Michael Finney's Consumer Blog

Christmas is saved! At least the cookies are...

Christmas is saved! At least the cookies are... according to the author of The Frugal Foodie Cookbook, Lara Starr. She says since 2003 you haven't been able to buy those little silver ball sprinkles in California. You know the ones, they were often used as the clinger on bell cookies or the buttons on a snowman. Well an attorney sued saying they were unsafe and a little piece of the holidays disappeared. Well, Lara is now reporting that she was at an indy cake decorating store and the little silver balls were on the shelves. The lady behind the counter didn't know why they were available again, but they had them for about a week - just in time for decorating holiday treats!

Lara Starr is the producer of Consumer Talk on KGO-AM 810 (Saturdays 4-7pm).

>>Here's an article from the Chronicle in 2003 about the silver ball sprinkles 

How to find the best price on concert/sports tickets

Here's a new website you'll want to bookmark: fansnap.com will find you event tickets at up to 50% off. Fansnap is a search engine for event tickets. Tell fansnap what you want to see, say Weezer, and it searches dozens of ticket sites searching for every ticket available. It puts together an amazing list which includes prices, venues and seating charts. The people at fansnap say it is the Kayak.com of sporting event and concert tickets. That pretty much sums it all up.

Cyber Monday airline deals

Airlines are getting in on Cyber Monday. Fare wars are common this time of year for non holiday travel, but today airlines are really going for it. Virgin America is offering $39 flights, Air Canada has some good prices on long hauls. Other airlines will be competing, too. So if you are planning a trip, take a few minutes today and see if the deals are worth getting in on.

Cyber deals offer free shipping

Free shipping is a great way to make your cyber deal even better. This year many retailers are offering it, including the smaller online retailers who know it is a make or break deal with consumers. The two biggest e-tailers, Amazon and WalMart, are both offering free shipping, but have different rules, so check each site.

For a good overview and some cost saving coupon codes check out www.freeshipping.org

Black Friday Strategy: Shop Thursday

Many Walmarts will be open all day on Thanksgiving, Toys R Us and other retailers will be opening later in the day or that night. If you are interested in a particular store find out the hours they are going to be open in your city. Many chain retailers are offering different hours in different locations. Before going out to shop, go online. Retailers are offering some of their best deals there.

>>Check out ABC7's Black Friday resources

 

Turkey trouble? Here's where to turn:

Let's talk turkey. Most families only cook one turkey a year so it is easy to run into trouble. Here are some cheat sheets, videos and help lines that will help you through the process and get the big bird done right.
 

USDA
Hotline: 1-888-674-6854
Cheat sheet: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/lets_talk_turkey/index.asp
Butterball
Turkey Hotline: 1-800-BUTTERBALL or talkline@butterball.com
Videos and more: http://www.butterball.com/

Is your luggage really safe with TSA locks?

Think your luggage is secure with all those TSA approved locks? Think again. The bad guys know an easy trick to breaking into luggage and after watching this video, you will know it too.

 

 

Now what is Apple up to?

Have you seen the new Apple email ad announcing "A Special One Day Shopping Event" on Black Friday? What is that?

The words "Black Friday" are not used and neither is the word "sale." The internet is buzzing with everyone trying to figure out if Apple is going to offer deals or is just going to trick them into shopping at the stores or online.

My take: No deep discounts, but probably some great freebies and a rockin' time at the stores. Online I'm expecting the cyber equivalent. Ether way there will be lines, and digital hold ups.

Holiday shopping: How to beat the retailers

Rules changed in mortgage relief rip-offs

Congress told the Federal Trade Commission to write the rules to stop the home mortgage relief rip-offs. The work has now been done and the new rules are great for consumers. Mortgage debt relief companies can no longer charge upfront fees. These companies can only collect after they have negotiated a deal - in writing - from mortgage holders that offer relief that is acceptable to the homeowner. So my advice now officially changes: as long as a company is willing to follow the new federal regulations, feel free to sign up.