Nov
3
Amazon.com extends Internet price war on books
November 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Looks like the book price wars are no longer just for pre-orders anymore. Amazon was offering hardcovers of John Grisham's Ford County and Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna for just $9 on Tuesday, which was the official release date for both books. Hardcovers Normally have a list price of $24 or more.
In October, Walmart.com announced some [...]
Nov
2
Debit cards have their downside
November 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Credit cards are no longer the fashionable plastic to use. Debit cards are in now. As more Americans shun traditional credit cards, they're turning to debit cards. But there are downsides to debit cards as well.
Security: If your credit card is stolen, you're not responsible for unauthorized charges over $50. But if your debit-card number [...]
Oct
25
Hand sanitizers selling like crazy
October 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
During the first Swine flu scare it was those surgical masks that sold well, now during this round of fear mongering it's hand sanitizers like Purell. Since more people than ever are hip to the dangers of vaccines, the big drug guys are actually losing a ton of money for once, rather than filling us [...]
Oct
23
5 ways that credit card companies are evil
October 23, 2009 | 1 Comment
Credit card companies are sticking it to consumers left and right. They raise interest rates to as much as 36% and double minimum monthly payments on customers who are already struggling and low on cash.
In an effort to put them in their place, President Obama signed into law a credit card reform act in May [...]
Oct
16
Cut Winter Heating Bills
October 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
You know how it is. You're probably just getting caught up on your bills and along comes winter, which means that the cost of heating puts you right back where you started. It stinks, but we have to keep warm for our health if nothing else. Heating your house, apartment or condo is neve cheap.
But [...]
Oct
16
Now even churches take credit cards
October 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
So you're light on cash. No worries. These days, everything from Salvation Army kettles and churches to DVD rental machines and subway systems will take your plastic and more are coming on board every day.
It used to be that for some things you just had to use cash. Not anymore. Retailers and service providers are [...]
Oct
9
Airlines add surcharge for holiday travel
October 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment
More airline news that's bad for your pocket. The number of days passengers must pay extra for flying during busy holiday periods has jumped. Several airlines are now charging a $10 "peak-travel" surcharge per flight on 13 days around Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays.
American Airlines started the trend on Sept. 23, when it instituted the [...]
Oct
9
More air travel nightmares on the way
October 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment
As the economy improves, air travel will as well. That means more delayed flights. More headaches.
Air travel has been declining since way back in 2008, but it is expected to pick up next year, resulting in all the familiar problems, according to a study released Thursday. The study from the Brookings Institution said the downturn [...]
Oct
1
AmEx ends gift card fees
October 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
After complaints from customers, American Express will stop deducting monthly fees on gift cards that go unused. The change takes effect immediately and includes gift cards already purchased by consumers. Previously the company had deducted $2 each month a year after an active gift card went unused from the card's value.
Complaints were only a part [...]
Sep
25
Let Google Save You Money
September 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
We use google for everything. But I bet you don't use it for saving money. You should be and here's how.
Google 411-When you need directory assistance, don’t call 411. You will get charged between $1 and $4 for a phone number. Just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) and access local business information free of charge. If you’re [...]