Thursday, April 30, 2009

Foreclosure scam artists sweep the nation

The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. The reality that scam artists are preying on the vulnerability of desperate homeowners is equally frightening.

The American Bankruptcy Institute Journal reports mom-and-pop scam operations are turning up across the U.S. What is a foreclosure scam? The Bankruptcy Foreclosure Scam Task Force defines a scam as "filing for bankruptcy to defraud creditors, without intending to comply with the requirements for obtaining a bankruptcy discharge or completing a repayment plan."

In 1998, an L.A. perpetrator was sentenced to six years in prison, and $71,000 in restitution for the involvement in 200 fraud bankruptcy filings. The scams don't stop in California. United States Trustee Program personnel report that these scams are "geographically widespread" and vary in methodology. Last week, the AGO settled with four people in Mass. who were previously charged with orchestrating foreclosure scams. The businesses had to pay restitution to all clients from whom they received money.

It is difficult to catch a scam before it is too late. Who should you turn to mortgage advice? The official blog of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley advises contacting your lender directly, or choose to work with one of many local community organizations for free mortgage assistance.

Click here for a list of approved counseling agencies in Mass.

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Walmart: Free treat for your dog!

CheapOair.com: Memorial Day exclusive coupon Memorial10- Valid until May 25, 2009

CompUSA.com: Save on name brand LCD monitors, as low as $69

Discover: Get $50 cash back bonus with the Discover® More card

ShoppersChoice.com: Portable BBQ grills- as low as $25

VistaPrint.com: 80% off premium business cards and free return address labels

Angie's List: Find local consumer reviews on everything from painters and plumbers to mechanics and movers

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Ray and Terry's: Free nutritional supplement shake mix

MagazineCity.com: Click to save on golf magazines

NeweggMall.com: Up to 75% off energy saving desk lamps and free shipping

OnSale.com: Apple iPod closeout sale!

OnSale.com: $105 off! Samsung 22" 720p HDTV LCD TV with integrated ATSC tuner- now only $394.99

Flowers.com: Great savings on Mother's Day flowers!

Drugstore.com: Spend $39 on Gillette, get $10 off a future order! Offer ends May 13, 2009

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

AT&T: Free ringtone download

ShoppersChoice.com: Free shipping on patio furniture- great deals on aluminum and wicker sets

Priceline.com: Rental cars up to 30% off- Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and more

NeweggMall.com: Great deals on fashionable Ray-Ban sunglasses

Restaurant.com: Save up to 60% on Restaurant gift certificates- $25 gift certificates for only $10!

Drugstore.com: Save up to 30% on natural health products until May 8, 2009

Hotwire.com: 4-star hotels at 2-star prices! Get up to 60% off retail rates at Hotwire!

Monday, April 27, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Teeccino: Register and receive a free sample of caffeine-free herbal coffee

Vistaprint.com: 50% off postcards!

ShoppersChoice.com: Free shipping on patio furniture and great deals on aluminum and wicker sets

Priceline.com: Save up to $150 with a flight and rental car package

Drugstore.com: Spend $39 on Gillette and get $10 off your next order- offer ends May 13, 2009

Drugstore.com: Save up to 50% on watches- Offer ends June 16, 2009

CheapTickets.com: 10% off car rentals until June 30, 2009

Friday, April 24, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

CompetitiveSociety.com: Free notebook and pen

Drugstore.com: Mother's Day gift guide- gifts under $25

CompUSA.com: Wide selection of laptops starting at $299

Hotwire.com: 4-star hotels at 2-star prices- get up to 60% off retail rates!

Overstock.com: Free shipping on coffee makers and tea kettles until April 27, 2009

Peapod: Click here for $10 in free groceries!

Restaurant.com: 60% off with every order of $25 gift certificates with code BONUS and pay $4 through 4/26/09. Plus $15 Dale and Thomas gift certificate free.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Travel deals heat up for spring and summer

Last year's stay-cation left us at home watching the Travel channel.

