I sat down with Lester Holt on TODAY SHOW over the weekend discuss a tricky topic ... WARRANTIES. Hopefully the segment will help guide the way you think about the value of extended warranties and the decisions you make to help ensure you're not over-paying or under-insuring. The actual definitions of warranty and insurance vary. At the risk of making heads spin, we try to boil it down.
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1) FLAT SCREEN PLASMA TV
Turns out, TV's almost never break. Today's Plasma and LCD flat panel TVs are surprisingly reliable and designed to last for 40,000 viewing hours. That's about 20 years for the average TV viewer. If there is an issue, the average repair cost for a plasma or LCD HDTV is about $400.00 (source: Consumer Reports). An extended warranty at usually 15% of the cost of the item. For a 3 year extended service plan on a $2300 TV, you're talking about $370.00.
Service plans usually cover in-house repair including parts and labor for all big screen televisions 32 inches and up. And if necessary, replacement of a non-functioning television. TVs are also covered in the case of damage due to power surges. But accidental damage to the set (i.e., if you drop it while your hanging it on the wall) is NOT generally covered.
Perhaps kip the extended warranty if you are buying an established brand name TV, but consider spending to have retailer like a Best Buy install it for you, since moving and hanging TV's on the wall is sometimes easier said than done. Then, just don't mess with the screen. You can pick up a gentle screen cleaning kit at any electronics store for about $15.
LAPTOPS NOW OUTSELL TRADITIONAL DESKTOP PCS, BUT THEY'RE MORE FRAGILE ... HOW OFTEN DO THEY BREAK AND WHAT'S YOUR BEST COVERAGE STRATEGY?
2) LAPTOPS
Laptops are among the most repair prone electronics items. Over 40% of three- to four-year-old laptops will need some type of repair service (source: Consumer Reports). Desktops tend to be more a little more reliable, since we don't' make a habit of lugging them around the house, into Starbucks or on and off airplanes. The fast processors in some of today's laptops produce a lot of heat, so make sure you aren't burying them in a pillow where there's no ventilation.
For about $80.00 for each year of extended service you choose, up to 4 years. Includes in-home service calls/repairs, but they'll first attempt to diagnose and fix the problem over the telephone, prior to dispatching a technician. If a warranty with "accidental damage protection" is offered, it's probably worth adding it, so you're covered on damage from dropping it, getting it wet and other mistakes. Parents of teenagers we spoke with, say they've learned this the hard way:)
All major PC manufacturers give you at least a one year warranty, some offer up to two years, which usually includes parts and labor and some level of telephone support service. After that, they offer what is called "Out of Warranty" service, where repair costs start at $160.00 and can run as high as $500-$600. Simply buying a new laptop battery can run well over $100. A simple Tech support call after your standard term expires could cost as much as $40 a call.
With computer repairs, you also need to ask yourself: "Can I be without my computer for a week or two?" Manufacturer warranty repairs require you to ship the computer to them so they can work on it. UPS has a whole division just to help companies with this given the volume. If you live on your computer or have a small business, you might want to opt for the upgraded service plan, just for the ability to have "on-site" repairs at your house or place of business. Upgraded service plans for computers also often come with VIP phone tech support for trouble-shooting problems.
The extended warranty on any laptop in excess of $1000.00 may make sense, especially if you can't afford to be without it for any length of time while it's being repaired (and shipped back & forth). If you're getting the $399.00 bargain laptop, maybe take your chances, since on a percentage basis the cost could exceed 10-20% and because technology changes so quickly you're likely to be better of replacing than repairing at that price point.
SOME PEOPLE ARE ON THEIR 2ND OR 3RD IPOD ... PARENTS ALSO STRUGGLE WITH THIS, IF THEY'RE THE ONE PURCHASING THE IPOD AS A GIFT. WHAT'S THE MOST COMMON ISSUE AND OUR BEST MOVE?
3) iPod
Short battery life. Most people will get about 8 months to 2 years out of their battery – normally 250 – 500 charges. One of the major causes of short battery life is heat – keep your player out of the sun or a hot car.
