Terri's Smart Money Blog

Mon Nov 16 21:13:03 PST 2009 by Terri Gruca

Help spending your Health Spending Account money

As more people use Health Savings Accounts and as the year draws to a close, chances are they're also looking to spend all of the money they’ve set aside. I'll show you some of the easy ways to see what you can use it for and what you cannot.

Mon Dec 14 08:33:53 PST 2009 by Terri Gruca

Earn interest on gift cards

Some surveys show that one of every two people will end up with some kind of gift card this holiday season. Here's a way to earn interest on that gift card.

Tue Dec 22 21:46:59 PST 2009 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find everything from how to get Santa to send your child a personalized video message to free music downloads and free breakfast. Enjoy!

Fri Jan 08 08:35:11 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Banks offer cash to lure customers

Banks are trying to lure customers with cash. I'll show you a great web site that can help make sure you're using the best bank for your pocketbook.

Mon Jan 11 06:57:03 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

More dangerous chemicals found in children’s jewelry

For six years I’ve been reporting on the dangers of lead found in children’s jewelry and toys—most of those items made in China. Now the Associated Press finds Chinese manufacturers may be substituting another dangerous chemical—cadmium.

Tue Feb 09 19:44:48 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find lots of Valentine's Day deals, freebies and terrific travel deals.

Thu May 27 13:28:13 PDT 2010 by TERRI GRUCA

UPDATE: Which sunscreens are best?

The Environmental Working Group looked at hundreds of sunscreens. makeup with sunscreen, lip balm even moisturizers with sunscreen to see which offer the most protection. See if yours made the list.

Thu May 13 19:39:11 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Virtual bike ride raises cancer awareness

This year’s Tour de France could honor someone you know. Lance Armstrong is behind the effort. See how to get involved.

Tue May 18 06:52:20 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

A closer look at college salaries

The Texas Tribune analyzed salaries for professors and administrators across the state and took a look at how much costs are growing for families. Check out the searchable database.

Tue May 18 21:34:14 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find free food, a way to win free Star Wars concert tickets and more. Enjoy!

Wed May 19 21:34:49 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Get the most gas mileage from your car

Summer means road trip. See how making small changes can help improve your gas mileage.

Fri May 21 07:23:17 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

900,000 coffee makers recalled

900,000 GE coffee makers sold at Walmart are being recalled because they may catch fire.

Mon May 24 04:50:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Mom car reviews

There are lots of companies that rate cars based on crash tests, price and fuel economy. But I found a site that gives a mom's perspective on everything from safety to ease of use to comfort.

Tue May 25 21:42:14 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find appliance savings, free food and more. Enjoy!

Wed May 26 20:55:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Best cities for the next decade

Kiplinger’s searched for the best cities for the next decade and named Austin the number one pick.

Fri May 28 08:45:16 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

108,000 Bagless vacuums recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Hoover are recalling 108,000 Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners because of a possible burn hazard.

Fri May 28 09:00:58 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Tea glasses recalled because of lead

You'll want to check the glasses in your cabinet. There is a recall for 14,000 Moroccan tea glasses sold at Cost Plus because they contain excessive levels of lead.

Sun May 30 17:29:59 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Four PediaCare medicines recalled

The FDA issued a new warning this weekend involving more children’s cold medicine. This time the agency is asking parents not to use four PediaCare medicines and this recall falls on the heels of the big children's medicine recall last month.

Tue Jun 01 06:59:26 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New ways to buy food and beauty products online

Amazon.com has offered groceries for a while. Now other manufacturers are launching their own websites to help you find products you might not be able to find in the store.

Tue Jun 01 21:16:21 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some terrific freebies on food and movies and even a few Father's Day specials. Enjoy!

Wed Jun 02 13:49:22 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

H-E-B beef recall at one Round Rock store

H-E-B is issuing a precautionary recall of some of its ground beef sold yesterday at the 16900 North RR 620 in Round Rock.

Wed Jun 02 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New method to shrink food

A consumer watchdog group spotted a new trend in shrinking food packages -- giving people less in the same size package.

Wed Jun 02 18:20:55 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Round Rock baby's death prompts infant sling recall

The death of a Round Rock baby three years ago has prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall 40 Sprout Stuff infant ring slings.

Thu Jun 03 08:28:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

1.7 million dishwashers recalled

If you’ve bought a dishwasher in the last four years you want to make sure you don’t have one of the 1.7 million being recalled because they pose a fire hazard.

Thu Jun 03 21:49:13 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Devices help diagnose your car

Many of us hit the web to try to diagnose our own symptoms, now it’s almost that easy to diagnose what’s wrong with your car before heading to the mechanic.

Fri Jun 04 07:45:40 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Shrek drinking glasses from McDonald's recalled

We’ve heard a lot about lead and cadmium in jewelry, but now it’s showing up in drinking glasses.McDonald’s announced this morning it is recalling 12 million “Shrek Forever After 3D” collectable drinking glasses because the designs contain cadmium.

Mon Jun 07 05:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Create your own video game

A gaming company has a new project that allows children to create their own video games.

Mon Jun 07 06:58:16 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Chrysler recalls nearly 600,000 vehicles

Chrysler announced the recall of nearly 600,000 vehicles today for both brake problems and a potential fire hazard. The recalls involve Town & Country and Grand Caravans as well as Jeep Wranglers.

Tue Jun 08 06:28:51 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Organic baby food recall

Some popular organic baby foods are being recalled because they may contain dangerous bacteria. These foods are sold at Whole Foods, H-E-B, Sprouts and SuperTarget.

