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Why does buying a Smartphone require a data plan?

AT&T requires you to have at least a $30 per month data plan when you sign up for their services with a smartphone regardless of whether or not you bought the smartphone from them or intend to use their data network.

California sets Energy Efficiency Standards for TVs

California has a new energy efficiency standard. The California Energy Commission voted 5-0 to approve efficiency regulations for TVs up to 58 inches.

California Low Cost Car Insurance Program

Sounds like an ad you hear every day but for low-income individuals the Department of Insurance's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program may be exactly what you need to meet California's car insurance requirements.

Banks not complying with Credit CARD Act, still raising interest rates

The Credit CARD Act, signed into law in May 2009 has been a source of contention since approval. The prevailing opinion is that the financial institutions that issue credit cards have been raising rates, slashing credit limits, adding fees, removing benefits, and canceling cards outright all ahead of the February implementation date of the Act.

Is every credit card company engaging in this conduct? Having any of them started to comply with the requirements of the Credit CARD Act? Is every card available being impacted?

Health care bill wins major support from AARP and AMA

Health care reform may be picking up steam as AARP,an organization representing millions of older Americans, and the American Medical Association (AMA) endorse a $1.1 trillion dollar House bill that could come up for a vote as early as this Saturday. READ MORE.

Consumers denied loan for disputing inaccurate information on credit reports

A Fannie Mae policy puts consumers in a Catch 22. They have to dispute inaccurate information on their credit reports to qualify for loans, but those disputes could be the grounds on which a loan is denied.

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act apply to Equifax's National Consumer Telecom and Utility Exchange?

Telecom and utility companies use the National Consumers Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE), a members-only, unique Equifax database to review consumer credit history. The question remains whether the Fair Credit Reporting Act applies to the NCTUE and what information consumers should be able to obtain about themselves.

Senator moves to impose immediate freeze on credit card interest rates

Senator Dodd is pushing back at the Credit Card companies for forcing interest rate hikes and dropping credit limits on consumers. The question remains whether Congress will follow through.

Is one-time Social Security payment a good idea?

President Obama has proposed a one-time, tax-free payment of $250 for Social Security recipients in 2010 because they will not be receiving a cost-of-living adjustment because of the state of the economy. Is this a good idea?

 

T-Mobile begins charging $1.50 per month to receive a paper bill

T-Mobile begins charging all customers $1.50 for the privilege of receiving your bill in the mail. Oh by the way if you were already paying $1.99 for the privilege of receiving a detailed bill the $1.50 will be added to that total.  Are they also going to start sending it postage due?

UPDATE: Sept. 11, 2009 - T-mobile has withdrawn the $1.50 billing charge.



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