On an iPod, the battery isn't something most people can replace themselves ... You literally have to disassemble the iPod. Apple offers an iPod battery replacement program for $59.00. http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/prices/#us
Another common problem with MP3 players or iPods – cracked LCD screens. A major culprit there – tight jeans ... If you carry your iPod in your jeans, when you sit down it's going to bend and that's when that LCD screen cracks; repair technicians say the pencil thin iPod Nano is especially susceptible to this ... they see it all the time.
Apple offers a one year limited warranty on iPods. They will repair your iPod with new or used parts or swap our your iPod for a new or refurbished iPod. You either mail in the iPod to an Apple service center or bring it into to an Apple retail store.
Extended service plans can be either purchased directly through Apple or through the retailer where you bought the iPod for about $60 for three years (or really two years, since Apple has the first one covered). http://images.apple.com/legal/warranty/docs/ipodisight.pdf
It's probably worth the extra $60 for extended service if you use your iPod often. If you spend $60.00 for 3 years of service and the plan covers a worn out battery – you essentially have gotten your money back if . If you're buying a much less expensive iPod, like the iPod Shuffle, maybe skip it since on a percentage basis the coverage is of less value.
WITH CELLPHONES AND BLACKBERRIES ... YOU'RE PROBABLY MORE LIKELY TO LOSE THEM, THAN BREAK THEM. CAN YOU INSURE AGAINST THAT?
4) CELL PHONES & BLACKBERRIES:
A lot of people don't know this, but cell phone insurance can be purchased through all major cell carriers. Cost for the insurance runs about $5.00 per month. It covers you for a replacement phone if you lose or you damage it (though not necessarily if you leave it in the car with the sunroof open on a rainy day).
But for any claims made, you will likely be on the hook for a deductible/co-pay. For less expensive phones the deductible is $50.00; for more expensive models – like some of the newer Blackberries – the deductible can be as high as $125.00.
One way around cell phone insurance is via an equipment upgrade (most wireless carriers offer these about every 18 months). In that case they'll give you a break on the replacement cost, but you will have to sign a new 2 year contract. This timing may not always match up with your "accident."
Also, if you had to send your cell phone in to the manufacturer for repairs, can you really live without it for even a few days or a week? That can be a deal-breaker for some people and is a good reason to keep at least one old cellphone around, so you can transfer the # while your phone is being repaired. If you have a couple teenagers at home who commonly break or lose their phones ... Again, it may be worth it.
SWITCHING GEARS FROM TECH TO SOME OTHER TIMES WE'RE FACED WITH A GO OR NO-GO DECISION .... DO WE REALLY NEED RENTAL CAR INSURANCE WHEN WE PICK UP THE VEHICLE?
5) RENTAL CAR INSURANCE
Buying additional insurance coverage for a rental car can add up to as much as $40 per day. But consumers often don't know what they need and don't need. Collision damage waivers, liability insurance, personal accident insurance ... it can all sound and be a bit confusing, especially when you don't know what you already have/don't have.
The key it to try to avoid duplicating coverage & redundantly paying for the same service and to close any gaps in coverage that could cost you. Many travelers don't realize they're more than likely duplicating coverage they already have. Not only does a driver's insurance policy protect against theft or damages to a rental vehicle, but often so does a major credit card used to pay the rental fee. As for personal accident insurance which covers medical and ambulance bills for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident ... health insurance or personal injury protection under auto insurance could already pay for these types of bills. The best thing to do is to call your insurance agent and credit card company in advance. Don't be left standing at the rental desk, feeling pressured to buy it all because you don't have a sense of what kind of coverage you need and what you don't if you are traveling for business or personal reasons. Be sure to specifically ask what's NOT covered, so you can spot holes. For instance, if you decide to rent a fancy vehicle and you drive a clunker at home, your policy may not meet certain thresholds.
Plan ahead, then plan on filling holes and skipping upsells.
6) EVENT TICKET INSURANCE When buying tickets to a concert, theatre or sports event, there's often that nagging feeling ... the show is three months away ... what if I can't make it? Event Ticket Insurance may give you peace of mind.
What it costs and what it covers:
Ticket insurance provides coverage for event tickets that go unused due to illness, traffic accident, car break-down or even a flight delay.