Tue Jun 08 21:30:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find lots of free food, free concerts and more. Thanks to the viewers who sent me tips. Remember if you spot a deal send me an e-mail so I can let others know. Enjoy!

Thu Jun 10 07:13:34 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

More parents helping their grown children financially

More parents are helping their grown children financially. See what a recent survey found and what you should be doing now to prepare your children for their financial future.

Fri Jun 11 04:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Texas appliance rebate deadline next week

A reminder for anyone who was able to secure an appliance rebate. Your forms must be postmarked by next Tuesday.

Thu Jun 10 21:32:36 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

181,000 Front loading washers recalled

GE is recalling 181,000 front-loading washing machines. A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing a fire and shock hazard.

Mon Jun 14 07:11:14 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

How to spot fake coupons

We all love a good coupon and the internet has certainly made it easier to cash in on the savings. However, it’s also made it easier than ever to get duped by fakes. I'll show you how to spot a fake.

Mon Jun 14 21:29:33 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New ways to save money when you travel

My husband and I always spend a pretty penny going home to visit family. So I’m always looking for ways to cut costs. And I found a few new websites that I think might help you save some money if you have plans to travel this summer.

Tue Jun 15 22:12:19 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find lots of freebies on food and for dad. Thanks to all the tipsters who sent me suggestions. Enjoy!

Wed Jun 16 16:41:58 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Tylenol expands recall

The January recall has been expanded to include more Tylenol and Benadryl products.

Thu Jun 17 17:41:19 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Infant carrier recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling about 2,700 infant carriers because the shoulder strap buckle may break.

Thu Jun 17 19:20:08 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

SpaghettiOs recall

The Department of Agriculture announced Thursday night that Campbell Soup Co. is recalling 15 million pounds of SpaghettiOs with meatballs due to possible under processing.

Mon Jun 21 07:21:40 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Dinner for $25 or $35

You’ve all probably heard about the various Restaurant Week promotions across the country. Austin already had its in February and March. However this week Yelp is doing its own promotion called “Yelp Eats”.

Mon Jun 21 08:09:59 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Worries over lead in juice

A California group finds what it considers high levels of lead in children's juice products. However the levels are much lower than allowed by the FDA. I'll show you what you need to know.

Mon Jun 21 21:03:41 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Coming soon: New labels for light bulbs

Starting next year the Federal Trade Commission will require new labels to help you choose between all the different bulbs on the market.

Tue Jun 22 21:01:23 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find all kinds of free food, music and more. As well as some terrific ways to enjoy summer with the family on the cheap. Enjoy!

Wed Jun 23 21:40:56 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Thousands of inmates collect new home buyer tax credit

A shocking new audit has just been released by the Treasury Inspector General. It shows rampant problems in the new home buyer tax credit program. Including 1,300 prison inmates who defrauded the government of millions of dollars.

Thu Jun 24 19:45:08 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

More crib recalls

Millions of cribs are being recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission again because of problems with the hardware and the spacing on the cribs. This affects drop-side and fixed side cribs.

Fri Jun 25 16:42:15 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Kellogg's recalls 4 cereals

The FDA and Kellogg are recalling four popular cereals because of an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner of the package. The recall includes Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks.

Mon Jun 28 07:08:50 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Problems with airline meals

There may be more than just a money reason to skip those expensive airline meals. An analysis by USA Today found, “Many meals served to passengers on major airlines are prepared in unsanitary and unsafe conditions that could lead to illness."

Tue Jun 29 07:09:56 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New way to pay for college

With job opportunities slim, many students are more worried than ever about how to pay for college. So some are turning to the web to get people to sponsor their degree.

Tue Jun 29 21:27:15 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some free movies, free family fun and more. Enjoy!

Wed Jun 30 18:55:45 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

233,000 Sony laptops recalled

If you bought a Sony Vaio laptop this year you’ll want to make sure you don’t have one of the 233,000 being recalled. There have been more than two dozen reports of them overheating.

Fri Jul 02 03:18:18 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Stand while you fly?

If it would save you money would you be willing to stand while you fly? A low price European airline hopes to give passengers that option.

Tue Jul 06 07:01:07 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Products that are cheaper now

We often reminisce about the days when things were much cheaper but check out this list of items one writer found are less expensive than they were ten years ago.

Tue Jul 06 21:00:44 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the week

This week you'll find lots of freebies and some terrific spa and travel deals. Enjoy!

Wed Jul 07 08:22:36 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Some White House Staffers get raises, others do not

In the last year many people were lucky to see any kind of pay raise, so were some White House staffers. However others are taking home considerably more this year than they did last year.

Thu Jul 08 07:01:23 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Weigh in on new menu rules

A new law requiring restaurants to post calorie content and other nutrition information is set to take effect next March. Now the FDA wants your feedback.

Thu Jul 08 08:32:07 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Chrysler offers money back guarantee

It’s rare these days to be able to make a big expensive purchase, decide you don’t like it and return it to get all of your money back. However, Chrysler announced today it 's offering a 60 day money back guarantee.

Thu Jul 08 13:15:10 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

More Tylenol medicine recalled

More Tylenol products are being recalled. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is recalling an additional 21 lots of the over-the-counter medicines again because of a musty or moldy odor.

Thu Jul 08 17:38:17 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Free foreclosure help this weekend

An Austin non-profit hopes to help hundreds of Austin homeowners avoid foreclosure this weekend.

Fri Jul 09 07:10:57 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Can money buy happiness?

A new Gallup survey may have found the most comprehensive answer to this question. It surveyed 136,000 people in 132 countries. See if you agree with the findings.

Mon Jul 12 07:24:14 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Green cell phones?

