Actually, when I buy multiple items, I give the majority to a homeless shelter. If there is only a few items left that I have coupons for, I ask the manager when they restock and if its within a day or two I will take them. That is what they're there for. I will not be greedy and buy 20 bottles (there is actually a limit of 4 per person per day...)
I will buy my limit of four, and depending on if I need it at home, will bring to a homeless shelter.
If it's something I do not need I will then leave my coupons on the product, or give to someone in the same line as me.
Just "randomly" sending you a card is not cool. Someone somewhere got a huge mailing list, sounds like.
As for Netspend itself, I've had a Mastercard branded Netspend card (issued via Inter National Bank in McAllen Tx, one of Netspend's two bank partners) for almost 7 years now and I absolutely love it. I pay the 10 bucks a month for unlimited use. Worth it to me. It's even cheaper if you pay by the year. Used to have an (UGH) BofA account and I spent more than that alone on a basic checking account.. and don't get me started on their overdraft fees. No thank you. It's actually cheaper for me now. You can't get overdrawn since it's a debit card. Loading the card at the local check cashing place costs $2 per $100 loaded.. which I rarely have to do, since direct deposit is free. A lot of the local convenience stores offer Netspend loading too, for the same price. Transfers between cardholders are also free, as is checking your balance when done thru their web page. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Netspend's optional free text and email notifications. I have unlimited msgs on my cell plan and every time I use my card somewhere, I get a text message on my cell phone literally within seconds telling me how much money I spent, where it was spent, and how much money I have left. That feature alone is priceless.
Considering I refuse to pay outrageous fees and interest to the big banks and credit card companies, Netspend is a perfect solution for me. YMMV. No, I don't work for them.
Your article is quite informative. However, are you aware of a great tool known as My Shopping Genie? Visit www.myshoppinggenie.com/dreamlowprices and download the free shopping tool that will help you find the lowest prices for any item found online. This free software will also drastically eliminate the amount of time you spend searching for the lowest and best prices for the items you're looking for.
After you download the free tool and it installs, go to your favorite search engine, such as Google or Yahoo and type in the name of the product you are looking for, and instantly, you'll find the lowest prices for that item by clicking on the vendor in the bar at the bottom of the screen. Check it out! You'll regret it if you don't!
Yes, the black hole has been around awhile -- the last time that I heard of direct hits/great success was in the 1999/2000 time period before the last recession, as I mentioned.
Thanks for giving specifics on the harvesting method. I did have an IT client who would get calls from recruiters saying that they had found him on a job board (where he'd posted a resume) and then asking for the resume -- an odd set-up and annoying, but he finally got to where the resume would be sent off again and he could start interviewing.
I've been in the job market on and off several times over the last 8 years, and it has *always* been the resume vacuum. That's not a new thing that has suddenly appeared because of the current economy! In 2003, I was determined to leave a bad job and sent out over 500 resumes in 6 months time.....I got one phone call, and four mailed rejection letters/cards.
I worked a bit helping the Sr Recruiter at my last employer, and all I did was 'harvest' resumes to add to her database. I searched for keywords in resumes and downloaded them directly into her database without even reading them. I would then search her database for keywords, send a mass email to all the people who matched, and if a person responded with an updated resume, *only then* did she actually read the resume.
Its really depressing knowing that your information is just being 'harvested'. I always make a point of doing location-based searches for companies in Google Maps for companies that fit my interests. I visit each individual website, bookmark my favorites, and check them regularly for job openings. Whenever possible I email my resume directly to a person rather than using the "Apply Now" button in Monster.
All of that being said, I am looking forward to starting a new job next week. And all 5 jobs (contract and permanent) that I've held in the last 8 years (I'm in a very specialized IT niche) were jobs that I didn't even apply for. I was contacted by recruiters/hiring managers that found me on Monster or a similar site.
