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"United wiped out 83,000 of my miles!"

Dear Money Helps: Having traveled a lot for work, I'd accumulated 83,000 United Airlines miles by the time I retired in '96. Recently I tried to use them but was told they had expired! United said they'd announced a few years back that old miles would be phased out if not used in three years, but I never got the word. Is there anything you can do to help me MORE

When valuables break during shipping

Dear Money Helps: A year ago I flew to Florida to bury my mother and handle her estate. I went to a Staples store to ship 10 boxes of antiques and sentimental items to my home via UPS. I insured each box for $500. Four arrived damaged, and priceless heirlooms were broken. I filed claims for $400 with UPS but I've never been paid. No luck with Staples either. Can you MORE

'Help, my credit-card rate tripled'

Dear Money Helps: In August 2005, I signed up for a Bank of America credit card with a great fixed rate of 6.9%. Last year I got married and put a lot of wedding expenses on the card, figuring to pay it off in a year or so. I opened my bill last month, and my rate had shot up to 19.99%! I called the bank and was told that MORE

Correcting medical billing snafus

Dear Money Helps: I have sleep apnea and signed up for a study at the Stanford Hospital Sleep Disorders Clinic. I paid a $15 fee, answered questions and was checked out by the staff. The whole process took 30 minutes.

I was told I couldn't proceed to the next phase until my health insurance was verified. My insurer told me later that week I wasn't covered. Much to my surprise, I MORE

"Help: My corporate card incurred late fees!"

Dear Money Helps: Last fall I left my job at DaimlerChrysler for another opportunity. I had an American Express card for business expenses and filed my last expense report a week after I left. It took months for DaimlerChrysler to process the report, and when it finally did, it didn't cover $300 in late fees. Isn't the company responsible? My wife and I are buying a house and are worried MORE

"My insurer billed me for in-network care!"

Dear Money Helps: In April 2005, I went to the Web site of my insurer, United Healthcare, to look for an in-network physical therapist. I found one and saw him several times, each visit paying the $15 in-network co-pay. Then, a full year later, I received a bill for $1,732 from UHC; it says my doctor is out of network! I've called and written letters to no avail - MORE