http://www.costhelper.com/ Recently published blog articles at wwwCostHelper.com en-us Copyright 2013, CostHelper.com Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:00:01 -0800 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:11:09 -0800 editor@costhelper.com webmaster@costhelper.com http://www.costhelper.com/blog/secret-stoners-take-advantage-of-vaporizer-trend.html Pipes and joints are so last year, dude. The new toys among stoners are handheld, pocket-size, battery-powered vaporizers.A recent article in the New York Post examined the influx of professionals partaking in the herb. The article focused mainly on Pax, a $250 vaporizer about the size of a USB drive."Small enough to fit in your pocket, Pax heats, never burns your tobacco, releasing a delicious, satisfying vapor. It's the world's most pocketable, premium loose-leaf vaporizer," the Pax website says.Much of the appeal relates to the discreetness of tiny vaporizers. Thu, 19 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/pet-jerky-treats-causing-illness-fatalities.html Rewarding your dog or cat with pet jerky treats could be a mistake -- one that could be fatal for your pet.In the past five years, more than 3,600 US dogs and about 10 US cats have become ill after eating jerky treats, with about 580 deaths. The relationship between the jerky treats and the sudden illness is clear, but the exact cause remains unknown."This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," Bernadette Dunham, DVM, PhD and director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine said in a statement outlining the problem. Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/how-be-rationally-irrational-buying-lotto-tickets.html Update [Dec 18 2013]: Two tickets won the $636 million Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday -- one ticket was sold at Jennifer's Gift Shop on Tully Road in San Jose, CA; the other was sold at Gateway Newstands on Lenox Road in Atlanta, GA. Each winning jackpot will get half the pot, or $318 million. The winning numbers were: 8, 14, 17, 20, and 39, with a mega number of 7. After a winning ticket, the jackpot for Friday December 20 starts at $15 million.[article originally published December 14]No one won Friday's Mega Millions, so the jackpot will grow to an estimated $586 million dollars for Tuesday's drawing, the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Sat, 14 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/3-ways-have-government-pay-you-back-for-your-energy-efficient-upgrades.html Any renovations or upgrades made to your home this year that included energy-efficient appliances could be eligible for some federal energy tax credits. But it's not just appliances. If you installed more energy efficient windows or doors this year, you could also be eligible. New solar panels? That's covered, too. So is new insulation.But one of them expires at the end of the year, so you need to act soon to take advantage. The tax credits can help offset the cost of keeping your home warm this winter.The Energy Star label can be a bit confusing. Energy Star appliances do reduce bills, but often cost more at the outset than their power-gobbling counterparts. Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/just-for-men-delivery-man-highlights-profitability-of-sperm-donation-.html It's all about those little swimmers. The new film Delivery Man is the story of a man who discovers his donations to a sperm bank during his 20s created 533 children -- many of whom want to know "Who's my daddy?"While the story is mostly implausible, it is possible to father hundreds of kids."It would be very difficult logistically to have that many offspring," Alice Ruby, the Sperm Bank of California's executive director, told Time.com. "Is it possible? Maybe. Is it highly unlikely? Yes. Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/oxyelite-pro-diet-pills-recalled-after-links-liver-failure-death.html For the second time this year, diet pills produced by USPLabs of Texas have been linked to illness and death, and the company has agreed to recall and destroy all of its supplies of those products.OxyElite Pro products were advertised as weight loss and muscle building supplements, and sold nationwide through retail stores, mail order, online and direct from the manufacturer. In October these products were linked to 29 cases of acute hepatitis and liver failure in Hawaii. . Those cases included 11 hospitalizations, two liver transplants and one death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/will-yours-be-1-in-10-shipped-package-that-arrives-damaged.html Dozens of Amazon customers were disappointed in mid-November when the long-awaited PlayStation 4 game consoles they had pre-ordered finally came, but their units were dead-on-arrival due to shipping damage.The unhappy buyers reported on a Play Station forum that the sensitive machines were packed with only a bit of bubble wrap or packing peanuts on top, and no other support or protection on the bottom or sides of the unit. When the boxes got dropped, the PS4s were damaged. Tue, 03 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/how-much-do-professionally-installed-holiday-lights-for-your-home-cost.html A family from Australia are new Guinness World Record Holders after stringing roughly 31 miles of holiday lights around their home -- more than half a million individual, flickering lights. There are 502,165 lights to be precise. Plus, of course, one Guinness World Record plaque.At the end of December, the family expects their electricity bill will be up $2,500 (a bit less than $2,300 in US dollars).Many folks begin putting up the lights during the long Thanksgiving weekend. (Of course, that family from Australia started in early October and had help from friends.)The National Retail Federation predicts Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/8-ways-make-most-of-cyber-monday.html If you are anything like me, Black Friday is not the big shopping day of the year. It's three days later, when lazy people get deals through mouse clicks.Cyber Monday is a relatively new phenomenon -- it was born in 2005, a product of marketing companies trying to encourage online shopping.But it has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2012, an estimated 147 million people clicked their way to good deals, according to the National Retail Federation. This year, 140 million are expected to do the same. Fri, 29 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/everything-agram-5-ways-bring-instagram-photos-life.html With more than 150 million monthly users, Instragram -- a photo sharing app -- is one of the most-used social media platforms in existence. To put it more bluntly: That's a lot of photos.But what do you do with them? Besides garnering likes and comments, the web is full of dozens of ideas for ways to share the images in less digital, more concrete ways.Check out these ideas -- a few might work as holiday gift ideas.1. CasetagramWant to see your photos every time you flip over your phone? You can with Castagram, which allows users to create an infinite array of cases -- although you are restricted to primarily Apple and Samsung products. Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/want-drive-batmobile-work-its-up-for-auction.html A street-legal Batmobile is hitting a UK auction block Nov. 30, and who wouldn't want to drive that?Originally used in 1989's "Batman Returns," the Batmobile is expected to draw £70,000-£90,000 (that's $113,000-$145,000 in US dollars). Michael Keaton played Batman at the time and the vehicle earned the nickname, "The Keaton-mobile."The car was originally built on a Chevrolet Impala frame and could go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds (faster than those brand new Teslas and potentially less of a fire hazard). Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-reasons-shop-small-business-saturday-on-nov-30.html After the retail insanity of Black Friday, consider checking out locally-owned companies on Saturday, Nov. 30. It's Small Business Saturday, created by American Express in 2010 to celebrate and support small stores and services nationwide on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.It seems a bit odd to me that a huge corporation like American Express, national companies like FedEx Office and the US Postal Service, and social media like Twitter and Foursquare are actively supporting the fourth annual Small Business Saturday -- but they are."Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community," according to AmericanExpress. Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-key-ways-prepare-for-extreme-snow.html Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. Here are 10 actions you can take to make it easier to weather even the worst of storms.1. Plan to Keep in TouchMembers of the household might be away from home when the storm hits, so make sure everyone knows how to contact each other. Emergency numbers should be posted at home and on file with daycare and school officials. It can sometimes be easier to call long-distance than locally, so designate an out-of-state friend or relative as the official contact person. Tue, 26 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-top-toys-you-kids-and-you-need-play-with-this-holiday-season.html Guess who's back again? It's Elmo.This year, Elmo -- this time a "hug me" version, not a "tickle me" one -- is hyped to be a big seller.Let's take a look at what could be some of this year's top toys:1. Big Hugs ElmoAs I mentioned, he's back. He's red, he's furry, he's lovable. When a person hugs the Elmo, he hugs the person back and talks, and when he lies on his back, he gets sleepy and sings a lullaby.Price: $502. Cooking setsThey're not just for boys anymore. Seriously. Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/6-tips-for-when-bad-weather-grounds-your-flight.html The storms that recently slammed through 10 Midwestern states grounded hundreds of airline flights in that region, and also created long delays for flights on both coasts. And now, long-range forecasters are predicting that rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds -- a true "nor'easter" -- will pummel the central and eastern states during the busy Thanksgiving travel period , potentially slowing or stopping air travel in those regions and nationwide.So this is an excellent time to review how to minimize the problems if your flight gets canceled by bad weather.Know before you goCheck your flight status the night before, and before leaving for the airport. Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/made-in-uslabels-might-be-stretching-truth.html It seems pretty simple: If you prefer to buy American-made products, then read the labels, packaging and advertisements, and purchase only items that say "Made in the USA" or something similar.With consumers worried about American manufacturing jobs being shipped overseas, this is a relatively common desire. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that given a choice between a product made here and an identical one made in a foreign country, 60% of those surveyed would buy the American-made product even if it cost 10% more.But what if the label or company statement is a lie? The Federal Trade Commission recently reached a Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-most-popular-cosmetic-procedures-before-holidays.html With reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there.I'm a bit chicken myself, but I am curious. How many people choose to make subtle improvements with medical assistance? And how much does it cost?The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery surveyed doctors and crunched the numbers for 2012, and came up with a list of the top 10 cosmetic procedures.Top 5 non-surgical procedures1. Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-worlds-most-hyped-line-of-shoes-air-jordans.html Before the Air Jordans, sneakers were not a fashion statement. Sneakers were comfortable and, generally, low-cost footwear. These days, your Jordans are your statement. Kids, like my 20-year-old son, have closets full of kicks that are paired with specific T-shirts, caps, and even socks.Michael Jordan and Nike created a new trend and a mega brand, cementing themselves in both fashion and sports history.My son readily admits he's addicted to the shoes. He's willing to lay down a few Benjamins for the right pair of Jordans. (Fortunately, he works at an athletic apparel chain that allows him employee discounts.)Here are 10 things you might not have known about the super-hyped shoes and the brand that was built. Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/your-rented-computer-might-have-spied-on-you.html Apparently the folks at the NSA aren't the only ones we have to worry about spying on us. Several rent-to-own companies allegedly loaded their leased or rented computers with software that could allow them to secretly record keystrokes (including logins and passwords), track the location of the computer, download screen shots of sites visited, use the webcam to record anyone in front of the computer and send bogus "registration" forms to gather personal data to aid in debt collection, according to recent settlements reached with the Federal Trade Commission."Consumers have a right to rent computers free of cyberspying and to know when and how they are being tracked by a company," said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a Thu, 21 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/flash-mob-thieves-target-retailers-amid-holiday-shopping-fervor.html Flash mobs used to be entertaining. Now, in some cases it's become a criminal act that's increasingly concerning retailers.The annals of YouTube are a storehouse of security videos showing mobs (generally youthful ones) raiding convenience stores, running off without paying for 40s of beer and cases of cigarettes.Earlier this month, more brazen groups tried new tactics -- heading into stores like Sports Authority and wheeling out entire carts of merchandise.Three Chicago-area Sports Authority stores were hit within a series of days, according to CBS Chicago. Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/want-hire-someone-shop-for-you-on-black-friday-try-craigslist.html Tis the season for shopping. With the barrage of deals on TV commercials and in newspaper advertisements hitting us this holiday season, there are probably a couple deals you don't want to pass up. Maybe you want to pick up a new toaster for Aunt Bertha for only $5 if you get to the store at 4 am on Black Friday. Or a new Razor scooter for your daredevil nephew that's only available on Thanksgiving Day, when you plan to be tending to a turkey and all the fixings.Well, it's not a problem. Online classified sites like Craigslist have plenty of people who are willing to do the job for you -- for a fee, usually about 10 percent of the retail price. Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/5-important-things-know-before-tornado-hits.html This week the Midwest has been battered by tornados, which are one of the most violent and destructive type of storms nature has in its arsenal.Created from a powerful thunderstorm, a tornado's whirling winds can reach 300 miles per hour, and the path of destruction can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.There is no guaranteed way to survive a tornado, but there are steps you can take to minimize the danger and maximize your safety.Be preparedGather emergency supplies, such as food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and important documents (deed, insurance policies, birth certificates, etc.). Check that your vehicle has a full tank of gasoline. Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-quick-inexpensive-home-makeover-projects-do-before-holiday-guests-arrive.html Having friends and family gather for the holidays is traditionally considered a heartwarming idea -- but the mere thought of it can also be heart-stopping if they're planning on staying at your place, and you realize your home is looking less than its stylish best.A complete renovation before the holidays probably isn't practical, but there are lots of small steps you can take to brighten and update your place without breaking the budget. These changes can vary from new towels to new faucets, and more.Doing all of these projects would be overwhelming, so choose just a few of the items on this list -- the ones that would make an immediate improvement in your space.1. Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/dntesting-of-herbal-supplements-reveals-contamination-substitution.html It turns out that the ingredients listed on the label of your herbal supplement might not be exactly what's inside the pills or capsules that you're swallowing.The vitamin and herbal supplement industry takes in an estimated $5 billion a year in the US, and more than $60 billion worldwide. Until recently, herbs could only be identified using intact plants, not dried or powdered samples.Recently, Canadian researchers looked at the DNA of 44 herbal products from 12 companies, representing 30 different species of herbs. According to their report published in the journal BMC Medicine, they randomly bought different brands of popular medicinal herbs from stores and outlets in the United States and Canada. Sun, 17 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/play-with-new-legos-video-games-jewelry-every-month-with-netflix-like-subscriptions.html Netflix is no longer just a DVD service -- it's practically a business model. There are now a handful of companies that offer services or products to rent through the mail. Like Netflix, when you send the rentals back, more is sent to your door. How quickly you send the shipment back is up to you.PleygoDo you have a Legoholic living in your home? Supporting that habit can be pretty costly, with sets typically charging about 10 cents per Lego piece. For example, a 200-piece set costs about $20 and a 2,000-piece set costs about $200. A service called Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/8-ways-get-free-music-legally.html Being a music nut is a seriously expensive habit.I personally limit myself to one or two new songs from iTunes each month. But I haven't limited myself to Apple's music library. Honestly, I've found it rather lacking in some areas.So, I look for other ways to expand the collection -- and I want to do it legally. I want to support the artists who make the music; I don't want to rip them off. Even if it's just a few cents.Here are some workarounds for expanding and exploring new music, both free and legally. No guilt.AmazonAmazon has Fri, 15 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/fdtakes-aim-at-trans-fats.html The Food and Drug Administration took steps this month to ban trans fats, a move that could prevent up to 7,000 deaths each year.The FDA proposal would define partially hydrogenated oil -- the source of trans fats -- as an unsafe additive.Trans fats, a recognized contributor to heart disease, has been eliminated from many foods. Most of the time, we don't even notice a difference in taste. But trans fats still are around: In microwave popcorn, frozen pizza, coffee creamers and margarine.You've probably seen labels on your favorite products advertising "free from trans fats." But those labels are a bit deceptive. It's actually legal to put that there are no trans fats in a product if it contains less than 0.5 grams. Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/amazon-post-office-cement-deal-for-sunday-deliveries.html If you see your letter carrier walking around on Sundays later this month, you are not hallucinating. Nor is this an aberration. It's a new deal between Amazon and the US Postal Service that begins Nov. 17 in selected cities.Yep, Sunday deliveries. Just in time for the holidays."If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can order a backpack for your child on Friday and be packing it for them Sunday night," Dave Clark, Amazon's vice president of worldwide operations and customer service, said in a statement. "We're excited that now every day is an Amazon delivery day."The service launches in two major cities, Los Angeles and New York. Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/4-ways-help-philippines-typhoon-victims-without-getting-scammed.html The devastating images of the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (also called Yolanda) in the Philippines are prompting many people to donate to relief efforts. And, in all probability, the heart-wrenching crisis is likely to prompt others to set up bogus appeals for help.It's a fact of life: Generous people respond to an international crisis, but so do scammers and con artists. CharityNavigator.org notes that after Hurricane Katrina, the FBI found 4,000 fraudulent sites that were created to steal the identity and money of unwary donors.Both legitimate and fraudulent appeals for help can come in by text, phone, email and snail mail. Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-fireplace-wood-stove-safety-steps-do-this-week.html Gathering around a wood stove or fireplace on a cold winter night can be wonderful experience, but it's crucial to not take basic safety for granted. Of an estimated 57,100 home-structure fires in the United States in 2010, slightly more than one-quarter started in a poorly maintained chimney or flue, according to the National Fire Protection Association.Get the Chimney or Flue Swept AnnuallyHire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect each fireplace or stove at the start of the winter season: an open fireplace typically costs $80-$200, while a wood stove or wood stove insert can cost about $100-$210. Tue, 12 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/power-outage-survival-guide.html Winter is coming. As the storms blow in, homes and businesses deal with the annual ups and downs of power outages.Here are a few do's to keep in mind.Do keep flashlights around the house and plenty of batteries. Keep them in a handy location -- like near the front door, so you don't have to stumble around when you come home to a power outage. While candlelight is romantic, it's hardly the safest way to light dark rooms.Do keep a storage tub filled with blankets to stay warm. Nights without heat in homes that can dip below freezing are difficult -- make sure you can bundle up. Flannel sheets are also nice. Do take advantage of when the power is on -- even if it's intermittent. Run the dishwasher, charge your devices, take a shower. Tue, 12 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/save-money-on-coffee-make-it-at-home.html Coffee beans are cheap. And they are getting cheaper.But don't expect your morning latte to be any less expensive -- unless you brew it at home.Arabica beans are trading at a five-year low, according to the International Coffee Organization. This means buying a pound of coffee at your local grocery store should be less expensive.The same can't be said for the morning Joe from folks like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.Why? Because coffee beans are not the only factor in what goes into your daily pick-me-up. There's the cost of the cups ( Mon, 11 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-ways-stretch-your-reduced-food-budget.html End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. Roughly one-seventh of the country -- 48 million Americans -- live on a food budget $5-$6 per day, according to the most recent government data sited in The New York Times. Starting Nov. 1, food stamp recipients started receiving benefits reduced by about 5%-10%.To help stretch those food dollars a little further, CostHelper compiled a list of smart shopping ideas.1. Mon, 11 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-gadgets-you-want-unwrap-this-year.html The holiday season is on us. Chanukah comes extra early this year, with the first night the day before Thanksgiving. Then there's Black Friday and a few short weeks later, it's Christmas. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of the best gadgets that we all want to find wrapped up with our nametag on it.1. Google ChromecastThe Chromecast is a dongle (tech speak for "thingee") that plugs into the HDMI port of a TV and plays videos from services like Netflix, Hulu Plus and YouTube. Basically, you plug the Chromecast into the TV, hook up the Wi-Fi and watch videos. Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/still-want-try-tesla-model-s-rent-it.html Despite the recent spate of fires -- three in the past six weeks -- Consumer Reports named the Tesla Model S the top performing car of the year.If you have a need for speed and these fires don't bother you (it's only happened to cars involved in crashes), there is a way for you to try before you buy. Hertz, the rental car company, has a line of exotic rides they call Dream Cars. The newest addition to the fleet is the electric supercar, Tesla Model S, which retails for $59,000-$94,000 for the 2013 model. Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/bitcoins-101-what-you-need-know-about-virtual-currency.html Whether you know it or not, you could be heading to an ATM in a few years to pull out bitcoins rather than those plain, old, American greenbacks.What the heck are bitcoins, anyway?Well, it's an online currency. It's mostly known for its uses in black market trades in the dark recess of the Internet -- it was the method of payment accepted on the Silk Road website, which sold narcotics online, until the feds shut it down.How much are bitcoins worth?That's a tricky question. Their value changes constantly. On Nov. 4, they were valued around $265 per bitcoin, according to Mt.Gox, a popular bitcoin exchange. In early October, the value of a single bitcoin waivered around $140-$150. Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/with-high-cost-of-modern-dentistry-can-you-afford-that-great-smile.html Everyone wants good teeth, and a nice smile. But can we all afford it?"My mouth looks awful and I'm embarrassed," writes a CostHelper reader from La Mesa, CA, who is seeking a set of false teeth, but has no dental or health insurance.Rapidly-improving techniques such as implants, gum grafts, crowns and hidden braces make it increasingly possible to correct just about any type of oral problem --for a price.Unfortunately, health insurance doesn't include dental work (except for strict medical necessity). And dental insurance -- for those who can get it -- categorizes many up-to-date procedures as "cosmetic," and therefore not covered. Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/5-strategies-for-healthier-smiles-without-dental-insurance.html Dental costs can be staggering: $20-$250 for X-Rays; $75-$200 for a standard teeth cleaning; $50-$450 to fill a cavity; $500-$3,000 for a crown; $75-$3,000 for tooth extractions; and $15,000-$80,000 or more for a full mouth reconstruction.For someone working an entry-level retail job with limited or no insurance, a growing young family or a retiree on a fixed income, those costs can seem insurmountable. Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/you-arent-getting-bigger-airline-seats-really-are-getting-smaller.html If you felt a bit squeezed on your last flight, you are not alone.During the past decade, airlines have been expanding luxury and business class seating to lure extra dollars out of customers. Meanwhile, the available space is shrinking in the back of the plane.In an effort to maintain the same number of coach seats, widths have been steadily chopped, leaving passengers feeling that squeeze, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.So, no, it's not you. It's the seat. Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner offers two set-ups in the coach cabin: eight seats across or nine. The majority of Boeing's customers -- about 90% -- choose the nine-seat version, which allows for 16.8" seats.The Airbus A330, used by 10 airlines, is no better. Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/beat-bad-customer-service-by-being-more-stubborn-than-them-.html When dealing with a less-than-helpful customer service representative, consider turning into a broken record."I understand that is company policy, but I'm not giving up until ..."Fill in the blank with "I get a refund," "I get a credit," "We come up with a better solution to my problem" or whatever it is that you are seeking.A key phrase for emphasis is "I'm not giving up until..." or "I'm not going away until..." And remember that a supervisor often has more power to make decisions or changes than an underling.For example, a few years ago, I needed to consult a medical specialist, and my insurance required me to see an in-network doctor. I checked the insurance company's website, I called the specialist's office and I called the insurance company. Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/amazon-increases-minimum-purchase-for-free-shipping-35.html Amazon happily splashes new Kindle models across its home page. It's a little sneakier about changes that hit closer to the wallet.Like the announcement that the Super Saver Shipping minimum purchase increased to $35. This means customers need to spend an additional $10 -- up from the $25 minimum -- in order to qualify for free shipping.This is the first increase in as long as I can recall as an Amazon customer -- they says it's been "more than a decade."I say, two months before Christmas is a lousy time to implement a new rule that digs deeper into customer's pockets. Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/4-1-1-on-flu-shots.html There are 13 different CDC-approved flu shots available this year. Do you know which one is right for you?To be fair, one is actually an inhaled spray, not a shot, but it is one of the choices. It's restricted to people between the ages of 2 and 49. The other 12 all come in shot form, and this year there are some new choices."This is the first time that people have had to worry about which one to choose," John Treanor, a flu vaccine expert at the University of Rochester Medical Center, told AARP. Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/free-admission-parks-forests-this-weekend.html Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11, and to honor those who have served their country, entry fees are being waived for everyone (not just vets) at national parks and forests, and at some state parks.Admission will be free for a wide range of outdoor settings, from secluded beaches and mountain meadows to internationally known wilderness landmarks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.Reservation, camping, tours and other fees may still apply, but there will be no day-use admission charges Saturday, Nov. 9 through Monday, Nov. 11 at 401 US national parks or on the more than 150,000 miles of trails and more than 10,000 recreation sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/hey-nfl-dont-patronize-female-football-fans.html Dear NFL,I spotted your recent 16-page advertising insert, "A Savvy Girl's Guide to Football," in the recent issue of Marie Claire, and I commend your efforts to reach out to a broader audience.It's true that 46% of your 2012 Super Bowl audience was female -- a huge increase from the 14% who watched the big game in 2002. Last season, 80 million women watched football games on TV and 310,000 attended in person, according to Forbes magazine.We are fans of the game. Sun, 03 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/tsis-sharing-your-travel-plans-with-debt-collectors.html TSA, NSA, FBI it feels like the world's acronyms are digging into our personal lives in ways that are starting to feel a little too personal.The Transportation Security Agency is collecting a whole lot more about us than our airline meal preferences, according to a recent front-page article in The New York Times.For years, the TSA has conducted background checks on travelers including name, gender and date of birth, which were then compared with terror watch lists.The new measures -- which are already in effect -- go several steps further. Sun, 03 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/instagram-is-growing-marketplace-for-gunsforsale-pillsforsale.html Instagram is known for selfies, sunsets and photos of what you ate for dinner last night.But it's also one of the world's largest online marketplaces -- a giant garage sale of goods . There are millions of photos posted every year of items you can buy -- everything from the latest Jordans to concert tickets with backstage access -- all under the hashtag #forsale.Most of what is for sale on Instagram is perfectly legal. But some of it is more illicit -- guns, drugs, exotic animals. Need an AK-47? It's there. How about 30 tablets of Oxycodone or Xanax? That's available, too.Instagram has its own terms of service, which bans illicit activity. Instagram did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Sat, 02 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-chipotle-hacks-get-your-perfect-burrito-bowl.html Whether the goal is the most bang for the buck or staying on a specific diet while dining out, consumers are excited about the possibilities offered by the versatile burrito bowls at the Tex-Mex-style Chipotle Mexican Grill fast food chain -- and people are proudly sharing their favorite tricks online.Maximize Nutrition, Minimize CaloriesYasmin, a weight-loss diary writer at Shape.com, recommends ordering the Chipotle burrito bowl with chicken, fajita veggies, lettuce, tomato salsa, corn salsa and guacamole, for a total of 465 calories and only 4 grams of saturated fat. Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/8-money-back-guarantees-you-need-know-about.html Most things in life do not come with money-back guarantees -- children, employment, even spouses. Who knows what will happen in life? But manufacturers are trying to please us and they are making promises about their products, so we can be sure we aren't wasting money.Here are a few companies that will let you buy a product, see if it works for you, and give you a refund if you are not totally happy:1. Charmin toilet paperAccording to its commercials, Charmin is "clog-free or it's free." The toilet paper maker is so confident in its paper, it teamed up with Roto-Rooter, a national plumber, to advertise its flushability. Should the paper actually cause a clog, just Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/black-thursday-is-new-black-friday.html It's not even November yet -- heck, it's not even Halloween -- but major retailers are already giddy about Black Friday. So giddy, a number of stores already announced they plan to be open on Thanksgiving Day.If you are planning to work off your holiday meal in shopping malls Thursday night, there are plenty of stores open to walk off your tryptophan-induced food coma.For the first time in its 155-year history, Macy's store is opening on Thanksgiving evening, after the annual parade. Last year and in 2011, the store opened at midnight, Friday morning.The store is urging customers to come in "after families across the country have finished their holiday meals and celebrations," according to a Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-things-you-never-knew-you-could-do-with-pumpkin.html Halloween is just a few days away. This means we're at the height of pumpkin season, but did you know there is much more you can do besides carve a jack-o-lantern?1. Pumpkin kegIs there a better way to serve drinks at a Halloween party than tapping a pumpkin? I doubt it. This is the ultimate awesome addition to any festive get-together. It costs about $30 for the tap kit; drinks and pumpkin not included.2. Pumpkin coolerThis is the low-rent version of the keg. Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/4-1-1-on-buying-firewood.html If you're hoping to curl up in front of your blazing fireplace during the coming cold winter months, you may need to stock up on firewood. Here is a quick guide to the firewood-buying process.The Drier the BetterAll firewood contains some water. Freshly cut wood can be up to 50% water; it will burn, but it produces more smoke and about a third less heat than well-seasoned wood, and -- as the acidic water burns away -- it typically deposits more creosote in the chimney. Firewood that's been allowed to properly dry out (either indoors or covered by a tarp or roof outdoors) for six months to a year is typically about 20% to 25% water, or less. Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/everything-i-know-about-tipping-i-learned-from-sex-workers.html A former sex worker friend of mine has a proverb: "Hookers are the best tippers." She said sex workers know better than anyone what tips mean to a member of the workforce: A basic living wage.I'd be inclined to expand the saying -- anyone who has worked in the service industry knows the importance of tipping. While I've never been a hooker, my resume as a waitress, barista and starving writer lends itself to knowing a thing or two about tipping.But feel free to correct me, or to completely disregard my advice. I'm OK with that.Always tip food service workers. Period. There are many states that have reduced minimum wages for workers in the food service industry, forcing workers to depend even more on the tips. In many states, the Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/our-top-10-favorite-secret-menu-items.html Don't believe everything you read. Those menus posted at your favorite fast food spot or coffee stand are not the be all and end all of their offerings. There are secret menu items -- hidden deals and delights that you should know about, but that you won't find advertised.1. Starbucks: The Short CupThought there were only tall, grande and venti? Ok, yes, there's the trenta, with a gut-busting 30+ oz. For those with smaller tastes, try a short latte or Americano to save a few cents. A short is in an 8 oz. cup, and the price varies based on your drink of choice.2. Fri, 25 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/smart-household-thermostats-can-talk-learn.html The lowly thermostat is the latest household device to undergo a high-tech makeover. Offering the promise of increased energy efficiency and control, here are three models that are spearheading thermostats' evolution into much more than just a simple box.1. The Nest Learning ThermostatLeading the way is the Nest ($249), which evaluates indoor and outdoor temperatures, whether anyone is home (with light and motion detectors) and the temperatures chosen in the past, to "learn" patterns and then fine-tune its control of heating and cooling functions. Nest Labs was founded in May 2010 by two former Apple executives who managed the development of the iPod. Thu, 24 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/free-ipad-game-costs-parents-3000.html Do you let your child play with your tablet or smartphone? Did you know that inside some games are power-ups and special items that cost real money, even if the game itself was free to download? They're called in-app purchases and they can cost you a bundle if you aren't careful.Danny Kitchen, a 5-year-old boy living in the UK, managed to rack up $2,500 worth of in-app purchases in 15 minutes back in March. And a set of 7-year-old twins in Canada left their mom a $3,000 bill for in-app purchases in the popular game "Clash of Clans. Wed, 23 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/kim-kardashian-wants-you-come-her-birthday-party.html Kim Kardashian is celebrating her 33rd birthday in Vegas and she's invited you.If you don't follow her on Instagram, you might have missed the invitation. It just went out Oct. 14.Her party is set for Oct. 25 at Tao, a nightclub in the Venetian Hotel on the Strip.If you want to attend, it costs $20 for women and $40 for men.She enjoyed partying at the same location for her 30th birthday in 2010, according to Zap2It.com.Of course, don't expect to see too much of the reality star. Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-lesser-known-discounts-for-50-plus-crowd.html As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks.A few of these special prices are limited to those age 65 and older, but many start at age 62, 60 or 55, and an ever-increasing number are offered beginning at age 50.It's possible to get even more discounts by joining a membership group like AARP (previously called American Association for Retired People, $16 a year for those 50 or older). However, for the deals listed below, all you typically have to do is offer legal proof of your age.1. Mon, 21 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/-girl-scout-cookies-marijuana-selling-for-5000-pound.html Would you like to smoke some Peyton Manning? Or, would you prefer to spark up some Girl Scout Cookies?Marijuana growers and venders are getting creative with the highly recognizable names they give different strains of weed, without the permission of the people who own those names. Even President Obama has a strain named after him.The Denver Broncos starting quarterback Peyton Manning was not very happy about two Colorado strains of marijuana being named after him and his brother: The strains are called Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, reportedly from related seeds. The brothers are threatening to Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/gr8-now-debt-collectors-are-texting.html Collection agencies are now pursuing debtors in 160 characters or less -- by texting them.Consumers generally don't like the idea, particularly because text messages can cost money to receive, and government officials are watching to make sure collection companies continue to follow all the rules governing how they approach people.The Federal Trade Commission announced Sept. 25 that it has reached a $1 million settlement agreement in the first case of this type. Archie Donovan of Glendale, CA, and two companies he controls, National Attorney Collection Services, Inc. Thu, 17 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/potentially-tainted-chicken-still-on-supermarket-shelves.html Salmonella poisoning has sickened more than 300 people in 17 states since March.But the USDA will not force a recall of the chicken that is causing the illness. In fact, many stores are still selling it. Why? Because the USDA and many retailers maintain salmonella can be killed when chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.But when's the last time you checked the internal temp of your chicken burger? And is it the consumer's responsibility to test all their chicken with a cooking thermometer? I toured a handful of Northern California retailers and found store shelves full of "fresh chicken" from the three California processing plants that are linked to this year's outbreak.Let's be clear. Wed, 16 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-reasons-why-obamacare-should-have-been-planned-by-software-architect.html When the Affordable Care Act health exchanges rolled out on Oct. 1, we tried to sign up for a small business plan on the Covered California site, but like millions of other Americans, we were met with frustration. The application wasn't accessible for the first day and a half, and the web site was littered with bugs like incorrect field validation and broken links. Worst yet, the process ended with us submitting an application which had to be reviewed before we could see any quotes. That was 13 days ago, and we haven't heard anything since.And it's not just small businesses, or users in California. A New York Times researcher attempted to register more than 40 times from Oct 1 - 12 and was never able to log in. Tue, 15 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-tricks-make-home-appliances-last-longer.html Give your household equipment a little workout now and then, to make sure anything mechanical will perform well when needed. Periodic exercise can extend the usable life of many items.Breaker FlipsAbout once a year, move down the row of circuit breakers in your household electrical panel, switching each one off and then back on. This breaks apart any corrosion that might have built up on the contacts (and excess corrosion can prevent a circuit breaker from properly shutting off the power if there's ever a dangerous overload). Afterwards, remember to reset any digital clocks that lost power when the breaker on their circuit was flipped. Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/if-you-put-food-on-credit-card-during-ebt-outage-ask-switch-charges.html Millions of Americans experienced moments, if not hours, of panic after a computer glitch shut down the food stamp system in 17 states on Saturday.The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, said the glitch was not a result of the national government shutdown."EBT cards in a number of states have temporarily stopped working (Saturday) due to a technical issue that the vendor that serves these states is experiencing," the Department of Agriculture said in a statement to an ABC news affiliate in Ohio. "This issue is not related to the government shutdown. Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/irish-engineers-developing-iphone-app-brew-beer.html Leave it to the Irish to come up with a way to brew beer at home with the help of a smartphone.Meet the BrewBot, the next at-home beer-making buddy. It's a machine for brewing craft beer without too much fuss, but the big selling point is the ability to monitor the process on a smart device.A group of crafty Belfast-based engineers are in the final days of a Kickstarter campaign to fund the BrewBot. It has 9 days to go to meet the £100,000 goal.Typically, brewing beer at home is a complex, scientific process. The BrewBot simplifies it and automates it, making it something just about anybody can do. Sat, 12 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/how-much-will-nobel-prize-winners-be-taking-bank.html The 2013 Nobel Prize winners are being announced this week, with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) being announced this morning as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Ever wonder just how much they take home after all the formal hoopla is over?This year there's a cash award of 8 million Swedish kronor (slightly more than $1.2 million) for each Nobel category -- physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace are the traditional areas, plus the Prize in Economics in Memory of Alfred Noble which was added to the line-up in 1969. The economics prize has a slightly different name than the others, but it follows all the same rules and comes with the same $1.2 million payout. Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/top-10-must-have-zombie-prepper-supplies.html "The Walking Dead" is back -- Season 4 starts this Sunday, Oct. 13. So it's a good time for CostHelper readers to get ready for the coming zombie apocalypse.Even the Center for Disease Control is on board, providing a list of helpful tips for all types of emergencies including the undead. "If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse, you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or terrorist attack," CDC Director Ali Kahn notes.1. Underground HouseBuilt out of a fear of an inevitable nuclear war in the 1970s, this Thu, 10 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/world-series-of-snack-bars--which-baseball-park-has-best-deals-on-dogs-drinks.html While I certainly won't pass up peanuts and Cracker Jacks, the staple of most baseball games these days are hot dogs and beer. Well, soda for the kids.As the post-season progresses and heads toward the World Series, it's important to nail down which teams have the best deals on these refreshments of choice, according to the annual MLB Fan Cost Index.For the 2013 season, the average price of a major league baseball beer is $6.12 for about 15 oz., or about 40 cents per ounce -- but that's just an average. But like crying, there are no 15 oz. cups in baseball. Thu, 10 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/those-annoying-western-sky-commercials-are-gone-heres-why.html Daytime and late-night television addicts may have noticed the once-frequent television ads urging consumers to "get off the payday treadmill" by taking out a personal loan with Western Sky Financial are no longer airing.The company became fairly well known for its national barrage of commercials promising "up to $10,000 without collateral" and "enough to pay off payday advances once and for all."Western Sky ads often