CUTCORDNOW

2011-08-24T06:07:00.001-07:00

There is a rainbow overhead today and I swear it ends right at Debthelper

2011-07-18T16:41:00.001-07:00

my 13 year old son was offered a citi credit card 0% interest for 18 months... i don't even want to go into how many reasons that it is wrong

2011-06-21T12:52:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st Day of Summer!

2011-06-04T16:31:00.001-07:00

Word to the wise ... Extra dessert delights strawberry shortcakes sugarfree gum" is for the sweeeeeet at heart. Consider yourself forewarned!

Restrain Yourself

2011-05-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

How can I resist this.. 0% interest Sale for 4 years on furniture that will expire likely sooner... with only 3 days notice I have 1 day to make my decision... in 4 years my kid will have graduated High School, my last two will be in High School and I will be fatter and broker than ever.... What else can happen in 4 years?

2011-05-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

got an anniversary gift from a store today... a coupon to buy more crap from them...REALLY? no thanks...if it's been a year...i can wait longer.

2011-04-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

floridaquitline.com saving money for smokers

2011-04-20T05:36:00.001-07:00

off to the gas station ... let you know if i still have my arm and leg later

2011-04-19T19:53:00.001-07:00

how many times is too many to watch When Harry Met Sally...no wrong answers

2011-04-19T05:03:00.001-07:00

A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he gives up. fortune cookie

2011-04-15T12:11:00.001-07:00

Tax Day: Thru 4/18 get a LG up to 4 top pizza for $10.40 at participating Papa Johns. Use PromoCode TXT1040 at http://www.papajohns.com

2011-04-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

often a headache is just a headache..

2011-04-08T04:04:00.001-07:00

hmmm if the government shuts down who gets the $1000dollar toilet seats?

2011-04-07T15:40:00.003-07:00

does smooshing a bug in the office entitle one to extra pay?

2011-04-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

does smooshing a bug in the office entitle one to extra pay?

2011-04-05T19:13:00.001-07:00

when a person with $ meets a person with experience, the person w experience ends up w the $; & the person with $ ends up with the experience

2011-04-04T20:02:00.001-07:00

"a goal is a dream with a deadline" write them down cause it's the only way you'll force yourself to carry it out.

STOP... Breath ... Live

2011-03-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Bernstein
Certified Personal Finance Counselor
The first thing to remember in life is that you will know when the actual end of the world comes. There will be trumpets, angels, demons and a whole bunch of disarray, or so we’re told.

The second thing to remember is that financial problems, as bleak as they may seem, are not the end of the world.

The third thing to remember is that while all problems have a solution, the solution might not always be easy.

Most people have some sort of debt, whether it’s just rent or car payments, utilities, etc. Many people also have credit card debt, to the tune of 1.4 trillion dollars throughout the country. That averages out to about $10,000 per American household. If you are now in this credit crunch, consider the fact that it might have taken you years to accumulate this debt. What adds to the debt are increased interest rates, late and over-the-limit fees, annual fees and more. So, if you are making minimum payments on those cards, the average pay-off time is about 30 years and that is if you never miss a payment or go over your credit limit.

Credit card debt is like a bad relationship you can’t seem to get out of. You do everything you can and yet it always is there in front of you, to the point that your frustration, anger and fear get the better of you and you basically become paralyzed to do anything.

Are you there yet??

If so, understand that you do have options. Let’s go bottom to top:

• Do nothing. This is the best way to wreck your credit beyond repair. What it means is that you are doing nothing to pay your debt; you haven’t contacted your creditors or answered their mail or calls. Here’s what can happen with this option: The creditors can call you every day (although only once), they can take you to court and either get a judgment against you or file liens against any property you might own. Whether or not you compensate the creditor(s) the judgments will stay attached to your credit report for at least seven years (and sometimes longer) If you sell your home, you will have to satisfy the lien before you can see any of the money from the sale. This is NOT a good option any way you look at it.

• Debt Settlement: Many consumers get hooked into debt settlements because of flashy advertising and offers that sound too good to be true. Guess what? They usually are. By definition, a debt settlement is a situation in which part of your debt is erased. (for example if your debt is $10,000 and the settlement is 50%, you only owe $5000) This might sound good in theory; however, it almost NEVER works out that way. Most creditors do not settle for that much. Many settlement companies are unethical and will take payments from you and may not do anything with your money or your creditors for months, if ever. Always be wary of companies that are vague about what they do or won’t put an offer in writing for you. You need to question them regarding the length of time it will take to get the debt paid and what will happen to your credit. Further downside: The notation on your credit report will read “paid as settled” instead of “paid in full” What this means to future creditors is that you were unable to handle your full bill(s) and they might hesitate in offering credit to you. You also will receive a 1099 tax form for any money that you saved and you will be liable for the taxes. You may have to pay a fee for a percentage of what you saved and that sometimes is considerable and comes as a not so pleasant surprise. Just remember the one main thing regarding debt settlements and the companies that offer them: They almost never are what they appear to be.

• You can deal with your creditors on your own: You may say,”Hey, why not?” Here’s the deal on that: Just like settlement companies, credit card companies always seem willing to make that deal to get you paid up…they claim to offer lower interest rates, lower payments, eliminate penalty fees, etc. BE VERY CAREFUL!!!! Always speak to a supervisor or manager who is actually authorized to approve deals with you. Get their name in case any questions ensue after the fact. Make sure you get the offer in writing…no written offer/no deal! Beware of short term fixes. They generally only work in the short term, if at all. Remember, all credit card companies are in it to make (and take) money. They are not in it to assist you by losing money. Here’s another thing. Since the credit card was invented in 1946, no credit card company has ever advertised by saying, “Why don’t you pass on this card, you don’t really need it?” One last thing. Credit card companies usually don’t send you birthday cards. So what? Usually only people that love you or at least like you, send you a card. What does that say about large corporations such as credit card companies? There you have it!

• Bankruptcy. Believe it or not, it is not the worst thing in the world. It is the government’s way of saying, “Hey, we know you might not have managed your money all that well, or you messed up in some other way. So, we forgive you. Sometimes (with a Chapter 7) they forgive all your debt. Sometime (Chapter 13) only a portion of it. But a bankruptcy attorney will give you what is called a “means test” to determine what means you have to pay your debts. There will be some counseling you’ll have to take with a Certified Personal Finance Counselor and then you’ll go to court for about 10 minutes. You’ll get asked a few questions, you will take a second counseling session after your court date and voila!.. you are done with it. Donald Trump, President Ulysses Grant, “Wizard of Oz” author Frank Baum, Circus magnate, P.T. Barnum and many others, including this author have filed for bankruptcy. So what? It can happen to anyone, at any level financially. Stop worrying about it. If you qualify...JUST DO IT!

• Utilize a legitimate Debt Management Company: There are some good ones out there, like Debthelper.com. Here’s the key. Check them out! You can get a profile from the Better Business Bureau where they operate. Yes, there are stories that companies can buy ratings. Whether it’s true or not, the BBB does record things such as; a) what is the history of complaints against the company and how or did they resolve problems, b) what do people think of the company (testimonials) and are they licensed to do business in their state (and other states). You can also check with the state attorney general where they do business. Are they a non-profit organization? Are their fees reasonable and or limited? Do they put everything in writing? Find all this out before you call them. Once you do call, you will find out that they have binding agreements with most of the banks and credit card companies out there. You will find out that their fees are low and monthly payments are generally as reasonable as possible, while they are truly out to assist you. You will find that most legit debt management companies also have many financial literacy educational programs, offered individually and in their communities. If you want to pay your debt with the best chance of regaining good credit, go the debt management route.

Now listen! Whatever path you choose, there is probably going to be some apprehension, nerves, second thoughts, etc. That’s perfectly normal! So, just STOP! Take time to understand what you are doing is the right thing for you. The right thing isn’t always smooth, but it is the right thing. BREATHE! If you aren’t breathing, you’re in deep trouble. And remember, debt is no reason to stop breathing! LIVE! You have the entire rest of your life to not only make things right, but to do it all better. Take it from one who has been there, YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS! If you have any doubts, contact me and I’ll tell you how!

Credit Card Management Services, Inc.
4611 Okeechobee Boulevard #114,
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
(800) 920-2262 ‎

Lice Solutions Study

2010-12-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

As you may already know Lice Solutions has added another division to their organization allowing them to offer a vast new variety of research opportunities.

Funds generated from these projects will help further Lice Solutions outreach programs and allow them to continue providing lice treatment opportunities for financially needy families.

At the moment Lice Solutions is doing a study on women that suffer from one or more Urinary Incontinence Episodes per week. This is a great opportunity to participate in the newest treatment method available for treating this embarrassing problem.

There is a limited number of openings left for women between the ages of 30 to 70 and wanted to offer them to our past clients first, before opening them to the general public.

If you or someone you know are experiencing urinary incontinence when you laugh, sneeze or any other time - we can help. To receive more information on this great opportunity please call me ASAP at 842-9969.

Gina Pierce
Director of Operations
Lice Solutions Resource Network, Inc.
6758 North Military Trail Suite #110
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone 561-842-9969 Fax 561-842-0311
Gina@licesolutions.org
www.licesolutions.org
www.liceadvicebook.com
A Non-Profit 501 (3) c Tax Exempt Organization
"Building For A Better Tomorrow" by helping Families Today!

Living without a bank: Fees and confusion galore

2010-10-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to the world of banks, entering the wilderness of unregulated fees
As reported by The Associated Press, October 4, 2010: The nickel-and-diming never stopped.

The fees were constant: $28 to cash a paycheck. $1.50 for a money order. A dollar or more every time I swiped the prepaid cash card I bought at the drug store.

In all, I racked up $93 in fees in a monthlong experiment of living without a bank and making a go of it on the economic fringe. That works out to $1,100 a year just to spend my own money.

It may be hard to fathom why anyone would live this way, but a federal study last year found that about one in four U.S. households skirts banks and relies on services such as check-cashing and payday loans. Many of these households bring in less than $30,000 a year.

Some do it because they believe they don't have enough money to open a bank account or were burned by fees in the past. But it's not always a matter of choice: Many can't open an account because of a history of bad checks or damaged credit.

There are other reasons too. Language barriers intimidate some would-be customers, or they simply feel banks aren't welcoming. For others, literally handling their own money offers a sense of control at a time of financial anxiety.

Federal and local governments want to bring this group into the traditional banking world. The fear is that the chronic use of high-fee services keeps the country's poorest from moving up.

Yet there are signs that the slow economic recovery is leading more people to rely on certain alternative services. And it's not just the poor.

Americans are expected to load $37 billion this year on to prepaid cards, which function like bankless debit cards and are available at drug stores and discounters. That's twice as much as last year and four times the amount in 2008.

The tradeoff is often a tangle of fees. Some cards charge a dollar a minute to call customer service and $5 just to add money to the card. The still nascent prepaid card industry will come under new federal oversight as part of this year's financial overhaul.

To find out what it's like to survive on these services I decided to put away my credit and debit cards for one month. I suspended my direct deposit in favor of paper paychecks.

In that time, I got by using only cash and services such as money orders.

It turns out fees were only part of the problem.

THE COSTS

I don't recall the last time I had to cash a check, so I had no idea how expensive it could be. I forked over $56 to cash two paychecks at grimy check-cashing stores. This accounted for more than half my total fees.

And I was lucky. The check-cashing fee in New York is capped at 1.83 percent. In Florida and Maine, where the cap is 5 percent, check cashing could have cost almost three times as much. About half of states set no limits.

Most of my remaining costs, about $34, went to fees on prepaid cards.

These charges were the most frustrating because they were so unpredictable. The two cards I used each cost $4.95 -- on top of the money I was putting on the card -- but came with wildly different terms. Some cards cost as much as $29.95 upfront.

The first card I bought, a NexisCard, was the only option at the check-cashing place I pass everyday in my neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side. I had to pay a $1 fee for each purchase. If I used the PIN code to authorize a purchase, it was $1.50. And if I wanted cash back at the register, it was $1.95. The card could also be used at bank ATMs for a fee. That's on top of the fee the bank charges for out-of-network cards. I did this just once for a total cost of $5.

The second card I bought was issued by Green Dot Corp., one of the bigger players in the prepaid market. This one had better terms but still charged $4.95 each time I wanted to reload it.

Paying rent was also a process. I couldn't mail a wad of cash to my landlord, so I went to a nearby Western Union to buy money orders with cash from one of my paychecks. Each money order is limited to $1,000, so I needed two for my $1,300 rent.

This cost a total of $3.50.

THE HASSLES

When you don't have a bank, you spend a lot more time managing your money.

So many of my finances are automated -- direct deposit, automatic bill pay -- that it was jarring to spend so much time waiting in Soviet-style lines to cash checks and pay rent.

At the check-cashing place, I squirmed when the clerk counted out my money by snapping each $100 bill high in the air. In my mind, the line of customers behind me was counting along in unison.

I also felt self-conscious when using my temporary prepaid card, which looked cheap, even fake. It didn't have my name on it and the account number wasn't raised as on most credit cards. A permanent card wouldn't arrive for six weeks.

If a cashier's eyes lingered too long, I wanted to pull out my Bank of America rewards credit card, which has "Platinum" in italics across the top.

Then there was the time a hotel charged my NexisCard $400 in case I incurred any incidentals. I was told the charge would be refunded at checkout. But it took multiple calls over three weeks to get my money back. NexisCard refused to lift the hold until the hotel faxed them an official release form.

The appearance of mystery transactions made me paranoid too.

When I was checking the NexisCard account online, I spotted a $3 entry for a "retail reload." This confused me because I never reloaded the card. I filed a dispute and was told I'd get a call back within three days. The call never came.

A few days later, another $3 entry appeared. The customer service representative was as stumped as I was.

It turns out both "retail reloads" were credits for my prior complaints about incorrect fee charges. I learned this only after talking with the CEO of the company, Andrew Siden, weeks later as part of the reporting process.

We determined that one credit was an error that worked in my favor.

He agreed that the transactions can be confusing and that mistakes happen. Siden noted that the company operates on thin margins and does its best to fix mistakes when they're pointed out.

But I only caught the mistakes on my account because it was part of my job. Would I keep chasing down a few dollars here and there for much longer?

I'm glad I don't have to find out.

It's yer birfday

2010-09-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Born September 25 - Your Year Ahead
Important changes are made this year that jolt you out of your usual routine and expand your experience. Recognize that part of you is itching for change and take the time to examine your life so that you can make room for these changes.

New (and current) creative endeavors are likely to be successful. Increased personal magnetism and charisma are with you.

If You Were Born Today, September 25 Your goal is to find harmony and peace, as an organized, smooth-flowing existence is especially appealing to you. However, you seem to stir up controversy and opposition.

Look within for contradictions if ups and downs are bothering you. Be careful not to give up your power in order to keep the peace, or you could find yourself resentful, irritable, and mischievous!
Your heart is big and you are truly curious about how things work.

Famous people born today: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Henson, Linda McCartney, Phil Hartman.

Source:
cafeastrology.com

Minnesota Freebies - is anyone from Minnesota?

2010-08-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Submitted By: shoptotallykids on 8/21/2010

Exchanging old Halloween costumes is one of the most creative, eco-friendly ways to find the perfect costume for free.

Totally Kids Fun Furniture & Toys is hosting an exchange of costumes between boys, girls, and even dogs.

The event takes place in Bloomington, Minnesota on Saturday, September 25th from 1-3pm.

If you'd like to shop at Totally Kids afterward, all those participating in the free costume exchange will receive a 15% discount.

Each person must bring a full costume to exchange in order to take part.This offer is only valid for residents of:
United States
Click Here to Get: Free Halloween Costume and Store Discount

You Don't Have to Pay for Cable TV

2010-08-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago I moved into a new apartment and did something revolutionary: I didn't set up cable or satellite TV. I was frustrated by the lack of choice (only one provider), lengthy contracts, and inexplicably high price. As someone who watches a lot of television, this seemed like a truly difficult problem, but I resolved to find a way to see my favorite shows without paying a cable or satellite bill. Fortunately, it was much easier than I thought.

You might not know it, but you can watch HDTV with an antenna.

Over 99% of U.S. TV households can receive at least one local sation over the air, while 89% can watch five or more. The picture is perfectly clear thanks to the switch to digital TV completed on June 12, 2009. You'll either see a crisp, beautiful image or no image at all (static is a thing of the past). And the best part? All your favorite programming will still be in HD.

HDTV is more expensive for local stations to produce, so it's common to see a station broadcast in regular standard definition during the day, but switch their signal to high definition for prime time. So while the local news may not be in HD, your favorite shows like Glee, America's Got Talent, and The Bachelorette will be.

Of course, you will need an antenna to make this work, but your HDTV will also have to have an "HDTV tuner" built in. This is sometimes referred to as "integrated HDTV". If not, you'll need to buy a separate HDTV tuner that connects your existing HDTV to an antenna. To check, you may have to consult your HDTV's manual, do a search online, or contact the manufacturer.

AntennaWeb, a site provided by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will show you exactly where to point your antenna for the best reception at your address. It will also let you see which stations are broadcasting over the air in your area. There may be more than you think.

What about shows that aren't on broadcast channels?

Two of my favorite shows, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, air on Comedy Central, which isn't a channel you can receive with an antenna. Fortunately, Internet to the rescue! If you've got a computer and internet access (there's no way I'd be able to live without paying for Internet), both shows can be watched in their entirety on their respective websites for free. (Full episodes of The Daily Show and full episodes of The Colbert Report). Like most online shows, you'll have to sit through a few commercials, but less than you would see watching the same show on television and without having to pay for the privilege.

The popular website Hulu has hundreds of shows available to watch online, all free, commercial-supported, but it's not the only option. Netflix is a great way to watch past seasons of favorite shows, which can be streamed instantly to almost 100 devices like your computer, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, iPhone (soon), etc. You can watch as much as you want for only $9 a month; compared to the cost of a cable or satellite subscription with premium movie channels, a pittance. Plus, they've got almost every movie you've ever heard of, offer a 2 week free trial, and let you cancel whenever you want.

Where do you watch live sports online?

If you're getting your Internet from one of these providers, you can access ESPN3, a "broadband network for live sports programming". The site is currently in beta and not every game on TV is available online, but you can watch thousands of games and events (even World Cup soccer) live with chat, stats, scoreboards, and picture-in-picture. According to them:

Each year ESPN3 delivers thousands of live games and events like College Football and Basketball, NBA, MLB, UEFA Champions League Soccer, The Masters and US Open Golf, all 4 Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and more. Plus you get a fully interactive experience with real time in-game stats and scoreboards and live chat.

