The Best Ways to Save Money on Clothes

We all need clothes and they can be an expensive purchase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends $ 1,700 each year on clothes. For a family of four, that amounts to nearly $ 7,000. That's a huge chunk of cash that can be better spent on other necessities. Luckily, there are ways to save hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars each year.

Sell ​​them

Is that sweater a little tight on you? Have you lost weight and your pants no longer fit? Do not just throw your clothes away - sell them. You can get rid of them at a yard sale, sell them online or take them to a consignment store. When the store sells them, you get a portion of the proceedings. Although it may not be much, a few dollars is better than nothing.

Thrift stores

Thrift stores sell used clothing, which may be a turn-off to many people. However, the clothes are gently worn so typically the only difference you will see is the price. It is not uncommon to find deals such as designer jeans for under $ 10. Most thrift stores have weekly sales, so check in often and see what you find for less.

Stick with easy-to-wash clothes

That silk shirt on clearance may look nice on the rack, but how much will it really cost to maintain? Dry cleaning a shirt every time you wear it can add up quickly. Instead, choose clothes made from materials that can be easily washed at home without too many hassles.

Along the same line, take good care of your clothes, and they will last longer. Jamming your washer with clothes every time you load it will damage the clothes. Instead, wash with cool water on a gentle cycle. Delicate clothing should be hand washed. It is preferred to line-dry clothing if possible. In addition, avoid using clothes dryers. They suck up a lot of energy and drastically reduce the lifespan of clothes.

Buy out of season

Do not feel silly about buying that swimsuit in the middle of December. Buying out of season can score you some deep discounts. Look through your closets and drawers and plan ahead. Need a new coat? Buy it in the summer. The ones who should feel silly are those buying their clothes at full price.

Buy generic

Unless you're a highly-paid celebrity going out for a night on the town, does buying designer brand clothing really matter? Walmart, Target and Old Navy offer inexpensive jeans and T-shirts for hanging out around the house or running errands. You can often get $ 5 shirts and jeans for under $ 20. If you are looking for a few pieces here and there that are a little more elaborate or trendy, then maybe a department store would be the way to go, but not to save money on everyday clothing.

Fix worn clothes

Does your favorite pair of pants have a hole in the seam? Is that shirt missing a button? Instead of automatically tossing your slightly ripped clothes, get a needle and some thread and fix them. You can even turn old pants into shorts with just a few snips of the scissors.

Shop online

Do not limit your clothes shopping to brick and mortar retailers. Many deals can be found online in many cases, there is more variety. You can choose from online-only retailers or the websites of your favorite clothing stores, such as Old Navy or Kohl's. Combine the sale with a promo code or coupon, and you can potentially save 70 percent or more.

Avoid outlet halls

A lot of clothing at outletalls is made for outlets and is of low quality. However, prices tend to me much higher than the quality level.

Avoid buying just because of the price

Sure, that neon orange shirt is only $ 3, but will you ever wear it? No matter how low the price may seem, if the shirt or jeans are not your style, then why waste your money?

Buying baby and children's clothes

Babies are small, but they require a lot of gear during the first few years. Clothes are no exception. Babies often grow very quickly and buying clothes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age can get quite expensive.

One way to save money is to ask for hand-me-downs. The easiest way is to reuse the clothes from an older sibling. If this is your first child, ask family members and close friends if they have any outgrown clothes from their children. Do not be embarrassed to do so. Many parents end up tossing the clothes away or donating them anyway because bags of clothes can take up precious spacer within a home. Most parents will be thrilled to give them to someone who can really use them. There's nothing better than getting free clothes, so if you do manage to get hand-me-downs, be thankful.

Thrift stores are also good places to get children's clothes for cheap. However, the clothes are often donated, so what you see is what you get. The clothes may not be in the best condition, and the selection may be limited. There may be tons of boy's clothes but a limited number of girl's dresses. The sizes may be too small or too big as well.

In some cases, you can buy ahead of time. This will allow you to take advantage of sales where clothing in your child's current size is not always available. This may not be worthwhile during the baby's first year, since babies experience varied growth patterns. The jacket you buy in April may be too small come fall. However, when your child is a little older, you can buy larger sizes, especially in shirts and pants, which are worn year-round.

How to Avoid Auto Repair Ripoffs

Auto repair is like any other business-there are some unscrupulous cheats out to take your money. But you can avoid getting ripped off for auto repairs if you keep your wits about you. Here's how to do it.

First, get a referral to a reliable, trustworthy mechanic. Friends are a good source for referrals. Ask them who they've had good experiences with, and who they would avoid. That's probably the best way to find a winner.

