Now through September 20th, a program at Babies”R”Us or Toys”R”Us will help you save big on new baby purchases. In an effort to get recalled and dangerous products out of homes, the “Great Trade-In” event will earn you 20% off a new baby item in exchange for your old cribs, car seats, strollers, and other [...]
The FDIC reported that the number of distressed banks hit the highest level in 15 years, depleting the Deposit Insurance Fund by 20% in the second quarter…and the trickle down effect is likely to cost consumers in the form of fees and stricter lending standards. In response to the depleted reserves, banks will consider raising [...]
The deadline to take advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit is quickly approaching, but the good news is, there are proposed bills in Congress designed to extend the incentive. The measure would increase the tax credit limit from $8,000 to $15,000 and eliminate income caps. In addition to the tax credit’s perks, observers in the [...]
You can find reviews on almost anything by searching the web- from appliances to vacation spots to restaurants. When it comes to your health though, there are no detailed reports outlining mistakes that hospitals make, but that’s all about to change. Governor Jon Corzine is expected to sign legislation today that will bar hospitals from [...]
The Labor Department reported that more than $3.1 billion in stimulus funds are simply sitting in a federal trust fund because 23 states have neglected to expand their jobless benefits. According to the National Employment Law Project, that’s enough money to give benefits to nearly 350,000 unemployed Americans. Pennsylvania ranks among the top 5 states [...]
Frugal has become fashionable during the recession, as many cash-strapped families find no shame in clipping coupons- in fact, thriftiness is a popular conversation topic these days. According to a coupon-processing company Inmar, the use of electronic discounts and coupons more than doubled in the first half of 2009, compared with the same period last [...]
The number of banks on the government’s “problem bank” list surpassed 400 in the latest quarter, reaching its highest level in 15 years. As a result of numerous large and costly bank failures, the FDIC’s funds were depleted by $2.6 billion, or 20% during the quarter. Banks lost a combined total of $3.7 billion in [...]
Fewer people will take advantage of a Labor Day weekend getaway this year, but AAA said it still expects a busy weekend for airports and highways. Despite an abundance of travel deals, and low gas prices, AAA predicts the number of travelers will fall 13.3% from last year’s holiday weekend. Still, estimates for this year aren’t too [...]
After being hard hit by the stock market crash, many are desperate to rebuild their portfolios and recoup financial losses- but be careful. Scam artists are taking full advantage of eager investors by luring them with bogus, yet convincing offers. In response to this widespread trend, the Securities Commission’s Chief Counsel, Michael Byrne has compiled [...]
Food and gas have become more affordable in the recession- good for our wallets, but not for our 401(k) plans. 2010 could mark the first year ever, that the IRS reduces contribution limits to workers’ 401(k) plans. The limits are based on a formula tied to inflation rate changes, so unless inflation picks up in [...]
Spending money wisely, from home repair to shopping
