smart start early too. Here’s a few benefits to this.

First of all, it spreads the cost of the holidays out over several months, instead of all at once.

Secondly, it gives you the chance to scope out more sales and bargains in two distinct ways.

Way 1: You may know exactly what you want to buy someone, but if you wait until December, that item may never be on sale. As of now, you have three whole months to keep your eye on that item for any sales.

Way 2: You have no idea what to get someone. When you see a sale or clearance rack/table, stop by for 5 minutes with your friends and family in mind. See where inspiration takes you.

Finally, if you start thinking about Christmas now, and you have the great idea to MAKE your gifts, you actually still have time to do it! No need to stay up until the wee hours in December trying to finish knitting Aunt Hilda’s scarf.

Remember to keep a list, not unlike Santa’s, and when you buy someone a gift, cross them off. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the buying once you’ve started. Hang on to all receipts until the holidays have passed. That way if you find something in November that you HAVE to get, you should still be able to take back the gift you purchased for that person in September.

Cheap(er) Running Tip of the Day

Anyone who's spent any significant amount of time buying running shoes knows this basic tip: Shoes wear out and need replaced every 300-500 miles. Your shoes might still look okay, but they're not giving your feet, joints and knees the cushioning they need. For someone who wears her 2-week contacts for at least a month, sometimes three, I'm usually a fan of stretching things out to the bitter end. But even I have accepted this running shoe rule as gospel truth. Trust me, I've felt the difference and most certainly saved myself injury by switching things up when I'm supposed to.

So what's a frugal girl to do? Training for a marathon has sent my weekly mileage into the unprecedented 30s and the shoes I JUST got a few months ago are already worn out. Sigh. Time to hit the internet.

At MyRunningShoe.com they combine the inventories of running specialty stores from around the country into a searchable database. When a customer finds a shoe to purchase, they place a "hold" on it, and the member store is notified. Many of the listed shoes are on sale and the store just hasn't been able to move them locally, so they turned to this site. It's in-store sale shopping on a national level, all from the comfort of your couch.

Dick's Sporting Goods recommends this quick test to tell if your shoes are worn out:

The Press Test
When an EVA midsole is compressed, it creates visible lines or wrinkles in the midsole material that can be seen from the sidewall of the shoe. As the midsole is further compressed, the lines multiply and grow closer together. The first appearance of these lines indicates that the midsole is compressing normally. A simple pressure test will help you determine whether or not your midsole is compacted.

Using the broad part of your thumb, push on the outsole upward into the midsole. It should be easy to see the midsole compress into these lines.

As the shoe breaks down, the midsole will compress less with the same amount of pressure.

When the midsole shows heavy lines and the press test yields a minimal degree of compression, the midsole has been compacted to a point where little or no cushioning remains.

Imitation Tip of the Day

Be wary buying imitation products from people because you truly get what you pay for.

Shopping Tips of the Day

Tip #1: Amazon often has some great deals and rebates on cellphones.

Tip #2: If you find that your $150 rebate is taking longer than the 8 to 12 weeks that they promised, try calling to complain. When they tell you that an error in their database caused your rebate to be erased, ask them to reissue it.

Tip #3: If you find that your rebate still has not come after 20 weeks, try calling to complain. When they tell you that another error in their database caused your rebate to be erased, ask them to reissue it.

Tip #4: If you find that your rebate still has not come after 28 weeks (7 months), try calling to complain. When they tell you that your order is processing and there is nothing they can do to speed it up, ask them how long it will take. When they tell you another 5-6 weeks, kindly hang up the phone and go to ftc.gov. An online complaint form awaits you there. Simply fill out said form and forward a copy of it to someone at Amazon. You should receive a response from Amazon letting you know that you will receive your rebate in 2 to 3 business days.

-Thor

Tree Tip of the Day

The Arbor Day Foundation is excited to exploit the renewable part of renewable resources and will send you 10 trees for becoming a member for $10. Pretty cool deal. Maybe you could go together with some friends because I for one certainly can't fit another 10 trees on my lot.

