Archive for November, 2009
Way to Save #124: Turn The Tables On Telemarketers
Nov 20, 2009 - One of the most popular TV news stories I’ve ever done involves changing from victim to predator in the cold-calling jungle. Here’s how it works. Federal law requires that almost anyone who solicits you by phone give you their name and either address or phone number (which they virtually never do.) The law also requires [...]
A Bleak Holiday for Credit Card Issuers?
Nov 20, 2009 - Studies show that consumers typically spend 12-18% less when we use cash for payment. Counting out and handing over cash is a sobering reminder of how much items really cost.
Way to Save #123: Hang Up On Frills
Nov 19, 2009 - The phone company is a master at getting us to buy services. They sell your phone number to telemarketers, then sell you caller ID to thwart them. In round two, they sell services that block caller ID to telemarketers, then sell you a gadget that won’t allow blocked calls to ring through. Don’t play this [...]
Cash for Applicance Clunkers
Nov 18, 2009 - Got a clunker refrigerator? You can get a rebate on that, too.
Viewer Question: Emergency Savings: Bank Account or Savings Bonds?
Nov 18, 2009 - In an emergency, should you use the money in your savings account or cash in your savings bonds?
Way to Save #122: Don't Lease Phones
Nov 18, 2009 - Stop leasing. You’ll usually save money by buying your own phones.
The CARD Act: What Congress Forgot To Fix
Nov 17, 2009 - When Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD), they forgot to fix a few things.
Way to Save #121: Use The Internet
Nov 17, 2009 - Email is free. Long distance calling isn’t (unless you also do that on the Internet!) The Internet is also a great free way to find numbers instead of using directory assistance. But if you are going to use directory assistance, your local one (411) is almost always cheaper than the national ones you see advertised [...]
Way to Save #120: Oven Etiquette
Nov 16, 2009 - Use energy saving appliances like microwaves, pressure cookers and toaster ovens instead of always using the oven or stove. You can buy ‘em cheap at yard sales. Turn off your electric burner three minutes before the rice or pasta recipe calls for: it’ll stay hot that long. Same with your oven. And if you are [...]
Way to Save #119: Refrigerator Etiquette
Nov 15, 2009 - If you’re buying a new refrigerator, remember that top mounted freezers are cheaper to operate than side-by-sides, and don’t buy more refrigerator than you need. Automatic ice makers add about $200 to the initial cost of a refrigerator, cost about $50 a year to operate and are the first thing to break. If your refrigerator [...]
Way to Save #118: Wash With Cold Water
Nov 14, 2009 - Be cool. Using cold water only can save you 90% of the cost of washing your clothes. Disconnect the hot water hose.
Fed Finally Stops Overdraft Fees on Debit Cards…Kind of
Nov 13, 2009 - If you used your debit card to buy a $3 latte when there was only $2.95 in your account, you were suddenly drinking a $33 latte.
Way to Save #117: Air Dry Your Clothes
Nov 13, 2009 - If you’ve got a decent sized family, hanging your clothes out to dry can save you $40 a month in electricity.
Way to Save #116: Save A Load
Nov 12, 2009 - Every load of wash uses between 25 and 50 gallons of water. The same is true of your dishwasher. And you shouldn’t need to soak or pre-wash dishes unless the food is burned or otherwise stuck on. By the way, the amount of detergent you use for both clothes and dish washing could probably be [...]
