DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.comhttp://o.aolcdn.com/os/df/2013/img/2-dailyfinance_logo_m.pngDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Fiscal Cliff Calculators: How Much More Will You Owe If We Fall Off?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/12/06/fiscal-cliff-calculators-how-much-more-you-will-owe/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/12/06/fiscal-cliff-calculators-how-much-more-you-will-owe/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/12/06/fiscal-cliff-calculators-how-much-more-you-will-owe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gallery: The Fiscal Cliff: How Much More Could You Owe? These Calculators Will Help



Fiscal Cliff calculators gallery

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]]>Barack Obamabudget cutsBush tax cutscalculatorCreditCards.comFinancefiscal clifffiscal cliff calculatorfiscal cliff calculatorsFiscal cliff debatehouse republicansLocalObamaObama budgetPaycheck Citypayroll tax holidaysequestrationtax calculatorTax Foundationtax policyTax Policy CenterThe Washington PostU.S.yearend 2012Harris EffronThu, 06 Dec 2012 16:14:00 ESTConsumer Financial Protection Bureau Complaint Site Takes on Credit Reports, Toohttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/24/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-complaint-site-credit-reports/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/24/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-complaint-site-credit-reports/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/24/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-complaint-site-credit-reports/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Since it launched last summer, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's complaint website has been giving Americans a way to file grievances about a number of money-related issues. It started with credit cards, but as the months went by, it expanded its scope. You could file a complaint about a mortgage, a bank account, an auto or personal loan and even a student loan.

Until now, though, the agency offered no option to fight back over a key source of anguish for many consumers: their credit reports.

If you've ever run into trouble with your credit score -- whether there was an error on your credit report, say, or you couldn't get information you were entitled to -- you're aware of how difficult in can be to get to the bottom of such problems. After all, there are three different major credit reporting agencies, each with its own opaque criteria for calculating scores. But the CFPB credit report complaint portal, which launched on Tuesday, should make the task easier.

The site offers the option to seek redress for five key problems:
  1. Incorrect information on your credit report
  2. Issues with a credit reporting agency's investigation
  3. Improper use of your credit report
  4. Inability to get a credit report or credit score
  5. Problems with credit monitoring or identity protection services
"Credit reporting companies exert great influence over the lives of consumers. They help determine eligibility for loans, housing, and sometimes jobs," said CFPB Director Richard Cordray in a press release. "Consumers need an avenue of recourse when they feel they have been wronged."

Plenty of consumers have taken advantage of the bureau's oversight since the complaint portal launched for credit cards in July 2011. According to a CFPB snapshot, the bureau received approximately 45,630 complaints between July 21, 2011 and June 1, 2012. It issued responses in 81% of the complaints. Another 6% were still awaiting responses, while the rest had either been sent to other regulatory agencies or found to be incomplete.
The first thing to do when you have a complaint is to try to work it out with the reporting agency directly. Links and contact information for the agencies can be found on the CFPB complaint site.

Beyond dealing with big issues, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep your credit score healthy -- and it's important for your financial well-being that you do. For some tips, check out Seven Small Mistakes That Can Do Big Harm to Your Credit Score. And keep an eye on your credit report to make sure that it doesn't have these three red flags.

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]]>CFPBcomplaintcomplaint databasecomplaint portalcomplaintsConsumer Financial Protection Bureauconsumer protectioncredit reportcredit reporting agenciescredit reportscredit scorecredit scoresequifaxExperianFinanceRichard CordrayTransUnionHarris EffronWed, 24 Oct 2012 06:00:00 ESTPizza Hut Offers Free Pizza for Life for Off-Script Debate Questionhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/09/pizza-hut-free-pizza-for-life-presidential-debate/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/09/pizza-hut-free-pizza-for-life-presidential-debate/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/10/09/pizza-hut-free-pizza-for-life-presidential-debate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

President Barack Obama PizzaDo the presidential candidates prefer pepperoni or sausage on their pizza? If one gutsy attendee at the second presidential debate poses this question to Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, Pizza Hut will provide him or her with free pizza for life.

Unlike the first debate, which was moderated by Jim Lehrer, the second is a town hall-style format. Undecided voters, selected by the Gallup Organization, will be asking the candidates pre-screened questions at Hofstra University on October 16th. But because the debate is live, one pizza-hungry participant could go off-script, in a commercially sponsored echo of a question famously put to President Bill Clinton during a 1994 town hall sponsored by MTV: "Is it boxers or briefs?"