Bag Question of the Day

Occasionally, we here at Tip O Day day, turn the tables and ask for your advice. Today, is such a day.

What are some good uses for all those hundreds of dozens of Wal-Mart/Kroger/Meijer/Publix bags you have on hand at any given time?

Travel to Europe Part III

It takes a long time to travel across the ocean. During your flight, you can peruse through the SkyMall Magazine. Here are some novelties you may need:

• Pirates of the Caribbean Pinball Machine(your house will become the hub of fun for all get-togethers)
  
• Pop-up Hot Dog Cooker (who doesn't want toasted buns)
  
• Mademoiselle Floor Lamp (you are going to Europe)
• Voice Activated R2-D2 (because robots are cool)
  
• Easy Mount Window Cat Door (because the friends you're visiting might have a cat)
• Forest Faces (some things should be left to Mother nature)
  
• Basho The Sumo Wrestler Glass Topped Table (scary)
• Moisture-Wicking Sleepwear (to alleviate night sweats)
• Astronaut Suit (if you want to go further than Europe)
• Tropical Yard Decorations (your neighbors will love you)
  

Save Moo-lah Tip of the Day, Part 3

9. Refill and Reuse Cups
"Many of us get take our coffee in the morning and were using plastic and cardboard cups," said Plenty Magazine Managing Editor Deb Snoonian. "Bring your own mug. You can leave one at work; you can even often times bring a reusable mug as you're commuting in your car. It can be refilled over and over again. Wash it at home it's a nice habit to get into that saves you one cup a day (Ah Ms. Snoonian, I've missed you since last week. What would I do without your wisdom in my life?).

10. Pay Your Bills Online
It's not only quicker and easier to pay by computer, it also puts a major dent in the paper waste pile.

11. Become Battery Smart
Stretch your battery use. A battery too drained to power a flashlight might be perfect to operate your TV remote. Before you pitch it - switch it!

12. Car Air Conditioning
It's practically standard on modern cars. Use it wisely. At higher speeds, open windows create drag and lower your mileage. Roll them up and use the air and recirculation. At slower speeds and around town, roll down your windows and catch a cool breeze.

13. Drive Thru
Avoid the drive thru. Instead of idling in line with your engine running for several minutes, save the gas by parking and going inside for your order.

14. B.Y.O.B.
Bring Your Own Bag. Some grocery stores give you cash toward your next purchase for every bag you bring in to use again. It saves them and you money. "In the U.S., we use five hundred billion plastic bags every single year and only three percent of those get recycled," said Deb Snoonian, Managing Editor of Plenty Magazine. "You can also buy permanent bags with designer colors." (It never even occurred to me to grab from the pile of plastic Wal-mart bags before I headed back to said store. Although I’m a little nervous about the look the cashier is going to give me when I tell her I’ve brought my own.)

Burger Tip of the Day

Those of us who live in the Lexington area have probably driven past that sketchy, yes this clown's name is Sketchy, place on the sketchy north side of town that totes "79 Cent Burgers and Shakes" in a 50s-esque sign. You know you've been curious as to whether or not it's any good. Well, our insiders have tested it, and we're proud to say it's actually a good burger! You probably now have two questions. First, what's it like? And second, how are they able to stay in business? The place is a little "trek back in time." You'll walk in and there will be two old yocals who have been sitting there since '53 when the place opened. They'll stare at you and wonder why you're in "these parts" and expect you to be wearing a varsity letter jacket for admission. You'll then notice a scary contraption, which leads me to answer two. You see, much like Ford discovering the assembly line to lower production costs on their vehicles, the "79 Cent Burger Shack" has learned a valuable lesson. They have a machine that's been churning out delicious burgers since the place opened in '53. I hear it's never shut down. I think it self-maintains itself with burger grease. At any rate, the burger patty is picked up from a pool of indigenous greasy water. It's then put on a metal-runged conveyor belt, and slides out a little chute (so disturbing, right?) that looks like a waterslide. It then passes through the top of the iron-clad beast to be kissed by flames shooting out the top, for a quick second. It then slides down the chute, soon to slide down your intestines.