Other sites to watch sports? MLB.tv has an $80/year membership that will let you stream every regular season baseball game (with a few exceptions) right to your computer/PS3/etc, live or on-demand, and in HD when available. Given the success of these ventures, look for even more games and events to be broadcast online through sites like ESPN3 and MLB.tv. The interactive nature of the web allows for an engaging, social experience and ultimately, more enjoyable spectating.

But what about "premium" shows, like the ones on HBO, Cinemax and Starz?

Some shows can be purchased individually from sites like Amazon.com or Apple's iTunes Store a day or two after they air. If you do the math, you'll find that purchasing your favorite show is likely to be cheaper than paying for the channel it airs on month after month.

For everything else, you'll have to be a little patient and wait for the inevitable DVD release of last season. The typical DVD set for one season of a television series costs between $25 and $35, so you could buy several sets each month and still save over the cost of cable or satellite. However, if it comes out on DVD, chances are it'll show up on Netflix where that $9 a month subscription is now looking really good.

How does all this internet video get on my TV?

While streaming video to your computer sounds great, most people want to watch television on their television. Fortunately, there are tons of options to get your favorite shows on your big screen. First, check your computer for an output designed to work with either an external monitor or TV. If you've got one, you may be able to buy a cable and adapter that will plug your computer directly into your television. Doing so is a bit like putting together a puzzle; you want to find pieces that connect to each other. This can be a little tricky, especially with all the different possible connections on the market. So if you're not tech savvy, you may want to get a little help from someone who is or check out this video from Howcast called "How To Connect Your Laptop To Your Television".

You might also want to look at "media streaming" boxes. Like the cable box you'll be ditching, these connect to your TV and allow you to watch programming you wouldn't otherwise be able to see. The big difference? You can watch free and paid internet content. Depending on the box, you'll be able to stream video from Netflix, Amazon, MLB.tv, Hulu, and YouTube, audio from internet radio stations, Pandora, and Last.fm, and watch movies or look at photos that have been stored your home PC. Think of media streaming boxes as mini-computers for your TV.

The Roku Digital Video Player is $80 ($100 for the HD version), but you can get $20 off if you're a new Netflix subscriber. It'll stream dozens of "channels" from the web right to your TV for less than the price of one month of cable or satellite. Plus, it's an open platform so developers are adding new channels all the time.

The Boxee Box by D-Link wont be available for purchase until later this year, but you can install their free software on your home computer right now. It'll turn your Mac or PC into a full fledged media player, with an interface specifically designed to look great on TV. It's much easier to navigate with a remote and provides easy access to your personal collection of movies and music, as well as every video website under the Sun.

Google will soon enter the market to pair TV and the Internet with Google TV, a software package they developed to be built in to TVs, Blu-Ray players and set-top boxes. It's sort of a super-TiVo that will let you watch and record broadcast programming while seamlessly switching to internet streaming when what you want to watch isn't on a channel you receive. In essence, Google created the perfect companion for anyone who wants to ditch cable or satellite without sacrificing their favorite shows. Upcoming devices with Google TV built in have been announced by Sony, Logitech and Intel, but wont be available until later this year.

Apple TV is like an iPod for your TV. It'll let you stream videos and audio from your iTunes collection, but only if they're in the right format, and nothing from Hulu, Netflix, etc. Of course, anything you purchase from iTunes will play perfectly, so this may be a great option for some. However, at $230 with seemingly limited capabilities, your best bet might be to wait for the Apple TV 2 (if such a thing is coming).

So there are plenty of inexpensive options. You don't need a new computer for every TV in your house, though with the money saved by cutting out cable or satellite, you could afford several.

How much does all of this cost?

While the average cable bill is $75 a month or $900 a year, I was paying closer to $150 a month or $1800 a year to see everything I wanted. Now I pay $9 a month for my Netflix subscription and watch everything else for free online or over-the-air broadcast. I don't need a TiVo (since you can just hit pause on a website), and I use an old, cheap computer running Boxee hooked up to my TV as my "media center". My $1800 a year expense is now only $108 and I can watch just about everything I want, whenever I want.

Update: Hulu Plus

Just one day after writing this story, Hulu announced their new premium membership called Hulu Plus. For $9.99 a month, it promises full and current seasons of shows like The Office, Friday Night Lights, Dancing with the Stars and Lie to Me. Shows can be watched on your computer, through an iPhone/iPad app, or on a compatible television, blu-ray player or gaming system. While you are paying money for a premium service, Hulu has said that programming will still be advertising supported, so be aware. Currently, the full Hulu Plus catalog is only open to those who request an invitation, but look for wider availability soon. Personally, I can't wait to try it out.

Source

How to Create Barriers to Your Savings

2010-07-26T08:18:00.001-07:00

All it takes is one weak moment to reach into your checking account or connected savings account and use those funds on something frivolous. That's why it's important to protect your savings from you! The way I do this is to create barriers between me and my savings. I protect my money from me.

Trying Hard to Save

Do you want more money set aside for emergencies, vacations, college expenses, or retirement? I'm sure most of us at one point wish we had a bit more saved for these things. What we often try to do to make this happen is to "try really hard" and spend less. We tend to think that it's all about self-discipline and effort. And then when we discover that we haven't saved that much, or we blow all our savings on a whim, we beat ourselves up. Some may even write off saving completely.

While it's true that what you don't spend, you can save, I've found that unless I'm proactive with my saving, I'll usually end up spending it anyway, regardless of my frugal spending strategies. All it takes is one weak moment to reach into your checking account or connected savings account and use those funds on something frivolous. The road to broke is paved with good intentions.
That's why it's important to protect your savings from you! Yeah, I said it. You are the reason you don't have any money saved. What you need to do is take you out of the equation. Eliminate yourself from the savings process. The way I do this is to create barriers between me and my savings. I protect my money from me.

Before I explain, let me add that I think most people should aim to have an emergency fund (around six months' worth of expenses). I also recommend that you make an attempt to save for short term needs like a new TV or a vacation. It's costly to finance these things with debt. Finally, you should make an attempt to take care of your retirement savings.

Given those three general goals, here's how to create natural barriers so that you're able to save up the money and keep it there.

Create Barriers to Your Savings

For short-term, emergency-fund type savings, I recommend a high-yield online savings account. It should be one that's not directly attached to your checking account, a debit card, or an ATM. That way you can't get to the money easily.

And because transfers to and from online savings accounts typically take a few days, you'll be less likely to reach into those funds for a splurge. I've found that the three to five day window really helps me to stay away from those funds. Yet, the savings account is still flexible enough to help you if you lost your job, or had a medical emergency that would require the use of the funds.

For short-term saving goals (like a vacation), I also recommend the online savings account. A bank like ING DIRECT will allow you to create multiple savings accounts, so that you can assign a different goal to each one. And just like the emergency fund, the nature of this isolated account will increase the chances that you'll leave the money alone.

Let's look at retirement accounts. For this goal I use tax and penalty barriers created by tax-advantaged retirement accounts, like the 401K and the IRA. There are some pretty strong incentives associated with these accounts. Withdrawing money from these accounts prior to retirement will in most cases trigger a loss of the tax savings (wherein taxes become due) and possible penalties for accessing the money too early.

Therefore, keeping your retirement savings in those types of accounts, versus a taxable investment account, somewhat forces you to stay away from those funds. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to be paying taxes or penalties because I dipped into savings that was originally intended for a future use.

It's not rocket science. But this simple change in mindset has really made the difference for me. I hope it can do the same for you. Couple this strategy with automatic contributions from your paycheck, and you'll really start to save more than ever.

Source

What to do when your 50 and broke

2010-07-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

Being 50 and broke isn't so unusual these days. There are a lot of Boomers whose savings was devastated by the decline in the stock market; whose jobs went out from under them; and who leveraged themselves to the extent that they lost their house or even had to declare bankruptcy.

If that's you, what do you do next?

Here are six steps to solvency, some of them inspired by Investopedia:
Get up off your duff. Just sitting there and feeling sorry for yourself doesn't help.

Find work -- at least one job, maybe two. It's tough but not impossible to find a job when you are over the hill. Even if you don't live close to any of the employers listed in AARP's biennial Best Employers for Workers Over 50, just studying the kinds of companies that find life experience worth having could lead you to a new opportunity. A second job in retail or something similar will give you more money to pour into your depleted savings.

Spend less. When you get to be 50 and the kids are out on their own, it feels like you ought to be able to reward yourself, but in tough times, cutting back is the only way to go. Do your own lawn and home maintenance. Buy a used car – forget that expensive lease – and drive it for the next 10 or 15 years. Make stay-cations a way of life. Take advantage of twilight golf discounts. And cut out pricey restaurant meals.

Save more. Kiplinger says if you're smart about it, you can accumulated nearly $500,000 in savings in 10 years. That assumes that you are going to earn enough to save $22,000 a year – the maximum the government will let you put in an IRA if you're 50 or over – and that your employer is going kick in a generous amount while your money is earning better than today's interest. Even if that picture seems unrealistic, you can still squirrel away a lot of you put your mind to it and pay yourself first.

Delay retirement. Early retirement is over-rated anyway. According to the Book of Odds, the chances that a 50-year-old will live to be 100 are 1 in 37.34. It may sound like a long shot, but lots of horses have won big with odds way worse than that.

Think differently. There are lots of inexpensive retirement options, including living abroad in an inexpensive but beautiful place. Spend your time dreaming instead of spending money.

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If you are over 30....

2010-06-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

...you might think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning.... Uphill... Barefoot... BOTH ways… yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!

And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!! There was no email!!

We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our ass! Nowhere was safe! There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it! There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a damn call or receive one.

You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOD !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks!And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that! And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place! See!

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or any time before!
Regards,
The Over 30 Crowd

Don't be fooled: 'Law' easing debt settlement phony

2010-06-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Liz: I've heard about the credit card debt relief act but can't find details about how it works or what I can do to take advantage of it. I have a huge credit card debt load and struggle to pay it since my work from self-employment has dried up. I see many website companies offering help, but I can't determine which are real or fake. Can you help me?

Answer: If you come across a company touting a new federal law that makes it easier to settle debt, rest assured: It's a scam. There is no such law, and these outfits are capitalizing on people's confusion about changes in credit markets.

If you're struggling with credit card debt, first make an appointment with a legitimate credit counselor, preferably one affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. These counselors can review your situation and see if you could qualify for a debt management plan, which would allow you to pay off your debt over five years or so, typically at a reduced interest rate.

Also, make an appointment with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options. Credit counseling is designed to steer you away from bankruptcy, but you may be better off in the long run by filing. Meeting with both a credit counselor and a bankruptcy attorney will give you a better idea of your alternatives.

Some people are able to settle their debts for less than they owe, but many who try wind up getting sued by their creditors. The debt settlement field is filled with scam artists who charge huge upfront fees and then fail to settle any debts.

Questions for possible inclusion in her column may be sent to 3940 Laurel Canyon., No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or via the "Contact Liz" form at http://www.asklizweston.com.

Source

The Power of Banking at Home

2010-05-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Most of us have heard that debt is bad. Most of us have a basic understanding why: that interest eats up our income, but most of us don’t realize just how enormously interest robs us of financial freedom in our later years.
All of us are going to work basically the rest of our lives. We all want to have something to show for it, and, if you are currently making car payments, it won’t cost you one cent. The basic idea is to stop making car payments to a bank downtown, and start to make them to a Bank You Own. You can still buy a brand new car every 5 years.
You will still make the same monthly payment as right now, we’ll assume $400 per month which I think is a bit high. Of the residual income of the $400 payment you now make to the Bank You Own, you will accumulate Tens of thousands of dollars by the time you retire. Sound good?
EXAMPLE
1. Two friends, Joe and Fred, both need a new, reliable car every five years.
3. Both figure they can afford a payment of $400 a month which is equal to a $20,000 Honda Accord.
4. Both figure, when they stop to think about it, that they will probably get a new car every five years and make payments until they retire. It’s just a normal part of their budget.

JOE & FRED
Year 1
(1) Joe goes out and gets his Accord and finances it at the local National Bank @ 8% for 5 years with a $400/mo payment.
Year 1
(2) Fred decides to put the same $400/mo in a mutual fund savings account we’ll call the Bank of Fred until he saves up enough to pay cash. While it took 5 years for Joe to pay off $20,000 @ 8%, it takes only 3.5 years to save it. Fred earns 8% in his Bank Fund.
Year 3
(3) Fred pays cash for his new Accord and faithfully continues to make his $400 a month payments to his Bank fund.
Year 5
4) Joe gets a new car, same deal; $400/mo for 5 years to National Bank. Assume value of old one is zero. At this point Joe has saved nothing on his car payment plan, but he has a new car
Year 8
Fred’s Honda is now 5 years old, again assume zero value and he needs a new one. But since he has been faithfully making his payments he now has $29,797 in the Bank of Fred. He pays cash (-$20,000) and now has a new car and $9,700 in residual income left.
Year 10
(6) Joe gets another car: keeps making his $400/mo payments
Year 13
(7) Fred’s account is now up to $44,393. He’s again pays cash (-$20,000) and has a new car and $24,393 residual income!
This is the kind of money you are sacrificing if you finance vehicles. Both men paid $400/mo to drive a new vehicle every five years. Yet Fred was able to build over $20,000 just by banking at home.
What’s the catch? Fred was willing to wait on the loan. Sacrifice 3.5 years driving an older paid off vehicle. Let’s play out our example a little further. Suppose Fred and Joe were 35 years old when they started this. What happens at retirement?
JOE FRED
Retirement Age: 65
(8) Joe has made nothing on his $400/mo investment; the National Bank made it all. Now that he is retiring, he cannot get a new car because he can’t afford the payment he is used to. Retirement Age: 65
(9) Fred goes and buys himself a brand new car. He now has left over $198,715 in residual income off his regular car payment by Banking at Home. You better believe the banks don’t teach you this!!

You can start this kind of money saving bank now. If you do, below is the savings you can expect at your current age. Do not let the world keep you in the dark and keep you from reaching financial independence.

AGE NOW SAVINGS AT RETIREMENT

57 $ 9,797 + A BRAND NEW CAR @ 65
52 $ 24,393 + a new car every 5 years
47 $ 46,138 + a new car every 5 years
42 $ 78,536 + a new car every 5 years
37 $126,804 + a new car every 5 years
32 $198,715 + a new car every 5 years
27 $305,851 + a new car every 5 years
22 $465,468 plus a brand new car

WHAT TO DO

1. Be sure you understand the principles of what makes this work. Do the math.
2. If you’re in a lease or financed car; get out. Purchase a used, low maintenance vehicle for cash (full size America truck, or anything Honda or Toyota, except ATV’s. For this to work, you cannot get behind due to maintenance) Spend $3000 - $6000, or more if you need to or can afford it.
3. Get help choosing a good mutual fund that trades in high quality stocks. Your goal is 8%. Don’t use savings accounts, CD’s, annuities or insurance for this program.
4. Make your car payments by auto-withdrawal from your paycheck to your mutual fund. BE DISCIPLINED. Withdraw money for nothing except buying the five-year car for cash.
5. This should be viewed as an addition to a main line retirement plan.
6. Notice the returns in the later years! Remember this used to be money you gave to the banks as a car payment. Consider it already spent and don’t get tempted to "play with it."
7. If you want a more expensive car, you must up the monthly payment accordingly, just as if you financed it at the National Bank. .
Honestly, the best way to get started on this, even if you don’t plan to start until your current car is paid off, is to make that payment by auto withdrawal. I recommend auto withdrawal out of your regular account to the debtor. When the debtor is paid off continue to auto withdraw the car payment into a mutual fund. It’s amazing how easy it is to forgo the whole idea if you wait to set up the logistics until "later", so be diligent and don’t forget to balance your checkbook.

COMPUTER SECURITY

2010-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Encrypt your Wi-Fi - About 1 million identity-fraud victims last year were compromised online.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Your wireless-router address, user name and password.
Instructions:
• Enter the router address in your Internet browser.
• Log in, and hit the "wireless" tab.
• Select Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and create a unique password to go with it. Set up a network name and administrative password, too.
Total time: five minutes.

Stay virus-free - Protect your computer from bugs.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
Instructions:
Download one or two malware-protection services available free online.
Total time: five minutes.

Block spam - Enhance your e-mail's spam filter and spend less time sifting through the trash folder.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• An e-mail account.
Instructions:
• Download a free, web-based spam blocker, such as MailWasher, to stop the junk.
Total time: five minutes.

Back up your files
Ingredients:
• External hard drive or Internet access.
Instructions:
• Copy all your important files to an external hard drive, which typically costs around $80 for 160 gigabytes.
• You can also try a free online backup service, such as Windows Live SkyDrive, which provides up to 25 gigabytes of storage.
Total time: 15 minutes.

Record passwords
Ingredients:
• Pen and paper.
• Secure household location big enough to hold the paper.
Instructions:
• Keep a running list of your online accounts with their user names and passwords in a secure, offline place, such as a fireproof safe. If you store IDs and passwords on your computer, you run a higher risk of having the data stolen.
Total time: 30 seconds per account.
Source

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

2010-05-14T08:40:00.001-07:00

Estimate how much you need to save for college
The sooner you know what you're up against, the sooner you can start saving.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Information about college costs.
• Your child's age.
Instructions:
• Visit SavingforCollege.com's college cost calculator.
• If you plan to send your student to a private college, enter $35,636, the current average annual cost. It's $15,213 for in-state tuition at a public school.
• Also enter how much you have saved already and what kind of investment return you expect for your college fund. Parents or college students can use this tool.
Total time: one minute.

Get a fast read on financial aid
You'll get a rough idea of what you can expect to gain by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which puts you in the pool for federal grants, loans and other aid.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Basic financial details, such as income and savings.
Instructions:
• Visit FinAid.org's family contribution and financial aid calculator.
• Fill in the necessary information and hit "Calculate."
Total time: three minutes.

CAREER:
Improve career opportunities
If you need a new job quickly, you're going to wish you had stayed in touch.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• LinkedIn account.
Instructions:
• Set up an account at LinkedIn.com, a business-oriented social-networking site.
• List some of your key professional accomplishments.
• Identify five people who could most advance your career, and start building a relationship with them.
Total time: 15 minutes.

Source

INSURANCE

2010-05-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Lower your auto premiums
Insurance is a competitive business. If you shop around, you're likely to find a better deal.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Basic information about your car.
Instructions:
• Go to InsuranceRates.com, and answer questions about your cars and your driving record. (If time allows, you also can get quotes at Geico.com and Progressive.com, which will also let you buy policies online. You'll need to provide your Social Security number for a precise rate.) Or contact an independent agent, who can search for you.
• You'll get preliminary quotes from several insurers.
• Consider the rates and terms to determine which deal is best for you.
Total time: 15 minutes.

