Avoid bank fee surprises in 15 minutes, says Yahoo finance

In less time that it takes to watch your favorite television sitcom, you could save money you might currently be paying in bank fees. Take some time to review your bank statements and look at the fee schedule banks provide (or go online to find it, if your hardcopy has been “filed”).

Thanks for the pennies, grandma!

Would you pay $10.7 million for a collection of pennies? 

Yeah, I didn’t think so… most of you reading this probably can’t imagine having that kind of money to spend on pennies.

Over the weekend, a group of 301 early American pennies were auctioned and brought in the hefty sum. The coins, some which dated back to 1794, were incredibly rare. Do you know how the collector got into this hobby?

Price tag on love?

Love doesn’t cost a thing, or at least it’s been said in many popular songs over the years. Whether that’s true or not is the topic of today’s discussion, since it’s Feb. 15. Experts predicted Valentine’s Day spending would be roughly $17 billion this year, despite a slow economy.

Flowers, candy, jewelry, etc., there are plenty of gifts that can be given that can be costly. On the 0ther hand, there are plenty of inexpensive thoughtful ways to express emotion on Valentine’s Day, or any other day for that matter.

Let’s find out who “bought” into the holiday and who participated without opening their wallet or purse.  Traditionally it’s men buying for the special woman in their lives… let’s hear from the woman out there. Do you buy for your guy?

Beware of creeping credit card rates

Credit cards are a financial tool like any other. When used properly and correctly, cards with those familiar logos on them can be very helpful. But like any tool, if mishandled they can be disastrous. You wouldn’t use a hammer when the directions called for a screwdriver, would you?

Credit card rule number one: be aware of the interest rate charged by the provider. If you plan on paying it off right away, fine. Running up credit card debt and carrying those amounts from month to month can be like trying to dig your way out of quicksand. You get a sinking feeling that you aren’t moving in the right direction as you find yourself eye level with the dirt.

Recently, some card holders were told about serious rate increase from one well known institution. Some had their rates double to 28%. When they inquired about this huge change, most got no clear answers. To read the rest of the article and find out which company was making this huge increase, click here.

 Please pay attention to the rates you are being charged on your card balances. This can be serious financial burdens if you aren’t careful. Do you know what rates your cards are carrying?

Cash stimulus from the government

Next week President Bush is expected to sign the emergency rebate plan that would give between $600 and $1,200 to most taxpayers and $300 to disabled veterans, the elderly and other low-income people.

The plan is intended to stimulate the economy and provide cash for people to spend and tax relief for businesses to make new investments.

The checks could find their way to mailboxes in May.

What will you use this money for?

Clip those coupons!

Are you a coupon-clipper? There’s nothing wrong with it. According to a recent survey, 53% of American consumers say they regularly visit brand Web sites to find promotions. Who doesn’t like to save a little on products you’d buy at full price? 

Who is the commercial champion?

On this post-Super Sunday Monday, there are happy fans, despondent ones and the rest of America who fall into the indifferent category. The defensive battle between New York and New England will be remembered as the upset that spoiled a potential perfect season and maybe finally got Eli out of brother Peyton’s shadow, if only for today.

While I’d gladly discuss the game more, let’s address a more trivial topic that everyone will want to speak out on.