Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Where Not To Invest


If you have reached Dave Ramsey's step number 4, contribute 15% of your pre-tax income to retirement, you may want to consider this information.

I came across this paper about mutual fund performance and the potential effects on your retirement.

Insurance companies are becoming more full-service oriented by offering banking and mutual funds services. It seems that mutual funds offered by insurance companies generally tend to underperform other investment fund families, by about 1.5% per year. This may not seem like much at first, but on a $10,000 investment, that could be a difference of $19,000 over 20 years.

The reasoning behind the underperformance is that insurance companies are naturally conservative in their risk taking, respecting the spirit and the letter of various regulations that can impede them from investing more aggressively. Investors in insurance companies' poorly performing funds also tend to pay little attention to them, giving the fund managers little incentive to actively try to keep their business.

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

When It Pays To Be Below Average


Legislation aimed at remedying what is view as questionable practices of the credit card industry that keep consumers mired in debt was introduced recently.

Based on the most recent data from the Federal Reserve, the average American family carries an average of $2,200 in credit card debt.

The credit card industry has come under fire from lawmakers in recent months for what some critics have labeled "unfair" practices such as raising interest rates on debt even when consumers pay on time or when their credit scores change.

If passed, the law would stop credit card issuers from charging interest rates on debt that is paid on time and require that interest rate hikes apply only to future credit card debt and not debt already incurred.

Credit card companies have argued, however, that such a law would have dire consequences on all consumers by making credit more expensive and less easily available. At the same time, issuers, and some federal regulators, have argued that new legislation could have unintended consequences. It is said that if this bill is enacted, the financial burdens associated with the higher-risk customers will be spread across all customers.

So with the average credit card debt being $2,200, I guess I am below average with ZERO credit card debt!

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Pathetic


Read about how this lady is trying to eBay her family's debt.

This lady is trying to eBay her family's $103,245.11 in debt. It comes with her house and car (loving family not included). I guess it could be useful if you're trying to decrease your tax liability, or you just want to feel part of the credit crunch crisis. Maybe you could work out a Prince and the Pauper thing.

It really amazes how pathetic people are becoming.

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

A Happy Ending


A lonely pensioner who could not find a friend to enjoy a pint with was celebrating last night.

In an earlier post, I told of Jack Hammond, who's son put an advertisement in his local post office window offering $14 an hour for someone to meet him in his local pub and talk with his father on the nights he could not be there.

After sifting out all of the applications, the great grandfather has picked out two new friends after father and son had a drink with all the candidates from a shortlist.

Mr Hammond, a retired engineer from Lancashire, had to drink alone after moving to a care home in Winsor, Hampshire, to be near his family.

All but one of the other residents are women, not natural candidates for an evening in the Compass Inn discussing military history and Preston North End soccer team.

Mr Hammond and his son have now picked out retired kitchen fitter Trevor Pugh, 78, from Southampton, and 58-year-old Henry Rosenvinge, a former doctor.

Mr. Pugh and Mr. Hammond are both ex-Army so we have that in common.

Dr Rosenvinge and Mr. Hammond are both from Lancashire so there is a lot they can argue about.

I'll drink to that!

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Guilt Trips Unlimited

Ashley's parents recently got divorced and her mother keeps asking her for money to pay her bills. How should she help without enabling her?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Death and Taxes


In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Benjamin Franklin

Just ask Wesley Snipes about that.


Wesley Snipes was jailed for three years last night for tax evasion despite pleas for his freedom from some famous friends. He was given the maximum sentence from a judge in Florida, for dodging more than $15 million in federal income taxes on earnings.

In a lengthy memo to the court calling for the maximum 36-month sentence, prosecutors said Snipes engaged in a decade-long campaign of criminal tax conduct combining brazen defiance with insidious concealment that amounted to a $15 million evasion and $41 million in "intended harm" to the US Treasury.

Before the sentencing, the actor asked the court to show mercy and offered three checks totaling $5 million as a gesture of good will.

Federal prosecutors diverted the checks to the U.S. Treasury, which accepted the payment,but it wasn't enough.


The judge told Snipes that he will not have to surrender to custody immediately but must report to prison near his home in New Jersey at a later date.


Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Great News


As Cuba Gooding Jr.says on the movie Jerry Maguire, "show me the money!"