Keep the bling in your ring
Even one loose prong weakens the setting, risking the loss of your sparkler.
Ingredients:
• A jeweler with a loop.
Instructions:
• Walk into the store, and ask the jeweler to take a look. He or she should be willing to do it free. Some jewelers will also clean the ring as a courtesy.
Total time: one minute for the ring check; five minutes for cleaning.

Pay less for life insurance
Premiums have been dropping for a decade.
Ingredients:
• Internet access.
• Cholesterol level and blood pressure.
• Height and weight.
Instructions:
• Go to AccuQuote.com, click on "Get a Free Quote," and type in information about your health, family medical history and hobbies.
• You'll get prices for term insurance from several companies.
• Click on your favorite, and apply online (the final price depends on the results of a medical exam).
• Or call 1-800-442-9899, especially if you have medical issues.
Total time: 15 minutes.
Source

Warning! Your Wireless Bill Is About to Explode

2010-05-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

The FCC is proposing a new requirement that would force wireless companies to alert customers—probably via text message—when they're about to get hit with overage charges for exceeding their plan's data or text limits.
Late last year, the U.S. General Accountability Office came out with a report that said something most wireless customers already knew: "FCC Needs to Improve Oversight of Wireless Phone Services." At that point, the FCC had already been revamping consumer protection efforts regarding phone and telecommunications practices, and as the AP now reports, the FCC's new overage alert requirement is:

part of a broader push at the commission to enact strong consumer-protection measures across the telecom industry.

Last summer, the FCC opened an inquiry into so-called truth-in-billing rules, which require phone companies to clearly describe charges on customer bills. The agency has been looking into whether the largest wireless companies give customers adequate notice about early-termination fees for breaking a service contract before it expires. Separately, the FCC is examining whether broadband providers deliver Internet connections that actually reach advertised speeds.

When it comes to broadband, you might have heard, ad-speak phrases like "speeds up to" can be misleading, or just plain meaningless.

The WSJ explains that similar overage alert rules went into effect recently in Europe after customers complained that they were being charged surprising—and surprisingly large—data-roaming fees. And apparently the new rules weren't much of a burden to institute:

"This very simple solution of requiring text or voice alerts when someone is getting into dangerous territory could be helpful," said Joel Gurin, head of the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. "Our sense is that this has not been a particularly difficult thing to implement in the EU and the same principle could be applied in the U.S."

Consumer groups obviously support the new requirement:

"This is a helpful first step down what we hope will be a much longer road to provide wireless consumers with relief and protection in the marketplace," said Joel Kelsey, a policy analyst at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. "When a consumer signs up for wireless service, they don't expect to receive a monthly bill that can sometimes equal the cost of a used car."

Wireless companies are saying that the alerts aren't necessary, and that there are already all sorts of ways for consumers to monitor their bills, control usage, and limit fees. But come on: In the same way that banks have been milking overdraft fees and they're now paying the consequences of overdoing the good thing they had going, wireless companies have reaped the benefits of fees. For one thing, the presence of these hefty fees caused many customers to sign up for expensive unlimited plans—because even if their usage was usually low, they didn't want to ever get smacked with a big bill after an atypically heavy-use month.

If the fees really were easy to avoid, or if the fees were reasonable rather than astronomical, the FCC's suggested requirements wouldn't be necessary. But here we are.

The wireless companies' message that there are ways to avoid surprise charges and big bills just isn't getting through to consumers. And, considering that wireless companies are in the communications business, it would make sense that they'd be better at communicating with their customers. For instance, by alerting them when their bill is about to skyrocket.

Source

The real reason you're broke

2010-05-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you're constantly broke and can't figure out why, the answer may be sitting in your driveway.
Americans are spending more on their vehicles than ever before, about $8,600 a year on average and it's driving some to the breaking point.
With most other areas of the budget, you can find ways to trim. You can eat out less and shop more carefully to reduce your food bill. You can lower utility bills by adjusting the thermostat. You can cut your entertainment budget by canceling your cable service and borrowing movies from a library. You can even reduce your shelter costs by taking in a roommate or moving to cheaper digs.
Once you've committed to a car payment, though, your options are few. Whether you drive it or not, you've got to make the payments, and you've got to insure it.

What we spend on transportation:
Annual income                   Average 2008 spending

$19,064 or less                 $3,430
$19,065 to $36,270           $5,657
$36,271 to $59,086          $7,834
$59,087 to $93,357          $10,469
$93,358 or more               $15,614
All households                   $8,604

The signs of vehicular overspending are everywhere:

• Nearly 90% of new-car loans and 81% of used car loans are for terms longer than four years according to vehicle research site Edmunds.com. The average new car loan term has grown from just under four years and seven months in 1990 to five years and three months. Longer loan terms mean that people build equity in their car more slowly, which in turn means that borrowers will be "upside down" in their vehicles owing more than they're worth for three years or more on the typical purchase.

• One-fifth of cars that are financed include debt rolled over from a previous vehicle, according to Edmunds.com. As of March 2010, the average amount of negative equity in these deals was nearly $4,000.

• Rolling debt from one car to another is, in case you didn't know, a terrible idea. You'll pay higher interest rates because so much of what you owe isn't secured by the car itself.

And being upside down can really leave you up a creek if the car is totaled or stolen. You can protect yourself somewhat with gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe and what you get from your insurer, but that's another hit in the wallet.
Source

One in eight to cut cable and satellite TV in 2010

2010-04-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Despite rising cable and satellite TV prices and easy access to streaming TV and movies on the Internet, few consumers have cut the cord. But that looks like it's about to change.

One in eight consumers will eliminate or scale back their cable, satellite or other pay-TV service this year, according to a new study released this week by Yankee Group.

The study, which was the result of a survey of pay-TV operators and more than 6,000 U.S. consumers, found that many will choose to drop premium channels or cut their service down to a basic package, while others will choose to cut off their service completely.

A cutting-the-cord trend has been the subject of speculation for some time, as networks have increasingly made television programming available for free on the Internet. But a combination of other factors, including a growing number of battles between cable companies and networks, soaring Internet video viewings and an increase in connected TVs and devices, suggest the trend is finally upon us.

"Admittedly, this is a small phenomenon now, but a number or recent transactions and new items point to a shift in consumer thinking," said Vince Vittore, analyst at Yankee Group and author of the study.

Going without cable or satellite is unthinkable to many Americans -- just over 90% of U.S. households subscribe to some form of pay TV. But just as mobile phones have replaced many customers' land-line service, Vittore said on-demand Internet video will soon whittle that 90% figure down.

Pay TV is getting more expensive
The biggest reason why customers will cut the cord, according to the study, is the growing cost of pay-TV service. Cable and satellite viewers pay an average of $71 per month, and they receive an average annual price hike of 5%, according to research firm Centris.

That annual price jump could be even higher if battles between pay-TV operators and networks continue.

What can you see with Web TV?
Broadcasters like ABC, CBS (CBS, Fortune 500), Fox and NBC have traditionally cost cable and satellite providers nothing to retransmit, since they are offered for free over the air anyway. But lately, broadcast television networks have demanded -- and have received -- fees for their programming comparable to what cable networks like TBS, E!, MTV and Comedy Central have been charging.

Recently, Time Warner Cable (TWC) and the Fox Network, Cablevision and Disney (DIS, Fortune 500), and Sunflower Broadband and Hearst-Argyle Television have had high-profile spats, which have all resulted in significantly higher fees.

Ultimately, those fees get passed onto subscribers.

Vittore said that higher costs will ultimately drive more consumers to cut their pay-TV service -- especially for non-sports fans.

Though more live sports are becoming available over the Internet, namely CBS's coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament, ESPN3.com and packages like MLB TV, most sports are still watched on television. And since sports programming makes up as much as 50% of a pay-TV provider's costs, customers who are not sports fans are essentially paying half of their cable or satellite bill on channels in which they have no interest.

Streams of online video are up
Meanwhile, free or cheap alternatives to pay-TV subscriptions are growing wildly popular. More than 180 million U.S. viewers watched 31 billion videos on the Internet last month, according to online data tracker comScore. That's more than double the 15 billion Internet videos that were watched at the same time last year.

Hulu, which is jointly owned by and shows programming from NBC, Disney and Fox, has more than quadrupled its viewership in the past year. U.S. viewers watched more than 1 billion free TV programs or movies on Hulu in March, up from about 250 million a year earlier, comScore said. That's nearly 27 videos per viewer, up from under 15 videos last year.

Get ready to pay for online TV
What's more telling is how much Hulu people watch. Viewers tuned into Hulu for an average of 2.6 hours in March, up a full hour from a year earlier.

Netflix's streaming service is rapidly gaining ground as well. The company said last week that 55% of its users watched at least 15 minutes of streaming video in the first quarter. Netflix (NFLX) has grown its customer base by 35% over the past year, and recently raised its 2010 subscriber forecasts by 1 million customers.

More devices are connected
Until recently, people had been watching Hulu and Netflix almost exclusively on their computers -- not the most desirable replacement for pay-TV service. But more devices are coming pre-installed with Netflix or Internet connections, so people can stream videos right onto their televisions.

Netflix is now available on a handful of TVs, just about any Blu-ray player, and all three major video game devices -- the Nintendo Wii, the Sony (SNE) PlayStation, and the Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) Xbox -- which appear in 43% of U.S. households. A growing number of new HDTVs are also Internet ready, and according to a study released this week by Nielsen, TV purchases are up by their largest amount since 2006.

Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) and Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500) are also expected to launch streaming video devices this year.

Android phones to get Hulu?
"This is the key part of the equation," said Vittore. "Not just are these devices connected to the Internet, but they're coming prepackaged with the capability to connect to rich video sources. That really becomes a competitor to pay TV service."

Since the easiest devices to connect to the Internet tend to be video game consoles, and they tend to be owned by 18-34 year olds, Yankee Group expects that will be the group to cut their cords first.

"Just like with telephone land lines, it's going to become hard to sell pay TV to anyone under 30," Vittore said.

Source

12 Cool Things to Do with Used Dryer Sheets

2010-04-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Since nearly half of all marriages in the U.S. now end in divorce -- and those that do last less than eight years on average -- I suppose it's a matrimonial miracle that after more than 25 years of wedded bliss, my wife and I have only one major dispute.

I'm referring, of course, to fabric softener sheets. She swears by them, and I swear about them, every time she buys them at the supermarket or I find one clinging to the inside of my boxer shorts. (Trust me, at my age you don't need softening sheets in your shorts.)

Rather than argue with my truly wonderful wife about whether fabric softener sheets are worth the money, I decided to instead go for the Guinness Book of World Records for lengthy marriages and keep ours intact by finding some creative ways to reuse spent fabric softener sheets. Here's what I found:

Use them more than once. Although my wife disagrees, I've found that the same softener sheet can be used up to three or four times in the dryer and still get the job done.

Anti-static dust wipes: The anti-cling chemicals in dryer sheets make them perfect for dusting television and computer screens and other electronic dust-magnets.

Lint brush in a pinch: Used fabric softener sheets can be used to remove pet hair and lint from clothing and upholstery.

Pot scrubbers: The softening chemicals in dryer sheets help loosen food particles stuck on pots and baking dishes; place a used sheet in the dish, cover with hot water, and let soak overnight. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. (Editor's Note: this one may not be for the chemically squeamish.)

Soap grime-fighter: The same softening chemicals make used dryer sheets good wipes to use in removing soap scum from bath tubs, showers and tiles.

Sweet feet: Stuff dryer sheets in your shoes overnight to keep them smelling fresh. They'll also freshen closets, dresser drawers and cabinets.

Dust-free blinds: Not only do spent dryer sheets make a handy wipe for metal and plastic blinds, but the chemicals in them help to repel dust.

Better smelling bookshelf: The bookshelves in my dungeon of a home office smelled like mold until I started sticking a used drier sheet between every third volume or so on the shelf.

Get your shine on: When used as a polishing rag, dryer sheets make mirrors and chrome appliances shine. They're also great for cleaning windows and other glass.

Clothes storage: Placing used dryer sheets in with sweaters and other seasonal clothing before you store them will not only make them smell fresher, but the smell helps keep mice away.

Car care: Keep some in the glove compartment to dust the dashboard and wipe the windshield; they'll make your ride smell a little nicer at the same time.

And finally, can spent fabric softener sheets actually keep a marriage fresh? Why not try a "Dance of the Seven Fabric Softener Sheets" for someone you love? Now that's hot.

Source

Fix it Yourself!

2010-04-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

The one skill that will never go out of style is the ability to fix things yourself. Being able to do simple chores around the house such as plumbing and vehicle repair can save you thousands of dollars a year. But another way to cut the cord and save yourself money is to gain some knowledge of how to fix electronic things.

Sometimes fixing electronic things doesn't have to be such a hassle - and you don't always have to go to an expert. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to fix your computer if there is something wrong with the actual electronics and NOT the software.

Electronics 101:

Desktop Computers- It's never a fun time when you go to your computer, sit down, and turn the thing on only to find out that nothing is happening. Before you panic and rush off to a computer repair specialist, try a few of these simple and inexpensive methods yourself - they may save you a few bucks!

You may need the following items- a screwdriver, a can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores), cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball as they tend to leave bits and pieces behind) rubbing alcohol or special dust cloths.

NOTE: Be very, very careful that you do not touch anything on the inside of your computer while you work on it. Your skin oil might ruin the sensitive parts within the computer and break it beyond repair.

Before you get started, be certain that the computer and monitor are plugged in and receiving power. If they are, then continue reading. If they are not, then turn it on and try again.
If the computer was plugged into a power source and it failed to turn on, then unplug the electrical cord and any other cords currently attached to it before moving on.
Using a screwdriver, carefully open up the side of the computer case that is opposite of the motherboard. Along with the back of the computer (which you should NOT open) this is the only side which should have screws on it.
If it is dusty, retrieve the can of compressed air. While holding the can's nozzle 4 inches away from the dusty part in question, gently spray the compressed air over the computer parts. If you haven't cleaned your computer in a long time, this process could take a very long while (up to 20 minutes). The dustier a computer is, the more at risk it is of overheating and breaking.
Once all of the dust is visibly gone from the inside replace the side of the computer case. Note: Make sure to clean dust off from the computer case before you place it back on.
After this is over, clean the outside of the case. Take the dust cloths (and/or cotton swabs lightly dipped in alcohol) and gently go over the outside of the case. Make sure that you do not drip any alcohol into the inside of the computer and that you do not press hard enough to break the case.
After all of this is done, plug all of the wires back into the computer and turn it on. If you did everything correctly and no part is broken then the computer should start and work normally.

If the computer still does not work, you probably need to take it to a computer repair person. The method given above will often work, but it is not a cure for fixing a broken computer part or a software failure.

A way to save yourself a trip to the computer repair man is by doing the cleaning process on a regular basis. While doing so once a week is optimal, it is perfectly fine to clean your computer once a month. Doing so will cost almost nothing, but it could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Computers are expensive; cut the cord as best as you can and try to do things on your own before spending money to fix something that might not be broken.

Related Sites:

For more information on cleaning your computer, go here. The people who wrote this cover keyboards and monitors in addition to how to clean your computer. They also do things slightly differently than I did.

New York Times Article on how to fix your iPhone: A simple and comprehensive guide on how you can fix your iPhone yourself. Go here to read it.

Make your car last 250,000 miles

2010-04-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

The interior door handles were held together with Krazy Glue. The gas gauge hadn't worked in at least 20,000 miles. It had dings and dents. But it still ran, and reliably.
Fewer car payments. Unless you take out a ridiculously long loan, you can be payment-free after four or five years. If you take care of the car, any repairs you'll need are likely to cost far less than you'd shell out in payments for another vehicle.
Lower insurance costs. Premiums tend to drop pretty steadily as your car ages. You can save even more by dropping collision and comprehensive coverage when your total premium exceeds 10% of the car's fair market value.
Time to save for the next car. Every month you can put off replacing a vehicle is another month in which you can build up your down payment for the next car. Put off the replacement long enough, and you could even pay cash.
Follow the maintenance schedule. Duh, right? Except many people don't, and this is where a few hundred bucks' worth of prevention each year can stave off thousands in repairs.
Further, not following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule can void your warranty. If you fail to have the minimum required service done and a warranty part fails, the dealer and manufacturer can deny your claim.
These maintenance schedules work for vehicles getting normal use, but many people put extra stress on their rides. Any of the following can qualify as "severe" use, which may require shortening the normal maintenance cycle to every 3,000 miles.
• Towing.
• Off-road driving.
• Driving through dust storms or in dusty conditions.
• Frequent, short (less than 5 miles) trips or frequent stops and starts.
• Cold climate operation.
You should budget $500 to $1,000 a year or more for maintenance, depending on the age and type of car.

Be alert for recalls.
Take it easy on the engine.
Be diligent about oil changes.
Have a fill-up routine.
With every oil change, check the fluids, belts, tire tread and hoses.
Find a good mechanic or become one.
Source

How to tap the bank of Mom and Dad

2010-04-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Financial and parenting experts may condemn it, but the fact remains: Plenty of parents bail out their adult children.
Two out of five parents in a GfK Roper poll for CreditCards.com said they had paid off debts for their kids. The most commonly repaid debts were auto loans (40%), medical debts (37%), utility bills (31%), credit cards (30%) and student loans (29%).

An earlier poll showed that dads tended to be softer touches than moms. Fathers were more willing than mothers to rescue their offspring from big bills.

With credit harder to get and the recession crimping incomes, you may be tempted to get in on the parental dole. Here's what you need to consider before you ask:

Don't tap the tapped. If your parents are struggling to pay their own bills or worrying aloud about their ability to retire, it's game over. You'll need to find another way out of your financial bind or contemplate the very real specter that your parents will have to move in with you someday.

Prioritize your debts. Toxic debt such as credit card bills, payday loans, bounced-check fees and other high-rate borrowing may be wreaking havoc with your finances, but you may have better luck asking for help with less-freighted debt.
Although in reality parents helped with a variety of debts, parents in the CreditCards.com poll expressed far more willingness to assist with student loans, mortgage payments, rent and auto loans than with credit card bills or gambling debts.

Inflict some pain -- on yourself. Don't approach your parents until you've gotten serious about cutting your expenses and boosting your income. Get a roommate, drop cable TV, pack your lunch, sell your game collection, carpool or ride the bus to work, or take a second job. You may just find you can take care of your financial problems yourself. If not, you're at least making an effort, which is what your folks will want to see.