"We recognize there are a lot of serious issues to be debated, but we also know a lot less serious -- but no less important -- ones are being discussed every night inside houses across the country," said Kurt Kane, CMO of Pizza Hut Inc., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM), in a press release. "So for the candidates to be able to show that they're in tune with all the issues, we felt a pizza-related question on behalf of The Pizza Party was very appropriate for a town hall debate."

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The Pizza Party is Pizza Hut's election-themed marketing campaign, announced last week. The party's "candidate" is the restaurant's Big Dinner Box; customers are encouraged to show their support by signing up online at PizzaHut.com/PizzaParty. Those who register will receive free stuffed pizza rollers with their next online order.

But a much larger reward awaits the debate audience member who is willing to go through with the pepperoni-or-sausage stunt: Pizza Hut will give them an annual $520 gift card for a period of 30 years. Alternatively, they can choose a $15,600 check.

Other companies are also looking for publicity with election-based marketing campaigns. JetBlue Airways (JBLU) is offering 1,000 voters a chance to win a free flight out of the country if their candidate of choice loses. And Cabbage Patch Kids maker JAKKS Pacific (JAKK) will be auctioning a line of dolls that resemble the candidates, their VPs, and Michelle Obama, as a fundraiser for Rock the Vote.

What do you think of marketing campaigns based around a presidential election? Should companies respect the seriousness of these debates, or is it OK to have a some fun? Sound off in the comments, or tweet us @Daily_Finance.




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]]>Barack Obamaelection 2012JetblueMitt Romneypepperonipizza hutpizza partypresidential debatepresidential electionpromotionsausagetown hallHarris EffronTue, 09 Oct 2012 14:50:00 ESTHave You Made a Big Money Blunder? You're Not Alonehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/19/big-money-blunders-personal-finance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/19/big-money-blunders-personal-finance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/19/big-money-blunders-personal-finance/#commentsFiled under:

Bills money problemsA new report by the Consumer Federation of America and Primerica (PRI) found that two out of three middle-class Americans say they've made at least one "really bad financial decision." And more than half of those acknowledge making more than one.

While the median cost of those mistakes was $5,000, thanks to a few outliers -- 2% of those surveyed lost $200,000 or more -- the average was much higher, at $23,000.

The report also shed light on the investing habits of middle-class Americans, described as those with household incomes between $30,000 and $100,000. If given $1 million to invest for retirement, the survey asked, what would you do? Only 21% of middle-class Americans would invest that money in stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds, compared with 48% of those earning $100,000 or more. And 19% of middle-class responders said they would "invest" the money in a savings account. Considering that the average money market account pays just 0.49% in interest, there are much better investing options out there.

Given the ubiquity of these financial mistakes and questionable investing habits, this next result comes as a bit of a surprise: A whopping 80% of the survey's respondents rated themselves as "good" or "excellent" at family budgeting and handling credit card debt. Around two-thirds of Americans rated themselves just as highly on retirement saving and managing mortgages as well.

What was your biggest financial blunder? Feel like sharing? Tweet your thoughts to @Daily_Finance!


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]]>Consumer Federation of AmericaFinancefinancial mistakesinvesting errorsLosing Moneymoney blundersmoney mistakesPrimericaPrimerica IncsurveyHarris EffronWed, 19 Sep 2012 15:33:00 ESTWith DipJar, the Humble Coffeehouse Tip Jar Goes High-Techhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/01/dipjar-credit-card-tip-jar/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/01/dipjar-credit-card-tip-jar/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/01/dipjar-credit-card-tip-jar/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've all been there: You wait in a long line at a busy coffee shop, pay for your beverage with a credit card, and see the humble tip jar sitting on the counter. Without cash, there's no way to show your appreciation for that joltin' cup o' joe. That's where the DipJar comes in.

New York City techie Ryder Kessler came up with the idea for DipJar in 2008, after he noticed baristas going tipless even during extremely busy hours. After years of research and development, Ryder and his brother and co-founder, Judd Kessler, released the first functional DipJars this summer at a few coffee shops around New York City.

"Everyone was paying with credit or debit, so the tips had plummeted," Ryder told the New York Post. "Baristas take really great care of me, and I didn't like that they were working just as hard and making less money."