Event Ticket Protector insurance, offered through TicketMaster, which costs 6% of the total ticket and shipping fees, covers the ticket cost, taxes and shipping up to $10,000 per ticket.
Since most fans purchase tickets well in advance on the event date, usually on the day they are released, ticket insurance provides peace of mind that should something unexpected happen that prevent the tickets from being used, the ticket holder won't also lose their investment in the cost of tickets.
Example – Say you want to take the kids to see Disney on Ice. At up to $70 per ticket, it can quickly become a several-hundred dollar event. When purchasing a ticket, the thought of missing the event is usually the last thing on anyone's mind ... But if unforeseen circumstances, such as a car trouble, a traffic accident, medical emergency/illness or even jury duty, prevents you from attending, a family that has shelled out hundreds of dollars for seats is protected from financial loss. So, if mom or dad gets sick and the family can't attend, all tickets purchased are covered. Explaining why you have to miss Mickey Mouse may be a bit more complicated.
Filing a claim? Save those receipts!
Be sure to hang on to your original receipts for all ticket expenses, proof of payments, and other documents that substantiate the cost of the event. Also, hang on to your original unused tickets.
You will also need documentation to explains the cause of why you were unable to attend the event. Things like a completed and signed Physician Statement Form, a Police Report, a notarized statement signed by an officer of your employer verifying the requirement to work, etc.
If you passed on the ticket insurance and can't make it to the show ...
Consider giving your ticket to a friend or see if you can sell it on sites like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
We're focusing on earning an online degree for ABC News this week. One of the questions we're looking into is "Do you have to apply?" and "How hard is it to get in?" We had the privilege of hosting some of our favorite family friends this weekend. One of their sons is looking at area colleges. An exciting time. Millions of others are logging on to take college classes. Here's what it takes to "get in."
While they call it "admissions," is more so an application process. The online colleges we checked out or called are University of Phoenix Online, Capella University and Devry.
**Admission Requirements - University of Phoenix To enter an associate or bachelor degree program, you must:
**The online operator at Univ. of Phoenix told us they have "direct bill" programs setup with some companies, i.e., Verizon and Boeing. So, Verizon and Boeing allow their employees to take classes there and the University of Phoenix bills the company directly -- it's like an instant tuition reimbursement program. Smart. Each applicant for either an education online or onsite must be at least 17 years old on the first day of classes.In general, you need one or more of the following:
- a high school diploma for sure -- all require this.
- some online universities, such as University of Phoenix require that you are currently employed -- it's a must if you are pursuing a Bachelor's degree.
- some require a telephone interview and an evaluation of your past college or work experience. - all will transfer past college credits from accredited institutions and some offer credits for prior work experience that relates to your particular area of study.
**Getting in is one thing, but just like any accredited college, online universities require you be passing your classes/keeping your grades up or you can be placed on "academic probation."
MORE DETAIL BELOW, SITE BY SITE:
Associate and Bachelor Admission Requirements
1) Have earned a high school diploma or GED.
2) Be currently employed. If you are not employed, you must have access to an organizational environment that allows you to apply the concepts you learn in our courses. Selected undergraduate programs require applicants entering with less than 24 transferable credits to have current employment or access to an organizational environment and one year of full-time work experience.** Capella University - Education Degree Program - Online Degree Programs - Online University Degrees
- You must have HS Diploma- You must be at least 24 years of age
**College Admission Requirements for general admission at DeVry University
To be granted unconditional admission to DeVry, for an education online, onsite or a combination of both, a prospective student must interview with a DeVry admissions advisor (admissions representative in Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oregon) and complete an application for admission. In addition, all other general and specific admission requirements must be met, including those regarding age, prior education and evaluation of proficiency in the basic and prerequisite skills needed for college-level work.
Age requirement
RELATED POST: The Kids are Back-to-School: Now, Maybe it's YOUR Turn
Away for the week, but wanted to make sure we keep this post up as the school year gets underway ... Here are some of the background notes re: getting the most bang for your back-to-school buck. We're all over this in our house, starting with a vocabulary lesson on NEED vs WANT! This exercise alone is a windfall. We'll keep this post up & continue to update it with some of the best, most current offers.
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING - 2008
The back-to-school season kicked off this month and will last through mid-September ... And While it's considered the second-busiest retail period behind Christmas, back-to-school spending is estimated to rise at the slowest pace in seven years.
