Daily Dish Tip:  If you haven’t already, put your name on the government's "do not call list."

It's really easy to do and will put an end to most of those pesky marketing phone calls. It won't stop all unsolicited calls because the law exempts political organizations, nonprofits, survey takers and companies with which you have a relationship.

Just call 888-382-1222 or go to www.donotcall.gov.  It just takes a minute.You can register up to three different phone numbers and your number will stay on the list forever!

Unfortunately, money scams have cropped up to capitalize on this helpful government service. The FTC has received numerous complaints about people offering to help consumers register, for a fee, or asking to confirm a registration.  These money scams are just a way to gain access to your personal information.

What ever happened to businesses behaving ethically?  The old saying "What's good for the customer is good for the bottom line" is a thing of the past for too many businesses these days.

Why is it that these days someone has to get hauled before Congress or threatened with new regulations before they do right by customers??

This week three major internet companies--Affinion, Vertru and Webloyalty--were slammed by a Senate committee for tricking online shoppers into signing up for subscription services online.

If you are doing any holiday shopping online this year, this scam alert is especially timely.

Here's how it works...you are online buying movie tickets, flowers or some other item.  Before you complete the sale, an offer pops up that promises you $10 cash back on your next purchase or some other reward.  These offers usually look like they are from the company you are doing business with, not some third party you don't even know.

Now here's the scam--when you click "yes" or "continue," you are right then and there entering into a contract with one of these three companies for a membership club.  The credit card information you just entered for your purchase is passed along to the new company without you having to re-enter it or even being told it is happening!

Unsuspecting consumers often don't even realize they have signed up until they see the monthly charge start showing up on their credit card bill!

More than 450 companies have partnered with these three firms, so if you are doing any online shopping this holiday season, chances are you will see one of these offers!

Don't fall for it!  Just close out any pop up or click "no thanks" on any "special" offers like this.

The annual open enrollment for seniors on Medicare began November 15th and runs through the end of the calendar year. So time for a chat with all the seniors in the audience right now.

With no Social Security cost of living adjustment this year or next, it is IMPERATIVE that you carefully review your Medicare plan choices and drug plan (part D) options now.

Costs are going up but your benefits are not!

There are five basic mistakes that most seniors make that may not have been too costly in previous years but which could take a toll on your income for 2010, a toll that could mean cutting back on some of life's little pleasures next year.

Don't fall into these traps.

1.  Keeping last year's plan.

Too many seniors, through confusion or plain laziness stay with their same plan year after year.

Since a plan's benefits and costs change each year, you might end up sticking with something that won't meet your needs in the future. Review all your options before re-upping.

2. Opting for the same plan as your spouse.

One plan might not be the best choice for both of you.

If you take prescription drugs and have different doctors than your spouse, what works for one may not be the best choice for the other. Each of you needs to do his or her own investigation of alternatives based on individual health needs and wants.

3. Choosing a plan based on name alone.

Just because you recognize the name Aetna, Metlife, AARP or Humana doesn't mean you should arbitrarily sign with the company you recognize.

Some of the best deals for seniors can be found in smaller companies which spend fewer dollars advertising.

4. Not signing up for a drug plan.

If you don't currently have to take doctor recommended prescriptions, congratulations!

But failing to sign up for a drug plan on this basis is a big no-no. Who knows what a new year will bring health-wise? By failing to choose a drug plan now, you will be faced with a financial penalty should you need to choose one next year.

A penalty is added for every month that you were eligible but did not opt into a plan. This could wind up costing you hundreds of extra dollars in higher costs next year.

5. Going it alone. 

The final mistake we want you to avoid is trying to analyze the more than 100 plans available flying by only the seat of your pants.

There is a software program on www.medicare.gov that does the analyzing for you and even matches the drugs that you may be currently taking with a plan's costs and benefits. If you have senior friends who are not computer literate, you can be a good neighbor by offering to help them out with the website as well.

If you need help figuring out your options, contact your local Agency on Aging and ask for help.

Every dollar we can keep in our pockets this year is more important than ever before, so this is NOT the year to do the same old same old.

For more tips on keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pockets, check out:

• 12 Ways to Cut Health Care Costs
• Save Money on Winter Heating Bills
• Find & Fix Medical Bill Errors