Jan 27, 2007 newsletter

Howdee!

Security breach at T.J. Maxx could affect you
There have been so many security breaches at companies lately that people are almost immune to them. The latest one is so large and potentially dangerous that I wanted you to know about it. TJX, which owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods and A.J. Wright, is the latest company to announce that customers' credit card, debit card and check information has been compromised. Apparently, the breach happened several years ago without the company's knowledge, so it has affected millions of people over the last few years. The hackers broke into the company's computer system in 2003 and it has been going on ever since. The breach could be especially detrimental to people who have used their debit cards at these stores. The company is asking customers to check their statements carefully. So far, no major issues have occurred, but if you've shopped at any of these stores you want to check your documents very carefully! This kind of thing can happen anywhere, anytime. The question is why aren't companies doing more to prevent it? Speaking of clothing stores….

Clothing is a steal at most retailers
You may have heard that retailers had a lousy Christmas last year, especially those in the clothing market. Consumers were all about electronics this holiday season, and that includes women and men. Digital cameras, televisions and HDTVs were the popular picks for everyone. Add to that the fact that it's been a pretty mild winter, which keeps people from buying the warm clothing they normally would. The upside to this news is that retailers will have fantastic deals on clothing in the next few weeks. In fact, "past season" or winter clothing is going to be extra cheap, so you can stock up for next winter. Retailers are basically dying to get rid of this inventory to make room for the spring and summer clothes. The only retailers that had a good Christmas were Costco Wholesale, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Guess. So, you won't find the deals at those places. But nearly everywhere else you go will be a steal.

Why extended warranties are a rip
Consumer Reports' latest edition is all about what a waste of money extended warranties are. Every dollar you pay for an extended warranty, you're really only getting about 15 or 20 cents on it. Why is that? First of all, the quality of the electronics and appliances is so good these days that the chance of them breaking is miniscule. Secondly, if something does happen it will probably be after the warranty runs out. In addition, although the products are high quality, they will lose value with each year you own them. And you never want to insure a rapidly decreasing product. Also keep in mind that when you buy an item on a major credit card, you usually extend the manufacturer's warranty by one year. So, extended warranties and service contracts simply aren't worth it.

Jellyfish.com could save you dough
The latest invention to save you money online is called Jellyfish.com. It's a comparison shopping site like the others, but Jellyfish also gives you a direct discount off your purchase. Usually it's about two percent. But what you need to remember is that no site will always have the best deal. You always want to shop around.

And now, for this week's fun freebies!

Free samples for your baby at http://www.babiesonline.com/offers -

Free $5 prepaid mastercard http://yoitsme.com/free/



Banquet Frozen Foods free coupon booklet
http://www.conagrafoods.com/promotions/banquet_promo.jsp

Free Advance Copy Children's Books from HarperCollins Publishing
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Members/firstlook/index.aspx

Printable Coupon for Free Movie from Movie Gallery
http://www.moviegallery.com/coupons/conh49a7.aspx

Free $15 GC from American Gem Society
http://www.americangemsociety.org/cnn/index.php

Free 128MB TriLink USB Thumb Drive or $10 iTunes Gift Certificate
http://www.trilinkbiotech.com/catalog.asp?Source=Fall_Promo_2006

B1G1F Progresso Soup coupon
http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/progresso-coupon-dvr.htm?RedirectURL=TiVoDVRDealURL

Free Olay Definity anti-aging facial moisturizer sample
http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid10250.aspx

Scotch-BriteT Carpet Touch Up Roller Try Me FREE Offer!
http://mmm.apfco.com/w1231/pdf/ScotchBriteRebate.pdf

Free Diabetic Meter and Test Strips
http://iw.rtm.com/ADCSample/register.asp

Have a great week out there!
CENTSerely,
Sister Thrifty