This year, it's time to travel. The recession has led to deep discounts on airfare, hotels, rental cars and resort packages. Travelocity.com reports that the cost of many trips is down from 2008 prices. Now you can get the best deals, as long as you know how to find them.

Instead of picking a destination, choose what type of vacation you'd like to take... then explore the available deals. Barbara Messing, the Vice President of Travel Ticker, a division of Hotwire reports on vacation deals: “It’s such a great time to travel that I’d recommend letting the deal be the inspiration. For instance, if you want a beach vacation, be open to both the Caribbean and Mexico and just look for the best deal.”

Consider a weekend city-trip, as most hotels in the cities are empty on the weekends. All inclusive packages are great for the budget minded traveler. All costs are upfront so there is no room for surprises. The Daily News Online recommends buying a city pass, offered in larger cities. For example, the Go San Diego Card lets you in to the San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, 40 attractions, and 18 museums.

Although Airfare is down from last year, the price may still be too high for some travelers. The good news? Gas prices are low. Pack up the car and take a road trip!

Be sure to check out these sites for great deals on travel:

Travelzoo.com: Sign up for weekly updates on hotel deals

Hotwire.com: Save up to 40% on last minute fares

We're going green for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day 2009, here are five easy Earth-friendly and money-saving tips for you to accomplish this week.

1. Stop using air fresheners
Air fresheners are a complete waste of money, and are guaranteed to leave hazard chemicals in the air. Pthalates (hormone disrupting chemicals) are found in 12 out of the 14 common brands of air fresheners currently on the market, according to The Natural Resources Defense Council.

2. Program your thermostat

Save time, energy, and money by installing a thermostat in your home, and programming it correctly. Yahoo suggests setting your thermostat in the summer to 78 degrees when you're home, and raising it when you are out or sleeping.

3. Freecycle it
Use your local recycling group to recycle your trash or gain new treasures. Check it out at Freecycle.org, Freemesa.org,

4. Quit the bottled water
Yahoo reports that water from the tap is proven to be just as safe as bottled water. You are guaranteed to save a lot of money by switching to tap... and it's better for the environment. Bring a thermos or glass with you to work.

5. Forget the dryer sheets
We know you want fresh-scented laundry, but dryer sheets are packed with synthetic materials that can be absorbed through your skin. Patti Wood of Grassroots Environmental Education says, "Opt for a 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar, or a 1/4 cup of baking soda." Much better for you, and the environment.

Additional tips to save on cellphone bills

Wireless service providers make their money when customers decide to sign a long-term contract for far more minutes and services than you are likely to need.

You can often only get out of this agreement by paying an expensive cancellation fee. If you're shopping around for a new service or considering re-signing your contract, think about switching to a prepaid plan. By avoiding the commitment of a two-year plan, you have the option of signing up for a more limited plan then expanding your services if you find you need to do so. You can ignore the high-pressure sales tactics that cost customers a lot when they know they're making a decision that could follow them for two years.

Don't be afraid to buy a bundle of what you actually use, however, because a la carte minutes, messages, and megabytes can be very costly. Most carriers charge only $3-$5 for a few hundred extra text messages that could cost as much as $0.20 each if you had to buy them individually. If you think you need to purchase add-ons for more than one service, you may want to consider upgrading your plan. Some unlimited prepaid plans offered by Boost or MetroPCS have the potential to save seriously talkers a significant amount of money each month.

Another easy way to cut your monthly bill is to find out whether you're paying for costly handset or other insurance. Customers sometimes agree to pay for this insurance when they first sign their contracts and it seems like a good idea to protect the phone they have just purchased. After a few months, previously owned versions of the very same phones tend to be available at a low cost. If you save your old phone as a backup, cancel the insurance and save the difference, you should be well prepared in the event of an accident.
--Bridget O'Sullivan

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Romano's: Sign up for news updates with Romano's Macaroni Grill and get a free appetizer

NeweggMall.com: Vitamin sale! Up to 50% off and free shipping

Flowers.com: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10 and it's time to treat your mom to beautiful arrangement or gift basket. Use promo code RETURN for $5 off!

