Fed puts off interest rate hike + MORE Sep 17th

Recently, the loyalty industry has really taken it on the chin.  The latest coming from the results of a global study commissioned by Aimia on the perceived value of reward programs. Aimia (operators of Canada’s Aeroplan program) polled more than 20,000 people representing 11 countries and came to the conclusion that collectors don’t feel they’re getting enough value in return for the personal data they give up.But as much as we love to moan and groan about these programs one thing remains clear — they’re not going anywhere any time soon.  Marketers love the ability to target customer segments and create tailored offerings with the hope they will increase their likelihood to buy. The premise is simple — the more information a marketer knows about its customer’s buying preferences the greater their ability to put something in front of the customer of relevance.  Are there opportunities for improvement?  You bet.  But I think it’s important to remember the bigger win/win these programs represent…

On the market for a new car? For many families, an auto purchase is one of the most costly, aside from buying a home. But what if, with every credit card transaction, you came closer to affording a new ride?
It’s this need for a new set of wheels GM and Scotiabank are looking to tap into; the automaker and lender have partnered to offer a new VISA rewards credit card that offers points towards a car purchase – the first of its kind in Canada.
With up to 5 per cent earned on the first $5,000 spent on both fee and no-fee versions, it’s one of the richest rewards offerings available today – but will it really put you in the driver’s seat sooner?
A Look At the Scotiabank GM VISA and VISA Infinite Cards
Both the Scotiabank GM VISA (no-fee) and Scotiabank GM VISA Infinite offer up to 5 per cent in GM Earnings on the dollar annually up to a cap, with 2 per cent earned thereafter. There is no limit on rewards, and they never expire. One GM Earning is the equivalent of $1, and can be used to buy any eligible new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac…

Federal Reserve policymakers kept their important benchmark rate near zero, holding credit card APRs steady for the time being

Jack Mintz, of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, speaks to reporters in this photo taken Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Mintz has released a reporter saying Alberta should implement an HST. Bill Graveland/CP
On Tuesday, Jack Mintz was apparently bolstering the Liberal party’s argument about the tax rate for small businesses. On Wednesday, Mintz was being referenced to undermine the NDP’s plans for corporate taxes. Four months ago, the Conservatives were citing Mintz to condemn the Liberal approach to income taxes. That was several months after the Liberals had invoked Mintz to dismiss the Conservative government’s EI hiring credit.
“I’m public. I raise my point of view. And people can do with it whatever they wish,” says Mintz. “If I persuade people of a certain point of view than I feel I’ve had some positive impact.”
Politicians can’t be trusted to settle their policy disagreements and journalists generally have neither the time nor the expertise to parse the finer points of economic policy…

With $10,000 debt in collections, an 850 credit score is not on the horizon