New Company Launches Free ATM's

Tired of paying fees for using ATM's outside of your bank's network? Well, a new company has developed a way to deal with charges for automated teller transactions. Free ATMs NYC has created a machine that requires consumers to view advertisements during their transactions in exchange for the ability to use the ATM for free. According to CNN Money, the company plans to launch several thousand of these money machines by the end of next year. The only catch: consumers are still liable for any fees imposed by their own bank.

Would you be willing to view a few advertisements to avoid paying ATM fees?

Mortgage Complaint Hotline for Borrowers

The Consumer Protection Bureau has created a new mortgage complaint hotline to help borrowers deal with unresponsive lenders. According to the Los Angeles Times, the hotline went live on Dec. 1 but has not been widely publicized. The program is developed similarly to agency's credit card dispute hotline where customers submit a complaint which is forwarded to the lender. The lender then reports back to the bureau with a resolution that is sent to the consumer for review. Throughout the process, borrowers will be able to log into a portal or call a toll free number to receive updates on their case. The complaint hotline is accessible online at http://www.consumerfinance.gov and by toll-free phone between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern at (855) 411-2372.

With the number of pending foreclosures today, do you think this hotline will be effective in resolving mortgage dispute issues?

AT&T Ranked Lowest in Consumer Reports

AT&T has ranked last in a customer service survey conducted by Consumer Reports. According to Wired.com, the mobile carrier also came in last place in 2010. Although the company has improved its dropped call performance by 25 percent, it was not enough to overcome a history of coverage and service problems or to remove it from the bottom position. Verizon took the top spot with Sprint in second. The survey rated carriers on overall value, satisfaction with voice, data services, and customer support.

Who is your mobile carrier? Do you agree with these survey results?

Free Online Tool to Teach Kids Money Management

It is important to teach good spending and saving habits from an early age. A new website helps parents do just that with a few simple clicks. The site, kidworth.com, allows the parent to set up an account on the child's behalf. Next, a savings goal like a new bike, college savings, or investment fund is specified. The child gets his own webpage describing the goal which can then be shared online.

Kidworth provides other innovative ways to share goals with relatives and friends like birthday and holiday e-cards containing links to the page with the ability to make a gift directly online. Thank you cards can even be sent for contributions. When the goal is reached, the parent is able to withdraw the funds and have a check sent to their home.

What tools do you use to teach kids about money?

Holiday Deals Continue After Black Friday

After a record breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many stores continue their focus on offering big discounts to holiday shoppers. CNNMoney reports the following upcoming sales events by popular retailers:

Toy Sales:
Target- December 4 through December 10 buy one get one half off all toys
Toys R Us- "Super Sale Saturday" December 3 featuring $30 off Razor Scooters

Electronics:
Best Buy- Free smart phones with the purchase of a 2 year plan
Amazon- "Holiday Flurry Deals Week" starting Sunday December 4
Wal-Mart- Layaway and free shipping options

The largest sales revenue this year seems to be from consumers purchasing luxury items from high-end department stores. Will you be making any big purchases this holiday season?