Consumer Tips Archives

March 21, 2008

Good News For Cell Phone Owners

Cell Phone Packages Just Got Better

Remember how excited we all were when they made all-inclusive long-distance land line packages available? Those of us who were paying hundreds of dollars each month in long distance charges were now able to get all the long distance calling we could handle for $30 or $40 a month. It was incredible. Well my friends, cell phones have taken the same direction. If you're paying a few hundred each month on cell phone charges, there's good news for you.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 12:21 PM | Permalink

March 17, 2008

What You Need to Know About Telecheck and Certegy

Did You Know Telecheck and Certegy Can Prevent You From Buying What You Want?

You pay your bills on time, keep a decent balance in your checking account and never bounce a check. One day you're shocked to find the local store won't accept your check. Why? Because their computer system tells them they can't. See my friends, what you don't know about companies like Telecheck and Certegy can indeed hurt you.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:22 PM | Permalink

December 9, 2007

Do You Have What It Takes to Make It Through the Winter Storms?

Getting Through the Winter Storms

If you live in an area where the winter storms are hitting hard, there are some things you need to know to get through the blustery months ahead. How do you find salt when everyone is sold out? What do you need to survive a power outage? These are the issues winter storms bring to the forefront and here are some practical solutions to get you through.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 12:04 PM | Permalink

December 4, 2007

Four Money Saving Websites That You Just Can't Miss

The Four Money Saving Websites My Wife is Addicted To

You've heard me say it before -- my wife is a money saving fiend. She is what some consider frugal and others consider cheap. Still others call her a bargain hound. I will be the first to admit, however, that at this time of year when money is tight and everyone needs a bargain my wife is the first person they run to when they want something nice for the lowest price possible. How can she know so much? Where does she find all of these deals? I'm about to spill the money-saving beans. Here are the four websites that my wife visits each and every day and I know for a fact they can save you a ton of cash...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 1:21 PM | Permalink

November 20, 2007

Smart Consumers Know How to Save Big by Making Small Changes

Learn the Tricks of Smart Consumers Nationwide

Sometimes it's the littlest things that we do that can translate into big savings over the long term, and smart consumers know this. Is you're looking for ways to save money so you can make your dollars stretch further, you're in the right place. Here are some of my best suggestions for saving money.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 12:59 PM | Permalink

November 16, 2007

Casino Credit Explained

Navigating Casino Credit

There are many types of loans out there -- student loans, personal loans, boat loans, and home loans. And just when you thought you’d heard about every loan imaginable, there’s one more to consider... Casino loans, otherwise known as casino credit. If you’ve never heard of casino credit, we've got the scoop.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:26 PM | Permalink

November 8, 2007

A Few Words About The National Do Not Call Registry:

Do You Know What You Should About The National Do Not Call Registry?

Even though the National Do Not Call Registry has been in existence for several years, many consumers, unfortunately, still do not fully understand how it works. If you're not up to speed on what this registry is or what it can do for you, here are some things you need to know...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:39 PM | Permalink

October 27, 2007

Are Electronic Toll Passes Right for You?

The Scoop on Electronic Toll Passes

If you know what a tollway is, you know the true definition of highway robbery and you may be wondering if electronic toll passes are a good idea or just another way for the toll authority to rob you blind. Here's some info to keep in mind...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 4:05 PM | Permalink

October 10, 2007

Do You Have Critical Toy Recall Information?

Finding Out about Toy Recalls

If you have children, you can easily get overwhelmed when you hear reports of toy recalls making the news. There are some easy ways to stay on top of all the toy recalls. The time spent researching toy recalls is definitely worth it, considering it's your child’s health and safety that is at risk.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:11 PM | Permalink

September 8, 2007

Looks Like There's Lots of "Tip" Questions to Be Answered

Well it looks like my previous post on when to tip and when not to tip was a hit. It also looks like many of you still have questions on when a tip is appropriate and when it isn't. Rather than answer all questions individually I figured it'd be best to create another blog post covering the additional "when to tip and when not to tip" questions everyone asked so all readers can reference them when needed. That being said, here's the answers to the most popular "tip" questions that came in over the past week...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:23 PM | Permalink

