Like most people, you spend some time online exploring each week. Why not spend a bit finding ways to save money, too? The web's an endless source of fresh, useful –- and yes, random – ideas to inspire you to save. Start here:

• Make a savers' wish list – Create an e-checklist complete with saving ideas, goals and dollar amounts. Check it daily/weekly and build it up over time. Even better, open a savings account per goal to motivate you further. You'll be amazed at how far the savings stretch.
• "Jar" some tips loose – Electronic tip jars are online money forums where you can share ideas with fellow savvy savers. Type "tip jar" in your web browser search box and find some you like.
• Drop a widget on your desktop – Downloadable web widgets are popular because they're personal and just plain cool. And many are designed exclusively to help you save money. Check out ours on iGoogle.
• Hang with fellow savers – If you're the social type, networking sites like twitter.com, facebook.com, youtube.com and others can hook you up with valuable saving ideas. You'll make some new savings buddies, too.

Your computer or hand-held is a great tool to discover random acts of savings. So next time you're online, make sure it's time well spent. And money well saved.

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For many of us, home ownership pretty much defines the pursuit of happiness. And for some, renting is the way to live. Read on and decide whether you're better suited for owning,
renting – or staying put with the folks. (Good luck with that last one.)

Living the homeowner's dream – Owning a home's one of the most exciting, rewarding life leaps you can take. Keep in mind a few pros/cons before you dive in:

• Equity & tax bennies – a mortgage can be a tax write-off and savings account with a roof
• Stability – your home is the center of your universe
• Higher monthly payments – which may be OK if you've done the math
• Property taxes, less flexibility, etc. – Good schools, roads and such come with a price

The +'s and –'s of renting – Renting is a good fit for people not seeking long-term housing relationships. It's also good for future homeowners socking away a down payment. Either way, here are a few pluses/minuses to ponder:

• Low monthly payments – on average, you'll pay less vs. a mortgage
• Little responsibility – for fixing stuff, mowing grass and other chores
• No equity or tax bennies – sorry, those perks go to the landlord
• No control – over rent, eviction notices, paper-thin walls, etc.

Calculate your living expense – Plenty of "rent vs. own" calculators are online to help you sort things out. Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness comes down to nitty-gritty details like income, credit rating, debt ratio, job stability – fun things like that. Whatever you decide, make sure to do your "home" work.

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