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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...

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Phillips: 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

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Phillips: 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.

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Phillips: Christmas salute to happy shoppers

’T is the Saturday of Christmas

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Phillips: 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?

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Phillips: 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...

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Phillips: 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...

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Trusts, 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.

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Phillips: 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

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Phillips: 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.

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Phillips: Winterizing keeps finances out of cold

Q: Any hints on winterizing my home to save money? —Samuel Saver

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Websites 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...

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Phillips: Deal sites require fast action

Lots of readers have expressed interest in other columns about freebies or low-cost merchandise.

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Phillips: 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?

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ConsumerWatch: 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...

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ConsumerWatch: 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

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ConsumerWatch: Some insurance isn't worth the cost

Many of us overspend on insurance policies.

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ConsumerWatch: 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.

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ConsumerWatch: 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

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ConsumerWatch: 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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