Tax rebates will start arriving Monday. About 800,000 people a day, will get rebates on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be no rebates distributed on Thursday, and 5 million payments will be made on Friday.

Overall, the Treasury will distribute more than $110 billion to 130 million taxpayers by July and hopes to get the first $50 billion out by the end of May

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Taking Time to Grieve

Sonya's fiance suddenly passed away, she was already working Dave's plan and then started saving for the wedding. What should she do?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Calling Out of Fear

Josh is married with two kids. He lost his house and cars. How does he start over?

Labels:

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Will The Stimulus Money Be Taxed?


Someone asked if the stimulus money that will be arriving next month will be taxed.

When you do your 2008 income tax return, you will be asked somewhere in the preparation process how much of an advance you got in 2008. (By the person doing your tax return, by the software program you are using, or if doing by hand, the instructions will have you enter it on a worksheet.) This is not in order to tax you on it. This is to calculate to see whether or not you got the full credit and, if not, you will get the remainder of it that is still due you when you file your 2008 return.

Some people who do not receive the stimulus funds now will get it when they file their 2008 tax return. You have to take into account what you did receive so that you are not getting it twice. On the other hand, maybe you end up getting more than you should have if it had waited until you filed the 2008 return and in that case, you do not have to pay any of it back. I am not sure exactly how this is all figured, but the child tax credit is increasing to $1300 (therefore you will get $300 for every dependent child on your 2007 tax return who will still be under age 16 by the end of 2008). If you cannot for some reason claim that child on your 2008 return you still get to keep the $300 you got for that dependent.

To sum it up, the stimulus check, is a one time tax credit just paid in advance. Your taxes for next year will not be affected.

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

A Costly Hobby


Do you have a productive hobby that pays for itself?

John Melling, started building the 30-foot Trimaran yacht in his back garden five years ago, but it has now outgrown its home and is proving a problem to move.

Mr Melling, built the yacht so that he and wife can enjoy sailing after he retires. He is even thinking of racing it, but right now the challenge is getting it out of the garden. He will have to remove a fence and hire a crane and flatbed to get this duck in the water.

I make my own beer and some wine for a few years now. Because of the method I use, it costs me about 50 cents for a great bottle of Irish Stout and between $2 and $3 dollars for some average table wine. The price could be lower, but I cut corners to save on time. The wine takes up to a year to age and the beer takes about three weeks from starting to be perfect for drinking. They make great Christmas gifts and lower my grocery bill.

Do you have any hobbies that could earn a profit or save you money?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The Right Funds

Megan's husband wants a large emergency fund. She wants a smaller one. What's the right amount to have in funds?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Negotiating Debt

Bonnie hid credit card debt from her husband for 10-12 years. How can she negotiate down the interest?

Labels: , , , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Do You Splurge?


This blog is about budgeting, erasing debt and being able to afford things in the future. So do you enjoy life today amidst all of the budgeting?

I think that even the most frugal person has one or two indulgences they allow themselves. With Dave Ramsey, he advocates for a blow fund that is regularly funded, but the expenses are not tracked. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it is good. It is these splurges that keep us going as we save for the future. What do you splurge on and why?

My grocery bill is high, but we buy a lot of fresh ingredients for quality dishes. Just ask Jim, or anyone else who stops by and dines with my family.

Labels:

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Monday, April 21, 2008

How To Teach A Spoiled Brat About The Value of Money


The BBC recently taped a show called Blood, Sweat and T-shirts.

Six young fashion addicts experience life as factory workers in India, making clothes. In this four-part series, the six work in the mills of India's cotton belt and stitch clothes in cramped back rooms with workers, some of whom sleep next to their sewing machines. It was an effort to see how it changes their attitudes to cut-price clothing.

Each morning at 8am, six days a week, the six young adults join 4,000 other workers who clock in at a massive warehouse, where they turn out 10,000 garments a day. Although it is far from a sweatshop, the regulations and pace of work came as a massive shock to the young Brits. Ordered not to rise from their machines or go to the toilet without permission, they clashed with the no-nonsense supervisors, who were appalled by their lack of discipline.

It did not take long for the Indian people to make known their displeasure at these young people's lack of discipline and respect. In the end, these kids admired the people who work so hard to provide basic food and shelter for their families. They said that they learned their lesson and think twice about buying a particular new dress or shirt.