Make it clear that this is a one-time-only event. Your parents' big fear is that one bailout will lead to another, and anecdotal evidence suggests that their fear is justified. Too many adult kids never grow up and continue hitting up their parents for handouts rather than learning to manage their money. Take responsibility for the mistakes you made incurring this debt and show your parents how you will avoid getting into trouble in the future.
Source

Tips for Moving out on your Own

2010-04-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen
• Pots and Pans - get a wok, it doubles as both.
• Toaster Oven - doubles as a toaster and mini oven, so you can save on your utility bills, as you won't have to heat up the huge oven to bake / toast something that's relatively small.
• Rice cooker - A must have.
• Knives - you can get a small set or just settle for a chef's knife and a steak knife, which will cover most of the cutting that needs to be done in the kitchen. Many knives in a set are not used often or could be substituted.
• Cleaver - Use the back for opening tight jars and tenderizing meats, to crack open those fresh coconuts for the fresh juice, and to chop and cut to your heart's content.
• Cutting Board - get a wooden one, as it's the best for your knives (glass is horrible) and will prevent bacterial growth more so than plastic ones.
• Kettle and/or Brita Filter - to boil / purify your water consumption: hot water for tea and cold water for hot days.
The Living Room
• Couch - It's probably best to not get a used couch, as who knows what has happened on them previously - ew! When looking for a couch, you may consider getting a sofa bed because then you have an extra 'bed' for when your friends or family visit. But keep in mind they are heavy to move!
• Coffee table - can most likely get a used one off Craig's list or ebay. Look for people who are moving and need to get rid of their stuff.
• Rug - to go under the coffee table to create a more defined room and to bring out some color in the room. This is probably an item that would be acquired at a later date, as it is just used to make a room cozier.
• Lamp - light makes a huge difference! If it's always dark, it makes you into a tired person because it's always gloomy. Remember, light makes people happier
• Shelving - it allows you to display some trinkets or perhaps put a stereo at the bottom. Just completes a room and creates some storage area.
• Cushions - either just to put on your couch or for people to sit on, on the floor. Makes the room more comfortable for gatherings because then your friends have somewhere to sit if more than 2 people come over - the couch can only fit oh so many.
The Bedroom
• A Bed - if space is tight, get a single. If storage area is limited, get a single bed with drawers on the bottom.
The Bathroom
• Shower Curtain - most places won't come with one.
• Dishwashing gloves - I personally don't enjoy washing the bathroom and therefore have specific gloves, which I label with a nice lil' 'w' so it doesn't get mixed up with my actual dishwashing gloves, to clean the place.
• Matches - just have a pack nearby.
• The Obvious Items - your toiletries, toilet paper, toilet cleaner, hand towel, towels, etc.
Everything Else
• Vacuum Cleaner - as storage area is always lacking in apartments, get a stand up one that can easily be tucked away somewhere, behind a couch or in the closet, just make sure it vacuum's carpet, tile, and has additions to vacuum top shelves, blinds, and the other small areas that get dusty.
• Items to inquire about: Laundry, The Garbage and Recycling, parking, hanging items on the wall if renting,
• Toolbox - get a set that includes a screwdriver and a hammer at least and whatever else you think you'll need. You may be able to get a set for approx $30 - $40 that's pretty complete, which is a better deal than getting a hammer and screwdriver separately (both would probably total $25).
Source

Stuck with student loans for life?

2010-03-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Leah Cowels had always heard that student loans were an investment in her future. Now that she owes $242,000 for an undergraduate degree she isn't using, she's having second thoughts.
Cowels approached college with all the confidence, dare I say arrogance, of an 18-year-old who wanted what she wanted when she wanted it. She knew her parents couldn't pay for her education at private Ithaca College in New York, but she was determined to go there once she was accepted. Ithaca provided some financial aid but not nearly enough to cover the $35,000-a-year tuition bill or Cowels' living costs, so she applied for student loans.
"I was going to be successful and make a lot of money," Cowels said. "I didn't care if I could afford the education or not." Her plan was to major in sports management and then get a law degree so she could be a sports attorney. Unfortunately, a disastrous internship with the Boston Celtics changed her mind.
Debts stymie new career goal:
Cowels now knows what she wants to do, which is to become a physician's assistant. She figures she could triple her current income waiting tables and manage the $2,000-a-month payments she should be making to pay off her loans.
But she's not sure how she would pay for two more years of school and still cover even the much-reduced payments she's required to make on her loans. Her largest debt is a private student loan for $160,000, which has accrued $60,000 in interest so far.
The problem is that too many people don't make a clear enough distinction between federal student loans, which usually are good debt, and private student loans, which often aren't.
The key differences:
• Interest rates. Federal student loan rates are generally fixed at 6.8% for unsubsidized Stafford loans and 5.6% for subsidized loans (although subsidized rates are scheduled to drop to 3.4% by 2011). Private student loan rates currently average 11% to 12%, and they're variable, which means their rates are likely to march higher. Furthermore, most students don't know the rate they'll get on a private loan until after they apply. Private student lenders aren't required to disclose the costs of the loan in advance, which makes it virtually impossible to shop for the best deals.
• Amounts. To be prudent, most students should limit their total student loan debts to no more than what they expect to make the first year out of school. Students typically can't borrow more than $31,000 in federal Stafford loans for an undergraduate degree, so overdosing on this kind of debt is tough. There's no real limit on how much private student loan debt you can take on, however.
• Repayment options. Federal student loans come with repayment options for almost every budget. You can opt for graduated payments that start small and rise over time, extended payments if you need more time to pay back your loans, or plans that base your payments on your income. You can get deferrals or forbearance if you get laid off or suffer other economic setbacks. Private student loan repayment plans are much less flexible.
• Forgiveness. If you work in a public-service job and make payments for 10 years, the remainder of your federal student loan debts can be forgiven. Even if you're not in public service, there's a limit to your financial servitude: Any remaining balance is forgiven after 25 years of payments. Private student lenders aren't so forgiving. In fact, they're not forgiving at all.
That leads me to one thing federal and private student loans have in common: Both are extremely hard to erase in bankruptcy court.
Source

Managing Your Auto and Home Loans

2010-03-25T12:23:00.001-07:00

Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services.
Most automobile financing agreements allow a creditor to repossess your car any time you’re in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can’t do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You’ll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report.
If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you’re acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time. When you resume regular payments, though, you may have to pay an additional amount toward the past due total. Other lenders may agree to change the terms of the mortgage by extending the repayment period to reduce the monthly debt. Ask whether additional fees would be assessed for these changes, and calculate how much they total in the long term.
If you and your lender cannot work out a plan, contact a housing counseling agency. Some agencies limit their counseling services to homeowners with FHA mortgages, but many offer free help to any homeowner who’s having trouble making mortgage payments. Call the local office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the housing authority in your state, city, or county for help in finding a legitimate housing counseling agency near you.
Source

Job Interview Tips

2010-03-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

• Tell me about yourself.

Forget your life story. Open the interview by using a customized, memorized statement that summarizes and links together your five top selling points, skills, experience and strengths into a one-minute verbal business card.

Other potential inquiries that this answer is perfect for include:
• What are your strengths?
• What makes you think you are qualified for this job?
• What makes you think you will succeed in this position?
• Why do you want this job? Why should I hire you?

Why did you leave your last job, or want to leave your current job?

Wanting more challenge or growth opportunities, relocation, layoffs, reorganization or downsizing are all acceptable reasons to depart. An effective answer might be, "The company went through a downsizing, that's why I'm available." Or, "My current employer is small and I've gone as far as I can with their organization. I'm looking for a challenge that will really use my abilities and strengths, allowing me to continue to grow and make a larger contribution."

What is your greatest weakness?

A little humor, such as "Don't ask me to repair the copier... ha-ha-ha," is definitely OK. Point out something that will have no negative impact on the hiring decision, and stress a needed skill. For example, if the position requires excellent computer skills using Office software, you might offer this response: "I have excellent computer user skills. I know Excel and Word inside and out, but I am pretty weak at actual programming and would need more training if you need customized programming..." The employer isn't asking for the candidate to program but this answer reinforces a major selling point -- computer usage skills.

I'm a little worried about your lack of...

If the employer is unaware of your experience, then it's easy to give an answer using a specific example demonstrating that skill. If they are concerned about a skill you do lack, but are eager to learn, try "I have excellent customer services skills, but you are right, I have not been a salesperson. I do know the key to success is the ability to build good client relationships, persistence, efficient time management and good follow-up skills, all of which I have. I have read numerous books on selling, and I intend to take seminars at my own expense to learn everything I can. I am a hard worker who lets rejection roll off my back. My goals include landing a sales job and then becoming one of the top sales people in my company. I've set a three year date to achieve this goal and I am determined to succeed."

You have a lot of experience. Why would you want this job?

Desperately needing any job isn't going to score points with the interviewer. The employer worries you won't stay are burnt-out, looking for an easy paycheck, or worse, you'll go after the boss's job once you come on board. The best strategy is to not oversell your abilities. Stress why this job fits for you now, that you seek a job with less travel, or that you wish to utilize a specific skill such as training or design. Be careful not to say you want an easy, no-stress job, causing the employer seek a more eager worker.
Source

How long can they pursue a student loan debt? Does it have a statute of limitations?

2010-03-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have heard the expression that nothing is certain except for death and taxes. Well, student loan debt is just one step behind owing the IRS on the ladder of debt longevity. After all, the government either provides or secures the funds for student loans, so having to repay them should be no big surprise.
Student loans do not have a statute of limitations. Under most circumstances, you must repay the loan. Partial or full discharge or forgiveness of student loans is possible. The court will need to be convinced that not only your present income but also your income for a long time to come will prevent you from paying the loan back. Permanent disability may give you a chance at this. If you go this route, check with an attorney.
• Volunteer work: AmeriCorps (domestic arm of the Peace Corps) or the Peace Corps both offer education awards that can be used for tuition or to pay off student loans. Americorps will award $4,725 for a year's worth of successful service. Peace Corps will cancel 15 percent of the debt owed on Perkins loans for the first two-year term and 20 percent for third and fourth years of service. For more information visit the Peace Corps Web site.
• Military service: Those serving in the Army National Guard may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 through the Student Loan Repayment Program. Check with a local recruiter to determine your eligibility.
• Career choice: Teachers who teach in schools that serve low-income students, have a shortage of teachers in a particular subject or teach disabled students in a public or nonprofit school are eligible for up to 100 percent of loan discharge.
Legal and medical professions have programs for student loan debt forgiveness. Visit the Equal Justice Works Web site to get the facts on what you will have to do in the legal world.
The National Health Service Corps offers forgiveness programs to doctors who practice in regions that lack adequate health care. In addition, some hospitals and private health care facilities recruit candidates by dangling loan forgiveness.
• Death and other: Permanent disability or death will allow for 100 percent forgiveness of your loan, but obviously have serious downsides that limit their popularity. If your school closes before you can complete your program of study or you were issued a false loan certification, the loan is 100 percent forgiven.
Source

How to Make a Great Meal When You Don't Have a Kitchen and are on a Tight Budget

2010-03-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Not everyone has a fully stocked kitchen especially if you are struggling with making payments on loans, on a large debt, or if you are living by yourself. However, a good way to save money and cut down on expenses is to make your own meals at home. With that in mind, you don’t have to have a kitchen. All you need to own are a few pieces of relatively cheap equipment and you can make a full course meal or a small meal to get you through the day. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1) First make sure that you have some basic equipment. Microwaves, rice steamers, foreman grills, crock pots, toaster ovens, and other small cooking devices are great for this. Because they are small and (except for the toaster oven) portable, you can pack them away somewhere both before and after you finish eating.

Some of these items can be quite expensive if you buy the top of the line items; luckily, most of the companies that make the high quality and expensive models also build cheaper ones. They often lack special features that the more expensive ones have, but even the most basic version is better than nothing at all.

2) Once you have something to cook your food in, find a few recipes for it. Ask friends or search the web for sites like the ones provided at the bottom of this post.

3) Some equipment combinations that I have found to work in my own experience:

Microwaves: Pea's, corn, and hot-dogs are quick and easy to make. Buy the pea's and corn frozen if possible (canned if you don't have a place to store the frozen versions) and pick up a package of hot dogs to put into a refrigerator from your local supermarket. It will take you 15 minutes at most to make yourself a full sized meal and during that time you can also be doing some other activity. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to do things.
Rice Steamer: This is great for people who like to pay attention to what they eat. Rice steamers can be used to steam any kind of vegetable in addition to steaming rice: broccoli, green beans, carrots, spinach, and more. If they are made right, then the vegetables can taste amazing - but if you keep them in for too long then you will wind up mushy, 'army green' vegetables that few people like to eat willingly. The trick is to pay attention; once again, ask a friend if they have any experience with making food in a steamer. If no one does, then experiment a little. Test how long it takes for your vegetable of choice to cook just perfect; cooking has always been about trial and error.

Crock Pot: The one size fits all cooking tool. With this you can make stews, vegetarian only meals, meatballs, desserts, lasagna and far more. There is a ton of online material to help you figure out how to make good meals using a crock pot. Best of all, if you find yourself busy or unable to eat the food that you make then and there, most crock pots come with a 'keep warm' setting. This setting lets you walk away for an hour or two to take care of whatever it is that you were up to and then come back to a nice hot meal that still tastes good.

Foreman Grills: My personal favorite. If you enjoy cooking but find yourself without a kitchen, the foreman grill can become your best friend. You can make almost anything on one (especially if you get their new grill; however, older and less expensive ones still work great) including grilled chicken, peppers, hamburgers, pork chops, bacon, and zucchini. They are quick and easy to use. They can sometimes be a pain to clean up but are definitely worth the effort.

Toaster Ovens: One of the classics. Toaster ovens are great; although they are not as fast as a microwave or versatile as a crock pot, they are somewhere in between. You can make a slice of toast for yourself in the morning, use it to bake a store bought pizza for lunch, and make some baked potatoes for dinner and apple crisps for dessert.

So keep in mind: if you are looking for a way to save some money, cut down on debt related expenses, or are just in need of a good meal, then it is easy to do it on your own.

Sites of Interest:

For Microwave Recipes, Travel here.

For Rice Steamer Recipes, Travel here.

For Crock Pot Recipes, Travel here.

For Foreman Grill Recipes, Travel here.

Check out wisebread.com’s “5 Fun Ways to Eat Hot Dogs” post.

10 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving

2010-02-25T06:25:00.001-08:00

If cheap is chic, then saving is suddenly sexy. America Saves Week [February 21-28], takes on new meaning when the U.S. savings rate, which had dipped into negative territory, headed up to 4.6% last year. The savings rate could climb as high as 6.5%, according to Allianz Group Economic Research.

You know you’re on to something when investing icons such as Burton Malkiel and Charles Ellis jump on the bandwagon. Malkiel and Ellis are authors of a nifty little book called The Elements of Investing. The book is just 154 pages long, including glossary, and its investing advice can be summed up in four words: “Keep it simple, sweetheart,” a strategy I wholeheartedly endorse.

But, say Malkiel and Ellis, “it all starts with saving.” Who would have imagined that this legendary Wall Street duo would be advising readers to buy next year’s Christmas cards on December 26 or rent a movie instead of going out? People at all income levels tell me that they have trouble putting money aside because they’re living paycheck to paycheck. But I’m convinced that saving is a classic case of mind over money. Here are ten surefire ways to trick yourself into spending less and saving more:

Know your plastic personality. Disciplined credit-card holders can earn rewards points by using their cards for all their purchases and paying the bills in full each month. Consumers with less self-control may want to use debit cards to make sure that they don’t spend more than they have. In either case, your monthly statement provides a handy record of areas where you’re leaking cash.

Don’t trust yourself to pay yourself first. Instead, have someone else do it for you. Sign up for your employer’s retirement plan. Set up an automatic deposit with your bank to seed your emergency fund. Even Uncle Sam will jump-start your retirement savings by automatically depositing your tax refund in an IRA. And you’ll never miss money you don’t see.

Do what my son Peter does: Deposit your paycheck and other money to your savings account instead of checking. You’re much less likely to spend the money if you have to transfer it from savings. “That really hurts,” says Peter.

Instead of hitting the cash-back button for $35 every time you go to the drugstore or supermarket, limit yourself to one ATM withdrawal per week and make your money last.

When you make a credit-card purchase, record it immediately in your checking-account register. You won’t be surprised when the credit-card bill arrives, and you will have enough money to pay it in full.

When you subtract a check from your account, round up the amount to the next dollar. That way, you’ll always have a slush fund. Your bank may even do this for you. Sounds like small potatoes, but even if it’s only $100 every couple of months, that’s still money in the bank.

Toss your spare change into a fun savings bank or glass jar -- anything that will catch your eye and your quarters. I know one person who accumulates $900 to $1,000 a year this way and uses the money to buy holiday gifts.

Bag the savings from brown-bag lunches. Each time you bring your lunch to work or pass up the temptation to buy a latte, take the money you would have spent and put it in your cash jar. It’s an immediate reward for your self-discipline.

Pay yourself after you’ve paid off a debt. Once you finish paying off a loan or credit-card balance, keep writing the check but send it directly to a savings or investment account.

Can’t decide between two items in a store? Give yourself a cooling-off period. Chances are you won’t go back.

Remember, if money is power, then saving money is empowering. It gives you financial security and the freedom to make choices. Every once in a while I tap my own slush fund to send my three grown children checks to treat themselves to dinner. They appreciate the gesture and I have fun making it.

Source

Ways to Invest Now in Your Grandkids' Future

2010-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

-Assets can be used at any eligible educational institution across the country and some schools abroad. - Funds aren't counted in determining your grandchild's eligibility for federal financial aid for college.

Give shares of company stock, U.S. Series EE Savings bonds or shares in a mutual fund with a low minimum investment. To do so, open a custodial account through the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA). The account is opened in your grandchild's name, but you control the assets until the child reaches adulthood, which is age 18 to 21 depending on the state.
Caution: If your grandchild is going to apply for college loans, assets in his or her name, like cash and stocks and bonds, could be considered income and must be reported on the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid. This could reduce the aid offered.

Contribute to a Savings Account. Caution: As grandparents, you don't retain control over contributed funds.
Tax tip: Federal law allows you to contribute up to $13,000 annually in total gifts per grandchild to receive the exemption from the gift tax. If you're married and filing jointly, you and your spouse can double that amount to $26,000 for each child.

For grandparents, this is a great way to be able to shift assets between generations. It gets money out of their estate and down to their grandchildren.
For more details on the gift tax credit, see IRS Publication 950 on the Internal Revenue Service's website.
Source

How to Have a Happy Valentines Day on a Limited Budget

2010-02-12T06:34:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. Valentines Day is approaching, and if you are a guy or a girl in a relationship, then you are expecting probably your boyfriend or girlfriend to do something special for you. Whether you believe in good old St. Valentine or not, February 14th is a day with special meaning.

