| We also turn off the a/c. We were glad we did last weekend because in our absence, some severe thunderstorms came through the area, so we could have had big problems. Also as Ed points out, we saved on power bills. In the winter, we leave heat on so that the pipes don't freeze, but we turn it down so that it does not heat an empty house. We open cabinet doors to ensure pipes get plenty of warmth. I conserve on grocery buying prior to the trip so that we are not left with spoiled food to throw away upon returning from vacation. Our family just had a weekend getaway this past weekend that would make Clark Howard proud. So I want to brag a bit. 1) Hotel: Our cousin's wedding party told us they had a "special wedding rate" at the hotel of $69 a night not including tax. Instead, I booked online at the same hotel for an average of $54 a night including taxes. 2) Flight: Kept up with airfare sales via email and nailed a round-trip Atl-to-Dallas of $140 per person including all fees and taxes. 3) Airport parking - searched employee discounts and other programs, and found parking for the Atl airport for $4.50 a day. That's cheap! Even economy parking at the airport is $8 a day now, so that was a great deal. 4) Driving our cousin's car, we broke down while in Dallas. First time we have ever used our AAA card out of town - usually we break down around town. But it really proved its value - where else can you get a 10-mile tow to the shop of your choice on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON for $40, and get a response of under an hour? That was priceless, since we were travelling wtih my 5 year old daughter, and didn't want to sit on the side of the interstate any longer than necessary. | 