WITH summer gas prices hovering around $4 dollar A GALLON ... some savvy shoppers ARE reaching for their keyboards instead of their car keys ... taking to the Internet in search of back-to-school deals and special offers ... AND many e-tailers are deliverING unprecedented VALUE ...
AOL CONSUMER ADVISOR
***
RECENT SURVEYS SHOW THE AVERAGE FAMILY WITH SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WILL SPEND NEARLY $600.00 ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL PUCHASES ... AND A BIGGER CHUNK OF THAT MONEY MAY BE SPENT ONLINE THIS YEAR?
- When you look at grades K-12, recent surveys indicate there will be an up-tick in online back-to-school shopping ...
- Already, in recent weeks, a surprising "bright spot" in retail has been big players, including Gap and JC Penney experiencing double-digit sales growth on their shopping sites. And it makes perfect sense when you consider online shopping has always been about three things: 1) selection, 2) price, 3) convenience.
- Selection online is bigger than ever, the prices are competitive and if you can take advantage of FREE or discounted shipping offers, by the time you factor in gas, your total cost could be lower ... and convenience just paid for itself. Bottom line: Consumers don't want to take the risk of spending time and gas driving from store to store hunting for things.
LET'S TALK THROUGH SOME OF THE ONLINE OFFERS YOU'RE SEEING FROM SOME SPECIFIC ONLINE STORES ...
Online sales for GAP a full 21% over this time last year. They have a new web strategy where you can shop at all three of their big brands – GAP, Old Navy, & Banana Republic (+ their new shoe store piperlime.com ) on one site – it's four stores and one checkout. You can buy as much as you want and get FLAT RATE SHIPPING of only $7. If on the other hand you were to drive to 3 or 4 different stores looking for something – it's easy to start doing the math on how much gas you might burn through.
$7 FLAT RATE SHIPPING SOUNDS LIKE A PRETTY GOOD DEAL ... WHAT ABOUT FREE SHIPPING OFFERS ... ARE THERE MANY OF THOSE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW?
Absolutely. We usually only see this many offers around the holidays, but e-tailers know their most effective online promotion is FREE SHIPPING. In some cases you have to meet a minimum purchase amount (say $50) for the free shipping to kick in; or free shipping may only apply to certain items/categories.
Some current offers – keep in mind some of these offer change daily, so check back often:
- JCPenney.com – free shipping on all orders $99 and up.
- Target.com – free shipping on kids clothes when you spend $50 or more. Free shipping on select dorm room furniture.
- Zappos.com – huge online shoe store – free shipping & free return shipping 365 days a year.
- Kohls.com – free shipping when you spend $75 or more.
- Walmart.com – free shipping "site to store." Still a good option since it keeps you from running in circles in Walmart and by shopping online you know right away whether they have the sizes, styles, items you're after.
- Website freeshipping.org currently has free shipping promotions listed for over 800 online stores. Some offers require a coupon code, others again may require you to hit a certain purchase amount.
YOU SAY EVEN WITH FREE OR FLATRATE SHIPPING, IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO THE OVERALL MATH ... EXPLAIN THAT?
You have to take the total cost of your online purchase – that's merchandise + any shipping costs and weigh that against what it would cost you to drive to the store – or multiple stores.
You can use sites like MapQuest.com to plot out trips before you hop in the car, so you know exactly how far you're going and if you're taking the fastest route.
If you drive an SUV, live 15 miles from the mall and you're getting 15 miles to the gallon – at $4.00+ a gallon – multiple trips to the mall are not your friend. That's when it may pay off -- and the total cost may be cheaper -- to have items sent to your doorstep.
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EVEN THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE BUYING ONLINE ... THEY CAN BENEFIT BY USING THE INTERNET TO LAY OUT A GAME PLAN FOR THEIR SHOPPING TRIP?
Sure. For every purchase made online, many more are influenced by researching products first. And, you can take it a step further by knowing instantly if the items you're after are "in stock." That way you don't get in the car only to find out when you get there, they're sold out. CircuitCity.com, for example, has an inventory tracker, that will instantly tell you if an item is available in stores near you BEFORE you get in the car.
