Bank Gift Cards - Consumer Reports Tip

The gift that keeps on taking

Some gift cards come with so many fees that you might be better off giving a check. Case in point: The BankFirst iCard Visa Gift Card expired after only 6 months. If you still had money on the card, you'd be charged $25 (twice yearly) even after its expiration. And if you asked for your balance as a check, you'd pay even more fees.

This information is from Consumer Reports

Partnership with United Way

On Saturday, June 21st, several co-workers and myself in partnership with the United Way got together at their location where we put together kits for children and their parents that guide them in their early years and on the importance of reading to them. Included in the kits was information for the parents and 3 books, Clifford's First School Day and 2 others. In 2 hours we put together almost 1000 kits.

Info on the United Way AZ: http://www.vsuw.org/

Info on Target Corporation: http://www.target.com/community

Quick Stain Removers - Consumer Reports Tip

Seeing spots? Don't rely on these.

Ever stained your clothes while you're out an about? Better not reach for these. In our tests of 48 stained swatches, Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover completely removed just 6 of those stains and Janie Dry Stick Spot Cleaner, didn't remove any, even though it claims to leave a "like new appearance."

This information is from Consumer Reports

Pricey Car Batteries - Consumer Reports Tip

Battery buyer beware


At $145, the Exide Orbital ORB78dt-84 should have top-notch under-hood performance, right? Not exactly. Although it did score well in our Ratings, instead, pick the AutoCraft Titanium 34/78-4, and enjoy very good battery life.

This information is from Consumer Reports

Automatic Shower Cleaner - Consumer Reports Tip

It only cleans out your wallet!

Just hang it on the shower head, push a button and it cleans the shower for you, right? Not so fast. Some of our testers said the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner missed whole areas, left streaks, stickiness and spots on walls and shower doors. After one month, some showers actually looked worse than before! Save the $25 and use elbow grease!


This information is from Consumer Reports

Whitening Toothpaste - Consumer Reports Tip

Are you buying into a little white lie?

Think they can make your teeth sparkle? Don't start smiling yet. None of the 41 "whitening" toothpastes we tested did any better to actually whiten teeth than any other toothpastes. We say don't put the extra money where your mouth is. Try Ultrabrite All In One Advanced Whitening - it was a CR Best Buy that stood out as a stain remover.


This information is from Consumer Reports

Cell Phone Service Ads - Consumer Reports Tip

Wireless plans with strings attached!

Don't be fooled by all those low price cell phone service ads you see on TV. Those "low" prices don't include taxes, surcharges and fees that providers pile on later - which can total up to 30% more than the advertised price. Before you commit to a plan, ask the carrier for a list of ALL charges, even hidden fees.

This information is from Consumer Reports