Web Sites Offer Creative Ways To Save

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STRETCHINGas WebSites Offer Creative Ways To Save (NAPSA)—Millions of Ameri- cans are feeling the pinch of a tight economy—and are pinching back by finding creative and nononsense ways to get more for their money. Here are some examples: Laundry loads. About 80 to 85 percent of the energy used for washingclothes is for heating the water. To reduce the amountof 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 get- ting 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 sav- ing you hundredsof 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 A variety of Web sites are available to help consumers save money on everything from groceriesto Internet service. and avoiding impulse purchases, you'll save money. The power of coupons. Clipping coupons from yourlocal 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 FreelInter net.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.