But do not simply take a friend's word for it. Check out your mechanic! You can call the Better Business Bureau to see if he's had any complaints. Look for certificates like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal, which means he's at least met some minimum standards for skills and service.

Before you get any work done, ask about labor prices and prices for parts and supplies. Not asking means you really have no right to be shocked if they pad your bill. And be sure to find out about the warranty on parts and labor (do not forget the labor piece of the puzzle).

Most important, get everything in writing. That means the estimate for the work, the details of the warranty on parts and labor, everything. If a mechanic will not give a written estimate, he's either too lazy to do it, or he's leaving the door open for fraud. You do not want to play either game. And once you're armed with the price and warranty information, do not be afraid to shop around to see if you can lower your cost.

If your problem is a little out of the ordinary, such as those annoying intermittent rattles most cars experience from time to time, take a test drive with the mechanic beforehand to show him exactly what you need addressed. Do not make him guess. If you can show him the problem, he might know exactly what to target, which will save you labor cost, and probably save him from making unnecessary repairs.

Before you pay the bill, go for a test drive to make sure the car is fixed to your satisfaction. If it is not right, ask the mechanic to make it right. Even great, honest mechanics who pay attention to detail can miss things. A test drive can bring those misses to light, and probably save you a hassle later.

And speaking of the bill, read it. Check it over carefully. Ask about anything you do not understand, or that does not sound right. If you just pay the bill without checking, it's like signing a mortgage document without reading it. Silly, right?

Finally, pay your bill with a credit card if you can. That gives you maximum flexibility to protect yourself from fraud. If something goes wrong, you can call the credit card company and dispute the charge. Many cards also offer some fraud protection, so you might have another line defense.

As with most things, you can avoid getting ripped off for auto repairs by being informed, and by being careful. If you will do a little work up front to prepare, and take small steps to protect yourself, you can save yourself aggravation and expense.

Sending Money To Russian Women

You will receive requests for you to send money. If you do not know the women well, or if you do not feel good about it, do not send money. If money is all she is after, what kind of relationship do you have with her anyway?

Generally speaking, the only money I sent was to people who did not ask for it. My future wife wrote to me, after several months of correspondence, that she was having a terrible time.

The company she was working for had not paid her for several months. There was no heat in the building at the end of winter. Her mother was in the hospital. She was upset and depressed.

I sent her two hundred dollars. She wrote back saying she was upset with me. She said she did not write these things to get money from me - only so that I would understand about her life.

I told her I sent the money to her because I wanted to help her. She said she was going to put the money in the bank for when I arrived.

When I arrived she had the money, but she had used a little of it to buy a nice outfit. Every Russian woman I know, who had money sent to them, spent at least some of it for nice clothes.

You may be sending money for her to take English lessons, but I guarantee some of that money will end up hanging in her closet. Do not fret about it. You have made her very happy. She is only doing it to feel good about herself and to make herself attractive for you.

In short, if you like her and have established a relationship with her, show her you care. Send her presents. Buy her things she can use. Every woman wants you to show her she is special. Do not be a miser or a fool. Use your judgment.

If you are sending money, send it to Western Union.

Do not send money in the mail. It will not get there. I guarantee it. Send the money to be paid in US currency. US currency is more valuable than local currency and she can convert it into local currency at a better rate than Western Union will give her.

Take care in spelling her name exactly. The Western Union bureaucrats in Russia love to send people away for the slightest reason. You will need to send her the identification number on the wire transfer for her to claim the money.

She will also need to know the exact amount you are sending. Make sure the person receiving the money has proper identification or they will not give it to them.

One distressing piece of information is that Belarus was 'taxing' wire transfers at a rate of 9.5% prior to January 1, 2005. As of January 1, 2005, they are now taxing 100%. What this means is none of the money you wire transfer to a person in Belarus will get to them.

My recommendation is to ask the women you are sending money to for the best way for you to get it to her. She may not know. Talk to the company that is handing your email forwarding for you. They most likely will know what the situation is in that country.

Keys For Effective Electrical Troubleshooting

Equipment can malfunction for a variety of reasons. Mechanical contacts and parts can wear out; wires can overheat and burn open or short out; parts can be damaged by impact or abrasion; etc. Equipment may operate in a manner far different than it was designed to, or not at all.

