Handicap Accessible Trials and Tribulations

If you follow this blog, you will know  Charlie  and I have been building a new home. We designed our home to be wheelchair accessible. We did this in anticipation of my mother, who may need handicap accessibility to our home at a future date. (Believe me she does one hour of aerobics a day and is in better shape than Charlie and I)

Anyway, we did not forsee Charlie breaking his leg and needing wheelchair access. So what have we learned from actually using what was deemed to be "handicap accessible?"

If you are building or adding on a porch deck; definitely put a wheelchair ramp in. We don't use the wheelchair to get out; however the gently sloped ramp is very easy to negotiate on a walker. The ramp has been handy for moving in furniture and appliances. Our elderly guests find the ramp easier to negoiate than the stairs. The ramp is also easier to keep clean during winter ice storms than the stairs. (Our dog got caught in a steel trap and had a "to the bone" wound in his front paw. He too prefers the ramp to the steps)

Our front entry is french doors; so the wide width of wheelchairs and furniture has been no problem. However, there is about a six inch step-up, designed to keep rain from coming under the doors. The step-up is a bit of a trick to use the walker, or to ease the wheelchair up and down. In hindsight, would have made it a smaller step.

All of our interior doors are thirty six inches wide. Charlie can easily maneuver himself throughout the first floor of our home. Our cental hallway is four foot wide, with space enough that he doesn't mar my walls.

Our bathroom, which we put the most thought into accessibility before construction has had a few hiccups. We made it plenty wide enough to accomodate the wheelchair or walker. A potty chair easily fits over our existing toilet. However, the potty chair has to be moved out in order to get enough room to maneuver into our shower. Oh! for six more inches of room!

We did have the forsight to install a shower with seats. We thought it was handicapped accessible, but it is not wide enough to accomodate the walker. UH! That was a problem. There was one grab bar on the long wall, but it is low and not that great when one is hobbling on one leg. We had our contractor install a couple more grab bars; one inside the shower and one at the entry so it is a little more easy to get in and out of the shower. However, it is still tricky. I would mention that it is a real challenge to find grab bars that can be retro-fitted into a shower. Most are intended for new construction. If you are remodeling the bath, go on and spend the money to get those grab bars installed before you need them.

Have you had similiar experiences? Would love to hear from you.

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Joyce Pinson  is a Kentucky insurance agent as well as marketing director for  Charlie Pinson Insurance KY.  She looks forward to Kentucky Derby Day; when Charlie promises to be out of his wheelchair and dancing a waltz.

Insurance and Financial Institutions in Turmoil...What does it all mean?

As the marketing director for  Charllie Pinson Insurance KY  the question of "Where does the industry go from here?" has been on my mind this week. Insurance giant, AIG, has sure taken a beating and of course had a government bailout.

As a Kentucky independent insurance agent, I am surely grateful that our agency has many companies to offer our clients; not just one company. We represent Progressive, Hartford, Safeco, Travellers, Farmers and several other  Kentucky Auto Insurance  providers. We also represent AIG; but the point is we offer our clients the power to choose.

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In this day when big companies continue to swallow up smaller companies it's hard to keep up. Safeco was bought by Liberty Mutual. Wachovia, Merrill Lynch, Lyman Bros, and others are all in the news with dramatic changes.

It just goes to show you that bigger is not always better. Sure, we want to grow our business, just like any other successful business. But at the same time, with too rapid growth of overhead pursueing "the next level" of success comes at the costs of reducing profitablility. You spend more money; but make less profit. They called that the "Law of Dimishing Returns" when I was an econmics student.

With all the turmoil, you have to be watchful. As for Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  we are going to stick with what we know....offering our clients downhome personal service with the choice of doing business with numerous insurance companies. Sometimes, it's fun to be the hare...but the slow and steady turtle always wins the race.

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Joyce Pinson is the marketing director for Charlie Pinson Insurance KY, and it's sister Kentucky health insurance agencies. Joyce attended the University of Kentucky majoring in Agricultural Economics.

Kentucky Insurance Feeling the Squeeze

You know, I try to do my part. Especially when it comes to economizing. I consolidate my errand trips. I shop local as much as possible to support the Kentucky economy. I use coupons, and I shop sales. I am not above shopping at local thrift stores. With a background in economics, you would think I would be smart enough to manage a tight budget.

Today, my mid-sized car sucked up $59 at the gas pump! Fifty nine dollars! All I do is go to work, the grocery and the dry cleaners. Fifty nine dollars! OUCH!

