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avatar You are viewing an archive of articles by Luke Landes. Luke Landes, also known as Flexo, is the founder of Consumerism Commentary. He has been blogging and writing for the internet since 1995 and has been building online communities since 1991. Find out more about him and follow Luke Landes on Twitter. View Luke Landes's Google Profile.

Luke Landes

50 Actions You Can Take Right Now to Pay Off Debt

by Luke Landes

There are many differing opinions about whether you can assign a quality like “good” or “bad” to debt. In general, I tend to believe that if debt is providing access to a necessary asset, like an education, a car, or a house, debt is at the least understandable. With debt, there is always a risk, ... Continue reading this article…

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Answering Mail: Free Annual Credit Reports, Online Savings Accounts

by Luke Landes

Every so often I address questions and comments I receive via email. If you have a question, please contact me using the form on this page. I try to respond to everyone, but it might take a while before I read every email I receive. From Mary Lynn: I really liked your article that explained ... Continue reading this article…

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Still Waiting for EverBank to Open My Account

by Luke Landes

Last I checked, this is the twenty-first century. In the last few years, I have developed certain expectations for the banks I deal with, particularly those that offer online banking. On July 8, I signed up for an account with EverBank, a money market account offering a high bonus interest rate for the first three ... Continue reading this article…

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10 Things Your Parents Didn’t Teach You About Money

by Luke Landes

When you were growing up, you probably became accustomed to hearing some typical thoughts about money from your parents. These parents are the ones who told you that money doesn’t grow on trees. If it weren’t for your parents, you wouldn’t know that children are starving in Africa and therefore you should eat your entire ... Continue reading this article…

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Podcast 13: Tips for Graduating Students and the Cash for Clunkers Program

by Luke Landes

The thirteenth episode of the Consumerism Commentary Podcast features myself and our media producer, Tom Dziubek, in a discussion about tips for graduating seniors who are entering the job market and are embarking upon a career this summer. Also in today’s episode, Tom discusses the Cash for Clunkers program with an expert from Intuit, Bob ... Continue reading this article…

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Posts of the Week

by Luke Landes

Here are a few articles from around the web I suggest reading. Dangerous Personal Finance Magazine Headlines: The Attraction of High Yields. Jonathan points out some recent examples from magazines featuring enticing headlines on the cover. This is done to inspire sales of magazines. The investing advice found within is dubious, and important facts are ... Continue reading this article…

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The Watergate Hotel is in Foreclosure

by Luke Landes

The real estate recession doesn’t discriminate. While foreclosures have soared to one out of 84 households over the course of the first six months of 2009 and the Obama administration is considering more aid to help families in this situation, the threat is also affecting famous properties. The owner of the famous Watergate Hotel in ... Continue reading this article…

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Anniversary Giveaway: Enter to Win Free iPod If You Find All Four Clues

by Luke Landes

Today is the sixth anniversary of Consumerism Commentary! Long-time readers know that this blog was one of the first of its kind to focus on personal finance and money-related topics. Thanks to the readers, we are still going strong. I have learned much about money, especially from visitors and commenters, throughout the past few years. ... Continue reading this article…

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How to File an Amended Income Tax Return (Form 1040X)

by Luke Landes

This article refers to an earlier version of Form 1040X. Some instructions may be slightly different depending on the form revision the IRS now has available. If you have filed your taxes for the most recent year but would like to take advantage of a new credit, such as the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax ... Continue reading this article…

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California IOUs: Buying, Selling, and Inherent Value

by Luke Landes

The state of California is in poor fiscal shape. Without an agreed-upon budget, the state has resorted to sending people and businesses IOUs rather than the money owed. California has distributed $335 million in the form of these documents. The IOUs look like checks with “Registered Warrant” printed in the top corner, carry an interest ... Continue reading this article…

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