Soldiers returning through BWI decry Delta baggage fees

UPDATED YET AGAIN: We removed the video player after it was taken down by the user.

How to be a good customer

Here at Consuming Interests we focus on businesses --- or scammers posing as businesses --- that have earned the title of "Naughty Business of the Week".

Study: Debt raises self esteem of college students

Most of us might feel overwhelmed owing tens of thousands of dollars.

Airlines not disclosing fuel surcharges in ads: Naughty Businesses of the Week

The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined Continental Airlines Inc. and US Airways Group Inc. for advertising fares without disclosing fuel surcharges, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Headed out of town? Protect your privacy

The next time you're planning to head out of town, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse has several tips to keep you --- and your information --- safe.

Free stuff: pedal-powered smoothies and other drinks

While you're enjoying your free doughnuts on Friday, be sure to mark your calendar for future opportunities for free beverages and entertainment courtesy of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.

Local daily deals site shuts down

Less than a year after it launched, the daily deals site Citycents.com has closed its doors, reports the Baltimore Business Journal.

How to squeeze more miles out of gallon of gas -- and you don't have to push the car

Gas prices have subsided a bit, but fuel can still eat up a big part of your budget.

Free doughnuts Friday: More Cheap Trick Thursday

Assuming you've burned off enough calories at free yoga and fitness classes, here's a special treat: Friday, June 3 is National Doughnut Day! And some companies plan to mark the occasion with promotions.

More free fitness options: Cheap Trick Thursday

Did you catch the story in today's Sun detailing all the free yoga classes and other free fitness options in the Baltimore area?

Germany struggling with E-coli outbreak, travelers beware

If you have plans to visit Germany soon - or if you traveled there recently - you might want to pay attention to a recent outbreak of E.coli infection that has sickened scores of people, many of whom live in Germany or visited that country recently. So far, there have been more than a dozen deaths and more than 1,000 people sickened.

Cheap tips for Baltimore and beyond: Consumer Website of the Week

We here at Consuming Interests are always on the lookout for a good deal.

Maryland earns top grade for taxes in new report. Say what?

Marylanders often complain — correctly — about their state’s high tax rate. But a new report by the Council On State Taxation gives Maryland an A-, the highest among the 50 states, for tax administration.

MOM's Organic Market opens in Baltimore County

Shoppers in Baltimore County have another choice for organic food.

Fish fraud: Naughty Business of the Week

Here are more factors to consider the next time you buy fish at a store or order it at a restaurant.

Weekend project: kill weeds

I have been fighting a war against nature --- and losing.

2-for-1 movie tickets with Visa Signature: Cheap Trick Thursday

Here's your ticket to a cheap(er) date: use a Visa Signature card to buy a movie ticket via Fandango on a Friday and get another ticket free.

Fly or drive calculator: Consumer Website of the Week

It's a perennial summer question: should we drive or fly?

Disciplined doctors: Naughty Business of the Week

Here's the list of doctors and medical professionals sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Physicians in March and April. Details about some of the board's investigations are posted on its website.

Innovative bank fees

Sounds like some banks have instituted new fees that you might not expect for certain services, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Weekend project: get your home ready for hot weather

Folks, it's been so rainy the past few days that next week's forecasts of 80+-degree days could feel like a shock. And if this is the first time you consider firing up your cooling system, your electricity bills a month from now might seem even more shocking.

Buy and sell gift cards for online credits: Cheap Trick Thursday

We've told you before about the option of buying and selling gift cards online, which is a  alternative to dispense with cards for stores that you aren't likely to use, or score a greater discount for those you plan to patronize.

Report a merchant violation to Visa, MasterCard: Consumer Websites of the Week

If you encounter a sticky situation when you try to use your Visa or MasterCard at a store, there's another way to report a possible violation than just calling the toll-free customer service number. 

Would free gas lure you to Ocean City?

An Ocean City councilman has proposed redirecting part of its tourism promotion budget toward subsidizing the fuel that brings most vacationers there.

Social Security scam in Federal Hill

Baltimore police are warning elderly residents about a Social Security scheme.

FTC: Gold dust is gold bust

The Federal Trade Commission said a federal judge has stopped a Florida-based telemarketing enterprise that allegedly conned older Americans into buying precious metals on credit without disclosing the high risks and high costs to them. The operation, American Precious Metals LLC, collected more than $37 million from gold investors.

Debit card terminals breached at Michaels stores in Maryland: Naughty Business of the Week

Maryland crafters should check their banking statements carefully if they have recently used debit cards at Michaels Stores in Howard, Anne Arundel or Montgomery counties.

45 MPG? Your car's gauge may be lying to you.

When the stock market went gangbusters during the late 1990s,  people boasted about how much their 401(k)s went up. During the housing boom, bragging rights belonged to those whose home values rose the most.

Unplug before vacations to save energy

You might look forward to a vacation as a chance to unplug, but Consumer Reports recommends you take that advice literally.

VIDEO: Your Money and Business: Summer jobs for teens

The Sun's Eileen Ambrose says this summer's job market is good for teens, on Maryland Public Television's 'Your Money and Business.'