Remember when dialing 411 was free? Most phone service providers--whether home, business, or cellular--now charge for the call. But here are three directory assistance providers who don't charge for the call. 1-800-FREE-411
provides residential, business, and government listings. As reported on CNNMoney.com, you have to listen to short ads before and after asking for a number. Another shortcoming is that it won't connect you; you have to write down the number, or the service can text the number to your phone. Google also offers a free service, 1-800-GOOG-411
. With its service, you don't have to listen to ads, it'll connect you automatically, and it can text the number to your phone. However, it's only available for business listings. According to the Detroit News, AT&T just launched its own free directory assistance service: 1-800-YellowPages
(1-800-935-5697). The ad-based service is available in 23 states, with plans to expand further, and covers all listed numbers. However, it cannot connect the call for you, nor can it text the number to you.
Matt's View
I made test calls on all three and found Google's service to be the best if looking for a business listing. Direct connect, well-organized voice prompts, and no ads--what's not to like?
Fees have become a prime source of revenue for banks. According to an article in the LA Times, fees accounted for over 40 percent of bank revenue last year--up from 34 percent a decade ago. And guess who's paying all those fees? Want your canceled checks? Bank of America will send them to customers for $3. Want to talk with a customer service rep? Wells Fargo charges $2 if the question could have been answered by its automated service. Need to stop payment on a check? Citibank charges some customers $30.
Matt's View
My vote for craziest bank fee is the now-common overdraft fee for spending more with a debit card than you have in your account. While it's true that we should know enough about our current balance to not over-spend, you would think banks could just prohibit the transaction from going through. Apparently it's more profitable to let it go and collect the fee. How do you say, "Let the bank customer beware" in Latin?
In the last issue of Matt About Money, I encouraged you to opt-in to a flexible spending account during this year's so-called open enrollment season if your employer offers one. One other opt-in recommendation is to take advantage of your employer's tuition reimbursement program if available. The majority of large companies offer such programs, and yet just a tiny fraction of employees utilize the benefit.
Matt's View
The days of guaranteed employment are long over. But keeping our skills current is as close as we can come to guaranteed employability. While open enrollment season is usually not the only time you can sign up for tuition reimbursement, it's a good reminder to see what your employer offers and to think about what classes may be beneficial. I earned a master's degree courtesy of past employers. The work wasn't easy, but it was easy on my wallet.
In the midst of all the usual celebrity stories of arrests and rehab, CBSNews.com carried a great piece about how entertainer Hillary Duff is helping some Los Angeles grade school students from lower-income families. Duff is single-handedly sponsoring a Blessings in a Backpack
program at the school. As a result, all 1,000 students go home on Fridays with a backpack filled with food and food coupons. Teachers noticed that many of the kids were coming to school hungry on Monday morning. Because of the program, attendance, test scores, and parental involvement have all gone up.
Matt's View
Blessings in a Backpack started in Kentucky and now has programs operating in three states, with plans to expand to all 50. For a tax-deductible donation
of just one dollar, three to five meals can be provided to a student in need. Now that's a great return on investment.
