Crack the Savings Code
When making an online purchase, it’s common to see a box where you can enter a promotion code. But where do you get the code? An entire cottage industry of coupon code web sites has emerged to answer that question. Do a Google search for “coupon codes” and you’ll see what I mean. Personal finance […]
The Heart of a Giver
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38 It’s tricky business teaching about giving these days. Preachers of the prosperity gospel are packing their […]
The Good That Money Can Do
In the midst of all the usual celebrity stories of arrests and rehab, _CBSNews.com_ carried a great piece about how entertainer Hillary Duff is helping some Los Angeles grade school students from lower-income families. Duff is single-handedly sponsoring a program at the school. As a result, all 1,000 students go home on Fridays with a […]
Opting-In for Future Employability
In the last issue of _Matt About Money_, I encouraged you to opt-in to a flexible spending account during this year’s so-called open enrollment season if your employer offers one. One other opt-in recommendation is to take advantage of your employer’s tuition reimbursement program if available. The majority of large companies offer such programs, and […]
Service With a…Fee
Fees have become a prime source of revenue for banks. According to an article in the _LA Times_, fees accounted for over 40 percent of bank revenue last year–up from 34 percent a decade ago. And guess who’s paying all those fees? Want your canceled checks? Bank of America will send them to customers for […]
Free 411
Remember when dialing 411 was free? Most phone service providers–whether home, business, or cellular–now charge for the call. But here are three directory assistance providers who don’t charge for the call. provides residential, business, and government listings. As reported on _CNNMoney.com_, you have to listen to short ads before and after asking for a number. […]
Opting-In to Healthcare Savings
It’s open enrollment time at a lot of workplaces, the time of year when employees choose their benefits for next year. If your company offers a flexible spending account (FSA), participating could very likely save you some money on taxes. According to Hewitt Associates, the vast majority of large companies offer such accounts. However, less […]
Opting-Out of Marketing Messages
In the of Matt About Money I mentioned that your enrollment in the Do Not Call registry may be expiring soon so now is a good time to check, and if needed, re-register. One other way to cut down on all of the marketing messages coming into your home is to opt out of credit […]
Giving ID Thieves the Big Chill
We will soon have a new, albeit cumbersome, weapon in the fight against identity theft. According to an article on Bankrate.com, by next month people in all 50 states will be able to freeze their credit file at all three of the major credit bureaus. Everyone already has the right to place a fraud alert […]
The Captain Has Turned On the Spend Sign
Not only do most airlines now charge for in-flight food, but more and more are going to a no-cash policy. The airlines say it’s more convenient and more profitable to make passengers pay with plastic. According to an article in the _LA Times_, Aloha Airlines has seen a 30 percent boost in in-flight alcohol sales […]