Shopping & Services

Consumer Reports: 5 things to knock out before New Year's

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, December 5th, 2011, 12:20pm

While you're knocking out your shopping list, Consumer Reports' MoneyAdviser magazine recommends you check this one off, too:

* Review your investment portfolio to see if you might want to take investment losses to offset capital gains or apply against your income. That might benefit you at tax time. Consult a licensed CPA.

* If you're headed for college or have a child headed there, MoneyAdviser said now's the time to fill out student financial aid applications, which should be submitted immediately after Jan. 1.

* Start checking out seasonal sales on bikes, gas grills, GPS systems, appliances, electronics, toys and TV's.

* File rebate applications for the holiday gifts you bought. MoneyAdviser said keep photocopies of them in case the company rejects your rebate claim or loses your application.

* If you have adult children, it's time to talk to them about your finances, wills, living wills, etc.

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BBB: Tips for a safer Cyber Monday

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 28th, 2011, 1:57pm

I like to call Cyber Monday "Sober Monday."

It's a calmer, gentler shopping experience. Hunting for deals from your desktop sure beats the beat-downs of Black Friday.

There are, however, a few dangers while shopping Cyber Monday deals, too.

"Don’t let your guard down," said Randy Hutchinson, president of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South. "Take the necessary precautions to avoid fraudulent websites, scammers and other ‘Grinches’ who would just love to ruin your holidays.”

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10 things you should not buy on Black Friday

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 21st, 2011, 5:25pm

10 things you should not buy on Black Friday

Not every item will be at its lowest price on Black Friday. Not even close.

Lindsay Sakraida, features director for dealnews, wrote in one of her recent columns that these are the 10 items you should not buy on Black Friday:

* TOYS. Sakraida said toys typically are discounted deeper about two weeks before Christmas. For other guidance on good times to buy toys, click here.

* TOP-BRAND TV'S. Sakraida said Black Friday is fine for shopping cheaper TV's with deep discounts, but she said don't expect bargains on brand-name sets. For shopping the deals on the top brands, consider this advice.

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Consumer Reports: 5 steps to successful holiday returns

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, November 14th, 2011, 6:31pm

Consumer Reports: 5 steps to successful holiday returns

Black Friday is two Fridays away.

Getting the deals is one thing. But getting an exchange, cash or credit when the deal turns out to be a dud depends on how well you follow Consumer Reports' five steps to a successful return.

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Metal Museum pushing black (smith) Friday

Submitted by Tracey Rogers, News Director

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011, 3:25pm

Metal Museum pushing black (smith) Friday

Black (smith) Friday will be held at the Metal Museum Friday November 25th. The museum has new inventory from local and national artists including one-of-a-kind jewelry, items for the home, sculpture and products made at the Metal Museum.

With every purchase of $100 or more, you will get a free Metal Museum holiday ornament made by artist-in-residence Jeannie Tomlinson Saltmarsh.

The offer is good Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, November 27th from Noon until 5pm or until supplies run out. The offer also applies to on line purchases.

Museum exhibition admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and 5 and under and Museum Members are free.

You can visit the Museum Store for free.

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MCS auctions surplus equipment

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011, 11:00am

You can get your hands on everything from commercial kitchen gear to office furniture when the city school system auctions off surplus equipment Saturday.

The Memphis City Schools’ auction will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 9 a.m., at its Mallory Warehouse, 1384-A Farmville.

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Making doctors bid for your health care

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, October 31st, 2011, 10:53am

Get ready. It's going to happen.

You're going to require a medical procedure that -- surprise -- your insurance doesn't cover.

Consumer advocate, CNN and radio show host Clark Howard suggested you should register at the free site PriceDoc.com and get doctors to bid for your business.

"Health-care professionals offer lower-than-normal prices through this site to bring in new clients," said Howard, as told to consumer resource Bottom Line Personal magazine.

Howard said PriceDoc.com is most helpful with dental and cosmetic procedures. He said it's not unreasonable to expect discounts of 25 percent to 30 percent or more.

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