September 1, 2007

Consumer Recourse: Fighting Bad Customer Service

Bad Customer Service Doesn't Have to be Tolerated

In today's age of under-paid customer service employees, getting bad customer service seems to be the norm. However, just because it's becoming increasingly common doesn't mean we, as consumers, should put up with it. After all, these people technically work for us since it's our money that pays their salaries. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to handle bad customer service. If you run into a sticky customer service situation, this is how to handle it.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 2:41 PM | Permalink

August 29, 2007

To Tip or Not to Tip?: The Confusing World of Gratuities

Helpful Tip Tips So You'll Never Look Like a Bad Tipper

In today's world of tip cups and curbside service, knowing when to tip and when not to tip isn't always cut and dry. Do you tip the coffee barista? Does the curbside server at the restaurant warrant a gratuity? I've got the answers. If you want to save yourself the embarrassment of being labeled a bad tipper without being taken to the bank, follow this advice...

Continue reading "To Tip or Not to Tip?: The Confusing World of Gratuities" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 26, 2007

Are You Supporting Your Local Small Businesses?

Why Local Small Businesses Need Your Help

You need more light bulbs, paper towels, toilette paper -- whatever. Where do you go? If your first response is Wal-Mart, you may not be doing your part to support local small businesses. Forgoing the little guy to save a few dimes here and there may cost you big time in the long run. Here's why.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:27 PM | Permalink

August 19, 2007

Navigating the World of Online Concert Tickets

Should You Buy Online Concert Tickets?

It used to be that getting the best concert tickets meant waiting in line for hours (or sometimes even days) for the box office to open and tickets to go on sale. Nowadays, however, thanks to online concert tickets, waiting in line for hours in the freezing cold is a distant memory. Now all it take is a click of the mouse. But are online concert tickets really a good idea?

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Posted by Max Anderson at 11:12 PM | Permalink

August 10, 2007

Party Planning Madness: Your Super Mega Hot WHAT?

Today's Party Planning Needs A Reality Check

I know this blog is about consumer tips and reports, but let's talk about party planning for a moment. A friend of mine was planning her daughter's birthday party, which is coming up next month. She asked me to look over the invitation proof and give my opinion. The fact that she was having custom invitations made should have tipped me off right there that something was amiss, but when I saw the invite, that's when I realized that today's party planning trends have gotten out of hand.

Continue reading "Party Planning Madness: Your Super Mega Hot WHAT?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:27 PM | Permalink

July 25, 2007

Is The BBB Really a Good Consumer Resource?

The BBB Controversy

When you want to know whether or not a company is reputable, you contact the BBB, right? After all, they are the go-to resource for information on area businesses. And when you see a BBB logo on a businesses website or front door, you can trust that business, right? Not necessarily.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 4:46 PM | Permalink

July 18, 2007

Should You Pay For Weather Alerts?

Why Some Weather Alerts Are Worth the Money

Severe weather is no laughing matter, which is probably why many consumers rely on weather alerts to keep them apprised of the current weather situation. However, not all weather alerts are created equal and some will cost you more than a buck or two. If you want to get the lowdown on weather alerts and whether or not you should pay for the service, we've got the information you need.

Continue reading "Should You Pay For Weather Alerts?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:47 PM | Permalink

June 16, 2007

How Do You Pay Your Car Insurance?

Car Insurance Payment Options

Car insurance can be very expensive, and if you pay your car insurance bill twice a year, or even quarterly, you will most likely be overwhelmed when the bill arrives. Fortunately, there is a solution to the sick feelings you might experience when you get your car insurance bill in the mail. It’s time to discuss the pros and cons of different options for paying your car insurance.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 11:30 PM | Permalink

June 14, 2007

Do You Offer Companies Positive Feedback As Well As Negative?

Why Consumers Should Think About Offering Positive Feedback

Consumers have many ways to pursue a problem that a company isn’t handling properly. One common way is to contact the company directly either via phone or a written letter and outline their problem or concern. In fact, very few consumers have problems voicing their complaints. But what about compliments? Why don’t more consumers offer compliments when the situation warrants it?

