This is a recent email we received from a Citimortgage customer (NYSE:C)

Funny thing happened when I paid my mortgage payment on Wednesday.
I paid by phone, because i was unable to login to the website as I normally do. This month has bees financially difficult for us and our payment was 23 days late.

I expected a minimal late fee, and was planning to pay it.  I had recently received a notice in the mail regarding the lateness of the account with the breakdown of various fees and charges I was incurring by being late.

The late fee on my statement was $18.66.

The verbal late charge quoted from the customer service representative was $19.00.
When I pointed out the difference, he immediately launched into what seemed like a scripted apology.
“Oh, I’m actually testing a new system today, it has apparently rounded up on the late fee, which it shouldn’t do, I will report this to a supervisor. This shows you pay close attention to detail in your personal accounting, thank you for bringing this to our attention.”

I immediately apologized (I don’t know why) for nickel and diming Citimortgage, but also pointed out that if they got an extra .40 cents on each customer then they probably wouldn’t have anymore financial difficulties.

Think about that. An extra 40 cents on every customer that’s late on a payment right now.
For some reason a little red alarm starting blinking in my brain.  Not good.

Submitted by MYM User..no official response has been solicited

Critics are questioning the lavish parties and concerts because Northern Trust took over $1.5 billion in government bailout money.

The celebrity news Web site TMZ.com reports that in addition to the millions it pays to sponsor the tournament, the Northern Trust spent lavish amounts on parties and concerts surrounding the event.

TMZ reports hundreds of clients and employees were flown to Los Angeles and put up at some of the fanciest hotels, then wined and dined for several days with concerts by such high-priced talent as Sheryl Crow, Earth Wind & Fire and the band, Chicago.

A spokesman for Northern Trust tells Newsradio 780 the company never requested bailout money, that it agreed to accept it only at the government’s request. The spokesman also says Northern Trust entered into its 5-year contract to sponsor the tournament a full year before there was any bank bailout plan. He says the event is an important marketing tool to attract new clients.

President Obama unveiled his $275 billion plan to provide mortgage relief to homeowners yesterday, but there are still many details to be announced. The full plan - called the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan - will be released on March 4th, but until then, homeowners who think they might benefit should examine their own finances and situation to make sure they meet the eligibility guidelines.The Treasury Department’s fact sheet is a good place to start .

The two main thrusts of the program are to help homeowners modify mortgages that they cannot presently keep on top of, and to help those who are unable to refinance.