Consumer United Advocate

Consumer United, 181 South St. Boston, MA 617-482-4700   www.consumerunited.com

In This Issue
Financial Health
What's On Tap?
Big-Screen Savings
VACATION TIPS
Vacation Tips
With the current economic downturn, it's probably not a smart idea to overindulge while hitting the road or jetting off to a foreign locale. Learn more here.
HOTELS.COM
Hotels.com Savings
Looking for a last-minute hotel this weekend? Click here to get an extra $20 off with a three-night booking through Hotels.com.
Greetings!

Welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter. Plymouth Rock Assurance recently began offering a free e-mail reminder program for all Massachusetts drivers, even those who aren't insured with the company. Learn more here. Now, let's get started.
Earn A Clean Bill Of Financial Health
Financial TipsThe current recession has put a renewed focus on the importance of building household savings. Although even the most basic changes to consumers' behavior can have a positive impact on their financial health, there are five things nearly everyone can do to save more. Treat saving like a monthly expense. Set aside a designated amount such as $250 or $500 per month and put it in a savings account at the same time as other bills are paid so the money is never missed. If possible, arrange an automatic monthly transfer between accounts to make saving even easier. Click here for more information.
Is Your Bottled Water Safer Than Tap?
Tap Water Over the years, bottled water sales have exploded. Compared to tap, is it a pure drink or pure hype? Consumers hand over money to buy bottled water instead of drinking from the water fountain or from the faucet. Why? We believe bottled water is a healthier alternative. However, according to a recent study, bottled water isn't as safe as tap water. The General Accounting Office reports in a study released in July that tap water has tougher standards when compared to bottled water. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, The Environmental Protection Agency is very strict when it comes to the regulations of tap water. However, bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and isn't as strict. Read more here.
Ultimate Budget-Conscious Consumer?
Free ChairVying to be the ultimate budget-conscious consumer? Check out "Freeganism," a lifestyle of alternative living strategies focused on minimal participation in the conventional economy and limited use of its resources. A global movement starting in the 1990s, freeganism was born out of environmentalism and antiglobalization. Freegans don't judge a book by its cover. Freegans value kindness, humanity, freedom, sharing, generosity and truth in a society that is heavily dominated by materialism, power, competition and conformity. Most freegans are very well informed, not only of current events blaring from the TV set. However, not everyone is buying the concept. Click here for the lowdown.
Pros And Cons Of Using Ethanol
Lawn MowerEthanol may be to blame if your lawn mower is "sputtering." Since 2005, the use of ethanol has increased due to the federal government's decision to use more biofuels to decrease the reliance on foreign oil. An article from the Tuscaloosa News quotes Mallisham and Charlie Singley, owner of Singley Small Engine & Equipment, both saying they have seen poorer grades of gasoline since the hurricanes of 2005 devastated the oil refineries along the Gulf Coast. So, what's the problem?  Learn more here.
Tips To Save At The Movie Theater
Popcorn As summer kicks into high gear, many flock to the local cinema to chill out and catch the latest romantic comedy or action-packed sequel. But is it affordable? With the average adult ticket costing around $10, folks shell out major cash for a family night out. However, you can catch a flick on the big screen without the big price ... and snag one of those mega tubs of popcorn while you're at it. Read more here.
Save
 $10
When you need help with repairs around the house, Angie's List members will help you decide which service companies to trust and which to avoid. As a Consumer United member, you qualify to save on Angie's List membership rates. Use promo code "SAVE TEN" for $10 off. Click here to learn more.
Bulk Discount