How Much Does an Expired Tag Ticket Cost?

An expired tag or registration ticket is issued when the sticker/tag placed on the license plate has expired.

These tabs usually expire on the driver’s date of birth; however, all states are different and may expire on the date you registered the vehicle.  These tags are different colors to help law enforcement easily see if the tabs are current or expired.

What happens if you drive with expired tags?

Well, nothing if you don’t get caught, but since these tags will have a colored tag from last year, it will be fairly easy for a law officer to issue a citation once they find you.  The longer you wait, the greater your fines and chances of an impound will be.

“MANITOBA 2018 —LICENSE PLATE” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  woody1778a

How much does an expired tag ticket cost?

Depending on the city, the state and circumstances, most expired tag tickets are going to range anywhere from as little as $25 to as much as $275.  Most of the states we had researched were within the $100 to $200 fine range.

In California, for example, they apply a “penalty assessment,” which is a state tax/multiplier, which can be up to five times the base amount.

The Law Office of Scott Miller states that an expired tag in Georgia can cost anywhere from as little as $30 to $135, depending on the scenario.

In the city of Walker, Michigan, the costs of an expired plate is $105, with zero points on your license.

On this Yelp forum thread, a forum member asked if there’s a grace period for expired tags in Washington state.  One member replied, stating that if you were parked on a public street, the fine would be $36; however, if you were pulled over, the fine could increase to $150 or so.

What are the extra costs?

If your car is impounded, it could cost $200+ to recover your vehicle at a local impound yard.

The officer who pulls you over for an expired tag may discover other violations that may call for another citation, such as driving without an expired license and/or invalid insurance.

While rare and not worth it for just an expired tag ticket, if you plan on fighting the ticket or hiring a lawyer to do so, this needs to be budgeted for as well.  A good lawyer can charge $200+ per hour.

Tips to know:

In the case of an expired tag, there are several potential punishments you may face.  An officer, depending on the circumstances, may issue a citation, requiring you to renew with 30 days; let you off with a warning; write a citation and impound the vehicle if the registration has been expired for longer than six months; or offer a citation and not impound the vehicle, even though it has been longer than six months.

Normally, a registered owner receives a renewal notice from the DMV about 45 days before his or her vehicle’s registration expires.  Most of these renewals can be done through the mail, online or at a local DMV office.

Because it’s considered a “non-moving” violation, you can still receive a ticket, even if you’re not driving the car; however, the car must be parked on public property in order to receive a citation.

Some states do have a grace period, so refer to your local laws.  In Colorado, Oklahoma and Iowa, for example, they give you one month after the ticket expires, whereas Texas will only give you five days.

How can I save money?

If you do receive a ticket for expired tags, schedule a court hearing to explain your case.  While you will probably still have to pay the ticket and renew the tags, appealing the ticket in court can often get you out of points on your license.

In some states, the violation may be dismissed or the fines will be dropped significantly upon showing proof that the matter was remedied.  Talk with your local court to see if the fees may be waived.

Even though it may be too late, stay on top of renewing your registration.  Whether it’s setting a phone reminder or paying immediately upon receiving the bill, it’s important to keep your tabs up to date.

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How Much Does a Cylinder Misfire Cost?

A cylinder misfire can happen for various reasons, and when it happens, it generally causes the car to run rough, jerk or buck.

With every spark plug electronically timed to fire at an exact instant to deliver the engine’s specified output, one slight change can cause this so-called “misfire.”

Repairing a misfire isn’t as straightforward as other car repairs as the problem can be due to a variety of reasons, including worn-out spark plugs, a vacuum leak or worn valve seals, for example.

If your engine were to misfire, it’s important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as possible, as the problem will worsen over time, often damaging the internal components of the vehicle.

“smoke em if you got em” (CC BY 2.0) by frankieleon

How much does a cylinder misfire repair cost?

As mentioned, a cylinder misfire can happen due to a few reasons, and to make things simple, we created a table to show you exactly what repairs may be required to fix the misfire condition.  As you can see, the costs can greatly vary, depending on the reasons why the misfire is happening in the first place.  With so many variables, you could spend as little as $150 for new spark plugs to as much as $1,000+ for a vacuum leak.

