Our library has a new feature and I just can’t get enough of it!!!!

It is called Netlibrary and is the best thing to happen in the library world since they computerized the card catalog system!  So what exactly is Netlibrary?  NetLibrary offers e-content to libraries around the country.  What does that mean exactly?  That means if your local library is a member there, you can sign in and download audiobooks. 

Downloadable Audiobooks from NetLibrary are digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet. Audiobooks can be played on any desktop or portable device with Windows Media player 9 or above. You can also transfer your favorite titles to your portable music player, media center, Pocket PC, or even certain smartphones.

My friends know I LOVE audiobooks!  Now I can get online and find new titles without even having to load up the kids and head to the library.  Check with your local library and see if they offer Netlibrary.  If not, tell them about it and encourage them to offer it in your area!

It is no surprise to anyone that gas prices are continuing to break records. With all the dire predictions, we all know we need to do something to keep gas buying from breaking our piggy-banks.

Here is a list of just a few ways to save gas:

1. Don’t Drive!  It may seem like common sense, but so many people hop in the car when it would be just as easy to walk or ride a bike.  If you live in an area with public transportation consider using that whenever possible.  Look into carpools for your commute to work or school.
2. Keep your car tuned up.  This includes having your oil and air filters changed on a regular basis; and keeping your tires inflated properly.
3. Don’t idle!  Although starting your car used to use a lot of gas, it’s now the same as idling for about 30 seconds.  So if you are going to be sitting for a minute or longer, cut off the car.
4. Make one trip instead of several small ones.  It is better to make one trip when you run errands.  It is even better if you can run all your errands all in one day.  Once you get into town, some of your stops may be near each other. Park and walk between some or all of them.
5. Drive at a consistent speed and slow down.  High acceleration and hard braking uses more gas.  Use your cruise control to keep you at the speed limit.  The more mph you go over 55 the less efficient your mpg.
6. Clean out your car.  The lighter your car, the less furl you will use.
7. Check gas prices online to find the best deal.  There are quite a few websites out there that collect gas prices.  My favorite is GasBuddy.com.  Just click on your location to find prices near you.

So there you go, just some of the things we can do to not only save gas, but also to help save the environment.  Leave a comment and let us know what do you do to save gas? 

For more money-saving tips, check out Tipster Tuesday at BeCentsable.

PaidTwice from I’ve Paid For This Twice Already… is giving away a $50 gift card from SmartyPig. 

What is SmartyPig? SmartyPig is basically a savings account (that earns 3.90% APY) through an actual bank (WestBank) and is FDIC insured. The difference between SmartyPig and a regular savings account is that you set a savings goal and a funding source, and you need to fund your savings goal (minimum of $250) through that funding source by automatic monthly withdrawals. It is the online version of a piggy bank. Making deposits is free, and withdrawing your money is also free, which you can do in the form of a gift card (which you get a bonus for depending on what retailer), a SmartyPig debit card, or a check. Direct transfer back to your funding source is not yet available but is supposed to be in the future. If you are saving for an item which you can buy with a gift card, this would be a nice way to get a bonus for your money. Friends can also make deposits to your account if you make your savings goal public - and they can do so for free if they have a SmartyPig account to do so with. (read more at I’ve already paid for this twice...)

Thanks PaidTwice for this great giveaway.  Click here for details on how to enter and good luck to everyone!!!