1 Automobiles: Cars that were declared lemons and then repurchased by car manufacturers are often resold on used car lots.

Before buying a used model, check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at: www.autocheck.com or www.carfax.com.

Both sites allow you to review the car's history. Fees start at $15 per car.

2 Currency Conversion: Your old Greek drachmas or Spanish pesetas might be worth something! If you have obsolete B.E. (before the euro) currencies in your desk drawer, you may be able to convert them to U.S. or Canadian dollars, or even to euros.

The Washington, DC based Currency Commission accepts expired paper currency (but not coins) from 14 European countries. For details, go to: www.thecurrencycommission.com.

3 Dogs & Cats: A lemon law has been passed in 18+ states, with more scheduled to join this growing trend.

In states with the law, you can return a sick or injured animal for either replacement or a refund - within a specified time period. Or, in some states, you can keep the pet but get reimbursed for veterinary bills.

The law, however, applies only to animals purchased from a breeder, pet store or other dealer. It does not apply to animals adopted from a shelter.

American Veterinary Medical Association: www.avma.org/advocacy/state/issues. Then, click on "Animal Welfare" and then select "Pet Lemon Laws."

4 Home Improvements: Before you hire a plumber, carpenter or contractor, visit: www.DoItYourself.com.

You'll find information on how to do relatively simple bathroom repairs, tips for interior and exterior painting, how to select the right power tools, the right way to take care of your deck and more. The site also has helpful videos that guide you through various home improvements.

5 Insurance Companies. Before taking out an insurance policy, make certain the company is a reliable one. Check with your state's Department of Insurance. Each state has a list of insurers licensed to do business in that state. And, some states also post the average premiums company by company.

To locate your state's department to go: http://map.naic.org

6 Jobs: If you're 55 or older, register with a temp fund in your area. Keep in mind that if you land a position with one, it's quite likely to lead to a permanent job - with benefits.

And, go to the job-hunting Website www.retiredbrains.com. It specializes in positions for boomers, seniors and retirees and includes many possibilities for working from home.

7 Medications: A new section of the website run by the Food & Drug Administration, www.fda.gov, gives information about drugs and vaccines, indicating which ones have had an official FDA safety alert issued.

You will also find information about: counterfeit medications, how to purchase legitimate meds online and save money and how to travel with prescription medications.

On the website's home page, click on "Drugs," then on "Drug Safety & Availability." This takes you to a section entitled "Index to Drug Specific Information."

8 Pet Food: Pricey is not necessarily better. The country's leading veterinary schools tell us it's better to read the nutritional label on pet food rather than go by the price. In other words, don't assume that a higher price equals a higher quality food.

For clear advice on what to look for on this and other Fido and Kitty related topics, go to: www.peteducation.com.

9 Shopping: We all know that we can save money at thrift shops and consignment shops. They sell almost everything from books and clothing to furniture and children's toys. However, the best deals and the best quality items are found in those shops located in upscale and/or wealthy neighborhoods.

Keep in mind that donations from local, well-heeled residents typically come in on weekends. So, shop early in the week.

TIP: These are great for holiday gifts, especially during our recession.

To find thrift shops in your area (or when you're traveling) go to: www.thethriftshopper.com and for consignment shops: www.consignmentshops.com.

10 Whistle-blowing: Whistle-blowers are now eligible for up to 30% of the dollar amount collected in securities fraud cases. This is due to the law signed by President Obama in July. It applies to cases in which someone provides information to the SEC that results in fraud sanctions of at least $1 million.

Prior to the new law, whistle-blowers were entitled to only 10% of any fine and limited only to cases involving insider trading.

TIP: If you have such information, go to: www.sec.gov/complaint.shmtl.