And so it it is no wonder, our Kentucky insurance office is seeing more calls for folks shopping their  Kentucky car insurance.  And, it's not just kids and newlyweds...it's blue collar and white collar people alike. With the cost of gas, I think everyone is feeling a squeeze on the budget.

Can we help you? When was the last time you shopped your   Kentucky Auto Insurance?  We cannot help with gas prices, but maybe we can help with your insurance budget.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent.   Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  offers several diffent insurance companies for Kentucky Auto insurance including Progressive, AIG, Hartford, Safeco, Travelers and Farmers Insurance. Visit our website at  www.pinsoninsurance.com

Teens off too college? Beware Scholarship Scams

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

June Financial Aid Tip of the Month

Parents of college-bound students probably hear a lot of sales pitches from companies that promise to help find financial aid to pay for college.

There’s no need to pay for this kind of information. It may be obtained free by working with your guidance counselor, checking out sources in the library, doing free online scholarship searches or contacting the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend. GoHigherKY.org, the state’s one-stop college planning Web site, also offers a free scholarship search.

If you decide to use a company to help you find financial aid, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable one. The Federal Trade Commission cautions students to be especially skeptical about scholarship search companies and Web sites that make these claims.

· “You’ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.” Check with a guidance counselor or The Foundation Center at www.fdncenter.org to find out if the foundation is legitimate. Be especially wary if you receive notification that you’re a finalist in a scholarship contest you didn’t enter.



· “We’ll do all the work.” It’s highly unlikely that the company will fill out all the applications for all the financial aid sources it sends you.



· “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.” Never give these numbers to a person or company with which you are unfamiliar. You could find your credit card maxed out and your bank account cleaned out.



· “This scholarship will cost some money.” Some legitimate scholarships do have upfront fees, but no more than $5 or $10.



· “You’re guaranteed to get money for college or your money back.” Read the fine print. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.



To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 7381.

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Louisville Gas Prices being Scrutinized

Attorney General Jack Conway announced that his Office of Consumer Protection is launching an investigation into abnormally high gas prices in Louisville.

“When market participants and experts are telling us this is unusual; when Louisville consumers are paying some of the highest prices for gasoline in the region, I feel it is imperative to find out if those prices are simply a function of the market or if something unlawful is taking place to manipulate prices,” General Conway said.

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Gas prices in Louisville are currently averaging almost $4.30 per gallon, almost

30 cents more per gallon than other parts of the state.

Louisville retailers are required to fill their stations with reformulated gas (RFG) during the summer months because of an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet federal air-quality standards. Northern Kentucky retailers must also stock their stations with RFG as part of a similar agreement, but retail prices in that part of the state are about 18 cents per gallon less than Louisville. Regionally, St. Louis must also use RFG and retail prices there are averaging $3.80 to $3.90 per gallon.

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According to industry experts, RFG is more expensive to produce, but only 5 to 8 cents per gallon more than conventional gasoline. Retailers in Louisville report that they are paying wholesalers 20 to 25 cents more per gallon for RFG when compared to conventional gas.

“Our investigators have been told by various market participants and government officials that these gas prices are abnormally high relative to other markets, so I feel it is in the public interest to determine if a violation of the Consumer Protection Act has occurred, why prices are higher in Louisville and whether any laws have been violated,” General Conway said.

The Attorney General’s Office is currently compiling and reviewing data from industry sources, commercial agencies and the Kentucky Division of Air Quality. Investigators will be looking for trends that may indicate whether any violations of the Consumer Protection Act or state anti-trust laws may have been committed.

Under the Consumer Protection Act (KRS 367.240-250), if the Attorney General believes that the law has been or may be violated, or that it is in the public interest to determine whether a violation has or may occur, he may issue subpoenas and/or civil investigative demands to wholesalers operating in Louisville.

“The Consumer Protection Act prohibits ‘unfair, false, misleading or deceptive acts or practices’, and I will be determining whether any such acts occurred,” General Conway said.

The Consumer Protection Act and anti-trust statutes provide for injunctive relief, as well as restitution and civil penalties.

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Filed for Kentucky Unemployment Insurance?

More than 36,000 Kentuckians may qualify for 13-week unemployment insurance extension

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentuckians who have filed their unemployment insurance claim on or after May 7, 2006 and have exhausted those benefits and are currently unemployed may be eligible for up to 13 weeks of extended benefits, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

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More than 36,000 Kentuckians may be eligible for the additional unemployment benefits, said Division of Unemployment Insurance Director Tony DeName. Individuals who are potentially eligible for the federally funded extended benefits program will be notified by mail.