For older vehicles, YourMechanic claims the culprit is almost always the ignition system as these vehicles often lack the sophisticated sensors which can cause the misfire.  As for modern vehicles, misfiring will be accompanied by a “check engine” light, telling you exactly which cylinder is to blame and whether it’s a problem related to the injector service the cylinder or the systems responsible for the ignition spark.  These codes can read as a cylinder 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 misfire, and the numbers often refer to the spark plug in question.

On this Reddit thread, a forum member’s check engine light had come on due to a cylinder 1 misfire.  The local mechanic he had gone to quoted $609, excluding the $80 diagnosing cost.

Cylinder misfire repair overview

Common reasons an engine may misfire can be due to a faulty spark plug, faulty ignition coil, broken piston rings, burnt out valves, broken valve springs, a worn out camshaft or the fuel injector isn’t working.

To diagnose the issue, a mechanic will first use their code reader to see what the problem is related to.  From there, if the spark plug may be to blame, a mechanic will run the engine at an idle speed to see if the spark plug can hold its own, followed by removing the leads from the coil pack to see which wire may be to blame.  If the ignition and spark plugs weren’t the issue, then the injectors will be closely examined to see if it needs to be replaced.  Using a multimeter, the mechanic will check the resistance value to read the value in Ohms.  If read outside of the specified values, then they may need to be replaced.  Lastly, the fuel pump, which can cause an engine to misfire, could often be the blame.  This can simply be checked via a fuel pressure check.

Engine misfire causes

When driving, you may hear more than one cylinder misfiring, similar to a popping or sneezing-like sound.  Backfiring is a common sound heard as well.

Along with louder noises, a misfiring engine can produce a foul smell, similar to gasoline, but with a combination of coolant and engine oil.  If you do notice a distinct smell, this could be due to damaged cylinder walls.

A loss of power, often caused by the vibration of the engine, can cause the internal parts to rotate unevenly, causing unnecessary wear and tear.

Large clouds of black smoke coming from the exhaust could also be a sign requiring attention immediately.

How can I save money?

While it may be too late, an engine misfire can be prevented as long as you follow through with your scheduled maintenance in your manual.  Keep the engine tuned to the manufacturer specs to help uncover any problems which may arise in the future.

Any sign of a misfire should be taken care of immediately to prevent problems from arising in the future.  Waiting too long can lead to a much higher repair bill than expected.

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How Much Does It Cost to Dye Shoes?

Dyeing a pair of shoes is often seen as a practical alternative to buying a new pair, especially when the shoes need to match an outfit made for a special occasion.

This service is often used for weddings and other special events as a way to get a pair of shoes to match a dress perfectly.

“Step 2: Tape = Instant Bowling Shoes” (CC BY 2.0) by  drumminhands

How much does it cost to dye shoes?

On average, a pair of shoes, whether leather or suede, can cost anywhere from as little as $10 to as much as $35 for rush orders.

Shoes To Dye For & More in Natick, Massachusetts, offers shoe dyeing services for $12, according to their official website, and the process takes approximately six to 10 days. Rush jobs, where the shoes can be dyed in less than a week, will cost $25.

Dye N Shoes Today in West Palm Beach, Florida, another professional we had found online, offers shoe dyeing services for $20 for a pair of shoes not bought through its store. Emergency dyeing services cost $35 plus the cost of shipping.

DyeMyShoes.com in Somersworth, New Hampshire, offers shoe dyeing services for $17.50 a pair for continental US orders.  The price does not include the cost of shipping the shoes to the company.

Dyeing shoes overview

Shoe dyeing companies, if you were to send in your shoes to someone online, often require customers to download and fill out an order form, send the pair of shoes to be dyed, along with the completed form and payment.  When placing a job order for shoe dyeing online, customers will need to specify the color option, typically from a drop-down menu or from an array of colors.  Or, they may also be required to send a sample of a material, such as a fabric swatch, so that the color can be matched to it.  Typically, white satin and silk shoes are the types that can be dyed.  If you don’t want to ship your shoes to an online company, most local shoe repair companies can dye your shoes for you.

The price of the shoe dyeing service may or may not include the cost of shipping the shoes to and from the customer.  The length of time it takes to finish the job may vary from one company to the next.

