Michael Finney's Consumer Blog

No joke: Red Roof Inn selling rooms for a penny

Finney’s ALMOST Free Stuff: Red Roof Inn is selling rooms for a penny! The company says no fees and no taxes, so it will actually cost you just one cent. So what’s the catch? It is a “limited time” offer and has limited availability. Still it is worth a shot to get a nice spring break for a penny!

Details here

Southwest, AirTran duke it out with funny commercials

The two big low-cost airlines, Southwest Airlines and AirTran, are going after each other with funny videos. You may have seen the Southwest Airlines free luggage ads, but have you seen the AirTran cattle call ads? Very funny, check them both out here:

Is college worth the cost?

Medical costs are going up only half as fast as college costs. The price of a higher education has nearly doubled in a decade and you know what?  It is still a good deal.  Not just by how much you make, but that you are working at all.

Check this out

Man sentenced in free solar scam

Scam alert: A solar energy system that did not save the buyers money. There is a lesson here for you!

Read the San Jose Mercury News article

Nickel and diming hotel guests

The hotel industry has never met a fee it didn't like. By now you've seen the $35 parking charges, outrageous phone bill add-ons and $15 "resort fee.” Creative to be sure, but nothing compared to what they are coming up with now. Some hotels will now charge you rent for the couple of hours you leave your bags with the bell staff after check out. The mini bar, always a great deal for travelers, is now even worse. Now you don't have to drink the Coke in the mini bar to be charged for it, just think about drinking it. Many mini bars are now set up to charge you for picking up an item.  Try and read the calorie count or ingredients list and you could be charged. The list of these made-up fees is getting longer every day, so the next time you check into a hotel ask before you do anything... or you could end up paying a huge bill.

Financial tune-up can save you cash

The quickest way to get extra cash? A financial tune-up can make you a week’s pay. I have put aside a single day every year to go over all of my financial obligations and contracts and always save money. It is as easy as calling your cable company and saying you need a better deal.

Here's a great rundown on what you need to do and how to do it from the New York Times.

Free glasses from Lensway.com

Finney's Friday Free Stuff: Free glasses from San Francisco-based Lensway.com. This is only for residents of California. The fine print explains exactly what you will get, so read to the bottom of the page before signing up.

http://www.lensway.com/cCalifornia.html

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. 

Free Special K bars

Finney's Friday Free Stuff: Free Special K Protein Meal Bar plus coupons.

Details here

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 4 PM!

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Free St. Mary's Sweet 16 viewing party

Cheer on the St. Mary’s Gaels with other fans from around the Bay Area at today’s free viewing party at AT&T Park.  Watch the game on the big HD scoreboard!  Doors open at 3:45 p.m., game starts at 4:30  p.m. Admission is free; parking is $5 in Lot A behind McCovey Cove.

Details here

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 PM!

Sign up tor receive Finney's Friday Free Stuff and Michael Finney's Consumer Blog newsletters!

How much will health care reform cost you?

There is a lot of talk about what the new health care will get you, but what will it cost you?  If you're middle class, probably nothing at all. But if your income is getting up there, get ready to pay. The I’s are not dotted and the T’s are not crossed, but your investment income could be taxed an extra 3% plus. Here’s the latest run down on what you get and who will pay.

A look at Obama's health care overhaul law (from the Associated Press)