Newsletter Update

Consumer United, 181 South St. Boston, MA · 617-482-4700 ·  www.consumerunited.com

In This Issue
Charities Feeling Holiday Squeeze
Old Habits Return Fast
Inside Consumer United
 
FUEL-SAVING JETS
Airplane
NASA has teamed up with commercial developers to advance the design of a more fuel-efficient engine known as an open rotor. Click here for the lowdown.
 
BETTER DEALS DAILY
Better Deals Daily
Consumer United unleashed its companion site, BetterDealsDaily.com, to the masses. The site is just that ... a collection of deals from participating online retailers and service providers updated for our members on a daily basis. Click here for the lowdown.
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Growing Demand For Food Assistance
Food Assistance With the holiday season approaching, more and more food banks and assistance centers around Massachusetts are receiving requests for help. The slowing economy, which has led to increasing levels on unemployment and tighter credit, has pushed some Americans over the edge. Many people struggling to make ends meet during the holidays last year are now turning to relief organizations for help. One of the factors making the situation so difficult for consumers is the high cost of food. Read more here.
Oil Prices Drop While Demand Continues
Oil Can The cost for crude oil dropped over 32 percent last month, the biggest one-month decline on record since 1983. Although lower oil prices will likely translate into savings for consumers on expenses such as gas and groceries, the drop may be a bellwether of bad economic news. "Oil prices continue to drop as a direct relationship between a weak global economy and demand," Mark Williams, a risk management expert and finance professor at Boston University, tells MarketWatch. Click here for the complete article.
As Gas Prices Fall, Old Habits Return
Gas Prices Drop Now that gas prices are back to hovering around $2.50, drivers have returned to the road. Crude oil prices have also dropped more than 50 percent from the highs they reached over the summer. While the effects of gas prices are immediate for drivers filling up their tanks, consumers may deal with the aftermath of higher prices through the winter. In some industries, pricing decisions are made based on estimates of future costs. Even though fuel prices are comparatively low now, consumers may still be paying for the impact of the summer's high prices. Click here for more information.
Inside Consumer United
Dan Marzinotto Daniel Marzinotto joined Consumer United working full time as a Consumer United advocate showing the everyday consumer how to save on basic services. When Marzinotto began, there were only seven employees. Now there are over 25. He quickly understood the concept of a start-up company and how vital each and every person's role is in the grand scheme. As a saver himself, Marzinotto believes Consumer United will help consumers band together online and recognize the importance of saving on necessities. Read more here.
Save $10 On Angie's List
Home Mortgage Rates When you need help with repairs around the house, Angie's List members will help you decide which service companies to trust and which to avoid. As a Consumer United member, you qualify to save on Angie's List membership rates. Use promo code "SAVE TEN" for $10 off. Click here to save.
Save
 $10

 First time shoppers with our new service partner, Peapod, will instantly save $10 on their online grocery order. Use the Consumer United promotional code, CJN10, and click on the promotional link here to start saving!
Peapod