The length of time required to finish a job can take seven days to as long as three weeks, depending on the service provider.  With some companies, a shoe dyeing job can take up to 12 business days from receipt date, including shipping the shoes back to the customer, depending on the customer’s location.

What are the extra costs?

When sending the shoes to a shoe dyeing company, customers may need to pay for the cost of shipping the shoes to the company.  At some companies, shipping can cost $45 for a next-day delivery for a single pair of shoes and about $19 for the 3-day air option.

As stated above, rush orders are going to cost more than standard orders.

Tips to know:

Be sure to ask the service provider first if the shoes you want to be dyed can be dyed.  Some companies will not claim responsibility for the cost of the return shipping of shoes that cannot be dyed.  Generally, only white satin and silk shoes that are created to dyed can be dyed.  Shoes that come in a colored material cannot be dyed.

Dyed shoes are not waterproof since shoe dye is usually manufactured from a water-soluble base.  This means that when the shoes come in contact with water, they will likely run or bleed.

If a pair of dyed shoes gets dirty, do not clean them.  Instead, dye over them with a darker color.  If not, apply a water-repellant spray on them.

Shoe dyeing companies typically require customers to specify if the shoes will be worn at an indoor or outdoor event.  Colors look different from indoor to outdoor/natural lighting.  Changes in color are often unavoidable and occur because of different light settings, which are usually due to the fabric being dyed.

How to dye shoes

How can I save money?

Check for discounts offered on their website or social media page before purchasing.

If you are not in a hurry to get back the pair of shoes sent for dyeing, choose the most affordable shipping option.  It may take a while before the shoes are returned, but you can save on the costs of shipping.

Do research on the various companies that offer shoe dyeing services.  Choose one with the least expensive option that suits your preferences and requirements.

If you do not mind being crafty on your own, consider dying the shoes yourself.  Most supplies can be purchased for as little as $5 to $10.  Top selling leather dye kits on Amazon, for example, retail for as little as $9.

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How Much Do Hybrid Contact Lenses Cost?

Hybrid contact lenses, often worn by those with irregularly shaped corneas, are lenses larger in diameter and have a rigid gas permeable central zone, surrounded by a peripheral zone that’s made of a softer hydrogel material.

These lenses were designed to provide the clarity of GP lenses but with the comfort of soft lenses and can treat a wide variety of problems, including astigmatism, keratoconus, presbyopia, myopia, and hyperopia.

“Eye exam (297)” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Doug Waldron

How much do hybrid contact lenses cost?

On average, be prepared to spend about $300 to $500 every 6 to 12 months without insurance.  The costs will depend on your optometrist, the brand, the exam fees and how many follow-up visits are required.  Keep in mind that if you were to have a vision insurance plan, you may be covered and will only be responsible for the deductible and co-pay.

At East Dallas Family Eye Care in Dallas, Texas, for instance, hybrid contact lenses cost $400 for patients who do not have insurance.  The price includes an additional pair of lens for emergency situations.  The pair of lenses lasts generally between two and three years.

According to Eye Dolatry, hybrid contact lenses, such as the SynergEyes Duette Multifocal, cost around $200 to $300 a set, and each set will last for about six months.  The website also adds that the fitting fee for these lenses is also expensive since several visits are required to obtain the perfect lens parameters.

According to Review of Optometry, it is common for practitioners to charge $400 to $500 for a pair of hybrid contact lenses and $300 for evaluation and case management.

What are the extra costs?

As with other contact lenses, hybrids are no different when it comes to a prescription.  With that being said, an eye exam is a must and can cost close to $100 for just the exam.

Ordering hybrid contact lenses online may entail shipping charges, but in most cases, it may be waived if you meet the minimum spending requirement.

Tips to know:

Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid gas permeable center with a soft periphery.  These large in diameter lenses are designed to correct corneal astigmatism by means of the natural tear layer behind the lens, offering the same visual clarity of GP lenses.  Hybrid contact lenses are usually prescribed for patients suffering from keratoconus, a progressive eye disease in which the cornea becomes thinner and bulges forward, taking the shape of a cone.