ANY TIPS FOR PARENTS WHO ARE GETTING THOSE NO SO SUBTLE NUDGES FROM THEIR KIDS AS TO WHAT THEY WHAT THEY WANT (OR NEED) FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ... YOU KNOW THEY JUST HAVE TO HAVE WHAT THE OTHER COOL KIDS HAVE, RIGHT?
- There's definitely a lot of negotiating going on between pre-teens, teens and parents.
- Have a game plan: Make a list, set a budget, and go online together with your son/daughter to do your shopping. We'll be following this drill in our house this w-end.
- There's going to be some give and take – maybe you agree to get them the one pair of designer jeans or shoes from Nordstrom.com and in return they're willing to spend the rest of the budget on a site offering deeper discounts like Target or Walmart.com.
- By shopping online you can also take away some of the temptation of those impulse buys. By constantly reviewing your shopping cart, you can view the running total you're spending – that alone can help you stay on budget – there are no surprises at the register.
SWITCHING GEARS TO COLLEGE-AGE KIDS ... ONE OF THE BIGGEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPENSES FOR THEM ARE OFTEN TEXTBOOKS ... BUT YOU SAY THERE'S LOTS OF MONEY TO BE SAVED BY BYPASSING THE COLLEGE BOOKSTORE?
The average college student spends $900 annually on textbooks. The price at the campus bookstore used to be the price you paid and that was that, but that's not the case these days – there's competition. And with a single hardcover book sometimes costing in excess of $100.00 new, if you can save 30, 40, 50%, why wouldn't you?
For those who plan to go this route, BestBookBuys.com is a good starting point. It's a textbook comparison shopping site that searches the Internet for your textbooks across dozens of textbook sites and thousands of independent sellers on eBay, Amazon.com's Marketplace and other sources.
Most textbook resellers also offer to buy back your used books. So you save on the front end and cash in a little bit on the back-end.
We are heading to The Jonas Brothers Concert tonight. Gotta hand it to these boys. Can remember thinking they we're onto something when they opened for Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) last Summer. Disney really knows how to keep kids in the pipeline. Demi Lovato will be opening tonight. Knew she was an up & comer when spotted her on the HOT SEARCH List. If you are a Parent or Grandparent ... memorize her name. She's slated to be "the next Hannah Montana." Just burnt Jonas Bros iTunes CD, so we can sing on the way to & from the show ... RELATED POSTS: Scoring Hannah Montana Tickets. Find more concert tours: HERE.
This is a fun one, as discussed on radio with the ever-gracious Wags & Elliot on Ohio's WLVQ FM recently. Picture this: You're at one of 1700 restaurants nationwide, one of the 36,000 item menus listed has a "healthy heart" next to it. To be clear, it often has NOTHING to do with calories. If you're an old-fashion believer in it all coming down to calories in & calories out (simple math), this new online mobile tool may be for you.
Have tested it all week & the instant results are truly instant. They call it, "Nutrition on the GO." I call it avoid crazy mistakes ... You send text message to Diet1 (34381) -- same drill as voting on American Idol. You type in the menu item (e.g, Subway 6 inch tuna sub ...) They text you right back with key -- & frankly staggering stats -- 530 calories (imagine when you have 12 inch!); carbs 45g: protein 22g; fat 31g. Then, you can make an educated call.
The new iPhone restaurant application, has a similar feature.
VERDICT:
ONE BOOK = DRIVE!
TWO BOOKS = DELIVER!
VERDICT: DRIVE
VERDICT: DELIVER!
VERDICT:
DELIVER!
DRIVE IF YOUR TOTAL ORDER WEIGHTS 70+ LBS.
More Americans are Checking Email While Driving, in the Bathroom, on Vacation, in Church!
If you check your email in the middle of the night or even while driving, you're not alone. According to fourth annual Email Addiction Survey, nearly half (46%) of email users said they're hooked on email (up from just 15% last year) and 51% check their email four or more times a day (up from 45% in 2007). One in five said they check their email more than 10 times a day. Full results can be found at http://www.CrazyForEmail.com.
