Archive for December 2005

Credit Card Payback (Literally)

Written by Nickel - 12 Comments

I just ran across an amusing article about how Canadian retiree Don Rogers expressed his displeasure with his bank when they outsourced their credit card processing to the United States. The main concern here was privacy. After all, according to Rogers, “once your personal data enters the United States, it becomes subject to American law.” [...]

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Published on December 14th, 2005 - 12 Comments
Filed under: Credit Cards
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Overdue Medical Bill

Written by Nickel - 7 Comments

Upon returning home from our vacation last week, we were greeted by a ’seriously overdue’ medical bill stemming from one of my kids’ visits to the doctor a few months ago. Somehow this bill managed to slip through the cracks, and we were probably about a week away from having a $6.50 charge sent out [...]

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Published on December 13th, 2005 - 7 Comments
Filed under: Insurance
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Welcome Newsweek Readers

Written by Nickel - 8 Comments

Wow. After a week out of town, I returned to find that FiveCentNickel received top billing on Newsweek’s December 12th Money Tip Sheet. I guess I should go on vacation more often! Anyway, if you’re a new visitor, then welcome. If not, then welcome back. Either way, I encourage you to poke around and explore [...]

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Published on December 9th, 2005 - 8 Comments
Filed under: About/Admin
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The $99 Coffee Mug

Written by Nickel - 13 Comments

I stopped in our local Bruegger’s for lunch the other day and was amazed to see that they’re selling ‘Bottomless Mugs’ for $99. These mugs entitle you to free refills of coffee, tea or soft drinks at participating locations through December 31, 2006. Apparently these mugs go for $125 in some locations, with $25 going [...]

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Published on December 9th, 2005
Modified on December 23rd, 2005 - 13 Comments
Filed under: Miscellany
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Santa Dollars and Bunny Bucks

Written by Nickel - 14 Comments

The other day I was at the grocery store when a small sign advertising ‘Santa Dollars’ caught my eye. What, you might ask, are Santa Dollars? According to their web site, Santa Dollars are one dollar bills with a removable Santa seal placed over George Washington’s face. And they sell for — get this — [...]

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Published on December 7th, 2005
Modified on December 23rd, 2005 - 14 Comments
Filed under: Charity
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Xbox 360 Followup

Written by Nickel - Leave a Comment

As a quick followup to my previous post about Microsoft selling the Xbox 360 at a loss, I thought that I’d post a link to this article on Xbox economics. While it dates back to the release of the original Xbox in 2002, the main line of reasoning applies equally well to the current situation. [...]

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Published on December 5th, 2005
Modified on December 29th, 2005 - Leave a Comment
Filed under: Miscellany
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Away for a Week

Written by Nickel - 4 Comments

Just a quick note to let y’all know that I’ll be away through the end of next week on a much needed family vacation. I’ve scheduled a few entries to be published during my absence, but I won’t be able to respond to comments or e-mail until I get back. Have a great week!

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Published on December 2nd, 2005 - 4 Comments
Filed under: About/Admin
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USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Written by Nickel - One Comment

If you’re going to be shipping packages for the holidays, keep in mind that the US Postal Service recommends that you mail your packages on or before December 19th for delivery by Christmas. Packages destined for most military bases around the world need to be en route by the 10th, whereas packages headed for [...]

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Published on December 2nd, 2005
Modified on November 30th, 2005 - One Comment
Filed under: Miscellany
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Money Moves for 2006, Part 6: Your Spending

Written by Nickel - 5 Comments

Okay, enough tips on how to save, invest, and be responsible in 2006. How about some advice on how to spend your hard earned dollars? Here are five tips from Money Magazine…

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Published on December 1st, 2005 - 5 Comments
Filed under: Miscellany
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Archive for December 2005

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