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 [...]
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 [...]