The one area of American life that was thought to be recession proof isn’t any longer. More and more people are cancelling doctor’s appointments or skipping doses of prescription medication to avoid paying the increasing out of pocket costs.
In one telling but discouraging survey done by the American Optometric Association, 36 percent of Americans are cutting back on seeing their doctors because of the recession. More specifically, 63 percent are skipping visits to their dentist, 59 percent aren’t visiting their primary care physicians, and 52 percent are skipping the eye doctor’s office.
Doctors’ are worried that if patients don’t make their different annual appointments that it will end up costing more in the end, physically and financially. One physician, Dr. Glenn Nemec, a family doctor at the Monticello Clinic said “that about a dozen of his patients have been hospitalized in the last three months as a result [of stopping their prescription medications].” Recently one patient of Dr. Nemec’s was even hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer after he stopped taking his preventative medicine.
The numbers are quite powerful as they show who is being affected. When the statistics are being grouped by ethnicity, 49 percent “[of Hispanics] indicated they are visiting doctors less often, compared with African Americans (36 percent) and Caucasians (33 percent).” When broken down by gender, women are going to the doctor’s less at 38% versus the 32% percent of men skipping.
Another, factor of skipped doctor’s visits may have to do with the federal program Cobra. This program was extended to cover 65% of the cost of the coverage and allowed the unemployed to keep their insurance for up to 15 months. However, many have met their limit and have had to drop the program. In addition, people that have been unemployed since the end of May don’t qualify for the subsidies.
Skipping the doctor’s office may seem like an easy way to save some money right now, but in the long run it can lead to serious health problems that might require a trip to the hospital.
There are other options rather than visiting your primary care physician, however. For instance, many urgent care centers are becoming more popular because you don’t necessarily need an appointment and in some instances the costs for procedures, such as a check up, can be cheaper than if you visited your normal doctor.
In addition, the American Optometric Association is offering basic eye health screenings and services for those who qualify, and they encourage people to call them at 1-800-766-4466 for more information.
Sources:
AOA survey
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Wall Street Journal
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The American Dream Moves to Asia??
With the U.S, job rate at 9.5 percent, Britain at almost 8 percent and Spain at a discouraging 19.9 percent, a growing number of people from Europe and the U.S. are moving to Asia in pursuit of a job and a more prosperous life.
Asian unemployment rates are not only at remarkable lows, Hong Kong is at 4.6 percent and Singapore is at 2.2 percent, there seems to be a continuous stream of jobs for Westerners.
The array of white collar positions range from areas in architecture and engineering to marketing and sales. In addition, there seems to be an always expanding market for hospitality and luxury goods.
Though there is an absence of previously offered perks, such as housing allowances and financial assistance to pay for child care, that doesn’t look like it is stopping applicants. According to a recruiting firm in Hong Kong named Ambition, resumes from the U.S. and Europe have jumped 20-30 percent, making up 2/3 of every 600 resumes they receive!
Making a new life halfway around the world may not be easy, but it’s certainly not impossible. One woman, Shahrzad Moaven, lived in London and had a public relations job, but jumped at the opportunity to move to Hong Kong. She now has a job as the communications director at the jeweler Carnet.
Moaven said of the experience, “Back in London, there were fewer resources for P.R. events or advertising. Here, everyone is expanding and spending on marketing activities. That makes my job here a lot more interesting.”
Getting a job in an area where the population and competition is growing can be difficult, however. Business owners are looking for employees that stand out from their fellow applicants. In addition, supervisors want an employee that is already familiar with the culture and language, and most importantly want to hire someone with contacts to bring to their business.
Overall, moving to Asia may be a risk but it could pay off big. Keep in mind however that many caution against using this move as a quick get rich plan. A change this drastic requires sufficient consideration and needs to be viewed as a long term commitment.
Source:
NY Times
Asian unemployment rates are not only at remarkable lows, Hong Kong is at 4.6 percent and Singapore is at 2.2 percent, there seems to be a continuous stream of jobs for Westerners.
The array of white collar positions range from areas in architecture and engineering to marketing and sales. In addition, there seems to be an always expanding market for hospitality and luxury goods.
Though there is an absence of previously offered perks, such as housing allowances and financial assistance to pay for child care, that doesn’t look like it is stopping applicants. According to a recruiting firm in Hong Kong named Ambition, resumes from the U.S. and Europe have jumped 20-30 percent, making up 2/3 of every 600 resumes they receive!
Making a new life halfway around the world may not be easy, but it’s certainly not impossible. One woman, Shahrzad Moaven, lived in London and had a public relations job, but jumped at the opportunity to move to Hong Kong. She now has a job as the communications director at the jeweler Carnet.
Moaven said of the experience, “Back in London, there were fewer resources for P.R. events or advertising. Here, everyone is expanding and spending on marketing activities. That makes my job here a lot more interesting.”
Getting a job in an area where the population and competition is growing can be difficult, however. Business owners are looking for employees that stand out from their fellow applicants. In addition, supervisors want an employee that is already familiar with the culture and language, and most importantly want to hire someone with contacts to bring to their business.
Overall, moving to Asia may be a risk but it could pay off big. Keep in mind however that many caution against using this move as a quick get rich plan. A change this drastic requires sufficient consideration and needs to be viewed as a long term commitment.
Source:
NY Times
Monday, July 26, 2010
Financial Infidelity and Your Marriage
Financial infidelity may be more of a problem than you think. A recent survey done by CESI Debt Solutions shed some light on what couples are hiding from each other, and it’s not only surprising, but may cause you to raise some questions of the financial honesty of your marriage.
Here are some of the facts they found: Of the people surveyed, 80% of married couples spent money that their spouse was unaware of. In addition, almost 18.5% of the people have secret credit cards!
The numbers are a little alarming, but don't panic just yet.
If you are not married, sit down with your future spouse and talk to them about everything financial. Calculate how much debt you each have, your number of credit cards, how much is in savings, and how these costs stack up against your yearly salaries. Keep in mind that one of the most important elements to this conversation is understanding. Of the people surveyed, 43% said they kept their spending a secret because they wanted to avoid an argument.
If you are already married, have the same conversation but bring into account monthly expenses that you both share, such as utility bills, mortgage/rent and so on.
If you discover that you and your partner have drastically different spending and saving styles, make sure it doesn’t drive a wedge between you. Instead, work out a compromise so you can each spend without the guilt or secrecy and without getting into further debt.
For instance, talk over the idea of opening separate savings or checking accounts, as well as keeping a joint account. This allows you to both to have some freedom, and still be able to pay the bills through your joint account.
Also, keep having financial conversations on a weekly or bi weekly basis, and definitely talk and do your monthly calculations before the bills are due. This way, you know how much you need to save and are allowed to spend next month.
If you need help sorting through your debt, contact the debt counselors at DebtHelper.com or call 800-920-2262.
And to see more statistics that the survey found out visit the Forbes website.
Source:
Forebes.com
Here are some of the facts they found: Of the people surveyed, 80% of married couples spent money that their spouse was unaware of. In addition, almost 18.5% of the people have secret credit cards!
The numbers are a little alarming, but don't panic just yet.
If you are not married, sit down with your future spouse and talk to them about everything financial. Calculate how much debt you each have, your number of credit cards, how much is in savings, and how these costs stack up against your yearly salaries. Keep in mind that one of the most important elements to this conversation is understanding. Of the people surveyed, 43% said they kept their spending a secret because they wanted to avoid an argument.
If you are already married, have the same conversation but bring into account monthly expenses that you both share, such as utility bills, mortgage/rent and so on.
If you discover that you and your partner have drastically different spending and saving styles, make sure it doesn’t drive a wedge between you. Instead, work out a compromise so you can each spend without the guilt or secrecy and without getting into further debt.
For instance, talk over the idea of opening separate savings or checking accounts, as well as keeping a joint account. This allows you to both to have some freedom, and still be able to pay the bills through your joint account.
Also, keep having financial conversations on a weekly or bi weekly basis, and definitely talk and do your monthly calculations before the bills are due. This way, you know how much you need to save and are allowed to spend next month.
If you need help sorting through your debt, contact the debt counselors at DebtHelper.com or call 800-920-2262.
And to see more statistics that the survey found out visit the Forbes website.
Source:
Forebes.com
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thrifty Mom 5
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Wait for things to go on sale - no matter how much you want them! In this case, procrastinating on hurricane supplies and waiting for the sale paid off!
Deal of the Week
Hurricane Supplies ...
Chef Boyardee ... Peter Pan Peanut Butter ... Nutrigrain Cereal Bars ... Campbell's Chunky Soup ... all Buy One Get One Free ...
Recipe of the Week
Whenever the hurricanes have rolled in the meat had to be cooked - use it or lose it as they say! These foil packets instructions show how to work with a protein and anything else you might have in the fridge!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/38799/classic_camping_food_foil_packet_meals.html?cat=22
Motivational Quote of the Week
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
- Emmanuel Swedenborg
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Wait for things to go on sale - no matter how much you want them! In this case, procrastinating on hurricane supplies and waiting for the sale paid off!
Deal of the Week
Hurricane Supplies ...
Chef Boyardee ... Peter Pan Peanut Butter ... Nutrigrain Cereal Bars ... Campbell's Chunky Soup ... all Buy One Get One Free ...
Recipe of the Week
Whenever the hurricanes have rolled in the meat had to be cooked - use it or lose it as they say! These foil packets instructions show how to work with a protein and anything else you might have in the fridge!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/38799/classic_camping_food_foil_packet_meals.html?cat=22
Motivational Quote of the Week
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
- Emmanuel Swedenborg
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
“The Great Recession”: Not As Bad As You Think
Although the current recession presents obvious financial problems for many Americans and is affecting other markets worldwide, the comparisons between this economic crisis and the Great Depression tend to be more misleading and perhaps dramatic, than accurate.
A few examples of this would be the unemployment rate. During the Great Depression the unemployment rate was 25%. Today, during the “Great Recession,” as it is being called, the unemployment rate is about 9.5%.
Another example would be the percentage of bank failures. Between January 1930 to March 1933, a massive 50% of banks failed, compared to 0.6% that occurred between December 2007 and May 2009.
Though both of these economic downfalls are unfortunate in their own ways, there are several notable differences between the two collapses.
First, one reason for the Great Depression is that banks failed. Deposits were not insured then and this caused the banks to collapse and people to lose their savings. Also, any banks that did survive failure didn’t give out loans, which prevented them from losing more money, but made life difficult for people desperate for financial assistance.
Though bank failure isn’t impossible today, there are agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, which insure a customer’s money in banks for at least $250,000.
Next, because people simply couldn’t afford to buy anything but the necessary items, purchases went down significantly and so did the need to manufacture goods. This slowed production which caused the great amount of layoffs that made the unemployment rate soar to 25%.
