Consumer United Advocate

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

In This Issue
Prepaid Cards
Halloween Tips
Energy Vampires
TRICK OR TREAT?
Halloween Costume
On the hunt for an oh-so-clever Halloween costume but on a budget? Don't fret. Learn more here.
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Score $25 gift cards to restaurants around the country until Sunday, Oct. 25 for 70% off using the special promo code PUMPKIN here. Also, snag a free $10 Lobster Gram with purchase. Click here to start saving.
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Prepaid Credit Card Users Face Hidden Fees
Credit Card Scutiny On the surface, prepaid debit cards seem like a viable alternative to bank accounts and credit cards. Millions of Americans have turned to prepaid debit cards as a cash-free alternative. The caveat? Be prepared for hidden fees. Many cards carry dozens of hidden fees. The additional costs can nickel and dime consumers with larger-than-usual ATM withdrawal and customer service fees as well as penalties for exceeding the prepaid balance. Read more here.
Tips For Trick Or Treat On The Cheap
Halloween TipsHalloween is lurking around the corner and the costs associated with the tricks and treats of the season can be a pocketbook horror show. Shelling out hundreds of dollars on candy, costumes, decoration and accessories? Now, that's scary. Head to the nearest BJ's Wholesale Club, Costco or Sam's Club and stock up on your Halloween candy stash. Buying smaller, one-pound bags of goodies at the corner drug store costs about the same as a five-pound bag at a bulk-buying warehouse. Read more here.
College Tuition Costs On The Rise This Fall
Tuiting RisingParents with college-bound kids may get a Halloween-inspired spook that will leave their hair standing on end. Tuition is climbing faster than financial aid. Scary stuff. According to a report released by the College Board this week, tuition and fees to private four-year universities rose 4.4 percent to $26,273 while charges to public four-year universities spiked 6 percent for both in-state and out-of-state students. In contrast, financial aid isn't keeping up with the spike. Grant money only grew 4.7 percent during the 2008-2009 academic year. Learn more here.
Don't Be Spooked By High-Energy Prices
Haunted HouseDoes the prospect of high energy prices this winter make your blood run cold? With Halloween around the corner, Google has come up with a clever solution to help save consumers money on their monstrous heat and energy bills. The site serves up various techniques on how to combat "energy vampires," or electric and heating appliances that literally suck the blood out of the average consumer's bank account and has the ability to worry folks as winter approaches. Click here for the lowdown.
Should We Spend To Save The Economy?
Save or Spend?In the current post-recession economy, taking a hold of our finances is key ... but should we save or spend? The Obama administration is spearheading policies taking an aim at financial responsibility. However, tax rebates are given out to Americans to shop till they drop. The ultimate mixed message? Perhaps. Click here for more information.
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