I kind of had a moment of clarity at the golf course yesterday. You see, we rent golf carts pretty much everytime we play. At least one cart per foursome to carry our clubs. The cost $32 per cart. The golf course sells cart pass books which in the end will give you two or three extra rentals.

I just split one with a friend yesterday but nobody else but us buys them. Why? Becuase most of the guys would rather shell out a couple extra bucks when they play rather than put a lump sum down now and save over the course of the summer. It's silly really.

The lesson is, sometimes you have to spend now to save later. Take a look at your situation and think about it. If you can pay out for something now and save in the future its a good plan. I saved $30 - $60 so far this summer buying a cart pass book for golf.

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An interesting arcticle appeared on CNN yesterday stating that you can still find cheap airline tickets and travel rates out there but you have to do a little digging and be flexible with your travel plans.

1. Fly on Tuesday and Wednesday because they are the slowest days of the week. Business people fly Sundays or Mondays and return on Fridays making those busy days.

2. Fly during the slow times of the year. Between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is when you will find the best deals.

3. It's the old adage, fly to popular destinations off season and you are bound to save on your vacation.

4. Buy during the cheapest time of the day such as early morning as airlines will change their prices several times a day.

5. Scout out the internet and look for package deals. Even if you don't want one take a look anyways because they can end up saving you money. The travel industry if very competitive online and I bet you can find a deal somewhere.

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The world of credit cards can be overwhelming and confusing for a lot of people. There are just so many choices out there and all of them have different terms, rates and risk and rewards. I recently happened upon a credit card review site that lays out all of the latest credit card offers and rates them so you can make your decision easier. They specialize in helping consumers like you and me in choosing a credit card that is right for us and how to use our credit wisely. The only thing you need to do is to research your new credit card, compare it to other credit cards and then apply for it online. It really simplifies the process.

Each credit card is presented with a description of that card, its introductory rate, regular rate, annual fee and reward type. It is then given a rating based on its benefits us as consumers. Credit cards are also split into categories so that they are easier to find. They are searchable by credit card issuers and by features such as low interest cards or reward type cards. It makes finding a credit card easier than ever.

Stay up to date with credit card information with the blog that brings you the latest in credit card news, humorous insights and shows you the most popular credit cards each week.

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In a few weeks a friend is packing up his family and heading out for two weeks to enjoy the scenery of Atlantic Canada. Where is he staying? He found a friend that has a rental cottage and is staying there instead of using a hotel  or motel.

If you are planning a trip away this year save yourself some money by renting a cottage, cabin or even an apartment. The money savings between that and staying at a motel could be staggering.

Search the internet or ask friends or co-workers. Chances are somebody knows somebody that owns a place or has stayed somewhere themselves and can find you a deal on accomodations. The internet should be able to find you somewhere cheaper to stay other than a hotel or motel.

Not only can you save on the rental fees the key is the kitchen facilities. Buying your own food and beverages will really help keep the money in your wallet. Think about the costs of groceries and even alcohol bought at a store vs eating out every day. I am sure you could save up to $50 a day eating your own store bought groceries.

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I read a lot of blogs and search the internet for articles on saving money and always wonder if the owners of the websites or blog writers are just copying articles or doing what they say. Since starting the Save Money Blog I have taken up myself to follow my own advice and articles.

I have replaced all of the most used bulbs in the house with the new Compact Flourescent Lights. There are a few bulbs here and there that we rarely use so I haven't replaced those. In every room or the outside ligths, they now hace CFL's in theme.

If I am not playing my XBox360 or Wii, it is unplugged. I had it plugged in for awhile yesterday and could not believe how hot the cord was. What a waste of energy. The same goes with using my computers energy saving features.

Today we went out and replaced our ancient window air conditioner with a new model. Although not 100% engery efficient the label on it said it was about half way leaning towards be better than worse. It has lots of new features like an engery saving mode and a timer etc. Our old one looks like a tank compared to it.

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Have you ever seen rolling blackout during the winter? Of course not. There's a reason why they happen during the summer and air conditioning is one of the main reasons. If you want to save money on your summer electric bill then you have to look at your current air conditioning situation and look to improve where you can.

1. Much like using a timer for a pool pump or your furnace using one for your air conditioning helps as well. Set it to turn off during the day when you are not at home and have it come on an hour or half an hour before you get home. Constantly cooling your home all day with the air running costs you money. Your house heats up, it comes on cools it down and the cycle goes on all day. Have it come on once during the day to cool it down (just before you get home) and you will save money. Why cool the house down several times a day when nobody is there?

2. Try raising the temperature a little bit. Ten degrees will make a huge difference but if you can do a bit at a time until you get used to it you are only going to save.

3. Install ceiling fans through out the house to circulate the cool air and make sure you are pushing the air down pushing the warmer air away from your body.

4. Make sure you maintain your ac unit by cleaning the filters and ensuring that it's running at 100%.

These are just a few tips I picked up from a great site on saving money by having a closer look at your air conditioning situation.

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How times have changed and then changed right back again. When I was a kid growing up everybody used a clothesline, then they disappeared because they were unfashionable and even banned here in some towns and cities in Ontario. Well I see now that the provincial government is seeking to overturn bylaws outlawing the traditional clothesline.

"Ontario is moving to lift the bans on clotheslines in a bid to save the air and energy as dryers account for about six percent of Ontario's household electricity demand, according to a published report."

Turn off that dryer and use a clothesline and you too can save money on your electricity bill. It's estimated that you can save $30 a year just by hanging 1/4 of your laundry outside to dry.  Not only will you save money but your clothes will smell fresher and will last longer. It's a no brainer. Top that with washing your clothes in cold water and you can save a bundle.

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