The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

BBB: Use caution before signing up for a technology buy-back program

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Today’s technology is constantly being replaced by updated models with newer, more exciting features. To keep up with the latest technology, more and more retailers are offering consumers buy-back programs.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to weigh the pros and cons of these programs before spending their money.

Typical programs require a one-time fee that is paid at the time of the original gadget purchase. As long as your gadget is in good condition, many buy-back programs allow you to trade-up items such as your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and television for a percentage of its current value. Usually, this credit will come in the form of a gift card that can be used toward the purchase of a newer model.

"If you are an individual that likes to stay on top of the latest and greatest technology, then a buy-back program may be for you," Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, said in a statement. "But, as with anything else, you will need to do your research to find out if the program is worth the cost."

The BBB recommends that consumers consider the advantages and disadvantages before taking part in a retailer’s buy-back program:

Buy-back programs can provide a sense of insurance on your product. Buy-back programs guarantee a resale value, meaning they act as insurance against loss of value. But like any insurance policy, its true value can become hard to define. Before becoming a member of a buy-back program, make sure to read the fine print. Many buy-back options have conditions that could keep you from being able to sell back your used gadget.

Remember that the deal usually favors the retailer. In exchange for your old gadget, your return often will be given as a gift card. The plan and gift card mean you’re required to use the retailer for your next technology purchase. In addition, you may end up paying triple the sales tax when the exchanges are done. While sales tax rules vary from state to state and buy-back programs vary from program to program, you’re the one responsible for paying the tax. By paying the tax once when you buy the gadget and again when you return it, and then again when you use the gift card, you could end up paying triple sales tax.

Gadget-buy backs may be a problem the forgetful or the disorganized. If you haven’t saved your original receipts, power cords, and manuals, you could be at a loss or your payout could be less than expected. Most buy-back programs insist that the original items be brought back to the store at the time of the exchange.

Mobile phone contracts aren’t covered. When you purchase a new phone and add the retailer’s buy-back program, you can resell your phone back to the retailer for the agreed on dollar amount. However, your cell phone provider will keep billing you for the length of your contract.

You can compromise your identity. Many electronic items such as your smartphone or laptop can hold large amounts of personal information. If this information gets into the wrong hands, your identity could be stolen. Be sure to fully wipe out all personal data.

You could get more for your electronic gadgets elsewhere. Reselling electronics isn’t new. Many consumers use sites like eBay and Craigslist to sell their gadgets. In most cases, you could get more for your electronics by using these sites than opting for a retailer’s buy-back program.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Complaints to Better Business Bureau up 10% in 2010

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers filed 1.1 million complaints against North American businesses in 2010, reflecting a 10 percent increase over the previous year, according to an annual report released today by Better Business Bureau.

See my WalletPop article, “Cable and Satellite TV, Cell Phones Top List of BBB Complaints,” for more information.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Do you like the Food Network?

I don’t watch much television, but recently I’ve been watching the Food Network. Or should I call it the Big Food Fight Network.

I’ve seen battles among food truck cooks, grillers, cupcake chefs, and cake chefs of all kinds. And then, there’s the great Iron Chef contests.

The symbol of the crossed French knives, the knife slashing sounds, and the chairman’s confrontational comments makes it seem like a battleground instead of a kitchen.

Then Guy Fieri eats his way through diners, drive-ins, dives and says everything tastes fantastic.

New programs this fall will be “Food Feuds,” where chef Michael Symon will settle old food rivalries, and “Meat & Potatoes,” where Rahm Fama is supposed to track down the best meat in the country.

I don’t see any helpful information on the Food Network to help people overcome their weight problems, learn about nutrition, or improve their cooking skills.

During the Iron Chef contests, dishes are made that are so way out there that most people wouldn’t make them at home – even if they could figure it out.

Do you make foods you learn about from the Food Network? Let me know in the Comment section below.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Did you think video clip ‘Woman Hit in Face by Watermelon on TV Show’ was funny?

I happened to be watching television when Anderson Cooper, anchor of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°, played a clip of a woman getting smacked hard in the face with a small watermelon on the TV show “The Amazing Race.”

Cooper thought it was funny. He said he played it about 40 times.