If you can't do anything special because you don't have any time or money, or if you are just bad at planning things out, don't let it get you down - take the day off from worrying. People need a day to relax and just be with their boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse every once in awhile. So why not be a little crazy and make that day be Valentines Day?

This post is dedicated to helping out those people who are working on a tight budget or are just plain confused about what they can do to make that day special. So scroll on down and enjoy, and I hope that you have a great day!

Eight tips for both guys and girls.

Tip #1: Relax. Valentines Day is about being with the person that you care for. You are more likely to screw things up or have a bad day if you're tight, tense, and nervous. So calm yourself down, think "happy thoughts", and take your time with things.

Tip #2: figure out what your special someone likes and dislikes. Have they been dropping hints lately? If so, then it's a good rule of thumb to follow those hints. For the guys out there who are a little dense on the subject, this can include "wow, those earrings over there look really nice. And look! They're not that expensive either" or "That movie 'Valentines Day' looks cute. Its got Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher, and a whole bunch of other big names in it. I can't wait to see it".

Tip #3: Along the same lines as tip #1; just switch the gender that is doing the gift buying. A guy may have said something along the lines of "Hey, look at that sweet digital car radio" or "Dang it, I just broke my cordless drill". Men are usually pretty simple and easy to please when it comes to gifts. Get us a new gadget, tool, or a jersey of our favorite sports player and we will love it.

Tip #4: Most girlfriends and wives just want to spend time with their boyfriends on Valentines Day. Valentines Day is a holiday dedicated to sappy romance movies (examples include "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "Sleepless in Seattle") and love stories. If you don't have money to buy gifts but have some time on your hands, try and figure out activities that the two of you can do together. Go to the beach or the park and bring a blanket along with you. Make your special someone a special dinner (if done right, this can earn you a lot of props) and watch a rented movie on the couch.

Tip #5: Be creative, but keep it simple. Some guys are good at planning day long events with multiple activities - most of us are not. If you buy a present for a girl and put it unwrapped in a bag, get some colored tissue paper to go along with it (hint: don't mash the tissue paper into the bag, try to make it look good). And if you get a present for a guy, looks aren't necessarily what matters; a guy is more interested in getting the wrapping off than he is in looking at it.

Tip #6: Old tricks still work great. Things like fresh flower bouquets (roses rarely hurt, but a girls favorite flower is generally better), chocolate (surprised? No, probably not), and a little card (while sappy is generally a good idea, you don't have to go overboard) with a simple "thanks for brightening my life" from you can often go a long way. Don't just go down to the nearest store and buy a box of chocolate and some flowers for $10. Think of what flavors, brands, or smells that they like and get them those things specifically.

Tip #7: Expensive isn't always better. Some restaurants are overpriced and noisy, while less expensive ones can be more affordable and have a good atmosphere. Also, not all gifts are created equal. Little cheap gifts can often be better than big and expensive gifts if they express some shared memory between the two of you. Find something that your significant other will find funny, amusing, cute, or manly depending on their tastes. Examples range from a Benjamin Franklin beer shirt to replacing a phone case that you accidentally destroyed.

Tip #8: The message is more important than the gift or activity. If you take your significant other out to a great dinner at their favorite restaurant but act rude or uninterested, you might as well have not done anything at all. Whatever you choose to do for Valentines Day, make sure that you are engaged and interested. The actions that you perform and the words that you say are far more important than any gift.

A Newborn Means New Insurance, Baby!

2010-02-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Having a baby is a life-altering event. Lacking the proper health and life insurance can be, too. You have, or soon will have a new dependent that relies on your wages. As your baby's main or sole financial support, you need to insure against losses in the event of your death.

Calculating how much life insurance you need is the first crucial step. Financial advisers suggest a five-step analysis: Add up your short-term needs final expenses, outstanding debts and emergency expenses, long-term needs such as mortgage payment, education dependents' college tuition and family maintenance child care, food, clothing, utility bills, insurance and transportation. Then subtract assets such as savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other life insurance.

Soon after your baby's birth, you should apply for the child's Social Security number. You'll need to list this number on your tax return in order to take the dependency exemption for the baby. Most hospitals make the arrangements, but if yours doesn't, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Normally, a prudent woman would contact her insurance carrier while she is pregnant to ensure adequate pre-natal care after her OB/GYN appointments

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports many children who qualify for state programs that provide health coverage to low-income families are not covered because their parents don't know about these programs. Your state insurance department can tell you if you qualify for such coverage. Unfortunately, these days, more and more mothers are relying on the government as sole support of their children because of such rough times for American’s.

One way to help lower your debt and consolidate all your bills into one, would be to call Debthelper.com @ 800-920-2262. We can negotiate for you to lower interest rates and combine all your accounts to 1 monthly payment. Saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in interest. Call us to find out more.

Source

We Owe $80,000 On Credit Cards – Where To Start?

2010-02-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Laura writes in with the following plea for help with getting out of credit card debt:

I came across your web site today and I love it! My husband was out of work for nearly 2 years. We always had enough money to pay our bills so our credit line was very high. Well, I used it, all of it. I paid the phone, the car, taxes, one credit card paid another and so on. I know I broke every cardinal rule but I did what I had to survive.

My husband is now working. We are paying the mortgage company every week $500.00 to catch up. My credit cards are over $80,000.00.

Here is my question…Now that we are getting back on our feet, how do we square up with the credit cards with out ending up in the same position? I can give them each (all ten of them) 40.00 a month, but that won’t make a dent and I don’t even think they will take that low of an amount.

Laura, thank you for taking the time to share your story. It sounds like you and your husband have had a rough couple years, financially, but there will be brighter days ahead. My first piece of advice has little to do with finances, and more with your relationship with your husband.

I want to encourage you to fully disclose your financial situation to your husband. Perhaps you have already done so, but in your email you indicated “I used it, all of it. I paid the phone, the car, taxes…” I just want to make sure you and your husband understand the situation fully, and understand that while you did what you had to survive, we must now work together to clean it up.

Kudos to you for working to get the mortgage caught up, and for making that a top priority. So many times people in your situation make payments to credit cards before the mortgage payment because some obnoxious credit card collector is breathing down their neck. Prioritize the income you now have coming in putting things like food, shelter, lights, and transportation at the top. You’ll work around to the credit cards when you can, but those things must be paid first.

Consolidate Your Accounts
With ten credit cards you do have an uphill battle, but paying them off is not impossible. You didn’t share exact numbers/balances with me, but I understand your current budget only allows for $400 to go towards repaying the credit cards (hopefully you’ll have even more once the mortgage is caught up).

Spread across 10 cards, that $400 budget only leaves $40 per card. You might consider a consolidation loan with Lending Club to reduce the number of accounts (and minimum payments) you are required to pay each month. If you can successfully consolidate your accounts, but sure to close or tear up the cards of those that are paid off. Else you may revert back to old habits and begin using them again.

Sell Stuff to Raise Cash for an Emergency Fund
It would be great if you could build up a small emergency fund of a couple thousand dollars before starting your debt repayment plan. I worry the next emergency will lead you back to credit cards, and zap any progress you’ve made towards paying them off.

Do you have anything you could sell to fund this emergency fund? An extra vehicle? Old jewelry you no longer wear, but may have cash value? Appliances? Electronics? Consider hosting a yard sale or two. I’m not advocating you sell all the contents of your home, but this step will require an extreme measure or two to get an emergency fund in place.

The Debt Snowball
Here’s my advice for handling the remaining credit cards. Start with the traditional debt snowball. List your cards smallest to largest according to their current balance. The standard advice here is to pay the minimums on all accounts to keep them current, and pay anything extra on the smallest debt. In your situation, I’m not sure that’s possible, considering the sum of all minimum payments is likely much higher than $400.

I’d advise you to consider making a substantial payment – at least a couple hundred dollars – on the account with the lowest balance. Use any remaining funds to pay minimums on the next card or two. Hopefully, that card with the lowest balance can be paid off within a couple months, and when it is, walk that money right up the debt snowball to the account with the next lowest debt, and so on. The guys at the end of the list will probably be kicking and screaming for payments, but if you can’t get to them, you just can’t get to them.

Increase Your Income

While working this debt snowball, it would be great if you could find creative ways to increase your income. Perhaps you or your husband could work some overtime or a part-time job, or work from home in off hours. As you acknowledged, you are in a pretty big hole, so increasing the size of your shovel would certainly help get out of credit card debt that much faster!

I wish you and your husband the best on your journey to debt freedom. It will be a long road, but as someone who has just recently experienced debt freedom, I can tell you that every sacrifice is completely worth it!

Source

One way to help lower your debt and consolidate all your bills into one, would be to call Debthelper.com @ 800-920-2262. We can negotiate for you to lower interest rates and combine all your accounts to 1 monthly payment. Saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in interest. Call us to find out more.

What Is The New Frugality?

2010-01-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

And what is the Old Frugality?

In a nutshell, they both refer to spending less money. It can be keeping electrical appliances unplugged, lights turned off, giving unused clothes to friends and family, and running the AC a little higher to keep your electrical bill low. The difference between the two types of frugality lies in people's motivations behind the actions.

The Old Frugality is what many of our parents and grandparents grew up with. If you were poor, it was a matter of habit. You kept everything off because you didn't have the money to spend on electricity. You didn't get spectacular birthday presents because the family couldn't afford them. And you didn't go to college because you couldn't afford a student loan.

The Old Frugality also refers to the people that we used to label as being 'cheap'. These people could afford to watch t.v. and buy new things but chose not to. They saved money by cutting corners on projects, by combining vacations with business (e.g. looking for a new home, a new job), or by getting their kid a used bike instead of a new one. Or, in extreme cases, people would be like Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol".

In short, the Old Frugality was a negative mindset. It focused on what you couldn't have and why you couldn't have it. It made the word frugal into a term that you would only apply to somebody that you did not like. Until the Great Recession.

The New Frugality is trying to make frugal a positive term. For instance: you combine activities because you want more family time, you get your kid a used bike because it's a better model than the new one that they wanted, or you keep electrical appliances unplugged or off because you want to be more environmentally friendly.

The New Frugality is more about understanding the consequences of your own actions. When you pay for items with a credit card, you risk amassing debt that you won't be able to pay back. If you instead pay for the items with a debit card, it is a one time transaction. While you might be out of money in the short run, it will cost you less in the long run.

Finally, you aren't going to be a social outcast (a Scrooge) if you follow the New Frugality. Most of the actions that you could take to save yourself money (e.g. buying more efficient light bulbs, tightening on what you spend at the supermarket, etc...) are done when you are by yourself. One of the points of the New Frugality is that you should go out and have fun on occasion. Don't have to worry about whether or not you can afford to take a vacation; save the money in your spare time to insure that you can go on that vacation.

The New Frugality movement is about staying positive. You can save money while you have a good time - you don't have to be poor or a killjoy to do it. Use your common sense to get things done, and make sure to keep your head on your shoulders while you do it.

Related Links:

WiseBread Blog on Frugality: Post

The Simple Dollar Blog: Post

Chris Farrel, Author and Blogger on the concept of the New Frugality: Post

New York Times on Environmental Frugality: Article

Earthquake Relief in Haiti

2010-01-14T07:04:00.001-08:00

In an effort to help those who have been affected by the earthquake in Haiti, and their continuing tragedies, Credit Card Management Services, Inc. d.b.a Debthelper.com is now a collection center to help those in need.

Your gift will help distribute relief supplies to children and families impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

Anything you are willing to provide will be greatly appreciated and invaluable to the families you will be helping. The immediate need is dry foods such as rice, beans; can foods, tents and army type cots, blankets and medical supplies.

Where: 4611 Okeechobee Blvd. Suite 114 WPB, FL 33417
Time: Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 8pm; Sat: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Information: (561) 472-8000

Debthelper.com

Are LED's Actually Less Expensive for Consumers than Regular Light Bulbs?

2010-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

LED's (or Light Emitting Diodes) are a fast growing alternative to traditional fluorescent light bulbs. LED lights shine brighter, use less energy, cost less money in the long run, and generally operate more reliably than their fluorescent counterparts.

Moreover, many green movement organizations avidly support LED's, claiming that they create a smaller environmental footprint while saving you, the consumer, money.

And are they right? For the most part it seems that they are.

From what I have been able to learn from online research and discussions with friends and acquaintances, LED lights actually do save you more money that fluorescent lights do. While LED lights are far more expensive in their initial purchase than fluorescent light bulbs, they save you more money in the long run thanks to their more efficient technology - and that technology is only getting better.

According to a blog over at Techsoup:

"Holiday LED lights use a fraction of the energy than conventional incandescent holiday lights. To be exact, LED lights are 44 times more energy efficient and inexpensive to run. They're lower-cost to buy than ever before and some stores will even offer a discount on purchasing new LEDs if you bring in your old, inefficient lights to recycle".

In support of this point, a New York Times article says that an LED lamp"... weighs about one-third of a competing lamp and uses 8 watts to produce the light of a [traditional] 50-watt bulb". What this means is that you can A) save yourself a great deal of money on your electrical bill and B) be more environmentally conscious while doing so.

However, LED lights are just now becoming a viable option for the average person. The majority of appliance stores lack a variety of LED lamps and products, and those that they do possess are very expensive. Some businesses (such as KFC and Redwood Systems) and parts of the government (The Pentagon and the Department of Energy) are experimenting with replacing traditional lights with LED's, but on average doing so is not yet fully practical.

My advice would be to keep an eye on LED technology and begin a gradual phasing out of your old light bulbs for LED lights. Doing so would save you money in the long run while keeping your options open in the short term. Switch things out like flashlights, work lamps, and small light sources first and wait until there is a more diverse market before replacing bigger items.

Places to Visit

For those who are interested, the following site gives a detailed and slightly techie account on how LED's operate. I would recommend it to anyone considering using LED's for personal use. How LED's Work.

For those who have had their curiosity piqued, you can read the summary of an intensive study conducted by Siemens Corporate Technology Centre for Eco Innovations for the German lighting corporation, Osram. The summary details how the group conducted a study on determing how green-friendly LED lights actually are and the conclusions (and data) that they reached. It was overwhelmingly positive. You can can get to it from here.

The New York Time's has written a plethora of articles on the subject. They are quite good if slightly repetitive. Article 1, Article 2, Article 3.

Save Money While Having Fun

2010-01-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

What if you could make money while doing something that you enjoy? Well, if you play your cards right, then you may just be able to do so.

Everyone has a hobby that they enjoy doing. What most people don't realize is that hobbies teach us valuable skills that can be used to help you save money or, in some cases, even to make money. Lets consider a few examples:

Photography- if you enjoy taking photographs and are often told by people that your pictures look like they were done by a professional, then you might be able to make some money. Many magazines will accept (and sometimes pay a commission for) well-shot reader submitted photographs. Check around and see if there is a magazine (like Birds & Bloom) whose interests fit your own.

Mechanics/Handyman- this is an old adage, but it cannot be stressed enough. If you are good with your hands and enjoy tinkering with things, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars. Besides the obvious methods of plumbing and car repair (which can save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime) you can also do something simpler. You can do things like building a sturdy shelf out of nothing but nylon rope and wooden planks that can save you both money and space. Use your imagination!

Cooking- simple, basic, and just plain good to know. If you are one of those people who doesn't know how to cook, I would recommend that you learn how. Not only does it save you money on meals, but it is an incredibly useful skill to have. Both men and women love a partner that can cook, and cooking itself can be an enjoyable activity if you allow yourself to experiment. And if you have kids, make be able to see the results of their work in a short amount of time (a must for children with a short attention span), you can save yourself money on both food and activities like video games or movies.

Arts and Crafts- if you enjoy making arts and craft items like necklaces, bracelets, and patterned blankets, you can save yourself a great deal of money. Learning how to do these activities teaches a person a good deal of valuable skills. You can sew things back together, make homemade gifts for people, and sometimes even sell your pieces through craft shops or online. It's a great way to supplement your income while performing a relaxing and familiar hobby.

If you have a different hobby that you enjoy, then it is very likely that you have some kind of money making or money saving skill. All you have to do is be creative and try to apply what you know and love to your everyday life. Expensive kid activities like video games and dvds can be supplemented or replaced by fishing trips and family camping, and calls for repair men or new furniture can be replaced by learning a few handy skills. Check online for tools and tips from other people with similar hobbies - the internet is a vast and informative place.

Places to go for more tips and ideas:

Frugal Living

Homeowners Blog

Arts and Crafts

More Arts and Crafts

Broadcasters woes could spell trouble for free tv

2009-12-31T06:14:00.001-08:00

For more than 60 years, TV stations have broadcast news, sports and entertainment for free and made their money by showing commercials. That might not work much longer.

The business model is unraveling at ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox and the local stations that carry the networks' programming. Cable TV and the Web have fractured the audience for free TV and siphoned its ad dollars. The recession has squeezed advertising further, forcing broadcasters to accelerate their push for new revenue to pay for programming.

That will play out in living rooms across the country. The changes could mean higher cable or satellite TV bills, as the networks and local stations squeeze more fees from pay-TV providers such as Comcast and DirecTV for the right to show broadcast TV channels in their lineups. The networks might even ditch free broadcast signals in the next few years. Instead, they could operate as cable channels — a move that could spell the end of free TV as Americans have known it since the 1940s.

"Good programing is expensive," Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp. owns Fox, told a shareholder meeting this fall. "It can no longer be supported solely by advertising revenues."

Source

Returning Gifts Once The Holiday's Are Over

2009-12-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

After the holiday's are over, many people are faced with a difficult problem: broken or unwanted gifts. When that happens, it is always good to know whether or not it is possible to return the item back to the store that you purchased it from. In order to do that, you need to know the in's and out's of return policies. It can be easy to get tripped up in the details, but as long as you keep your head on your shoulders, you can easily do it. Here are a few common sense tips to help you out and possibly save you some time and money along with various facts taken from the New York Times online news site:

Step 1) Know If The Store In Question Offers A Return Policy, And Be 100% Certain Of It.

Not all stores offer a return policy, and thanks to the current economy, the number of stores that do so is shrinking. In a recent online article, the New York Times discusses this very subject. According to the Times "About 17 percent of retailers have tightened their holiday policies this year, according to the National Retail Federation." Keep this in mind, because stores that you may have returned items to in the past might not be so accepting this year (big name stores that do continue to have great return policies include Nordstroms and Lands' End).