Hybrid contact lenses, such as the ClearKone brand, are designed to vault over the cornea, minimizing the risk of corneal scarring.  The vault system comes in several choices and accommodates even the most severe conditions of keratoconus.  The doctor chooses a vault that clears the cone so the RGP portion (the hard part) of the lens does not come in contact with the cone surface, essentially eliminating the odds of a scarred cornea.

Fitting hybrid contact lenses for patients with keratoconus takes time, and the patient is required to comply with follow-up appointments until a final solution is found.  If you are not prepared or willing to follow all of the steps and instructions exactly as given, trying these types of contacts may be a waste of time and money.  Consult with your doctor to see if you’re deemed a good fit and if the process of fitting can work for your condition.

How can I save money?

Ask about discounts before purchasing.  Many retailers offer discounts on bulk orders or the manufacturer may have a rebate available.

Even if you’re loyal to an optometrist, it doesn’t hurt to compare services and rates with other companies in your area.  If you find a better rate, your optometrist may be able to match it.

Contact lenses designed for keratoconus or similar diseases are regarded by most vision insurance plans as being medically necessary.  The costs involved with the lens fitting and the services of the fitter can be expensive, but these fees can be completely or partially offset by a patient’s insurance plan, so be sure to check with your plan before signing up for an appointment. If you are looking for a new health insurance policy or maybe want to switch the one you currently have, consider browsing through hundreds for free at eHealthInsurance.com.

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How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost?

Hydroseeding, also referred to as hydraulic mulch seeding or hydro mulching and many other names in the industry, involves using a hose to spray a mixture onto an area where you need new grass.

Known as a much cheaper and efficient alternative than laying sod, no tilling or seeding is required to produce the lush green grass you have envisioned.

“Hydroseeding a River Park neighborhood l” (CC BY 2.0) by USACE HQ

How much does hydroseeding cost?

Unlike other seeding methods, hydroseeding is one of the cheapest methods since little prepping or shipping of sod is required.  On average, when hiring a professional, be prepared to spend $0.07 to $0.20 per square foot or close to $3,000+ per acre if no prep is required.  Contractors will often charge by the square foot for smaller jobs or by the acre if it’s a larger job.  The price will depend on the contractor you hire, the type of seed being used, the density and if any site prep is required.

Since all jobs can be rather unique, consider getting multiple quotes for free from HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, you can describe your job and licensed contractors will contact you with a ballpark estimate.

On this LawnSite.com forum thread, someone asked what 6,000 square feet could cost, and according to most responses, they said you should be prepared to spend $0.07 to $0.15 per square feet with no site prep.

TurboTurf.com states that in a residential setting, the costs can range from $0.06 to $0.20 per square foot, with $0.06 to $0.10 per square foot being the most common.  Larger jobs, such as a highway construction, could be even cheaper, often as little as $0.03 per square foot.

Medeiro’s Hydroseeding, a contractor located in Massachusetts, charges $0.10 to $0.15 per square foot for the seed, fertilizer, mulch and labor to apply once the ground is prepared, according to its official website.

Hydroseeding overview

The special mixture, which consists of water, fertilizer, seeds, wood much and soil agents, will be sprayed directly onto the ground, allowing the mulch to form a moisture barrier, effectively protecting the seeds, allowing them to germinate.  If the area is larger than average, then a special slurry-like material, which will come from a tank, may be applied to create an even layer.

When complete, the dyed green mulch allows the seeds to go through its natural decomposition process.  It can take up to two months for your newly-sprouted lawn to establish, and this time, no one will be able to walk on it.

What are the extra costs?

Some companies may charge a consultation fee to come out to your property to inspect and analyze the situation.  This is often $50 to $100, but may be waived if you hire them to perform the job.

In general, this method typically requires very little prep work unless there’s a lot of dead grass or vegetation in the area.  If this were the case, then the contractor may recommend removing the debris in question by tilling the ground to prevent healthy growth after the hydroseeding has been performed.  The costs to prep will greatly depend on the amount of debris that needs to be removed and how it’s done.

Hydroseeding requires a lot of water, and during most jobs, a contractor will need to refill their tank at least once or twice by either using your home’s garden hose or traveling to a water source if you won’t allow the contractor to use your water at home.  If this were the case, then the contractor may charge a mileage and labor surcharge depending on the number of times he or she needs to fill up.

