Phillips: Money-saving ideas for Christmas gifts
As holiday gift-giving time approaches, a few money-saving tips may be just the thing to offer. Just be sure to read any and all fine print before all purchases to ensure you're getting exactly what...
View ArticlePhillips: Dollar stores great way to save money
Q: With funds so short and lots of family coming for the holidays, do you have any suggestions to conserve money instead of spending too much on gifts? -- Sam and Sara Saver
View ArticlePhillips: Gift ideas for grocery, drug stores abound
More gift ideas abound, some of which arrived from readers. While all are interesting, I never would have thought of some of them when shopping at non-traditional "gift" stores.
View ArticlePhillips: Tips for tackling higher energy costs
I know our really cold weather is ahead of us so what can I do to help salvage energy bills?
View ArticlePhillips: Savvy consumers find second uses for objects
As readers may recall, I think writer Mary Hunt is the crème de la crème of financial advisers. One of her recent newsletters dealt with clever ways in which to recycle, and I’ve stolen a few ideas to...
View ArticlePhillips: Estate tax law may be on verge of changing
I've been hearing all kinds of rumors about estate planning errors. Even though my wife and I have a trust, I'm a bit concerned about these rumors. What's the straight story about the federal estate...
View ArticleTrusts, caretakers figure into affairs after death
As we continue with last week's estate planning errors, per Bottom Line Personal, be careful to check with your attorney to see whether a trust makes sense for you.
View ArticlePhillips: Cheap glass bakeware prone to breakage
As a consumer specialist, have you heard about recent problems with glass bakeware shattering and causing injuries? I own a good bit, so I'm very concerned. -- Cindi Cook
View ArticlePhillips: Retailers roll out coupons on Internet
In honor of my daughter's 44th birthday, which is today, I thought some suggestions for birthday freebies and other deals would be fun. I partake of many of these myself; readers will enjoy them, too.
View ArticlePhillips: Winterizing keeps finances out of cold
Q: Any hints on winterizing my home to save money? —Samuel Saver
View ArticleWebsites pay consumers for outdated electronics
Last week’s column featured estate sales as a way to shore up some new savings, but the modern world’s used electronics can sometimes bring a goodly amount, too. (And, yes, you can donate last week’s...
View ArticlePhillips: Deal sites require fast action
Lots of readers have expressed interest in other columns about freebies or low-cost merchandise.
View ArticlePhillips: Home inspectors need close scrutiny
Q. We've finally decided to buy a home but need to know what to look for in a home inspector. We've heard horror stories from friends who've picked the wrong inspector, so what should we look out for?
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Bank may negotiate monthly fee structure
Q. My business banking account doesn't hold but a couple hundred dollars a month. I've been getting a senior no-service charge rate, but now the bank has announced a monthly $5 fee if I don't have a...
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Learn to understand explanation of benefits
Q. I stay confused about my EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) from Medicare and the like. Can you tell me an easier way to decipher these forms? - Ned Needy
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Some insurance isn't worth the cost
Many of us overspend on insurance policies.
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Cleaning, maintenance can extend appliance life
Continuing with last week's column about making appliances last longer than their average lifespans, we begin with washer and dryers.
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Are major credit cards better for purchases?
Q. I've always heard it's best to charge store purchases with major credit cards instead of store cards. What's your advice? -- Sammy Shopper
View ArticleConsumerWatch: Be careful about rates with travel insurance
Q. I'm taking a cruise next month and want to buy travel insurance but am not really sure of the difference between the insurance and travel waivers. Can you help? — Barry Boat
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