Christmas is around the corner and I have a cool gift idea for you. It's called the RugBuddy. It's basically an electric blanket that can go under area rugs. It gently warms the rug and your room. It's safer than a space heater and a whole lot cheaper to operate. Plus, it's the only radiant heater on the market that you can put under area rugs. (It's even waterproof). You can use it under your desk, on cold bathroom floors, on your boat and even your motorhome. You can find the product by going to Luxe Abode. My wife's cat loves this thing.

If you receive an e-mail that says you have an e-card waiting for you at the Hallmark Web site, DON'T open the e-mail or click on the link! If you do click on the link, a nasty virus is loaded onto your computer. Bottom line, you should be wary of any unsolicited e-mail you get that asks you to click on a link. When I receive an e-mail notifying me of an e-card, I usually call or e-mail the supposed sender and verify that they in fact sent it to me. A little bit of caution can save you a whole lot trouble.

If you have a GPS unit that you mount on your windshield, you know that it can leave a circular mark on the glass when you remove it. Make sure that you immediately remove this mark. Why? Because thieves look for it, and when they see it, they know that you probably have a GPS unit stored somewhere in your vehicle.

Cutting back on expenses is a lot like going on a diet. It's hard to do. My pastor, Randall Popham, has a great tip on how to get started living frugally. He recommends that you go on a seven-day "spending fast." Before the seven days start, make sure that you've bought your groceries and filled the car up with gas. When the fast begins, there should be no eating out, no going to the vending machines, no compulsive shopping, no nothing. If you're having trouble with your expenses, give it a shot.

Here's a Christmas gift idea for the man in your life. It's called the Rapid Shark and it's a combination utility knife, wire cutter and stripper. And most importantly, it looks cool. The tool also has a compartment where extra blades can be stored. The tool has just come out but you should be able to find it at your local home improvement store. If not, you can find it online at Amazon.com.

Here's a great tip from Robert Webb: "The faucet at our twin-tub stainless steel kitchen sink wouldn't shut off completely. It dripped. The fixture was too old to get parts locally, so while we were waiting for the parts to come in the mail, the noise was driving us crazy. Our friend Pam Greenwood said she could fix it. How? She's not a plumber. She moved the dripping faucet to the center where the drips fell on the divider and the noise stopped!" The simplest tips are the best.

Tim Thompson lives in Gainesville. E-mail Tim your ideas for tips, tools or tricks.