If a company has to travel farther than their zone, a mileage surcharge may apply.

Tips to know:

Hydroseeding does have its own drawbacks.  For one, it will require much more water when compared to sod.  Sod, on average, takes about two weeks of intensive watering, while a hydroseeded lawn can take up to two months.  Weeds are a given as well.  Unlike sod, which is laid out in pristine condition, hydroseeding tends to bring out the worst of weeds.  These weeds, depending on the method you prefer, can either be picked out by hand or sprayed with a herbicide.

Experts advise waiting until the grass grows three inches until you cut it for the first time.

How can I save money?

According to the Landscaping Network, hydroseeding isn’t a cost-saving choice for a smaller lawns due to the machine set up process.

Most contractors offer discounts for those who have larger-than-average jobs.  For example, a three-acre job may be more than an acre job, but the “per acre” cost could be lower.

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How Much Do Sunrise Windows Cost?

Founded in 1994, Sunrise Windows is the leading manufacturer of custom-made replacement vinyl windows and sliding doors.  Through all these years, it has built its name on creativity, better performance, and reliability, establishing a strong and loyal customer base in the process.

“DSC_01136005” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  Marufish

How much do Sunrise windows cost?

Depending on the type of window and size, the cost of a sunrise window is going to range anywhere from $400 to as much as $800 per window, installed.  The costs of the window will depend on the size of the window, the window type, shape, options and contractor you choose.

We researched the Internet to see what other homeowners paid for their Sunrise Windows and included our findings inside the table below.  Be sure to take these as an estimate as your quotes may greatly vary depending on so many factors.

Since all jobs can be different, it can be hard to offer an exact quote.  For that reason, we highly recommend HomeAdvisor.com, a tool you can use to receive multiple quotes from licensed contractors in your area for free.

According to ReplacementWindowsReviews.com, the cost of double hung replacement windows from Sunrise Windows can range anywhere from $400 to $675.

ReplacementWindowsConnect.com confirms that the price range of Sunrise Windows is often between $400 and $750 for a standard sized double hung window.

Factors that affect the cost

Window type

In general, all types of windows won’t be created equally, and for that reason, the type of window can greatly affect the price.  For example, a double hung window will have more working parts than a single hung window, effectively increasing the cost.

Window size

This one is self-explanatory, but the bigger the window will be, the higher the costs.  A sliding glass window, often the largest window available can be much more than a standard window.

Shapes

All windows won’t be your standard square or rectangular shape.  In some homes, half rounds, trapezoids or other geometrically shaped windows can increase the price due to the production involved.

Energy efficiency

Higher level energy efficient windows will cost more, and even though most windows on the market today will be Energy Star certified, some may be more efficient than others.  For example, a Krypton gas fill can be more expensive than an Argon gas fill.

Options

A window can be more than just a pane of glass.  Just like buying a vehicle, you can add premium options such as adding blinds between the glass, customizing the paint colors or even installing a “self-cleaning glass option.

Sunrise window overview

The company offers the following window lines:  Essentials, Standard, Verde, V class, Vanguard and Restorations, as explained in the table below:

What are the extra costs?

Permit fees often apply, but most contractors will tie these fees into the total estimate.

Premium decorative options, while optional, can increase the estimate.  The company offers optional features such as decorative glass, grids, hardware, screens, Solar Clean®, SunBlinds® and more.

Tips to know:

All Sunrise windows come with a lifetime non-prorated transferable warranty, covering the entire window and is fully transferable to a second property owner.

How can I save money?

Refer to the official promotions page on the Sunrise Windows & Doors website.  Here, you can see if you qualify for any promotions, rebates and/or tax credits.

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How Much Does Overnight Shipping Cost?

Overnight shipping, while it may be expensive, can be necessary for some scenarios.  As the name states, overnight shipping can arrive within 24 hours.

“package” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by tmray02

How much does overnight shipping cost?

On average, the cost of overnight shipping will depend on the delivery time frame, package weight, dimensions, delivery distances and if any discounts are available.  We played around with the online calculators to see what it may cost to send an envelope/package from New York to Los Angeles, one of the longest routes available within the United States.  Remember, your quotes can greatly vary based on the factors mentioned prior.