More cell phone companies are coming out with what they call eco-friendly phones. But how green are they?

Tue Jul 13 07:52:55 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Great web sites to help you save

I do a lot of online shopping and have written before about some of the terrific web sites I check before making a purchase. However, I’ve found a few new ones to share. So enjoy!

Tue Jul 13 20:55:55 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of free food, free family events and travel deals. Enjoy!

Wed Jul 14 18:23:44 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Suzuki offers $250 if you buy competitor's car

Earlier this month the company launched its “Kizashi Test Drive Challenge” incentive program. It will offer $250 dollars to anyone who test drives the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi but ends up buying a competing car.

Wed Jul 14 19:32:25 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Southwest Airlines makes it cheaper to fly with children

Southwest Airlines wants to make traveling with children easier and cheaper by changing its baggage policy.

Wed Jul 14 21:09:43 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Proposal to change crib standards and 82,000 cribs recalled

The CPSC proposes new crib standards while Pottery Barn recalls 82,000 drop-side cribs.

Thu Jul 15 21:14:09 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Child's death prompts play yard tent recall

There's another big recall involving an infant product parents need to know about. This one involves 20,000 portable play yard tents.

Mon Jul 19 04:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Austin among best cities for singles

The culture, the restaurants, the weather even the look of the people have all landed Austin on a list of one of the best cities for singles.

Mon Jul 19 18:48:20 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Frozen chicken nugget recall

The USDA issued a nationwide recall tonight of 91,872 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets sold at WalMart because they may contain foreign material.

Mon Jul 19 20:36:41 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Christmas in July

For anyone who thinks retailers start Christmas a little too early, you will love this. More retailers are pushing Christmas in July this year.

Tue Jul 20 21:17:35 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some freebies, music downloads and some terrific travel deals. Remember if you spot a deal send me an e-mail. Enjoy!

Wed Jul 21 21:38:18 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Are you saving enough for retirement?

Researchers have found 41 percent of Americans in the lowest pre-retirement income level will run short on money after ten years of being retired. Are you saving enough?

Fri Jul 23 06:07:07 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Money secrets

Are you hiding secrets from your spouse? The majority of couples say they'd rather hide money secrets than have problems at home. See the five money questions all couples should discuss.

Sun Dec 05 20:16:08 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Money finding sites

Whether it’s savings bonds, pension benefits or insurance dividends, each year people miss out on millions of dollars that is rightfully theirs. Here are some simple sites you should visit to find out if you’re owed any money.

Mon Jul 26 05:05:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Baby recliner recall

About 30,000 portable baby recliners designed to help babies sleep better are being recalled following an infant death.

Mon Jul 26 21:06:55 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Art of borrowing on the web

Thanks to social networking people have begun to take sharing to new levels. Here are a few sites that may be worth checking out if you’d like to try borrowing instead of buying.

Tue Jul 27 07:21:13 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Best cities for working moms

Austin is among the best cities for working moms, but maybe not as good as last year? So why such a difference in a year?

Tue Jul 27 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some refreshing freebies, some lifesaving ones and a few travel deals. Enjoy!

Thu Jul 29 07:14:54 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Good kindergarten teacher = more success as adult

We all know the important role teachers play on a child's success. Harvard researchers found a good kindergarten teacher may be more important than anyone ever thought.

Fri Jul 30 06:41:07 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Swap to save

Have you ever thought someone could get a little more mileage out of items in your home? Maybe it's your kid's clothing, books or entertainment items? This web site creates an online community of swappers.

Mon Aug 02 07:51:35 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Wedding day savings

The average cost of a wedding has jumped nearly 22 percent in the first half of this year. I'll show you some of the sites that can help you save.

Tue Aug 03 06:53:28 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Supplement Safety

Last year Americans spent $26.7 billion dollars on supplements. Let’s face it most of us take them to stay healthy, lose weight or perform better in athletics. But how much do you know about the vitamins you take?

Tue Aug 03 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the week

This week you'll find some amazing deals including a free spa day, free boot camp and some free food. Enjoy!

Thu Aug 05 07:49:47 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Improving appliance energy efficiency

Home appliance manufacturers agreed to new energy and water efficiency standards for washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers.

Thu Aug 05 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Virtual loyalty programs

Forget adding another loyalty card to your key chain or wallet. More retailers are using virtual loyalty programs that you can use on your phone. Here are a few of them and how they work.

Mon Aug 09 06:47:16 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Patio umbrellas recalled

Thousands of patio umbrellas sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond are being recalled because they may collapse.

Mon Aug 09 17:54:12 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Honda recalls 384,220 cars

Honda is recalling more than 384,000 cars because of problems with the automatic transmission.

Tue Aug 10 21:04:10 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find several ways to help some charitable causes and get deals yourself, as well as some fun things to do with the family. Enjoy!

Wed Aug 11 07:15:11 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Dehumidifier recall reminder because of more fires

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is re-issuing a recall for dehumidifiers because of four more house fires one with significant damage.

Thu Aug 12 19:33:32 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

No more free rides for kids?

There's growing concern that your kids may no longer get a free ride when they fly.

Fri Aug 13 15:44:53 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Baby monitors recalled

If you’ve bought a baby monitor in recent months you’ll want to make sure it’s not one of 800 being recalled.

Sun Aug 15 21:25:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New way to save money on groceries

There's a new site that's making it easier to save money on groceries. It does cost money, but it comes with a guarantee of savings.

Mon Aug 16 21:05:46 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

People saving more for retirement

Despite shrinking or steady salaries and rising unemployment at least one financial group says people are saving more for retirement.

