Word: credit-card
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...less flush than they did in recent years, say using a debit card helps them manage their money better. "It doesn't allow them to overspend," says Richard Crone, a Dove vice president. And while writing checks serves the same purpose, it's a much bigger hassle for you--and it's much less profitable for the banks. They make 60[cents] in merchant fees, on average, every time you sign for a debit-card purchase. And they don't face the risk of nonpayment posed by credit-card transactions. That's why they're giving debit the hard sell...
...particular, banks are trying to push debit cards onto those credit-card customers who avoid interest payments by clearing their balances every month--the so-called convenience users. But it's precisely these customers for whom debit cards make the least sense...
...interest rates and the desire or need to tap their most valuable asset, Americans this year refinanced more than $1.1 trillion of mortgages--roughly a fifth of all mortgage debt. In 65% of cases, homeowners borrowed more than they owed and used the difference to pay down credit-card debt, finance a home improvement or build a cushion for tough times. It's a low-risk way to get cash. "Very rarely have home values declined nationally, though pockets can take a hit," notes Dan Gilbert, ceo of Quickenloans.com...
...Justice Department has broken up the 1,147 into four categories. The first is made up of those held by the INS for immigration violations; as of Nov. 1 they totaled 185. The second group, for which an exact number remains unknown, comprises those jailed for federal offenses like credit-card fraud. The third, also an unknown quantity, consists of those arrested for state and local crimes, such as parole violations or carrying a concealed weapon. The fourth set is made up of those said to be material witnesses to the attacks. The number in this category is believed...
...Shrinky Dinks, which sentimental boomers are apparently trying to pass on to their kids. And there's always this year's batch of "must-own" DVDs of didn't-need-to-see movies, the kind of stocking stuffer that tends to pile up in shoppers' hands (and on their credit-card bills). Maybe all retailers will need this Christmas is a few hot "magnet" items (sufficiently stocked) to get shoppers into the stores, and the American urge to lavish gifts upon one's family, friends and of course oneself will do the rest. Maybe they'll need a miracle...