Typically, when equipment fails there is a sense of urgency to get it fixed and working again. If the defective equipment is part of an assembly line, the whole assembly line could be down causing unexpected 'time off' and lost revenue. If you are at a customer site to repair equipment, the customer may watch you, knowing that they are paying for every minute you spend troubleshooting and repairing their equipment. Either one of these scenarios - and there are more, can put a lot of pressure on you to solve the problem quickly.

So What is troubleshooting? It is the process of analyzing the behavior or operation of a faulty circuit to determine what is wrong with the circuit. It then involves identifying the defective component (s) and repairing the circuit. Depending on the type of equipment, troubleshooting can be a very challenging task. Sometimes problems are easily diagnosed and the problem component easily visible. Other times the symptoms as well as the faulty component can be difficult to diagnose. A defective relay with visual signs of burning should be easy to spot, whereas an intermittent problem caused by a high resistance connection can be much more difficult to find.

What makes an expert Troubleshooter? One trait of expert troubleshooters is that they are able to find virtually any fault in a reasonable amount of time. Easy faults, complicated faults, they find them all. Another trait is that they typically replace only the components that are defective. They seem to have a knack for finding out exactly what is wrong. No trial and error here. So what is their secret?

You might think that a person who has a very good understanding of how the equipment works, should be able to troubleshoot it effectively. Being a good at troubleshooting requires more than this.

Expert troubleshooters have a good understanding of the operation of electrical components that are used in circuits that they familiar with, and even ones that are not. They use a system or approach that allows them to logically and systematically analyze a circuit and determine exactly what is wrong. They also understand and effectively use tools such as prints, diagrams and test instruments to identify defective components. Finally, they have had the opportunity to develop and refine their troubleshooting skills.

If you want to troubleshoot like the pros you will need to develop your skills in each of these areas. Let's look at them in more detail.

1. Understand how the circuit works . This consists of understanding the operation of all the components that are used in the circuit. This could include such components as: push buttons, contactors, various types of switches, relays, sensors, motors, etc. Electrical circuits typically control or operate mechanical systems and components. You also need to understand how these mechanical aspects of the equipment operate to carry out the work. You need to be able to determine how the circuit works under normal conditions and what effect changing one of the circuit inputs has on the circuit operation. For example, what happens to the overall circuit operation when a push button is pressed; which relays energize, which lights illuminate, does the pump start or stop, etc. You also need to be able to determine what effect a faulty component may have on the circuit operation.
2. Use a logical, systematic approach to analyze the circuit's behavior . This is critical. There are several approaches that troubleshooters use. They may have different steps or processes but they have the following in common: They all approach problems systematically and logically thus minimizing the steps and ruling out trial and error. One such approach used to teach troubleshooting is called the '5 Step Approach'. A summary of the key steps are:
   • Observe Most faults provide clues as to their cause. There could be visual clues such as signs of damage or improper operation. Do not forget to use your other senses; sounds and smells can also provide valuable clues. Through careful observation and a certain reasoning, most faults can be identified to the actual component with very little testing.
   • Define Problem Area At this stage you apply logic and reasoning to your observations to determine the problem area of ​​the malfunctioning equipment.
   • Identify Possible Causes Once you have the problem area (s) defined it is necessary to identify all the possible causes of the malfunction.
   • Determine Most Probable Cause Once the list of possible causes has been made it is necessary to prioritize the items as to the possibility of them being the actual cause of the malfunction.
   • Test and Repair Once you have determined the most probable cause, you must test it to prove it to be the problem or not.

   See A Systematic Approach to Troubleshooting for more details on this approach.

3. Understand how to use tools such as prints, diagrams and test instruments to identify defective components. Let's first look at prints and diagrams. Some of the key things you should be able to determine from these are:
   • how the circuit should operate
   • what kind of features the circuit has
   • what voltages you should expect at various points on the circuit
   • where components are physically located
   • how the components are actually wired together
   Various types of test instruments are available for testing electrical circuits. The ones you choose depends on the type of circuit and its components. A common test instrument which is invaluable to a troubleshooter is a Multimeter. It is capable of measuring voltage and resistance with some meters capable of other measurements such as current and capacitance. You must be able to determine what type of test instrument to use, when and where to use it, and how to safely take readings with it.
4. Practice! Troubleshooting, like any skill, requires practice to become proficient . Practice can be difficult to get. Depending on your job, you may not have the opportunity for enough troubleshooting practice. And even if you do, your employer may not want you to practice troubleshooting on equipment they rely on. Until you become reasonably competent, it is best to practice troubleshooting in a controlled environment. One option is to build or purchase equipment that can be used for troubleshooting. This equipment is designed with the ability to apply faults to it. Here you can practice your skills in a very realistic environment without affecting equipment in use. Another option which is gaining more popularity is the use of computer simulations. These simulations can be extremely realistic and allow you to practice your troubleshooting skills in a safe environment. Some other advantages are portability, cost effectiveness, and can be used in almost any location. Some even include an assessment function that assesses the user's troubleshooting skill, provides feedback, and records their troubleshooting processes.

