In Brief

By Anamaria Wilson

BUTT OUT If you're contemplating quitting smoking, the IRS offers an incentive--should your health not be enough of one--to do so. If you itemize your deductions and pay for a program that helps you stop smoking, the IRS lets you deduct the cost. Smoking-cessation programs can range from $30 to $350 depending on the treatment. But if you choose a patch or nicotine gum, you're outta luck--no deductions for over-the-counter meds. Kicked the habit in the past three years? You could still get a refund by filing an amended tax return.

FEE FOES Remember the war against bank ATM charges that some states and cities were waging? Well, they're losing. According to Bankrate.com not only are more banks charging fees, but the average fee has increased, to $1.41. But there is a solution, sort of. About 82% of banks let you use your ATM card surcharge free at point-of-sale terminals, such as those in the grocery store. When you swipe your ATM card, you can get additional money to spend--fee free. So don't forget to add cash to your shopping list.

CAR WARS Surging gas prices got you thinking about miles per gallon again? Cars.com just rated the best and worst cars for fuel efficiency. Click on Advice, then Best and Worst, then Fuel Economy Results. The Honda Insight, a gas-electric hybrid, beats them all with 61 m.p.g. in the city. Bringing up the rear (and really, really fast) is the $213,500 Ferrari 550 Maranello, which sucks gas like spaghetti, at 8 m.p.g. in town.

--By Anamaria Wilson

City Highway Vehicle MPG MPG

Honda Insight 61 70 Volkswagen New Beetle* 42 49 Volkswagen Jetta* 42 49 Volkswagen Golf* 42 49 Chevrolet Metro 39 46

*Diesel fuel