Unless you drive a hybrid car or ride your bike to work, there’s no way to escape the high gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage out of your vehicles – which will save you money in the long run, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information.

Here are 10 ways to help you get better gas mileage:

1. Follow the Recommended Maintenance - A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy.
2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated - Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent.
3. Take a Load Off - Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car.
4. Don't Drive Aggressively - Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency.
5. Use the Highest Gear Possible - Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode.
6. Use Cruise Control Selectively - Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain.
7. Think Clean - Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself.
8. Avoid Excessive Idling - An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines.
9. Think Before You Ventilate - Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds.
10. Combine Your Errands - Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.

Looking for a way to de-clutter the basement/attic and make money at the same time? Why not hold a garage sale? Careful planning and creativity can turn your mountain of junk into a fistful of cash.

First, while you don’t need a garage to have a garage sale, you do need an easily accessible location. Consider asking friends or relatives if you can hold the sale in their yard if your home is too far off the beaten track. You should also check with your neighborhood or town bylaws to find out if you need a permit to hold a sale and if you can post signs in the neighborhood advertising your sale.

Advertise your sale in local newspapers and on free advertising bulletin boards around your community, such as the library, grocery stores, YMCAs, and parks.
One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure, but don’t try to sell actual trash, either. Make sure appliances and gadgets actually work, wash any clothing you intend to sell and make sure other items are clean and in good condition. Here’s a list of popular sellers:

Now that you've decided when your sale will be held and just what you're going to sell, the following tips will help make your day a success:

• Put a price tag on every item using stickers or masking tape.
• Be ready to deal with customers promptly at opening time. Have everything ready and be wearing a smile.
• Be prepared to give your customers change by having change and small bills on hand.
• Save plastic shopping bags for a few weeks before your sale, so your customers have something in which to carry their purchases home.
• Be prepared to haggle with customers.

After your sale, donate your leftovers to a local charity. Or you can always save them for your next sale.

  Five Autumn Gardening Tips