Today, people may not be purchasing an excessive amount of unnecessary items, but people haven’t stopped buying altogether.
In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in a variety of areas has actually increased recently. Employment in mining, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing have all increased. Additionally increases in retail, professional and business services and healthcare have also been recorded. In general, in the month of June alone, over 206,000 jobs were added to these various areas.
Overall, though this economic crisis is difficult and may require a more rigorous way of handling your finances, it certainly isn’t the downfall that was the Great Depression.
What do you think of the comparisons of this recession to the Great Depression? Share your thoughts and comments below!
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Current Employment Stats
FDIC Website
CNN Money
merinews
A few examples of this would be the unemployment rate. During the Great Depression the unemployment rate was 25%. Today, during the “Great Recession,” as it is being called, the unemployment rate is about 9.5%.
Another example would be the percentage of bank failures. Between January 1930 to March 1933, a massive 50% of banks failed, compared to 0.6% that occurred between December 2007 and May 2009.
Though both of these economic downfalls are unfortunate in their own ways, there are several notable differences between the two collapses.
First, one reason for the Great Depression is that banks failed. Deposits were not insured then and this caused the banks to collapse and people to lose their savings. Also, any banks that did survive failure didn’t give out loans, which prevented them from losing more money, but made life difficult for people desperate for financial assistance.
Though bank failure isn’t impossible today, there are agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, which insure a customer’s money in banks for at least $250,000.
Next, because people simply couldn’t afford to buy anything but the necessary items, purchases went down significantly and so did the need to manufacture goods. This slowed production which caused the great amount of layoffs that made the unemployment rate soar to 25%.
Today, people may not be purchasing an excessive amount of unnecessary items, but people haven’t stopped buying altogether.
In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in a variety of areas has actually increased recently. Employment in mining, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing have all increased. Additionally increases in retail, professional and business services and healthcare have also been recorded. In general, in the month of June alone, over 206,000 jobs were added to these various areas.
Overall, though this economic crisis is difficult and may require a more rigorous way of handling your finances, it certainly isn’t the downfall that was the Great Depression.
What do you think of the comparisons of this recession to the Great Depression? Share your thoughts and comments below!
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Current Employment Stats
FDIC Website
CNN Money
merinews
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Our Debt Management Plan Really Works!
2010 Debthelper.com Debt Management Program Benefits ... LOWER RATES, LOWER PAYMENTS
ACTUAL RESULTS!!!
Avg % rates before a plan:
Jan. -23.8% Feb. -21.8% Mar. -29.2% Apr. -20.4% May -22.8% Jun -20.4%
Avg % rates after a plan:
Jan. -7.2% Feb. -6.7% Mar. -6.4% Apr. -6.3% May -5.8% Jun -6.7%
Avg total payment before:
Jan -$ 1,330.85 Feb -$ 847.31 Mar -$ 782.57 Apr -$ 1,145.41 May -$ 774.57 Jun -$ 637.36
Avg total payment after:
Jan -$ 747.93 Feb -$ 553.48 Mar -$ 560.69 Apr -$ 864.94 May -$ 479.14 Jun -$ 471.73
Avg per account before:
Jan -$ 168.81 Feb -$ 176.87 Mar -$ 164.39 Apr -$ 177.97 May -$ 181.13 Jun -$ 103.98
Avg per account after:
Jan -$ 105.62 Feb -$ 93.03 Mar -$ 105.23 Apr -$ 130.79 May -$ 115.25 Jun -$ 77.84
Debthelper.com is a non-profit 501(c)3 company. We are a certified HUD and Department of Justice Credit, Financial and Housing counseling agency. We currently maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are struggling financially, Debthelper.com can help. Call us today for a FREE consultation and budget anaylsis. 1-800-920-2262.
ACTUAL RESULTS!!!
Avg % rates before a plan:
Jan. -23.8% Feb. -21.8% Mar. -29.2% Apr. -20.4% May -22.8% Jun -20.4%
Avg % rates after a plan:
Jan. -7.2% Feb. -6.7% Mar. -6.4% Apr. -6.3% May -5.8% Jun -6.7%
Avg total payment before:
Jan -$ 1,330.85 Feb -$ 847.31 Mar -$ 782.57 Apr -$ 1,145.41 May -$ 774.57 Jun -$ 637.36
Avg total payment after:
Jan -$ 747.93 Feb -$ 553.48 Mar -$ 560.69 Apr -$ 864.94 May -$ 479.14 Jun -$ 471.73
Avg per account before:
Jan -$ 168.81 Feb -$ 176.87 Mar -$ 164.39 Apr -$ 177.97 May -$ 181.13 Jun -$ 103.98
Avg per account after:
Jan -$ 105.62 Feb -$ 93.03 Mar -$ 105.23 Apr -$ 130.79 May -$ 115.25 Jun -$ 77.84
Debthelper.com is a non-profit 501(c)3 company. We are a certified HUD and Department of Justice Credit, Financial and Housing counseling agency. We currently maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are struggling financially, Debthelper.com can help. Call us today for a FREE consultation and budget anaylsis. 1-800-920-2262.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The New Financial Reform Bill: What Does it Mean for You?
You may have seen stories in the news lately about the Financial Reform Bill, but still might be confused about what it all means, especially when it comes to your financial situation.
Though the bill would cause some changes it might not affect your financial situation or any loans you may have taken out immediately. In fact, it is more of a precautionary program that would be set in place so future financial meltdowns could be prevented.
Though there are other parts of this bill, it can mainly be outlined in three basic sections.
The first part of the bill states that regulators would have more authority. It is not a big secret that in the past regulators have had a dangerously friendly relationship with financial firms and lenders, or more bluntly, just haven’t been as strict as was necessary. If the new bill were to pass, regulators would be overlooking items such as mortgages and complex securities. This measure might prevent past mistakes such as undocumented loans.
The next part of the bill would require financial firms to retain less debt and store more capital in reserve. By having more capital in reserve, firms would be able to use it as a cushion if investments go bad.
The last major part of the bill comes in if, even after the first two precautions, a firm is still unable to manage themselves. In this case, the government would be allowed to seize the firm long enough to sell off its parts.
Though the new bill seems like it might make a positive change in the way that finances are handled by firms, due to a lack of bipartisanship support the bill may have lost the strength it was expected to have.
In the end, the bill, if passed, may not immediately affect any loan you may have, but it could affect future loans and other ways of borrowing, along with the way firms use your money.
To read more about the bill go to: http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/credit_crisis/financial_regulatory_reform/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier
Sources:
http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/credit_crisis/financial_regulatory_reform/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/business/14regulate.html?_r=1&ref=business
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/s/securities_and_exchange_commission/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/d/derivatives/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=derivatives&st=cse
Though the bill would cause some changes it might not affect your financial situation or any loans you may have taken out immediately. In fact, it is more of a precautionary program that would be set in place so future financial meltdowns could be prevented.
Though there are other parts of this bill, it can mainly be outlined in three basic sections.
The first part of the bill states that regulators would have more authority. It is not a big secret that in the past regulators have had a dangerously friendly relationship with financial firms and lenders, or more bluntly, just haven’t been as strict as was necessary. If the new bill were to pass, regulators would be overlooking items such as mortgages and complex securities. This measure might prevent past mistakes such as undocumented loans.
The next part of the bill would require financial firms to retain less debt and store more capital in reserve. By having more capital in reserve, firms would be able to use it as a cushion if investments go bad.
The last major part of the bill comes in if, even after the first two precautions, a firm is still unable to manage themselves. In this case, the government would be allowed to seize the firm long enough to sell off its parts.
Though the new bill seems like it might make a positive change in the way that finances are handled by firms, due to a lack of bipartisanship support the bill may have lost the strength it was expected to have.
In the end, the bill, if passed, may not immediately affect any loan you may have, but it could affect future loans and other ways of borrowing, along with the way firms use your money.
To read more about the bill go to: http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/credit_crisis/financial_regulatory_reform/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier
Sources:
http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/credit_crisis/financial_regulatory_reform/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/business/14regulate.html?_r=1&ref=business
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/s/securities_and_exchange_commission/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/d/derivatives/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=derivatives&st=cse
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Spend Now and get Rewarded Later?!
Do you ever feel like you should be getting rewarded for staying loyal to your favorite stores? Maybe you can and don’t even know it! Countless stores and other businesses are starting to use rewards programs to lure customers in and forge a loyal relationship.
One famous café that has a rewards program is Starbucks! Not only does this program offer bonuses like free coffee and tea refills and trials of new upcoming products, customers can move up levels allowing their rewards to increase. In addition, on your birthday you can get a free beverage of your choice!
Two other stores that are famous for their rewards programs are Winn-Dixie and CVS/pharmacy.
The Winn-Dixie rewards program is one of the customer friendly by far. You simply need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address and phone number and the savings can begin! Winn-Dixie card holders can instantly save on all types of grocery items and can use coupons at check out too, which help double the savings!
As for CVS/pharmacy, their rewards program works a little differently. This program allows customers to get 2% back on their purchases, though some exclusions apply. Then, after three months, customers receive a print out of the “Extra Bucks Rewards” they have obtained and can spend their bucks in store or online.
Another rewards program that might be beneficial to sign up for, especially if you plan on buying appliances or electronics, would be the Reward Zone program at Best Buy. The more basic option that is offered at Best Buy has no fees and allows its members to be part of exclusive sales and also includes a birthday bonus. Similar to the CVS program, the Reward Zone works off of a point system. With every purchase you make you rack up points and that translates to a discount later. For example, if you make a purchase of $1,000 that converts to 1,000 points which means a $20 discount towards a future Best Buy purchase.
These stores are just a few of the many that offer rewards programs. Ask your favorite store if the offer any type of savings or reward program or check out http://www.heyitsfree.net/2009/04/08/budget-busters-2-customer-reward-programs/ for a list of a few more stores.
Overall, reward programs due benefit customers, but beware of those that require signing up for a credit card or may have hidden fees. Also keep in mind that even with a rewards program in place at one store, researching and comparing prices among several stores is still the best way to save.
If you know of any rewards programs that are especially beneficial, share your thoughts and comment!
Sources:
Starbucks: https://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards/program-information
Winn-Dixie: http://www.winndixie.com/Reward_Card/Reward_Card.asp
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/user/extracare/extracare.jsp
Best Buy: https://myrewardzone.bestbuy.com/programOverview.jspx
One famous café that has a rewards program is Starbucks! Not only does this program offer bonuses like free coffee and tea refills and trials of new upcoming products, customers can move up levels allowing their rewards to increase. In addition, on your birthday you can get a free beverage of your choice!
Two other stores that are famous for their rewards programs are Winn-Dixie and CVS/pharmacy.
