Don't Waste Your Money

Tracking Airline added fees

2008-07-02T19:14:00Z

We found a great feature on Kayak's website, they are tracking all the new airline passenger fees.
Check the link here

First eBay, then Craigslist, now Wal-Mart!

2008-06-04T19:22:00Z

Move over Craigslist! Action news has learned that Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has just launched a new online classified advertising site. The free, community-based site allows customers to buy and sell items locally, find local jobs, and learn about events in their area.

Wal-Mart's classifieds appeals to business classifieds for car sales, real estate, etc. as well as individuals taking out want ads. Ads are free, so why not sell that old stuff you don't need anymore?

Online classified advertising has become more and more popular with the down economy because of the need to sell unnecessary items to help make ends meet. It generates about $30 billion every year.

$75 Limit on Credit Cards at Gas Pumps

2008-05-30T21:03:00Z

As if the ridiculously high gas prices didn't frustrate all of us enough, many owners of SUV's, pickups, and motor homes who use a credit card at the pump can't get a full tank of gas. Now many gas stations have a $75 limit on Visa or MasterCard transactions at the pump and once you hit the limit, you must make a second transaction to finish filling. To keep this from happening to you, go see the attendant inside to have the card swiped instead of making two separate transactions.

The Best Sites for Coupon Clipping

2008-05-27T21:21:00Z

With the prices of ingredients and goods constantly on the rise, coupons are becoming more and more helpful when buying your groceries. It's getting harder to justify spending more money on organic and brand-name products as opposed to just generic. If you're searching for grocery coupons, the internet is one of the best places to go. We found an article that tested some online coupon services that promise easy access to discount coupons. These are the best sources for savings for you, so you don't waste your money.

Remodeling Your Home

2008-05-21T19:22:00Z

Everyone knows the housing market is down. Whether you're looking to renovate to help sell your house or just finishing the remodeling project that you never got around to, don't let tough credit or falling home values scare you. We found two great websites to help you along the way so you don't waste your money.

Here are six home renovations that offer the best return on your investment.

Here are 21 ways to save on your remodeling project without cutting corners.

6 Best Gas-Rebate Cards

2008-05-20T21:31:00Z

As we all know, gas prices are constantly on the rise. The Don't Waste Your Money Team found this article on msn.com about the best gas-rebate cards to help you save money at the pump.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/CreditCardSmarts/The6BestGasRebateCards.aspx

Great-To-Know Travel Sites

2008-05-19T21:06:00Z

If you're starting to get your summer plans together, you might want to check out this report by our partners at Consumer Reports. They've done some of the homework for you, so you don't waste your money.

http://cf.consumerreports.org/tv/index.cfm?storydate=2008-06&storynumber=13&station=w123

Home Soil Tests Don't Deliver

2008-05-14T20:19:00Z

Despite the rainy weather, spring is around the corner and will eventually find its way to your lawn. If you're looking for a lush, green lawn this summer, getting the proper pH for your soil is the most important step to take. But, our partners at Consumer Reports conducted tests of home soil kits and found that they're not as reliable as you think.

For more information:

http://cf.consumerreports.org/tv/index.cfm?storydate=2008-05&storynumber=2&station=w123

Postal Rates Increasing

2008-05-12T15:16:00Z

For your information, sending a letter just got more expensive.

Effective today, the U.S. Post Office raised prices on first class stamps from 41cents to 42cents. Customers must buy 1cent stamps to account for the new rate increase; but, if you have "forever stamps" you can avoid the rate increase altogether. "Forever stamps" will work for any first-class postage, regardless of the increases. This means you can avoid putting multiple 1cent and 2cent stamps on letters because of the new rates.

The cost to send a post card is now also up, costing 27cents. The cost to mail a Priority mail flat-rate envelope will increase to $4.75 and Express mail flat envelopes will cost a quarter more, up to $16.50. Mailing letters to Canada and Mexico will go up to 72cents and most other countries 94cents.

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire Merge--What It Means For Customers

2008-05-08T21:20:00Z

On Wednesday, Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. announced they would combine to form a new operation under the Clearwire brand. The new merge will encourage cell phone users to build their lifestyles around the mobile Internet. This will be made possible by Sprint’s WiMax high-speed Internet unit.

