Archive for January, 2010

Australian Finance Website Reviews and Compares All Credit Cards

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Choosing the right credit card can be a daunting task. Often the bank’s own website buries important details deep in pages of fine print. This makes it very difficult for consumers to accurately compare credit cards from a single bank, let alone hundreds of products offered by banks, building societies and credit unions. Now there is a new website that allows Australian consumers to compare credit cards in one location. CreditCards.com.au is a highly respected Australian website designed to help ordinary people choose the best credit card for their needs.

The high-ranking web portal provides the vital information on a wide range of credit cards, as well as links to hundreds of applications for credit cards from Australian financial institutions. Frequent articles and industry news provides information on the top 10 credit cards in Australia. Customers are also given excellent opportunities to find great deals for themselves with practical comparison charts and even a credit card savings calculator.

The extensive range of credit card comparison tools on offer is part of the site’s appeal.

For more information, visit creditcards.com.au.

Adding to Consumer Protection

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Affinion Group, Inc., a global leader in customer engagement solutions that enhance and extend the relationship and loyalty of millions of consumers, today announced it has expanded its world-class suite of consumer protection products by acquiring a portfolio of credit card registry subscribers and the associated fee revenue stream from one of the country’s largest national financial institutions.
This credit card registration program is designed to protect, assist and reimburse customers whenever a registered card is lost or stolen. Customers enjoy the benefits of placing just one call to cancel and replace all lost or stolen cards, access emergency cash, activate credit monitoring, identity theft assistance and expense reimbursement.

For more information, visit affinion.com.

Elder Abuse Warning Signs & Where to Get Help in Idaho

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

With news of the horrific elder abuse case in Nampa, it’s important for people to know the warning signs and resources available if they suspect abuse or have concerns. Elder abuse is a horrific, yet largely unreported crime. For every one case that’s reported, five are not. In Idaho, roughly 9% of the state’s elderly population is estimated to be victims of abuse. In 18% of abuse cases, family members are most often cited as the source.

AARP is providing the following to help inform the public of elder abuse warning signs and resources in Idaho:

Warning signs of elder abuse:
• Unexplained bruises or other injuries.
• Sudden change in behavior.
• Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors.
• Elder is extremely upset, withdrawn, unresponsive; other unusual behavior.
• Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, weight loss.
• Unattended health problems or lack of necessary aids, such as eyeglasses or dentures.
• Unsanitary living conditions (lice, soiled bedding).
• Inadequate clothing; no heat or running water.
• Unexplained bank withdrawals, unauthorized use of a credit or ATM card, stolen or “misplaced” cards or checkbook.
• Checks written as a “loan” or “gift.”
• Abrupt changes in a will or other documents.

What to do if you suspect or are experiencing abuse:
• In an emergency, always call 911 or the local police.
• If you haven’t seen an elderly neighbor or relative, check on them.
• If you suspect in-home abuse call Adult Protective Services toll-free (877) 471-2777.
• If you suspect abuse in a nursing home or another type of institutional care, call the Ombudsman for the Elderly at (208) 334-3833.

For more information, visit eldercare.gov.

Egg receives Moneywise award for Best Credit Card – Online Services

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Moneywise launched Britain’s biggest survey of customer service performance recently, as part of their Financial Fightback campaign. The campaign aims to identify UK financial service companies which treat customers fairly, offer the highest level of service and provide the best value for money. Whilst Egg took the accolade for best credit card – online services, other categories in the awards included best savings account, car insurance provider and mortgage, as well as the best savings provider to cover most of the financial sector.

The Customer Service Awards also sets out to find and reward the companies that have maintained consistently high service standards, but it also recognises the most trusted financial brands, by product category, and identifies the financial brand that has managed to capture the British public’s trust.

For more information, visit egg.com.