More than one-quarter (27%) are so overwhelmed by their email that they've either declared "email bankruptcy," deleting all their email messages to start anew, or they're seriously thinking about doing so. Maybe it's because 20% of users said they have over 300 emails in their inboxes!
To start fresh, 24% admit they've signed up for a new email address. It comes as no surprise then that 69% of email users said they have multiple email accounts, up from 52% in 2007. To get a new email address, including NAME@CrazyForEmail.com, just visit http://MyeAddress.com.
We Have Issues with Salutations, Sign-Offs & Spelling
When asked about email etiquette, nearly one quarter (24%) of email users said they don't even use a salutation – they just dive right into their email messages! Meanwhile, 23% write "Hi Bob" and 20% say "Hello Bob" when they start an email to co-worker Bob.
As for email sign-offs, most people write "Thanks" (44%) or "Sincerely (12%). The most annoying sign-off among email users? It's "xoxo" according to 25% of respondents. "Cheers" irritated 13% of users the most. Overall, 63% of email users were annoyed by some type of email sign-off.
Most respondents (88%) said that they pay attention to spelling and punctuation when writing emails, and 68% said emails with spelling and punctuation errors annoyed them. Interestingly, 74% said they excuse errors when emails are sent from a mobile device like a BlackBerry or iPhone.
We Do it in the Middle of the Night & First Thing in the Morning
So when are email users most likely to check their email? Twenty-three percent said as soon as they wake up, followed by right when they get home from work (11%) and right after dinner (9%).
Among email users, 16% said they check their email from a mobile device and 55% said they upgraded to a new cell phone in the last year so they could get their email while on-the-go. Unfortunately, 30% of mobile email users said that since getting a mobile device with email capabilities they feel "married to the office."
Nearly half (41%) of mobile email users said they keep their cell phones near them when they sleep so they can hear when a new email comes in. Worse, 49% of mobile email users said they check their email every single time a new message arrives. This can't be good for sleep.
Are We a Nation Hooked on Email?
People today check their email from the strangest of places. Where you ask?
• In bed in their pajamas: 67%
• From the bathroom: 59% (up from 53% last year)
• While driving: 50% (up from 37% last year)
• In a bar or club: 39%
• In a business meeting: 38%
• During happy hour: 34%
• While on a date: 25%
• From church: 15% (up from 12% last year)
Email users have also become too quick to hit the "Send" button. In fact, 32% have forwarded an email to the wrong person and 16% have relied on email as a way to share uncomfortable or bad news with someone. Meanwhile, 12% have used email to ask someone on a date and 7% have broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend over email. A full 16% even said they still keep email notes from ex-boyfriends and girlfriends!
We also just can't walk away from our inboxes. Of those surveyed, 60% said they've never gone more than 5 days without checking email and 17% can't go more than one day without email. They're so hooked that 11% have even hidden the fact that they're checking email from a spouse or family member.
The Most Email Addicted Cities in the Nation
Some cities are more hooked on email than others. Here are the ten most email addicted cities in the country:
1. New York
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. San Francisco
6. Sacramento
7. Orlando
8. Minneapolis-St. Paul
9. Denver
10. Phoenix
Email Addiction Tips:
Email Addiction often has less to do with curbing an obsession than it does with proper time and email management. The following tips can help people deal with "email addiction:"
** Store, don't hoard: Use folders provided in most free email services such as
**Use the away message: If you feel compelled to answer every email as it comes in, use your away message to let people know that you have stepped away from email for the day (or night), and will respond when you return.
**Follow the Rule of Three: If you have emailed back and forth with the same person on the same topic more than three times, it is time to pick up the phone and have a conversation.
**Don't over reply: You don't need to send those short, one-word replies, such as "thanks" or "yes."
**Set a virtual start time and curfew: Don't get online first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
**If all else fails, try going cold turkey: Take a weekend off; you might be surprised to find the world doesn't fall apart if you don't check your messages.
It's fun to be back on WPIX CW in NYC ... Here's some of what we're covering ... With the economy on shaky ground, more Americans are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars further. This includes haggling for lower prices on everything from cars, to new flat screen TVs, furniture, home improvement products ... even clothing. But did you know, your mouse may be one of the best bargaining chips of all? It's called "e-Haggling."'