Here's how DipJar works:

A store or restaurant places the DipJar on the counter, just like a regular tip jar. A customer can then dip his or her credit or debit card into the slot, and for each dip it deposits an amount set by the establishment into the jar. The device displays the tip amount and emits a friendly chime to let you know that the Dip went through. The machine keeps track of who's behind the counter on a given shift and divvys up the tips accordingly.

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According to the Post, initial reaction has been mixed. Some customers have complained that the confirmation chime wasn't loud enough, so they weren't sure if the tips went through. And workers aren't seeing big benefits. "I get a check for, like, six dollars every two weeks," one barista said. "Either people aren't using it or DipJar is stealing our kit. I think people just don't notice it."

For this test run, Kessler told USA Today, DipJar isn't taking anything out of employees' tips and is covering the cost of credit-card fees. But eventually, the service will start taking a cut of the tips as a processing fee, with employees receiving at least 80 cents per dollar. In the future, Kessler hopes to have enough bargaining power to lower the credit card fees, and let employees keep 90% of the tips.

DipJar also addressed employee fears that people will tip less with an electronic tip jar. "Our research suggests that people who pay with cash tip with cash, while people who pay with plastic don't tip at all," according to the website's FAQ page. "We want to capture all the tips those people would be leaving if there were an easy way to tip electronically."

While DipJar only accepts credit and debit cards now, the Kesslers are working to equip the product to accept all forms of electronic payment. If the devices take off, a cashless wallet will no longer be an excuse for not leaving a tip.




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]]>baristacoffee shopcredit+card+tip+cupscreditcardtipcupsDip jarDipJarhow much should I tiplifestylepersonal financeretailtip jartippingtipping etiquetteHarris EffronSat, 01 Sep 2012 06:00:00 EST5 Ways to Keep Hurricane Isaac From Blowing Your Gas Bill Higherhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/28/5-ways-to-keep-hurricane-isaac-from-blowing-your-gas-bill-higher/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/28/5-ways-to-keep-hurricane-isaac-from-blowing-your-gas-bill-higher/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/28/5-ways-to-keep-hurricane-isaac-from-blowing-your-gas-bill-higher/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As Hurricane Isaac heads for the Gulf Coast, several oil refineries might have to temporarily shut their doors. This could, according to USA Today, drive up gas prices 10 cents a gallon or higher over the next few weeks.

With the nationwide average price already at $3.75 a gallon, thanks in part to oil refinery closures in Illinois and California, this bump caused by even more prolonged refinery closures could push drivers over the edge. To help save some hair pulling and checkbook rebalancing, we took a look back at our favorite -- and weirdest -- gas saving tips throughout the years.

Gallery: Gas Saving Tips: Practical to Extreme

1. Put Your Car on a Weight-Loss Diet2. Don't Drive As Much3. Drive Smarter4. Get a Tune Up .. and More5. Try Hypermiling

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]]>fuel economygas pricesgulf coasthurricane isaachypermilingoil pricesoil refineriessaving moneysaving money on gastropical storm isaacHarris EffronTue, 28 Aug 2012 16:55:00 ESTThe Most (and Least) Honest Cities in the U. S.http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/27/the-most-and-least-honest-cities-in-the-u-s/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/27/the-most-and-least-honest-cities-in-the-u-s/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/27/the-most-and-least-honest-cities-in-the-u-s/#commentsWho's more honest: People on the East Coast or on the West? Redheads or bald people?

Well, the folks at Honest Tea ran a nationwide experiment and compiled The National Honesty Index.

Here's how they did it: First, they set up unmanned pop-up stores all over the country, where people were asked to leave one dollar for a bottle of Honest Tea. Then observers watched as people either paid a dollar or just grabbed a bottle and ran.

Then they crunched the numbers and compiled a list of cities with the percentage of people who were honest--i,.e., thirsty folks who actually dropped a dollar in the box before taking a drink.

Flip through the gallery to see the 5 most and 5 least honest cities in the U. S. You can find even more comparisons, such as bald people vs. people in plaid shirts, at the national honesty index website.

Gallery: The Most (and Least) Honest Places in America

Seaside Heights, N. J.San FranciscoBoulder, Colo.Oakland, Calif.Salt Lake City


National Honesty Index from National Honesty Index on Vimeo.


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]]>citiesHonest TeahonestyHonesty IndexLifestylenational+honesty+indexnationalhonestyindextop ten listHarris EffronMon, 27 Aug 2012 14:30:00 ESTSmartphone Obsession Can Cost You...Dinnerhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/23/smartphone-obsession-can-cost-you-dinner/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/23/smartphone-obsession-can-cost-you-dinner/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/23/smartphone-obsession-can-cost-you-dinner/#comments
Can't bear to let go of your smartphone? It'll cost you.