For me, I am not above stopping in at Goodwill, Salvation Army or other second-hand stores. You can find some really good deals there.

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

4 Things to Use Credit For


I saw this list in a book the other day. It listed four things that appreciate in value. Can you guess what they are?

1. House
2. Education
3. Home Improvements
4. Rental Property

Overall, a house is a great investment, if you own it for a good period of time.

I can agree somewhat with investing in an education, but you do not have to get into debt up to you ears. As I mention before, it is possible to be debt free at college.

Home improvements are great, especially if you buy a handyman special. Some of the top returns on home improvements are:
Siding Replacement (Vinyl)
Window Replacement (Wood)
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Bathroom Remodel
Window Replacement (Vinyl)
Two-Story Addition
Major Kitchen Remodel

Notice the pool and hot tub are not on there.

Rental property, is almost like owning a home. They can be real winners or a mill stone. If you enjoy the dealing with renters, go for it. If you can get the mortgage paid off, they can be some real consistent income.

Labels: , , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Medical Insurance Woes

Roxanne has 14 children, one had surgery. Their medical insurance isn't good and all the bills are starting to come in. How does she handle them?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

$12,000 Trip vs. Investing?

John's wife wants to go on a family trip to Disney World. John would rather invest the money. What should he do?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Getting More Than You Asked For


When ordering two Easter flower arrangements from ProFlowers.com, I received good service and something unexpected.

Today while reviewing my bank statement, I noticed a pending $14.95 charge from Easy Saver. I do not remember buying anything by this name. After thinking about it, I Googled Easy Saver and found their name associated with ProFlowers.com in a scam.

If I remember correctly, after my first arrangement order, I got a pop up ad for 15% off or possibly free shipping. So, naturally I took the offer. This led me to being signed up for Easy Saver Rewards Club. Luckily, I found it early, and was able to stop service and get a refund by calling 1-800-355-1837. It sounded like a sweat shop of telemarketers in the background, but the lady was nice and so was I.

As a EasySaver Rewards Club member, you will have for shopping access to members-only cash back savings through the Club gift card program, as well as access to members-only savings, discounts, rebates and other benefits on specified travel, leisure and entertainment purchases and other specified products and services made available. That's fine that you offer the service, but I did not order it.

ProFlowers on the other hand will be getting an email from me. It would be in their best interest to distance themselves from this type of activity.

Should I continue to patronize ProFlowers.com?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Which Is The Lesser of Two Weevils


Is there a difference between earning more than you spend, or spending less than you make?

Think about it carefully and you will see that though they sound alike, they really do not mean the exact same thing.

The secret to being debt free, is living beneath your income. The frugalist's ideology is to spend less than you earn. While the the capitalist's ideology is to earn more than you spend.

A frugalist will spend his time searching the web, newspaper, and speaking with his friends to find that next great bargain basement deal. While a capitalist will spend his time searching the web, newspaper, and speaking with his friends to find that next great money making opportunity.

Being a frugalist suggests that you are working within the limitations of what you have. While being a capitalist implies that you are out to consume, or perhaps to sacrifice your precious time for the pursuit of more money.

I particularly like the concept of being what you may call a frugal capitalist, whom you can consider as embracing the positives of both financial philosophies. Dave Ramsey seems to straddling both views. He advocates both when you are in debt to live beneath your income, paying with cash, looking for deals and in a lot of cases, to get a part-time job to pay off those credit cards.

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Guidance and Support

Terri had a job making $500K to $1 million. Her new job only pays $150k. Should she pay off her debts?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Using Up Savings

Rachel's husband went into the contracting business and blew through their savings. They are struggling. What should they do?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Bargains Are Just Too Good To Be True At Ebay


Have you ever been scammed on eBay?

You can buy almost anything on eBay. It has also become a magnet for criminals, counterfeiters and fraudsters.

Two weeks ago, the luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co announced it is suing eBay after finding that almost 75% of items claiming to be originally from its stores are, in fact, fakes.

Laura Moss, a journalist for the Daily Mail, decided to see how bad the problem was. Of the 34 items she bought, from market labels such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, it emerged that 33 were fake and only one was genuine.