acknowledged the high cost of its personal loans, asserting that getting money this way was still "a lot cheaper than a payday advance. Wed, 09 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/flashiest-most-secure-100-bill-ever-rolls-out-today.html The new Benjamins have bling.The Federal Reserve Board calls it introducing new security features to fight counterfeiting.If you tilt the new $100 bills, which begin circulating today, the bell in the inkwell glitters a copper color. (That looks like bling to me.)In addition, the new $100s have a 3-D blue ribbon with 100s printed on it. The figures move when the bill is tilted, and if you want to check it out, the Treasury has an interactive bill posted online.The new version was actually unveiled in 2010, and they are stamped as part of the 2009 series, but there were a few delays in releasing them. Tue, 08 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/air-bags-will-they-be-there-when-you-need-them.html Most drivers assume their vehicle's air bags are in place and will deploy as needed, but that's not necessarily true, especially if the car was bought used or repaired by an unfamiliar shop after an accident where the air bag deployed.A good air bag -- one designed to fit in a particular make and model of vehicle -- isn't cheap. Driver-side bags can cost $200-$700 or more each, and passenger-side bags can be $400-$1,000 or more each -- and that's just for the bag itself. Installation and related parts typically bring total costs for professional replacement to $1,000-$6,000 or more, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle, and the number and location of the air bags. Mon, 07 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/and-best-bacon-is.html This little piggy went to market.After that, Consumer Reports bought samples and tasted to determine which little piggy offered the best bacon.Top honors go to Costco, it turns out. For $14, you can buy four pounds of bacon that Consumer Reports said was the only "excellent" brand."Kirkland Signature Regular tastes best," the group found. "It's sold as four 1-pound packages, so you may need to freeze some."The price of the Kirkland bacon, at $3.50 per pound, was well below many of the major label brands like Hormel and Oscar Meyer.In fact, Consumer Reports noted that higher prices didn't necessarily lead to better quality. Sat, 05 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/need-dream-job-naspaying-18000-stay-in-bed.html Want to lie around all day, every day for more than two months and still get paid for it? Well, NASA has the job for you.For people willing to spend 70 days in bed, NASA is willing to pay $18,000. That's about $1,200 per week for staying in a prone position as part of NASA's bed rest studies.But as with all too-good-to-be-true deals, there's a catch."You don't have to do anything but lie here," said Beth Ann Shriber, who took part in a 90-day study in 2006. "I would say it's more about enduring."NASA's study examines the effects of microgravity on the human body -- a simulation for the antigravity astronauts experience during extended missions. Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-ways-prepare-for-next-major-storm.html Storms and tornadoes hit the Midwest this past weekend, after a difficult year where flooding in Colorado left eight people dead.These are sharp reminders that storms are a powerful force. Here are 10 ways to plan ahead to minimize the risk and damage from rainstorms and flooding.1. Make a PlanKnow how everyone will get to a safe place from your home, from daycare, from school, from work, or from anywhere members of the household typically spend time. At least once, practice how to evacuate -- who takes what, and where will you go? Remember to include family pets -- have food, carrier, bowl, leash, ID and other supplies ready. Thu, 03 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/gas-price-forecast-less-pain-at-pump-expected.html Finally, we've reached the portion of the year where gas prices traditionally start to decline. This year might be especially generous to drivers, with prices expected to hit the elusive $3-mark by the end of October.The only exception may be California, were refinery issues may prevent prices from dropping as low as $3. Back around Labor Day, three refineries experienced production issues, which has since been mostly resolved.The current average gas price nationally is hovering around $3.40. That's down more than 40 cents from this time in 2012, according to AAA."Gasoline now typically sells for just a few dollars more than raw crude costs," Tom Kloza, GasBuddy's chief oil analyst Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/retired-lgbt-couples-can-now-apply-for-social-security-spousal-benefits.html The Social Security Administration is inviting retirement-age same-sex married couples and domestic partners to apply for spousal benefits."I am pleased to announce that Social Security is now processing some retirement spouse claims for same-sex couples and paying benefits where they are due," Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, said in a statement following the Supreme Court's decision to recognize same-sex marriages.Social Security, the fund we all pay into with our payroll taxes, offers retirement benefits to married couples. This means one partner can sometimes receive higher payments based on higher earnings of their spouse or receive survivorship benefits. Tue, 01 Oct 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/fix-it-favorites-duct-tape-wd-40.html My mother taught me that all home fixit-projects can be accomplished with either duct tape or WD-40. If something shouldn't move and it does, use duct tape. If something should move and it doesn't, use WD-40.That's an over-simplification, but it contains a fair amount of truth. Over the years, consumers have found an amazing array of uses for these two items, employing them in ways that vary from being practical and money-saving, to being creative and outrageous.Duct Tape Holds It DownDeveloped to seal ammunition cases during World War II and used on construction sites after the war (holding metal air ducts together), duct tape is a cloth-backed, waterproof adhesive. Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-tips-for-building-best-legoland-adventure.html If you are planning a mid-winter getaway, one unique family-friendly destination is Legoland -- and with locations in Florida and California it's available to folks on both coasts. It's a brick-lovers paradise.Both Southern California and Central Florida have warm climates darn-near all year, and ideal locales for beating the winter doldrums. Carlsbad, CA, typically runs in the 60s in winter; Winter Haven, FL, offers temps in the high 70s late in the year.Plus, winter is the time of year for holiday events at these parks. Sat, 28 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/how-much-would-grand-theft-auto-v-crimes-cost-in-real-life.html In an ironic twist, fans of Grand Theft Auto V are committing actual crimes to get their hands on a copy of the video game. That could be more expensive than the game itself.Online content (and multiplayer action) launches Oct. 1, two weeks after the video game hit store shelves. The game has already broken sales records, earning more than $1 billion in the first three days it was available. Others sought more nefarious means for a copy of the notorious game."Just broken into someone's car to steal their copy of GTA 5. I hope they appreciate the irony," Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/dont-fall-for-obamacare-phone-scams.html The Federal Trade Commission says phone scammers are the only ones calling people about Obamacare -- and the FTC wants to know when you hear from them. "The government will not call you about your health insurance; and no one from the government will ask you to verify your Social Security number or bank information," warns an FTC consumer information alert. "Some government agencies might send you a letter (for example, Medicare and the IRS), but they will never ask you to wire them money or give your credit card number."Open enrollment starts Oct. 1 for the health insurance marketplaces created under the Affordable Care Act (the official name for Obamacare). The FTC is Thu, 26 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/sarah-silverman-wears-110-dress-emmys.html Comedian Sarah Silverman struck a blow for affordable fashion at this year's Emmy Awards when she strutted on the red carpet in a stunning little black dress that she told reporters she bought online for $60 from Stop Staring Clothing.Unfortunately Silverman, who reportedly tried on several outfits before choosing the low-cut, curve-defining, black cocktail dress, got both the brand and the price wrong.The official name of her outfit is The Vamp Dress in Black by Deadly Dames, one of the house brands of Pinup Girl Clothing, which specializes in vintage-inspired fashions for women of all sizes. Instead of $60, The Vamp Dress sells for $110. Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/college-textbooks-dont-have-empty-your-moms-savings-account.html Another school year has started, and for college students it's time for the quarterly ritual that drains accounts faster than any other expense: Buying books.Since 1978, the cost of books has increased a jaw-dropping 812%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inflation in the same period was about 250%.The entire textbook industry has unfortunate similarities to the corporate-run healthcare industry, claims Kevin Carey in a recent Slate article."The college textbook market is unusual in that the person deciding what people should buy -- the professor -- isn't the one actually doing the buying," Tue, 24 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/health-tip-combat-flu-bugs-with-humidity.html Want to avoid encouraging flu bugs to flourish? Keep a bit of moisture in the household air.Flu season peaks in cold weather, when people tend to spend more time indoors. Many homes, offices and other buildings in the United States are warmed with a dry heat source.However, the viruses that cause the flu survive better when the humidity is close to 100% or below 50%, according to research published in the Plos One online journal. Which means that raising the humidity to more than 50% can help fight the flu.There are several options for producing just the right levels of household moisture needed to make flu bugs feel unwelcome. Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-highs-lows-watch-for-in-breaking-bad-auction.html After five years, Walter White's meth-induced hit life is coming to a close. The series "Breaking Bad" concludes Sept 29. For fans of the show, the fun doesn't have to end. ScreenBid is auctioning off more than 200 items from the show, all of which are guaranteed by Sony Pictures. The bidding begins Sept 29, with an array of intriguing items.1. Pink teddy bearsThe pink teddy bear made several appearances during the course of "Breaking Bad," including a memorable landing in Walter White's swimming pool. ScreenBid has two bears for sale: One with eyes and one without. Bidding on both bears starts at $1,500. Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/is-convenience-worth-paying-little-extra.html It's near the end of a long day, it's hot, you're tired and the car won't start because the battery is dead. What to do?If you're like a gradually increasing number of CostHelper readers, you'll pay your roadside assistance service to install a new battery right then and there. That's what a reader from Lilbum, GA did when feeling "too tired, hot and lazy" to opt for a jump-start by the AAA tow truck operator followed by a drive to an auto parts store for a less-expensive battery installation. The other choice was to pay AAA for immediate installation of a new battery. Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/no-discount-card-dont-forget-jennys-number.html Standing in line to pay for groceries in an unfamiliar grocery store, you realize they have discount card savings programs. You don't have a card. And because you don't know when you'll be shopping here again, signing up to get a few cents off doesn't feel like it's worth the effort.There's a quick solution for that. Remember that '80s classic from Tommy Tutone?"Jenny, don't change your number." 867-5309.I tried it recently while traveling in Maui. Not having a card for the island grocery chain, Foodland, I typed in the local area code followed by Jenny's unforgettable digits.808-867-5309. Cha-ching. Discount registered.It also worked at a Safeway gas station in San Jose, CA (408-867-5309). Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/top-7-ways-trim-pet-expenses.html Pets, for many, are part of the family; another member that needs love, feeding and treatment, just like anyone else in the household.Americans are expected to spend more than $55 billon on pet care this year, up from more than $53 billion in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. Cat owners, the group said, spend about $1,271 per pet, while dog owners spend about $1,649 per pet.But in this economy, pet owners are seeking ways to save on expenses -- both their own and their pets. Check out CostHelper's tricks and tips for saving money on our furry friends' expenses.1. Wed, 18 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/80s-are-back-finally-conquer-that-classic-arcade-game.html Oldies but goodies are back. In the world of retro gaming, that is.And plenty of folks are cashing in on the trend.Retro trend-setter Urban Outfitters sells old-school gaming consoles for new school kids with cash to burn.The original game consoles we fell in love with in the 1980s are still available: retrofitted and refurbished, still fully functional. Online retailers like DK Oldies sell the consoles we grew up with like Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/10-tips-avoid-hospital-bill-rip-offs.html When it comes to hospital bills, it pays to question everything. There are no firm figures available, but some industry experts estimate that there are errors in 40% to 80% of all medical bills. Even at 40%, that's a high error rate; 80% is astounding.So hospital billing errors are a fact of life, and a good place to start cutting costs. Errors might mean you were overcharged a few hundred, a few thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars. Even with health insurance, incorrect billing can make out-of-pocket expenses painfully higher than they should be.1. Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/distilleries-cash-in-on-moonshine-buzz.html I spotted jar after jar of moonshine on a recent trip to Costco. That, in itself, seemed wrong. In the same way the phrase "legal moonshine" seems wrong. The two words shouldn't be next to each other, let alone in the same sentence.But in the interests of journalism, which has a long history steeped in alcohol, I purchased a jar of Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon, the apple pie variety, for about $15. (According to my research, that was a pretty good deal. Many places sell the 750 mL jar for about $19-$22.)After diligent sampling, I determined I quite liked the taste. And it wasn't too far off from the real moonshine samples I've had in the past. Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/epic-game-console-showdown-ps4-vs-xbox-one.html There is a lot of hype surrounding the next generation of game console wars. This year's contenders are Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.But let's scrape away all the meddlesome hype and get to the meat of the matter: What do we need to know about the upcoming battle?PriceIt breaks down like this: Xbox One will have a starting price of $500. Sony, which announced its price about a week after Microsoft, undercut the Xbox One by $100, and offers a starting price of $400. But don't forget, the Xbox One will come with a Kinect sensor bar -- there's no equivalent in the PS4 box. Thu, 12 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/7-must-have-tailgating-toys.html Tailgating is an art form these days -- and a crazy one at that. There is an entire industry that caters to die-hard sports fans, providing all the comforts of home in a parking lot setting. Here are some of the fine ideas made for the fans hitting stadium parking lots as the football season kicks off.1. Magnetic Can Holders - For those who can never find a spot to set down a drink, this magnetic drink cozy attaches to nearly any metal surface -- like a vehicle -- and holds the drink steady while sporting a team logo. Beer holders can be custom made or ordered Thu, 12 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/plan-ahead-save-prep-for-winter-now.html It's only September, but this a good time to think about how to save money this winter. There are lots of projects that can be done now that will pay off when things get colder.Fuel Up Before Prices RiseFor homes warmed by heating oil, many experts recommend filling the tank in the off season (late summer or early fall), when prices are typically lower than in the winter. For example, the current price range in Massachusetts is $3.24-$4.60 a gallon, with an average of $3.69. Last winter, the peak season average price varied from $3.89-$4.09 a gallon. Wed, 11 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/apple-iphones-dial-in-new-colors-fingerprint-scanners.html It was a busy morning in Silicon Valley, as Apple announced major changes in its popular line of phones. Get ready to say good-bye to iPhone 5. Yes, already."In the past, when we've launched a new iPhone, we lowered the cost of the old iPhone, making it more accessible to new people. But this year, we're not going to do that," Apple's CEO Tim Cook said.Instead, Apple is offering two new phones, the iPhone 5C and 5S, and they are killing off the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. The iPhone 4S will be only available in 8GB and will be free to customers willing to accept a new two-year contract.Here's the breakdown from Apple's big day:iOS7 releaseWhen it drops: Sept. Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/when-stainless-steel-is-only-look.html Silver Mist. Stainless Platinum. Titanium. Slate. Stainless Satina. Cosmetallic.Sound exotic? Those are all appliance color names -- the finishes available on refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers, washer or dryers. Stainless steel is still preferred by most consumers when outfitting their kitchens or laundry rooms, because it is attractive, durable and can be refinished if scratched.However, actual stainless steel stainless steel typically adds a couple hundred of dollars to the cost of an appliance. It can also require diligent maintenance, often with special cleaning products, to fight ever-present fingerprints and smudges. Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/reminder-free-mammograms-are-call-away.html Mammograms, like it or not, are a fact of life for women after 40. For many, even earlier.One CostHelper reader points out that a lack of funds does not need to be a stumbling block. She points out there are often free mammogram services available women who do not have health insurance.Our reader qualified for a free diagnostic mammogram offered in Utah to patients who meet certain criteria -- such as being low-income or in a certain age bracket. But that program is hardly alone. Across the country, free and low-cost breast cancer screening services are available. Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/boo-dont-get-scared-by-halloween-store-prices.html Some people call me morbid. I call it a playful realism about human life expectancy. Either way, as soon as the local Halloween stores open, I'm in there checking out the inventory.These days, many of the national retail Halloween shops -- like Spirit stores -- open in mid-August and year-round party stores such as Party City have all their costumes out for the season before school starts. Even my local pet store stocks dog and cat costumes.In 2012, about 170 million folks took part in Halloween activities, according to the National Retail Federation. Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/school-lunches-is-it-better-pack-pay.html With the start of school, what to do about lunches is just one of the many decisions parents have to make.For eligible low-income families, public school lunches are free or cost about 40 cents. Other public school students typically pay about $1.75-$3, depending on location. That seems relatively cheap for a meal, but as a daily expense it adds up, particularly for families with more than one student to feed. And, the charges for full-price lunches are going up.The good news is, schools are complying with the federal Healthy, Hungry-Free Kids Act of 2010, which means the nutritional quality of school lunches is improving nationwide. Tue, 03 Sep 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/pro-tip-used-rental-bicycles-are-good-deal.html Bicycle rental companies usually want to keep their fleet of available machines up-to-date, which can result in great deals for consumers shopping for high-quality bicycles at discounted prices.Shops typically sell their older rental bikes at reduced rates, either on an ongoing basis, through periodic sales or once a year -- it depends on the store and the local demand. Although they are typically sold "as is," the good news for buyers is that the bicycles have been professionally maintained as part of the rental fleet, and are typically tuned up and completely refurbished before being sold.Rental companies won't last long trying to rent out cheap machines, and they need to keep everything in good working order. Fri, 30 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/student-loans-who-benefits-under-new-rules.html A law cutting interest rates on student loans to the lowest level in years received President Barack Obama's signature August 9.So who benefits from the new rules and what are the catches?Well, for starters, if you are already paying student loans back, you can stop reading now. This does not apply to you. The bill helps future students -- those seeking financial aid now.Here's what prospective college students need to know about the new legislation:Federal fixed-rate loans (where the interest rate is unchanged year after year) are available for undergraduates at 3.86% and graduate students at 5.41%. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/mannings-medical-bills-how-much-will-it-cost-become-chelsea.html Bradley is now named Chelsea."As I transition to the next stage of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning. I am now female," she wrote in a public statement, explaining her desire to transition from male to female.Born Bradley Edward Manning, she gained national attention after releasing hundred of thousand of documents to the online site WikiLeaks. She was convicted in July 2013 and faces a sentence of up to 35 years in prison for violating the Espionage Act.But it is likely to be a long and arduous journey for Manning. Mon, 26 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/how-survive-school-uniforms.html This July, soaring temperatures in Cardiff, Wales, prompted 17 schoolboys to add an unusual item to their summer school uniforms: they wore black skirts to protest a strict uniform policy banning shorts, even in hot weather.After a quick trip to the headmaster's office, the lads were soon back in long pants -- but not before getting their point across in a dramatic fashion. It's just one of ways that people around the world get creative when coping with the inflexibility of school uniforms.A tradition at most private schools in the United States, school uniforms are also increasingly common on public school campuses. Wed, 21 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/your-library-card-is-your-ticket-free-streaming-videos.html Move over, Netflix and Hulu Plus. There's a new video-streaming source in town -- and its offerings are free.Hoopla, a free app available on both Android phones and iPhones, is joining forces with libraries across the nation offering free access to thousands of videos, music albums and e-books. It's only in a dozen or so libraries now, but by the end of 2013, Hoopla should be available through about 100 of the nation's libraries. Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/serial-dine-and-dasher-outed-on-facebook.html Plenty of folks use social media to rant. In fact, for people in the food service industry, venting about the job is par for the course.Remember the Applebee's waitress who posted a receipt on Reddit from a pastor who wrote, "I give God 10%. Why should I give you 18?" (The action led to the firing of the waitress.)Now it's being used to catch folks who try to filch on the bill from dinner.Brewer's Cabinet, a Reno, Nev., restaurant Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/forgotten-expenses-in-home-addition-budget.html Items like construction costs, permit fees or debris removal aren't the only expenses to consider when calculating the total costs of a home remodeling project. An addition that significantly raises the value of a home might also increase the cost of property taxes and homeowner's insurance, based on that increase in value. Whether you're adding a deck (averaging about $8,000-$11,200 for 16'x20') or a Mon, 05 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/welcome-costhelper-blog.html Seven years ago, we launched CostHelper.com with the vision of helping people find the right product at a fair price, with our unique approach of combining research by experienced journalists with users' comments of how much they're really paying. Over the years, we've expanded how we deliver on that vision, and today, we're excited to announce the launch of the CostHelper Blog.In the past, as we worked on our articles, we'd often discover extra pieces of information that wouldn't quite fit into our existing format, like more detailed steps about how medical billing works. And many times we wanted to highlight some great advice our users had posted. Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/no-attorney-needed-some-legal-filings-can-be-diy.html A CostHelper reader in California who was recently working on cleaning up his record noted, "you do not need an expensive attorney for a DUI expungement." It is possible for individuals to remove felonies or misdemeanors from their legal records on their own, rather than hiring a lawyer. In fact, with many legal filings, the biggest expense one needs to take on could be the legwork and the time spent filling out legal forms. And, on occasion, an appearance in court might be necessary.A cautionary note: While it is possible to do all of the paperwork on one's own, it is not always simple. Being an organized and detail-oriented person is helpful. Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/extended-warranty-by-any-other-name.html A number of electronics and appliance retailers are no longer selling extended warranties; now, they're hawking plans for "extended protection" or "extended service."I can't help it. "Extended protection" makes me think of gangsters offering to keep me safe.We need to clearly define our terms. A warranty is provided by the manufacturer and comes for free with the product. It usually only protects against manufacturing defects. Extended warranties are actually service contracts -- an agreement that the owner of a product pays a set fee and if the product breaks within a period of time, the product will be fixed. Maybe. Plans vary significantly in terms of what is and isn't covered. Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/upgrade-wars-who-benefits-from-new-smartphone-plans.html Two years can seem like a long time in the life of a smartphone. Now, three major cell phone providers are cashing in on consumers' desire for that new, shiny smartphone by offering opportunities to upgrade sooner.But, of course, it comes at a price. Consumers who are willing to shell out a little more money each month -- anywhere from about $10-$50 depending on the wireless provider -- for the flexibility to upgrade up to two times during a 12-month period.With T-Mobile's Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00 http://www.costhelper.com/blog/ouch-employers-healthcare-changes-hurt-reader.html A CostHelper reader in New Hampshire recently had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and afterward was shocked to discover the deductible on the employer-provided health plan had jumped to $4,000 shortly before the operation. In addition, the copays for physical therapy and doctors visits had increased to $25-$50.It's easy (and tempting) to just ignore what look like routine health insurance notices and documents, but it can be important to pay attention when an employer shops around for a cheaper group plan. Changes that save the company money on premiums can translate into higher healthcare costs for employees. Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00