The Winn-Dixie rewards program is one of the customer friendly by far. You simply need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address and phone number and the savings can begin! Winn-Dixie card holders can instantly save on all types of grocery items and can use coupons at check out too, which help double the savings!
As for CVS/pharmacy, their rewards program works a little differently. This program allows customers to get 2% back on their purchases, though some exclusions apply. Then, after three months, customers receive a print out of the “Extra Bucks Rewards” they have obtained and can spend their bucks in store or online.
Another rewards program that might be beneficial to sign up for, especially if you plan on buying appliances or electronics, would be the Reward Zone program at Best Buy. The more basic option that is offered at Best Buy has no fees and allows its members to be part of exclusive sales and also includes a birthday bonus. Similar to the CVS program, the Reward Zone works off of a point system. With every purchase you make you rack up points and that translates to a discount later. For example, if you make a purchase of $1,000 that converts to 1,000 points which means a $20 discount towards a future Best Buy purchase.
These stores are just a few of the many that offer rewards programs. Ask your favorite store if the offer any type of savings or reward program or check out http://www.heyitsfree.net/2009/04/08/budget-busters-2-customer-reward-programs/ for a list of a few more stores.
Overall, reward programs due benefit customers, but beware of those that require signing up for a credit card or may have hidden fees. Also keep in mind that even with a rewards program in place at one store, researching and comparing prices among several stores is still the best way to save.
If you know of any rewards programs that are especially beneficial, share your thoughts and comment!
Sources:
Starbucks: https://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards/program-information
Winn-Dixie: http://www.winndixie.com/Reward_Card/Reward_Card.asp
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/user/extracare/extracare.jsp
Best Buy: https://myrewardzone.bestbuy.com/programOverview.jspx
Friday, July 2, 2010
As American as Apple Pie!
With a recent study stating that three out of four Americans prefer homemade pie and the 4th of July holiday quickly approaching, an office wide test of the taste buds had to be conducted.
I was given the entertaining job of making and buying apple pies and had to bring them to the office so a comparison could be done. Not only would taste be factored in, but time spent and cost too.
I started with the easiest of the options, the store bought pie. There were two options in the bakery, a crusted top and a Dutch style pie. Though the pies were cheap, on sale for the holiday weekend at 2 for $6, they were what you would expect. Pretty good, but generic. One co-worker even stated that her slice had a metallic taste to it, most likely due to the tin pans the pies were baked in.
As for the pies from scratch, I decided to try my hand at the homemade crust first. I searched the Internet and found a recipe that required few ingredients and explained the process simply; exactly what I needed, having never made a pie before. From peeling the apples to placing the pie in the oven, the process took about one and a half hours. Also, unlike its store bought counterpart, I used a glass pie baking dish for mine. A handy and cheap investment, only costing $3.89.
The next pie was made with the store bought crust, and it was even easier. I prepared the filling and decided to give this pie a little something extra since I cheated on the crust. Stirring together sugar, cinnamon and a few other ingredients, I had a streusel topping in no time, and it was going to give the homemade feel I was looking for. And it was sure to give the store bakery’s Dutch style pie a run for its money.
Overall, this is how the pies measured up:
The store bought pies were on sale at 2 for $6, but they weren’t exceptional in terms of taste and seeing that the hardest part was walking to the bakery, the process seemed a little too easy.
The next pie, which had a homemade crust, came to a grand total of $12.46 and took one and a half hours to prepare. This recipe was simple and only took a surprising nine ingredients!
The last pie, made with the store bought crust, shaved off 15 minutes in prep time, only using an hour and 15 to make, however, I can’t say the same about the cost. In the end the cost for making this pie was $19.82. Due to the different way this recipe called for prepping the apples the cost of making this pie did go up by $7.36.
In the end, both homemade pies were gone while the store bought pies sat half eaten. However, when surveyed, many in the office weren't really willing to try making a pie at home. So although the taste of homemade pie is preferred,not many will be making pies of their own anytime soon. If you try your hand at it, visit the sites below for the recipes I used and let me know how it goes!
Happy 4th of July!!
Recipe using store bought crust:
Apple Pie Recipe 1
Recipe using homemade crust:
Apple Pie Recipe 2
Sources:
Food Reference
Food Network
Pillsbury
I was given the entertaining job of making and buying apple pies and had to bring them to the office so a comparison could be done. Not only would taste be factored in, but time spent and cost too.
I started with the easiest of the options, the store bought pie. There were two options in the bakery, a crusted top and a Dutch style pie. Though the pies were cheap, on sale for the holiday weekend at 2 for $6, they were what you would expect. Pretty good, but generic. One co-worker even stated that her slice had a metallic taste to it, most likely due to the tin pans the pies were baked in.
As for the pies from scratch, I decided to try my hand at the homemade crust first. I searched the Internet and found a recipe that required few ingredients and explained the process simply; exactly what I needed, having never made a pie before. From peeling the apples to placing the pie in the oven, the process took about one and a half hours. Also, unlike its store bought counterpart, I used a glass pie baking dish for mine. A handy and cheap investment, only costing $3.89.
The next pie was made with the store bought crust, and it was even easier. I prepared the filling and decided to give this pie a little something extra since I cheated on the crust. Stirring together sugar, cinnamon and a few other ingredients, I had a streusel topping in no time, and it was going to give the homemade feel I was looking for. And it was sure to give the store bakery’s Dutch style pie a run for its money.
Overall, this is how the pies measured up:
The store bought pies were on sale at 2 for $6, but they weren’t exceptional in terms of taste and seeing that the hardest part was walking to the bakery, the process seemed a little too easy.
The next pie, which had a homemade crust, came to a grand total of $12.46 and took one and a half hours to prepare. This recipe was simple and only took a surprising nine ingredients!
The last pie, made with the store bought crust, shaved off 15 minutes in prep time, only using an hour and 15 to make, however, I can’t say the same about the cost. In the end the cost for making this pie was $19.82. Due to the different way this recipe called for prepping the apples the cost of making this pie did go up by $7.36.
In the end, both homemade pies were gone while the store bought pies sat half eaten. However, when surveyed, many in the office weren't really willing to try making a pie at home. So although the taste of homemade pie is preferred,not many will be making pies of their own anytime soon. If you try your hand at it, visit the sites below for the recipes I used and let me know how it goes!
Happy 4th of July!!
Recipe using store bought crust:
Apple Pie Recipe 1
Recipe using homemade crust:
Apple Pie Recipe 2
Sources:
Food Reference
Food Network
Pillsbury
Saturday, June 26, 2010
From Prada to Nada
I found an article in Glamour magazine a while ago and thought that it was interesting and surprisingly refreshing. One of the stories in particular, “From Prada to Nada,” was really great because it depicted one woman’s perfect life and how it suddenly (and drastically) changed. The surprising twist was that she lost what she thought was her ideal job and is still happy because she’s doing what she loves instead!!
Jessica Lybeck, the woman that the article is about, used to work “at one of the most prestigious architecture firms in the country.” She had it all; Business trips all over the world that included stays in five star hotels, and the luxury of not being worried about checking her bank account often.
Then, when the company she worked for starting making cuts, she lost her job.
Prior to being laid off, Lybeck had already been working on a different project that was much more fulfilling for her and she had that to fall back on. She had opened a consulting firm to help entrepreneurs and felt that this work, although not as monetarily rewarding, was more personal and worthwhile.
Even though the lifestyle that she lives now includes sharing a bathroom with neighbors and working at a stir fry restaurant for four dollars an hour, Lybeck is happy! She admits she gets anxious from time to time, but who can blame her?
To me this article was inspiring. It made me realize that things may not always go as planned, especially with finances and the future, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This story, and the others featured, showed me real women that I could relate too and how they may not have everything together all the time, but that didn’t mean that they just gave up either.
And I think that is a lesson that doesn’t need a price.
You can read “From Prada to Nada” and other financial stories of real women at:
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/07/real-womens-money-dramas
Source:
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/07/real-womens-money-dramas
Jessica Lybeck, the woman that the article is about, used to work “at one of the most prestigious architecture firms in the country.” She had it all; Business trips all over the world that included stays in five star hotels, and the luxury of not being worried about checking her bank account often.
Then, when the company she worked for starting making cuts, she lost her job.
Prior to being laid off, Lybeck had already been working on a different project that was much more fulfilling for her and she had that to fall back on. She had opened a consulting firm to help entrepreneurs and felt that this work, although not as monetarily rewarding, was more personal and worthwhile.
Even though the lifestyle that she lives now includes sharing a bathroom with neighbors and working at a stir fry restaurant for four dollars an hour, Lybeck is happy! She admits she gets anxious from time to time, but who can blame her?
To me this article was inspiring. It made me realize that things may not always go as planned, especially with finances and the future, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This story, and the others featured, showed me real women that I could relate too and how they may not have everything together all the time, but that didn’t mean that they just gave up either.
And I think that is a lesson that doesn’t need a price.
You can read “From Prada to Nada” and other financial stories of real women at:
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/07/real-womens-money-dramas
Source:
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/07/real-womens-money-dramas
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thrifty Mom 4
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Stamps are like cash! Watch all your mail for uncancelled stamps. Soak them off the envelopes in water and then glue on your next letter!
Deal of the Week
Catfish Fillets $4.99 a lb.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe came from one of Oprah's personal chef's cookbooks! It is a healthy and delicious way to make catfish without frying!
http://www.recipesource.com/main-dishes/meat/seafood/catfish/00/rec0035.html
Motivational Quote of the Week
"Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most."
Anonymous
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Stamps are like cash! Watch all your mail for uncancelled stamps. Soak them off the envelopes in water and then glue on your next letter!
Deal of the Week
Catfish Fillets $4.99 a lb.
Recipe of the Week
This recipe came from one of Oprah's personal chef's cookbooks! It is a healthy and delicious way to make catfish without frying!
http://www.recipesource.com/main-dishes/meat/seafood/catfish/00/rec0035.html
Motivational Quote of the Week
"Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most."
Anonymous
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
College Made Cheaper!!
College certainly is a big investment and deciding how you are going to pay for it is definitely a challenge. Some parents pay for all of their child’s education. Others want their child to share the responsibility, or simply can’t afford to pay the entire expense. So how do you decide what needs to be done to pay, arguably, the biggest investment of you and your child’s life? And how do you do it in a way that won't break the bank?
A savings plan!
If you want to be able to afford retirement and not have your child paying off student loans for the majority of their working life, a savings plan is necessary…and it’s easier than you think!
An article on fastweb.com discusses different savings plans and how they work.
The first plan discussed divided saving into three different parts.
Part One: A Savings Account
The first part of this saving plan relies on “past income,” or your savings. Preferably you should start a college savings account when your child is born, and put a little bit of money in it each month. According to the article, if your child is born in 2009, about $220 a month should be going into that savings account (and almost double that, $417, if a private college is in your child’s future).