One tactic is to photograph an item with the brand's logo on display in the background. All this paraphernalia created an illusion of authenticity about the products, but crucially there were no close-up photographs of the jewelry and no detail could be acquire from the distant shot on screen.

It is also relatively common to come across an item on eBay that carries a brand's name but is not a copy of a known design. Another indicative sign can be if someone is selling multiple numbers of the same item cheaply.

The way most eBay buyers decide whether a seller is trustworthy or not, is by the feedback system. Every time an item is purchased online, the buyer can leave a message marking the experience as positive, neutral or negative. It is recorded and can be seen by all potential buyers the next time the seller uses the website, in addition to comments about the sale.

Only one other eBayer refunded Moss when she told them the goods were fake; four out of the 22 refused to repay her and one seller did not respond. The rest promised a refund upon return of the goods. The majority of sellers claimed that they had bought the items in question from other eBayers.

The price is normally an indication of whether or not the garments are legitimate. If something appears on a website with a much lower recommended retail price than retailers, which is normally a sign that it is a fake.

After all, in life, if something seems too good to be true, that is because it probably is.

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Financial Disaster

Rhonda is $53K in debt and going through a divorce. A financial advisor told her to file for bankruptcy. What should she do?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Residency Debt

Amy's husband just finished his medical residency. They are $276K in debt and a financial advisor wants them to invest $3K a month. Amy wants to pay off their debt first. What should they do?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Hello, Anyone Out There?


Here is an amazing database of popular company phone numbers and the required steps to speak to a real live person.

The Gethuman web site was created for consumers who want to be treated with dignity when they contact a business for customer support. Their goal is to convince enterprises that providing high quality customer service and having satisfied customers costs much less than providing low quality customer service and having unsatisfied customers. When you have a problem, give them a try and let us know if it helped.


Labels:

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Nickel and Diming

Renee's husband is irresponsible with money. He lost his job and is making less money at his new one. How can she talk to him about this?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Expanding the Business

Kevin hasn't been paying taxes for five yars. He wants to start a bigger business. Should he take care of taxes or build his business first?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Squatter Delays Development


Yes, another British home problem, only no newts involved here.

A billionaire is planning to transform a vacant London stately house into the world's most expensive home but cannot evict a squatter who has been living there for the past 21 years.

It seems that Harry Hallowes, 71, was awarded squatters' rights last year, which means he can continue living in his tent on the grounds.

Meanwhile, the tycoon will spend $160 million transforming the vacant Athlone House in Highgate, North London, into a stately home.

Once finished, the land and building will be worth an estimated $260 million. For comparison, superfreak Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch,at its greatest value was only worth $12 million.

The luxury site will have a grand driveway, an underground swimming pool, tennis courts and cottages for staff.

Apparently the trespasser's "land" is worth $8 million.

Time for me to check my yard for squatters. If I find any, nothing that a match and a can of gas couldn't take care of.

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Monday, April 14, 2008

12 Tips To Finding Extra Cash


Here is a checklist of non-essential items that you may be paying for regularly. If you are really hurting for cash, consider eliminating some of these luxuries:



1. Alcohol - Are you out partying too much?
2. Beeper/Cellular Phone(s) - Can you reduce or eliminate?
3. Cable/Satellite TV - Can you reduce or eliminate?
4. Club Dues - Can you reduce or eliminate?
5. Magazine Subscriptions - How about the library?
6. Internet Service - Can you bundle with your phone service?
7. Smoking - It is only going to increase your medical bills.
8. Impulse Shopping - Practice a little self-denial.
9. Eating Out - Try cooking at home and master some dishes.
10. Long Distance Calls - How about a good old fashion letter?
11. Babysitters - Hey, all they do is eat your food.
12. Landscaper/Mowing Service - Lose weight in the process of becoming debt-free.

Consider what you spend annually on the above items. For a short-term solution, try to minimize some of these non-essentials from your lifestyle. Do this at least until out of debt and feeling a sense of relief. I realize I am making suggestions that may be cramping your style, but remember, it is only temporary.

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

8 Strategies for Businesses and Employees To Decrease Commuting Costs


Here are 8 strategies to encouraging alternatives to the “drive-alone” commuter.

1. Take a survey. Find out how your employees get to work. Conduct a simple employee survey to determine their modes of transportation, where they commute from and how long it takes them on average.

