If you aren't careful, cars can suck up money fast, and in a variety of ways: Through the up-front price tag on the car, the fuel efficiency, the cost of repairs and maintenance, even the risk of an accident. There are a variety of purposes a car can be used for, and depending on your specific circumstances you probably have certain features you value over others. But if saving money is a key consideration, you need to consider more than just the miles to the gallon.

With that in mind, here are some tips you can employ to cut down on the long-term cost of your car, giving you a quality ride at a bargain price.

Stick with the one you've got

It's tempting to

upgrade vehicles every few years, as newer models boast improvements over their predecessors and your own model gets worn down over time. But if it's still running well, there's no reason to upgrade this often. The costs of upgrading can add up quickly -- there's the difference in price, the continued auto loan payments and even the increased car insurance rates that come with a more expensive vehicle. The longer you can keep a car before sinking money into a newer model, the more you'll save in the long run.

Address maintenance issues promptly

Maintenance work is an obligatory aspect of owning a vehicle, and if you slack off or try to cut corners, it's almost certain to come back to haunt you. Oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotations and alignments � all of these periodic maintenance measures prolong the life of your car by keeping its parts functioning at a high level. If you choose to ignore these needs, the effects could be extreme. Blown off oil changes, for example, could eventually lead to a fire or other engine failure, destroying it � and costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

Don't be cheap

Some parts of your car can be greatly benefited by your refusal to buy the cheapest parts. Tires are a great example; nicer tires last longer, pose a lower risk of blowing while driving, and improve your safety when driving. Along those same lines, good car batteries are often under appreciated, but they tend to last longer � years on end � and are less likely to go dead on you while you're traveling through the middle of nowhere.

The same goes for engine oil, fluids and certain parts regularly changed in your vehicle; the best way to save money, and prevent expensive complications, is to pay a little more up-front.

Join a carpool

The best way to extend the life of your vehicle is to cut down on unnecessary driving. For your daily commute, this means joining a carpool. Carpools cut down on your daily fuel costs and preserve your car's precious mileage, helping it last longer. When it comes to carpools, the more the merrier -- at least in terms of how ride-sharing can extend the life of your car while lowering its expenses.

Of course, costs will be greatly determined by the type of car you own � a compact car will cost less in almost every sense than a sport utility vehicle � but no matter what car you drive, there are ways to save. Although it's tempting to view cars as a status symbol and a recreational item, that mindset can eat through your funds quickly. When it comes to saving money, it's best to value a car for its practical benefits and use that mentality to guide your spending.

Holly is an Indianapolis native with a passion for green living and saving money. In her spare time, she blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Saving money in your household budget isn't necessarily about buying less, but about changing where and how you purchase it. Particularly in the last few years, as the economy has soured and the cost of living has stayed just as high, people have been turning to smart strategies to cut their costs while still being able to buy the things they need, and even some things they want. Here are some of the major strategies that can make a noticeable difference in your bottom line.

Shop Sales: Particularly as the holiday season draws nearer, stores have all sorts of sales to get merchandise out the door. Keep an eye out for sales at your favorite stores and on the items you most need. For example, grocery store ads always discount dozens of items each week, and you can stick to buying and using these things for the week. Department store sales are perfect for getting clothes and home goods at a great price. Larger items such as appliances often go on sale as well, so never pay full price on these.

Use Layaway: Credit card interest is expensive, and even if you have every intention of paying off a purchase quickly, things can always get in the way. Next time you're in the market for a big-ticket item such as a plasma TV, shop around for the best price and find a store that has a layaway program. That way you can make payments on it over time with the added motivation of wanting to finish quickly so you can bring your purchase home. This is an easy way to help you budget for larger purchases if you have trouble on your own.

Hit the Thrift Shops: Your local thrift stores have some stellar deals, and all you have to do is sift through some amusing items to find them. Thrift stores are especially useful for clothes, where you can often find like new items for a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores are also ideal for kitchen equipment, kids toys, shoes, books, and more. If you're over 65 years old, check your thrift stores to see if they have

senior discount days. Many stores also have colored tag days where all items with a specific color of tag are steeply discounted.

Buy in Bulk: There are plenty of items that you use on a regular basis, and it doesn't make sense to buy them in small quantities. The price per unit almost always decreases as you buy more, so as long as you're sure you'll use it all before it spoils, don't be afraid to buy in bulk. For example, buy the value pack of ground beef and freeze it in the portions your family usually uses when you prepare it. Rather than getting a small package of toilet paper, go ahead and get the big package and stash extra rolls under a bed or in a big closet. Although your initial expenditure is larger, you'll save money in the long run.

As you start using these strategies, you'll probably start to discover even more ways to save money. One helpful tip is to find someone else who wants to shop smart and tell each other about the techniques you're using and the deals you're finding. Not only will the accountability motivate you to stick to your plan, but you'll probably learn about some tricks you would have never thought of yourself. Regardless, get started right away so you can begin to see your savings add up!

Holly is an Indianapolis native with a passion for green living and saving money. In her spare time, she blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Who doesn�t want to save money? With more money, you can afford to pay your monthly bills, go on vacation and pursue other activities your family enjoys. Several money-saving tips around your house are easy to implement and save you big bucks throughout the year.

Unplug everything

All those electronic devices you plug into the wall suck energy. Even when they�re turned off, they waste money. When you�re finished using your computer, fax, washer, television and coffeemaker, unplug them. Take inspiration from Rhondalyn, a consumer who

unplugged everything and saved over $200 on her monthly energy bills. If she can do it, so can you.

Switch appliances

While every appliance in your home uses energy, appliances are the biggest energy and money wasters. The next time you receive a bonus from work or need to replace worn out appliances, consider buying LG Appliances with an Energy Star rating. The investment saves you money in the long run, since these appliances decrease your home�s energy use.

Repair it yourself

Maybe you don�t see yourself as a handy person around the house. You can learn, however, to make a variety of simple repairs without help from an expensive contractor. Purchase a toolbox, borrow DIY videos or books from the library and figure out how to fix common problems around your home. The next time your garbage disposal breaks, the toilet leaks or the lawn mower won�t start, you�ll know how to fix it without spending a fortune.

Launder less

A necessity in any home, you can�t avoid laundry. You can make smarter laundry choices, though, that save you time and money while prolonging the life of your clothing. Start by washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot. This setting uses less energy, is effective and is gentler on your clothing.

Wash larger loads. Small loads waste water and energy. Also, wash fewer loads each week. If possible, wear your clothes more than once to save energy and cause less wear-and-tear on your clothing.

Finally, pull out clothes you can dry on on a line instead of in the dryer, and then combine loads. You save money and use less energy while restocking your closet with clean clothing.

Change the light bulbs

Switching to energy-saver light bulbs lowers your electric bill. Try CFLs and LEDs that require less energy to operate. Likewise, remember to turn off the light switches when you�re not using them. During the day, open the curtains and use natural sunlight. Your rooms stay warmer as you save money.

Flip off the TV

Instead of watching mindless shows on expensive cable or satellite television, cancel your subscription. Read a book, take a walk, play with your family and save money by simply flipping off your television.

Saving money makes sense. Try one of these simple tips that help you save money at home or discover your own ways of saving energy. You�ll feel less stressed about paying bills every month, and you�ll have more money to buy the things your family really needs and wants.

Holly Watson, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, is a stay-at-home mom and former financial adviser. Making cake pops and training to run in her third marathon are two of her passions.