Do you have a penny-pinching idea to share with the community? Know of an idea in Pahrump that's fun and entertaining but won't put a dent in the budget? How about a Web site you've found to save money or time?

Submit your suggestions by e-mailing jbeaudoin@pvtimes.com. Your ideas and tips can help us all save a buck or two.

Tips

Here are some green tips to save time and resources.

Stop junk mail

Overwhelmed with the clutter of catalogues arriving in your mailbox? Call the companies' 1-800 numbers to request removal from their mailing lists.

Or visit CatalogChoice.org, a free Web site designed to help you reduce unwanted catalogues. While you're at it, go to DirectMail.com/Junk_mail to remove yourself from unwanted mailing lists. This will save paper, printing and postage.

Go Paperless

Sign up for paperless statements at the Web sites of your credit cards, brokerage firms, banks or other monthly bills to minimize your paper clutter while reducing their printing and postage costs.

An added bonus: Sometimes banks will waive monthly service fees when you sign up. If ever you need a true paper statement, you can print one off the company's archive at its Web site.

Switch to CFLs

Move into the 21st century with these new high-efficiency bulbs that use 75 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs, and last up to 10 times as long.

Saving $30 over the bulb's lifetime, these bulbs pay for themselves in six months.

According to EnergyStar.gov, "If every home in America replaced just one bulb, we would save enough energy to light three million homes for a year, save more than $600 million in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equaling 800,000 cars."

If you are hesitating due to the increased cost of the bulbs versus conventional types, consider this: The average CFL bulb is designed to last 8,000 hours, approximately 7 years.

Web site

With high school graduation just around the corner, here are some helpful Web sites to clear the confusion concerning paying for college: FinAid.org and SavingForCollege.com.

FinAid.org is a Monster company Web site that answers common questions, offers nifty calculators and allows you to search for scholarships that match your qualifications.

SavingForCollege.com has extensive explanations of 529 and Coverdell plans. Check out their "World's Simplest College Calculator" to see how much you need to set aside monthly, from birth, to fund your child's college education.

Money Quote

"The easiest way to teach children the value of money is to borrow some from them." -- Anonymous

Reader's Tip

A follow-up for PVT readers interested in consumer Web sites with discounts and promotions: Visit FreeShipping.org to search their coupons and codes for discounts before your next Internet purchase. It just makes cents not to pay full price if a coupon is available.

While there, visit the Go Frugal blog for ideas and tips for saving money in all areas of your life, from dining out to dyeing your hair.

I welcome your input to share with our community. Whether it's an inexpensive activity in Pahrump, a deal you discovered on the Internet, or a cool Web site -- e-mail me at jbeaudoin@pvtimes.com.