Gas prices are over $3 a gallon in the Bay Area, and economists say that the high cost is cutting into our families' discretionary spending.

Maybe you've decided that your next car is going to be more fuel efficient. Maybe you're considering a move closer to your work or to public transportation.

While you gear up for long-term plans to lower your gas costs, take a look at the six ways the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants suggests for bringing your fuel costs down today.

The 40/40/20 rule of direct response marketing says that the success of a marketing campaign is based 40 percent on targeting the right audience, 40 percent on the offer you make, and 20 percent on your creative execution (including copywriting and design), says Gail Goodman.

Gail's tips on targeting, designing an offer, and writing your text will help you earn 100% on your direct marketing campaigns.

When you communicate with your clients and prospects, you want them to focus on your carefully crafted message. You don't want them to be rolling on the floor laughing at the dumb mistakes you've made in constructing your sentences.

Copyblogger has come up with what it calls "glaring errors". Unfortunately, we've seen each of them in real life websites and emails.

Are you satisfied with your current accountant or CPA? Do they provide you with the level of service, competence, and benefits you deserve? If not, your choice of CPA may be impacting your potential growth and success.

To help you understand what your CPA should provide, click on the logo to immediately download your FREE assessment tool THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT'S $CORECARD which specifically outlines the skills, credentials, competence, and benefits every professional and business owner should demand from their CPA.