Mouse Print* -- Are Zesta Saltines Being Short-Weighted?
This week, we have a consumer mystery. People have been complaining that Zesta saltine cracker boxes are only partially filled. We bought one of the problem boxes and one regular one to try to figure out if shoppers are being cheated.
That is our Mouse Print* story this week.
6 Ways to Lower Your Home Insurance Rates
Last week, MrConsumer got a renewal of his home insurance and the premium jumped 20-percent. This suggests it may be time to comparison shop among competing companies in the area. That's probably the best way to save. If you want to stick with your current company, here are six other ways to cut your insurance bill.
Your PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App Balances Could Be at Risk
Hundreds of billions of dollars pass through payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. every year. And many people leave money on those accounts to pay bills or to transfer to others. Not so fast warns the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Those balances may not be covered by federal deposit insurance in all cases because these are nonbanks. Read the CFPB's warning and its full report that outlines what protection, if any, each of the major nonbanks offer.
Consumer Alert
Congress Mulls Changing Food Freshness Dates
[Ignore ad at start.] Some food safety advocates want a federal standard for food freshness dating because of the current hodge-podge of "best if used by" and "sell by" dates on products.
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Frontier Airlines is offering its GoWild! All You Can Fly Pass for $299, good for travel September 2, 2023 until February 29, 2024. Before you get too excited, there are a TON of restrictions, such as you can only make reservations one day in advance of your outbound leg (10 days for foreign travel). Same rule applies for your return flight. And "taxes, fees and charges" for each flight are extra. You need to read and understand all restrictions before you buy this. Some say that Frontier makes Spirit Airlines seem good. Yikes!
Save Money on Every Gallon of Gas; $15 Bonus on First Purchase
You can pay less for every gallon of gasoline at select gas stations near you with the Upside app for your smartphone. The amount varies from day to day and by location, but is perhaps a nickel or dime per gallon savings or more with periodic bonuses. And if you sign up for a new account now, you will earn an extra $15 back on your first purchase when you spend at least $10 by June 25.
Download the app here on your smartphone and use promo code 724MP for that $15 bonus. To use the app after you sign up: (1) Look for the current price and rebate amounts at various stations in your area; (2) Claim the offer you want; (3) Go to that station and buy gas; (4) Take the printed receipt; (5) Tell the app which credit card you used and confirm you made the purchase, and (6) The app will tell you whether you need to email a picture of the receipt or not.
The rebates are credited to your account a few days after you buy gas, and can be transferred electronically to your bank account, fee-free, after you earn $10 in rebates.
According to Consumer Reports, June is a good month to buy some small appliances, men's-oriented products advertised around Father's Day, dishwashers, certain garden equipment, etc. Here's their list.
More from Consumer Reports
Updated daily; Most stories free; Ratings not free
This week, we have a consumer mystery. People have been complaining that Zesta saltine cracker boxes are only partially filled. We bought one of the problem boxes and one regular one to try to figure out if shoppers are being cheated.
That is our Mouse Print* story this week.
Last week, MrConsumer got a renewal of his home insurance and the premium jumped 20-percent. This suggests it may be time to comparison shop among competing companies in the area. That's probably the best way to save. If you want to stick with your current company, here are six other ways to cut your insurance bill.
Hundreds of billions of dollars pass through payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. every year. And many people leave money on those accounts to pay bills or to transfer to others. Not so fast warns the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Those balances may not be covered by federal deposit insurance in all cases because these are nonbanks. Read the CFPB's warning and its full report that outlines what protection, if any, each of the major nonbanks offer.