I thought it was terrible. I cringed the first time I saw it. I didn’t want to see it again. Watermelons are hard. It must have hurt the women terribly.

Cooper did say the woman was all right.

Newslite quoted her as saying after the accident: "I can't feel my face, I have the worst headache ever."

Did you think the video was funny? Click on one of the links above to see the video, and let me know your opinion in the comment section below.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers file thousands of complaints against satellite TV providers

In the past three years, more than 53,000 customers have complained to the Better Business Bureau about satellite TV providers, with 39,000 of those complaints filed against DirecTV and 13,000 filed against Dish Network.

Many complaints stem from fees and terms outlined in the customer agreement. The BBB recommends that TV viewers planning to make the switch to satellite should read the fine print closely.

DirecTV has more than 18 million customers in the United States, and Dish Network has more than 14 million. The complex policies and fees that are sometimes unique to satellite service has led many customers to complain to the BBB about the contractual obligations outlined – but often overlooked – in the fine print of their agreement, reports the BBB.

Many BBB satellite-providers complaints are about steep cancellation fees. If customers aren’t satisfied with their service or they can’t afford the cost after the introductory period, it isn’t easy to cancel because the early termination fees can run into hundreds of dollars.

Following are examples of common complaints the BBB receives about satellite TV providers:

• Early termination fees – Consumers report paying cancellation fees of more than $600. Commonly, the customer thought that the company didn’t provide the services promised, and they shouldn’t have to pay to cancel service they weren’t happy with or didn’t receive. In some cases, the customer claims they weren’t aware of the policy or that a sales representative misrepresented the terms.

• Introductory offers – Many promotions will offer a lower price or premium channels for an introductory period, after which the customer will be charged the full price. Some consumers state their monthly bill increased substantially more than they anticipated. Others state they were promised gift cards for signing up that never materialized or rebates that couldn’t be redeemed immediately.

• Billing issues – Some consumers state that they were charged for services they didn’t order – such as pay per view movies – or were charged for services which they thought would be free. Consumers also cite issues with returning the receivers to the company and still being charged. In some cases, the unexpected charges were the result of expiring introductory rates or offers.

• Service issues – Consumers also have contacted the BBB over reception quality issues, channel offerings, or difficulties in getting equipment repaired.

• Upgrades resulting in contract extension - Some consumers were upset to learn that when they upgraded their service or equipment, it resulted in a contract extension, and they were later charged fees for early cancellation.

When signing up for satellite TV, the BBB recommends that consumers:

• Get it all in writing – Don’t just take a salesman, installer, or customer service representative’s word for it. You might also be speaking with a third-party retailer, and the verbal promises may not show up in the final customer agreement with the satellite provider.

• Read the terms and conditions carefully – Pay close attention to the terms on introductory offers, equipment costs, and the cancellation policy.

• Check every bill closely – The sooner you spot inaccuracies in billing, the better. Even if you have your account set up to automatically charge your credit card or debit your checking account, always review your monthly bill closely for any new or unusual charges.

• Mark your calendar – Put important dates down on your calendar such as when you need to cancel introductory promotions for premium channels and the end of your contract.

• File a complaint with the BBB – Consult the terms that you agreed to and if you’re unable to reach an agreement with your satellite provider, file a complaint with the BBB in your area. Both Dish Network and DirecTV consistently respond to complaints, and BBB has been able to help consumers receive refunds in many cases, according to the BBB.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Season finale of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ was horrible, senseless violence

For years, I watched no television. I stopped watching because I had a tendency to watch poor quality programs just because I wanted to know the end.

When I started making videos, I wanted to be able to see my work on TCTV, our local access station. So I became a Comcast subscriber.

I watch CNN and occasionally Oprah and Dr. Phil. Recently, I began watching "Grey’s Anatomy" and "House."

Last night, I was extremely distressed by the two-hour season finale of "Grey’s Anatomy." It was a terribly violent program.

In "Sanctuary" and "Death and All His Friends," a gunman breaks into the hospital and shoots doctors and interns. For two hours. It was terrible.

First, the story idea itself was flawed. Have a season finale showing about a dozen people getting shot and several dying? What’s the point in that? It appeared as though the idea was to offer something bloody and dramatic to improve ratings.

