Discover Card has had a really cool feature where when used online the credit card number changed. Every purchase, a different number. That stops the thieves. But now the Discover people have called a halt to the program. If I had to guess, we all said we wanted it, but then few actually used it. Our good friends over at the Consumerist.com have the low down.
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August 2011
08/31/2011
08/30/2011
Great time for deals on cruises
In November cruise ships head out to more profitable waters. They take long voyages to reposition ships for a season of winter cruising.
That means there are deals to be had. Cabins will go for half their lowest daily rate. There aren't many ports of calls -these ships are on the move- but the on board amenities are just as good. There are generally plenty of cabins available so the best deals come to those who wait.
Social Security is no Ponzi scheme
Love Social Security or hate it. Broaden the program or end it. Those decisions I'll leave up to others, but as a consumer reporter well versed in scams, let me assure you Social Security is no Ponzi scheme. That claim has been made since the first Social Security check was mailed out in January 1940. It is a claim that 71 years of history disproves. The Ponzi scheme is named after Charles Ponzi, a self promoter and criminal. He set up a business that paid early investors with money from recent investors, while he was scraping off huge profits for himself. There was no real business, it was simply a criminal enterprise hidden behind layers of lies. Social Security on the other hand was born of the democratic process. It has been debated in public forums and changed many times. Benefits have gone up and benefits have gone down. Payments into the system have risen and fallen too. All of these decisions were made through the democratic process. If as a people we choose to end the program, that too will be a testament to our American belief in democracy. It won't be because Social Security collapsed as a Ponzi scheme.
08/26/2011
Free Stuff: Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser!
Finney's Friday Free Stuff! Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
>>Get all the details at biore.com
NOTE: More freebies to come! Watch ABC7 News at 5 PM for Finney's Friday Free Stuff. Details regarding those offers will be posted at ABC7NEWS.COM at 5:30 PM.
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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
Finney's Friday Free Stuff: Peet's Coffee!
Sometimes it seems like Peet's Coffee is your own little secret, doesn't it? Well, Peet's would prefer you would blab about it. Send your friends a free cup of Peet's Coffee. Perhaps you are your own friend.
>>Get all the details at peets.com
NOTE: More freebies to come! Check the blog again at noon!
Sign up tor receive Finney's Friday Free Stuff and Michael Finney's Consumer Blog newsletters!
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
08/25/2011
Housing plan may help Bay Area homeowners
The government's efforts to help banks went pretty well. The efforts to help homeowners have been lame! Now -finally- there is a proposal on the table that could help real people. The New York Times has the inside scoop.
08/24/2011
Sweet new credit card deal!
Capital One is introducing a new credit card today that pays a 1 1/2% kick back on all purchases. Most money-back cards only pay 1%. The catch? You only get 1% each month, but then get the rest at the anniversary date of activating the card. So if you get a $50 kickback at the end of August, another $25 dollars is added to the pile you receive in 12 months. Why do it this way? I assume to discourage you from cancelling the card.
08/23/2011
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About Michael Finney:
"I'll tell Michael Finney!" Those words are said every day in the Bay Area by embattled consumers -- and they get results. Michael Finney has been the Bay Area's Consumer Watchdog for well over a decade. While heading up ABC7's 7 On Your Side consumer unit, Michael has investigated and uncovered government and industry wrong doing and brought important information to consumers. >> MORE
"I'll tell Michael Finney!" Those words are said every day in the Bay Area by embattled consumers -- and they get results. Michael Finney has been the Bay Area's Consumer Watchdog for well over a decade. While heading up ABC7's 7 On Your Side consumer unit, Michael has investigated and uncovered government and industry wrong doing and brought important information to consumers. >> MORE
