Useful Websites, Free Software We Like and Other Bits & Pieces
Sick Of Google - This New Search Engine Is Generating A Lot Of Buzz
Personally I really like Google and its search results but a) some people don't and b) it's often a good idea to see what the competition offers.
Some Ex-Google engineers have been working hard to develop a new search engine called Cuil.com and it's just gone live in the last week.
Worth adding to your favourites even if the name is not that memorable - www.ciul.com
Check Out Duty Free Prices Before You Fly
I’ve have never bought any electronics goods in the Duty Free stores because I’ve never trusted the retailers to play fair with their prices. Yes, they’re tax-free but that doesn’t mean prices are cheaper than on the High Street or internet.
As ever research into prices is always the key.
Dixons, who have stores in all the BAA Airports, have a specialist website www.dixonstaxfree.co.uk where you can check on prices and availability before you fly.
This makes sense and takes the gamble out of any purchase.
Are You Into Recycling?
If recycling rubbish and other goods is your thing then check out www.recyclenow.com.
- Sponsored by the national Recycling Campaign
- Learn which items can and can’t be recycled
- Find your nearest recycling points
These Dry Bags Look Great
If you’re heading to the beach or need to protect your valuable from water then these dry backs look great. 100% waterproof, electronically welded seams and they float.
The 20 litre bag costs £20 which looks like good value these days.
A Weasel Car Hire Trick - How To Defeat It
If you read the personal finance press there’s been a developing trend over the last few years of Car Hire firms ripping off their customers for non-existent repairs.
- You hire a car, drive around for a few days, take it back to the depot and then fly home
- A month or so later they’ll be a charge on your credit card for scrapes or general damage etc
- Most of these problems seem to be nothing more than a money making con, that is they are made up
So what to do?
Simple, ask for receipts for both labour and parts.
There was an article in last week's paper where somebody had returned a car and then was told (a month later) the rear bumper had to be replaced and the cost was around £500.
When the person challenged them for the bills and receipts the car hire firm backed down immediately and cancelled the credit card charge.
What also might help when you're arguing with them is to state that if they cannot produce satisfactory evidence of the cost of repairs, including spare parts, you'll report them to the country's Police for fraud. So if the rental was in France, the French Police.
With the credit crunch at full steam, companies are hurting for revenues so expect many more of these kinds of tricks and games to be played. Sadly, they often work so well for the companies playing them because they know most people can’t be bothered to fight back.
If You Like Your Technical Analysis Hardcore - Traders' Magazine Looks Good
Personally, I’ve never had much luck with what I call hardcore technical analysis, a lot of number crunching, all sorts of lines drawn on a chart, many different indicators etc.
Simple charting has always worked better for me.
Nevertheless, if you’re into your Technical Analysis then consider subscribing to Traders’ Magazine. I get a free copy every month and it’s always a good read.
A free 3-month subscription without having to give a credit card is available on this link – www.tradersmagazine.co.uk
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