I just received the netspend card pre-paid and after reading all the complaints I put it through the shredder, and you are right, it does make a funny noise when it goes through.LOL But I will keep my greendot card.
We are humans- designed to nurse our offspring so that they have a chance at survival. The number of women that "cannot produce milk" (ie. 1%). And not all babies can just KNOW how to latch on. It's a learning process for both the mother and the infant. So your point is MOOT.
Asking people to send money to random addresses in return for getting more people to send you money is a CRIME, whether it is through the US mail or through e-mail. Knock it off or go to jail!
Excellent post. I particularly liked the wax paper substitute idea -- and I also liked comments 5 and 8. I canceled my land line years ago -- and the funny thing is that I still get tons phonebooks -- I usually recycle them -- but I am going to start implementing these ideas...
The petition will never work as long as the current revenue system for phone books are in place. They have to charge businesses every year to keep their listings - and ever bigger listings - 3-4 pages for one company! This horrendous advertising cost is then passed on to the consumer. The small service company I work for used to spend 3-4 hundred THOUSAND dollars a year on yellow page ads. We've cut back and are doing much more marketing online. Two books in our area (Seattle) are declaring bankruptcy, yet they can't see that their product is outdated. I'm 30 and I haven't looked at a phone book in years.
I, too, received an unsolicited netSpend debit card in the mail today, with my name already on it, an exp. date and everything. It made me totally furious! How in the world did they get my information??? So, I did a Google search on this company and came across numerous consumer complaints (too many to count) from their customers, and numerous complaints from people like us, who have received a very sneaky unsolicited card. In my research, I have found out who sold our information to this "netSpend" company.
Ready?
CAPITAL ONE!!!! While doing research, I found that Capital One bought netSpend. Since the only major credit card I currently have is through Capital One, and I use the very secure PayPal when I buy things online, I put two and two together. Hmmmmmm...coincidence??? I think not.
So, if any of you have previously applied for a Capital One card, previously had a Capital One credit card, or currently have a Capital One credit card, I suggest for you to research Capital One's connection to this netSpend company. And then, perhaps, let Capital One know you are on to them and aren't playing into their scam.
NetSpend is a prepaid card, not a credit card. There's no credit involved, and it works pretty much like the Visa gift cards you can buy at the store but has your name on it and is reusable so you can give the number to your cellphone company, etc. Yes there are fees, but it's impossible to overdraft so is appropriate for people that live paycheck to paycheck. I have one that I use occasionally, and there's only fees when I use it. How many of you can say that your "free" checking account is really free? If you don't want the card, throw it in the trash. It's worthless unless you load money onto it.
Xin Lu, if your goal is to give objective helpful advice to people that need it, leave out the vitriol. Also consider the fact that your blog is ad supported, and that many of the ads are credit related.
i received a netspend card today, but the weird thing it is in my pets name not mine. i do not know where netspend could have found my pets name to begin with, apparently my pet his ID stolen. LOL
anyway, before calling the number on the card to find out about it and to cancel it i did a search to find more info and this forum.
i guess i will shred the card. i have no use for a pre-paid card.
It's a site that goes beyond Monster, and Hotjobs! It allows consumers to create a unique link (ResumeBucket.com/YOURNAME) and share their resume with whoever via todays social tools. Unlike Monster and Hotjobs, which charge, 20k a years to access resumes, ResumeBucket lets employers and small companies search resumes completely for free! This is helping people in todays economy get a job.
I received the unsolicited netSpend pre-paid debit card today as well. While pre-paid debit cards do have a place in today's economy, the netSpend card rates very poorly when it comes to the fees and the cost of loading this card. To load money onto this card (at least in my area) requires using either the MoneyGram Service, or Western Union service. The fee for loading up to $200 using the MoneyGram service is $12. Their fee schedule didn't go any higher so they couldn't tell me the fee to load, for example, $500 on to the card.
