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Oh The Ways We Get Into Debt

There seems to be an endless list of ways that we can get ourselves into debt. In the interest of helping others to avoid going into debt, I thought that I would share some of the things that people do that lead them into debt, debt, and more debt. Knowledge is power, and perhaps knowing about these debt traps can help you to avoid them. One way that people get into debt is by doing someone else a favor and co-signing on a loan with them. Sometimes having a co-signer is the only way that that person will be given … Continue reading →

Anthem Blue Cross and the Controversial Credit Card Fee

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Anthem Blue Cross was planning on charging customers who paid their bills by credit card a “convenience fee”. After this plan was announced, there have been questions about whether or not it is legal for Anthem to charge this kind of fee. A columnist for the L.A. Times named David Lazarus wrote a recent article that pointed out something that Anthem Blue Cross had started doing. It was charging customers a fee when for paying their monthly bills via an automatic credit card payment. This seems odd, because most businesses prefer customers to pay their bills that way. It helps … Continue reading →

The Fantasy of Credit

Back in the good ol’ days, there was no such thing as a credit card. The closest you could come was asking Mr. Barnes behind the counter if he could add your sugar and flour to your tab. This transaction was handled face to face. Mr. Barnes knew where you lived, and he also knew your circumstances. He knew when you’d be able to pay, and because you sat across from him in church every Sunday, you made sure you paid. Today, credit is as easy to get as falling off a log. In fact, it’s easier to find a … Continue reading →

Paper Currency – A Human Touch

I’m always surprised when I look in my wallet and see paper money. I have it so rarely that it almost seems like it shouldn’t be in there. I rely mostly on my debit card, and occasionally on my credit card. The world seems made of plastic. You slide your plastic card through a plastic machine and then pick up your grocery bags, also made of plastic, filled with food containers that are plastic. Everything is sterile, factory-made, and impersonal. Have you ever watched “Little House on the Prairie” or “Anne of Green Gables” and seen the characters go into … Continue reading →

Does Your Store Refuse Credit Cards?

A new grocery store opened in my neighborhood earlier this year. I meant to head down and check it out, but with one thing and the other, I didn’t get around to it. But one day when my sister was here for a visit, she dragged me down there. “You’ve got to see this place,” she said. “You just won’t believe it.” I looked around, and I was impressed. The prices were really good, they have a great bulk food section, and I could see myself shopping there regularly. In fact, I went back four times over the next three … Continue reading →

A New Option For Those Traveling With Banned Liquids

I’ve covered the new rules regarding banned liquids stored in carry-on bags. I’ve even covered the new relaxed rules regarding banned liquids. If you’ve been able to keep track of it all, here’s one more to add to your packet of airline info: Travelers flying out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport are now being offered an alternative to tossing out precious perfumes and other high priced liquids that are banned on carry-on bags. According to officials, the airport has implemented a 60-day pilot program (that started Monday) whereby passengers can either mail the items to their final destination or have … Continue reading →