Step 2) Be Sure That Your Item Is Applicable Under The Stores Return Policy and Know The Restrictions

Many stores that do offer return policies make exceptions for certain types of items. Electronic devices such as computers and computer parts are notoriously difficult to return. In many cases, it is actually impossible to do so. Always ask if a stores return policy applies to the item that you are purchasing - if you do, you might be able to save yourself time and money spent arguing with overwhelmed and confused employees. Also, make certain that if the item is broken or is otherwise damaged, that the damage does not exclude you from returning the item. It has been known to happen in the past.

In many cases, stores will give you in-store credit, membership benefits, or limited time offers instead of hard cash. As the New York Times put it:

"It’s often impossible to get cash back, especially if you’re returning a gift. Many retailers will provide refunds only to the person who originally made the purchase, while gift recipients — even if you have a gift receipt — can only make exchanges for merchandise, or receive a store credit or gift card." When you buy a gift, make certain that you know what you will get if back if you choose to return it.

Step 3) Keep Your Receipt

"Scam artists... take advantage of stores with lenient policies, steal large quantities of merchandise and then return them without a receipt."

Receipts are genuine life-savers. As fraud and scams increase, retail stores and outlets keep tightening the restrictions on how an item can be returned. In the vast majority of cases, most return policies require the person doing the return to have the reciept with them. Always ask for a receipt with your purchase, and then place the receipt somewhere safe. It doesn't matter if it is simply a folder, a box, or a full-blown file system. As long as you have it, you are more likely to be able to return an item. If you purchase an item online, you can often save the receipt to your computers hardrive, and you are always offerred the option to print it out once your online transaction is complete.

Step 4) Online Purchases

As a rule of thumb, online purchases are usually one way transactions. Auction websites like craigslist and ebay safeguard your transactions and credit information, but they usually do not guarantee the return of an item upon its purchase (rare exceptions do apply, but keep in mind that they really are rare). Examine online purchases in a case by case basis; the internet varies wildly from one website to another in the rules and specifications that apply to it.

Even websites with ground based locations might not accept the return of items purchased online."If you purchased something online, it does not necessarily mean you can return it to the retailer’s physical location. Many big stores, like J. Crew, will take back anything purchased online, but others, including Sports Authority, American Apparel and Home Depot, will not (but come February, Home Depot will reverse its policy). So you, or the person you gave a gift to, will have to make a trip to the post office and pay for return shipping (though some online-only retailers like Zappos and Piperlime offer free shipping both ways)."

Returning an item may seem complicated, but you just need to remember 3 big things: see if a store has a return policy, make sure that your item is covered by the policy, and keep the receipt. Keeping these things in mind can save you money that you would otherwise lose, and help you get through these tough financial times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/19/your-money/household-budgeting/19returns.html?_r=1

How I Cut my Comcast Cable Bill by 33% (Without Losing Any Service)

2009-12-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

Last week, I wrote that you can negotiate anything. This guest post by G.E. Miller gives a real-life example of using negotiation to save money. For more from G.E., check out his personal finance blogs 20somethingfinance.com and microfrugality.com.

For the third of the country who has no choice but to turn to Comcast for cable television, the thought of price haggling is about as appealing as a root canal. Comcast has a notorious reputation for being unwilling to make their customers happy. Customers of other monopolistic cable outfits across the nation know the feeling.

However, the potential savings that can come from limiting a monthly subscription expense can be enormous. What’s a frugal personal financier to do?

Dealing with your local cable superpower doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. And as evidenced by the ease in which I recently cut my cable/internet costs by a third during a short online chat without losing any service whatsoever, you may have similar success.

With television service competition increasing and unemployment rates still trending upward, consumers are looking to slice discretionary expenses and service providers may be feeling the pinch to keep them on board. There’s no better time to ask than now. Here’s my actual chat with a Comcast rep (whose name has been altered to Rizzo to preserve his anonymity). Afterward, we’ll discuss some universal price haggling techniques to better prepare you for your interaction.

My Comcast Chat Transcript
user G.E. has entered room
analyst Rizzo has entered room

Rizzo: Hello G.E., Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Rizzo. Please give me one moment to review your information.
G.E.: Hi Rizzo
Rizzo: Hello G.E., I will be happy to assist you today. How are you?
G.E.: Fine, you?
Rizzo: How may I assist you today? I’m good. Thanks for asking.
G.E.: I need to lower my bill. U-Verse is much cheaper. Thinking of switching
Rizzo: Alright. Let me check my resources for this.
G.E.: A buddy of mine was able to get $39.99/mo. for digital preferred for a year.
Rizzo: Can I have your account number please.
G.E.: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rizzo: Thank you for that. I will now check on the account. Please bear with me. Thanks.
Rizzo: G.E, I have checked the account. You have our Digital Preferred package for $74.94, DVR for $9.99, Internet $42.95 and Modem Rent for $5.00. I will now check on my resources to lower your bill.
Rizzo: I have checked my resources. I can offer you Digital Preffered $54.99 for 12months and Internet for $19.99 for 6 months.
G.E.: Can you do $44.99 on the cable or 1/2 price DVR and extend the internet to a year?
Rizzo: With this your new monthly charge will be $89.97. Thats the best promotion available G.E.
G.E.: Rizzo, we’re so close! =)
Rizzo: Thanks. Do you want me to process this one for you?
G.E.: Can you extend the internet to a year? That way the cable and internet are both a year
Rizzo: The Internet Code is only good for 6 months. That’s the best price I can offer you for internet. However, you can check back on us again next quarter to check if there’s another promotion available to you. Would that be okay?
G.E.: What’s my TOTAL bill now, and what would it be after your offer?
Rizzo: Your current monthly charge is $132.88. With this offer your monthly bill is $89.97.
G.E.: Preferred is what I presently have, correct?
Rizzo: Yes, the offer that I have is also a Digital Preferred package. Do you want me to proceed and process this one?
G.E.: Yes, can you send me an email confirmation?
Rizzo: Unfortunately, I cannot. The process will take effect immediately. You will see this rates adjusted on your next bill.
Rizzo: Shall I process this now?
G.E.: yes
Rizzo: Alright.
G.E.: thanks Rizzo, you’re a good man.
Rizzo: You’re welcome. I’m still processing. Please bear with me.
Rizzo: G.E., I already have processed the order. The new charges includes Preferred $54.99, DVR $9.99, Modem $5.00 and Internet $19.99. Your new monthly charge is $89.97.
Rizzo: Do you have other concerns for today? I will be glad to assist you further.
G.E.: Nope, that’s it. thanks
Rizzo: You’re welcome. By the way, to properly close this chat room please click on the END SESSION button. Thank you. I hope that you can find time in answering the 3 question survey after this chat. Thanks.
Rizzo: Bye for now.

So what can you take away from this chat transcript? There are a few universal haggling techniques that are applicable to just about any price haggling scenario.

1.Don’t be afraid to ask. Asking to cut my bill worked. Amazed at how simple it was to cut more than I was aiming for from my bill immediately, I asked for an even bigger cut. That request was denied (not to my surprise or dismay). Truth be told, I’m not sure that any of the techniques I used triggered the better offer, but I do know one thing — had I been afraid to simply ask for the price break, I would have never gotten one. Rule number one is to overcome your fear and just ask.

2.Be pleasant. Congeniality is king when interacting with CSRs. Being rude only infuses CSRs with the desire to deny your request. CSRs aren’t paid near what they should be, and probably don’t have the highest job satisfaction levels. If you can appeal to their gentler human-side, you win. Spit fire at them, and they will slam the door on you with pleasure.

3.Refer to the competition. I had heard that Comcast was motivated to be a little more giving with the entrance of AT&T U-Verse cable into the marketplace (at lower prices). I’m not sure that it helped in this specific case, but referencing the competition specifically or generically (if its offerings are weaker) rarely will hurt you.

4.State the facts. More than anything else, I wanted to lower my cost, and that’s what I asked for. Someone I know had received a better price than I was paying and I stated that fact.

5.Do your research. Knowing what kind of promotions the company is offering to new or exiting customers is essential to getting the best deal. When it comes down to it, if you can quit your service and then re-start it the next day at a cheaper price, the company knows it has little incentive to let you leave without matching that offer.

6.Look for special circumstances. I’d heard that working with Comcast online chat representatives often yielded better results because the reps weren’t actual Comcast employees, and therefore had lesser incentive to play the hard line. That’s why I chose the online chat route versus the phone.

7.Let them make the first move. Before the chat, had I not received a cost break, I was willing to cut my service levels. I didn’t offer that right away, and it turned out that I didn’t need to. Don’t show all your cards right away.
When I need to call back in, I now have two additional pieces of information that I can take into the negotiation process based on this statement form the CSR: “The Internet Code is only good for 6 months. That’s the best price I can offer you for internet. However, you can check back on us again next quarter to check if there’s another promotion available to you.”

I now know that Comcast has promotions available on a quarterly basis. I also know that there are “codes” for both Internet and cable. Both pieces of info should help me in future negotiations. Hopefully, they’ll help you as well.

Have you had similar success haggling with your cable company or ISP? What do you attribute it to? What kind of a break did you get on your bill?

Source

Get Rid of Useless Crap

2009-12-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

It’s December, that time of year when your friends and family conspire to airdrop a metric ton of new stuff into your house. That stuff will soon join last year’s stuff, and the previous year’s stuff, and stuff from 1998. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

“One can very gratefully accept someone’s giving and not have to live with their gift,” says Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, a small-space design guru and author of Apartment Therapy. Phew! “You’re not doing yourself or your friend a service by hanging onto the thing they gave you that you don’t like. What you do owe them, however, is to move it on from your home discreetly.”

In fact, busy as the holidays are, it’s the perfect time of year to haul away a load of junk and make a plan to amass less stuff in the future. This is a resolution you can actually keep.

Let me be clear: I’m not going to offer you a Hints from Heloise lecture on decluttering or exhort you to divest yourself of your earthly possessions and live like a monk. I’ll only become a monk if I can carry a MonkBook Pro.

You know where I’m coming from: Clutter wastes money.

Clutter can take up an enormous amount of space in your house or apartment. You might be living in (and paying for) too much space, just to make room for stuff you don’t need. You’ve probably spent a bundle moving stuff that was sitting unloved in your old place and is now sitting unloved in your new place. (It’s okay, I’ve done it, too.)

Do you maintain a self-storage space? About 10 percent of Americans do. Do you ever use the stuff in the storage space? If your $40/month storage space flooded, would this really be a tragedy? I’m guessing no, unless you use it for band practice and your Marshall half-stacks go up in smoke.

When you’ve amassed a garage full of stuff and finally have to do something about it so you can find your car, it costs real money. Ever dialed one of those commercial junk haulers? If you get away for a few hundred, you’re lucky.

When I say “stuff,” I’m not just talking about classic clutter like junk mail and magazines. I mean anything you’re living with, maybe even feel a little attached to, but don’t need: furniture you inherited but don’t love; lousy gifts from nice people; books you read and enjoyed and haven’t read since; anything that has spent a year in its box.

Okay, you’re convinced, right? So why didn’t you do anything about it last year? A few years ago, Gillingham-Ryan had a key insight about why people can’t let go of their stuff: getting rid of stuff is a two-part problem and you have to tackle the two parts separately.

“One was separation anxiety: I’m afraid to let go of it because I’m attached to it,” he said. “But that was actually less of a problem than I thought. The bigger problem was they weren’t really sure where to put it or what to do next with it, and faced with those two problems together, they did nothing. So my goal was to try and create some movement.”

This jibes perfectly with my experience: even after I’ve decided I can live without those old headphones, pants, or books, what should I do with them? Try to get a couple bucks for them on eBay? Donate them to Goodwill? Just put them in the trash?

Gillingham-Ryan’s secret is the Outbox. “Choose one part of your home to collect the junk,” he said. “You need to delegate some place for that and to deal first with separating from it–like, ‘I’m going to take it out of the room and I’m going to pretend I don’t need it.’ And then secondly to deal at a later point with, ‘what am I going to do with it?’ I found that by unhitching those two, things move much more easily.”

The Outbox can be a closet, a spare room, even a designated corner of the living room. It allows you to play a game with yourself: “I’m not going to get rid of Grandma’s vase…but what would it feel like if I did?” (I mean a vase Grandma *gave you,* not a vase containing, well, you know.) InApartment Therapy, Gillingham-Ryan calls the Outbox “a halfway house for clutter.” There’s no harm in taking something out of the outbox after a week.

However, like a band that practices in a self-storage space, stuff in the Outbox rarely gets an encore. Gilligham-Ryan explains it with a very design-guruish metaphor: “Just like a rock in water looks so shiny and attractive, when you take it out of the water it gets dry and unattractive. Things that have been put in the outbox look a lot less attractive once they’ve sat there, and people then very willingly figure out the second problem, which is what the hell to do with it.”

So what the hell do you do with it? One lesson I quickly learned after moving a ton of stuff into my Outbox is that *you don’t have to be responsible for making sure all of your former stuff reaches its proper place in the universe.* The universe will take care of that for you. (That is my guruish pronouncement for the day.) In the summer, I make frequent use of the world’s best recycling technology: the urban street corner. I recruit my daughter to help me carry stuff down and put it on the corner with (or without) a FREE sign, and it’s usually gone within minutes. Yes, this includes stuff I could probably get $6 for on eBay: maybe I’m out $6, but I just spent one minute getting rid of this item instead of half an hour.

(This does not mean I am giving you license to put your moldy couch out on the street in the rain.)

You probably invented a makeshift version of the Outbox last time you moved. It happened to me. I love to read. A few years ago, we moved to a slightly smaller apartment. I boxed up all of my books, and when we got to the new place, I unpacked the most important stuff, the cookbooks and a couple of other categories, and promptly ran out of space. The rest stayed in boxes for a year. At some point I realized I didn’t even know what was in the boxes and didn’t care, and if I needed to reread one of those books, I could get it from the library. I donated all the book boxes to charity.

Receiving stuff is a fact of modern life. Keep the good stuff and let the rest proceed swiftly to its next destination. When you get good at this, it’s fun. It’s traveling light, home edition.

And you want to know a secret? The absolute best thing about getting rid of stuff is that it makes room for the shiny new stuff you really want.

This is why I never made it as a monk.

Matthew Amster-Burton, author of the book Hungry Monkey, writes on food and finance from his home in Seattle.

Source

Beyond Tuition: Helping Out With College Expenses

2009-12-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

My sister starts college this spring and I've been thinking about options for helping her out with her expenses beyond trying to help her pay tuition. While I'd love to be able to just cover all her costs, the cost of attending college these days prevents that. Those of us who want to help out a family member when it comes to college aren't out of luck, though. There are some practical ways to help out a college student that don't involve writing a check to the university.

Housing and Transportation
I happen to live about 30 minutes away from the school my sister is attending and I'm able to offer her housing. It doesn't change my mortgage at all by putting her in the spare bedroom but it makes a major difference in the amount of money she has to come up with for school. Sometimes, I can even give her a ride to school. It took a lot of consideration to decide that I wanted to make the offer of living with me to my sister: not only did we have to be sure that everyone involved was comfortable with the arrangement, but my sister and I had to come to an agreement of what we expected of one another if she was going to get a place to stay for free.

Pick Up A Bill
One of my friends simply added her niece to her cell phone contract. She could get a better deal for a second line than her niece could get on her own and by paying for a cell phone, my friend has eliminated one of her niece's expenses while she's in college. There are plenty of other bills that a college student has, on top of tuition and board, and students generally can't get the best deals. If you've already established yourself with a company, like a cell phone provider or an insurance company, you can often get a better deal adding a relative to your account than that relative can get on his or her own (especially when you consider the minimal credit history most college students have).

Planning Ahead
If you've got a younger relative that you want to be able to help with college costs down the road, putting aside some money now can be useful. Even better, you don't have to be the parent of the student in question to use some of the tax-advantaged college savings account. With a 529 College Savings Plan, for instance, you can open a savings account for just about anyone. All you need is a Social Security number. Even a small monthly deposit can make a big difference if you've got some time to let it grow — maybe a much bigger difference than the amount you'll be able to write a check for when college actually rolls around.

See What Works For You
Every family is different. If you want to help a relative or a friend with college expenses, there are many options for doing so. It's a matter of seeing what's practical for you and the student in question. If you have any suggestions for other ways to help out a college student, please share them in the comments.

Source: WiseBread

Can the Fed end my hatred of gift cards?

2009-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

By MICHELLE SINGLETARY
Thursday, November 19, 2009

I have a love/hate relationship with gift cards.

I love the concept and the fact that they make gift-buying so much easier. A gift card is a respectable way to give money without looking as if you have no idea what to get a person, which, if we're being honest, is often the case. Yet personally, I hate to receive a gift card. I'm a hoarder, and I don't like to waste a gift card on hair rollers or the everyday personal items I need. So I tuck the cards away. Or I'll hide a card from a particular restaurant, waiting for a special occasion to use it.

The problem is, I often forget I have the card or -- and this is one of the few times I'm tempted to curse -- I find out that the card has expired or that fees I didn't know existed have eaten up its value.

But now gift cards are getting a protective shield. The Federal Reserve has proposed guidelines that are supposed to make the cards less frustrating for people like me who have trouble quickly cashing them after receiving them.

Tucked in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 is a section addressing the fees for gift and stored-value cards. By Feb. 22, the Fed has to release final rules on the implementation of the law's gift-card provisions. Unfortunately, those rules won't help you for this holiday season -- the gift-card provisions don't take effect until next August.

The majority of consumers who are projected to spend a total of $50 billion on gift cards this year will purchase cards without expiration dates and pay no fees, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Most national retailers do not charge fees or place expiration dates on their cards.

Can you guess who does?

Gift cards issued by banks, malls and credit card companies are more likely to have expiration dates and tack on annoying activation, maintenance, inactivity and transaction fees, according to the National Retail Federation. Some bank-issued gift cards even charge a fee for simply checking the balance, the retail group reports.

The consumers who will spend a total of nearly $4 billion buying general purchase gift cards -- those not connected to a specific retailer -- pay $4 to $7 for the cards. Some of the card issuers have the audacity to add monthly fees as high as $4.95 if a card is not used six months after purchase. In September, American Express announced it was eliminating monthly fees on all of its gift cards, including those already purchased and stashed away in consumers' wallets and purses.

These general purchase cards with the infuriating fees are the biggest target of the new rules. The Fed has proposed prohibiting dormancy, inactivity, and service fees on gift cards except under certain conditions. For one, there has to have been at least one year of inactivity on a card for a fee to be charged. If a person waits more than a year to use the card, no more than one type of fee can be charged per month.

Under the proposed rules, a gift-card buyer has to be given clear and conspicuous disclosures about the fees. Additionally, issuers would be prohibited from offering cards that expire in less than five years.

In this new age of consumer protection, the Fed wants to know what you think of its proposed rules on gift cards.