ShoppersChoice.com: Save up to 40% on BBQ grilling accessories

MagazineCity.com: Save now on all your favorite magazines!

Priceline.com: Name your own price and save up to 40% off airfare!

OnSale.com: The new iPod touch for as low as $214.98 with free engraving and free case and charger after rebate(s)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Walmart: Free sample of Aveeno Nourish hair care

Overstock.com: Free shipping on coffee makers and tea kettles until April 27, 2009

Hotwire.com: Save up to 40% on last minute fares with Hotwire limited rates!

Overstock.com: 5% off sports and fitness until April 26, 2009

NeweggMall.com: Baseball caps for $6.95!

Flowers.com: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10 and it's time to treat your mom to beautiful arrangement or gift basket. Use promo code RETURN for $5 off!

OnSale.com: $230 off! Lenovo ThinkPad T61 Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 2.4GHz - 2GB RAM, 160GB now only $1269 after instant discount

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Ben & Jerry's: Tuesday, April 21 is free cone day at Ben & Jerry’s, and you know what that means... free ice cream for the masses.

Flowers.com: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10 and it's time to treat your mom to a beautiful arrangement or gift basket. Use promo code RETURN for $5 off!

Priceline.com: Round-trip flights under $200!

eFaucets.com: Save up to 40% on brand names for your kitchen and bath

Peapod: Click here for $10 in free groceries

NeweggMall.com: 66% off plus free shipping on sterling silver celebrity inspired earring/pendant sets

MagazineCity.com: Save up to 92% on magazine subscriptions!

Restaurant.com: 60% off with every order of $25 gift certificates with code BONUS and pay $4 through 4/26/09- and a $15 Dale and Thomas Gift Certificate free

Monday, April 20, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Gillette.com: Free Gillette razor if you are one of the first 500 people each day until May 16, 2009

OnSale.com: As much as $760 off on top selling HDTVs

NeweggMall.com: Up to 30% off and free shipping on Reebok running shoes

Priceline.com: Save up to 50% on hotels

Discover Card: Get $50 cash back bonus with the Discover® More Card!

MagazineCity.com: Click to save on Golf magazines

Overstock.com: 5% off sports and fitness until April 26, 2009

Friday, April 17, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Walmart.com: Free issue of All You magazine

Overstock.com: 5% off lawn and garden tools until April 20, 2009

Overstock.com: 10% off all patio furniture until April 20, 2009

Drugstore.com: Save up to 50% on cleaning supplies- Offer ends May 8, 2009

CheapTickets.com: Spring cruise clearance: SAIL from $39 per night!

ShopperChoice.com:Save up to 40% on BBQ grilling accessories

MagazineCity.com: Save on food and gourmet magazines!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Ditch your car and buy a scooter?

Have you decided to ditch your car this spring?

Maybe you are ready to opt for something cheaper, and something fun. If so, a scooter may be for you. Scooters are great for commuting and bumming around town on errands. Scooters can be used year round, except for extreme weather. A new scooter costs $2000 on average, and with care a scooter can last five to 10 years.

Scooters get better gas mileage than cars and they’re smaller, so they use less materials to produce and ship. We talked to Sean Murnane, co-owner of Metrowest Scooters of Framingham, MA. Murnane compares gas costs of a scooter versus a car, " It depends entirely on the price of gas, but I spend about 20 percent of what I used to spend."

But do scooters pollute?


Scooters emit more pollution than cars, but they take less resources to build, compared to an SUV. Ecomodder.com explains the reasons why scooters emit more pollution.There is much less regulation when it comes to scooters, because market restrictions have made it almost impossible for environmental legislations to pass.


Murnane has some good points about scooters and the environment. "Some scooters emit more than cars but not all--it depends on the manufacturer and the standards the scooter is built with. If you look at the entire process, from building to running to supplying a scooter with gas compared to a car, they are absolutely more environmentally friendly."


