Easy Shop DropConsumer Shopping Reviews

My column today covers some of the hundreds of suggestions by readers to fix Social Security. One gripe cropped up frequently.

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Disappointing sales data for existing homesdown 10 percent from 2009, according to the Wall Street Journalmay be a downer if you're moving. But an abundance of appliance sales and Consumer Reports latest test results for paints, stains, and other do-it-yourself projects could make now the best time to grab a measuring tape or brush and improve the home you have.
 
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowes report an uptick in smaller remodeling projects that are likely to deliver a bigger bang than Jacuzzi tubs, Viking ranges, and other remnants of the housing boom.  Consumer Reports kitchen-planning special detailed a $5,000 do-it-yourself makeover that shows how to slash remodeling costs with quartz countertops (think Silestone and others), plastic-laminate flooring (brands like Pergo), and other picks that beat pricey exotic hardwoods and granite.
 
A major money-saving tip if you use a pro: Dont change your mind once work is underway. On-second-thoughts typically added some $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project, according to almost 3,000 readers Consumer Reports surveyed.
 
Other ways to slash costs on countertops and cabinets: Beveled edges make counters more attractive, less likely to chip, and less risky for kids. For cabinets, a simple refacing and other money-saving tricks could net you a new set of cabinets for under $1,000. Be sure to install the smarter aftermarket pull-out drawers, garbage bins, and lazy Susans we tested.
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iPads for $14 … LCD 3D TVs for $97

Do these ad headlines look familiar? By now, most medium to heavy internet users have seen these ads floating around, many sound too good to be true, and sure enough many arehowever there are a number of legitimate penny auction websites out there who are getting a getting a bum rap due to a few bad seeds.

Regardless, penny auction scams are on the rise as penny auction site owners compete to increase their traffic to one of the hottest trends on the Internet today. Although there are many legit penny auction sites out there, an equal or greater number of less than fair sites do exist and these are tarnishing the reputation of the good guys. Whether you are after a cheap laptop or a 3D TV, weve outlined some key points to pay attention to when surfing these penny auction sites.

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There are many ways to cut costs when shopping for back-to-school supplies, as personal finance columnist Eileen Ambrose told us in Sunday’s paper.

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Zero Technologies promises that its ZeroWater Z-Pitcher water filter produces the "best-tasting water you can drink." But that ad claim was challenged by Pur brand owner Procter & Gamble with the Better Business Bureaus National Advertising Division (NAD), whose mission it is to review national advertising for truthfulness and accuracy. As it happens, both the Z-Pitcher and the Pur CR-6000 carafes are among the water filters in Consumer Reports latest tests (Ratings available to subscribers).
 
After reviewing the evidence, the NAD ruled that Zero Technologies could not sufficiently support what amounts to a straightforward taste superiority claim. However, NAD also ruled that Zero can back its claim to creating the purest-tasting water, since the ZeroWater Z-Pitcher is unique in its ability to filter out all total dissolved solids and that the absence of TDS affects the taste of the water.
 
And the verdict in Consumer Reports water-filter tests? The Z-Pitcher bested the Pur, thanks to its superior flow rate and clog resistance. But four other carafe water filters scored higher than both, including two lower-priced models that made our Recommended list. Read the review for more details on carafe filters, faucet-mount filters, countertop filters, undersink filters, and reverse-osmosis filters, especially if you're in an area where your drinking water is suspector you get your water from a private well, which isnt subject to regulation. 
 
Daniel DiClerico

Tennessee will become the final state to launch its cash for appliances program on Monday with a total of $5,963,000 in rebates on room air conditioners ($40),  central air conditioning systems ($250), air-source heat pumps ($250), and gas furnaces ($150).

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If you had 60 seconds to grab — for free — groceries at Weis Markets, what would you throw in your basket?

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A 30-year-old man from Chatham-Kent, Canada swindled $1,800 from a 90-year-old woman by posing as a gutter-guard installer, according to The Chatham Daily News. Police say the perp used the ruse to enter the victim's residence, steal her debit card, and trick her into giving up her PIN.   

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Well, it’s not like they’re in this alone, but count American Airlines as the latest carrier to figure out a way to make passengers pay more for coach. The airline announced today that it would begin offering (aka charging a fee for) "Express Seats," which will allow travelers to choose seats in the first few rows of coach, including bulkhead rows.

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If your college son or daughter lives on fast food, show your student a thing or two about the microwave before school starts. They'll learn that they can do more than make tea or reheat canned soup.

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