Consumer United Newsletter :: February 13, 2009

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

In This Issue

Valentine's Day splurging is so last year. Don't expect diamonds or special-delivery flowers this year. Why? Learn more here.

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Make tough times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free Edition. Click here to start saving.

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Save On Home-Related Tax Breaks

With Wednesday, April 15 looming large on the horizon and more and more Americans looking to make the most of every dollar, there are a few tax tips that could help save hundreds this spring. Homeowners in particular are well-positioned to take advantage of these tax tips. For example, homeowners are eligible for an additional standard deduction off of the standard deduction for property taxes. Single filers are eligible for a $500 deduction and $1000 for couples. This could make it more advantageous for some to take the standard deduction instead of itemizing deductions. Read more here.

New Consumer Emerges In Tough Times

Today's tough economy has created a new consumer. The U.S. consumer of 2009 has adopted new behaviors. The U.S. Commerce Dept reports that consumer spending in December was down for the sixth month in a row. The month's consumer spending is down 1%, while income is down only .2%. Energy prices are at an all time low, leaving cash in everyone's pockets. What does this mean? More savings. This is due to the rising risk of unemployment, cut in hours and the decrease in home prices. The risks and uncertainties of today's economy are prompting Americans to hold on to their money. Click here for more information.

Gas Prices Continue To Drop

Oil prices continue to fall amidst Senate's passage of Obama's $838 billion recovery plan. With Government plans in place to improve our disheartened economy, The Dow Jones industrials still lost 300 points, and crude is still trading below $40 a barrel. Alaran Trading Corp Analyst, Phil Flynn, says "People are running to gold as a reaction to Monday's speech and are running away from the stock market. And of course that's pressuring the oil down." Click here for the complete article.

Inside Consumer United

Orit Beitler's next adventure? Consumer United. We welcome Beitler to our Consumer United team! Beitler is excited to help negotiate the best services and deals for consumers. Beitler believes in Consumer United because the customers will be able to save money, and receive excellent care and service by the company's representatives. What is Beitler's favorite personal finance advice? "The future is always cheaper. If you save what can buy you one donut a day, in ten years the compounded amount will buy you several more donuts." Other ways to save? "Compare, compare, compare." Read more here.

Save 60% Plus $15 FTD Flower Reward

Thanks to the almighty discount gods over at Restaurant.com, $25 gift cards to restaurants around the country from Restaurant.com can be had through Sunday, Feb. 15 for 60% off using Consumer United Advocate's special promo code TREAT. Check out Restaurant.com here to see what restaurants are participating near your ZIP code. Also, receive a $15 FTD flower distribution reward card with every order of $25. Use the link here and make sure to use the promo code TREAT.

Save 5%	Renting a car this Valentine's Day weekend? You're in luck. Save 5% off any vehicle rental at Dollar Rent A Car. Use Consumer United's special saving code CJ05 and click on the promotional link here to start saving.