Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - Cable companies are now looking to expand to offer cell phone service to customers. It's the latest move by cable operators to get market share from traditional phone companiess who are offering TV service to cable customers. Both sides are looking to duplicate the others' features in an electronic war for your dollars.

K-Mart has settled a dispute with the Federal Trade Commission over its gift cards. The FTC says K-Mart didn't tell consumers that it would charge a $2.10 "Dormancy Fee" if the card went unused for two years. The fee was retroactive, and cut the card's worth by more than $50 when two years elapsed. K-Mart stopped charging the fee and must publicize a refund program with a toll-free number.

What can you do to reduce the sting of a traffic ticket? First of all, be polite. Do what you're asked when told. Don't admit to anything. Ask for a warning, and if your record's clear, it wouldn't hurt. Consider going to traffic school. And, as a last resort, go to court. And, if you go before a judge, dress well, show up prepared, and ask for the officer's notes before the court date.