So what is WiMax anyway? WiMax is similar to WiFi but faster with more bandwith, meaning it will accommodate more users. WiFi usually covers about a 100 foot range while WiMax has a range of about 30 miles…the size of entire cities. Using the new WiMax Internet, Clearwire said it plans to cover between 120 and 140 million customers by the end of 2010.

For those of you who use AT&T and Verizon services, they're developing their own next-generation broadband technology for mobile phones; but Sprint and Clearwire are about two years ahead of AT&T and Verizon, giving them a substantial advantage.

So what does all of this mean for you Sprint and Clearwire customers?

Here's what they say at Clearwire:

-The new network will provide consumers with real choices for the software applications, content, and handsets that they desire and will expand high-speed wireless Internet access in the United States.

-New applications will be offered on new Sprint handsets such as YouTube videos and Google maps for mobile phones. With Google Maps, you can view maps and satellite imagery, find local businesses, get driving directions, and view real-time traffic information.

-Customers can surf the Web on phones and laptops at speeds comparable to what they get on their home and business computers.

We think this is all great, BUT…

It is still unclear whether or not the network will launch on time. Remember with any new developments in technology, there is always the risk of technical difficulties that could cause the network to not work as efficiently as planned. Ultimately, the future of the new Sprint Nextel and Clearwire merge depends on whether or not the new corporation will attract consumers to make it a financial success. We'll keep you posted!

Don't Break the Bank on Mother's Day

2008-05-07T17:25:00Z

Mother's Day is right around the corner. The most endearing Mother's Day gifts are those with a personal touch and with the tough economic times, an inexpensive gift with meaning is the best option. Here are some inexpensive gift ideas for the special woman in your life:

1. Breakfast in bed - The traditional 'breakfast in bed' never gets old. Why not cook Mom's favorite breakfast and deliver it to her right in bed (after you let her sleep in of course).

2. Flowers - This time of the year, floral companies create beautiful arrangements with in-season flowers for Mother's Day. Skip the expensive flower boutique and visit your local grocery or convenience store for cheaper bouquets. Many even come in a free vase, ready to deliver.

3. Magazine Subscription - For only about $25, you can buy a full year's subscription to Mom's favorite magazine. Or better yet, surprise her by renewing that old subscription she never got around to.

4. Maid Service - Give Mom a break from housecleaning and hire a professional maid service for just the day, a week, or even a month.

5. Photos - Photo processing websites like www.snapfish.com offer a variety of items that you can add your own personal pictures to. Everything from keychains to coasters and purses to scrapbooks can be ordered, and Mom can never have enough pictures of her family or kids.

6. Oil Change & Tune Up - If Mom doesn't have much time to spend on her car, surprise her with a complete car maintenance gift certificate. Include a wash and wax for an added bonus.

7. Customized Playlist - Almost everyone, including moms, own an i-Pod or mp3 player. Make her a playlist of 50 or so of her favorite songs with some personal meaning behind them, and add your own favorites for some new listening.

The most important thing to remember when searching for Mother's Day gifts is the art of creativity. A simple hand-made card or craft is always appreciated, and a personal letter always has meaning. But the greatest gift a mother can be given is the gift of time. Give her a day off and have the family clean the house, cook all the meals, do the laundry, and all the other little tasks that a mother does but are often overlooked. Spend all of your time with Mom because after all, it's her day!

Read what your big box electronics retailer thinks of extended warrentees

2008-03-28T13:25:00Z

A militant consumer blog, the consumerist.com has a report today on what they say are leaked interenal Best Buy documents that are used to train their sales people on selling extended warantees to you, or as they call them, extended service plans. Read the post before you buy your next consumer electronics item consumerist.com and have to decide whether or not to purchase an extended warentee.

