We see offers all the time for free services and products. But before you sign up, it is important to be aware of the strings that might be attached. For example, free credit report and free credit score web sites often let you see your information for free, but you have to sign up for some sort of trial membership or monthly service. (For a free credit score, go to Credit Karma, and for a free credit report, go to annualcreditreport.com.) This happened with AT&T as well. After looking at an offer for free ringtones, many consumers were shocked to …read more

As a business, you are doubtless interested in the mechanics of money. At least you should be. It is important to understand how money flows through the system, as well as how banks make their money and make it available for use in corporate finance. If you are interested in how banking works, at a basic level, and how it affects society, this is a great video to watch.
The video also makes an interesting point about value and perception. The video points out that gold doesn’t actually have any more value, in real terms, than bits of paper. What makes …read more

Here is a fun ad for car insurance. It’s a Geico ad featuring the character Speed Racer. A definite classic.
However, saving money on car insurance may require more work than just going to one company and hoping to save money. You really should shop around for different quotes. And, here are some other things you can do to help you reduce the cost of your auto insurance:

Pay a higher deductible.
Take towing off your policy.
Consider taking car rental off your policy.
Get a discount for more insurance through the company. (I save a great deal with a “tri-line”: life, auto and homeowners. …read more

It is true that many credit card issuers are cutting perks and rewards programs. If you are concerned about your perks, here are some things that can help you make sure you are getting the best credit card perks for you:

Watch out for “Platinum”: Interestingly, a “platinum” card may not have better perks than a “gold” or “silver” card from another issuer. It seems like “platinum” would offer the best deal, but it doesn’t always.
Understand the terms of your credit card reward program: One of the best things you can do is to read the fine print. You want to …read more

In a time when you might be squeezed for cash, paying out the nose for health care can be a depressing. This is especially true if you are looking for things like dental and vision, that are not usually included in most health insurance plans. This is coverage that you may have to purchase separately, and that can be expensive. The good news is that you might be able to get a cash discount.
Asking for a cash discount
My dentist offers a 10% discount if you pay cash at the time you make an appointment. In many cases, the charge for …read more

This is a guest post from Becky House. It offers helpful information on how you can improve your ability to get a loan. This is a very important issue right now, with lenders tightening their requirements.
Two years ago, someone with a 600 (poor) credit score could qualify for a mortgage or car loan. Now, reputable lenders will not even consider lending to someone with a score below 700. There is some good news though.  There are ways you can improve your “loan-ability” in the eyes of lenders and possibly get that home or auto loan you have been dreaming about. …read more

Watch out for overdraft charges as a result of debit card spending. It could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Rescission, an increasingly common practice from companies, can financially devastate you.

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