2.Discuss commuting. Based on the survey results, talk with employees about the findings and the benefits of using public transit or starting a ride-sharing program as a way to save money and time. With gas prices over the $3.00 mark and rising, there is a tremendous opportunity for commuters to save by taking transit or starting a carpool or vanpool. A comprehensive guide to transit services across the U.S. is available from American Public Transportation Association.

3. Encourage Teamwork. It is no secret that most people do not like change. So, consider offering incentives like flexible schedules to accommodate carpoolers, or prime parking spots for employees willing to double or triple up for their commutes.

4. Promote Transit Savings. IRS tax laws allow companies to offer employees commuter benefit programs, so that they can use up to $105 per month of their pretax earnings to pay for commuting by mass transit or vanpool. Employees who take advantage of these benefits can save up to 30 percent or more on commuting costs, and employers can realize substantial payroll tax savings as well.

5. Illustrate the Benefits. There is no better motivator than the opportunity to save money so, be sure to give your employees a means to see how much they can save. For an easy-to-use online calculator that illustrates what employees can save by sharing a ride. For employees who are considering switching to transit, they can go use this commute cost for a calculation that will show them what they could save.

6. Provide Resources. Most metropolitan regions also have organizations that can assist companies in identifying alternative commuting options for employees. For assistance in locating such an organization, contact the Association for Commuter Transportation.

7. Celebrate Success. Look for examples of how using mass transit and carpools has benefited your company and employees, and recognize those who have contributed as a way to create an incentive for others to follow.

8. Telecommute. Some companies actually encourage this because they can save in building utilities in addition to having a happy employee.

Companies that implement innovative commuting programs are contributing to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions, preserve natural resources and saving their employees money.

I think that more and more companies are going to embrace telecommuting in the coming years as gas becomes more expensive for employees, office space becomes more expensive for employers, and everyone gets increasingly used to collaborating remotely. Anyone else seeing this trend increasing?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Disappearing Act

Marti's ex husband disappeared and has left her to raise three kids. She is behind on every bill. How should she attack her debt?

Labels:

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Overwhelming Debt

Gigi is an alcoholic. She suffered from a brain injury from a fall and is $85k in debt. What should she do?

Labels: , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Useless Article


I laughed when I read the title of this article at Bankrate.com, "6 good reasons for multiple credit cards"








The supposed benefits of owning multiple credit cars are:

1. Financial safety
2. Rewards
3. Credit score aid
4. Staggered bill paying
5. Easier bookkeeping
6. Leverage

CardTrak, who gets their information from the credit card companies, reports 60 percent of people do not pay off their credit cards every month.

Cambridge Consumer Credit Index found that 47 percent of balance holders only make the minimum payment.

A study by Dunn and Bradstreet showed that the credit card user spends 12 to 18 percent more when using credit instead of cash.

After McDonald's began taking credit cards, they found that people spent $5 to $7 more per sale.

Consumer Reports says 75 percent of the airline miles are never redeemed.

What do millionaires do? They do not get rich with free hats, t-shirts or air miles. What do broke people do? They use credit cards.

Oh yea, broke people also buy lottery tickets.

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Getting Back to Work

Stephanie is about to be a single mom. She has been a stay at home mom for seven years and is trying to find a job. Should she sell her house or let her husband keep it?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

Debt for Health

Kathy's husband had a stroke and needs constant care. This puts a lot of expenses on the credit card. What should she do?

Labels: ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.

How To Make Your Car Payments On Time


Here is a new device that is so consumer friendly. Read on to see what it is.

A light on the plastic box flashes when a payment is due. If the payment is not made and the resulting code punched in to reset the box, the vehicle will not start. The next step is a visit from the repo man.

Wow. Reality for the millions of subprime or low credit score borrowers whose used car purchase is contingent upon having an unusual option, the box mounted underneath the dashboard that forces them to make their payments on time. It also broadcasts to any girl who gets into the car, this guy is a bum.

As tighter credit crunches consumers, it seems business can only get better for Sekurus, a company based in this suburb east of Los Angeles. It is only one of several companies that market such devices.

Too bad Sekurus is a privetly held company, because it has grown at a 30% spurt in recent years.


Joke:

Why did banks develop and build drive through windows?

So the real owners of the car could see it once in a while.

Labels: , , ,

Click here to read the whole post & comments.