Unfortunate sign of the times

2008-03-25T14:01:00Z

FIVE-DAY MOTOWN FORECLOSURE AUCTION TO ATTRACT

STAMPEDE OF BUYERS

Nearly 700 Homes Will Be Auctioned by Hudson & Marshall March 25^th-30^th

Contact: Crystal Wright

Public Relations Strategist

202/829-0848

Detroit, MI-March 18, 2008—Buyers seeking deals on homes in today’s chilled housing market will find an incredible buying opportunity at the five-day auction of Detroit area foreclosure homes. Nearly 700 bank-owned foreclosures will be auctioned by Hudson & Marshall on March 25^th-30^th. Valued from $2,000 to $500,000, there is a home for everyone from first time homebuyers to investors. Each home comes with title insurance paid for by the sellers.

“There is a glut of homes for sale in Detroit due to job losses and the city’s high rate of foreclosures. As a result, home prices are continuing to fall, making it a great time to purchase a home,” said Dave Webb, principal, Hudson & Marshall. “Bank-owned foreclosure auctions are a great way for buyers to find exceptional values on homes because lenders are anxious to unload loans costing them money,” added Webb.

Real estate auctions create a level playing field among buyers who decide what a property is worth on that particular day and time. Moreover, in today’s depressed housing marketing, massive foreclosure auctions like those held by Hudson & Marshall help improve communities by putting new owners into empty homes.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the delinquency rate for home loans was 5.82%. Declining home values are fueling the rise in foreclosures. According to Realtytrac®, in 2007 Detroit reported the highest foreclosure rate among the nation’s 100 largest cities, with nearly 5% of households entering some stage of foreclosure.

America’s largest foreclosure auction firm, Hudson & Marshall will auction the Detroit area homes on the following dates: March 25^th and 26^th at 1:00pm at the Doubletree Hotel Dearborn; March 27^th at 1:00pm and 7:30pm at the Doubletree Hotel Dearborn; March 29^th at 1:00pm at the Ford Motor Company Conference & Event Center; and March 30^th at 1:00pm at the Ford Motor Company Conference & Event Center.

All homes are sold “as-is” and prospective buyers should preview all properties prior to placing bids. There will be an open house for all properties March 20^th and March 22^nd from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Buyers may also contact listing agents to schedule an appointment to inspect properties. Complete auction details and property listings may be found at www.hudsonandmarshall.com or by calling 866-539-4172.

Winning bidders will be required to make a cash or check deposit of $2500 or 5% of the total sales price, whichever is greater. Prior to the auction, buyers can purchase property online by visiting www.hudsonandmarshall.com and clicking on the Bid Now icon. Sellers usually respond to offers within 24 hours. This is a reserve auction, which means the sellers have the right to accept or reject any bid; however, in past auctions conducted by Hudson & Marshall, the majority of offers have been accepted.

About Hudson & Marshall of Texas Inc.

H&M is America's Premier Auction Authority. Our 40-year history combined with our continued process enhancements have allowed us to become one of the largest and most respected real estate auction firms in the United States. H&M has set the standard as a full service auction company and continues to consistently raise the bar for our industry. Our number one priority is to provide top-quality service to our customers. Buyers know they can count on H&M to provide value and service from the initial property offering through the closing process. This same approach provides sellers with a one stop single solution to the disposition of real estate assets. Sellers particularly appreciate H&M's streamlined approach that handles their assets from marketing through closing and funding. The H&M process allows the seller to minimize expenses and maximize return. H&M has assisted clients ranging from individuals to large, medium, and small corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions. Recently, H&M has sold and closed over 40,000 homes throughout the country. See more about H&M at www.hudsonandmarshall.com.

Spending & Emotions

2008-03-20T13:35:00Z

There is a strong emotional tie with money. I am sure you have seen the reports of how some folks get an emotional high from spending, that is not particularly new. But now researchers have found that for "tightwads" the opposite is true, some actually feel pain when they have to spend a few bucks. Very interesting stuff. See the report

complain.. no seriously -- do it!

2008-03-19T17:41:00Z

The Internet is filled with stories of bad customer service, here is an example of just the opposite.

One of our photojournalists stopped in the DWYM office today to tell us to remind you to make sure you complain when you are not getting good service.

He lives in northern Troy, and says his house has never gotten good Internet service from AT&T. He thinks it is because he is at the "end of the line". He wrote a complaint email to AT&T customer service, they promptly sent him a $60 credit.

Too often we just grouse to our friends and family about bad service, and never bother to actually take it to the company. It often pays to take it to the company directly.