So what is the verdict? Scooters do pollute, but it depends on the scooter itself. If you are a die-hard environmentalist, an electric scooter will do away with all harmful emissions.

Tips to minimize your cellphone bill

Thanks to today's technology, cellphone plans can be very expensive.

We've compiled some cellular-savings thanks to ABCNews.com, and About.com. Here are some ways to lower your monthly bill:

1) Check your monthly balance

Most people think they are in their monthly allowance, only to find out at the end of the month they have gone $300 over. Sign up with OverMyMinutes.com for free alerts, or follow these steps according to your carrier:

AT&T
  • MIN# (*646#) for minutes used
  • DATA# (*3282#) for text usage
  • BAL# (*225#) for account balance
  • PAY (*729) to make a payment

Sprint

  • 4 for billing information
  • 3 to make a payment

T-Mobile

  • MIN# (#646#) for minutes used
  • MSG# (#674#) for text usage
  • BAL# (#225#) for account balance
Verizon
  • MIN (#646) for minutes used
  • DATA (#3282) for text usage
  • BAL (#225) for account balance
  • PMT (#768) to make a payment
2) Send texts by email

If you aren't enrolled in unlimited messaging, texts can be very expensive. Dena Christofferson, a 13-year-old from Wyoming, sent and received over 20,000 texts in 30 days. Her bill? $5000. Luckily, Predicto.com, a text messaging service will cover her bill in order to reduce the stress put on Christofferson's parents.

Want to send texts for no cost? Open an email, and enter the 10-digit number in the To: field, followed by your cell phone company's domain name:
  • AT&T: @txt.att.net
  • Sprint: @messaging.sprintpcs.com
  • T-Mobile: @tmomail.net
  • Verizon: @vtext.com
3) Skip voice mail greetings

Why waste your minutes listening to voice mail greetings? This is easy to skip. When the greeting begins, enter your carrier's code:
  • AT&T: #
  • Sprint: 1
  • T-Mobile: #
  • Verizon: *

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Discovery.com: Share your feedback and receive a free tote

NeweggMall.com: Book sale- over 70,000 titles in stock!

OnSale.com: $530 off Samsung electronics 40" 120Hz 1080p LCD HDTV with built-in ATSC/Clear QAM tuner- now only $1269.99

Hotels.com: Last minute deal! San Francisco from $47- travel by April 19, 2009

VistaPrint.com: Spring clearance sale- save up to 90%!

Hotwire.com: 4-star hotels at 2-star prices! Get up to 60% off retail rates!

Overstock.com: Free shipping on GPS units- offer valid today only

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Subway: Subway restaurants want to give taxpayers a reason to look forward to the typically dreaded April 15 by offering everyone who walks into a Subway on tax day a free cookie!

Overstock.com: 5% off Ottomans until April 16, 2009

Drugstore.com: Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips - $16.99 for a limited time only- while supplies last

Peapod: Get $10 off your first order!

NeweggMall.com: Summer is coming! Extra 10% off all bikinis and Shoes with promo Code 015022509AS10

OnSale.com: Save up to $50 on LCD displays and monitors

Discover.com: Get $50 cash back bonus with the Discover® More Card!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

NaturesOne.com: Free sample of Baby's Only Organic® Toddler dairy or soy pediatric formula

Travelzoo.com: $40-$42 Las Vegas 4-diamond hotel with spa credit!

Restaurant.com: Save 60% at Restaurant.com- $25 gift certificates for only $10!

NeweggMall.com: Up to 30% off and free shipping on Reebok running shoes

MagazineCity.com: Click to save on sports magazines!

OnSale.com: $19 off iPod Touch 16GB (2nd Gen) now only $274.98 (was $294) with free engraving and free charger and case after rebate(s)

OverStock.com: $20 off Serta Ultimate 4-inch Memory Foam mattress topper

Monday, April 13, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

BJ's: Print the online coupon for 60 days of full membership for free

Travelzoo.com: Sign up for weekly updates on amazing airfare!

