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SUMMER SAVINGS
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Yep, the heat is on but don't let the warmer temperatures burn a hole in your wallet. Learn more here. |
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HOTELS.COM
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Looking for a last-minute hotel this weekend? Click here to get an extra $20 off with a three-night booking through Hotels.com.
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Greetings!
Welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter. Are you covered? Consumer United's partnership with Harvard Pilgrim will help
individuals in Massachusetts obtain affordable coverage to comply with
the state's health care requirements. Learn more here. Now, let's get started. |
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Banks Upgrade ATMs By Cutting Envelopes
 An increasing number of banks are making the switch to ATMs allowing customers to make deposits without requiring them to put checks in envelopes. ATM-based deposit services are widely available, but some banks are deploying new technology that eliminates the envelope. Instead, customers receive printed receipts that show scanned images of the checks they have deposited. The updated process will save money for banks and time for customers. Perhaps the biggest improvement lies in the fact that banks employees no longer have to process each deposit--as long as the machine can read the check, the whole process is automated. Click here for more information.
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Head To A 'Green' Hotel This Summer
 It's easier than you think to have an eco-friendly vacation now that a slew of hotels are taking the initiative to go "green." In order for a destination to be "green," it must be a leader in
environmentally-sound services. This means recycling, energy
efficiency and access to the great outdoors. This summer you may
consider a "green" destination. Green hotels and convention centers are sprouting across the country.
For example, Boston has three green convention centers, 25 green-certified hotels, and 28 green-certified restaurants and event centers. Read more here.
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Plymouth Rock Launches E-mail Program
 Plymouth Rock Assurance recently began offering a free e-mail reminder
program for all Massachusetts drivers, even those who aren't insured
with the company. Simply by registering online, drivers will
receive e-mail notices when their license and registration are up for
renewal and their vehicles are due for inspection. This service is
particularly useful because last fall, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles made the decision to stop sending paper-based reminders to drivers when it was time to renew their licenses. Learn more here.
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AAA Predicts Fewer July 4th Travelers
 With the ongoing uncertainty about the strength of the economy and the
return of higher gas prices, the folks over at the American Automobile
Association predict that people will stay home during the Fourth of
July weekend. Armed by research
conducted by IHS Global Insight, the AAA's Leisure Travel Index
suggests a two percent decline in travel, dropping from 37.8 to 37.1
million compared to the number of Americans who traveled 50 miles or
more from home during the summer holiday season in 2008. Click here for the lowdown. |
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Loyal Consumers Break Up With Brands
 Consumers are dumping the brands they once adored and opting for flings with lesser-known products ranging from laundry detergent to food. In 2007 and 2008, 20 percent of brand-loyal customers were having one-night stands with new brands while keeping the old, while 33 percent of these brand-loyal customers dumped their old loves altogether. Read more here. | |
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