Question Diet Products, But Keep Dessert

I’d like to tell you that products boasting dramatic, unsubstantiated weight and fat loss claims are finally paying off for some consumers. Unfortunately, I can’t. But I do have some good news. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say there’s no reason to give up dessert just because you’re on a diet. Read more…
Wealthy New York women are likely dieters

Job Search is Too Much for One Woman

“I don’t know which I hate more: this economy or the people it’s empowered to treat job seekers like circus animals…” So began an email I received recently from an out-of-work New York woman. With unemployment at unprecedented levels and the numbers of people looking for work growing daily, I thought her message was worth sharing. Read more…

Save Money: Get it Free

For years, consumer advocates have warned there’s no free lunch. But that standing advice may be changing. An increasing number of products and services are available to consumers at no cost. Free lunch may be a reality, after all…along with free breakfast, credit reports, phone service and a host of other goods and services. Read more… Related story: Here are some things you can get free

Two-Cycle Billing Costs More

The credit card with the lowest interest rate can cost you more than you expect. Although the interest rate is important, it’s just as important to understand how the card issuer computes the monthly finance charges. You need to know whether finance charges are based on a daily or monthly basis, whether there is a grace period for new purchases and how monthly payments are applied. Most consumers, however, focus primarily on the interest rate. Read more…

More Dell Buyers Get Refunds

Dell Inc. averted the possibility of a multi-state lawsuit by agreeing to pay $1.5 million in restitution to consumers in 46 US states over allegations of deceptive practices. The settlement comes on the heels of a decision by a New York Court last May, which ruled against the computer maker in a similar case brought separately by the New York Attorney General’s office. Read more…

Don’t Expect Credit for Paying Debt

Many consumers erroneously believe paying off or settling past due accounts will restore their damaged credit. It won’t–and the mistaken belief that it will creates a lot of confusion. “If I settle an account with a creditor for less than the full balance, can the creditor continue to report the account as past due? I paid the full settlement amount and the account balance is zero?” Jonathan Horn explained. Read more…