Biz bits

So you're making an electronics purchase. Should you spring for the extended warranty? Experts say probably not for small products or items such as DVD players and VCRs that drop in price and improve in technology. With big ticket items, there are factors to consider beyond price. Among them: Check that the manufacturer's warranty doesn't make an extended warranty redundant, and make sure an authorized service center is nearby.

Very little solid comparative information is available for people searching for a doctor or hospital, Money magazine says, leaving them to rely on the advice of doctors and medical administrators who likely want their business. The magazine offers a package of articles on family health in a fall special issue, including a list of the best hospitals by type of disorder or operation needed.

You may be eager to start your weekend at the end of the workweek Friday, but focus on your driving as you head home. A study of more than 1-million car accidents from January through June by auto insurer Progressive found that Friday is the most crash-prone day, and more accidents happen between 3 and 6 p.m. that day than any other time of the week.

Where are wealthy investors putting their money these days? In stocks that pay dividends, according to an executive of a financial company that manages $30-billion for wealthy individuals. Bradley Turner of McDonald Financial Group in Cleveland says his clients look for "higher-quality equities with good balance sheets and a history of dividends." He cited as examples Sara Lee Corp. and Alltel Corp., which have dividend yields of 3.3 and 3 percent, respectively.

Remembering a person's name is one of the most effective business skills, but many people struggle to do so. Effective Networking of Boston suggests saying the name in your head or out loud, or making a mental connection with someone you know who has the same name.

- Compiled from Time wires and Web sites.