Nationwide Paperback Swap

In tough economic times you need to get creative. Many of us have old books we would be willing to part with if we could get a free book in return. Iif you can't afford a new video game for your kids, give them a book to read.

The paperback swap website allows you to post books you are willing to give away. Once someone requests your book, you mail it to them (you pay shipping). Then you receive a credit you can use to request a FREE book for yourself. The book is shipped at no cost to you.

Continue »

Cities Offer Homeless Free Storage

Last Thanksgiving, Phillip Black says most of his belongings were thrown away by the police. Police told Black they mistook the bags in a Whole Foods shopping cart for trash. "I couldn't even enjoy my Thanksgiving," he says.

Finding a place to safely leave possessions is one of many challenges homeless people face each day, homeless advocates say. Some cities, including Portland, Ore., St. Petersburg, Fla., New York, San Francisco and Chicago are trying to help people in Black's situation by offering free storage space to the homeless.

Continue »

Do-It-Yourself: Winter Break Camp Co-ops

The original article promotes a summer camp co-op, but since the kids will be out of school over the Winter Break this idea may just save a few of the Moms out there.

If you are looking for ways to save on childcare and day camp over the holiday, consider forming Holiday Camp Co-op through Care.com.  By creating your own day camp with other parents in your neighborhood, you can be certain that the care will be affordable, trustworthy, and provide unique learning experiences for your child.

Continue »

California posts biggest job gain since May 2006

California added 39,000 jobs in October,  the biggest employment increase since May 2006. The gains were widespread, with employers adding positions in nearly every sector of the economy. But it wasn't enough to make a dent in California's unemployment rate, which remained at 12.4%.

Continue »