I prefer to use the pre-paid debit cards for my online bill payments and online shopping. By loading only the amount needed to cover payments or purchases, I can easily limit my liability from excess charges, and shady online retailers who may try to tack-on membership fees, etc. More importantly, I can mitigate any loss from the theft of my card number, and I protect my bank and credit card accounts by not using them online.
Walmart offers a "load-as-you-go" pre-paid debit card, and the loading fees are far less than the netSpend card. And, many of the retail chain pharmacies sell the "GreenDot" reload cards at a flat rate, regardless of the amount you want to load onto your card. When you purchase a GreenDot or Walmart reload card, your money is instantly loaded onto your card at the time of purchase. No delays, no waiting!
The netSpend card is free to receive, but the exscessive load fees make it a poor choice for the consumer. If you need (or want) to use pre-paid, Walmart or GreenDot are the best value by far!
I hope this helps explain the Pre-Paid consumer market!
Hey, is this for real? I don't want to wreck my phone, ... but I can't any calls from inside my house! If I go outside, it works fine (one bar). Please, someone reply if this 'really' works!
YOu can shred several pages, dampen them and spread around your tile or wood floors. When you sweep up the shreds, they help collect the dust and pet hair that normally gets blown away.
Here in Canada the Scouts come around and collect them. They do a door to door campaign & also have drop offs at some of the grocery stores (Safeway). They do end up getting paid for this (I can't recall if it's 10 cents or 25 cents a book), and it ends up helping them with travel costs. Two good deeds, and minimal effort on my behalf!
Actually, when I buy multiple items, I give the majority to a homeless shelter. If there is only a few items left that I have coupons for, I ask the manager when they restock and if its within a day or two I will take them. That is what they're there for. I will not be greedy and buy 20 bottles (there is actually a limit of 4 per person per day...)
I will buy my limit of four, and depending on if I need it at home, will bring to a homeless shelter.
If it's something I do not need I will then leave my coupons on the product, or give to someone in the same line as me.
all realtors are crooks check out very short video that shows why
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCVHbeH6rM
Just "randomly" sending you a card is not cool. Someone somewhere got a huge mailing list, sounds like.
As for Netspend itself, I've had a Mastercard branded Netspend card (issued via Inter National Bank in McAllen Tx, one of Netspend's two bank partners) for almost 7 years now and I absolutely love it. I pay the 10 bucks a month for unlimited use. Worth it to me. It's even cheaper if you pay by the year. Used to have an (UGH) BofA account and I spent more than that alone on a basic checking account.. and don't get me started on their overdraft fees. No thank you. It's actually cheaper for me now. You can't get overdrawn since it's a debit card. Loading the card at the local check cashing place costs $2 per $100 loaded.. which I rarely have to do, since direct deposit is free. A lot of the local convenience stores offer Netspend loading too, for the same price. Transfers between cardholders are also free, as is checking your balance when done thru their web page. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Netspend's optional free text and email notifications. I have unlimited msgs on my cell plan and every time I use my card somewhere, I get a text message on my cell phone literally within seconds telling me how much money I spent, where it was spent, and how much money I have left. That feature alone is priceless.
Considering I refuse to pay outrageous fees and interest to the big banks and credit card companies, Netspend is a perfect solution for me. YMMV. No, I don't work for them.
My Shopping Genie
Your article is quite informative. However, are you aware of a great tool known as My Shopping Genie? Visit www.myshoppinggenie.com/dreamlowprices and download the free shopping tool that will help you find the lowest prices for any item found online. This free software will also drastically eliminate the amount of time you spend searching for the lowest and best prices for the items you're looking for.
After you download the free tool and it installs, go to your favorite search engine, such as Google or Yahoo and type in the name of the product you are looking for, and instantly, you'll find the lowest prices for that item by clicking on the vendor in the bar at the bottom of the screen. Check it out! You'll regret it if you don't!
Yes, the black hole has been around awhile -- the last time that I heard of direct hits/great success was in the 1999/2000 time period before the last recession, as I mentioned.