Tue Aug 17 21:10:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some fun family freebies, some tax free weekend sales and a new saving web site developed by some former UT students. Enjoy!

Wed Aug 18 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Cruise ship safety changes

You should soon be able to better gage the safety of a particular cruise line. Until a new law takes effect, there is one database that can help you find crime reports from some of the major cruise lines.

Thu Aug 19 13:09:18 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Double stroller recall

Lan Enterprises is recalling 3,700 double Zooper strollers. The frame latch above the front wheels can fail when the stroller hits an object causing it to collapse.

Sun Aug 22 19:05:21 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Texas eggs added to recall

The FDA has added more eggs to the nationwide recall including some sold here in Texas.

Mon Aug 23 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Another grocery savings app

You know I like to find ways to save money on groceries. I found another app that can help.

Tue Aug 24 21:05:27 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some terrific free health screenings, food, music and travel deals. Enjoy!

Tue Aug 24 21:20:26 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Lunch meat recall

Roast beef and ham distributed to Walmart delicatessens nationwide and sold in sandwiches is being recalled because it might be tainted with potentially harmful bacteria.

Tue Aug 24 21:28:13 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Baby bottle warmer recall

Williams-Sonoma is recalling about 11,000 baby bottle warmers because they may overheat the liquids and pose a burn hazard to adults or babies.

Wed Aug 25 18:50:17 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Thousands of flat screen wall mounts recalled

Thousands of flat screen television wall mounts are being recalled tonight because they may not hold your TV. They were sold nationwide at dealers and at Costco.

Thu Aug 26 19:42:13 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Contaminated feed found at egg farms

Thursday afternoon FDA investigators said they found salmonella enteritidis in two barns at Wright County Egg in Iowa and two positive samples of feed given to young hens at both Wright County and Hillandale Farms.

Thu Aug 26 21:19:28 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

American Airlines faces record fine

The Federal Aviation Administration has slapped American Airlines with a record $24.2 million dollar fine for flying jets with potentially dangerous wiring.

Sun Aug 29 21:15:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Check your car's recall history

WIth so many car recalls it can be tough to keep up. But the government estimates that 25 percent of owners of those recalled vehicles never get the problems fixed. I'll show you how to check your car's history.

Mon Aug 30 21:17:29 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New way to stop texting and driving

The National Safety Council estimates 200,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting. More companies are coming up with ways to let your friends and family know you won’t be texting and driving.

Tue Aug 31 21:05:17 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some terrific giveaways, sales and more. Enjoy!

Tue Aug 31 21:15:15 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

9,000 LCD TVs recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling about 9,000 Sharp 32-inch LCD TVs because the TV stand’s neck support may break and cause the top to tip over.

Wed Sep 01 19:08:42 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Slow cookers recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 25,000 Sensio Bella Kitchen 5-quart programmable slow cookers sold at Kohl’s from July 2009 through December 2009.

Thu Sep 02 13:54:49 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Pampers cleared in thousands of diaper rash cases

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says it cannot find any cause linking Pampers with Drymax with diaper rash. The CPSC received about 4,700 complaints in the spring.

Thu Sep 02 21:01:22 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

High school football video contest

There’s nothing like a good football game to get you ready for fall. And this year you have a chance to win your school some money.

Thu Sep 02 21:06:19 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

41,000 Toshiba laptops recalled because of potential burn hazard

About 41,000 Toshiba laptops are being recalled because of a potential burn hazard.Toshiba has received 129 reports of certain notebook computers sold last year and this year overheating.

Tue Sep 07 07:29:24 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Freebies you may not know about

Everyone loves a freebie. Kiplinger’s Magazine just put out a list of some of the best freebies people may not now about. The best thing about some of these is that they save you money others can help you make some money

Tue Sep 07 21:25:05 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some terrific freebies, some great deals on magazines and more. Remember if you spot a deal send me an e-mail.

Wed Sep 08 17:53:13 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New booster seat ratings

Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just evaluated 72 booster seats on safety and fit.

Thu Sep 09 20:57:51 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Update Facebook status while you drive

At a time when we are trying to get people to stop texting and driving you may be surprised to hear this. General Motors is testing software that will let drivers update their status on Facebook by talking.

Mon Sep 13 07:12:35 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Hearing on genetically modified salmon sparks new concerns

Pretty soon the salmon you order could be genetically modified. We already eat a lot of genetically modified foods. Although no labels are required here in the U.S. So I'll show you how to find out what you're eating.

Mon Sep 13 19:34:43 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Whole Foods new seafood ratings

Whole Foods is making it easier to see where your seafood originates. Starting Monday the company began the first in-store color coded sustainability rating program.

Tue Sep 14 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find a terrific sale for expectant parents or parents hoping to get rid of some of their baby items and lots of freebies. Enjoy!

Wed Sep 15 13:37:23 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

130 Fixed sided cribs recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling about 130 Sorelle brand “Prescott” fixed sided cribs because of a baby’s death.

Wed Sep 15 21:20:33 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Can you ever unplug?

Can you ever really unplug? In the day and age of computers and smart phones it's harder than ever to set rules. Do you have solutions to help people set parameters?

Thu Sep 16 20:59:27 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

How much space do you really get when you fly?

You may have seen this week that the FAA is considering approving some new airline seats that would make more room for passengers. If you've ever wondered how much space you really get on airlines I'll show you a site to check for the best seats.

Sun Sep 26 18:15:17 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Web site eliminates wait to get an actual person

Check out this web site which can prevent you from ever having to wait on hold to get an actual person.

Mon Sep 27 21:18:03 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Business airline offers money back guarantee

A business class airline is hoping to change the way you fly. Open Skies is offering a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. As the company says, “love everything or pay nothing”.

