Research is the key. Every additional piece of information you have increases the likelihood that you will negotiate a fair price, lock in the best financing available and drive away in a car or truck you can afford. The emphasis here is on "afford." Affordability involves much more than down payment and monthly installments. It encompasses other costs such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and depreciation. You must factor these costs into your annual vehicle-ownership budget as well as into that magical dollar amount you feel you can afford monthly.All of these factors, of course, may vary depending on the...

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE  If you're old enough to understand the reference in this headline -- George Carlin, anyone? -- then you're old enough to need a refresher course when it comes to talking about technology.We've put together a list of outdated tech terms, phrases that you shouldn't be using at work anymore because they will make you seem old. This is especially true if you're looking for a new job. For example, on an interview, you should be talking about "cloud computing," not "ASPs" even though they are basically the same thing.This list is...

Paul and Kim have been married for a year when they decide it's time to buy their first home. They don't know it but they are about to make the biggest mistake of their lives. Paul manages a national car rental agency, and Kim is a bookkeeper at a local pet store. Together they earn $80,000 a year before taxes. Neither Paul nor Kim has experience buying a home so they call a realtor first for advice. They learn they can get a mortgage that includes taxes and homeowners insurance for $1,933 a month. It really helps Paul and...

Homes use approximately one third of all the energy we presently consume in the U.S. The remaining two thirds are split between transportation- one third, and industry- one third.Over the years technological advancements made it possible for manufacturers of central heating and air conditioning equipment to produce units with energy efficiency ratings of 90+. For example, a 90+ natural gas heater burns 90% or more of the natural gas it takes in and wastes less than 10%. Most likely the homes in the U.S.with 90+ systems installed are in homes that would not even qualify for a 50+ energy...

Energy Efficiency and the Role of Real Estate Agents             It is ironic those same policy makers, who for years have denied the existence of an environmental and energy crisis, are now looking to a "green" revolution as the route to recovery from the economic crisis that did not exist in the first place (in their minds).  It would be easy to say "I told you so" to those realtors and developers who just a couple of years ago were out hawking McMansions to anyone who could get a sub prime mortgage.  However tempting it is to gloat, it is better...

How Much More Does it Cost to Build a Home Energy Efficiently? I wasn't a math major in college, heck, I never took a class at The Colony High School any more difficult as "Informal Geometry or Pre-Algebra. But I DO understand construction math and profitability. It costs 5-10% more to build an energy efficient home than "standard" homes. Many people pay deluxe home prices for fancy looking features but they get only paltry energy saving benefits. When builders first started building energy efficient homes in the 1980's they were pleased if they had $10,000 left to share with investors...

The Do's and Don'ts of Perfect SpaghettiPasta may be the most fabulously cheap and simple meal, but it's also the most misunderstood according to chef Scott Conant of the restaurant Scarpetta (locations in both Manhattan and Miami), named one of America's best new restaurants by Esquire. He shared some secrets with us at Serious Eats, so we'll never again find ourselves with a plate of soggy spaghetti and lifeless, loser tomato sauce. 1. DO Read the Instructions: Spaghetti packaging recommends certain cooking times for a reason. Follow their advice! This is not an area where creativity is encouraged. Pay...