Thanks for giving specifics on the harvesting method. I did have an IT client who would get calls from recruiters saying that they had found him on a job board (where he'd posted a resume) and then asking for the resume -- an odd set-up and annoying, but he finally got to where the resume would be sent off again and he could start interviewing.
I've been in the job market on and off several times over the last 8 years, and it has *always* been the resume vacuum. That's not a new thing that has suddenly appeared because of the current economy! In 2003, I was determined to leave a bad job and sent out over 500 resumes in 6 months time.....I got one phone call, and four mailed rejection letters/cards.
I worked a bit helping the Sr Recruiter at my last employer, and all I did was 'harvest' resumes to add to her database. I searched for keywords in resumes and downloaded them directly into her database without even reading them. I would then search her database for keywords, send a mass email to all the people who matched, and if a person responded with an updated resume, *only then* did she actually read the resume.
Its really depressing knowing that your information is just being 'harvested'. I always make a point of doing location-based searches for companies in Google Maps for companies that fit my interests. I visit each individual website, bookmark my favorites, and check them regularly for job openings. Whenever possible I email my resume directly to a person rather than using the "Apply Now" button in Monster.
All of that being said, I am looking forward to starting a new job next week. And all 5 jobs (contract and permanent) that I've held in the last 8 years (I'm in a very specialized IT niche) were jobs that I didn't even apply for. I was contacted by recruiters/hiring managers that found me on Monster or a similar site.
I just received the netspend card pre-paid and after reading all the complaints I put it through the shredder, and you are right, it does make a funny noise when it goes through.LOL But I will keep my greendot card.
We are humans- designed to nurse our offspring so that they have a chance at survival. The number of women that "cannot produce milk" (ie. 1%). And not all babies can just KNOW how to latch on. It's a learning process for both the mother and the infant. So your point is MOOT.
People who try to find their happiness in money and material things are doomed.
All the "stuff" you love so much will always break down and fail you, including your own body.
Finding oneness and balance is the only source of genuine happiness.
Asking people to send money to random addresses in return for getting more people to send you money is a CRIME, whether it is through the US mail or through e-mail. Knock it off or go to jail!
Excellent post. I particularly liked the wax paper substitute idea -- and I also liked comments 5 and 8. I canceled my land line years ago -- and the funny thing is that I still get tons phonebooks -- I usually recycle them -- but I am going to start implementing these ideas...
Here's one -- Use it to clean mirrors!
The petition will never work as long as the current revenue system for phone books are in place. They have to charge businesses every year to keep their listings - and ever bigger listings - 3-4 pages for one company! This horrendous advertising cost is then passed on to the consumer. The small service company I work for used to spend 3-4 hundred THOUSAND dollars a year on yellow page ads. We've cut back and are doing much more marketing online. Two books in our area (Seattle) are declaring bankruptcy, yet they can't see that their product is outdated. I'm 30 and I haven't looked at a phone book in years.
Great videos and tried the ice one out - it really does work. I've posted a similar how-to video on my blog - http://lurnto.com/?p=179
No they aren't.
Hello all,
I, too, received an unsolicited netSpend debit card in the mail today, with my name already on it, an exp. date and everything. It made me totally furious! How in the world did they get my information??? So, I did a Google search on this company and came across numerous consumer complaints (too many to count) from their customers, and numerous complaints from people like us, who have received a very sneaky unsolicited card. In my research, I have found out who sold our information to this "netSpend" company.
Ready?
CAPITAL ONE!!!! While doing research, I found that Capital One bought netSpend. Since the only major credit card I currently have is through Capital One, and I use the very secure PayPal when I buy things online, I put two and two together. Hmmmmmm...coincidence??? I think not.
So, if any of you have previously applied for a Capital One card, previously had a Capital One credit card, or currently have a Capital One credit card, I suggest for you to research Capital One's connection to this netSpend company. And then, perhaps, let Capital One know you are on to them and aren't playing into their scam.
