Simplification is usually a good choice for finances whenever it is available, and the bulky wallet is due for a technological upgrade, simplifying back pockets of men’s jeans everywhere. I’ve received the occasional comment about my “George Costanza” wallet; as I collect receipts from my day-to-day transactions, the leather becomes increasingly distended. Google’s first in ... Continue reading this article…

As an owner of a Honda Civic, I was concerned with the car maker’s latest round of recalls. My 2004 Honda Civic manual transmission LX sedan was not affected by the recall, but it wasn’t too long ago that both Honda and Toyota were issuing recalls. At the time, I reacted by buying shares in ... Continue reading this article…

I’ve spoken out against the concept of “extreme couponing” a few times already. In search of ratings, television shows — and in particular, “reality” television shows, use creative editing to make practitioners seem crazier than they are, but the concept has caught on so well, some people, in real reality, stop at very little in ... Continue reading this article…

I received a notice in the mail stating that I could receive benefits from Verizon Wireless as a result of a class action settlement. The lawsuit alleges that the mobile phone company failed to provide free roaming as part of Verizon’s “America’s Choice II” calling plan. The plan documentation stipulated that there would be no ... Continue reading this article…

For several years, many states offer sales tax holidays, several dates set aside during which merchants will not charge customers sales tax. Each year, the dates and the participating states change. I’ve updated this list for 2011 as we’re approach the back-to-school shopping season. Consumers should take advantage of the few days their state offers ... Continue reading this article…

Last November, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau began to take shape after being a part of a bill in Congress signed into law in July 2010. Now, a year later, the bureau is ready to launch. Elizabeth Warren was appointed by President Obama to assemble the bureau, and in this role, Congress pressed her on ... Continue reading this article…

My Facebook feed exploded the other day with news that Netflix was changing its pricing scheme. For some customers, those who subscribe to unlimited streaming and DVD plans, the new price would be a 50 percent increase. I subscribe to Netflix. A few months ago I re-instated my account to take advantage of the streaming-only option ... Continue reading this article…

The debate pitting the concept of buying versus the concept of renting will never end. With a primary home, there may be a plethora of financial calculators and endless real estate analysts to help you make the decision. There are financial considerations as well as non-financial considerations, and pundits on either side who swear their ... Continue reading this article…