NOTE:  Again, these are just ballpark estimates to offer you an idea what it may cost.  To receive an exact quote for your shipment, we highly consider using the USPS postage price calculator, FedEx rate calculator and/or UPS rate estimator.

What are the extra costs?

Adding a COD and/or delivery confirmation can add a few dollars to the total.

Insurance, depending on the value, can add $50 to $100.

Pickup delivery charges may apply, depending on the circumstances.  For example, the USPS will pick up your package for free if it’s priority mail or a first class delivery.  UPS will for an additional charge, and FedEx will pick up for free if it’s a regularly scheduled pickup.

Tips to know:

Overnight delivery, whether it’s performed by UPS, FedEx or the USPS, will all require shipments by 10:30 a.m. in order to guarantee shipment the next day.

FedEx and UPS can deliver by 8 a.m. the next day, while the USPS will arrive by 10:30 a.m.

The weight limit for the United States Postal Service is 70 pounds, while FedEx and UPS has a 150-pound weight limit.

How can I save money?

According to a study performed by ShippingEasy.com, USPS, as long as the package weighed less than 70 pounds, was always the cheapest option.  However, if the package weighed 71 to 150 pounds, then FedEx was a better option.  Refer to their study to see the least expensive carrier for overnight shipping.

Try to use discounts or see if any are available before shipping.  FedEx, for example, offers discounts for American Express OPEN Savings® members.  UPS, FedEx and the USPS can offer bulk discounts for those who ship frequently.

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How Much Does Ivory Cost?

Ivory, which can be used to create anything from jewelry to a trinket, is now illegal in the United States due to the dwindling elephant population.

“Piano Keys” (CC BY 2.0) by  Taylor Liberato

How much does ivory cost?

Selling ivory, as of 2015, is prohibited in the United States, with a few exceptions, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  These exceptions can include pre-existing items manufactured with ivory such as musical instruments, furniture-related items or firearms containing fewer than 200 grams.  Antiques, at least a century old, are also except, according to the Washington Post.

When ivory was legal in the United States, ivory fetched prices as high as $1,500 per pound due to the demand in Asia, where elephant trunks were often carved into art.  The demand, often met by poachers, slaughtered an estimated 100,000 elephants within three years, ending in 2014.  A horn from an endangered rhinoceros, for instance, could cost up to $25,000 per pound in China, according to the same Washington Post article cited prior.  A pair of elephant tusks, on the other hand, could cost as much as $20,000.  The costs would greatly depend on what stage the ivory was in.  Often, ivory is cheap when sold to a middleman.

As for items made from genuine ivory, typical prices can range from as little as $300 for a small figurine to $450 for a puzzle ball, according to Larry Cox at the Arizona Republic.

The price ivory, as per the New York Times, was $500 a pound and could increase, even if China were to ban the legal ivory trade.

If you want to sell your ivory piece, it can be done; however, you need to know the following to know if it’s legal to do so:  the country of origin, the country of export, the year it was imported, the specific port it entered into the United States, what type of ivory, the age at the time of import and whether it’s raw or worked.  The Texas Antique Mall explains in detail as to what you can and can’t sell in the ivory trade.

Tips to know:

The prices for illegal ivory trade fuel terrorist groups, such as the Al-Shabab militants from Somalia, who often travel to Kenya to hunt elephants.  In the 1970s, there were close to 175,000 elephants, but today, there are less than 35,000.

The easiest way to see if an ivory item is real is by heating the tip of a candle or pin until it’s red.  Put the hot point on a part of the ivory to see if it goes in; if it does, it isn’t ivory.

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How Much Do Overweight Luggage Fees Cost?

Overweight luggage fees can cost you an extra money when you are flying with almost any airline.  Most of the time, the weight limit on a single suitcase is 50 pounds, and if your suitcase is heavier than this, you will need to pay extra in order to check your bag.

“IMG_3626” (CC BY 2.0) by  Paul Iwancio

How much are airline overweight baggage fees?

