Consumer Tips and Reports

Responsible Credit Card Use

2011-07-08T14:32:30Z

I learned about responsible credit card use the hard way. Since then, it's become part of my mission to make sure other people don't suffer the same problems I did. Credit card debt is something that can get out of...

I learned about responsible credit card use the hard way. Since then, it's become part of my mission to make sure other people don't suffer the same problems I did. Credit card debt is something that can get out of control very quickly, and it can literally ruin your life. Take steps to prevent those problems before they happen.

Are Extended Warranties Worth It?

2011-07-08T14:27:27Z

Every electronic shop in the world pushes extended warranties. In fact, at the big chains, employees earn bonuses for selling an extended warranty to a customer. That in and of itself doesn't mean an extended warranty is a bad thing...

Every electronic shop in the world pushes extended warranties. In fact, at the big chains, employees earn bonuses for selling an extended warranty to a customer. That in and of itself doesn't mean an extended warranty is a bad thing -- many companies encourage sales through commissions and bonuses. But it does beg the question, why the focus on getting customers to buy extended warranty services?

Garage Sale Tips for Saving Money

2011-07-08T14:23:08Z

Who needs garage sale tips? You go to the sales, you look at the items, you either buy or you don't. It's not exactly rocket science. Well, that's true -- but if you're really out to get the most from...

Who needs garage sale tips? You go to the sales, you look at the items, you either buy or you don't. It's not exactly rocket science.

Well, that's true -- but if you're really out to get the most from a garage sale, there's a lot more to it than you might think. Learning how to garage sale can mean the difference between a morning of pleasant browsing and a morning of unique treasures. Sure, they're both fun in their own way -- but if there are things you actually need, I'm sure you know which you'd prefer.

So if you're really out to save money and have fun, use these garage sale tips to plan your attack.

Save Energy, Save Money: A Simple Equation

2011-07-08T14:18:14Z

Summer's coming, and you want to save energy. Between fans, air conditioning, and the kids blaring the TV and lights 24-7, summer energy bills can really drain you. Fortunately, it's not all that hard to save money and energy, even...

Summer's coming, and you want to save energy. Between fans, air conditioning, and the kids blaring the TV and lights 24-7, summer energy bills can really drain you. Fortunately, it's not all that hard to save money and energy, even in the hot and sticky summer months.

There are many ways to save energy as long as you get the family on board. Not only will you save valuable money for a family holiday or outing, you'll be helping the environment and 'going green' in one of the best ways possible.

Saving Money With Your Kids

2011-06-15T02:44:28Z

Kids need to learn about saving money as much as they need to learn how to read. In spite of what some parents think, spoiling your children does not show them how much you love them. It's called spoiling for...

Kids need to learn about saving money as much as they need to learn how to read. In spite of what some parents think, spoiling your children does not show them how much you love them. It's called spoiling for a reason, after all. It only helps them grow up to be clueless about money (and have an attitude besides).

Owning Pets Without Going Broke

2011-06-15T02:40:06Z

If you have pets, you know they're expensive. I have pets myself, and the combination of food, grooming, vet bills, and what have you -- it's through the roof! If you don't think you're spending a lot on your pets,...

If you have pets, you know they're expensive. I have pets myself, and the combination of food, grooming, vet bills, and what have you -- it's through the roof! If you don't think you're spending a lot on your pets, sit down one month and really track everything you spend, from your regular dog food to the occasional treat or scratching post. You might find a surprise.

Pay Off Your Mortgage The Best Way Possible

2011-06-15T02:34:21Z

Who likes a mortgage? A hundred years ago you bought a house in cash, and now you spent fifty years of your life in debt paying the darn thing off. If you want to get really depressed, take a look...

Who likes a mortgage? A hundred years ago you bought a house in cash, and now you spent fifty years of your life in debt paying the darn thing off. If you want to get really depressed, take a look at how much of your annual payment actually goes towards the principal on your loan.

Save Money: Protect Yourself from Vacation Scams

2011-06-15T02:23:37Z

There are a lot of vacation scams out there. It makes sense, when you think about it: we all want to save money, and with the economy in its current state, many people are working hard, long hours without any...

