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Archive for the 'Erik's Rants' Category

Save Money Optimizing Your Cell Phone Plan

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 18th, 2008

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BillShrink is a great new site which helps you to optimizing your ever increasing cell phone plan and get you the biggest bang for your buck. Though it stills has a few minor tweaks, it worked well. You input information like your number, carrier site password and other details and out spits your report telling you how to save more money. Check it out at BillShrink.

Mowing Your Grass the Right Way

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 17th, 2008

Grass.jpgSpring is here, Summer is on the way and the lawn is starting to grow, grow and grow. Most of us have had years of experience mowing the lawn but what do we really know about the art of mowing. There are easy ways to get the best out of our lawns and to prevent problems that can occur just due to improper mowing. The Daily Green has some excellent tips to helps us mowers out.

Walmart: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, Still the Low Price King

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 16th, 2008

Walmart.gifGrocery chains are touting their discount prices even as they jack up the price of most items. Overall, food prices are up 5.1% over last year at this time and some items have shot up at an alarming rate. The average price of a dozen large eggs in February was $2.17, up 24% from the year before, while a gallon of whole milk rose 26% to $3.87 compared with February 2007.

Earlier this year, Walmart chain announced an “economic-stimulus plan” which included lowering prices 10% to 30% on thousands of grocery and other items. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it looks like Walmart has the best food prices.

Walgreens 15 Free Prints - Today Only!

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 15th, 2008

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Walgreens online photo is offering 15 FREE 4×6 prints on Tuesday, April 15th to help you smile on tax deadline day. Now that the taxes are done, there’s No excuse not to get those pictures on your camera printed out. To take advantage of this deal click on the banner above and don’t forget to enter the code “TAXDAY” at checkout.

Fees Are Out of Control

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 15th, 2008

Fees.gifAccording to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, consumers paid over $38 billion in banking fees in 2007, with fees now in the double-digit range for some banks and credit unions. Companies have come to rely on these fees as a major component of their revenue. Last year, credit card customers paid an estimated $63 Billion in fees. CNN Money has some tips on how to break free from bank, credit card and cell phone fees.

How to Find Best Airfare & Travel Deals

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 14th, 2008

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Summer is just around the corner and the travel season will be in full swing. Travel sites have become very popular ways to book trips and it seems like there are more and more popping up every day. MSNBC travel listed the top online booking sites, top airlines, top international booking sites to give you the ultimate travel guide.

Free Starbucks Today for 30 Minutes ONLY

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 8th, 2008

Starbucks.jpgStarbucks Corp., will be giving everyone free coffee for 30 minutes today at more than 7,000 U.S. stores beginning at 9 a.m. PDT (12 p.m. EDT).

Customers will get an 8 oz cup of the New Pike Place Roast, named after the famed Seattle Pike Place Market hoping signature blend will help revive slumping sales in its crucial U.S. market.

Free is good but I am sure the long line will not be.

 

Haggling with the Big Boys!

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 7th, 2008

BestBuy.jpegThe economy is slowing down and big stores are starting to feel the pinch and pressure. At the big stores like Home Depot, Best Buy and Circuit City, people are discovering that you can save some money by haggling. Even though these stores do not have an official policies which allow dickering, most stores say informally that it is acceptable.

“We want to work with the customer, and if that happens to mean negotiating a price, then we’re willing to look at that,” said Kathryn Gallagher, a spokeswoman for Home Depot.

When GPS Units Go Wild!

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 5th, 2008

 

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Portable GPS units have gone mainstream. They are becoming standard issue in new cars and as a common sight stuck to windshields all over America. At an average price of $150, there are dozens of models on the market. Many times these GPS devices can be a lifesaver when trying to find an address or locate a business. However, there is a downside too. As more and more drivers use the GPS devices, there are more and more reports of problems with inaccuracies which can lead to dangerous consequences. The Wallstreet Journey Online had this story about the problems with GPS.

Health Insurance For The Self-Employed

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 4th, 2008

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More than 50 million Americans do not have health insurance and many of those are self-employed. Marci Alboher wrote a post on the Shifting Careers Blog asking readers for stories from self-employed entrepreneurs about their experiences getting their own health insurance. She also asked her readers for tips and resources for others who are in the same boat. Read the interesting article here.

Entertainment Books are $15 w/Free Shipping

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 3rd, 2008

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If you been wanting to get an Entertainment Book, here’s your chance. You can get them now for just $15 with Free Shipping. I don’t think the Entertainment Book is nearly as valuable as it once was but you can still get some decent deals which should more than cover the $15 you dole out. Get your $15 Entertainment Book.

$4 Gas Predicted!

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 2nd, 2008

GasMoney.jpgThe Consumer Federation of America is predicting $4 a gallon for gas by late May 2008. With oil prices stabilizing at $100+ a barrel, it looks like consumers are in for a rough, expensive summer. The March report issued by the Consumer Federation of America said that prices could jump 75 cents a gallon over the next two months if refiners continue cutting production.

On Wednesday, the AAA reported the national average price for a gallon was $3.256 despite declines in consumption, higher inventory levels and increased production of ethanol. Read the Consumer Federation of America’s report in full here.

Student Loans Getting Tougher to Come By

Posted by Erik Blackerby, ConsumerSpy.org on April 2nd, 2008

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In the wake of the recent economy and lenders tightening their grips on loans, it is getting increasingly difficult to get college student loans. Increased requirements and interest rates are adding to the turmoil with some companies getting out the loan business altogether. Luckily, the Federal Government does have some safety nets in place to help students and parents out. Read more about the loan fiasco here.

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