Scams, and Money Saving Ideas

Scams, and Money Saving Ideas was Originally Posted on November 24, 2003 by lavarock

I have to admit that I love gadgets and products, but some gadgets are stupid their buyers HAVE to be nuts!

First, the unnecessary.

You may see the commercials about having your invention pattented. Because many of the companies are just out to scam you, they no longer say they will help you patent the item, they just take your money to help you “take your invention to the NEXT LEVEL”… Generally, just save your money and read the book “Market it Yourself”.

Many people pay for a credit report. Some states allow you to get a free credit report (Georgia was one of those states). Also, if you are turned down for credit or some other issues, you may be eligible for a free report. You can even ask for this via the phone. Don’t pay for what may be free! Look at this page for more information.. http://clarkhoward.com/library/rolodex_credit.html

If you have a friend or relative or neighbor who has been in their house for decades, they MAY be still paying for their telephone. Some people are still renting a phone from the telephone company (as they did before the deregulation) and some have spent THOUSANDS of dollars renting phones when they could just go out and buy one for $10. Help them out by asking if you can review their phone bill. Also look at “Wiring Plans” that cover wiring in their house needing replacing. Think about it, when was the last time your wiring went bad? Inside wiring protection plans are generally a big waste of money.

Now about stupid products. I know that people seem to want to spend lots of money they don’t have to. A toothbrush is good for a couple months and may only cost $1 or so. Why then would someone want to spend a “boat-load” of money for tablets or a machine to clean your toothbrush? Unless you are using the brush to clean toilets, why not just throw one out and get a new one? I cannot remember any stories of people dying or getting sick from using a toothbrush for months at a time, have you? No fair quoting someone from a commercial.

How much are you willing to spend to get the jar lid off a jar? There are small rubber mats that you can get a better grip on a pesky lid. Is it really worth it to buy a motorized opener? How much are you willing to pay to open a jar?

I almost always buy generic or store brands when I shop. Often times they are made by the major companies and sold by stores at a discount for the cost sensitive consumer.

As you may know, in the US, you can now keep your cellphone number if you change cell phone companies. Should you decide to give up your current supplier, be aware that you probably will have to change cell phones, you may have to pay an exit fee to your current provider and you may not get as good a deal as you currently have. Review all information before changing and wait a while to see if there are better deals and offers that show up soon.

On my own business side, I’m waiting for my coffee bag labels and will be on the Big Island in a couple of days. THEN, the fun begins!

The website will be finished soon however, I’m waiting to get the character fonts the same between the labels and the website. I should be shipping soon and in time for Christmas!