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• Your confidential information isn't so secret

  Posted Jun 06 2008, 04:54 PM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Credit, Insurance, Karen Datko, Employment
  Rating:

  Most of us -- or so we hope -- are aware of credit reports. But did you know about other databases that contain histories of your insurance claims, medical care and other personal information?

  "Isn't it scary how much of your information is floating around out there?" says Jonathan at My Money Blog, who explains how you can get these reports for free.

  Since they're used to determine how much you pay for -- and sometimes whether you get -- insurance and other necessities, it may be worth your time to find out if the information in these reports is accurate. It's bad enough that a prospective insurer can find out you're being treated for "American Idol" addiction, and even worse if you're really not.   Read More...

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• File this under 'getting the runaround'

  Posted Jan 03 2008, 03:03 PM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Credit, Insurance
  Rating:

  Have you had a bad day? You might feel better if you read the tales of two personal-finance bloggers who were caught in bureaucratic nightmares. The hospital told One Frugal Girl three hours before a scheduled medical procedure that her insurance wouldn't pay for it, even though the insurance company had said it would. The headline on her post says it all: "Another horrific day at the hospital." Lynnae's lament at Being Frugal is about credit cards. She was charged a late fee and assigned a higher interest rate because she made her payment too early.   Read More...

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• 51 painless money-saving tips

  Posted Dec 12 2007, 05:27 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Spending, Credit, Insurance, Saving
  Rating:

  This post comes from partner blog The Dough Roller.

  Recently I wrote about how to develop the habit of spending less than you make. To continue that topic, here are some practical and painless tips to help you save money each month. (Be sure to read to the bottom of this post, as tip No. 51 is bound to spark some discussion and debate.)

  1. Combine your cable, Internet and telephone service. Companies now offer combined services that not only cost less, but offer the convenience of a single bill.

  2. Slow down your Internet service. I went to the slower Internet service option with my cable company and saved $15 per month. And I haven't noticed a difference when surfing the Net.   Read More...

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• Take a pass on credit card insurance

  Posted Oct 23 2007, 10:48 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Credit, Insurance
  Rating:
  Credit card balance-protection insurance may sound like a good deal: It will make payments on your credit card bill if you're laid off, disabled, seriously ill or -- dead. But how much does it really pay? Blogger Nora Dunn at Wise Bread examines the fine print and informs us that the insurance will cover the minimum payment each month while interest on your balance continues to grow. You can probably do better on your own. The death benefit will pay your entire balance if a dirt nap is your fate, but term life insurance generally is a better deal.
  Discuss ( 8 comments) 7,870 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this