One of the most costly mistakes people make when it comes to medical care is assuming that using your health insurance -- if you're lucky enough to have it -- is always the best way to go. But there are times when it may just be cheaper to negotiate with your doctors and pay out of pocket.
The latest entrant into the online financial tools business is Google, which launched Advisor last Thursday. The search engine giant offers a clear way to compare rates and offers from mortgage companies, credit cards and other financial products -- but it's hardly the only smart tool out there.
Last week, we compared the prices of staple foods at mainstream chain supermarkets and small international groceries, and the small independents frequently had the better deals. But where those little markets really shine is on their prices for spices.
Three years into a recession and a lumpy recovery, consumers aren't getting comfort from retail therapy. They're price-shopping online and jumping in and out of stores. So, bricks-and-motor merchants are looking for ways to make stores more convenient and flexible.