Tue Sep 28 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find all kinds of freebies and some ways to help out people in need. Enjoy!

Thu Sep 30 06:08:28 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Restaurant Deal Extended

Restaurant.com is offering the best deal it ever offers on restaurant gift certificates. This started as a one day promotion but it's been extended. Allowing you to get $25 gift certificates which normally cost $10 for 90 percent off.

Thu Sep 30 07:10:47 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Parents warned not to use sleep positioners

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration is warning parents to stop using infant sleep positioners.

Wed Sep 29 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Expect big sales on big ticket items

It may only be October, but this year you may find more bargains on big ticket items -- especially TVs.

Mon Oct 04 07:40:12 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

The most dangerous baby products?

Each year the Consumer Product Safety Commission releases information on how many deaths and injuries have been caused by child products. The latest figures show the biggest problems with cribs. I've got some resources to help you make smart choices.

Tue Oct 05 07:37:56 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

No hands needed texting

Kind of like a kid learning to ride a bike without their hands, a startup company has launched a new app that allows people to truly text without their hands.

Tue Oct 05 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find all kinds of food and Halloween freebies and great deals for the whole family.

Wed Oct 06 19:29:38 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Thousands of strollers recalled

Thousands of strollers are being recalled tonight because the grab bar may not keep the children from passing through or possibly be a strangulation hazard.

Thu Oct 07 19:07:18 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Another drop-side crib recall

Tonight the Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling Jardine Enterprises drop-side cribs sold under the Alexander Designs Ltd. brand name. The hardware may fail and cause children to fall or be strangled.

Sun Oct 10 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Thousands of inmates and dead people get stimulus checks

Now a new federal audit finds that last year “The federal government last year sent about 89,000 checks of $250 each to dead or incarcerated people.”

Tue Oct 12 07:34:12 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Charitable products: make sure your money is doing the most

October is breast cancer awareness month. Head to any shopping center and it's easy to see. Pretty much every store is selling something to benefit breast cancer research. I'll show you four keys to make sure your money is making a real difference.

Mon Oct 11 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some great family deals. Thanks to everyone for their tips.

Thu Oct 14 06:59:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

New travel sites and apps worth checking out

It may seem a little early to think about the holidays but not if you’re planning to travel. So I thought I’d share some terrific travel sites and phone apps, many of which are new that I think are worth checking out.

Fri Oct 15 07:13:54 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Cordless drills recalled because of fire hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 455,000 Ryobi Cordless Drills because they may create a fire hazard. The company has received 47 reports of the drills overheating, smoking, melting or catching fire.

Fri Oct 15 07:47:10 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Evenflo recalls nearly 14,000 car seats

Evenflo, one of the largest manufacturers of baby and child gear, is recalling nearly 14,000 car seats after they failed Consumer Reports’ crash tests.

Mon Oct 18 07:17:16 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

College majors most likely to land jobs

A recent study found 85 percent of college seniors expect to move back home with their parents after graduation. Check out the college majors most likely to end in a job offer before graduation.

Mon Oct 18 17:10:15 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Frozen vegetable recall

If you shop at Walmart, Sam’s Club or Walmart SuperCenter check your freezer. The Pictsweet Company is recalling frozen vegetables because they may contain pieces of glass.

Mon Oct 18 21:14:26 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Flight delays cost passengers billions

We all hate them, now a new study finds flight delays cost us billions. I'll show you how to see which airlines and airports have the most delays.

Tue Oct 19 07:42:29 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Tylenol recalls more medicines

Another batch of Tylenol is being recalled this morning again because of a musty smell. This time the recall involves Tylenol 8 Hour Caplets.

Tue Oct 19 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some terrific freebies for you and the entire family. Thanks for all the tips!

Wed Oct 20 07:38:04 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Baby deaths prompt stroller recall

Graco is recalling 2 million strollers after four babies have died and five others have been entrapped.

Wed Oct 20 13:55:47 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Character flashlights recalled

About 275,000 Dollar Tree Store flashlights are being recalled because the batteries or the bulb can overheat.

Wed Oct 20 14:19:24 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Volvo recall because airbags may not deploy

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling about 10,000 2010 and 2011 Volvo's because the front airbags may not deploy.

Thu Oct 21 19:02:41 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Fires trigger smoothtop electric cooktop and range recall

Electrolux is recalling 122,000 cooktops and ranges because of a fire hazard.

Mon Oct 25 07:20:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Dog food recall

Blue Buffalo is recalling some of its dog food because it may contain higher levels of Vitamin D which can be harmful to pets.

Mon Oct 25 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Big changes for Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible spending accounts can be a terrific way to cut down on your costs. However, this year there are some big changes in FSAs. Including that you will not be able to purchase over-the-counter meds without a prescription.

Tue Oct 26 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find all kinds of Halloween deals. Plenty of treats, so enjoy!

Wed Oct 27 14:43:01 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

What pharmaceutical companies are paying doctors

Now for the first time you can go to one place and see the seven pharmaceutical companies that are disclosing how much they are paying doctors. You can search by doctor, by city and by state.

Thu Oct 28 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Best cities to trick-or-treat

Where you live, or maybe I should say where you trick or treat could determine how well you do when it comes to the candy you score.

Sun Oct 31 21:00:00 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Most affordable cities

There’s yet another reason to be grateful to live in Texas. Forbes.com ranked three Texas cities among the most affordable in the country, including Austin which ranks 10th.

Mon Nov 01 21:02:04 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

eBay launches group gifts

There may be a new way for you to get exactly what you want this holiday season regardless of the price. On Monday, eBay launched a new way to get your family and friends to buy what you really want. It’s called Groupgifts.eBay.com.

