Posted by Elizabeth Retton

The recent confluence of an extended economic recession and record high gasoline prices has put a major dent in the finances of most American families. During the economic prosperity of the late 1990’s many people purchased large Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) which were convenient for their growing households, but these former luxuries have been transformed into proverbial money pits. With the average price of a gallon of gasoline eclipsing $4.00 in recent years, bulky SUV’s and other gas-guzzling vehicles have simply become unsustainable and millions of Americans are now searching for more affordable automobile options. The key for today’s car consumer is maximizing efficiency and gas mileage while not sacrificing speed, safety or style. The following list showcases the top five best cars for your money on the market today.

1. 1. Best Compact Car for Your Money (2011 Honda Civic) –Automotive reviewers were nearly unanimous in their appraisal of Honda’s mainstay vehicle, declaring it to be the perfect combination of modern design features and coast efficiency. Its average price of less than $20,000 and a combination of industry leading fuel economy, consistent reliability and practicality gives the Civic major appeal to budget savvy consumers who still want to drive in style.

1. 2. Best Family Sedan for Your Money (2012 Ford Taurus) – If you are looking for an affordable car that is also capable of safely transporting your growing family around town, the Taurus is perfect for you. With an average price of only $27,000 the Taurus is a relatively inexpensive option that delivers a world class driving experience defined by dependability and ease of use.

1. 3. Best Sports Car for Your Money (2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata) –This vehicle is an attractive option for sports car enthusiasts who relish a speedy car that provides maximum handling and control. The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s average price of only $26,000 makes it possible for anyone on a limited budget to enjoy the best in automotive technology without breaking the bank.  With the 1002 Miata, Mazda has succeeded in its effort to build an affordable sports car.

1. 4. Best Minivan for Your Money (2011 Kia Sedona) –The signature vehicle of the Kia line is a unique combination of utility, size and gas mileage which still manages to remain affordable for the average American family. The average price for a Kia Sedona is right around $28,000 which means it provides significant savings while delivering roominess and the latest in modern amenities such as backseat television screen for the children and the latest in satellite navigation technology

1. 5. Best Hybrid Car for Your Money (2011 Toyota Prius) –Appealing to anyone who wants to do their part for environmental conservation, the Toyota Prius represents the pinnacle of alternative fuel technology. Priced at an average of $27,000, the Prius allows today’s generation of eco-friendly drivers to free themselves from costly and destructive fossil fuels and unnecessary garage equipment. Achieving an incredible 51 miles per gallon (MPG), the Prius will provide further savings for as long as you own it.

The Most Expensive Places to Live in the US

Posted By Money Tips Staff

Preparing to pick up and move to a new city can be a daunting task in any economic climate, but with a long term recession dragging down the finances of American families, avoiding cities with a high cost of living has become a pressing concern. There are a certain regions throughout the United States which are home to cost prohibitive cities and towns, including the California coast and the Northeastern seaboard, and if you are planning to move in the near future it is best to find alternative destinations. The following list of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. can be used as a guide to help plan your next move and assure that the next city you call home won’t become financial drain.

1. 1. New York, New York – The Big Apple has long been known as one of the most expensive cities in the world when it comes to cost of living and rental rates. In a city where the average two-bedroom apartment rents for a staggering $4,300 per month, simply earning enough to cover housing costs becomes a grueling, never ending process. Because New York City is home to many of America’s cultural icons, including the Museum of Natural History, the Empire State Building and the Broadway theatre district, citizens of this great metropolis pay a premium to live there. Unless you absolutely have to move to New York for a job opportunity, family issues or another pressing reason, it is best to find a more affordable urban center.
2. 2. San Francisco California – Combining one of the most stunning urban landscapes in the world with beautiful natural scenery, the City by the Bay rates among the most expensive places to live in America because of its boutique shopping districts and the premium placed on real estate in the limited area surrounding the San Francisco Bay.
3. 3. Jupiter Island, Florida – During the age of mega-celebrity which has defined the 2000’s, a growing amount of athletes and entertainers have built lavish estates in this Southern Florida enclave. Jupiter Island is currently home to multimillionaire moguls like Tiger Woods and Celine Dion and the town ranks among the richest zip codes in the country.
4. 4. Bethesda, Maryland – As a suburb of Washington D.C. this town in southern Maryland is home to the political elite and ranks as the most educated community in the country. In 2010 the average cost of a four-bedroom, two bath Bethesda home was $806,817, placing the town at 20^th on the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC list of the most expensive homes in America.
5. 5. Los Angeles, California – The home of shrines to opulence like Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, the city known as La-La Land is a veritable fantasy world where expensive gourmet meals and luxury limousine rides are commonplace. The average American simply cannot afford to live in Los Angeles but if you want to enjoy California’s famous beaches and sunshine, San Diego offers the same amenities at half the cost of living.

Posted by Money Tips Staff

While the dot com boom of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s has come and gone, and the national economy has hit a rough patch of late, there are still plenty of legitimate ways to make money online. The astonishingly interconnected world we live in today has evolved tremendously from the heyday of flashy internet startups and now making money online is not reserved only for the millionaire entrepreneurs. You can begin padding your bottom line simply by thinking outside of the box and approaching the online market from a variety of angles. Making money online is a matter of taking your destiny in your own hands and harnessing a bit of the enterprising spirit that made this country great in the first place. From starting your own blog to selling items on eBay, there are literally hundreds of realistic options waiting for those who want to earn extra cash on the internet.

One of the most successful and well organized websites to emerge during the thrilling days of the dot com gold rush was the auction site eBay.com, and it is no surprise that this emblem of modern commerce survived the wreckage when the bubble finally burst. Whether or not you are familiar with the auction based service, from buying holiday gifts or selling the occasional item, or you are an eBay rookie, the site is set up to make anybody money. You can scavenge your home for unwanted items and have an online garage sale on eBay to make a few bucks, or you can go all out and become a full-fledged eBay vendor, purchasing items like DVD’s and clothing for wholesale prices and reselling them online. Both of these money making routes are convenient and cater to an existing market which holds millions of loyal eBay buyers. Another reselling service is StubHub.com, which allows sports fans to buy and sell tickets through a virtual marketplace. If you love sports and are willing to treat ticket purchasing as an investment opportunity, you can easily begin buying low and selling high for the best seats in town, all while seeing a few free games on the side.

If you enjoy writing, try launching your own blog and begin generating extra income while pursuing your passion. From cooking to fashion to weightlifting, the list of topics you can blog about is endless, and if you create a blog that builds a strong base of readers the opportunities to make money will begin rolling in. Monetizing your blog through Google Adsense is a process that has become increasingly accessible and you can quickly start raking in thousands of dollars per month through banner ads and other techniques. There are many people today who also sell domains and make a lucrative living through this kind of business. Buying website domain names that are unclaimed now but may be coveted at some point soon is a type of speculative investment that has made thousands of Americans rich since the advent of the online age.