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What Is Financial Independence?

by Flexo

When asked about what it means to be financially independent, most people think about retirement and the amount of money needed in the bank and investments in order to be worry-free for the remainder of their lives. For many, this is why we work, why we suffer through a job we may not enjoy. The ... Continue reading this article…

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Don’t Get Ripped Off By Auto Mechanics

by Flexo

Mechanics are salespeople, and like brokers they often have more knowledge about their products and services than the average consumer. Therefore, they are viewed as professionals and without taking the time to learn about cars, customers have no choice but to trust their recommendations are in the customers’ best interest. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the ... Continue reading this article…

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Goals and Resolutions for 2011

by Flexo

Every new year provides an opportunity for self-renewal. The relatively arbitrary custom of recycling the dates on the calendar is like having a second (or a third, or fourth, etc.) chance to change the world. Although its history is a bit murky, the tradition of new years’ resolutions probably stemmed from this feeling. It took ... Continue reading this article…

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How to Start a Coin Collection For You or Your Kids

by Flexo

Out of all of my favorite interests or hobbies, coin collecting isn’t ranked first. It is something I’ve enjoyed throughout my whole life, however, even if it’s not something that’s been a primary goal or warranted much effort on my part. It is a great hobby for children for a number of reasons. It opens ... Continue reading this article…

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Wells Fargo Direct Deposit Advance

by Flexo

Consumerism Commentary reader Yana wrote in yesterday to let me know about some changes in the terms for Wells Fargo’s Direct Deposit Advance service. At first, I was surprised that this service exists. At its core, the credit product offered by Wells Fargo is basically a payday loan, though it comes from a reputable financial ... Continue reading this article…

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Readers Gave $8,000 to Charity Since Thanksgiving

by Flexo

For the second year in a row, I offered to match Consumerism Commentary readers’ charitable contributions donated during the two weeks following Thanksgiving, up to $5,000. After extending the matching period a third week, and with MoneyCrush‘s offer to match the contributions made between $5,000 and $6,000, we surpassed all goals. After falling slightly short ... Continue reading this article…

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Big Savings for Small Businesses and Shops on Swipe Fees

by Flexo

Last week, the Federal Reserve Board announced two proposals for limiting the fees paid to transaction processing companies. MasterCard and Visa would be the most affected if either of these new proposals, set into motion by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, are put into effect. Small businesses and shops that accept debit cards stand ... Continue reading this article…

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Citi® Platinum Select® Card 24 Month 0% Balance Transfer

by Flexo

Last month I wrote about Citibank’s increased 0 percent balance transfer opportunity provided by the company’s Citi® Platinum Select® Card. That article is now out-of-date because Citi has once again increased the balance transfer offer by three months, bringing the total amount of time consumers will have to pay their balance transfer in full without interest ... Continue reading this article…

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