Debt Free

Alright! It's college football rivalry weekend! There's just nothing better. That means however, that we're just one weekend away from Turkey Day, and many of you will be heading out over the valley and through the woods to grandma's for some pumpkin pie and a little eggnog (not too much, you've got to drive back). If you are traveling on what's historically one of the biggest travel weekends in the U.S., there are some ways you can keep more of your money where it belongs, in your brokerage account.

1. Drive past, not through – Hey, you're going to be eating well at grandma's anyway, you don't need to hit the Mickey D's or Wendy's drive through window on the way, especially if you're traveling with kids. Stop at the grocery store, buy some good food to stock up a cooler. With the money you save on food, you can get one of those cheap, portable DVD players to keep the kids from asking “Are we there yet?”every 7 ½ minutes. What price your sanity?
   

1. Go an extra block or two – In many places, gas stations at freeway interchanges don't have the cheapest fuel. You can often go an extra 3 or four blocks and find a fill up much cheaper. In addition, plan your fill up so you make those pit stops in less expensive cities. Often, you'll find gas that's 20 to 25 cents a gallon cheaper by getting gas in one of the cheaper suburbs versus the big city, or one of the more affluent suburbs.
   

1. Don't get thirsty! Seriously though, get your bottled water by the case at the warehouse discount store. You'll save huge on the initial purchase. It's common to get a 24 bottle case of ½ liter bottles for less than $5.00. Contrast that with paying $1.09 per bottle for the same thing at your local Circle K or 7-11. To make it even better, you can refill those bottles. You could save $10 - $15 a day on water alone.
   

1. Just Maintain!J Make sure you get an oil change and have the trusty steed checked out before you hit the road. Nothing's worse for your morale or your plastic than getting caught out on the road, broken down, in a blizzard. At least, if you followed the recommendations above, you'll have something to eat until AAA gets there.
   

1. Reign in your kids. Really. Set a limit and stick to it. They can suck you dry, no problem. It's so easy to give in. You're on vacation, and they only want a little something here and there. But, those things add up fast. Let 'em st in the car and watch Cars or Ice Age for a while.
   

Drive safe, and keep the plastic in your wallet!