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL OF US ... WE BUY AN ITEM AND THE VERY NEXT WEEK THE PRICE DROPS OR IT GOES ON
Most retailers offer what are called "price protection" policies, where they promise to refund a portion of your purchase price, if the product you bought drops in price within a certain time frame after you buy it. A typical period of time is 30 days. At PriceProtectr.com, they watch prices so you don't have to; if an item drops in price after you purchase it, they'll notify you by email so you can get a refund of the difference. To use the service, just enter the URL for the item you purchased.
AND THERE'S A SITE THAT WORKS IN SIMILAR FASHION FOR AIRFARES?
www.yapta.com – "Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant"
All major airlines offer what is called the "guaranteed airfare policy," which means you're eligible for a refund if the fare price decreases. Plug your email address and itinerary into Yapta.com (before or after you book) and it will alert you if/when prices drop. Even after deducting any change fee that may be levied by the airline, if the $400 round trip ticket you purchased is suddenly $200, you might have $150+ bucks headed your way – usually the money comes by way of a travel voucher you can use on a future trip.
ONE OF THE LATEST WAYS TO E-HAGGLE IS WITH OUR CELL PHONE?
Wireless E-Haggling: At wap.aol.com/shopping there's a mobile comparison shopping tool where you can compare prices on nearly 12 million products right on your cell phone, while you're in the store. Try showing that to the salesperson ... it could move the needle in your direction.
SHOPPING FOR A NEW OR USED CAR ... ALSO POPULAR ONLINE ... SOME TIPS THERE FOR GETTING THE BEST DEAL? 75% of car shoppers start their search online ... and spring/summer is a popular time to buy a new set of wheels. Your best bet is to start out on a major autos site like autos.aol.com ... Once you find the make/model you're after, your next move should be to email the dealer for an anonymous no obligation price quote. Chances are, they're going to give you a competitive price ... after all, they want you to show up to the lot on Saturday. On the other hand, if their price seems a little high to you, email back and let them know ... Tell them you're also waiting on quotes from other dealers. If they want your business, they'll likely respond with their best price.
Sat in traffic all morning. All could think about was home much time & gas was being wasted. Ironically, every story on the radio was about gas prices and area road planning. Turns out, there are some new online applications might prove useful on this front. You can even find out where construction is underway, as lots of orange hardhats & one lane, can be a huge factor with summer road trips. Plus, in my world, if you're due at a TV Bureau at a certain time, being punctual is make or break ... Here's hoping we all find these 3 SITES TO AVOID TRAFFIC useful.
Then, again, as discussed on WSJ RADIO, you could have THIS commute in you live in Japan. UNBELIEVABLE!
3 Best Ways to Avoid Traffic
Nobody likes to sit in traffic. Searches for the word "traffic" are up 44% on
TrafficLand: You really can do just about everything from your Facebook page these days, and getting live video feeds of the roads on your daily commute is no longer an exception. Just go to Facebook and search for "TrafficLand" to add the application to your profile.
MapQuest Traffic: MapQuest just announced a new feature called Current Traffic that lets users overlay traffic conditions, including crashes, construction and slow speeds, on top of their route map with one click. Perfect for travel on new routes when you want to be sure to arrive on time.
TrafficGauge: If you're traveling to a
All products, particularly electronics, come with some sort of manual or instructions. Sooner or later, you're going to need them. Which begs the question, "Do you really want to read them?" Personally, they make me cringe upon first sight. If you prefer having directions read TO you "show & tell" style, you're in luck ....
Even better, there are virtual "how-to"s" by way of on-demand videos for just about everything, from figuring out how to Permanently Delete Photos & Data from Your iPhone - via CNET.com – to Tips for Taking Better Snap Shots - via Switched.com.
If you're considering enrolling in an online course, a.k.a., "e-learning," here's a little bit of what you need to know before taking the plunge.
Growing up, 4th of July was always one of the most special EXTENDED family traditions & in my case, means DOZENS of aunts, uncles & cousins galore. The annual "Barn Party" was a wonderful "tradition." We even painted the barn floor as an American flag (see photo). By definition you don't have traditions, if you don't start & stick with them. Here's hoping some of these resources are helpful in some small way ... ENJOY & Be Safe.