Review your own skills in each of these areas. Improving any one of them, along with a good dose of practice, will improve your troubleshooting skills.

Auto Repair Services: A Guide To Choose The Right Service Provider

Is Your Car Damaged?

Have you ever met with an accident? You never know when an accident occurs. If you have a damaged car, look for a reliable garage to get back your car in an original condition. Most of the people find it difficult to choose the right auto body shop. What factors you should consider when you are looking for the best auto shop in your area? What questions you should ask to the mechanic?

Visit A Local Repair Shop

A good auto repair shop can offer you with the best services. They can also offer you with car paint services. Replacing the damaged parts is not a good idea. It's always a good idea to choose auto repair services. Therefore, you should take your time to find the best repair specialist in your area.

How Can You Find The Best Repair Service Provider?

Shop Around

Remember, you should always take some time from your busy and hectic schedule to shop around. Check the different deals offered by the garages/auto shops. You should focus on all the different aspects of the repair shop before choosing them. Compare the services and see which auto shop is the best. You can also use Internet to find the best one.

Speak With Your Near And Dear Ones

Speak with your friends/family/colleagues to know about their auto repair experience. Reference is one of the best ways to find an excellent auto body shop. You can even get referrals from your Truck Company or insurance agent. However, you should always check the credentials or testimonials before choosing the auto shop.

Ask Questions

You should ask as many questions to the garage or repair shop as you can. Moreover, you should also find the reason of their popularity in the market. Do they offer any discount on the services? Do they have ASE certified mechanics in their team? This will help you to get an idea about their work.

Check The Background Of The Auto Shop

Always do a complete background check of the shop before choosing them for car repairs. Moreover, you should also find how long they have been in business. A repair shop or garage can only stay in the business for long if they are doing good work.

Conclusion

Take a little time to choose the best auto shops in your area. Get references from your near and dear ones. Compare quotes of the different repair service providers to choose the best deal.

Auto Repair for Engine Stalls

A properly running engine is one of the most common things we take for granted every day when we get in our car or truck to go to work. We just assume the battery is going to jump start the engine, the starter will fire, the engine will turn over, and will idle properly before we pull out of the garage. If your engine stalls when you put it into drive or first gear, there may be something small or large wrong with the vehicle that requires extra attention from an auto repair professional.

The first step to diagnose an engine dilemma problem is to determine exactly when the stop occurs. Does it occur while idling? Does it occur when driving? If the engine stall occurs while idling, check all hoses around the engine for any type of broken or cracked vacuum hoses and air intake boots. If there is someone there to help, have them lightly press on the gas pedal while it is in neutral to evaluate for any movement of noise or air leaks that you can hear while the engine slowly revs up.

If the engine stalls while driving, this can be a more complex procedure to evaluate and requires checking fuses and fuse holders as well as plugging in the engine to a computer to scan for trouble codes. A test light is a tool used to check fuse status and should be performed as the first step before anything else. If the fuses test okay, the next step will be to scan for trouble codes. A stalling engine can often trigger trouble codes that are not related to the original problem. In that case, it is important to fix the engine stalling problem first before going on to evaluate and treat other auto repair problems.

However, any auto repair professional will tell you that it is often worth your weight in gold to trust your vehicle with an accredited and acclaimed technician from the start. This will help ensure that the problem is diagnosed properly and that the perfect fix is ​​executed with ease. Many individuals look at the auto repair business as an intimidating process in which they get taken advantage of financially. Instead, arm yourself with this information and get a reliable quote that will give you peace of mind for both the longevity of your vehicle and the status of your bank account.

The Duel of Fuel and Electric

The history of automobile emphasizes on luxury, comfort, and aesthetics over performance, power, speed and safety. This is true for its original necessity - transportation and transport. However, if we consider buying a car with more horsepower that is safe for everyday use and gives more mileage - gasoline-powered cars are the best choice - both for highways and racetracks.