Tue Nov 02 22:16:22 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find several freebies and a terrific charity deal that gets you discounts at dozens of businesses. Enjoy!

Thu Nov 04 06:56:51 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Get paid to wear t-shirts

A company that sells chest space is looking for about ten people to wear company t-shirts and talk up companies on social networking sites.

Thu Nov 04 19:47:24 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

Britax recalls 23,000 infant car seats

Britax is recalling 23,000 infant car seats because the harness chest clip may break. The company has received four reports of this happening and several children have been injured.

Fri Nov 05 19:36:53 PDT 2010 by Terri Gruca

HEB brand dips and salad dressings recalled

HEB is issuing a precautionary recall tonight for many of its HEB dips and salad dressings. An ingredient found within the products may be potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

Mon Nov 08 06:13:30 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Fun free ways to share photos

Most of us have our pictures saved on our computers these days. Check out some of these easy ways to share them with family and friends and get a little creative.

Mon Nov 08 19:18:55 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Another egg recall

The FDA announced another egg recall Monday. Cal-Maine Foods is the nation’s biggest egg distributor. It is recalling 288,000 eggs purchased from Ohio Fresh Eggs after tests detected salmonella at the farm.

Tue Nov 09 21:06:39 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of Veteran’s Day deals for veterans and active duty military members and their families, some great family bargains and even something to get you ready for the holidays.

Wed Nov 10 21:20:57 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Chocolate could soon be as expensive as caviar

According to the Cocoa Research Association we’re consuming more chocolate than is being produced. And that may mean chocolate could one day be out of reach.

Fri Nov 12 07:26:32 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Nissan recalls more than a half million cars

Nissan is recalling more than a half a million cars because of problems with the steering columns and battery cables.

Sun Nov 14 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Austin named one of Best Cities for 2010

It seems like every week Austin is making a list of someone’s top pick. This week is no different. See why Travel & Leisure named Austin one of America's Best Cities for 2010.

Tue Nov 16 07:03:55 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Compare college tuition and fees

College costs continue to rise. Check out this interactive tool to see how public and private schools compare.

Tue Nov 16 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of free events for the family and many other freebies. Enjoy!

Wed Nov 17 21:13:21 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Tweet for a scholarship

If you can write in 140 words or less your commitment to education and enriching your community you could earn $20,000 for college.

Fri Nov 19 07:07:31 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

How to save the most on Black Friday and before

Black Friday is expected to draw even more shoppers this year. See where to find the deals and how to start saving before then.

Fri Nov 19 14:35:11 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Texas appliance rebate returns in December

A new appliance rebate program for Texas has been set to start on December 20th. That means you can start buying appliances on that day. I'll show you some of the other rules and how much you can get back.

Mon Nov 22 07:44:40 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Technology helping or hurting kids?

Can technology reprogram your child’s brain? Several studies show it may be doing just that. However it may also help improve their grades. See the studies that show both.

Mon Nov 22 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

No more gift card giving gaffes

If you’ve ever worried your friend or loved one won’t like the gift card you’ve chosen you may want to try this.

Tue Nov 23 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find all kinds of Black Friday deals, coupons and freebies.

Sun Nov 28 13:42:17 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Cyber Monday Deals

I'll show you where to go to find the Cyber Monday deals and give you a friendly reminder on an upcoming date to help you score free shipping at more than a thousand online retailers.

Tue Nov 30 07:00:48 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Best places to buy glasses and contacts

Consumer Reports Shop Smart Magazine just put out a list of the best places to get glasses and contacts. Check it out.

Tue Nov 30 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find lots of great freebies to get you ready for the holidays including a way to get a personalized message sent to your child and several free events here in Austin this weekend. Enjoy!

Wed Dec 01 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Reason to support locally owned businesses this holiday

I'll show you the various ways to support locally owned businesses this holiday season.

Thu Dec 02 21:17:44 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Best free price comparison apps

It is so much easier to compare prices when you shop these days thanks to all the cell phone apps. I'll show you some of the best free apps to add to your phone.

Sun Dec 05 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

End of year car deals

Usually the end of the year is one of the best times to buy a car. This year is no different.

Mon Dec 06 21:35:25 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Nutmeg recall for Whole Foods 365 brand

Mincing Overseas Spice Company which supplies product to Frontier Natural Products Co-op is voluntarily recalling nutmeg sold under the Frontier and Whole Foods Market brand because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Tue Dec 07 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find all kinds of freebies and holiday deals. Enjoy!

Thu Dec 09 07:07:56 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Popular car colors

The color of your car may say something about you. DuPont just released its latest color popularity report. See if you're driving one of the most popular color cars.

Thu Dec 09 16:15:23 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Rolaids recall

Thousands of Rolaids are being recalled because they may have metal or wood particles in them.

Mon Dec 13 06:45:51 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

1980 prices compared to today

Businessweek.com just took a look at prices we paid on items from 1980 compared to now and found some surprising results. See what we're spending more of our money on these days and why we may actually be spending less in some areas.

Tue Dec 14 07:10:38 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Holiday Tipping

Wonder how much you should tip your babysitter or hairdresser this year? Should you tip your child's teacher? Find out what the experts suggest.

Tue Dec 14 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of freebies, including free shipping offers and holiday deals. Enjoy!

Wed Dec 15 20:54:20 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Get latest appliance rebate form

Many of you have been asking when you can start to print out the rebate forms for the latest appliance rebate program and now is the time. The state set up the link Wednesday.