The weekly benefit amount for extended benefits will be the same as the person received for regular unemployment compensation during the original 26-week period. The maximum amount of benefits is $415 a week and depends on the person’s prior earnings. Potential candidates may apply until March 22, 2009.

In Between Jobs? Get Kentucky Temporary Health Insurance

“Governor Beshear signed the agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor on July 1, 2008. Kentucky was one of the first states in the nation to return the agreement to Washington. The program is effective with the week beginning July 6, 2008. You may file your claim for benefits on line at www.kewes.ky.gov beginning Wednesday July 9, 2008, or you may use the call center 859-547-3362 to file. However, this is not at toll-free call,” said DeName.

OET helps individuals prepare for, secure, and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information about our programs, visit   www.educationcabinet.ky.gov  or   www.workforce.ky.gov, 
or call 502-564-6606.

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Fourth of July in Kentucky State Parks

July 4th Will Be Poppin' at Kentucky State Parks

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Kentucky State Parks throughout the commonwealth will celebrate the July 4th holiday with fireworks, summer fun activities and special events. Following is a brief run-down of announced festivities with phone numbers for each park. Information is also available at www.parks.ky.gov.

Barren River State Resort Park
7/4/2008
Our annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration starts off the day with a beach party and plenty of fun and games. There will be live entertainment at 6 p.m. followed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Activities continue throughout the weekend with the annual "whatever floats your boat" contest on Saturday. Other activities such as the pre-4th block party on the 3rd include karaoke and the non-motorized parade.
270-646-2151

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
7/3/2008 to 7/5/2008
Battlefield Walks – July 3 & 5. Learn more about the fascinating history of Blue Licks Battlefield with a walk that begins promptly at 1 pm and is free to all park visitors. Canoe Trips – July 3 & 5. Enjoy a 2 ½ hour leisurely paced canoe trip down the Licking River. Cost is $10 per person and space is limited. All you can eat seafood buffet at Hidden Waters Restaurant July 4. Crab legs, shrimp, and more. Bring the entire family for a treat that they’ll enjoy. Cost is $19.95 plus tax plus beverage.
859-289-5507

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

7/4/2008
Show your patriotic spirit with a variety of activities. Crafts, watermelon, float races, music. Ends with a fantastic fireworks display that evening over Buckhorn Lake. Event time: 10 am to 11 pm.
606-398-7510

Dale Hollow State Resort Park

7/4/2008 to 7/6/2008
Show off your red, white, and blue as you celebrate the Fourth of July with some all American activities. Enjoy a weekend filled with games, crafts, and special entertainment.
270-433-7431

Fort Boonesborough State Park
7/2/2008 to 7/6/2008
Come celebrate our nation's birthday with five days of patriotic activities. We will have scheduled times for camper decoration contests, games, crafts, free putt-putt, free historic tours, a hayride, a parade, NASCAR on the big screen satellite TV, live entertainment and our biggest fireworks show ever. This is our second annual fireworks show on the beach. The festivities start with a DJ and concessions from 6:15 pm until 9:15 pm. The fireworks show starts at 9:45 pm. The show is free, however the Fort Boonesborough Foundation will be collecting a $3 per vehicle parking fee. 859-527-3131

General Burnside State Resort Park
7/4/2008 to 7/5/2008
We will be letting the kids decorate their bikes and join in on the July 4th Parade. But you don't need a bike -- we can decorate you up to walk in the parade! There will be activities, games and prizes for all ages. On the 5th of July there will be a Checker Tournament for ages 8 and up and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. Events start July 4 at 5 p.m. and July 5 at 10 a.m.
606-561-4104

General Butler State Resort Park
7/05/2008
Kentucky Kruizers Car Club Show will feature custom and vintage cars, 50's and 60's music, along with food and merchandise booths. Following the car show, General Butler will celebrate with outdoor musical entertainment & a fireworks show over Butler Lake around 9:30 p.m. There is a registration fee if entering vehicles for judging; other than that events are free.
502-732-4384

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
7/4/2008
Enjoy a day of family fun, hiking/biking/horseback riding, mini golf, fishing, tennis, boating, and newly renovated campground. Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre will present Bluegrass music by New Time, 6:30-9:45 pm. Fireworks will be shot at 10:00 pm at Beach Area at Community Pool Parking Lot. Event is free to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of family fun. Details on other events planned for the holiday week can be obtained by calling the park.
606-473-7324