Part Two: Current Financial Income
The second component of this plan would be using revenue that would be coming in at the time your child would be entering college. A portion of your income, along with your student’s financial aid, would go towards their tuition, room and board, and other costs.
Part Three: Loans
If the two previous parts of the savings plan have, ideally, been kept up monthly, then the need to take out loans shouldn't be too great. In addition, there are more options for students, such as lower interest rates and low loan amounts as to avoid taking out too much money unnecessarily.
The other savings plan option involves your child to take on more financial responsibility.
Laura Kuntz, a mom and financial advisor, quoted in the article gave her daughter a specific dollar amount of help she would provide.
In reference to her policy, Kuntz stated, “The reason that’s important to me is when it’s 8 a.m. and she doesn’t want to get up and go to class, I want some of that to be on her dime.”
In conclusion, the type of savings plan that you set up for your child isn’t as important as just having a savings plan in general. Also, no matter the amount of financial responsibility your child will be required to take on, it is vital that they are aware about finances and how to save for the expenses that will come up in their lives.
Source:
http://www.fastweb.com/student-news/articles/2367-combat-high-college-costs-with-a-savings-plan?g=1&page=2&utm_content=fw_C1_20100622_&utm_source=nlet
A savings plan!
If you want to be able to afford retirement and not have your child paying off student loans for the majority of their working life, a savings plan is necessary…and it’s easier than you think!
An article on fastweb.com discusses different savings plans and how they work.
The first plan discussed divided saving into three different parts.
Part One: A Savings Account
The first part of this saving plan relies on “past income,” or your savings. Preferably you should start a college savings account when your child is born, and put a little bit of money in it each month. According to the article, if your child is born in 2009, about $220 a month should be going into that savings account (and almost double that, $417, if a private college is in your child’s future).
Part Two: Current Financial Income
The second component of this plan would be using revenue that would be coming in at the time your child would be entering college. A portion of your income, along with your student’s financial aid, would go towards their tuition, room and board, and other costs.
Part Three: Loans
If the two previous parts of the savings plan have, ideally, been kept up monthly, then the need to take out loans shouldn't be too great. In addition, there are more options for students, such as lower interest rates and low loan amounts as to avoid taking out too much money unnecessarily.
The other savings plan option involves your child to take on more financial responsibility.
Laura Kuntz, a mom and financial advisor, quoted in the article gave her daughter a specific dollar amount of help she would provide.
In reference to her policy, Kuntz stated, “The reason that’s important to me is when it’s 8 a.m. and she doesn’t want to get up and go to class, I want some of that to be on her dime.”
In conclusion, the type of savings plan that you set up for your child isn’t as important as just having a savings plan in general. Also, no matter the amount of financial responsibility your child will be required to take on, it is vital that they are aware about finances and how to save for the expenses that will come up in their lives.
Source:
http://www.fastweb.com/student-news/articles/2367-combat-high-college-costs-with-a-savings-plan?g=1&page=2&utm_content=fw_C1_20100622_&utm_source=nlet
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Free Way to Happiness
Giving isn’t as easy as it once was. Many charities in the community are asking for more help due to the bad economic times, but it is for that very reason that a financial gift isn’t always possible. However, the gift of your time is never frowned upon.
Many organizations need volunteers for all sorts of jobs. Also, since there are so many charities, it is nearly impossible to find an organization that won’t hold your interest or your heart. Volunteering doesn’t just bring joy to your life, it improves your community, brings happiness to those whose lives you’ve touched, and best of all it is easy and free for you.
Finding a place to volunteer at is easier than ever. Check out websites like http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and http://www.serve.gov/about.asp. These sites are easy to navigate through and were created just to help people find some place they would really enjoy volunteering at.
If you are unable to dedicate a few days to volunteering at an organization in your community, start in your own home and neighborhood. Try cleaning out your closet and dresser. Whatever you haven’t worn in a while and that’s still in good condition, donate to the Goodwill. You’ll be supporting this organization and may even get a tax write off.
Next, look around and see if any of your neighbors need help, especially if you have elderly neighbors. Offer to help someone wash their car, or see if they have any two person jobs that they couldn’t previously complete.
Overall, volunteering is easy and can be fun too. Look for something that peaks your interest and you can never go wrong!
Many organizations need volunteers for all sorts of jobs. Also, since there are so many charities, it is nearly impossible to find an organization that won’t hold your interest or your heart. Volunteering doesn’t just bring joy to your life, it improves your community, brings happiness to those whose lives you’ve touched, and best of all it is easy and free for you.
Finding a place to volunteer at is easier than ever. Check out websites like http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and http://www.serve.gov/about.asp. These sites are easy to navigate through and were created just to help people find some place they would really enjoy volunteering at.
If you are unable to dedicate a few days to volunteering at an organization in your community, start in your own home and neighborhood. Try cleaning out your closet and dresser. Whatever you haven’t worn in a while and that’s still in good condition, donate to the Goodwill. You’ll be supporting this organization and may even get a tax write off.
Next, look around and see if any of your neighbors need help, especially if you have elderly neighbors. Offer to help someone wash their car, or see if they have any two person jobs that they couldn’t previously complete.
Overall, volunteering is easy and can be fun too. Look for something that peaks your interest and you can never go wrong!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
New limits placed on credit card late fees and other penalties
The Federal Reserve approved a series of new limits on credit card companies that will protect consumers from exorbitant late fees and other penalties, including fees for inactivity and exceeding the maximum credit limit.
The new limits take effect Aug. 22, 2010 and are the final step in the Fed's action to implement the Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure Act that Congress enacted last year. That legislation has already benefited consumers and brought a number of restrictions on credit card companies' billing practices, including curbs on arbitrary interest rate increases.
The additional limits announced Tuesday mostly target payment penalties. Now, credit card issuers can only charge a maximum fee of $25 if a consumer pays late (as long as they haven't been late in the past seven months). The new rules also bar credit card companies from charging "inactivity" fees and places new limitations on the fees that they can charge for other violations such as returned checks or exceeding account's maximum credit limit.
Among the new limits:
Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A. Duke said in a statement that the new rules will lead to fees being assessed "in a way that is fairer and generally less costly for consumers."
U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the legislation's sponsor praised the Fed's move. "The Federal Reserve's guidelines issued today are great news for consumers," she said in a statement. "By capping any late fees to a maximum of $25, charged only once per violation, by banning inactivity fees, and by requiring re-evaluation of any rate hikes since January 2009, the Fed has achieved the final set of accountability and fairness steps called for in my bill."
But not everyone is pleased with the new rules. The Center for Responsible Lending noted that the rules have some loopholes. For example, the $25 maximum can be exceeded if the credit card company can prove that it incurred more in costs to collect the payments.
Kathleen Day, a spokeswoman for the group, described the Fed's action as "tepid." "It is better than the status quo, but it isn't what it could have been," she said.
In a statement, Center President Michael D. Calhoun said the $25 limit is still too high and warned that even as the Fed requires credit card companies to reexamine interest rates that they've charged in the past, it also allows them to review and re-impose higher rates every six months.
The American Banking Association, which represents credit card companies, called the changes the "most sweeping overhaul of the industry since the invention of credit cards."
"Most customers handle their credit cards responsibly, but bad behavior by a relative few, increases costs for all customers," Kenneth J. Clayton, the group's general counsel said in a statement. "The rules adopted by the Fed today address so-called 'penalty fees,' and seek to 'make the penalty fit the crime,' so that simple missteps result in minor penalties, while larger or repeated missteps can result in higher penalties."
He said the rules will provide "greater protection, transparency and certainty" for credit card customers.
Source
The new limits take effect Aug. 22, 2010 and are the final step in the Fed's action to implement the Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure Act that Congress enacted last year. That legislation has already benefited consumers and brought a number of restrictions on credit card companies' billing practices, including curbs on arbitrary interest rate increases.
The additional limits announced Tuesday mostly target payment penalties. Now, credit card issuers can only charge a maximum fee of $25 if a consumer pays late (as long as they haven't been late in the past seven months). The new rules also bar credit card companies from charging "inactivity" fees and places new limitations on the fees that they can charge for other violations such as returned checks or exceeding account's maximum credit limit.
Among the new limits:
- Credit card companies can no longer impose multiple penalty fees for a single late payment or other violation.
- Any fees charged for violations of a credit agreement's terms have to be in proportion to the amount of a violation. So, the maximum penalty for a consumer whose $20 minimum payment is late or who exceeds a credit limit by $20 cannot be more than $20.
- The Fed also required credit card companies to reexamine any accounts on which they raised interest rates since Jan. 1, 2009, "to evaluate whether the reasons for the increase have changed and, if appropriate to reduce the rate."
Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A. Duke said in a statement that the new rules will lead to fees being assessed "in a way that is fairer and generally less costly for consumers."
U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the legislation's sponsor praised the Fed's move. "The Federal Reserve's guidelines issued today are great news for consumers," she said in a statement. "By capping any late fees to a maximum of $25, charged only once per violation, by banning inactivity fees, and by requiring re-evaluation of any rate hikes since January 2009, the Fed has achieved the final set of accountability and fairness steps called for in my bill."
But not everyone is pleased with the new rules. The Center for Responsible Lending noted that the rules have some loopholes. For example, the $25 maximum can be exceeded if the credit card company can prove that it incurred more in costs to collect the payments.
Kathleen Day, a spokeswoman for the group, described the Fed's action as "tepid." "It is better than the status quo, but it isn't what it could have been," she said.
In a statement, Center President Michael D. Calhoun said the $25 limit is still too high and warned that even as the Fed requires credit card companies to reexamine interest rates that they've charged in the past, it also allows them to review and re-impose higher rates every six months.
The American Banking Association, which represents credit card companies, called the changes the "most sweeping overhaul of the industry since the invention of credit cards."
"Most customers handle their credit cards responsibly, but bad behavior by a relative few, increases costs for all customers," Kenneth J. Clayton, the group's general counsel said in a statement. "The rules adopted by the Fed today address so-called 'penalty fees,' and seek to 'make the penalty fit the crime,' so that simple missteps result in minor penalties, while larger or repeated missteps can result in higher penalties."
He said the rules will provide "greater protection, transparency and certainty" for credit card customers.
Source
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Can Your ATM Be Dangerous?
ATM skimming devices have been in the news lately and for a good reason. Although these devices don’t look very intricate, the information crooks are able to get from them are enough to leave your account empty before you know it. The most unnerving part, however, is that the devices aren’t small and indiscreet. They look like they may have been placed there by the bank, or may not be noticed at all simply because a customer didn't know what to look for. This only makes stopping and catching criminals more difficult.
The way the skimming devices work, initially, is by spying on customers when they are using an ATM. The device usually works in two parts.