Thu Dec 16 20:50:01 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Portable heater recall

2.2 million portable heaters sold at Walmart are being recalled because of nearly two dozen reports of fires.

Sun Dec 19 21:00:00 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Cool ways to connect with Santa

Technology has made connecting with Santa a lot easier. I'll show you some of the cool new ways to add some Christmas cheer.

Mon Dec 20 20:42:40 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Hands free trunk

This time of year many of you are heading to your cars with a slew of packages in your hand. Ford may have found the perfect solution. The first hands free trunk operating system.

Tue Dec 21 06:36:30 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Toyota agrees to two more record fines

Toyota agreed to pay two more fines Monday to settle federal investigations into how the company handled recalls involving those sticking gas pedals and loss of steering control. However it also does not admit to any violations.

Tue Dec 21 21:07:43 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some great free fun events to take your kids, free food and more. Enjoy!

Thu Dec 23 05:53:30 PST 2010 by Terri Gruca

66 cars named Top Safety Picks for 2011

There are some surprises in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest list of top safety picks for 2011. This year 66 vehicles earned that honor which is a huge improvement over last year when the agency added roof strength requirements.

Mon Jan 03 05:50:26 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Another travel site drops American Airlines

Another big travel site has decided to drop American Airlines. Back in December Orbitz dropped the airline from its web site. Now Expedia is doing the same.

Mon Jan 03 21:29:54 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Pick up or get rid of unwanted gift cards

Gift cards are always some of the most popular gifts. However, if you got one you’d rather exchange you have options.

Tue Jan 04 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of freebies. Enjoy!

Wed Jan 05 21:05:02 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

OnStar goes mainstream

Up until now you had to drive a GM vehicle to get and use the OnStar service. That will all change this spring.

Thu Jan 06 20:37:27 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Post office to sell gift cards

The U.S. Postal Service is hoping to cash in on what has become a growing consumer craze-- gift cards.

Wed Feb 09 14:30:45 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

What you don't know about carbon monoxide detectors

With this week’s cold temperatures more people will be running heaters and that always increases the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. What you need to know to keep your family safe.

Mon Jan 10 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Tax deadline extended

You’ll have some extra time to file your taxes this year. Thanks to a DC holiday you'll have three extra days.

Tue Jan 11 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find lots of freebies, including some great food deals. Enjoy!

Wed Jan 12 19:42:23 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Teething rings recalled

Liquid teethers are popular because they offer comfort to children with sore gums, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning 7,000 liquid filled teething rings are being recalled because the ring may puncture.

Thu Jan 13 08:44:52 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Best values in public education

Kiplingers recently looked at data from 500 public universities across the country and came up with its list of the best values in public education. See where your or your child's school ranks.

Fri Jan 14 07:24:23 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

New safety feature being added to cars

Cars will soon be getting a new safety feature designed to keep people safer in rollover crashes. When you can expect it and what it likely entails.

Mon Jan 17 07:25:05 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Rent just about anything

I'm always looking for a bargain. Here's a way to save money by renting anything from maternity wear to toys to books.

Sun Mar 06 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

What to do if you're a victim of identity theft

Each year millions of people have their identities stolen. I've got some terrific sites to keep handy in case you ever find yourself in a situation needing to protect or trying to resurrect your good name.

Wed Mar 16 21:00:00 PDT 2011 by Terri Gruca

Tool kit to keep kids safe on line

Protecting your children is tougher than ever especially since they spend so much time on line and on social networking sites. Here are some terrific tools to help you talk to your children about their safety and to get them to think before they act.

Mon Jan 17 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Easy way to update your tiles

If you're looking for a quick, inexpensive way to update the tiles in your bathroom or kitchen check out these decals.

Tue Jan 18 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find deals on theater production tickets and some terrific local deals. Thanks for the tips! Enjoy!

Thu Jan 20 06:57:22 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Name your flight bump price

Delta has come up with a new way to find customers willing to get bumped when flights are overbooked.

Thu Jan 20 09:56:18 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Best companies for which to work

On-site daycare and healthcare, car cleaning, a beauty salon and summer camp for kids are all among the perks offered by the top companies for which to work. Check out the list which came out Thursday.

Thu Jan 20 21:10:58 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Foodborne illness cases getting tougher to solve

A study out this week by the Center for Science in the Public Interest found it’s getting harder than ever for states to link foodborne illness cases and solve them. And Texas gets an F for how it reports illnesses.

Sun Jan 23 19:09:02 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Jogging stroller recall

Thousands of popular jogging strollers are being recalled because parents have been getting their fingers caught in the hinge mechanism. One parent suffered a finger amputation.

Mon Jan 24 07:56:57 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Lead found in reusable bags

A study out today questions the safety of those reusable bags we all now use at grocery stores. It finds dangerous levels of lead in more than a dozeon of those tested.

Mon Jan 24 21:09:50 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

IRS goes mobile

The IRS has a new smart-phone app that allows you to check the status of your tax refund. What you need to know when checking it out.

Tue Jan 25 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find some great deals for families and plenty of freebies. Enjoy!

Fri Jan 28 07:27:01 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

New way to look at your retirement savings

This time of the year is always a good time to re-evaluate how much you’re saving for retirement. Consumer Reports has come up with this new way to make it so much easier.

Thu May 05 21:00:00 PDT 2011 by Terri Gruca

Study shows men happier when help around the house

Check out some of the studies that show men make more housework for women, and one that found men are happier when they're pitching in at home.

Sun Jan 30 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Food additives to avoid

The Center for Science in the Public Interest recently studied some of the additives in our food and came up with a list of those we should avoid.

Mon Jan 31 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Lock in airfare

Continental Airlines started a new service which lets you lock in a fare for a certain time period before you decide to buy a ticket.

Sun Feb 20 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Decoding labels

There are so many different labels now on foods and products it can be tough to decipher what they all mean. Check out the newest label and learn what some of the other popular ones mean.

Sun May 08 21:00:00 PDT 2011 by Terri Gruca

Car seat safety

Car seats are one of the most expensive purchases new parents make so I thought I'd share some terrific resources to help you make the right choice for your child.

Tue Feb 01 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the week

This week you'll find some of the newest group buying web sites, some terrific local savings and some food deals you won't want to pass up. Enjoy!

Wed Feb 02 22:24:08 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Manufacturers given more time to follow lead law

Manufacturers of children’s products are going to have even more time to prove their products don’t contain dangerous amounts of lead. The original rules would have required 3rd party certification by February 2009, now they'll have until Dec. 2011.

Fri Feb 04 08:20:44 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Valentine's Day flower tips

It's estimated 190 million roses will be sold this Valentine's Day. So if you haven't placed an order already, here are some tips to find a truly local florist and ways to get your flowers to last longer.

Sun Feb 06 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

What rose colors mean

Valentine’s Day is a week away. So I thought I’d help all those guys who might be sending flowers to their significant others. Check out what the different rose colors mean so you don't send the wrong message.

Mon Feb 07 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Rate your diet

Wonder how healthy you eat? The CSPI has a way to help you calculate what you eat each week.

Thu Feb 10 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Degrees that give you the best odds of getting hired

Your college degree can make a big difference in you getting hired. Check out the National Association of Colleges and Employers list of degrees that increase those odds.

Tue Feb 08 21:46:12 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find some great deals for families, some food savings and free music. Enjoy!

Wed Feb 09 06:41:11 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Portable electric heater recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 107,500 portable electric heaters, some of which were sold at Sam’s Clubs because of potential fire hazard.

Wed Feb 09 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Hotel and rental car saving sites

You may think you know all the tricks but I’ve been talking with several travel experts and have some terrific sites you likely haven’t tried.

Sun Feb 13 17:55:22 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Baby video monitors recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a warning for parents because of two different problems with video baby monitors. The first is a fire hazard, the second is a strangulation hazard.

Sun Feb 13 18:37:39 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Groupon and FTD offer flower refunds

If you bought a Groupon coupon to help you save on Valentine’s Day flowers you could be in for a refund.

Mon Feb 14 21:35:56 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Nearly 800,000 car seats recalled

Nearly 800,000 Dorel Juvenile Group child safety seats are being recalled because they may not protect children in the event of a crash.

Tue Feb 15 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you’ll find lots of great deals for families, including a free Major League baseball clinic for kids.

Wed Feb 16 17:25:46 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

500,000 bassinets recalled

There’s yet another baby product recall to tell you about. This time, 500,000 bassinets are being recalled because they may collapse.

Wed Feb 16 21:26:37 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Safety of soda questioned

Over the years we’ve been encouraged to limit the amount of soda we drink. Now there may be a new reason. The Center for Science in the Public Interest thinks the caramel coloring used in many sodas should be banned.

Thu Feb 17 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

App helps grade your food

There’s a terrific way for you to judge the health value of the food you’re buying from the grocery store using your smartphone.

Thu Feb 17 19:30:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

20,000 IKEA cribs recalled

There’s yet another crib recall to tell parents about. This time 20,000 IKEA Sniglar cribs are being recalled because the four bolts provided to secure the mattress support are not long enough.

Tue Feb 22 06:57:29 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Calculate the cost of college and chance of financial aid

It's no surprise the cost of college is rising. Check out these new tools to help you determine the cost and the chance of scoring financial aid.

Tue Feb 22 21:24:33 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the Week

This week you'll find several freebies, one on food another on clothing and some great family savings. Enjoy!

Wed Feb 23 07:29:21 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

150,000 Ford F-150 pickups recalled

Ford is recalling 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks because the air bags may deploy unexpectedly.

Sun Mar 13 21:00:00 PDT 2011 by Terri Gruca

Time to sign up for spa week savings

Ready for a little pampering? Then we’ve got a deal for you. April 11th through the 17th is Spa Week in Texas, but if you want to score the savings you'll need to start booking now.

Wed Feb 23 17:25:35 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

337,000 B.O.B. jogging strollers recalled

Thousands of popular jogging strollers are being recalled. The simple fix you need to make to keep your kids safe.

Thu Feb 24 11:14:32 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Toyota recalls more cars for potential gas pedal problems

Toyota is announcing several new recalls and amending an old one to include hundreds of thousands of additional vehicles. In all cases these cars may also have problems with the gas pedal sticking.

Sun Feb 27 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

National day of unplugging

Find it difficult to tune out? This week you'll have an excuse.

Tue Mar 01 07:22:23 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

More than $1 billion tax dollars up for grabs

The IRS may owe you money. The agency has more than $1.1 billion for people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2007.

Tue Mar 01 21:00:00 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Deals of the week

This week you'll find lots of great freebies -- from food to activities for your children. Enjoy!

Wed Mar 02 06:05:34 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Baby jogging stroller attachment recall

A popular jogging stroller is being recalled because of an attached seat for babies that may not properly lock into place causing the child to fall out.

Wed Mar 02 19:12:25 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca

Carbon monoxide threat prompts gas log set recall

Lennox is recalling 3,200 Shadowdance Natural Gas Log Set Burner Assemblies because a crack may develop at the gas valve connection which may allow natural gas to leak posing a carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

Thu Mar 03 17:20:25 PST 2011 by Terri Gruca