LetterChamp

How To Get An Interest Free Loan From Your Credit Card

As a former bank intern, I had to opportunity to watch the credit card collection department in action.  It was an interesting job observing the bill collectors on the phones.  This scared me from getting into credit card debt. 

The most fascinating part of my internship was learning how credit cards can work to your advantage.  As a consumer advocate, the most valuable tip that I can share with you is learn to time your big purchases by the billing cycle of your credit card. 

For example, my credit card closes on the 15^th of every month and the payment is due on the 8^th day of the following month.  If I purchase a big ticket item on November 14 then the payment is due on December 8.  However, if I purchase the same item on November 16 then the payment is due on January 8.  This gives me 28 extra days to earn interest on my money by just waiting 2 extra days to make a purchase.  This is an interest free loan. 

As a consumer advocate, I always tell my readers to get the most value from their hard earned money.  

7 Strategies For Avoiding Checked Baggage Fees

Like just about every other airline passenger this summer, Elizabeth Rodgers wants to avoid any unnecessary fees. So on a recent flight from Los Angeles to Boise, Idaho, she tried to carry all of her luggage on the plane.  READ MORE

How To Get The Most From A Warranty

At the LetterChamp, I review hundreds of case submissions before they are assigned to our staff of professional consumer advocates.  I am always sad when I receive submissions from people who procrastinated and waited several years to contact us.   If the product is too far out of the warranty period then there is nothing that we can do to help you. 

For example, there was a submission on car that had an oil leak near the end of the warranty period.  The owner knew about the issue but waited five years after the warranty ended to contact the LetterChamp.  There was nothing that we could do since the car was nine years old.   This person had to spend $5,000 to fix an engine problem since he procrastinated. 

I know that people are busy with family, friends and careers both inside and outside of the home.  However, the lesson to learn is to not procrastinate about warranties.  The LetterChamp can usually help consumers with products that are 1-2 years out of the warranty period but 5 years after the warranty is too long.

Track the warranty expirations dates for all of your large dollar items.   If there is a quality issue then handle it immediately.  As a professional consumer advocate, I always tell people to get the most value from their product warranties since you paid for them.  

Save Thousands On Health Care Now

Federal legislation may provide more coverage options, but you don't have to wait. Use these strategies to cut your premiums today.  READ MORE 

How To Purchase Holiday Decorations At The Lowest Price

Each year my family gets into every holiday with all of the candy and decorations since we have small children.  It is a tradition that we have always followed since my parents always did this for us as kids.   My friends and business associates are always amazed at how many decorations we have in our home.  They tell me that I spend too much money on this.  

However, the best way to save money is to buy your decorations the day after each holiday the year before.  Every store is in a hurry to get rid of their holiday inventory after the event in order to make space for the next set of holiday decorations.  In most cases, I purchase all of my decorations at 50-75% off the original price.  The next step is to store all of your decorations in safe dry spot for the next year.   My decorations look like I spent a lot of money but I only spent a fraction of the costs for them. 

As a professional consumer advocate, I always tell people to get to the most value from their hard earned money. 

 

Is There A Statute Of Limitations On Debt?

Yes, the clock ticks on credit-report scars and on the debts themselves. But that doesn't necessarily get you off the hook.  READ MORE

How To Avoid Hit And Run Accidents In A Parking Lot

Last month, my car was hit in a shopping mall parking lot.  I was really angry that someone could damage another vehicle then leave without saying anything.  The worse part was that I had to pay the collision deductible.  That was a big shock since I was hoping that would be a comprehensive claim.  I had to pay the $500 deductible for an accident that I did not cause which really upset me but there was nothing I could do.  

As a consumer advocate, I had to find ways to help my readers avoid these parking lot accidents.  Here are my tips:

1)    Park in a brightly light section of the parking lot

2)    Park on the top of the incline of the parking lot so shopping carts won’t slide down the hill and hit your vehicle.

3)    Park in the middle section with other cars around you.

4)    Do not park of at the end of a parking row where other automobiles turn.   They can easily hit you and drive away. 

If you have any additional tips then let me know so I can share them with our readers.  As a professional consumer advocate, I hate having to spend money when I do not have to.  

Making Those PCs Last

Here is a great article to make your PC last longer.  READ MORE

More Information On IHRSA

I had a reader give me some comments on the IHRSA gym program that I wrote a post on.  Here are her tips:

1) Not all IHRSA clubs participate in the IHRSA Passport Program.  All IHRSA clubs have the option of participating if they accommodate Passport guests from other clubs.  It is a reciprocal program.  They must take off at least 10% off their regular guest fees.

2) Consumer should visit www.healthclubs.com to locate a club that participates.

3) Consumers should always call the club before the visit to make sure that they offer an IHRSA discount. 

I always welcome comments from all of my readers.  As a consumer advocate, I am always looking for ways to help my readers save money and protect their consumer rights.  

10 Ways To Sell Your Home Faster

A few basic elements can make the difference between a quick home sale and a frustrating ordeal. The experts offer their best tips.  READ MORE