First, when the customer swipes or enters their card into the ATM the magnetic strip on the card is copied and “remembered” by the skimmer. The other part comes into play when the customer enters their pin number. Crooks are able to see what numbers are entered due to hidden cameras they have either attached directly to the ATM or nearby.
Once they have all the information they need, criminals are able to make a copy of your card and can start spending.
Banks usually catch the sudden, out of control spending fairly quickly and notify customers, but catching the criminals is not always a fast process.
However, there are ways to protect your information. First, if anything looks odd when you walk up or drive up to the ATM, go inside the bank and let them know immediately. Next, cover the keypad when you are entering your pin number. Lastly, if another customer asks for your assistance or asks if you need help, just kindly decline and tell them to go inside the bank and direct their questions to a bank employee.
For more information about ATM skimmers and what they look like, visit the following websites:
http://consumerist.com/2009/04/heres-what-a-card-skimmer-looks-like-on-an-atm.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/21/AR2010042102826.html
Source:
http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/how-to-spot-an-a-t-m-skimming-device/
The way the skimming devices work, initially, is by spying on customers when they are using an ATM. The device usually works in two parts.
First, when the customer swipes or enters their card into the ATM the magnetic strip on the card is copied and “remembered” by the skimmer. The other part comes into play when the customer enters their pin number. Crooks are able to see what numbers are entered due to hidden cameras they have either attached directly to the ATM or nearby.
Once they have all the information they need, criminals are able to make a copy of your card and can start spending.
Banks usually catch the sudden, out of control spending fairly quickly and notify customers, but catching the criminals is not always a fast process.
However, there are ways to protect your information. First, if anything looks odd when you walk up or drive up to the ATM, go inside the bank and let them know immediately. Next, cover the keypad when you are entering your pin number. Lastly, if another customer asks for your assistance or asks if you need help, just kindly decline and tell them to go inside the bank and direct their questions to a bank employee.
For more information about ATM skimmers and what they look like, visit the following websites:
http://consumerist.com/2009/04/heres-what-a-card-skimmer-looks-like-on-an-atm.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/21/AR2010042102826.html
Source:
http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/how-to-spot-an-a-t-m-skimming-device/
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fast&Easy Money Saving Tips
1.Get a cheap massage- Many community and career colleges offer classes for students interested in becoming massage therapist and therefore are looking for clients to practice on. Most colleges will charge a minimal fee or sometimes will offer the service for free. Call your local college and see what they have to offer.
2.Take a natural getaway- Take a Saturday to explore your town’s surroundings. Maybe go on a hiking trail, relax at the beach or set up a simple backyard picnic.
3.Look over the grocery newsletter- Use your grocery store’s newsletter to plan the meals for the week using items that are on sale.
4.Scan the perimeter- Many snack type food items are usually found in the aisles of the grocery store while the basic and essential items, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and so on, are located in the perimeter of the store. So start on the outside and work your way in.
5.Go generic- It used to be that generic brands didn’t offer as great of quality as the name brands, but that’s certainly a myth these days! However, if you still prefer name brands, buy generics for simple items such as hand soap, fruits and vegetables, and some snack foods
6.Plant an herb garden- Buying fresh herbs at the grocery store can start to get pricy, so take matters into your own hands. It can take up a patch of your backyard or take up some space on a sunny windowsill. Either way, these little plants will spice up your cooking and add something extra to your home.
7.Explore the farmer’s market- Shopping for produce at your local farmer’s market saves money and supports local growers too. Also, many vendors are willing to negotiate prices and give free samples.
8.Electrify those leftovers!- Leftovers used to be dreaded by some, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Leftovers save money, prevent waste, and some food channel shows are even beginning to include ways to add zing to yesterday’s meal.
9.Take advantage of free trials– Lots of companies are offering free trials allowing you to decide whether you like the product or not without spending a dime. Just visit their website or search online by just typing “free trials/ free samples.” But beware of scam sites! Some will ask you to sign up for a registry in order to automatically receive samples, this can turn into them sending you a bill after you get your first item.
10.“Money back guarantee”- Many companies are adding this promise to their products. Take advantage of it! If you’re sincerely not satisfied with a product, usually providing a copy of the receipt and a statement of why you are unsatisfied is enough for a full refund.
11.Rent movies for next to nothing- Scores of supermarkets are adding easy $1 a day movie rental stands to their stores. This makes date night easy and cheap too!
12.Bring your lunch to work- This grade school throw back saves money and gas since you won’t even have to leave the office. If you do prefer going out, opt for someplace that offers…..
13.Lunch specials- Lots of restaurants are offering great lunch specials these days. Some places have “you pick two” deals or different items all together on their lunch menu, so go ahead and try something new!
14.Visit your local library- Libraries have an endless amount of resources these days. From an infinite amount books, movies, and computers, the library is an endless resource. In addition, many libraries now have quaint cafés or small fun classes that range from photography to yoga.
15.Kick the habit- At a national average of almost $2 per pack, cigarettes can be an incredibly costly and deadly habit. Smoking 2 packs a day, every day of the week will end up running you about $112 a month. That translates to about $1,344 a year!
16.Skip the gym- And work out in your home or at the local park instead. By doing this not only do you save on gym membership and fees you can be in the comfort of your own home or be breathing some fresh air outside.
More tips can be found at:
1) http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/
2) http://www.doughroller.net/smart-spending/51-painless-money-saving-tips/
Sources:
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0097.pdf
2.Take a natural getaway- Take a Saturday to explore your town’s surroundings. Maybe go on a hiking trail, relax at the beach or set up a simple backyard picnic.
3.Look over the grocery newsletter- Use your grocery store’s newsletter to plan the meals for the week using items that are on sale.
4.Scan the perimeter- Many snack type food items are usually found in the aisles of the grocery store while the basic and essential items, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and so on, are located in the perimeter of the store. So start on the outside and work your way in.
5.Go generic- It used to be that generic brands didn’t offer as great of quality as the name brands, but that’s certainly a myth these days! However, if you still prefer name brands, buy generics for simple items such as hand soap, fruits and vegetables, and some snack foods
6.Plant an herb garden- Buying fresh herbs at the grocery store can start to get pricy, so take matters into your own hands. It can take up a patch of your backyard or take up some space on a sunny windowsill. Either way, these little plants will spice up your cooking and add something extra to your home.
7.Explore the farmer’s market- Shopping for produce at your local farmer’s market saves money and supports local growers too. Also, many vendors are willing to negotiate prices and give free samples.
8.Electrify those leftovers!- Leftovers used to be dreaded by some, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Leftovers save money, prevent waste, and some food channel shows are even beginning to include ways to add zing to yesterday’s meal.
9.Take advantage of free trials– Lots of companies are offering free trials allowing you to decide whether you like the product or not without spending a dime. Just visit their website or search online by just typing “free trials/ free samples.” But beware of scam sites! Some will ask you to sign up for a registry in order to automatically receive samples, this can turn into them sending you a bill after you get your first item.
10.“Money back guarantee”- Many companies are adding this promise to their products. Take advantage of it! If you’re sincerely not satisfied with a product, usually providing a copy of the receipt and a statement of why you are unsatisfied is enough for a full refund.
11.Rent movies for next to nothing- Scores of supermarkets are adding easy $1 a day movie rental stands to their stores. This makes date night easy and cheap too!
12.Bring your lunch to work- This grade school throw back saves money and gas since you won’t even have to leave the office. If you do prefer going out, opt for someplace that offers…..
13.Lunch specials- Lots of restaurants are offering great lunch specials these days. Some places have “you pick two” deals or different items all together on their lunch menu, so go ahead and try something new!
14.Visit your local library- Libraries have an endless amount of resources these days. From an infinite amount books, movies, and computers, the library is an endless resource. In addition, many libraries now have quaint cafés or small fun classes that range from photography to yoga.
15.Kick the habit- At a national average of almost $2 per pack, cigarettes can be an incredibly costly and deadly habit. Smoking 2 packs a day, every day of the week will end up running you about $112 a month. That translates to about $1,344 a year!
16.Skip the gym- And work out in your home or at the local park instead. By doing this not only do you save on gym membership and fees you can be in the comfort of your own home or be breathing some fresh air outside.
More tips can be found at:
1) http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/
2) http://www.doughroller.net/smart-spending/51-painless-money-saving-tips/
Sources:
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0097.pdf
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thrifty Mom 3
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Turn your thermostat up to the highest setting you can stand. Since I am a Floridian, I let the temp go up to 82 when nobody else is home. Wish I knew how much money I saved for a little bit of sweat!
Deal of the Week
Boneless Top Sirloin Steaks $4.49 a lb.
Recipe of the Week
Steak is a big treat in our house and when we have it ... it definitely needs to be on sale! This recipe is a simple and delicious way to use this pricier meat.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Broiled-Steak-with-Horseradish-Cream-232000
Motivational Quote of the Week
"All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim; have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible." Orison Swett Marden, 1850-1924, Writer, Physician, Hotel Owner and founder of Success Magazine
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Turn your thermostat up to the highest setting you can stand. Since I am a Floridian, I let the temp go up to 82 when nobody else is home. Wish I knew how much money I saved for a little bit of sweat!
Deal of the Week
Boneless Top Sirloin Steaks $4.49 a lb.
Recipe of the Week
Steak is a big treat in our house and when we have it ... it definitely needs to be on sale! This recipe is a simple and delicious way to use this pricier meat.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Broiled-Steak-with-Horseradish-Cream-232000
Motivational Quote of the Week
"All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim; have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible." Orison Swett Marden, 1850-1924, Writer, Physician, Hotel Owner and founder of Success Magazine
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Friday, June 11, 2010
Budgeting and Future Financial Success
The little expenses don’t seem so little when at the end of the month your bank account is lower than you thought. This has happened to me before and it’s not a great feeling. A few trips to the coffee shop, a pair of cute shoes that I had to have and a little pick me up treat all add up in the end and can drain your account before you even realize it.
In my high school economics class we had a month long assignment to document all of our expenses no matter how small. At first I thought the assignment was just busy work, but at the end of the month I realized that weekly senior lunches and “little” trips to the mall were taking their toll on my wallet. I realized that I needed to change my spending and saving habits before things got too out of hand. So I decided to continue keeping track of my expenses with a budget sheet even after the assignment was over. This simple change started making a big difference, especially when I moved to college and had to start grocery shopping on my own. It helped me to look over what I was spending my money on and decide what needed to be deemed as necessary and what I could pass up on. In addition, budgeting my money and putting everything into categories of “necessary” and “unnecessary” left some extra money at the end of the month to put into my savings account.
Another helpful tip is to try monitoring your bank accounts online. Not only can you see exactly where your money is going, but most banks have charts or graphs that show the different categories of your spending, such as leisure, or restaurants and so on. This way you can see where money is being spent and maybe reevaluate your situation.
