Web Sites Offer Creative Ways To Save

GBB Note: Tips that can bring a smile on your face in this tough economy can be the best beauty secret!

(NAPSI)-Millions of Americans are feeling the pinch of a tight economy-and are pinching back by finding creative and no-nonsense ways to get more for their money. Here are some examples:

• Laundry loads. About 80 to 85 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. To reduce the amount of energy used for laundry, use less water and use cooler water. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half.

• Don't overspend on the Internet. Review your Internet service and make sure you're getting the best value for your money. If you mostly go online to check e-mail and surf the Net, switching to a dial-up ISP like NetZero that costs as low as $9.95 a month will do the job while saving you hundreds of dollars a year versus broadband.

• Host with the most. If you've ever considered putting up a Web site-for your home-based business, to pay tribute to your favorite band, to organize an event, etc.-you need more than just great content. To get your site up on the Web so the world can see it, you need Web hosting. While hosting services can be pricey, there are some, such as Freeservers.com, that offer a variety of packages-including one that's free.

• Shop with a list. Your shopping list is a road map to what you need. By sticking to it and avoiding impulse purchases, you'll save money.

• The power of coupons. Clipping coupons from your local newspaper, women's magazines and general-interest magazines can trim your grocery expenses. Take advantage of in-store coupon displays and even the machines that hand them out. In addition, Web sites such as FreeInternet.com link users up with coupons as well as free offers, product samples, free shipping and "buy one, get one free" deals.

• Get your just rewards. Programs such as MyPoints reward consumers for brand loyalty. You earn points when you shop, book travel, play online games, take surveys, search the Web and do other easy, everyday things. You can then redeem your points for gift cards, online certificates, gas cards, travel, dining and more-all from your favorite brands.

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Prescription For Finding Health Information Online

GBB Note: The internet is full of information about most any subject you choose to investigate. The following tips are so timely and need to be considered when you research any topic. Being an informed consumer makes everyone a happier consumer.

(NAPSI)-The Internet offers a wealth of information about health issues. But just as it's important to choose your health care provider carefully, it's also essential to evaluate any Web site you consult.

Not all the information you find online is reliable and some misinformation could even be harmful to your health.

When looking for a source of health information, here are a few questions that Health Net, Inc. suggests you should ask yourself:

• Who is responsible for the site? Somewhere on the site you should be able to find who sponsors the site so you can decide what the motivation was for creating the site. Is the site created by the government, an educational organization, a nonprofit or a company trying to sell you something?

• What does the site ask you to tell them about yourself? If you provide information to that site, will it be given to others? A privacy policy should explain as much.

• Where does the health information on the site come from? Medical research is the best source for health information. It is not enough for the site to say that the information it provides is based on the latest research. Such information should be backed up with articles in medical journals.

• Who reviews the information on the site? Are qualified medical professionals looking at everything that appears online? The site should have an expert in the field that reviews everything it posts.

• Is the information easy to understand?

• Is the information up to date? Medical breakthroughs are constantly taking place and a good site will review the latest developments in science and medicine and change its site accordingly.

Health Net suggests that you visit more than one site and make comparisons, and it's always a good idea to discuss the information you find with your health care professional.

For information on health issues, visit www.healthfinder.gov or www.medicare.gov.

You can also find useful information at Health Net's Web site at www.abetterdecision.com or call them at (800) 935-6565 or (TTY/TDD) 1-800-929-9955.

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