Parking Tip of the Day

As a female, it can be dangerous parking in public areas, especially at night. We've all seen at baby stores how they have parking spots for pregnant women. Well, in Germany, they've taken our safety to the next level. In most parking garages, including the structure at the airport, they have special parking for all women. It is close to the exit and in a more well-lit area! You'd better believe next time I have to pick someone up in Frankfurt I'll be taking advantage of this tip! Just look for this sign!

Phone Tip of the Day

Not that we actually recommend Cingular/AT&T but if you go to an actual Cingular/AT&T owned stores (not to be confused with Cingular Authorized Resellers) they are quite helpful, and will gladly give you new equipment should it be acting up. Just remember all Cingular phones have a 1 year warranty on them, so just remember to get any problems fixed early enough.

Bed, Kitchen and Bath Stores Tip of the Day

If your mailbox is like mine its overflowing with Bed Bath and Beyond coupons. There's also that Linens 'n Things place that sells basically the same stuff, and they have lots of coupons too. The coupons have all sorts of stipulations, just start reading the 10 lines of fine print. But they are so desperate for your business that there is a lot of flexibility built in there too. The expiration dates? Ignore them! The company the coupon is actually for? They accept each others! The coupon is only good for one item? Save up your "expired" coupons and use one for every item in your basket!

-Thanks JCo & Renee

Purchasing Tip of the Day

Wew, it's Friday again…finally. The weekend is ahead and there are things to do. Maybe you want to go out to eat this weekend, do some home improvement or sign up for phone service. But where should you go, who should you choose? That is the hard part, and that is the newest area Tip O Da Day wants to be helpful. Today we are super proud to introduce the second new spin off site just this week. Pete & Jay proudly present:

Tip O Da Day Recommends…

It's a place where the Tip O Da Day staff reviews and imparts their findings using our patent pending "Recommended" or "Decommended" scale. This makes it easy to spot which businesses and products worthy of your business and which are worthy of collecting dust.

(Ok, so its a shameless plug disguised as a tip, we know, and we're find with that. How else are we going to announce it?)

German Grocery Tip of the Day

If you ever find yourself shopping in a German grocery store, there is one thing you must remember. They do not provide bags, so you have to bring your own. I'm not sure if this applies all over Europe, so I'll have to be sure to test it out! They do sell Gelati in the ice cream section, and they sell it by the liter!!

Coin Tip of the Day

Ok, so when you were a kid, counting coins was kind of fun. You would count them, and wrap them in little pieces of paper. Use them to pay tolls and buy candy. It was great because that's pretty much all you had. Now you've got at least eight real dollars in you wallet and a pile of coins is doing a great job of making your dresser look messier and not much else. Those machines at grocery stores will count your change for you have been around for a while, but when you realize that they're going to give you 91¢ for every $1 you stick in, you decide that you'd rather just have your change making your dresser look messy. But now a new day has come. Coinstar machines can now convert your coins into a useful currencies…iTunes Music Store & Starbucks gift cards! And at a 1 to 1 ratio to boot!

Its time to clean out the couch!

Etiquette Tip of The Day

When you arrive home at an hour when roommates still might be sleeping (11:00am on a Sunday, particularly), and there are houseguests in town, never assume that everyone's up and the security system is off--make sure you press "off" on the security system remote before you open any exterior door (two quick beeps is better then 10-12 longer alarm-type ones). Also, NEVER have cold groceries with you in this situation. You might be fortunate if the houseguest in the adjacent living room is a hard sleeper--you might just be able to get all of the cold items in the fridge. But you're out of luck if the kitchen sink decides to back up when you're getting rid of old milk when you're making room for the new. Then the big question arises--do you wake them up with the disposal, or do you let them slowly wake up to the smell of sour milk? I assure you, just follow the tip--no groceries on weekends before 2pm, and get that alarm turned off before you wake up the neighborhood.