There are a lot of vacation scams out there. It makes sense, when you think about it: we all want to save money, and with the economy in its current state, many people are working hard, long hours without any hope of a holiday. The idea of two weeks in Paradise for absolutely free is hard to resist.

How to Save Your Money Realistically and Easily

2011-06-15T02:18:34Z

Everyone knows how to save your money. So why don't we do it? Because often, the suggestions we get are either unrealistic or overly general. People tell us 'just don't spend as much.' That's wonderful -- but how do you...

Everyone knows how to save your money. So why don't we do it? Because often, the suggestions we get are either unrealistic or overly general. People tell us 'just don't spend as much.' That's wonderful -- but how do you do that? And other tips on how to save money are just as helpful, suggesting you only shop sales or reduce bill payments -- obvious suggestions that don't really tell you how to save.

How to Budget Travel

2011-06-15T01:36:17Z

Often, budget travel seems impossible. With rising gas prices and a struggling economy, travel costs more than ever. Add to that the lowered value of the American dollar, and for many people, vacations seem like fond memories....

Often, budget travel seems impossible. With rising gas prices and a struggling economy, travel costs more than ever. Add to that the lowered value of the American dollar, and for many people, vacations seem like fond memories.

Where to Find Cell Phone Deals

2011-06-15T01:05:32Z

We all need cell phone deals. Not too long ago, cell phones were status symbols -- toys for rich kids and powerful executives. These days, everyone has one, often instead of a landline. A cell phone is almost a necessity...

We all need cell phone deals. Not too long ago, cell phones were status symbols -- toys for rich kids and powerful executives. These days, everyone has one, often instead of a landline. A cell phone is almost a necessity of life in our modern time, and the suppliers know it -- which is why they charge through the teeth.

Mortgage Savings are Not Impossible!

2011-06-15T01:00:17Z

The term mortgage savings seems like an oxymoron. We don't usually associate savings with a mortgage. But if you're thoughtful, careful, and practical, you actually can save money with your mortgage even if you didn't find the best mortgage rates....

The term mortgage savings seems like an oxymoron. We don't usually associate savings with a mortgage. But if you're thoughtful, careful, and practical, you actually can save money with your mortgage even if you didn't find the best mortgage rates.

Find Fair Trade Online Shops

2011-05-24T15:21:06Z

It's tricky to find fair trade online shops. There are a lot of them, but fair trade is one area where the UK is far ahead of North America, and if you don't want to pay British shipping charges, you're...

It's tricky to find fair trade online shops. There are a lot of them, but fair trade is one area where the UK is far ahead of North America, and if you don't want to pay British shipping charges, you're back at square one.

That said, there ARE American and Canadian fair trade online stores. In addition, many stores from the UK are more than willing to ship overseas, so if you don't mind paying a little bit in postage, you can still get your ethical products quickly and easily.

Online Shopping Safely and Effectively

2011-05-24T15:14:24Z

No one loves online shopping as much as I do. It's fun, easy, and you can often find amazing deals you'd never find anywhere else. But when all is said and done, online shopping can be a dangerous proposition. If...

No one loves online shopping as much as I do. It's fun, easy, and you can often find amazing deals you'd never find anywhere else. But when all is said and done, online shopping can be a dangerous proposition. If you aren't familiar with the internet, you can easily wind up giving your personal information to a crook and losing a lot more than you bargained for.

Don't let that scare you off, though: online shopping safe and effective tips will keep your information safe and your pocketbook loaded.

Saving Money on Groceries Made Easy

2011-04-10T20:04:04Z

We all want to be saving money on groceries. Sometimes, though, that seems impossible. Sure, you tried buying the no-name products, but the taste and quality seemed off. Clipping coupons for ten cents off dog food doesn't seem to do...

We all want to be saving money on groceries. Sometimes, though, that seems impossible. Sure, you tried buying the no-name products, but the taste and quality seemed off. Clipping coupons for ten cents off dog food doesn't seem to do it, either. Is saving at the supermarket completely impossible?

Not for you -- not anymore!

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