Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.CompUSA Closing Half its Stores
Quick, it you bought something at CompUSA and have any issues, get them resolved by May 31. They are closing 126 stores, leaving 103. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.When Rebates Disappear, Prices Don't Fall
You may naively think if stores stopped offering rebates, they will lower prices for everyone. That is not necessarily case, particularly because of the economics of rebates. Since only 40% of consumers follow through with rebates, stores and manufacturers could never afford to pass on the equivalent in savings to all buyers. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Costco Tightens Return Policy to 90 Days
Known for its no time limit return policy (except for a six month limit on computers), Costco is rolling out a new return policy that limits returns of consumer electronics to 90 days. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
All TVs Required to Have Digital Tuners
Starting March 1, all television sets will be required to have a digital tuner in preparation for the switchover from analog signals to digital signals in February 2009. Until now, just large screen sets were required to be equipped with a digital tuner. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Getting that Stubborn Credit Report Error Fixed
It is so infuriating. You find an error in your credit report and challenge it. The investigation is done, but the erroneous information entered back into your report. Here's what to do. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.This is Really No Frills Cruising
No food. No maid service. A bed only inches from the floor. You call this a cruise line? Yes, and younger, more adventurous travelers are flocking to it for as little as $19 a night (on rare occasion). For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Junk Fax Hell Made Worse by New Laws
You have congress and the president to thank for getting more junk faxes than ever. This column demonstrates the ways that companies good and bad have circumvented rules to limit the sending of unsolicited faxes. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Beware Fake Consumer Reports Renewal Notices
Some consumers are receiving renewal notices for their Consumer Reports subscriptions, but they are not coming from Consumer Reports. The magazine says they are investigating this non-authorized billing. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.10 Tips to Handle Health Plan Disputes
Is your HMO giving you grief? Here are some ways to help resolve your problems. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.In KS, Consumer Protection Act Applies to Docs
Can you sue your doctor under the state consumer protection act when operations he performs make you feel worse rather than better? In Kansas, the Supreme Court there says yes. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.NYC Distributes "I Love NY"-type Condoms
The package looks like symbols from the NYC subway system, and there isn't a token inside. It is new packaging for condoms officially endorsed by the city. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Drivers License Pictures Used as Crime Tool, Privacy Aside
Don't be surprised if the picture on file at your state motor vehicles department is being checked against pictures of America's Most Wanted. Privacy issues take a backseat. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Timing of Taking 81mg Aspirin w/Ibuprophen Key
Can you take both an 81mg aspirin daily for your heart, and ibuprophen for pain? The answer is yes, but the timing of which you take when is critical. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.New Scam Looks Like It's From the BBB
Businesses are receiving email from what looks like the Better Business Bureau indicating that a complaint has been filed against them. If you click the link in the email a rogue program infiltrates your computer. The email is definitely not from the BBB. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Days Numbered for Ad-Free Cellphones
Ads on cellphones are spreading through Europe, and is probably not far from launch in the US. The one saving grace is that you will have to opt-in to receive ads here. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Have Your Flowers Been Sprayed with Chemicals?
Just in time for Valentine's Day comes word that many flowers imported from Columbia may have been sprayed with toxic chemicals. And, we don't have any import requirements about chemical residue on flowers. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Better Read Medicare Plan Details Carefully
Before you buy a Medicare supplement plan, you better know what it covers (and more importantly what it doesn't). Some over-zealous salespeople exaggerate benefits and minimize extra costs. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.9 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money
We are currently savings at a negative rate. That means we are spending more than we have. To get back on track, here are some easy ways to put money away recommended by the WSJ. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Exploding the More Megapixels are Better Myth
Once again, the NY Times' David Pogue attempts to save you a bundle of money when buying a new digital camera. More megapixels are NOT necessarily better he says, and five or six are probably enough. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Consumer Group Sues Over Enviga's Claims
The pressure is mounting on Coke to reveal scientific test data to support its advertised claims that its new drink, Enviga, helps you burn calories. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has just filed a lawsuit against them. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.CT-AG Pursues Coke on Enviga's Calorie-Burning Claims
You heard about it in Consumer World months ago, now the Connecticut AG is going after Coke for making calorie-burning claims for its new Enviga green tea, and caffeine beverage. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.New FCC Rule Bans Integrated Set-top Boxes
To help foster competition from third party providers, starting July first, your cable company will not be allowed to provide you with an integrated set-top box for your television service. It will have to be made up of components that can be purchased from other vendors. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.They Will Buy Your Old Cellphone
It may be only two bucks or up to two hundred, but a number of websites will buy your old cellphone. The WSJ tells you how it works. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Bloggers Become the New Consumer Advocates
Consumer advocacy is taking a new turn as a number of new blogs are providing helpful consumer advice. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.New Study Says ID Theft Dropping
Contrary to most news reports, a new study says that ID theft dropped about 12% in 2006. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