The theory is not mere a wild speculation or desktop projection, it's a real world simulation. The UC Davis has recently launched the "EV Project" that allowed the car-users to simulate their commute in an EV (Electric Vehicle) compared to a gas-powered vehicle. The project found that, a 50-mile round-trip commute could save an electric 2014 Chevrolet Volt owner about $ 1,000 of annual fuel costs compared to driving a gasoline-based 2014 Ford Focus. However, pure electric cars are more expensive than their gas-based counterparts. For instance, a 2018 Ford Focus costs less than $ 18,000, while the 2018 Chevrolet Volt will set consumers back more than $ 34,000 and the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt will take more than $ 38,000. Solving the equation in this hypothetical scenario, it would take the Chevy owner more than 17 years to recoup the extra costs of buying an Electric. In other words, EVs are not suitable for the users who plan to hold on to the vehicle for a long period of time. EVs also cost more upfront than gas-based cars. They need supporting charging infrastructure, plug-in accessibility and specialized maintenance workshops, which are not yet appropriate to meet the rising consumer demand.

The added concern is spiced up when it comes to mileage and range. With a single charge, most of the elite EVs like Tesla Model X, Model S, Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt, and 2018 Nissan Leaf can run only 225 miles on an average in an ideal scenario. This number can get as low as 170 on cold or hot days with heater or AC running full blast. Hybrids and gas-based cars are better options in this case. To get full potential of the Hybrids, some auto buyers opt for the Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV). A 2018 Chevrolet Volt, for instance, has 53 miles of electric range, and a conventional gas tank for longer trips up to 420 miles.

It is true that EVs are environment friendly but they are not necessarily clean as the electricity is generated somehow. It is comparable to using the same fossil fuel - only cleaner. The EVs run on lithium-ion battery, which needs to be mined from the ground. Chemically, lithium is a corrosive alkali metal which wastes hazardous gaseous derivatives when it comes in contact with moisture, resulting in increased environment pollution. In application, this may cause the EVs to emit hazardous gases or even catch fire if they are stored in a cold weather or are not properly maintained. The current electric infrastructure of such technology does not provide provision for reusing the batteries or recalibrating the disposal costs. Fuel-based cars can be easily rebuilt, their engines swapped and fuels filtered; but not so currently with an Electric.

The technology of the "Future Transportations" is still young and expensive than their gas-based cousins. The EVs may be easier to charge, but they cost more in the medium-long run. Even the most advanced EV batteries wear out occasion and need frequent replacement. For such replacement, Tesla Model 3 battery pack costs $ 190 per kWh and Chevy Bolt battery pack $ 205 per kWh. The charging stations are another link to the EV sustenance. In a euphoric state, consumers can skip the gas stations and 'fill-up' their EV either from a charging station on their way to work or through an added solar array sitting in their home. In reality, while gas stations can be found every 1 mile on a regular highway, EV battery charging stations may not be found that often. People living in apartments or condos may find it difficult to get the charging plug-ins. At a high cost, the plug-ins are now available only in the most advanced countries, such as the US and Western Europe. Not to mention, this becomes a deal breaker for many new buyers and gives headache to auto owners in the developing countries.

The perennial debt gains much traction over automobile safety issue. In theory, EVs are less combustible than gas cars. However, once tattoo on flame, EVs are hard to put out. In October 2017, a Tesla Model S caught fire after it crashed into a concrete barrier on Ahlberg Expressway in Austria. The incident took 35 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Recently, on March 23, 2018, a Tesla Model X rammed headfirst into an unshielded median on Highway 101 in California and caught on fire. The blaze shut the highway for 5 hours which became a nightmare for the firefighters to put out. The EV motors are not responsible for such disastrous catastrophes. The potent villains are the lithium-ion batteries that can fuel hotter fires and release intense heat and are harder to extinguish. The battery fires further generate a range of toxic fumes, smoke and gas that pose greater danger for daily commute and the environment. At present, only a competent personnel from the EV makers have the expertise in tackling such electrical emissions and hazards. The state firefighters and general commuters are not always aware of this 'technological knowhow' as the EVs do not come with a detailed manual of '101 of Putting Out your EV Fire'!

The recent crashes are bringing back the debate on whether EVs are safer than diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles when it comes to safety. In black and white, the Tesla Model X may have a perfect score for crash test safety rating. But hands-on experiences and records always prove stronger than rainbow promises and white-washed lab results. With technological breakthrough EVs may be the harbinger of transportation revolution in the coming decades. Battery packs replacement cost may drop to as little as $ 73 per kWh after 2030 and the current range anxiety may become a thing of past. The Hybrids and EVs may offer greater options and more convenience to the demanding consumer end and new commercial setup. But at this stage, if we consider road safety for tension-free travel, it is easier to bet on the 'combustion' engines over the battery run motors.