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Prestonsburg KY
7/4/2008 to 7/5/2008
Arts and crafts activities will allow you to show your “Independence Day” spirit, with Tie-Dye t-shirts, key chains, eagle puppets, and more. There will be Watermelon Eating and Ice Cream Eating contests. On Saturday July 5 join us in the Campground for a spectacular musical event as the “One Man Band” Tim Michaels performs songs of Bluegrass, Country, and Rock & Roll.
606-889-1790

Kenlake State Resort Park
7/4/2008
One of the biggest fireworks shows in Western Ky. Fireworks display is complemented by live entertainment and a cookout. Recreation activities all day.
270-474-2211

Kentucky Dam Village
6/30/2008 to 7/6/2008
Good Ole USA Days is a week long celebration of our nation's birthday with traditional activities, nightly entertainment, music, and food. Top off the holiday week with a 4th of July fireworks show on Friday night.
270-362-4276

Lake Barkley State Resort Park
7/4/2008 to 7/6/2008
The 4th of July Weekend at the Beach tradition continues along Barkley's waters…the largest fireworks display in the area, a talented regional line-up of live music, beach games for the whole family, snacks and food vending, and a cool swim in the lake. And that's just to kick off the weekend! Lake Barkley is the place to be for Independence Day!
270-924-1131

Old Fort Harrod State Park
7/4/2008 to 7/5/2008
Picnic in the park will be from noon to 1:00 p.m. presenting puppet ministry by Heavenly Hands. Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy the live entertainment under the scenic and historic Osage orange tree. On July 5, the Patriot Quartet, a local Southern Gospel group, will perform for the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature patriotic songs and favorite traditional songs as made popular by The Statesmen, The Blackwood Brothers and the original Oak Ridge Boys quartets. There are also original songs penned by group members and others. Admission is $5.00 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
859-734-3314

Paintsville Lake State Park Paintsville KY
7/4/2008
Most Patriotic Campsite -- Show us your patriotism! Celebrate the 4th of July with Paintsville Lake and deck your campsite out with red, white, and blue. Compete with your fellow campers for a chance to win a couple of free nights of camping.
606-297-8486

Pine Mountain State Resort Park
7/5/2008
On Saturday July 5, the park will host a special New Orleans Dinner and Jazz Show featuring the impeccable talents of Julie Davis and Kelly Dow. Take a trip back in time and experience an unforgettable evening of top-notch Jazz. The Jazz Show will be hosted at the park’s Whitney Conference Center and fine dining featuring some New Orleans style cuisine will precede the entertainment. Tickets for this must-see show are currently on sale at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The dinner and show costs only $25 per person.
606-337-3066.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park
7/5/2008
Rumble Over Rough River and celebrate the Fourth with fireworks over Rough River Lake! We will have a live band -- Burly Cruz -- performing before the fireworks show and concessions will also be available. Free Fourth of July related recreational activities will be going on all weekend long! Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00 pm (CDT) and last up to 25 minutes!
270-257-2311

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.

Charlie Pinson Insurance Ky will be closed Friday, July 4th to celebrate our independence. As you travel during the holiday, we urge all Kentucky motorists to use caution and good driving habits. Buckle Up and be safe! Get Kentucky Insurance Quotes

Will gas prices influence Kentucky Auto Insurance Rates? The Consumer Federation of American Thinks so.

$4 GALLON GAS SHOULD LOWER AUTO INSURANCE RATES
FOR MANY CONSUMERS

--Consumers Who Are Driving Less Should Contact Their Insurance Companies--

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Washington, D.C. – As the price of gasoline tops four dollars a gallon nationwide, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) today released an analysis showing that consumers who are driving less could save an average of 5 to 15 percent on their automobile insurance rates –about $47 to $142.1 (Potential average savings by state are shown below.)

While skyrocketing fuel costs have created great hardship for many consumers, these increases could mean immediate savings on automobile insurance as drivers react to high gas prices by using mass transportation, car-pooling, taking fewer trips to the store or curtailing their vacations.“Auto insurance rates are partially based on how much you drive and how you use your car,” said J. Robert Hunter, Director of Insurance for CFA and former Texas Insurance Commissioner and Federal Insurance Administrator. “If you drive less to save money on gas, these driving changes might mean that you qualify for immediate insurance rate relief,” he said.

