Some extended warranties just won’t cut it

Nick Escalante enjoys grilling his family's meals a couple of times a week year-round, but doesn't like cleaning the greasy mess that comes with it.

Q: Are extended warranties on computers worth buying? — Tim

Q: With all of the “special deals” being offered during the holiday shopping season, is it safe to buy electronics that have been refurbished? - Melody

You don’t have to buy the latest, top-of-the-line option every time you shop for technology. I know I risk being shunned by the nerd community for saying it, but there are times to splurge and times to save.

Tempe's quest for a better dam at its Town Lake involves much more than just finding a way to hold water.

It's a hot Tuesday afternoon and the small Pawn America parking lot in the Twin Cities suburb of Burnsville, Minn., is nearly full.

U.S. Bank. J.P. Morgan Chase. Wells Fargo. Big banks are axing their debit card rewards, blaming regulatory changes that make the programs too expensive to offer.

Can you explain the difference between the Droid X being a mobile hotspot and the ability to tether to the iPhone 4? - Michael

The new federal health care plan could cost Arizona $7 billion a year if lawmakers here don't restore the cuts they made to insurance programs. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, said the scheduled elimination of Kids Care on June 15 would put the state at odds with a provision in the federal measure that requires states to maintain their programs as they are when President Barack Obama signs the bill.

Ken Colburn: Retailers and manufacturers know that because most consumers can't decipher the technical details when making a decision, most default to the price. In technology especially, often times the price you see advertised is not what it will actually end up costing you.

Arizonans appear far more willing to pay more to the state on items already taxed than they are to expanding the list of what is subject to the levy. A new statewide poll finds that 37 percent of those asked said they would definitely support a plan by Gov. Jan Brewer to hike the state sales tax by a penny, to 6.6 percent on every taxable item purchased. Another 27 percent said they probably would favor the plan.

 General Motors is on a short leash, Chrysler even shorter. President Barack Obama asserted unprecedented government control over the auto industry Monday and delivered an ultimatum to the two auto giants.

New vehicle sales have stalled, but dealers say the breakdown is revving up the pre-owned market.

 When you think about it, the excitement is understandable. Of all the cars in Hyundai’s fleet, the Elantra Touring is the first wagon. And since wagon popularity has been on the rise, it’s no wonder Hyundai dealers are more than a little giddy.

 When you think about it, the excitement is understandable. Of all the cars in Hyundai’s fleet, the Elantra Touring is the first wagon. And since wagon popularity has been on the rise, it’s no wonder Hyundai dealers are more than a little giddy.

 When you think about it, the excitement is understandable. Of all the cars in Hyundai’s fleet, the Elantra Touring is the first wagon. And since wagon popularity has been on the rise, it’s no wonder Hyundai dealers are more than a little giddy.

Q: Are extended warranties for computers really worth the money? - Janice

The digital television transition is right around the corner. So digital high-definition televisions will top many gift lists this year. But before you buy, make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Voters are deciding today if they want to keep payday loans legal in Arizona.

How could any American ever argue against a “bill of rights?”

The Tribune Editorial Board doesn’t endorse any candidate for office. But we do share our views with readers about ballot measures as part of our role as a community watchdog and political observer. The following is a summary of where we stand on various state and local issues before voters in the Nov. 4 general election.

How'd you like to increase your office productivity by as much as 50 percent? Add a second monitor to your computer setup. Once you do, you'll never go back to using only one monitor again.

Payday lenders have already put up close to $9 million in a bid to persuade voters to keep the industry alive in Arizona.