Monday Memo: This Week on the Saving Channel

As part of the new and improved DailyFinance, we're launching a new Saving Channel -- and a different way of looking at saving money. Rather than focusing on the grim business of pinching pennies, we're focusing on the things you gain -- things like extra cash for the life events that matter and greater security for the unknown challenges that lie ahead.

As part of this change, we're launching a new feature: the Monday Memo. A preview of a few of our major stories for the week, the memo will give you an idea of what to expect and a way for you to tell us what you want. It will also contain a weekly question, in which we ask you for your opinion on a major spending issue.

This week's question is: How much does the environment affect your buying decisions? When you go shopping, does the earth enter into your choices? Do concerns about green living affect your choice of cleaning supplies or the car you buy? Where does the environment rank on your list of shopping concerns?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below; or you can send me an e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com or a tweet at @bruce1971.

Monday: Looking for a cheap, tasty, reasonably healthy dinner tonight? Join this week's savings adventure as we explore the world of quick Asian convenience foods!

Tuesday: It's student loan season, and with Obama's budget flooding the news, we take a look at what the proposed budget means for your student loans.

Wednesday: Got a financial aid letter that makes no sense at all? Take a peek at our cheat sheet for the secrets to deciphering your student loans!

Thursday: Like taking the family to museums? Today, we'll look at a trick you can use to get in for free at over 640 museums across the country.

Friday: Can a fast food restaurant be green? Many restaurants are trying to impress you with their environmentally sound choices. We'll look at which ones make the grade...and which ones don't.

Those are a few of the money-saving topics we're going to explore this week. If you have any questions or suggestions, ideas or requests, drop me a line!

Bruce Watson is DailyFinance's Savings editor. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.