Michael Finney's Consumer Blog

Sports tickets for a good cause

Be a sport! Have fun while doing good. United Way has set up sports packages that let you go to three premier sporting events while contributing to charity. East Bay package offers A’s, Raiders & Warriors. SF/SJ package has 49ers, Earthquakes and Giants.

Live United Sports Packages

Fight back against illegally-written speeding tickets

Are local governments using traffic tickets to fill in budget gaps?

One estimate: 10% of all California speeding tickets are written illegally, 25% of red light camera tickets are too. Those are the accusations floating around in the “gear head” community. Those taking on the powers that be want you to fight back!

Are police being pushed into using illegal tactics to write traffic violations? Was the last speeding violation you received actually a tax in disguise?  Read about illegal traffic tickets and how to fight back.

www.helpigotaticket.com

Birthday Free Stuff!

Good things come to those who wait: Finney's Birthday Free Stuff.

Free dessert for joining Carrows E-Club

Free Cold Stone creation on your birthday

Free scoop for joining Baskin Robbins Birthday Club

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

Don't forget to watch me on ABC7 News at 5:00 p.m. for our regular Finney's Friday Free Stuff offers!

Free real chocolate coupon

Finney's Friday Free Stuff, chocolate edition.  This one allows consumers to double dip. This one is popular -- and limited -- so click now: 

https://secure.realchocolate.com

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.

Be sure to visit my blog again at 3:00 p.m. today for more freebies.  And don't forget to watch me on ABC7 News at 5:00 p.m. for our regular Finney's Friday Free Stuff offers!

Robo telemarketing calls will soon end

For years we have been fighting against those annoying prerecorded telemarketing calls referred to by consumers as “robocalls.” Most in government condemned the practice, but no rules were ever made to stop telemarketers from using machines to interrupt our days.

FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz says American consumers have made it "crystal clear that few things annoy them more than the billions of commercial telemarketing robocalls they receive every year."

The Federal Trade Commission said "robocalls" to consumers are banned, unless the telemarketer has written permission from a customer that he or she wants to receive these calls. Like that will ever happen.

The new rules go into effect on September 1t and violators will face penalties of up to $16,000 a call.  There are exceptions to the rules which include calls that deliver information such as flight cancellations and those from charities and debt collectors.

Free food for your kitty

It is time to upscale your cat’s dining options. Add a feline appetizer to their evening entrée... for free.

Fancy Feast Appetizers sample

Free pizza for Camaro owners

The founder/owner of Papa John’s Pizza chain, John Schnatter, is giving out free pizza today to Chevy Camaro owners. Schnatter is celebrating getting his old Camaro back. He sold the ’71 classic to start the businesses and recently tracked down the car and bought it.

Here’s the story as told by the Washington Post

Tips to a successful job interview

A job interview is tough to get these days. Once in the door, don't blow it. Here is simple, actionable advice on how to land the job by interviewing well.

Career Rocketeer: From the Other Side of the Desk

 

Is it time to regulate carry-on bag size?

When airlines started charging to check baggage, passengers started carrying more bags into the cabin. That has resulted in:

1) Longer boarding times while passengers struggle to stow their bags.

2) A greater danger to passengers because of the potential of more flying luggage during an emergency maneuver.

3) Less money collected on bag charges for the airlines.

In short, a perfect storm for regulating carry-on bag size that is now a proposal in Congress.  Smaller bags are at the top of the flight attendants’ wish list. Currently there are two sizes of carry-on bags: domestic and international. Domestic airlines usually allow a combined measurement of 45 to 55 inches, length x width x depth, while international carriers are more restrictive.

So check before traveling make sure you know the current carry-on rules of your airline and when shopping for luggage consider buying only those pieces designated as international carry-on size.

Sweet deals for frequent fliers

Frequent fliers have had a tough go of it lately. Airlines offering fewer award seats and charging more miles for them. As the programs grew, the frequent flier deals became hard to come by, now that is changing. Want to fly one-way on frequent flier miles, you betcha! Booking fees, gone!  My email is filled with frequent flier program special offers and promotions.

The New York Times has noticed all this too:
Airlines Are Sweetening Frequent-Flier Programs