Second, it was a terrible show to watch. A deranged man, whose wife had died at the hospital, just kept shooting people in the locked-down hospital. It was way too much violence. I'm sorry that I started watching the program. The writers get you interested in a program, then they do a terribly, terribly violent program for two hours. It was horrible.

Third, the Seattle Police Department looked uncoordinated, unprepared, and ineffective. In addition, the way the scenes were set up, some staff person, Owen perhaps, could have tried to take the gunman out. It didn’t happen.

The creator of the show, Shonda Rhimes, wrote on the post "Shonda Rhimes on ‘Sanctuary’ and ‘Death and All His Friends’" that the show was extremely difficult for her to write.

Rhimes said it hurt her to write it. It hurt me to watch it. It was so terrible I was afraid I would have nightmares.

My advice to Rhimes. Next time, if it upsets you so much to write a terribly violent show like the one you wrote, then don’t write it, don’t produce it, and don’t show it to the American public. Use your intuition. Save the TV viewing audience from mindless, senseless violence. There’s enough of it around in real life, in the movies, and on a wide-variety of violent TV programs.

TV could be such a great medium for educating people and moving society forward. However, once again, it was used for mindless violence. It’s what TV and movie makers do. Over and over again.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Group thinks Brokaw TV special lacking in information about baby boomer Latinos

Just after I wrote about an upcoming TV special on CNBC about baby boomers, “Tom Brokaw Reports: Baby Boomer$,” I received an e-mail from the Latinos & Economic Security project.

Fernando Torres-Gil, Ph.D., director of the organization and a professor at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, said in a statement about Brokaw’s program:

The news release announcing the Brokaw special says that the members of this influential generation ‘wore Buster Browns, played with hula-hoops, ate at the drive-thru, and watched the Beatles play on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ 

Many Latino baby boomers had these experiences, too, but they also grew up fluent in two cultures, and now represent the fastest growing population in the United States. They also watched Mexican comedia rancheras, made tamales for Christmas, watched TV in both English and Spanish, fought in the Vietnam War in high numbers, supported the Civil Rights movement, and marched alongside Cesar Chavez.

 Latinos & Economic Security also wants the public to know:

• Latinos make up 10 percent of all baby boomers – 8 million people. 

• Latinos are expected to increase to 30 percent of U.S. residents by 2050.

• Latinos have a longer life expectancy than the general population, and the older Latino population is expected to triple, growing from 6 percent of older adults in 2003 to 18 percent in 2050.

• Many aging Latinos have minimal pension and health care benefits or no benefits at all: only 25 percent participated in an employer-provided pension plan, compared to 50 percent of the overall workforce.

“The U.S. population as a whole faces critical questions raised by the retirement of the baby boomers and the growth of the Latino population – the two great demographic shifts that the nation is currently experiencing,” Torres-Gil said.

Latinos & Economic Security, funded by the Ford Foundation, works on the issues of aging Latinos with an emphasis on baby boomers. It provides information to policy makers to help them as they make decisions to prepare for the retirement of the baby boom generation, including its Latino members.
 

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Super Bowl ads violent, sexist, and ageist – again

This year, I was only able to watch the first half of the 44th Super Bowl.

Once again, the ads were a disappointment. It makes you wonder what companies and their advertising firms think the intellectual level of American consumers is.

An average 30-second spot on the Super Bowl costs $2.5 million. An esimated 106 million watched the game, making it the most watched program in TV history.

Here are my picks for the worst ads:

Unnecessary violence. A four-way tie: Snickers, in which Betty White and an older man are tackled in a game of football and slammed into the mud; Focus on the Family, in which Tim Tebow tackles his mother Pam; Doritos, in which a dog puts a choke collar on a human, who lies writhing on the ground; and Bud Light, in which people form a human bridge and a Bud truck is driven over them.

Add to these gems the violent movie and TV ads flashing up scenes of fire, bloody faces, wolf man curses, cars blowing up, and a haunted prison.

Silliest. Bud Light, in which a house is made out of Bud Light cans, Bud drinkers have computer-like voices, and plane wreck survivors are more interest in drinking Bud Light than getting rescued. A runner up is the Dockers ad with men wearing no pants.

