Yesterday I needed a CD out of my car so I grabbed my keys and walked outside in my dry shirt. I had to search through my car for a moment, but once I found my CD, I returned inside and put my keys down. Then my wife asked, “Did you go swimming?”

These days you can’t even go outside for a minute without gushing sweat. But staying inside isn’t always the best option when AC cuts out or gets too expensive.  So here are the most popular tips I’ve collected from the folks here at the office on beating the heat at home while sticking to your budget.

Adults need ‘em… kids love ‘em… Vacations help us relax, unwind, stretch our wings and just enjoy life. But when money is tight and paychecks are slim, taking that family cruise is not a realistic goal. However, there are inexpensive ways to break free and see some sights. And what’s better, you can do it more often than you might think.

I love my wife. She will come home from grocery shopping and slap down a box of ice cream bars, give me a big smile and say, “I had a coupon!” We laugh about it but those coupons can be sneaky. The lure of the coupon is strong. We see a big dollar sign and the word OFF or FREE and we think we are getting a special discount that no one else knows about. But are you REALLY saving money or are you being seduced by the illusion of free money?

It’s Monday night, snacks are laid out, friends are laughing, the TV is alive with player statistics and your favorite team takes the field. The ball snaps and eyes become glued to the screen. Everything hinges on the planning of one man; the coach.

For those of you who have followed my personal blog (Garner5.net), you know I love finding free and cheap entertainment. From movie rentals to online gaming, I’m all about saving a buck. So you probably won’t be surprised at me using my new blog to shout about the joys of Hulu.