…because the blog’s been pretty crappy as of late. Wouldn’t it be awesome if there’s a flash animation of a tumbleweed blowing across the screen right now?

Anyway, I apologize for the lack of post and will redouble my effort on the blog!

I generally don’t mention online savings that require a minimum balance, but E-Loan’s Online Savings of 5.50% APY is a pretty hot deal. For people with more than $5,000, this account easily beats out any other current high-yield online savings offerings.

One caveat: You’re not allow to ACH pull from outside sources. So the only way to withdrawal your funds are via E-Loan’s site.

As I was reading the Click Fraud story from Business Week, I got rather pissed off when I read the nonchalant responses from the people that participated in click fraud scheme. It’s as if they have no issue with stealing money from other people.

Click to Continue Reading…

$40 at local retailers (if you can find it). Also available online for around $100 (currently).

Crazy hype and marketing or really kick-ass toy? Do kids really have fun with these Elmo? Because forty bones sure is a lot of moola…

You can vote on the top left of the blog.

Poll Result:

Related Post:

• Crap or Not #7 – Digital Cameras
• Crap or Not #6 – First & Business Class
• Crap or Not #5 – Gym Membership
• Crap or Not #3 – Tempur-Pedic Mattresses
• Crap or Not #2 – AAA Membership
• Crap or Not #1 – Ionic Breeze Air Purifiers

Jim from Blueprint for Financial Prosperity (please for the love of Yoda get a shorter name), has an excellent series on personal finance for college schmucks (like me). Enjoy.

Uh, does anyone here still use eBay? Especially to buy something?

I can’t recall the last time I bought something on eBay.

Couple of reasons:

• Too many items from too many different sellers to sort through
• Blatant & annoying fee avoidance – $49.95 to ship a 3 ounce memory card
• Feedback + rating system still a joke
• No warranty or support from select sellers
• Prices no longer as competitive to offset negatives

Back in the days, whenever someone ask me if I know of a cheap place online to get something, I would tell them to search eBay first. Now, I just point them to various price comparison search engines or specific online forums for used goods.

Kept forgetting to mention these two noteworthy blogs that some people may be interested in:

• Credit Slips – Discussions on Credit & Bankruptcy
• Consumer Law & Protection Blog

Every time I get a service person with a stick up their you-know-what, I would do my best to remain neutral — not because I’m a masochist that enjoys getting push around by a stranger over the phone, but more so because two angry people on the phone will not be accomplishing much.

I recently had to deal with an incredibly rude customer service rep at one particular credit card company. Two minutes into the call and I was receiving attitude, sly remarks, signs of irritation — the works.

Usually at this point I would just end the call and try another rep, but this person was being enough of a jerk that I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle his throat. So instead of doing the impossible, I said:

“Hey listen buddy, I’m not sure what I did to offend you, but you’re being a hardcore jack ass and it’s totally uncalled for.”

The CSR paused for a few second — perhaps a bit surprised that my insult ability was that of a 12 year-old — and then he apologized to me. Sincerely too.

Apparently he had some major family problems at home, and he brought the problems to work with him on that day. Unprofessional? Definitely. But customer service are people after all, they’re not perfect, and you’re probably well aware of the mistakes they can make.

I’m not trying to make excuse for the guy, I didn’t appreciate his attitude, it’s pretty stupid to treat a stranger that way, and it’s even more stupid to do it at work — but as mentioned, they’re people like you and me.

You’ll recall from above that when I encounter an unfriendly CSR, I will do my best to remain neutral so I can have a better chance at resolving the problem — but the real reason (and the point of this post) is because at the end, customer service reps are people too, and they deserve a certain level of respect, regardless of how they treat you initially.

Let’s face it, common courtesy goes a long way, and I’ve found that it’ll travel both way if you give it a chance. Of course, if after your attempts at being civil failed and they still don’t treat you like a human being in return; then by all means, tell them to go to hell.