The average U.S. household spends more than $3,400 on gas each year. To help drivers cut costs, the Alliance to Save Energy has launched the Drive $marter Challenge.

An online calculator on the program's Web site, http://www.drivesmarterchallenge.org, gives driving and maintenance tips for your car based on answers to questions such as the car's make, year and number of cylinders.

Based on the national driving average of 12,500 miles, a pump price of $4 gallon and a car that gets 20 miles per gallon, here is how you can save:

Maintain moderate speeds. Motorists can save 80 gallons a year by driving at slower but consistent highway speeds. Avoid jack-rabbit starts, speeding and rapid braking.

Cut mileage by 5 percent and save up to $125 per year. Reduce mileage by combining errands, biking, walking or taking the bus or train.

Switch vehicles. If you have access to two cars, drive the more fuel-efficient one as often as possible. You could save $85 a year by doing 10 percent more of your driving in the car with 30 mpg, versus a car that operates with 20 mpg.

Bedbug barrier can be a help

Late at night when you're sleeping, the bedbugs come creeping. And it seems that the little bloodsuckers have now made their way throughout the United States.

"Just a couple of years ago, it was a pest that not many people had seen. Now, virtually every pest control company that we're in contact with is dealing with regular bedbug incidents," said Greg Baumann, technical services vice president for the National Pest Management Association.

Because bedbugs are primarily associated with mattresses, some companies are now designing protective products for bedding. London Luxury LLC has introduced a collection of "bed bug barrier bedding," mattress and pillow protectors, available through Bed Bath & Beyond. Allergy Solutions Inc. sells mattress encasements, as do Protect-A-Bed and National Allergy Supply's Bedcare line.

The good news is bedbugs can be controlled, Baumann said, even if it takes several visits by an exterminator.

PayPal marks decade in business

The need was direct: How to facilitate the exchange of money and goods between a consumer and an online merchant.

The concept was simple: A service that would allow the shopper to purchase an item without sharing financial information and, at the same time, enable retailers, small business owners and individuals a guaranteed sure payment for a small fee.

PayPal, the San Jose company that revolutionized the way payments are made online, marks its 10th anniversary this year.

"We have a tremendous, big, recognized brand with 60 million customers now," said Scott Thompson, 50, PayPal's president since January.

— From wire reports