NeweggMall.com: 70% off leather laptop bags and free shipping

TurboTax.com: Time is running out! DO your taxes for free with TurboTax

Restaurant.com: Save 60% off with every order of $25 gift Certificates. Use code SEASON and pay $4- offer ends today!

Overstock.com: 10% off select laptops- offer ends today!

PetSmart.com: Buy a ScoopFree or ScoopFree Ultra Litter Box and get a free refill cartridge

Friday, April 10, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Murad.com: Free active radiance serum sample

TravelZoo.com: $69 for Las Vegas 4-Star Hotel w/free poolside cabana rental

Overstock.com: 10% off all wedding rings!

OnSale.com: $660 off Westinghouse 47" LCD HDTV/NTSC 1080p (Refurbished) now only $639.99!

Flowers.com: Great deals on Easter flowers

Hotwire.com: Save up to 40% on last minute fares with Hotwire limited rates!

Vistaprint.com: Spring clearance sale! Save up to 90%!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Last-minute tax advice for small businesses

With the Wednesday, April 15 tax deadline literally around the corner, there's still time to take advantage of some last-minute tax tips.

If you're really scrambling, you can file for an extension by April 15 and that will give you an additional six months to finish your returns. However, the extension doesn't allow for any additional time to pay your taxes. You still have to pay what you think you owe or face interest and penalties. With many people trying to save as much as possible and many businesses struggling this year, there are a few tips that could be particularly helpful in the days leading up to April 15.

If you own a business, for example, and it posted losses in 2008, you may be able to use those losses to offset some of the taxes you paid on earnings in the past. The rules on this can depend on both the amount you earned and your corporate tax bracket, but in some cases, you could end up with money back. This year's losses can sometimes also be used to offset future earnings, but in many cases, a company would have to lose a significant amount of money to make the effort of trying to claim this money worthwhile.

This year the government is offering a lot of incentives for small businesses to make environmentally friendly improvements and upgrades. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy details many of the improvements that are available in each state. Some incentives are applicable to purchases as small as Energy Star appliances, and some states allow these environmental incentives to offset corporate and personal taxes.

No matter how tempting, it is extremely important to claim only the deductions that truly apply to you or your business. Since times are tough, the IRS is likely to be looking closely at returns that seem suspicious. Audits and penalties can be very costly, and informers get a big payout. In some cases, they can receive up to 30 percent of the additional tax collected. Though it's not always crystal-clear, you should be able to find all of the information you need to complete an accurate return at IRS.gov.
--Bridget O'Sullivan

Last-minute tax return advice for procrastinators

Your 2008 tax return is due to the IRS by midnight on April 15, 2009. Here are some last-minute tips:

Should you file yourself ... or pay a professional?

Maybe your tax returns are simple, enabling you to file them yourself. If your returns are somewhat involved, you may be better off turning to a professional for help. Be cautious of who you choose. Stephanie AuWerter of SmartMoney.com reports, "Look for somebody who is either a CPA or an enrolled agent."

Once it has been decided to file taxes on your own, there are a few options of tax software to choose from. CompleteTax allows you to prepare your federal and resident state tax returns online, and TurboTax offers a federal free edition as well.

You need more time to file


So you need more time to file. That's OK, as long as you pay your estimated taxes by Wednesday, April 15. File for extra time with an Application for an Extension of Time to File- form 4868. This grants you an automatic extension until October 15, 2009.

If you don't file anything, you will receive a Failure to File Penalty. The IRS will charge you 5 percent per month on all income taxes due. That breaks down to $50 for every $1000 you owe per a month.

You don't have enough money to pay

If you don't pay your taxes, you will be hit with an interest charges and 1/2% per month penalty on the unpaid balance. Fox Business reports a few options to help your taxes get paid:
  1. Borrow the money- from family, relatives, etc.
  2. Charge it- to be used if you have a low credit card balance
  3. Payment plan- with a 52$ fee when you pay electronically and 8 percent interest
After receiving your tax refund

Look over it carefully. If your refund seems high, increase your exemptions. AuWerter says "Getting a refund is great, but ideally you want to shoot for getting a small one rather than a really big one."