You can e-mail comments to regs.comments@federalreserve.gov. Be sure to include Docket Number R-1377 in the subject line. You can also mail comments to Jennifer J. Johnson, secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20551.

Here's what I think.

The Fed should be bolder and prohibit any dormancy, inactivity or service fees, not just within the first year. What's the point of those fees anyway?

Oh, I know. The issuer is irritated that many people don't rush to the store right away and spend more than the card is worth, so the fees are a deterrent to holding on to them. In a survey, Consumer Reports noted that of those who were given gift cards last season, 65 percent said they typically spent more than the value of the card.

Consumer Reports also found that one-quarter of those who received gift cards last holiday season still have at least one they haven't used, and 11 percent of recipients have four or more.

As for an expiration date, since consumers pay good money for a gift card, it should never expire. Never.

Readers can write to Michelle Singletary at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

Source: Washington Post

Frugal Camping: My Roots In Frugality

2009-11-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

My fondest memories of childhood are around camping trips taken with my grandfather. Even at an early age, I loved the idea packing up his van and heading for the mountains (and occasionally, the beach). My grandfather has a love for the mountains, and all things nature. I can close my eyes and instantly jump back twenty years to imagine a cool, fall morning at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The chill in the air; the quietness of being above traffic; the fresh smell of the air, and of course the beautiful views of the mountains and valleys below. It’s an image I hope to share more with my own kids.

The Frugal Camper
What I did not realize all those years of camping with my grandfather was that he was really preparing me to grow up to be a frugalist. Instead of buying a giant RV or trailer, like most people we stayed next to along the way in campgrounds, my grandfather outfit his GMC van to handle all our camping needs. In fact, he did it twice. He kept that first van eighteen years, and the second is now nineteen years-old.

Before joining the Marines, my grandfather spent a lot of time in and around carpentry, and I’m convinced he could build just about anything. After buying the second van, he spent some time building a platform extending the width of the van in the very back that would support a twin mattress. He then designed a second platform running the length of the van behind the driver’s seat that could support a second twin bed, and could fold up during the day. It was high enough to store coolers and a couple suitcases underneath. For privacy, he used blue tarp with well-placed grommets, and a system of clothesline and hooks to cover all the windows. It really was ingenious.

Frugal Meals On The Road
We cooked 90% of our meals on a camp stove, eating from two coolers that we packed meticulously before departing. Lunches were cold-cut sandwiches, chips and a drink, and dinners were usually built around a pan-fried meat, along with a starch and mixed vegetable. A few of our favorites dinners were smoked sausage with red beans and rice, pan-fried chicken with noodles and green beans, and for the last night on the road, a steak and potatoes.

We boiled water after dinner to be used in cleanup, and boiled a second batch that we poured up in a thermos for overnight storage. In the morning my grandfather had hot water for coffee, and I had hot chocolate, and we shared a Pop-Tart or a bowl of cereal. We could generally go a week before having to stop for supplies.

Some nights we had electricity and running water, but other nights we stayed in campgrounds that did not. We passed the time before and after dinner learning games like chess, backgammon and poker (my mom was not thrilled with me learning poker at such a young age, but we played for chips instead of cash). My grandfather introduced me to classical music, and helped cultivate my love of reading.

Technology, Who Needs It?
Most trips were to the Smokies and back, usually less than a week around a school break. One time we headed all the way to Niagra Falls, then across Vermont and New Hampshire, and back along the East Coast with stops in Maine, New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Even for that extended two-week trip we survived on the contents of our van. No television, no cell phones, only a few restaurants (if the weather was bad), and for several nights, no electricity.

Can you imagine taking a similar trip today with no cell phones, no GPS units, no televisions, no iPods, and no laptop? Of course, today these things can easily be transported, but that doesn’t make it is a good thing. After all, it is hard to appreciate the nature that surrounds you with your head buried in a computer screen all day. It is hard to hear the gentle stream running over the rocks with music blaring in your ear buds. It is hard to get lost in an adventure trying to find a waterfall, and stumbling on a beautiful, unadvertised view with the help of a GPS unit. Believe it or not, some things are more fun without technology.

I hope one day soon I can take my own kids on a frugal adventure like the ones I went on growing up. And I hope to inspire the same frugality in my kids that my grandfather instilled in me at an early age. Oh, and that old van? I still drive it to and from work today. It is nineteen years-old, and besides a busted radio and a few creaks here and there, she still runs just fine. Some mornings when I get to work I glance back at the old beds, the built in closet, and those old red coolers that served as our rolling refrigerators, and smile.

Source: Frugal Dad

More Households Cut the Cord on Cable

2009-10-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

tvAmid tighter budgets, more people are trying to save money by cutting their cable cords. In response, cable companies are beginning to experiment with new Internet services.

In what's shaping up as the home-entertainment equivalent of severing a landline phone service, more people are joining the ranks of "cord cutters" by forgoing cable subscriptions that can run $60 or more a month.

Instead, they're turning to free over-the-air high-definition television channels and video-game consoles, such as Playstation 3 and XBox 360. They're also watching Internet-connected TV sets, paying a basic high-speed Internet fee of about $45, as well as set-top boxes from companies like Netflix Inc. Some are also using media browsers that they can download free and run on PCs, providing access to TV shows, movies and other content directly from the Web.

The number of cable cutters remains too small to threaten the pay-television industry. Still, large cable companies such as Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc. are noticing that people are spending more time online.

"The reality is, we're starting to see the beginnings of cord cutting where people, particularly young people, are saying all I need is broadband," said Glenn Brit, president and chief executive of Time Warner Cable, during a company earnings call in February.

Earlier this year, Comcast began working on Web services that would stream cable-TV shows, often not available online. Last year, Time Warner Cable began an experiment in Milwaukee, Wis., where subscribers to its cable and Internet services and HBO could go to an HBO Web site and download content. These services would be available only to cable subscribers.

Comcast is also beefing up its Fancast Web site, which streams TV shows from the broadcast networks and is available free to anyone on the Internet.

"From a Comcast perspective, it's an acknowledgment that consumers are spending more and more time watching video on their PC," says Sam Schwartz, executive vice president for Comcast Interactive Media.

The cable-cutting trend isn't just being driven by pinched personal budgets. It also comes as younger consumers gravitate to popular and free online video sites such as Google Inc.'s YouTube and Hulu.com, a joint venture between News Corp. and NBC Universal, which is owned by General Electric Co. and Vivendi. More content producers are also offering their TV shows and movies online through services such as Apple Inc.'s iTunes and Netflix.

Some 900,000 U.S. homes didn't pay for TV and relied solely on Web TV last year, according to estimates from consulting firm Parks Associates, which projects that the number will grow this year. And 8% of adults now view television shows online at least once a week, up from 6% who did so in 2008, according to a survey by the Leichtman Research Group. The same survey found that 8% of adults who watch video online now watch TV less often.

Overall, while the number of households paying for cable rose 2% last year, pay-TV growth has slowed considerably. In the last three months of 2008, pay-TV penetration grew by only 0.7%, or 220,000 homes, its lowest rate on record, according to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

Daniel Bendett is one of those who became a cable cutter this year. Mr. Bendett, a San Francisco financial adviser, downloaded free of charge a media browser called Boxee on his Macintosh computer connected to his television a few months ago. The Boxee software creates widget-like buttons on a TV screen for easy access to personal digital content such as photos, music and movies and video sites, all with a remote control.

Now the 25-year-old says he and his roommates have decided not to pay for cable in their apartment. "Everything I need, I get from the Internet," Mr. Bendett says.

Those who end up cutting the cord do pay a price in entertainment. Pay-TV services, like cable and satellite, still carry more live events, TV shows, movies and other content for viewers to watch than what's available online. Web TV also doesn't offer as much high-definition content as pay TV.

In many situations, consumers also have to watch the content on their computers, which can be less comfortable than watching TV on the living-room couch. And while they can connect their PCs to digital TVs and watch online programming with a remote control, that setup is still too techie for many consumers.

Some would-be cable cutters have pulled back at the last minute, in part because live events like sports are hard to find online. Rodrigo Gonzalez, 31, a stay-at-home dad in Los Angeles, connected a computer to his living room television and downloaded Zinc, a media browser from ZeeVee Inc., three months ago because he wanted to access Netflix's video streaming site on his big TV. Through Zinc, he also accessed the Web sites for Hulu, Walt Disney Co..'s ABC and Time Warner's Cartoon Network.

"If I wasn't into sports, I would definitely just use [Zinc] instead," Mr. Gonzalez says.

Others are still planning to escape the cable cord. Patrick Roanhouse, a 25-year-old information-technology consultant in Baltimore, Md., downloaded Boxee to his laptop last year and began using it to watch Web TV. Now he mainly watches TV from his bedroom by connecting his laptop to a 24-inch monitor, even though he still splits a $120 Comcast cable, Internet and phone bill with his roommate.

When Mr. Roanhouse moves into his own apartment in August, he says, he plans to drop cable service entirely. "The old cliché that we have 500 channels and nothing to watch is pretty much still true," he says.

Source:WSJ

Bank of Mom and Dad: Could Tough Love Cure Financial Irresponsibility?

2009-10-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

A new show named Bank of Mom and Dad just premiered on 9/30/09 on SOAPnet. This show chronicles parents who attempt to reform their financially irresponsible adult children by moving in with them for a week. With the aid of a "money coach," the parents take actions to reform their spendthrift kid. Can this financial intervention really work?

I watched the premiere episode on Hulu.com and I must admit that it was a pretty entertaining show. The indebted child is a 33 year old single woman named Christina who looks a bit like Jillian from The Biggest Loser. She makes about $2500 a month as a bartender and spends around $3500 per month and she has accumulated over $38,000 in debt. Her parents have been divorced for 10 years, but they joined forces to participate in their daughter's financial makeover. They were also given advice by a straight talking personal finance coach who cut to the core of Christina's financial problems. The coach was not the main focus of the show and she had three very short meetings with the family and created a budget for Christina to focus on paying for necessities first.

What I really liked is that Christina's parents tried to teach her that she could enjoy the things she loves without spending as much as she does. For example, her mom Lorraine challenged her to spend less on groceries. Both women had the same shopping list and went to the same grocery store. The mom spent $57 for the items in her cart while Christina spent $193. Christina argued that the things she bought would taste better so her mom set up a blind taste test. Out of six food items, Christina preferred four of her mom's more frugal choices. It was quite hilarious when Lorraine cheered jubilantly when her daughter could not tell the difference between tap water and the expensive bottled water from Italy. I think this is actually a good experiment for those who spend too much on gourmet food. Could you tell the difference between $17 and $7 olive oils?

Christina's dad also showed a bit of tough love when he called the city to impound Christina's car since she owes over $1300 in parking tickets. The dad offered to get the car out of impound, but he also made Christina write him a $500 check upfront, and sign a contract that states that she would pay him back in full in a year. Personally I think this is what every parent should do when they loan money to their adult children.

In the end, it is hard to tell if Christina would keep up her new budget since the parental intervention only lasted one week, but in a blog update she states that the show has waken her up to her messy financial situation. Her parents did admit that they never taught her much about finances when she was young, but the idea of the show is that it is never too late to learn about personal finance and saving for yourself. I think one weakness of the first episode is that the money coach never talked to Christina about how she could increase her income, but the basic money saving and budgeting tips presented were on the spot. I will definitely tune in for the next episode, and you can also watch along for free on Hulu.com.

Source: WiseBread

Cutting the Cable - Part 2

2009-10-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I talked about cutting the cable. Well the fall prime time season has started, so I thought it was time for an update on how the TV viewing has been going.

So far I have not missed a show, and I’ve been enjoying my new methods of acquisition. Will minimal effort I’m able to stay on top of all the shows I want to follow and even had the time to check out some new shows I want to try to get into.

Shows off of Cable
There were only a handful of shows on cable that I watched on a regular basis. I’ve been able to easily keep up to date using iTunes and purchasing the shows as they are released. I’ve been luck as some of them have had a season pass saving me some money and making remembering to download the shows effortless. The cost has also been relatively low. Paying less than $30 a month compared to the $120 I was paying to have cable.

Off the Air
Getting shows off the air has been easy too, but there are some small catches. One my computer has to be on, which is not a big deal at all, but something that took some getting used to. Also using the EyeTV software I’m only able to record one show at a time. This is problematic as most shows that I enjoy are aired the same time as other shows that I enjoy. The solution to this situation is iTunes or bit torrent. Yes, that is right I said bit torrent. Ethically how do I feel about this, we’ll considering the content can be watched for free without paying attention to the commercials, not bad. To be honest bit torrent is the easiest way to get content second to iTunes, but at $2.99 or even $1.99 an episode, the cost is to high to be worth while. I hope to see the price reach the $0.99 range and I think it would be more practical.

Consuming the Content
Watching TV has been easy too. I’ve always watched TV in 2 places. My living room and my bedroom. When I got rid of my two DVRs I needed replacements for content. I had an Apple TV which was setup in the living room, but I needed something for the bedroom. I thought about buying a new Mac Mini, this could also double as my EyeTV computer and could just run as a media server. I liked the idea, but the cost was too much. I got luck and was able to pickup an old Mac mini for almost nothing. The issue is it’s very old and does not even have the IR for a remote. I was able to find a iPhone app called Air Mouse that lets me use the iPhone as a trackpad and keyboard. This makes viewing a breeze. I’m able to launch Front Row with the touch of one button and I can use my Airport network to stream content from my iTunes library.

So the setup is done, and the enjoyment is in full force. There is a minimal amount of effort to keep up with each show I watch, more so than with the DVRs, but I also enjoy being involved and knowing what shows are coming up.

Source: Geeky Mac

The Secret To Finding The Cheapest TV

2009-10-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

by Gretchen Hill

Some readers of this article will remember the time when television was free. All you had to do was to buy a set, attach an antenna, either indoor or outdoor, plug it in and turn on the set. There was no cable or satellite dish. The antenna brought the magic of television to your home. In only a few short years, cable television became popular. Today subscribers can pay from 30 to 100 dollars monthly for cable. That transcribes to 360 to 1200 dollars annually for this service. Here is some great news. For the absolute cheapest TV reception, cut out the cable company.

In the days of analog television, people subscribed to cable television, because distant signals often mean that the television picture was grainy, had shadows and snow. The good news about digital television, which is still broadcast over the airwaves, is that either you will get a great picture or no picture. If you live anywhere near television broadcast areas, you will get a nearly perfect picture with simple rabbit ears. There is no snow, there are no ghosts, and there are no shadows.

Free, local television broadcasts will allow you to see many of your favorite daytime or nighttime shows at no cost. Most local stations also offer local as well as national news.

If you fear losing your favorite movie channels, remember that for the 100 dollars you have spent per month on cable, you can buy five movies on DVD. For as little as 5 dollars monthly, you can join online movie rental sites that will send you DVDs of your favorite and new release movies. An advantage of these rental sites is that you can watch movies on your time schedule, and not according to the movie channel’s schedule.

If you have missed some of your favorite television shows, these too can be downloaded to your computer for immediate viewing. The cost, once again is free. Just visit the websites of the major networks, and start downloading.

If you family is watching less television, then you may find that cable is very expensive on an hourly basis.

Think of what you can do with all the money saved by cutting the cable. In a few months time you will have saved enough to buy the big screen you have been wanting.

What if you pull the plug on cable and there is one evening when you cannot find anything to watch. Here is some great news, there is always another option for television. It is called the off button. Turn off the TV, and visit with your family. Get to know your children or spouse. Have a family game night. If the weather is agreeable, go to the park and spend time together, without television, video games or iPods.

Source: whoisjasonglover.com

Comcast / NBC - Reaction to Cord Cutting?

2009-10-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Comcast is rumored to be in talks to merge with NBC/Universal. Comcast's move is designed to aquire NBC/Universal's rich content library in a defensive measure against their customers increasingly accessing content directly over the internet versus paying for access on cable.

By owning content, cable operators can either prevent content from becoming available on the web for free or charge subscription access. If Comcast actually goes through with the merge and it proves successful commercially, expect a wave of similar mergers and a fundamental shift in the industry.

Unfortunately, such moves serve to limit consumer web access to programming. In either case, Comcast's actions recognize the threat that internet access poses to their existing franchise.

Source: Cut Cable TV Cord

Now It's Easier than Ever to Cut the Cable

2009-09-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Think your cable bill isn't that big a deal? Think of it this way: It's "Like buying a new 50" TV each year and tossing it in the dumpster," asserts the Web site Cancelcable.com.
Fortunately, it's now easier than ever to enjoy a good picture and a wide range of programming without paying the cable company. Here are the changes and services that are allowing more and more people to cut the cable:

1. The Digital TV Transition: Clearer picture, more programming

As Linsey Knerl reminded us earlier this year, you can send away for coupons to get those digital TV converter boxes for pretty cheap. I've been putting off buying mine (in fact I let the coupons expire, doh!) and grumbling about the inconvenience of it all -- until recently. That's when I heard that once we hooked up this box, we would receive the kind of clear picture that cable subscribers receive -- on many more channels. In fact, when I checked a helpful site called AntennaWeb, I found that my zip code should receive TONS of stations, including five different versions of PBS.

One reason some folks pay for cable is to get quality programming for the kids. With five versions of PBS, I feel pretty confident I could find something they want to watch at about any time of the day.

And although the transition to digital TV doesn't happen until early next year, you can buy the converter box and begin receiving broadcast channels now with better reception than you've been getting with an antenna.

2. Free Programming: Hulu.com and network Web sites (and don't make me remind you about the library, people)

The one thing we miss most by not having cable at our house? "The Daily Show," of course. So lately we've made it a little night-night routine to watch "The Daily Show" on my laptop via Hulu.com in bed. Yeah, it's yesterday's episode, but is getting the same episode 24 hours earlier worth $60 a month? Not to me.

And since I'm busy tomorrow night during the season premiere of "Grey's Anatomy," I'll be watching it Friday -- on ABC.com.

3. Low-Cost Programming: ITunes and Netflix

Netflix is the one thing that makes me wonder why ANYONE has cable. Then I remember all those poor football fans being held hostage by the Cable-Atheletical Complex. But back to me: With Netflix, anytime we feel like vegging out in front of the tube, we usually have something we're interested in sitting here to watch. And if we're between movie deliveries, there's also Netflix's streaming service. Or, you know, Blockbuster.com, Redbox, whatever floats your boat. Whichever you choose, you're looking at a monthly cost from $0 (if you use Redbox coupon codes) to $4.99 (Netflix's cheapest tier) to $19.99 for Blockbuster's top plan. Beats the pants off cable.

Need more instant gratification? You can also buy TV episodes one-by-one from iTunes for $1.99-$2.99 a pop.