“We encourage all Americans to act now to save money by calling their insurance company or agent and asking if they qualify for an immediate rate reduction.”
CFA released the attached “Consumer Alert” that detailed several ways that Americans
who are driving less can save money on automobile insurance, including:
If You have Stopped Driving Your Car to Work or School:
• Your insurance classification has changed from “Drive to Work” to “Pleasure.”
• Savings could be 10 to 15 percent.
If You are Driving Only to a Train or Bus Station, Not All the Way to Work or School:
• Your insurance classification may change from the “Drive to work” mileage category.
• Savings could be 5 to 10 percent.
If You Have Consolidated Trips and are Driving Much Less:
• This reduces your miles driven per year.
• Savings could be 5 to 10 percent.
1 The average auto insurance premium in the U.S. was $949 in 2005, according to the latest data from the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (see attached table showing state data). These are average savings. Based
on the specifics of a consumer’s auto insurance, the savings will range from zero to hundreds of dollars.
2

“While these savings will vary based upon the specific auto coverage you have, it is certainly worth a call,” said Hunter. “Simply explain the actions you are taking to drive less and estimate how many fewer miles you are driving a month,” he said. “Tell the agent or company representative that you want the cheapest rate they have for drivers reflecting your new driving circumstances.”

In a letter sent earlier this week, CFA has called on the nation’s Governors to act immediately to require insurance companies to lower their rates as Americans drive less. “As Americans drive less because of the price of gas, fewer claims will be filed with insurance companies,” said Hunter. “Whether this will mean windfall profits for insurers or rate cuts for the consumers is up to Governors and state regulators to determine,” he said. “We ask that each state immediately call hearings to determine the right auto insurance prices under the changed driving situation.”

Bloggers Note-As this is a Kentucky Insurance Blog I have edited this list to include only Kentucky, and a few surrounding states

STATE 2005 Combined Savings Savings Savings

Average Premium at 5% at 10% at 15%

Arkansas $852.62 $42.63 $85.26 $127.89

Illinois $830.69 $41.53 $83.07 $124.60

Indiana $758.47 $37.92 $75.85 $113.77

Kentucky $898.01 $44.90 $89.80 $134.70

Missouri $804.53 $40.23 $80.45 $120.68

North Carolina $730.75 $36.54 $73.08 $109.61

Ohio $754.86 $37.74 $75.49 $113.23

Tennessee $787.73 $39.39 $78.77 $118.16

Virginia $795.92 $39.80 $79.59 $119.39

West Virginia $1,028.05 $51.40 $102.81 $154.21

Nationwide $948.97 $47.45 $94.90 $142.35

Source: 2004/2005 Auto Insurance Database Report,
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 2007.
-30-
Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is a non-profit association of 300 consumer groups,
with a combined membership of more than 50 million people. CFA was founded in 1968 to
advance the consumer’s interest through advocacy and education.

Saving Money At the Pump

Gas prices hitting Kentuckians in the Pocketbook

Is it just me or is gas prices spilling over into all aspects of our lives? For instance, at the grocery store I am used to the shelves being stocked to biblical proportions "heaped up, pressed down, and running over." Not only are the shelves not stocked, they are on the verge of "empty" on many items. Ask store management, and they tell you vendors stock less frequently due to fuel costs. Not only are the shelves less than overflowing, but prices are going up, up, up. It's a pinch on the pocketbook!

At our Kentucky insurance office  we are seeing more of our office pays take advantage of our Internet online pay options. I miss seeing some of them, but again it's more economical to pay online, than drive to our office.

On the home front, we have been building. Costs of lumber is going up, chiefly due to fuel expenses. Materials are not even delivered "as needed," now they wait until they have a full load. Yes, I understand the fuel economy but when you have contractors with no materials, it is no economy for me.Whaaa!

So what can I do to economize my fuel costs and make consumption more efficient?

• Check your tires to make sure they are inflated properly.


• On pretty days, lay off the air conditioner. Roll down your car windows and let the breeze blow your hair. Forget about your dignity! Buy a comb.


• Combine trips. I have been amazed how many gallons of gas I have saved by running all my errands at once. Not only does it save gas, it saves me time...something I have precious little of!


• My metro friends in Lexington  and   Louisville,  avoid traffic snarls and lots of stopping and starting. Take the back way. Get off the expressway...if you are travelling over 60 mph you are wasting fuel anyway.


• Get a tune up. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top running condition for best fuel efficiency.


• This one surprised me, but empty out your trunk if you are carrying allot of "extra baggage." The more you carry, the more energy you expend.

Are you a visual person? Check out this site which has an interactive car graphic that allows you to analyze all parts of your car and see what you can do to save your Kentucky gas dollars.

Other resources

Myths about saving gas

Fine Living saving gas


CNN Best Fuel Efficient Cars

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A Kentucky insurance agent, Joyce Pinson hates to drive. She is very good at carpooling and planning efficient errand running.   Click for more Kentucky Insurance Consumer Tips.