The costs of overweight luggage will greatly depend on the airline and the exact weight of your luggage.  Most of the time, the fees can range from as little as $50 to more than $200.  Refer to our table below to see what most domestic airlines will charge for its overweight baggage fees:

As for international airlines, the costs of overweight luggage fees are inside the table below:

Tips to know:

Be careful when going on vacation.  If your luggage is very close to the limit on the way there, you may have trouble on the way back.  Purchasing clothing and souvenirs while on vacation is a common practice, and you need to make sure you have the room to get all your new things home while staying under the weight limit.  Adding a few new t-shirts could put you a few pounds over the limit.

Most of the airlines charge additional fees when the bag’s weight is over 50 pounds.  If your luggage is going to be over 100 pounds, they may ask you to break it up or can simply prevent you from bringing it on board.  In some cases, depending on the airline policy, they may combine the average of all bags checked in to determine the total weight.

How can I save money?

Travel light.  There is no best way to cut down expenses on luggage than to travel with the prescribed number and weight of bags.  If you are unsure of what a bag is going to weight, consider purchasing a luggage scale or using one at the airport ahead of time.

Consider shipping your bags ahead of time, especially if they are overweight.  Even if the prices are similar, you won’t have to worry about losing your bags during the flight or carrying them around the airport parking lot.

If you are a frequent flyer or even hold a premium credit card from one of the airlines, refer to the documentation to see if you can avoid these fees.

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How Much Does a Rug Doctor Cost?

The Rug Doctor, said to be the global leader in professional DIY deep carpet cleaning, offers carpet cleaning rentals at more than 40,000 retail locations such as Walmart and even Amazon.com.

“Rug Doctor Rental, Walmart 7/2014 Pics b” (CC BY 2.0) by  JeepersMedia

How much does it cost to rent a Rug Doctor?

The Rug Doctor can either be purchased or rented by the day at a local retailer.  Usually, the machine can be rented for 24 hours.

As for rentals, be prepared to pay around $30 to $40 per 24 hours.  The costs will depend on the retailer you rent from, the size of the cleaner and the current promotion being held.  This rental price, however, will be for the machine online and won’t include the detergent required to clean the carpets.  If you were to buy the detergent Rug Doctor offers, this could add another $15 to $20 to the total price, effectively bringing the price to $45 to $60 for the day.

If you do decide to purchase one, be prepared to spend anywhere from $200 to as much as $500 on a cleaner, depending on the model and where it’s purchased.

For example, on Amazon.com, the highest rated Rug Doctor carpet cleaners retail for $230 to $400.

On this City-data.com forum thread, members talked about the prices they had paid for a Rug Doctor at their local retailers.  One member paid $20 at a local Safeway when using a coupon, while another paid $40 after buying the detergent at their local Kroger store.

Menards, for example, charges an average of $29.97 per day at their stores, but this price, according to the fine print, can vary by store.

At Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons and similar retailers, the prices are similar to Menards, from what we researched.

Rug Doctor overview

To rent a machine at your local retailer, you will need two forms of identification, which can include your driver’s license, a passport, government ID, student ID, credit card or store checking cash card.  The machines, usually located near the customer service desk, will more than likely have a touch screen, where you will go through all of the steps to rent your machine.

Each rental will come with an upholstery hand tool but no cleaners.

What are the extra costs?

Detergents and other cleaning solutions may be required, particularly in extreme cleaning scenarios such as urine or deep stains.  Most of these cleaning solutions, if purchased from the official company, will cost $13 to $20 per 64-ounce container or close to $7 for an eliminator spray.

Failing to return the machine after 24 hours can lead to additional late fee charges.

A deposit will be required at most retailers, usually around $50; however, like any deposit, it will be returned once you bring the machine back in its original condition.

Tips to know:

The Rug Doctor is offered at more than 40,000 locations, and to find your nearest location, you can use their official search engine.

How can I save money?

There is almost always a coupon available on the official website or somewhere online.  Be sure to look out for these coupons before reserving your carpet cleaner to save money.

According to our comparisons, the Rug Doctor does have its own cleaning solutions you can purchase on the official website; however, they can be bit pricier than other brands.  Be sure compare other cleaning solutions to see what works best for your budget.

The longer your rent the cleaner, the more you will be able to save.  Generally, once you start renting for longer than a week, you can start to save up to $20+ per day.

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