Keep in mind that having a budget doesn’t mean you can never go out and treat yourself again. Instead of going to the coffee shop or mall on a weekly basis, I wait until the end of the month to see if I have met my savings goal. If I have, then I’ll treat myself to something and I don’t have to worry about feeling guilty because I know I’ve saved and spent responsibly to get to that point. In addition, if your finances do get out of control there is assistance available, so don’t give up and feel like you’re drowning. You can always visit http://www.debthelper.com/ for help.
To get you started here are some links to websites with easy to read, printable budget sheets.
1. http://www.dollartimes.com/download-and-print/budget-worksheets.htm
2. http://financialplan.about.com/library/n_budget.htm
In my high school economics class we had a month long assignment to document all of our expenses no matter how small. At first I thought the assignment was just busy work, but at the end of the month I realized that weekly senior lunches and “little” trips to the mall were taking their toll on my wallet. I realized that I needed to change my spending and saving habits before things got too out of hand. So I decided to continue keeping track of my expenses with a budget sheet even after the assignment was over. This simple change started making a big difference, especially when I moved to college and had to start grocery shopping on my own. It helped me to look over what I was spending my money on and decide what needed to be deemed as necessary and what I could pass up on. In addition, budgeting my money and putting everything into categories of “necessary” and “unnecessary” left some extra money at the end of the month to put into my savings account.
Another helpful tip is to try monitoring your bank accounts online. Not only can you see exactly where your money is going, but most banks have charts or graphs that show the different categories of your spending, such as leisure, or restaurants and so on. This way you can see where money is being spent and maybe reevaluate your situation.
Keep in mind that having a budget doesn’t mean you can never go out and treat yourself again. Instead of going to the coffee shop or mall on a weekly basis, I wait until the end of the month to see if I have met my savings goal. If I have, then I’ll treat myself to something and I don’t have to worry about feeling guilty because I know I’ve saved and spent responsibly to get to that point. In addition, if your finances do get out of control there is assistance available, so don’t give up and feel like you’re drowning. You can always visit http://www.debthelper.com/ for help.
To get you started here are some links to websites with easy to read, printable budget sheets.
1. http://www.dollartimes.com/download-and-print/budget-worksheets.htm
2. http://financialplan.about.com/library/n_budget.htm
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Student Advantages
College can be an intimidating adventure to embark on. Between worrying about living in someplace new with total strangers, keeping up with classes and trying to find time to hang out with friends, financial worries can be the most overwhelming part of this new experience. Tuition costs, books, lab fees and other essential expenses like groceries are inevitable but there is a way to get control again when it seems like things are getting out of hand.
Though it may take a little searching, especially in economically hard times like these, there is help available to students. There are websites dedicated to offering an endless list of scholarships ranging from the academic to the unusual. Also, college campuses sincerely want their students to get involved, so go out to the different activities that may be offered that week; it’s almost guaranteed that there will be some freebies there.
Universities also work with local restaurants and retailers so students may get certain discounts or free items. At my school student government partners with local restaurants to reward designated drivers. The designated driver can have an unlimited amount of nonalcoholic beverages.
There are also a lot available opportunities to take advantage of just by showing your student ID. Local restaurants, clothing stores, and other retailers may offer different discounts on certain school related items or your overall purchase. Just make sure you ask during check out because some retailers may have this posted in a vague location in the store or may not tell you at all.
Even though times may get chaotic, taking advantage of the assistance and discounts offered on and off campus can make the financial transition from home to school a little easier.
Websites to check out:
http://www.debthelper.com/
http://www.fastweb.com/
Sources:
http://www.eaglenews.org/2.15537/reward-program-for-designated-drivers-1.2228315
Though it may take a little searching, especially in economically hard times like these, there is help available to students. There are websites dedicated to offering an endless list of scholarships ranging from the academic to the unusual. Also, college campuses sincerely want their students to get involved, so go out to the different activities that may be offered that week; it’s almost guaranteed that there will be some freebies there.
Universities also work with local restaurants and retailers so students may get certain discounts or free items. At my school student government partners with local restaurants to reward designated drivers. The designated driver can have an unlimited amount of nonalcoholic beverages.
There are also a lot available opportunities to take advantage of just by showing your student ID. Local restaurants, clothing stores, and other retailers may offer different discounts on certain school related items or your overall purchase. Just make sure you ask during check out because some retailers may have this posted in a vague location in the store or may not tell you at all.
Even though times may get chaotic, taking advantage of the assistance and discounts offered on and off campus can make the financial transition from home to school a little easier.
Websites to check out:
http://www.debthelper.com/
http://www.fastweb.com/
Sources:
http://www.eaglenews.org/2.15537/reward-program-for-designated-drivers-1.2228315
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Finding Peace in Chaotic Situations
I thought this article was great! It could pertain to anything going on in your life at the moment....and really don't we ALL need a little peace sometimes?!? For our clients, it could be debt or bankruptcy or foreclosure. Just remember, if you happen to follow some of these suggestions and you are in debt, stay within your budget. http://www.debthelper.com/ - 800.920.2262
There is chaos in everyone’s life. We all have so much going on and yet we struggle with not being able to do more or achieve more. That is why it is important to find a way to feel peace and calm. Without peace in the middle of chaos, your life will only get more stressful and you will be unhappy. We all want to succeed at everything we do, but we have to remember that success comes at a high price sometimes.
Suggestions to Help You Find Peace
The following are suggestions that can lower your stress level and bring peace to your life:
1. Cut some activities out. If you are constantly on the go and never have time to just relax, then you should think about changing your schedule. While you may not want to think you can’t do everything, you have to remember to focus on yourself and that means you need time.
2. Organization brings peace. When you have a lot of chaos, you usually also have disorganization. You are all out of sorts and struggle with everything. A good way to avoid that problem is to be as organized as you can including making lists. Being organized saves you time and brings peace to your life.
3. Have an escape plan. You should have an activity or place to go when you have to get out of the chaos and spend some quiet time.
Go to a hotel for the night, get out of town, or just go out to dinner. Get out and enjoy life and spend some time focusing on you.
Have a good book or a fun video game you can play to help you relax.
4. Watch your pace. If you maintain a healthy pace in your life, you are going to have more peace. You need all the energy you can get to get through your day. Pacing yourself lets you stay clear and level headed.
5. Find an activity that brings you peace. Having a hobby or activity you enjoy that is peaceful is a great idea. You could attend a yoga class, meditate, or go for a hike in the woods. All these can help you learn how to relax your mind and bring peace into your life.
6. Realize that you have to accept your life. It is hard to have a chaotic life but you cannot really have life without chaos. That is why you have to focus on accepting the chaos and doing the best you can in your life. You can deal with what is there and work towards a peaceful life instead of worrying about what could be.
Decide What Methods Help You
You need to learn to stay in the present, and make your life as simple and balanced as possible. The little things you can do that help you achieve that goal are going to help. You are the only one who knows what brings peace to you and your life. You may want to talk to someone about what is going on, read a book, or just sit quietly. Everyone will have a different way of finding peace so do what works for you.
Source
There is chaos in everyone’s life. We all have so much going on and yet we struggle with not being able to do more or achieve more. That is why it is important to find a way to feel peace and calm. Without peace in the middle of chaos, your life will only get more stressful and you will be unhappy. We all want to succeed at everything we do, but we have to remember that success comes at a high price sometimes.
Suggestions to Help You Find Peace
The following are suggestions that can lower your stress level and bring peace to your life:
1. Cut some activities out. If you are constantly on the go and never have time to just relax, then you should think about changing your schedule. While you may not want to think you can’t do everything, you have to remember to focus on yourself and that means you need time.
2. Organization brings peace. When you have a lot of chaos, you usually also have disorganization. You are all out of sorts and struggle with everything. A good way to avoid that problem is to be as organized as you can including making lists. Being organized saves you time and brings peace to your life.
3. Have an escape plan. You should have an activity or place to go when you have to get out of the chaos and spend some quiet time.
Go to a hotel for the night, get out of town, or just go out to dinner. Get out and enjoy life and spend some time focusing on you.
Have a good book or a fun video game you can play to help you relax.
4. Watch your pace. If you maintain a healthy pace in your life, you are going to have more peace. You need all the energy you can get to get through your day. Pacing yourself lets you stay clear and level headed.
5. Find an activity that brings you peace. Having a hobby or activity you enjoy that is peaceful is a great idea. You could attend a yoga class, meditate, or go for a hike in the woods. All these can help you learn how to relax your mind and bring peace into your life.
6. Realize that you have to accept your life. It is hard to have a chaotic life but you cannot really have life without chaos. That is why you have to focus on accepting the chaos and doing the best you can in your life. You can deal with what is there and work towards a peaceful life instead of worrying about what could be.
Decide What Methods Help You
You need to learn to stay in the present, and make your life as simple and balanced as possible. The little things you can do that help you achieve that goal are going to help. You are the only one who knows what brings peace to you and your life. You may want to talk to someone about what is going on, read a book, or just sit quietly. Everyone will have a different way of finding peace so do what works for you.
Source
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Thrifty Mom 2
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Never use the heated dry setting on your dishwasher! Turn it off before running and let the dishes dry naturally! Saves energy and doesn't heat up the kitchen!
Deal of the Week
Center Cut Pork Rib Chops at $2.99 a pound
Recipe of the Week
Elegant Pork Chops is a recipe that was originally found in a decades old Reynolds Wrap booklet. Considering its presence on the web, its popularity has staying power! Please note this recipe is shown for two servings. I actually triple it and feed my family for two nights!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/elegant-pork-chops/detail.aspx
Motivational Quote of the Week
(okay I admit this is a bit lofty ... but all it really says is Think Positive!)
"Life has, indeed, many ills, but the mind that views every object in its most cheering aspect, and every doubtful dispensation as replete with latent good, bears within itself a powerful and perpetual antidote."
Lydia H. Sigourney
1791-1865, Poet
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Never use the heated dry setting on your dishwasher! Turn it off before running and let the dishes dry naturally! Saves energy and doesn't heat up the kitchen!
Deal of the Week
Center Cut Pork Rib Chops at $2.99 a pound
Recipe of the Week
Elegant Pork Chops is a recipe that was originally found in a decades old Reynolds Wrap booklet. Considering its presence on the web, its popularity has staying power! Please note this recipe is shown for two servings. I actually triple it and feed my family for two nights!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/elegant-pork-chops/detail.aspx
Motivational Quote of the Week
(okay I admit this is a bit lofty ... but all it really says is Think Positive!)
"Life has, indeed, many ills, but the mind that views every object in its most cheering aspect, and every doubtful dispensation as replete with latent good, bears within itself a powerful and perpetual antidote."