Now you have the tools you need to figure out if cancelling cable would save you money: Write down what shows you watch. Use the Showfinder gadget on CancelCable.com to figure out where you can get those shows besides on cable TV. Take the cost per episode on Netflix, iTunes or whatnot, and multiply it by the number of episodes you watch per month. Is the product less than the cost of your current cable package?

For example, if you pay for cable in order to get HBO shows, you'd have to download 31 "premium" episodes a month to run up a bill that matches the $93.99 that Comcast charges for a digital package with HBO.

I'm guessing that almost everyone will feel that cutting cable would save them money, even if they watch a lot. Then it's just a matter of the reception quality. If you don't have one of those digital converters, I urge you to stop by the home of a friend who does and take a look at their picture. If you like what you see, there's your answer. I know what MINE is.

Source: Wisebread

Why I Can’t Cut the Cable Cord

2009-09-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know I’m supposed to be a new media-kinda guy. You know, the one who watches all his TV shows on Hulu and streams his iTunes movies to his Apple TV.

But I can’t. And, at least for the foreseeable future, I probably won’t.

We young techie people are supposed to be the ones that are the downfall of the big telcos. Our content has to be free! On-demand! And portable!

Even though, like everyone else in this economy, I’m watching my spending, one service we won’t be getting rid of anytime soon is our cable TV.

Right now, there’s no better place to get access to a better selection of shows in—here’s the kicker—the high-definition quality I want it in.

Why Hulu Doesn’t Do the Job
I like Hulu a lot. It’s got a great selection of content, and even though it’s not on Boxee anymore, it’s still the most user-friendly online TV service available.

But I don’t want to watch TV on my computer. I sit here all day and work. Why would I want to relax here too?

Sure, I’ll watch an episode of Family Guy once-in-a-while on Hulu, since it’s easily digestible and in standard definition.

I bought a Pioneer plasma so I could watch great-looking TV on it. So that’s where I want to be—sitting on my sofa, feet on the coffee table, remote in hand.

Why iTunes Doesn’t Do the Job
Buying TV shows from iTunes just doesn’t make sense to me.

If it’s a show that’s on TV now, I’ll DVR it instead. If it’s an old show, it’s often cheaper to get the DVD or Blu-ray version. And unless I stream it to an Apple TV, I have to watch it on my computer. Or my iPhone—and even my eyes can’t handle that.

The best selection for shows I want to watch is still on cable. Sure, it’s not perfect, and I wish I wasn’t lining Comcast’s pockets every month.

Over-the-air is an option, but then my wife can’t watch Giada and Entourage and Big Love on HBO are out of the question.

For my HDTV needs, cable just makes the most sense. So, I can’t cut the cord. Even though I’m the guy whose supposed to.

Source: Electronic House

Cut the Cable Cord

2009-09-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Try these sources of free or super-cheap programming and movies, and pocket the savings.
By Erin Burt, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
March 5, 2009

I canceled my cable subscription a year and a half ago, and I honestly haven't missed it that much -- especially considering that by cutting the cord I've slashed the $60-a-month bill and saved more than $1,000 so far.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy vegging in front of the TV as much as the next person, and I have favorite shows I regularly watch. But as I weighed the cost against what I was getting out of a cable subscription, I started to see it as a luxury instead of a necessity.

I'm not alone in my thinking, especially among young adults. In fact, only one in four people age 18 to 29 says cable or satellite TV is a necessity, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. (Americans age 50 and older, incidentally, are much more attached .)

Members of the YouTube generation are open to getting entertainment in nontraditional ways. And thanks to the Internet and other resources, it's easier than ever to get what you want without a hefty price tag. Since ditching cable, I've discovered plenty of places to get free or super-cheap TV shows and movies -- many of the same ones I had watched before -- but for a fraction of the cost. Here are some of my favorites:

Tune in to savings
Go digital. TV's conversion from analog to digital has been a boon in my house. I used to get only two fuzzy channels using my set's rabbit ears. But with a new digital converter box ($50 retail, but I used a coupon for $40 off from the government), all the basic network TV channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW) come in crisp and clear -- just in time for me to heckle the contestants on the latest season of American Idol.

Hulu.com. Online video has come a long way from the days of jerky motion and pixilated pictures (buffering ... buffering ...). Nowadays, a broadband Internet connection is a portal to free (and 100% legal) online programming of decent quality. And at Hulu.com, you can watch full episodes of more than 300 shows from NBC Universal and Fox stations.

For instance, one of the things I missed most about dropping cable was getting my satirical fix from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Hulu to the rescue! The episodes online are a day old -- but I usually recorded the shows and watched them the next day anyway. You can even watch past shows, new and old, from Arrested Development to The Simpsons to The Mary Tyler Moore Show. And if I miss a new episode of Chuck or 30 Rock, I catch up at my convenience online.

Hulu also has a decent collection of full-length movies, though most are a few years old. But with titles including The Karate Kid, A League of Their Own and Muppets From Space, there's something for everyone.

Network Web sites. If your favorite show isn't on Hulu, you can check individual network Web sites, such as ABC.com and CBS.com, which increasingly are posting full episodes online. You'll find current programming, such as Grey's Anatomy and CSI, as well as classic episodes of Beverly Hills 90210, Twilight Zone and Hawaii Five-O.

Even cable channels offer freebies, including breaking news videos at CNN.com, live sports at ESPN360.com and Hannah Montana episodes at Disney.com.

Netflix. Netflix offers thousands of movies, plus a huge selection of TV series on DVD -- including those from premium channels, such as HBO -- making the service an economical alternative to cable.

The cheapest plan allows you to rent two DVDs a month for $5 a month. But the real value lies in its unlimited plans, starting at just $8.99 per month: You get unlimited DVD rentals, plus instant gratification via on-demand streaming to your computer or TV through a Web-enabled device, such as an Xbox 360 or a TiVo HD. My friend's 4-year-old daughter even knows how to order her favorite Caillou episodes on-demand by herself.

iTunes. If you don't want to wait for a whole season's worth of your favorite TV show to turn up on Netflix, you can download current episodes at iTunes for as little as $1.99 a pop. If you're particularly addicted to a show, you can buy a season pass. That quickly gets pricey, though, so check at Hulu and network Web sites first to see if your show is available for free. For example, a pass for the current season of The Amazing Race costs $21 on iTunes, but you can watch the episodes at CBS.com at no cost.

But the immediacy of iTunes can come in handy. For instance, the second season of AMC's Mad Men isn't due out on DVD until July, with a sticker price of $50. But you can download the entire season on iTunes now for $23.

You can also rent movies from iTunes, which lets you watch the flick as many times as you want within 24 hours. New releases cost $4 and older titles are $3. It's convenient to watch a movie at the click of a button, and it isn't a bad deal in a pinch. But you have cheaper options for movie rentals.

Redbox DVD. These DVD kiosks, conveniently located in places such as Wal-Mart, McDonald's and neighborhood grocery stores, are stocked with new-release movies. Rentals cost $1 per day, but my family has rented everything from The Dark Knight to Tinker Bell for free using coupon codes we found online through www.insideredbox.com.

The public library. This is a staple for free and dirt-cheap entertainment at my house. Many libraries will let you check out recent movies and TV episodes on DVD for free; others may charge a minimal fee. My local library, for instance, charges $2 for entertainment movies, but all educational DVDs, from yoga instruction to Blue's Clues, are free. Ask your library about its policy.

And while you're there, pick up a book for some good old-fashioned entertainment!

Some trade-offs
Cutting the cord isn't for everyone. For instance, if you want to watch the latest hot cable show so you can discuss up-to-the-minute details at the water cooler, you may be out of luck. If you're a sports junkie, cable may still be the easiest way to catch all your favorite teams. And if you like to watch TV with other people, gathering your friends around your laptop isn't as satisfying as hanging out in front of your 42-inch plasma.

I also miss PBS. I can't get reception for it, even with my digital converter box. It took some adjusting for my daughter to do without Sesame Street. I try to satisfy her Cookie Monster craving with free DVDs from the library, or with clips at SesameStreet.com.

And I'll admit I miss curling up to watch HGTV or the Food Network on a lazy Saturday afternoon. But on the bright side, I've been more productive without those channels. Now I spend my Saturdays actually working on home improvement projects or trying new recipes in the kitchen instead of watching other people do it.

But for the most part, my experiment with a cable-less life has been a success. I can watch almost anything I want at any time, without having to pay for cable or even a TiVo subscription. I've had to make a few small sacrifices, but the savings has been worth it.

Source: Kiplinger

Think twice before you cut the cord

2009-09-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

Singles and empty-nesters probably can save by going solely to cell-phone use, but heavy users -- like big families -- may want to hang on. Here are the factors to consider.

By Bankrate.com

Can't live without your cell phone? Then maybe you can live without your land line. In fact, it may be time to make your cell phone the only phone in your life.

Why pay $20 or more a month in taxes and fees on a land line that you hardly use? Why pay long-distance charges and taxes on your land line when you can call long-distance on your cell phone at no extra charge?

And if your underused land line is loaded up with enhanced services such as call waiting, caller ID, voice mail, call forwarding and three-way calling, you'll save even more.

Ready to cut the cord?
While it's clear that snipping your land line could save you some serious cash, it's not for everyone. Before you cut the cord, make sure going wireless fits your lifestyle. It frequently works great for college students and mobile, young professionals.

"They tend to be more nomadic. They change addresses pretty frequently. They live in group situations," says Linda Barrabee, a senior analyst at the Yankee Group. "For them the headache of sharing a land line doesn't make sense."

And that's why 12% of adults aged 18 to 24 have abandoned land lines altogether. And another 28% plan to do so in the next five years, according to the Yankee Group.

Frequent business travelers may want to abandon their land lines, as well. They're not home much and they already take their cell phones everywhere they go.

"If you travel a lot and you want to be reached wherever you are, that's another reason to use your cellular phone as your primary phone," says Sam Simon, chairman of the Telecommunications Research and Action Center.

Cell-phone-savvy empty-nesters may want to make the leap to wireless, as well. The kids are gone. They work long hours and their land lines are pretty much gathering dust, anyway. Why keep paying for it?

Big talkers may want to keep the land line
Younger and growing families may have a tougher time abandoning their land lines. If your family talks two hours or more each day on the phone, you'll probably want to hang on to your land line. A land line makes a lot of sense if multiple members of your family are making a whole bunch of local calls.

"With a cell phone, you'd have to get a new phone for each person and a new number for each person," says Alan Keiter, president of MyRatePlan.com. "With a land line you're essentially paying a fixed cost for unlimited usage."

A land line makes it possible for more than one person to get on the phone at the same time -- another plus for big families.

And if you, all by yourself, talk for two hours or more every day, you may want to hang on to your land line."Heavy, heavy users will want to keep the land line," Simon says. "If you're on the phone a couple hours a day, it just makes sense."

Think cutting the cord may be right for you? Before you abandon your land line completely, consider the downsides of going wireless with all your phone calls.

Cell phones aren't nearly as reliable as land lines. When was the last time you picked up your land line and were unable to make a call?

"There's no question it's not as reliable," Keiter says. "A lot of things can affect cell phones, from weather to where you are in a building." Reception troubles, static and dropped calls are common problems with wireless phones. These little headaches are possible at any time.

Weighing the key factors
Here are six other things to consider before you snip your land line:

Can you rely on your cell phone? Is the reception sketchy or crystal-clear? "The most important thing is, does your cell phone work in every room in your house," Simon says. "If you need to reach 911, you should be able to do it in every room." In addition, your cell phone may not work if the power goes out, while a simple land line phone will.

How much do you use your land line? Do you talk on the phone a few minutes a week or a couple of hours each day? The less you use your land line, the easier it will be to give it up.

How good is your cell phone plan? Could you transfer all your personal calls to your wireless phone without going over your airtime for the month? Not sure? Double-check your calling plan.

Keep in mind if you do go over your airtime, it won't be cheap. You could end up paying 40 cents to 45 cents a minute for your calls.

How many people use your land line? Would cutting your land line mean buying cell phones for each member of your family? Can you afford that? The bigger your family, the more likely you are to hang on to your land line.

Do you use a land line to connect to the Internet? You could use your cell phone for local and long-distance calls and keep a cheap, bare-bones land line for your Internet connection. Be sure to weigh the costs of other Internet options, such as cable modems. With a cable modem, youll get high-speed Internet via cable TV lines. And you dont need to subscribe to cable TV to be eligible for cable Internet service.

Single folks sharing a land line with a roommate or two may want to consider cutting the cord. You'll have more privacy taking calls on your cell phone. And you'll avoid arguments over who should pay for a hefty land-line bill.

Be sure to weigh all the costs of going wireless and think long and hard about your calling needs before snipping your land line.

Other ways to save on soaring phone costs
Looking for ways to lower your phone bills without severing the land line in your home? Consider these tips:

Pare down your land line. Many local phone companies charge extra for enhanced services such as call waiting, caller ID, voice mail, call forwarding and three-way calling. Cancel all services you don't use.

"Get a very basic wire line that has no frills on it," Simon says.

Lower your long-distance costs. If you've been with the same company and the same calling plan for years and years, you're probably paying too much for the long-distance service on your land line. Just a few minutes of shopping can save you money.

Web sites such as MyRatePlan.com, Telebright.com and SaveOnPhone.com have search engines that make it easy to compare long-distance offers between companies. Be sure to shop carefully. For questions about a particular long-distance plan, contact the carrier directly.

If your long-distance phone calls are few and far between, you may want to drop your long-distance carrier altogether. You can pay for the few calls you make with a prepaid phone card, a dial-around service or even your cell phone if you've got the minutes. And you'll avoid the monthly fees and taxes charged by long-distance carriers.

Go wireless in your weekend or vacation home. Before you pass on a land line, check to make sure your cell phone works in your home-away-from-home. Next, take a close look at your calling plan. Will you be paying heavy roaming charges for calls made from your weekend home?

Occasional but pricey cell-phone calls may still be cheaper than the cost of installing and maintaining a bare-bones land line. Crunch the numbers.

Source: Bankrate.com via MSNMoney

More Households Cut the Cord on Cable

2009-09-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

By CHRISTOPHER LAWTON
Amid tighter budgets, more people are trying to save money by cutting their cable cords. In response, cable companies are beginning to experiment with new Internet services.

In what's shaping up as the home-entertainment equivalent of severing a landline phone service, more people are joining the ranks of "cord cutters" by forgoing cable subscriptions that can run $60 or more a month.

Instead, they're turning to free over-the-air high-definition television channels and video-game consoles, such as Playstation 3 and XBox 360. They're also watching Internet-connected TV sets, paying a basic high-speed Internet fee of about $45, as well as set-top boxes from companies like Netflix Inc. Some are also using media browsers that they can download free and run on PCs, providing access to TV shows, movies and other content directly from the Web.

The number of cable cutters remains too small to threaten the pay-television industry. Still, large cable companies such as Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc. are noticing that people are spending more time online.

"The reality is, we're starting to see the beginnings of cord cutting where people, particularly young people, are saying all I need is broadband," said Glenn Brit, president and chief executive of Time Warner Cable, during a company earnings call in February.

Earlier this year, Comcast began working on Web services that would stream cable-TV shows, often not available online. Last year, Time Warner Cable began an experiment in Milwaukee, Wis., where subscribers to its cable and Internet services and HBO could go to an HBO Web site and download content. These services would be available only to cable subscribers.

Comcast is also beefing up its Fancast Web site, which streams TV shows from the broadcast networks and is available free to anyone on the Internet.

"From a Comcast perspective, it's an acknowledgment that consumers are spending more and more time watching video on their PC," says Sam Schwartz, executive vice president for Comcast Interactive Media.

The cable-cutting trend isn't just being driven by pinched personal budgets. It also comes as younger consumers gravitate to popular and free online video sites such as Google Inc.'s YouTube and Hulu.com, a joint venture between News Corp. and NBC Universal, which is owned by General Electric Co. and Vivendi. More content producers are also offering their TV shows and movies online through services such as Apple Inc.'s iTunes and Netflix.

Some 900,000 U.S. homes didn't pay for TV and relied solely on Web TV last year, according to estimates from consulting firm Parks Associates, which projects that the number will grow this year. And 8% of adults now view television shows online at least once a week, up from 6% who did so in 2008, according to a survey by the Leichtman Research Group. The same survey found that 8% of adults who watch video online now watch TV less often.

Overall, while the number of households paying for cable rose 2% last year, pay-TV growth has slowed considerably. In the last three months of 2008, pay-TV penetration grew by only 0.7%, or 220,000 homes, its lowest rate on record, according to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

Daniel Bendett is one of those who became a cable cutter this year. Mr. Bendett, a San Francisco financial adviser, downloaded free of charge a media browser called Boxee on his Macintosh computer connected to his television a few months ago. The Boxee software creates widget-like buttons on a TV screen for easy access to personal digital content such as photos, music and movies and video sites, all with a remote control.

Now the 25-year-old says he and his roommates have decided not to pay for cable in their apartment. "Everything I need, I get from the Internet," Mr. Bendett says.

Those who end up cutting the cord do pay a price in entertainment. Pay-TV services, like cable and satellite, still carry more live events, TV shows, movies and other content for viewers to watch than what's available online. Web TV also doesn't offer as much high-definition content as pay TV.

In many situations, consumers also have to watch the content on their computers, which can be less comfortable than watching TV on the living-room couch. And while they can connect their PCs to digital TVs and watch online programming with a remote control, that setup is still too techie for many consumers.

Some would-be cable cutters have pulled back at the last minute, in part because live events like sports are hard to find online. Rodrigo Gonzalez, 31, a stay-at-home dad in Los Angeles, connected a computer to his living room television and downloaded Zinc, a media browser from ZeeVee Inc., three months ago because he wanted to access Netflix's video streaming site on his big TV. Through Zinc, he also accessed the Web sites for Hulu, Walt Disney Co..'s ABC and Time Warner's Cartoon Network.

"If I wasn't into sports, I would definitely just use [Zinc] instead," Mr. Gonzalez says.

Others are still planning to escape the cable cord. Patrick Roanhouse, a 25-year-old information-technology consultant in Baltimore, Md., downloaded Boxee to his laptop last year and began using it to watch Web TV. Now he mainly watches TV from his bedroom by connecting his laptop to a 24-inch monitor, even though he still splits a $120 Comcast cable, Internet and phone bill with his roommate.

When Mr. Roanhouse moves into his own apartment in August, he says, he plans to drop cable service entirely. "The old cliché that we have 500 channels and nothing to watch is pretty much still true," he says.

Write to Christopher Lawton at christopher.lawton@wsj.com

Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page D2