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Posted by Max Anderson at 8:58 PM | Permalink

June 8, 2007

The Summertime Tricks of Savvy Consumers

Learn the Secrets Savvy Consumers Use

Summertime picnics are good opportunities for savvy consumers. These days, several summertime venues are very family friendly and allow outside food and beverages on the premises. This spring and summer do what many savvy consumers do and look for family-friendly venues that are okay with the idea of savvy consumers saving money.

Continue reading "The Summertime Tricks of Savvy Consumers" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 5:07 PM | Permalink

April 2, 2007

Tips on Buying a Musical Instrument

Buying a Musical Instrument Can be a Big Decision AND a Big Investment

Buying a musical instrument is a big investment. Pianos are one of the more costly musical instruments, and they are also cumbersome and require ample space. If your child is interested in taking piano lessons or learning any other musical instrument, you’ll have to contemplate the pros and cons of buying a musical instrument before actually taking the plunge.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 6:16 AM | Permalink

February 24, 2007

How to Pick the Gym Membership that is Right for You

Gym Membership Tips

Gym membership can be expensive, and it can be difficult to join a fitness center nowadays without having to sign a lengthy contract. Practically all commercials gyms require some type of contract and initiation fee to start up. Although all contracts are unique in nature, this article will give some general guidelines on what to look out for in gym membership contracts.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:34 PM | Permalink

January 30, 2007

Free Gift Card Offers Explained

Are Free Gift Card Offers Worth the Effort?

By now you’ve probably received at least a dozen unsolicited emails letting you know that you can receive a $500 gift card to your favorite home improvement store or department store by responding to the email. Are these offers legitimate? More importantly, are free gift cards worth your time?

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:10 PM | Permalink

January 10, 2007

Child Modeling Ins and Outs

Tips for Breaking into Child Modeling

Perhaps you’ve been told by countless friends, family members, and strangers that your child is adorable and you should get him or her into child modeling. You might be wondering where you should turn to get your child started in the business. You might have even seen ads promising to get your child auditions. Show business is pretty competitive, and if you’re unfamiliar with the lingo and tools of the trade you might be at a loss for where to begin. There are legitimate opportunities in child modeling for both local publications and national companies such as Baby Gap and Gymboree. Before you invest a lot of money into pursuing child modeling, there are some important tips and information you should keep in mind.

Continue reading "Child Modeling Ins and Outs" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:52 PM | Permalink

January 9, 2007

Finding Out about Consumer Safety Recalls

Consumer Safety Recalls are Designed to Protect the Consumer

Many products are manufactured and sold every year, but an even smaller number are subject to consumer safety recalls. Many consumers don’t take advantage of consumer recalls nearly as often as they should. Reasons for this stem from the fact that many consumers don’t even know whether or not items that they own have been recalled. Consumer safety recalls are intended to benefit consumers, yet some consumers don’t even know about them.

Continue reading "Finding Out about Consumer Safety Recalls" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:50 PM | Permalink

October 21, 2006

The Benefits Of A Consumer Search Website

How Savvy Consumers Can Benefit From Consumer Search Websites

Consumer search websites are comprehensive sites that can provide consumers with valuable information before making a major purchasing decision. A consumer search website, such as ConsumerSearch.com and Epinions.com, can be very beneficial because they assist consumers in making knowledgeable and informed purchasing choices.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 15, 2006

Where Can Unhappy Consumers Turn?

RipOffReport.com Gives a Voice to Unhappy Consumers

Unhappy consumers who have had negative experiences with businesses now have a voice. A website called RipOffReport.com is allowing consumers to file a complaint against companies -- highlighting their experiences with any company they have purchased from or whose services they have utilized. If you’ve ever been taken advantage of by a less-than-scrupulous company and felt that you had no recourse, you’re going to love Rip-OffReport.com.

Continue reading "Where Can Unhappy Consumers Turn?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:48 PM | Permalink

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