This post is by Dan Schointuch of partner site Money Talks News.

On the most recent episode of Discovery Channel’s “MythBusters,” Kari Byron, Tory Belleci and Grant Imahara tested whether a few techniques collectively known as “hypermiling” can double your fuel economy. They took two cars, a new sedan and an older coupe, and drove normally as far as they could on exactly 3 gallons of gas. They then repeated the process using hypermiling techniques. 

This post comes from Stacy Johnson at partner site Money Talks News. 

I recently received this question from a reader who's afraid her golden years are about to get tarnished:

What is with the "Windfall Elimination Provision?" We have an appointment with the Social Security office in our area and they want bank statements, assets and more. Do they have the right to ask for this information? My husband is 66 and has been receiving Social Security since age 62. We needed the money to live on. Now Social Security says they overpaid him … confused. Thanks. -- Joyce

Here's your answer, Joyce.

 

 

This post is by Joe Udo from partner site U.S. News & World Report.

You may not be ready to retire completely, but who wouldn’t want a few more hours each day to enjoy the nice summer weather instead of being stuck in the office updating TPS reports? If this sounds like you, you might be interested in phased retirement. This is when you reduce your hours at work or change careers to a less demanding part-time job.

The phased retirement concept is a great fit for many of us, and it is not nearly as difficult to achieve as early retirement. If you start saving early in your career, it might be possible to enter semi-retirement at 50, 45 or even 40 years old, especially if you are willing to make some lifestyle adjustments. Here are some great reasons to consider a phased retirement:

1. Retirement can be difficult
Many people find the transition to full-time retirement very difficult. We are used to a structured schedule that a job gives us. When you suddenly have 8 to 10 hours of free time, it can be disorienting, and many people don’t know what to do with themselves. The transition to an unstructured lifestyle is one of the most difficult challenges of early retirement. If you phase into retirement, then you’ll have a chance to get used to a few extra hours per day. 

When you give money to charity, it's reasonable to expect the money will go to, well, the charity. But there's an entire industry of "charities" that are masterful at raising money that overwhelmingly goes to the paid companies that do the fundraising.

The Center for Investigative Reporting and the St. Petersburg, Fla., Tampa Bay Times examined the tax records of 6,000 charities that used paid fundraisers and identified the 50 worst in America. None of the 50, which, combined, paid solicitors nearly $1 billion of $1.3 billion raised over the past decade, gave more than 11 cents on the dollar to those who were supposed to benefit, the investigation found. 

This post comes from Jane Young at Credit.com.

Staying out of debt is just as important as getting out of debt in the first place. And the first step toward staying out of debt is to understand your financial situation, and establish some goals on how you want to spend your money.

It might sound overwhelming, but small steps can make it easier. Start by reflecting on your values and what is truly important to you. Then, using this information, write down the goals you would like to accomplish over the next five to 10 years.

Initially, you should just brainstorm, and write your goals as they come to mind; don't analyze the practicality of each goal. Later, review your list of goals and prioritize those you'd really like to accomplish. This gives you a basis from which to make decisions on where to spend money.

But to realize these goals, you have to put what you have in writing into action. Here's how.

 

This post comes from Richard Moy at partner site Cheapism.com.

 

A cute, cheap pair of sunglasses is easy enough to find at a street fair or mall kiosk. But budget shades that will fully protect your eyes and stand up to the demands of summer sports? They can be as scarce as sunny days in Alaska.

Instead of adding to the pile of busted bargain sunglasses or investing in an expensive pair only to lose them, check out Cheapism's top picks for sunglasses on a budget.

 

JiMarti sunglasses are geared toward anyone itching to spend most of the summer outside. They win fans for their wraparound style and overall fit and comfort. Consumers posting reviews online comment that, at times, they forget they're even wearing these sunglasses. The line starts at $13 and stands out with a lifetime breakage warranty.

 

Sunbelt sunglasses excel at blocking out the sun without sacrificing fashion, according to online reviews. This brand offers a wide variety of styles. The sunglasses start at $20 and boast a limited lifetime warranty.

 

 

Kicking yourself because rates are going up and you haven't refinanced yet? I know, I know. Me, too.

 

You and I thought ultralow interest rates would last a while longer. Now we're grinding our teeth at night. Should we lock in at 3.98% -- the average rate that Freddie Mac says that buyers paid this week? Or should we hang tight hoping rates will drop again?

  

Still a great deal

My lender's rep says that, in the past couple years, rates fell in summer and rose in winter, contrary to previous years when rates dropped in winter and rose in summer. So maybe, I'm thinking, they'll drop again to near the 3.5% all-time lows of last November and December. Is this magical thinking? You tell me. Where do you think rates are headed?