Some people will do just about anything to save money. And I am one of them. My family’s last vacation was a good          to prove it. It was my six-year-old son’s winter break from school, and we were          home from Fort Lauderdale after a week-long trip. The flight was         , and Delta, the airline, offered us $400 per person in credits to give up our seats and leave the next day. I had meetings in New York, so I had to         . But that didn't mean my husband and my son couldn't stay. I took my nine-month-old and took off for home.
The next day, my husband and son were offered more          to take an even later flight. Yes, I encouraged — okay, ordered — them to wait it out at the         , to "earn" more Delta Dollars. Our total take: $1,600. Not bad, huh?
Now some people may think I'm a bad mother and not such a great wife either. But as a big-time bargain hunter, I know the value of a         . And these days, a good deal is something few of us can afford to         .
I've made living looking for the best deals and          the worst tricks. I have been the consumer reporter of NBC's Today show for over a decade. So far, I feel proud that I have written a couple of          including one titled Tricks of the Trade: A Consumer Survival Guide. And I really do what I          in.
I tell you this because there is no          in getting your money’s worth. Honestly, I’m also          when it comes to shoes, clothes for my children, and expensive restaurants. But I wouldn't hesitate to spend on a good haircut. It keeps its shape longer, and it's the first thing people         . And I will also spend on a classic piece of furniture.          lasts.

A．sample B．excuse C．situation D．example

A．leaving B．heading C．getting D．arriving

A．overbooked B．overcrowded C．overworked D．overpowered

A．get on B．get over C．get back D．get away

A．seats B．credits C．bargain D．value

A．flight B．office C．school D．airport

A．dollar B．time C．family D．work

A．pass up B．pass down C．pass along D．pass on

A．expanding B．expecting C．exposing D．explaining

A．dictionaries B．newspapers C．novels D．books

A．believe B．put C．give D．come

A．harm B．shame C．doubt D．shock

A．generous B．tightfisted C．joyful D．patient

A．notice B．realize C．know D．understand

A．Satisfactory B．Quantity C．Ability D．Quality