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Huggies: Free Huggies Pure and Natural diaper sample

NeweggMall.com:Up to 69% off designer handbags, wallets, and accessories

Discover® Card: Get $50 cash back bonus with the Discover® More Card!

Apple.com: Apple iPod closeout sale!

MagazineCity.com: Save on health and fitness magazines!

TurboTax.com: TurboTax® Online Federal Free Edition lets you file federal taxes online for free!

Overstock.com: Free shipping on cookware and bakeware ends April 12, 2009

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Earthbound Farm Organic: Be one of the first 10,000 people to take the pledge each week in April, you’ll win a beautiful Earthbound Farm reusable shopping tote!

OnSale.com: New iPod shuffle starts at $46.48 with free engraving and free charger and tune ranger after rebate(s)

TurboTax®: Online Federal Free Edition lets you file federal taxes online for free

MagazineCity.com: Save money on garden magazines

NeweggMall.com: Book sale with over 70,000 titles in stock

Hotels.com: $20 off with a three night booking

ShoppersChoice.com: Save up to 40% on BBQ grilling accessories

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Should you buy an American car?

So, the time has come to buy a car. Should you buy foreign or American?

Although we want to support our homeland and buy American, some consumers would argue that foreign cars are much more reliable and, in a few cases, more economical. Here are a few reasons for and against buying American:

For American Cars
The quality is up! The latest J.D. Power dependability study shows that Cadillac and Mercury outperformed Honda and Toyota for three-year-old vehicles.

The price is right. Detroit car makers know they need to sell more cars. This is why you will find the prices of Ford, GM, and Chrysler much lower than the prices of Honda and Toyota. Currently, the Chevy Malibu has 0% financing, and the Ford Fusion has up to $3500 in rebates.

Maybe it's time to support the home team. Buying American will help Detroit out of a slump, even if you don't support the bailout. Buying American will save jobs, help research and develop new technology here in the U.S.

Against American Cars
Consumer Reports online reliability ratings gives the top 10 spots to foreign vehicles. seven out of the 10 lowest rankings are given to domestic vehicles.

These cars are not environmentally friendly. Detroit is slacking when it comes to environmental
standards. Ford's hybrids are pricey- and still a generation behind the Honda Insight and the third generation Toyota Prius.

What does the government actually guarantee? Honored warranties and 0% financing may not be enough to send consumers running to the GM and Chrysler lot.

What do the experts say?
A SmartMoney.com article on buying American cars highlights James Brock, a marketing professor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Brock says, "Very ironically, there’s never been a better time to buy, now they’re practically giving the things away.”

Inside Consumer United :: Jeffrey Burt

Jeffrey Burt works full time as a Consumer United Advocate helping the average consumer save money on car insurance and home owners insurance. Burt has made new friendships, and enjoys the fast-paced environment that Consumer United offers. "Being a part of a company that is growing at the rate of Consumer United is something special," he says.

What is Burt's favorite personal finance advice? "Set short and long-term goals for yourself, and base all of your decisions upon reaching those goals." Burt saves money by following his own advice, and making sure he doesn't exceed his set budgets.

Outside of work, Burt enjoys being with close friends, and pro-actively works to help the environment. He's a NASCAR aficionado, and also enjoys sailing and playing golf during the summer.

Before Consumer United, Burt worked for Perkins School for the Blind helping out with the manufacturing team building Braille typewriters.

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Walmart.com: Free Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentials sample

CheapOair.com: Senior coupons on flights and discount travel deals- use coupon code SENIOR10 and get an additional $10 off all flight tickets

Drugstore.com: Spend $149 on Braun items and get $20 off your order- offer ends 5.7.2009

Hotwire.com: Find rental cars from $13.95 a day and no hidden fees

OnSale.com: $333 off Toshiba satellite notebook with HP color inkjet printer and USB printer cable bundle after rebate

TurboTax.com: TurboTax® Online Federal Free Edition lets you file federal taxes online for free... time is running out!