Lydia H. Sigourney
1791-1865, Poet
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper today and get your finances under control!
www.debthelper.com
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thrifty Mom
Thrifty Mom 1
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Buy the bigger size whenever possible! For years I bought the half gallon size of milk because it fit better in the frig ... purchasing a gallon brings your cost per ounce down significantly!
Deal of the Week
Pork Baby Back Ribs $4.49 a pound at one store and buy one get one free at another. These are occasionally $3.99 a pound so the higher cost is likely due to the holiday weekend.
Recipe of the Week
Easy Barbecued Pork Baby Back Ribs - my copy was likely cut from a pork brochure many years ago but I found it on the Meals for You website! These ribs are perfect every time! If you don't want to fire up the grill ... remove the foil, put on the barbecue sauce and bake for 15 more minutes.
http://www.mealsforyou.com/cgi-bin/recipe?id.2081
Motivational Quote of the Week
"I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here." - Jim Henson 1936-1990, Muppets Creator
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper.com and get your finances under control!
http://www.debthelper.com/
Quick tips and a recipe each week to help save you money!
Thrifty Tip of the Week
Buy the bigger size whenever possible! For years I bought the half gallon size of milk because it fit better in the frig ... purchasing a gallon brings your cost per ounce down significantly!
Deal of the Week
Pork Baby Back Ribs $4.49 a pound at one store and buy one get one free at another. These are occasionally $3.99 a pound so the higher cost is likely due to the holiday weekend.
Recipe of the Week
Easy Barbecued Pork Baby Back Ribs - my copy was likely cut from a pork brochure many years ago but I found it on the Meals for You website! These ribs are perfect every time! If you don't want to fire up the grill ... remove the foil, put on the barbecue sauce and bake for 15 more minutes.
http://www.mealsforyou.com/cgi-bin/recipe?id.2081
Motivational Quote of the Week
"I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here." - Jim Henson 1936-1990, Muppets Creator
Action Plan for the Week
Call Debthelper.com and get your finances under control!
http://www.debthelper.com/
Friday, May 14, 2010
INVESTING:
Make a date with a financial planner
You need help with a crucial decision, such as figuring out how to invest a six-figure insurance payout or how you'll pay for your kid's education.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Telephone.
Instructions:
• Visit NAPFA.org to locate planners in your area. (If you have time to spare, you can also search at the Garrett Planning Network or the Financial Planning Association for other names.)
• Research a few to see whose skills and resources mesh with your situation.
• Call to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting.
Total time: 15 minutes.
Take an X-ray of your fund portfolio - See how well-balanced your mix is.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Portfolio of mutual funds.
• Current fund statements.
Instructions:
• Visit Morningstar.com's Instant X-Ray tool.
• Insert your funds' symbols in the first column, put the dollar value or percentage value of each holding in the second, and hit the "Show Instant X-Ray" button.
• You will see how your portfolio breaks down -- how much is in each region of the world, in each stock sector (energy, utilities and so on) and in each investment style (such as large cap growth or small cap value). You can also get portfolio statistics, including the average price-to-earnings ratio of your stocks and the average expense ratio of your funds (and the amount you pay in annual fees).
The service is free. A more detailed probe of your portfolio requires a premium membership, which costs $179 per year, but the site offers a 14-day free trial.
Total time: eight minutes for a six-fund portfolio.
Find your risk tolerance
Create an investment plan that suits your goals and fits your personality.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
Instructions:
• Go to this risk tolerance and asset allocation calculator.
• Complete the assessment to estimate how much of your money you should invest in stocks, with the rest in lower-risk investments.
• Consider the suggested allocation, and invest appropriately.
Total time: two minutes.
Source
You need help with a crucial decision, such as figuring out how to invest a six-figure insurance payout or how you'll pay for your kid's education.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Telephone.
Instructions:
• Visit NAPFA.org to locate planners in your area. (If you have time to spare, you can also search at the Garrett Planning Network or the Financial Planning Association for other names.)
• Research a few to see whose skills and resources mesh with your situation.
• Call to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting.
Total time: 15 minutes.
Take an X-ray of your fund portfolio - See how well-balanced your mix is.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Portfolio of mutual funds.
• Current fund statements.
Instructions:
• Visit Morningstar.com's Instant X-Ray tool.
• Insert your funds' symbols in the first column, put the dollar value or percentage value of each holding in the second, and hit the "Show Instant X-Ray" button.
• You will see how your portfolio breaks down -- how much is in each region of the world, in each stock sector (energy, utilities and so on) and in each investment style (such as large cap growth or small cap value). You can also get portfolio statistics, including the average price-to-earnings ratio of your stocks and the average expense ratio of your funds (and the amount you pay in annual fees).
The service is free. A more detailed probe of your portfolio requires a premium membership, which costs $179 per year, but the site offers a 14-day free trial.
Total time: eight minutes for a six-fund portfolio.
Find your risk tolerance
Create an investment plan that suits your goals and fits your personality.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
Instructions:
• Go to this risk tolerance and asset allocation calculator.
• Complete the assessment to estimate how much of your money you should invest in stocks, with the rest in lower-risk investments.
• Consider the suggested allocation, and invest appropriately.
Total time: two minutes.
Source
Fix your finances
BANKING:
Put your savings on autopilot - There is less to think about when you transfer cash automatically to savings and investing accounts.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• A bank account for receiving your paycheck.
• A savings account or money market fund, a brokerage or mutual fund account, and routing numbers.
Instructions:
• Sign in to your bank account, and click on "transfers."
• Set up a recurring transfer to a savings account or money fund for your emergency cash.
• Set up another to your brokerage or mutual fund account to build your investments.
Total time: three minutes.
Set up credit card payment alerts
Those $39 late fees add up. In 2009, banks collected more than $19 billion from procrastinating cardholders.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• A user ID and password.
Instructions:
• At the American Express website, for example, log in, and then choose "See Account Management Options."
• Click on "Update Account Alerts," and check "Payment Reminder." The reminder can be from one to 10 days before the due date. (The process is similar at other card websites.)
Total time: seven minutes, including registering the accounts.
Stop bouncing checks and paying nuisance fees
Charges can be as high as $38 for each time you overdraw your account. Banks raked in $38 billion from such fees in 2009.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Social Security number.
• Bank account number.
• Other personal information.
Instructions:
• Go to your bank's website and select "overdraft protection.
• Click to link to a savings or money market account. That prevents you from bouncing a check and costs less.
Most banks also let you sign up for an alert that warns you when your balance approaches a specified level.
If you need to open the account you're linking to, a bank representative may call later.
Total time: 11 minutes to sign up for both the alert and the linked account.
IDENTITY THEFT AND CREDIT MONITORING:
Get your credit scores
Good scores and a good credit history can get you a great loan rate. A bad record could keep you from getting one at all.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Social Security number.
• Date of birth.
• Address.
Instructions:
• Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, select your state, click on "Request Report" and provide the information requested.
• You'll be guided to each of the three major credit bureaus' sites to answer a few more questions.
Each bureau gives you the option to get a credit score (for $7.95) with each report (free every 12 months).
Total time: 13 minutes.
Source
Put your savings on autopilot - There is less to think about when you transfer cash automatically to savings and investing accounts.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• A bank account for receiving your paycheck.
• A savings account or money market fund, a brokerage or mutual fund account, and routing numbers.
Instructions:
• Sign in to your bank account, and click on "transfers."
• Set up a recurring transfer to a savings account or money fund for your emergency cash.
• Set up another to your brokerage or mutual fund account to build your investments.
Total time: three minutes.
Set up credit card payment alerts
Those $39 late fees add up. In 2009, banks collected more than $19 billion from procrastinating cardholders.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• A user ID and password.
Instructions:
• At the American Express website, for example, log in, and then choose "See Account Management Options."
• Click on "Update Account Alerts," and check "Payment Reminder." The reminder can be from one to 10 days before the due date. (The process is similar at other card websites.)
Total time: seven minutes, including registering the accounts.
Stop bouncing checks and paying nuisance fees
Charges can be as high as $38 for each time you overdraw your account. Banks raked in $38 billion from such fees in 2009.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Social Security number.
• Bank account number.
• Other personal information.
Instructions:
• Go to your bank's website and select "overdraft protection.
• Click to link to a savings or money market account. That prevents you from bouncing a check and costs less.
Most banks also let you sign up for an alert that warns you when your balance approaches a specified level.
If you need to open the account you're linking to, a bank representative may call later.
Total time: 11 minutes to sign up for both the alert and the linked account.
IDENTITY THEFT AND CREDIT MONITORING:
Get your credit scores
Good scores and a good credit history can get you a great loan rate. A bad record could keep you from getting one at all.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Social Security number.
• Date of birth.
• Address.
Instructions:
• Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, select your state, click on "Request Report" and provide the information requested.
• You'll be guided to each of the three major credit bureaus' sites to answer a few more questions.
Each bureau gives you the option to get a credit score (for $7.95) with each report (free every 12 months).
Total time: 13 minutes.
Source
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Family shocked by $18,000 phone bills
Verizon says the rules were clear, but the FCC is looking into the 'unpleasant surprises' that customers sometimes face. When the St. Germains of Massachusetts got their cell phone bill, they thought surely there had been a mistake. The bill that month for the family, normally about $100, was more than $12,000. When Bob St. Germain called Verizon Wireless to inquire, he was told that the next month's bill would be nearly $6,000.
Verizon explained that when the family had renewed its two-year contract, a free data download promotion had ended. Not realizing the service had changed, Bryan St. Germain, then a college student, downloaded 816,000 kilobytes of data the first month and 375,000 the second. Thus, their total bill for two months was nearly $18,000.
I downloaded 1.19 million kilobytes last month. It cost $29.99. That's Verizon's monthly charge for an unlimited data plan for my smart phone. Two months would be $59.98.
We don't know what a data plan cost in 2006, but if it was free for two years, it must not have cost the company $12,000 a month. Even if the St. Germains were 100% at fault, should making a mistake with your cell phone plan cost more than a new car?
Verizon argues that the charges were clearly spelled out in the family's contract. "We go to great lengths to educate our customers on their products and services so that they avoid any unintended bills," two Verizon spokesmen wrote in an e-mailed statement to the Globe.
After the story was published, Howard Waterman, the executive director of public relations for Verizon Wireless Northeast Area, wrote to The Globe: "This story paints an inaccurate picture about the clear disclosure of calling plan information we provide and neglects to include any of the many tools available to our customers to help manage their accounts."
The Federal Communications Commission isn't sure that's enough. Partly in response to the Globe report, the FCC launched an initiative on "bill shock" this week, asking for public comment.
The St. Germains' situation is not the first case of a wireless costumer unwittingly running up an enormous bill, with Verizon and competing carriers. One man reported being charged $62,000 for downloading a movie while traveling in Mexico. Many families have stories of unexpected bills in the hundreds of dollars for in some way going outside the parameters of their plans.
