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 [...]
Sep
24
Bank of America, Chase reform overdraft fees
September 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
On Monday Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase said they will reduce overdraft fees and overhaul checking account options. Overdraft fees mean billions of dollars for banks annually, but with financial system reform in the national spotlight, consumers and lawmakers want banks to ease up on the penalties.
On Oct. 19, Bank of America says it [...]
Sep
18
Trade your old electronics for cash
September 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Need money? Have a drawer full of old electronics? Gazelle.com will give you cash for them. The start-up launched in 2006 and gladly pays cash for used electronics. Anything from LCD TVs to video game consoles and cell phones. They then either resell or recycle them.
Just log on to the site and answer a few [...]
Sep
18
Small used cars aren't big sellers when gas is cheap
September 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Car buyers are looking at big cars again. Used small cars are taking the biggest hits on value in the resale market.
"It's part of a larger trend that's been happening all year," says Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst for KBB. "Some of the weakest segments are subcompact, compact and hybrids."
The trend reflects the fact [...]
Sep
11
How to Call In Sick Without Risking Your Job
September 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When you get sick, you have a tough call to make. Many bosses are unforgiving and don’t care if you are sick. They just want the job done. And they have dealt with so many fake sick calls, they are likely to not believe you. And with the economy the way it is, people are [...]
Sep
10
Find a cheap, but good restaurant
September 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When traveling in a new city, the urge is to find restaurants that are comfortable and familiar. But you actually want to do the opposite.
You won't find great food at low prices in a place full of tourists like you. Time to rethink your approach. One of a restaurant's biggest costs is rent. So if [...]
Sep
4
More Airline Fees
September 4, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Airline fees just keep on coming. Pretty soon people are going to prefer trains and blimps. The latest trend appears to be charging some overseas travelers for checking a second bag. Continental and American have recently announced such fees.
Earlier this week Hawaiian Airlines announced that they will be charging $10 for the first checked [...]
Sep
3
How Do You Handle Your Child's Allowance
September 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Everyone has different ways of handling their child's allowance. Some just don't give it. Some of you require certain chores to be done in order for the child to get his or her allowance. And some just give a certain amount per week with no requirements at all.
We were curious how our readers handle the [...]
Aug
28
Toys ‘R’ Us launches "cash for cribs"
August 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Baby products are being recalled left and right. Now Toys "R" Us is offering a financial incentive to parents to trade in used cribs, bassinets, play yards, car seats etc. Fewer than 30% of recalled baby items are actually turned in. So many unsafe baby items are still being used. Toys R Us wants to [...]