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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]