One for the Ladies: I tear out the pages to dispose of my sanitary items, instead of using toilet paper.
NetSpend is a prepaid card, not a credit card. There's no credit involved, and it works pretty much like the Visa gift cards you can buy at the store but has your name on it and is reusable so you can give the number to your cellphone company, etc. Yes there are fees, but it's impossible to overdraft so is appropriate for people that live paycheck to paycheck. I have one that I use occasionally, and there's only fees when I use it. How many of you can say that your "free" checking account is really free? If you don't want the card, throw it in the trash. It's worthless unless you load money onto it.
Xin Lu, if your goal is to give objective helpful advice to people that need it, leave out the vitriol. Also consider the fact that your blog is ad supported, and that many of the ads are credit related.
Austin
i received a netspend card today, but the weird thing it is in my pets name not mine. i do not know where netspend could have found my pets name to begin with, apparently my pet his ID stolen. LOL
anyway, before calling the number on the card to find out about it and to cancel it i did a search to find more info and this forum.
i guess i will shred the card. i have no use for a pre-paid card.
cheers
Great post..
There are a few really good sites out their that help consumers build and establish their online brand.
A great tool for your readers is; Http://www.resumebucket.com
It's a site that goes beyond Monster, and Hotjobs! It allows consumers to create a unique link (ResumeBucket.com/YOURNAME) and share their resume with whoever via todays social tools. Unlike Monster and Hotjobs, which charge, 20k a years to access resumes, ResumeBucket lets employers and small companies search resumes completely for free! This is helping people in todays economy get a job.
Have your readers look @ Http://www.resumebucket.com
Hey man does it really work
My kid really loves this stuff
and I think I should try it.
I received the unsolicited netSpend pre-paid debit card today as well. While pre-paid debit cards do have a place in today's economy, the netSpend card rates very poorly when it comes to the fees and the cost of loading this card. To load money onto this card (at least in my area) requires using either the MoneyGram Service, or Western Union service. The fee for loading up to $200 using the MoneyGram service is $12. Their fee schedule didn't go any higher so they couldn't tell me the fee to load, for example, $500 on to the card.
I prefer to use the pre-paid debit cards for my online bill payments and online shopping. By loading only the amount needed to cover payments or purchases, I can easily limit my liability from excess charges, and shady online retailers who may try to tack-on membership fees, etc. More importantly, I can mitigate any loss from the theft of my card number, and I protect my bank and credit card accounts by not using them online.
Walmart offers a "load-as-you-go" pre-paid debit card, and the loading fees are far less than the netSpend card. And, many of the retail chain pharmacies sell the "GreenDot" reload cards at a flat rate, regardless of the amount you want to load onto your card. When you purchase a GreenDot or Walmart reload card, your money is instantly loaded onto your card at the time of purchase. No delays, no waiting!
The netSpend card is free to receive, but the exscessive load fees make it a poor choice for the consumer. If you need (or want) to use pre-paid, Walmart or GreenDot are the best value by far!
I hope this helps explain the Pre-Paid consumer market!
Hey, is this for real? I don't want to wreck my phone, ... but I can't any calls from inside my house! If I go outside, it works fine (one bar). Please, someone reply if this 'really' works!
YOu can shred several pages, dampen them and spread around your tile or wood floors. When you sweep up the shreds, they help collect the dust and pet hair that normally gets blown away.
Here in Canada the Scouts come around and collect them. They do a door to door campaign & also have drop offs at some of the grocery stores (Safeway). They do end up getting paid for this (I can't recall if it's 10 cents or 25 cents a book), and it ends up helping them with travel costs. Two good deeds, and minimal effort on my behalf!
LOL, anyone who gets a finger tatoo for a wedding ring is jinxing themselves to divorce (Kathy Griffin, anyone). Removal is a bitch.