Reader burning mad over tanning tax
Re: “Salon owners call tanning tax unfair,” Jan. 20:
It will be a dark day for Americans if Congress enacts a tax on indoor tanning treatments. And this is no pigment of my imagination. They can raise taxes, but can they tax rays? Americans, don’t take this lying down!
Ken Goldman
Beverly Hills
Worried about banks’ power
Re: David Lazarus’ consumer column “Chase’s grip on data is too loose,” Jan. 20:
The column on Chase bank inadvertently disclosing confidential customer information was quite worrisome. I have a credit card through Chase that was originally from Washington Mutual. Although I pay it off each month and don’t allow them to “share” information, I’m still leery of Chase.
On a larger plane, the column points out the overwhelming power of national banks. They and the insurance companies really rule the government. It doesn’t make any difference which party is in power. If the Democrats were really the party of the common man, they would have done something these last few years. Alas, they are, to a great extent, GOP lite. I’m speaking of Congress, not the executive. I still am concerned about who surrounds Obama with regard to Treasury and his financial advisors.
Dick Diamond
Bay City, Ore.
Change lifestyle to repair finances
Re: “After Station fire, homeowner looks to rebuild her finances,” Jan. 17:
The financial planner gave the fire victim, who is single after two divorces, several pieces of advice to deal with her unsustainable negative cash flow. The recommendations included: Sell the beloved family home that has become uninhabitable, move to a smaller apartment, get a roommate, and reduce expenses such as food, cable and movies.
I would like to add one more piece of advice: Get rid of (sell or give away) the three dogs.
Just like in weight management makeovers, it is not just diet and exercise that are needed but also lifestyle changes. More so in money makeovers.
Param Sharma
Lakeview Terrace
Aetna’s error and need for reform
Re: David Lazarus’ consumer column “Aetna relents on $64 mistake,” Jan. 17:
For shame, Aetna! It should not have taken the intervention of a newspaper columnist to get a billing foul-up fixed. Customer Stacey Owen’s plight firmly underscores the urgent need for healthcare reform.
If for-profit (or not-for-profit) health insurers are willing to accept our hard-earned cash, then healthcare providers should be willing to provide efficient, error-free, bureaucracy-free healthcare services. After all it’s my money. I’m not paying for the privilege of being delayed, denied or dissed!
Peter Isaacson
Whittier
: :
Aetna’s so-called $64 mistake is another example of private insurers fleecing patients in order to enrich their stockholders.
If private insurers continue their corrupt ways, don’t be surprised if voters start requesting Medicare for all in future elections. Such a plan may not require a tax increase because funding could come from premiums sent to companies like Aetna.
Bruce West
Huntington Beach
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