Most sexist. It was hard to pick a winner here, there were so many. Godaddy.com, in which a young, shapely woman giving the Godaddy girl a massage wants to be a Godaddy girl; Dodge Charger, in which a guy agrees to do everything his female partner wants, but his last stand is his car; and FloTV, in which a spineless man has to shop with his wife instead of watching the game.

I did like one ad, the CBS ad for the "Late Show with David Letterman." It featured Letterman, Oprah, and… Jay Leno.

Here are other opinions on this year’s Super Bowl ads:

“Super Bowl Sexism, by the Numbers” – The Huffington Post

“Top Super Bowl Commercials 2010? Nope. Here Are the Five Worst” – The Christian Science Monitor

“Why Super Bowl Ads Are So Sexist, Racist, and Homophobic” – Washington City Paper

“Super Bowl Ads: Men Without Pants” – CNN Money

Click here to see the Super Bowl ads and vote on the ones you like and don’t like.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Attention TV watchers and bloggers: Get up and move around

Sometimes when I’m intent on blogging, I sit an hour or two or more without getting up. That’s not good for your health.

On the National Public Radio program Science Friday today, David Dunstan described research which showed that people who watch television for four or more hours a day have an 80 percent greater chance of dying from cardio vascular disease and a 46 percent greater chance of dying from any illness.

Dunstan is head of physical activity at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia.

It’s the sitting that’s the problem, he said on the program "Watching TV Could Shorten Your Life." People go from sitting at work to sitting in the car to sitting in front of the TV.

That’s why this research is important to bloggers. Sitting for hours before a computer screen is probably just as harmful, Dunstan said.

Health effects also were seen in people who exercised regularly but had high levels of TV viewing.

The researchers followed more than 8,000 Australian adults for six years. Their findings were published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.

Dunstan and his colleagues are conducting further research on how often it’s important to contract the body’s muscles. Moving around for two minutes every 20 minutes is one idea.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How did you do in the switch to digital TV?

Since I signed up for Comcast last year, I wasn’t affected by change from analog signals to digital TV or DTV on June 12.

However, I have an old TV set. The Comcast technician hooked me up through my DVD player because my TV didn’t have the right plug ins. I’m not able to watch DVDs now, so I need to call about how to get that fixed.

I may need to buy a new TV set.

The switch to digital TV on Friday went off without any major hitches, the Federal Communications Commission reported in the article “Switch to Digital Television (DTV) Went Remarkably Well” on GovCentral.com.

More than 900 full-power TV stations shut down their analog signals on Friday, and they now broadcast only digital signals.

The analog shutdown affected 20 million TV households in the U.S. that received signals over the air, not via cable or satellite.

Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Copps described the handling of the transition as a major success for the government, which has been planning the switch for more than a decade.

“For TV broadcasting, it was a final farewell to the Dinosaur Age and the dawn of the Digital Age,” Copps said in a prepared statement.

However, ConsumerAffairs.com said millions of taxpayers fumed as the 60-year era of high-powered, free, over-the-air television faded abruptly to black or, in some cases, broke up into tiny digital fractals.

The commission received nearly 800,000 calls from citizens complaining they had lost their free TV signals as the nation's TV broadcasters switched to digital transmission on a different set of frequencies than those that have been in use since the early days of commercial television.

The largest volume of calls per TV household among markets registering 1,000 or more calls came from the Chicago media market, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore markets.

While the focus has been on the analog-to-digital transition, the change in frequency bands is a more significant contributor to the problem, according to ConsumerAffairs.com. Hundreds of broadcasters had to move because the federal government auctioned off the frequencies formerly used by VHF broadcasters for several billion dollars a few years ago.

The new frequency band assigned to TV broadcasters doesn't have the power the old one did. Therefore, those in the far reaches of suburbia are suddenly finding they can't get a decent signal.

Many close-in urban dwellers have for years been able to get by with a set of "rabbit ears," inside antennas that can pull in a strong local signal. But the new frequencies don't penetrate buildings as well as the old ones, so the rabbit ears no longer "hear" anything.

Even though D-Day for DTV has occurred, the government still is offering two $40 coupons per household for converter boxes. But you have to act fast because the coupon program is ending on July 31.

For more information you can contact the FCC’s hotline: 888-CALL-FCC or go to www.dtv.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist