Tuesday Oct 13, 2009
Retail chains are introducing new gift cards that double as kids' toys or store promotions in an effort to get shoppers into all-too-empty stores and increase holiday sales.
Wednesday Oct 7, 2009
Even luxury retailers are scaling down their most extravagant gifts.
Wednesday Jul 15, 2009
Here are some quick tips on how to cash in by managing your registry, gifts, merchandise credits and more.
Tuesday Jul 14, 2009
But there’s no need to waste away your potential gifts due to inattention – here are some quick tips on preserving your gift rights.
Tuesday Feb 3, 2009
Have a gift card you don't want taking up space in your wallet? You can trade it in! Shelly Banjo lists some sites and how to unload your unwanted card.
Monday Dec 22, 2008
Prepaid cards may seem like a great alternative to bank accounts and check-cashing, but there are problems users should be aware of. Make sure you know what fees you may encounter as well as expiration dates.
Tuesday Oct 28, 2008
With this holiday shopping season already predicted to be the worst in two decades, retailers are getting a jump start on offering deals - even before Halloween.
Saturday Apr 19, 2008
If you got a gift card for a birthday or holiday, you might want to spend it soon. A lot of retailers are filing for bankruptcy in lieu of the slumping economy, and they're bringing their gift cards down with them. Get the details here.
Saturday Dec 22, 2007
Got gift cards from last year's round of holiday gift-giving? Spend them right away. The gift cards with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover logos on them may start losing their value soon, if it hasn't already started to happen (say if U.S. Bank issued your card, as Jaclyne notes below). Most retail gift cards don't have ...
Sunday Dec 10, 2006
Gift cards are likely high up on the holiday wish lists of many friends and family members. But maybe you should hand them cash instead.Chart: Fees, Rules, Caveats on Over 50 Cards
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Year Fixed | 4.62%  |
4.67% |
| 30 Year Fixed | 5.15% | 5.15% |
| 1 Year ARM | 3.48% |
3.51% |
| 5/1 Year ARM | 3.62% |
3.68% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Line of Credit | 4.89%  |
4.88% |
| 10 Year Loan | 7.47% | 7.47% |
| 15 Year Loan | 7.61% |
7.60% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Checking | 0.28% | 0.28% |
| Money Market/Savings | 0.38% | 0.38% |
| 12 Month CD | 1.13%  |
1.15% |
| 60 Month IRA CD | 2.40% |
2.41% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Cards | 12.66% |
12.68% |
| No Annual Fee Cards | 12.08% |
11.97% |
| Reward Cards | 12.75% |
12.61% |
| Small Business Cards | 11.01% |
10.94% |
| Student Cards | 13.77% |
13.49% |
| Platinum Cards | 12.26% |
12.11% |
You can also use a house down payment or home improvement registry such as Hatch My House! It's a fun and interactive way for you to ask for cash towards whatever it is that you need (related to a home). You sign up, customize your home (style, setting, color) and then your wedding guests buy a part of that home e.g. a window for $75! It's fun and interactive and a personal way to ask for cash (towards a home). Check it out! http://hatchmyhouse.com