Flowers.com: Great deals on Easter gift baskets at Flowers.com

Monday, April 6, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Ideal Bite: Register for free and receive daily eco-living tips

Drugstore.com: Buy any L'Oreal cosmetic item and get 50% off the second until May 8, 2009

Skype: Save 1/3 on the new monthly subscriptions when you buy 3 or 12 months until June 1, 2009

Restaurant.com: Save up to 60% on gift certificates- $25 gift certificates for only $10

AutoAnything.com: Looking for car covers? Save up to 54% off list prices- and get free shipping

eFaucets.com: Save up to 40% on brand names for your kitchen and bath

Hotwire.com: Save up to 40% on last minute fares

Friday, April 3, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

FaveCrafts.com: Free e-book full of Easter craft projects and recipes

Priceline.com: Round trip flights for under $200!

OnSale.com: New iPod shuffle starts at $46.48 with free engraving, free charger and and free tune ranger after rebate(s)

TurboTax®: Choose Online Federal Free Edition for your taxes... the clock is ticking!

NeweggMall.com: 66% off on Peora necklaces

Overstock.com: 10% off children's clothes until April 5, 2009

CompUSA.com: Overstock clearance event at CompUSA.com

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Consumers' opinions reflect challenging times

Although consumers remain concerned about the weak job market and overall economic conditions, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index for the month of March indicates that consumers are more optimistic about business conditions than they were last month. In February, the Conference Board reported that, 40.7 percent of consumers expected business conditions to worsen over the course of the next six months.

However, in March that number decreased to 39.1 percent of consumers.

The number of consumers who felt that there would be fewer jobs available in the coming months also decreased. In February, 47 percent of consumers felt there would be fewer jobs. That number fell by almost 5 percent in March, to 42.6 percent of consumers. Consumers who believed more jobs would be available increased to 7.1 percent from 6.8 in February. Opinions regarding the economy at large, however, remained grim.

General consumer confidence and the "Present Situation Index," a marker that indicates how confident consumers are in the current moment, continued to reflect the overall uncertainty in the economy. The "Consumer Confidence Index," the benchmark measure of consumers' general outlook, remained relatively flat in March after dropping significantly in February.

Lynn Franco, the Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, commented on current consumer opinions in a statement. "Apprehension about the outlook for the economy, the labor market and earnings continues to weigh heavily on consumers' attitudes. Looking ahead, consumers remain extremely pessimistic about the short-term future and do not foresee a turnaround in economic conditions over the coming six months."

Perhaps indicative of general pessimism, the number of consumers who believed their incomes would increase over the course of the next few months dropped to just 7.5 percent in March from 7.9 percent in February. After the relatively dramatic drop in consumer confidence from January to February, the fact that many measures held steady from February to March may be a sign of improvement.

Click here for the report.

--Bridget O'Sullivan

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Mighty Leaf: Free Mighty Leaf tea sample

NeweggMall.com: Kids Easter books starting as low as $3

MagazineCity.com: Click to save on business magazines!

Priceline.com: Save on Marriott hotels at Priceline.com

NeweggMall.com: Up to 28% off Ralph Lauren top selling gift sets

Flowers.com: Great deals on Easter flowers

American Express: Save $5 off the shipping when you purchase an American Express gift card before June 10, 2009 with promo code AFL5

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Hallmark.com: Free paper customized greeting card with promo code TRIAL

NeweggMall.com: Extra 10% off all bikinis and shoes w/ promo code 015022509AS10

Discover® Card: Get $50 cash back bonus with the Discover® More Card!

TravelZoo.com: Sign up for free and receive discounted airfare deals

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AutoAnything.com: Get $30 off $399 w/code SAVE30- valid until April 30, 2009

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