We Americans love our cell phones, but we hate our cell phone companies. The complexity of plans, the ever-changing nature of the rules and technology and what passes for customer service seem to make us all victims of the worst of "gotcha" capitalism.
Source
Verizon explained that when the family had renewed its two-year contract, a free data download promotion had ended. Not realizing the service had changed, Bryan St. Germain, then a college student, downloaded 816,000 kilobytes of data the first month and 375,000 the second. Thus, their total bill for two months was nearly $18,000.
I downloaded 1.19 million kilobytes last month. It cost $29.99. That's Verizon's monthly charge for an unlimited data plan for my smart phone. Two months would be $59.98.
We don't know what a data plan cost in 2006, but if it was free for two years, it must not have cost the company $12,000 a month. Even if the St. Germains were 100% at fault, should making a mistake with your cell phone plan cost more than a new car?
Verizon argues that the charges were clearly spelled out in the family's contract. "We go to great lengths to educate our customers on their products and services so that they avoid any unintended bills," two Verizon spokesmen wrote in an e-mailed statement to the Globe.
After the story was published, Howard Waterman, the executive director of public relations for Verizon Wireless Northeast Area, wrote to The Globe: "This story paints an inaccurate picture about the clear disclosure of calling plan information we provide and neglects to include any of the many tools available to our customers to help manage their accounts."
The Federal Communications Commission isn't sure that's enough. Partly in response to the Globe report, the FCC launched an initiative on "bill shock" this week, asking for public comment.
The St. Germains' situation is not the first case of a wireless costumer unwittingly running up an enormous bill, with Verizon and competing carriers. One man reported being charged $62,000 for downloading a movie while traveling in Mexico. Many families have stories of unexpected bills in the hundreds of dollars for in some way going outside the parameters of their plans.
We Americans love our cell phones, but we hate our cell phone companies. The complexity of plans, the ever-changing nature of the rules and technology and what passes for customer service seem to make us all victims of the worst of "gotcha" capitalism.
Source
Monday, May 10, 2010
Secured Credit Cards Can Help You Establish Credit
If you are young and are looking for a good way to build credit, a secure credit card may be a good option. Secured credit cards are also good for older people who have never established credit. Getting credit is difficult if you don't have any. Many lenders will attempt to look at your credit report to determine whether or not you qualify for a loan. If you don't have a credit history, they may not take the risk of lending you money.
This can put you in a difficult situation. It is very difficult to function in society without having good credit. Getting a car, house, or job will often require a credit check. Because of this it is important to have a solid credit history.
How Do Secured Credit Cards Work?
While there are many ways you can establish credit, the most common method is to get a secured credit card from a company which offers them. As the name implies, this type of card is secured by using the money you deposit in the account. The money will stay in the account as long as you use the card. The card will have a balance limit on it which will not be more than the deposit you made. Once you have made a deposit into the account, you will be able to use the card just as you would with any credit card. Secured credit cards are secure for both the lender and the borrower.
Zero Risk For Your Credit Card Company?
The credit card company lowers its risk by only lending money which can be secured by the money deposited by the borrower. It helps the borrower because they avoid taking on a large amount of debt that they may not be able to handle. The secured credit card has many similarities to a regular credit card, and you will receive a bill every month. These cards are different from prepaid credit cards which do not have an account which is used to secure them. Most prepaid credit cards are very similar to debit cards, and you cannot build a credit history by using them.
Building Credit By Spending
You will begin building your credit report as you use the secured loan to make purchases. Though you can use your secured credit card for as long as you want, most people eventually switch to an unsecured credit card. Secured credit cards tend to have much higher interest rates than unsecured credit cards, and they typically don't have an annual charge. With secured loans, a portion of your money is locked in an account and you are not able to access it; this isn't a problem with an unsecured credit card.
Step Up For An Unsecured Credit Card
At the same time, having an unsecured credit card requires you to be responsible. You should only get this type of card if you've consistently made payments on your secured credit card with no problems. If you find that you have been late making payments, it may be best to continue using the secured credit card. You don't want to put yourself in a situation where your debt increases.
Secured credit cards are great for young people who are just starting out. They carry a low amount of risk; this is something which benefits everyone. Since secured credit cards have a much higher interest rate than unsecured cards, you can expect to pay more in interest when using them. Those who are looking for low interest rates will want to look at unsecured credit cards. These cards are aimed at people who have built up a good amount of credit, and have demonstrated that they can make payments on time. Building up a solid credit history is an important part of managing your finances.
Source
This can put you in a difficult situation. It is very difficult to function in society without having good credit. Getting a car, house, or job will often require a credit check. Because of this it is important to have a solid credit history.
How Do Secured Credit Cards Work?
While there are many ways you can establish credit, the most common method is to get a secured credit card from a company which offers them. As the name implies, this type of card is secured by using the money you deposit in the account. The money will stay in the account as long as you use the card. The card will have a balance limit on it which will not be more than the deposit you made. Once you have made a deposit into the account, you will be able to use the card just as you would with any credit card. Secured credit cards are secure for both the lender and the borrower.
Zero Risk For Your Credit Card Company?
The credit card company lowers its risk by only lending money which can be secured by the money deposited by the borrower. It helps the borrower because they avoid taking on a large amount of debt that they may not be able to handle. The secured credit card has many similarities to a regular credit card, and you will receive a bill every month. These cards are different from prepaid credit cards which do not have an account which is used to secure them. Most prepaid credit cards are very similar to debit cards, and you cannot build a credit history by using them.
Building Credit By Spending
You will begin building your credit report as you use the secured loan to make purchases. Though you can use your secured credit card for as long as you want, most people eventually switch to an unsecured credit card. Secured credit cards tend to have much higher interest rates than unsecured credit cards, and they typically don't have an annual charge. With secured loans, a portion of your money is locked in an account and you are not able to access it; this isn't a problem with an unsecured credit card.
Step Up For An Unsecured Credit Card
At the same time, having an unsecured credit card requires you to be responsible. You should only get this type of card if you've consistently made payments on your secured credit card with no problems. If you find that you have been late making payments, it may be best to continue using the secured credit card. You don't want to put yourself in a situation where your debt increases.
Secured credit cards are great for young people who are just starting out. They carry a low amount of risk; this is something which benefits everyone. Since secured credit cards have a much higher interest rate than unsecured cards, you can expect to pay more in interest when using them. Those who are looking for low interest rates will want to look at unsecured credit cards. These cards are aimed at people who have built up a good amount of credit, and have demonstrated that they can make payments on time. Building up a solid credit history is an important part of managing your finances.
Source
Monday, May 3, 2010
How insurers know if you're lying
After many decades of being on the receiving end of customer scams, the insurance industry is on to you. And now that the sagging economy is leading to more attempts to score free money with fraudulent insurance claims, insurers are becoming more vigilant. A well established list of red flags, known to insurance insiders as "suspicious loss indicators" help the industry zero in on potentially bogus claims.
Why care if your neighbor is scheming?
Insurance fraud is big business in the United States. Fraud exceeds $40 billion a year, according to FBI statistics. You pay that price in the form of higher insurance premiums, which cost the average family $400 to $700 annually. Fraud bureaus around the country reported a spike in the number of fraud cases in 2009 compared with the previous year, according the Coalition against Insurance Fraud.
That's suspicious!
Since its creation in 1992, the crime bureau has developed 23 "suspicious loss indicators." In 2009, the bureau's 1,000 member organizations which include insurance companies, self-insured organizations and transportation-related businesses, including car rental companies, made about 143,000 requests to the bureau for help assessing suspicious claims.
• High debt or financial distress on the part of a claimant, detected by insurance company investigators through forensic accounting.
• Adding or increasing home insurance or business insurance coverage shortly before damage or theft occurs.
• Lack of police reports.
• Damage or theft of old, obsolete items or inventory, or of multiple family heirlooms for which it's difficult or impossible to establish accurate value.
• A history of losses and previous claims.
• A claimant who's unusually calm after a major loss.
• Suspicious-looking or handwritten receipts for repairs or replacement of covered property.
Arson alert
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 300,000 intentional fires occur in the United States each year, causing 400 to 500 deaths and $1 billion in property damage. But only 5% to 7% of arson offenses result in convictions, according to the FBI. The U.S. Fire Administration says these are signals that a fire should be further investigated:
• It occurred during a renovation or to a structurally damaged building.
• Valuable or sentimental property, personal items, important papers or pets were removed from the premises.
• There are no accidental or natural causes at the point of origin.
• There's an unusual presence of combustible materials or multiple separate fires.
• The fire started immediately after a family argument or shortly after family members left the premises.
• The fire spread unnaturally or caused excessive damage.
• Firefighters' access was blocked by vehicles or by contents pushed up against entry doors.
• The homeowner's movements are unaccounted for.
• The value of damaged items seems improbable, given the policyholder's income.
Source
Why care if your neighbor is scheming?
Insurance fraud is big business in the United States. Fraud exceeds $40 billion a year, according to FBI statistics. You pay that price in the form of higher insurance premiums, which cost the average family $400 to $700 annually. Fraud bureaus around the country reported a spike in the number of fraud cases in 2009 compared with the previous year, according the Coalition against Insurance Fraud.
That's suspicious!
Since its creation in 1992, the crime bureau has developed 23 "suspicious loss indicators." In 2009, the bureau's 1,000 member organizations which include insurance companies, self-insured organizations and transportation-related businesses, including car rental companies, made about 143,000 requests to the bureau for help assessing suspicious claims.
• High debt or financial distress on the part of a claimant, detected by insurance company investigators through forensic accounting.
• Adding or increasing home insurance or business insurance coverage shortly before damage or theft occurs.
• Lack of police reports.
• Damage or theft of old, obsolete items or inventory, or of multiple family heirlooms for which it's difficult or impossible to establish accurate value.
• A history of losses and previous claims.
• A claimant who's unusually calm after a major loss.
• Suspicious-looking or handwritten receipts for repairs or replacement of covered property.
Arson alert
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 300,000 intentional fires occur in the United States each year, causing 400 to 500 deaths and $1 billion in property damage. But only 5% to 7% of arson offenses result in convictions, according to the FBI. The U.S. Fire Administration says these are signals that a fire should be further investigated:
• It occurred during a renovation or to a structurally damaged building.
• Valuable or sentimental property, personal items, important papers or pets were removed from the premises.
• There are no accidental or natural causes at the point of origin.
• There's an unusual presence of combustible materials or multiple separate fires.
• The fire started immediately after a family argument or shortly after family members left the premises.
• The fire spread unnaturally or caused excessive damage.
• Firefighters' access was blocked by vehicles or by contents pushed up against entry doors.
• The homeowner's movements are unaccounted for.
• The value of damaged items seems improbable, given the policyholder's income.
Source
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