Michael Finney's Consumer Blog

Tis the season for tipping, but how much?

Tis the season for tipping, but how much? Who better to consult than Emily Post?

Emily Post's Guide to Holiday Tipping 2009

Have you ever received a holiday card from your paperboy?

They come with a return envelope and are really just a thinly disguised solicitation for a tip. As a former paperboy - who never sent one of those out - I never mind receiving them, because it makes it easy to send along a couple of bucks.

However, I will think twice next time before using that envelope. In East Providence RI police are investigating a 'Paperboy Scam', where the cards and return address don't belong to the paperboy.

It seems some enterprising scamster has come up with a way to get subscribers to send him money through the mail. Police went to the address and are now investigating a person of interest.

Free doggie treats

Finney's Friday Free Stuff: Free all natural dog treats from Halo.

www.halopets.com/coupon

This giveaway is not conducted by 7 On Your Side. If there are technical problems or issues with the product, concerns should be directed to the offering supplier.

Try inflight Internet service for free

Have you tried the inflight Internet service Gogo? It is fast and can really pass the time while flying. More and more jets are coming equipped with Gogo Inflight Internet service. I've used it, it works and now you can try it too... for free. The service is looking to introduce itself to new customers, so there are many “free codes” bouncing around out there. This code is said to work through January 7, 2010:  2286630745whb.

If you are serious about getting Gogo Inflight service for free, comb through this forum, it is dedicated to free Internet in the sky.

This giveaway is not conducted by 7 On Your Side. If there are technical problems or issues with the product, concerns should be directed to the offering supplier.

NOTE: More freebies to come! Check the blog again at 5 PM!

Free sample of America's Superfruit

Finney's Friday Free Stuff: Superfruit? Good for cardiovascular, antioxidant, helps with bone health. Try ir for free! Here's the secret code: SUPERFRUIT

Free sample of America's Superfruit

This giveaway is not conducted by 7 On Your Side. If there are technical problems or issues with the product, concerns should be directed to the offering supplier.

NOTE: More freebies to come! Check the blog again at 2:30 PM!

"Bait and switch" advertising

If a TV is priced as $49.00 and the store says it should have been $449.00, what price do you have to pay? The law is clear, if the mispricing was a simple mistake the store does not have to sell it to you at the cheaper price. If on the other hand the store advertised that low price as a come-on and never intended to sell at the lower price, then that is “bait and switch.”  Bait and switch is illegal; a lawsuit can be filed and the store can be compelled to sell the TV at the lower price and pay damages.  However, the cost and time of going to court makes bait and switch cases few and far between.

Make your monthly Social Security check grow

Social Security can be played just like any other financial instrument. With some planning and advice you can make your monthly  check grow. 

Now many who retire need the cash and need it now, so there isn't much they can do, but if you have been putting money away in a 401k or are fortunate enough to have a traditional retirement plan there are moves that can make that can nearly double your Social Security take.

1) You can delay payments, or 2) take payments, pay it back, then take it again.

Here is a great website to start your learning curve: www.analyzenow.com

Looking for a new credit card? Consider this one

If you are in a position to get a new credit card consider the Chase Sapphire and Sapphire Preferred cards. The card's points never expire and can be used for cash back, buying items or travel with no blackout dates. If you are willing to pay an $85 annual fee -- waived the first year -- you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The preferred card offers 25% discount on point travel, allows transfer of Chase points to major airline and hotel programs, gives a 7% dividend on points earned each year and 15,000 free points if you charge a thousand dollars over three months.  The interest rates are good, less than 10% if you qualify. The right credit card is a very personal thing, so compare this card to others before signing up.

Chasesapphire.com 

New York Times review

Hot new iPhone accessories

Great gift ideas for the iPhone or iPod Touch owner on your list. Other smart phones, too! Watch video here:

Free Jamba Juice California Flatbreads

Jamba juice is giving away its California Flatbreads for free tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.  The flatbreads are available in four flavors: Tomo Artichoko, Smokehouse Chicken, Mediterranean   Yum, and Four Cheesy. This is first come first served only while their supplies last. Call ahead to make sure the your Jamba Juice is participating.

Jamba Juice Feel Good Campaign

This giveaway is not conducted by 7 On Your Side. If there are technical problems or issues with the product, concerns should be directed to the offering supplier.

Holiday shipping deadlines

Many consumers are shopping online for holiday gifts and a driving force behind that is free shipping. Well, for many online retailers the last day to qualify for free shipping is tomorrow. Some offer free shipping to the end of this week, but policies vary. Here’s a list of some major e-tailers and their shipping policies.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2009