Last week, it was widely reported that Eva Restaurant, a small eatery in Los Angeles, is offering customers a 5% discount for handing over their cell phones before dining.

According to the Associated Press, owner Mark Gold says about half of his customers take him up on the offer.

"We just want people to connect again," he told Fox News. "It's eliminating one more distraction from the dinner experience."

Gold isn't the first restaurateur to tackle the issue of distracting cell phone use. Darren Groom, who owns a coffee shop in Norwich, England, attracted media attention when he put up a sign in front of his register, reading: "Sorry we are unable to serve you if you are on the phone. Thank You."

But Groom isn't anti-cell phone. He just enjoys making a personal connection with his customers. "I only did it because when customers come in it is nice to greet them and there is better interaction for myself and staff," Groom told EDP24.

Both owners say that the responses from their customers have been nothing but positive.

In food establishments that don't have explicit cell phone policies (i.e., most of them), some diners have taken it upon themselves to incentivize putting away their phone during meal time.

In January, Brian Perez, a hip hop dancer in California, introduced to the world the game of "Don't Be a D**k During Meals." The basic idea is as follows:
  1. Each diner places his or her phone face down on the table.
  2. The first person to crack and look at their phone loses and has to pay the check.
  3. If no one looks at their phone before the check is delivered, everyone wins and pays their own way.
Even as some restaurants and people actively try to curb the use of cell phones, others actually encourage it. During New York City's Restaurant Week, patrons who connected their Foursquare accounts with their American Express cards could knock five dollars off their bills when checking into the restaurant on the popular social network. Other apps like Groupon, Living Social, ScoutMob, and LevelUp also encourage diners to use their phones to claim discounts while eating out.

What do you think? Should people make a concerted effort not to use their phones while eating out? Or is it OK as long as it's not too disruptive? Let us know in the comments! Or tweet us @daily_finance.

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]]>appsCell phonesDarren Groomdining outeva restaurantLifestyleMark Goldsmart phonesmartphoneHarris EffronThu, 23 Aug 2012 08:30:00 ESTAtlanta Homeowner Hit With $9,000 Water Billhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/06/21/atlanta-homeowner-hit-with-9-000-water-bill/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/06/21/atlanta-homeowner-hit-with-9-000-water-bill/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/06/21/atlanta-homeowner-hit-with-9-000-water-bill/#comments

Maybe she has Fiji water running through her pipes. Atlanta homeowner Blayne Beacham was shocked when she got a $9,224.40 bill for a few months' worth of water.

Beacham, who lives alone in a three-bedroom cottage, has been fighting local authorities for months over her abnormally high water bills. But none has come close to $9,000.

"It's more than all my other bills put together for three years," Beacham told WSBTV. She has asked for a new meter, she said, but the Department of Watershed Management told her that the meter is working fine. She has also checked for leaks several times, most recently in April, when a certified plumber confirmed that the pipes were sound.

According to Beacham, a water official told her that there was a leak in the past that had been fixed. "This is absolutely absurd," Beacham told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I have no way of proving I did not get a leak fixed, because I did not have a leak."

To help diagnose the problem, the water management company installed a data logger, which can measure hour-by-hour water usage. But Beacham isn't convinced it will do her any good. "I think it's just buying them time so I will just give up or I will have to pay because it will just be too much time," Beacham said.

The results of the data logger won't be ready until mid-July.

Beacham isn't the only person in the Atlanta area facing water troubles. Buckhead Patch has more on the local "water wars," and CNN has also reported on skyrocketing water bills in the city.

Clearly, Atlanta homeowners haven't been as lucky as Kristin Harriger of Abilene, Texas. She received an electric bill asking her to pay a whopping $1,381,783.92. But when Harriger called the utility company, it readily admitted there was a computing error: they charged her $1,000 per kilowatt-hour instead of the usual $0.09.

Gallery: Most Obscene Credit Card Purchases

Check, please!1) Night Out For The Boston Bruins - $157,0002) Lunch For Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich - $47,2213) Farting Charge - $2.004) Lebron James' Vegas Trip - $171,937


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]]>Atlantablayne+beachamblaynebeachamutilitiesutility billsUtilityBillsWater billWaterBillHarris EffronThu, 21 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST