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- Stop Paying For 411: 800-411-metro Saves You
It's hard to believe, but phone companies are gouging American consumers up to $2 every time they dial 411. Why waste money on something that, not too long ago, was free? Fortunately, a company called Infreeda is bringing back those days. By dialing Infreeda's no-cost directory assistance service, (800) 411-6387 (METRO), you'll get the information you need and get connected to any business listing nationwide-all for free.
How does Infreeda do it? Company CEO Mike Loftus explains: "When you call, you'll listen to a brief ad, then speak with a friendly live operator who will then connect you to your requested listing. The advertisers pay for the call instead of you." - Change A Light, Change The World With Energy Star
Most people want to do their part to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save on their energy bills, but don't know what they can do. Using energy efficiently at home is an important start; and, it can be as easy as changing a light bulb. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) are calling on Americans to join the growing number of individuals switching their current lighting to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures.
Many people don't realize it, but the average home is responsible for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as the average car. In fact, if every American home replaced its five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified ones, the amount of greenhouse gases we could prevent is equivalent to the emissions from more than 8 million cars. Not only does energy-efficient lighting help protect the environment, but it also saves consumers money since lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of home electricity costs. Each home making this "5 light fixture change" could save about $60 a year in energy costs. - That Old Refrigerator May Be Costing You
That six-pack of soda in the garage refrigerator could be costing you a lot more than you think.
Millions of homeowners have an old refrigerator in their garage or basement, which is often a hand-me-down from the kitchen. These older refrigerators may still run, but can consume twice the amount of energy of a new energy-efficient model. At a time when homeowners are looking for ways to cut their energy bills, spending as much as $125 a year to keep a few sodas or beers cold may not make sense. - Reducing Costs, Increasing Profitability
Given the intense focus on fiscal discipline today, it's only natural that businesses of all sizes are looking for opportunities to reduce costs and increase profitability.
One of the first steps a company takes to save money is to figure out how it spends money, with whom, for what and the number of suppliers with whom it conducts business. A recent survey reveals some interesting insights as to how this process works for supply management executives nationwide. - Save Every Day
One of the best ways to save money is to try to lower the costs of your daily necessities. More and more people are spending smarter and looking to get something in return for their hard-earned cash-even on life's essentials.
Here are some tips on saving money when you do your weekly shopping: - The Earlier The Better For College Savings
Not only does a college education expand the mind and open the door to added opportunities, it can earn a graduate $1 million more over a lifetime than a high school graduate, according to national reports.
However, with the cost of a college education rising faster than inflation each year, many families wonder how they will pay for it. - New Weapons In The Battle Against Identity Theft
The most valuable thing in your wallet may not be your cash and credit cards. It could be your name. Armed with a name and address, identity thieves can apply for loans, make purchases and even steal government aid.
It's happened to one out of five Americans, with an estimated 88 million Americans having been put at risk of identity theft from databases since early 2005, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a nonprofit advocacy group. - Add These Money Facts To Your Bankroll
Here are some facts about the nation's currency you may want to spend some time on:
• Each day, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces 37 million currency notes, with a face value of about $696 million. About 45 percent of the notes are the $1 denomination. - Paying Off Old Debts Can Help You Save Money
While some might find it surprising, a call from a debt collector can actually bring good news. That's because working with a debt collector to resolve a financial problem may help your credit and save you money.
For many, the thought of being contacted by a debt collector about a past-due bill or unpaid debt can cause anger or panic. However, hanging up or asking not to be contacted again doesn't solve the problem. - What You Don't Know May Hurt You...and Your Wallet
When it comes to buying or selling a home, conducting the proper research and "due diligence" is essential before making any purchase decisions. Homebuyers will research all sorts of factors related to a property such as details about the surrounding neighborhood, the quality of the school system or the local crime rate. However, many often overlook one of the most critical elements of due diligence that can have the greatest impact on the quality of the investment: the risk of environmental contamination.
According to the nation's leading provider of environmental information reports, Environmental Data Resources (EDR), one of the most important considerations when buying or selling a home should be the environmental risks associated with the property and its surrounding area. - Don't Let Rising Interest Rates Push You Around
For many Americans, their home equity represents the cornerstone of their personal finances. Fortunately, there are new tools and services designed to help them take control of their finances in the face of rising interest rates.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer who wants to begin building home equity or you're a seasoned homeowner who wants to understand how to leverage home equity to finance a remodeling project or your child's education, taking control over what you can and cannot do is essential, say mortgage experts. - Taking Control Of Your Financial Life
Wouldn't it be nice to feel less stressed about your finances? It's a goal that many people share. Money can cause stress in a variety of ways: the hassle of cashing a paycheck, the worry about bills being paid on time, the danger of losing a wallet full of cash.
Taking control of your financial life can enable you to better budget and plan ahead for life's big expenses and ultimately reduce financial stress. Setting priorities can inspire you to take control of unnecessary spending and set you on track to achieve your financial goals. - Ten Tips For Avoiding Identity Theft
It's important to protect your identity. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reports that identity theft costs consumers, businesses and financial institutions more than $53 billion in one year alone.
But not all identity crimes are the same. There are differences between identity theft, credit card fraud and check fraud-and the actions you should take, should you be victimized. - Tips For Buying And Using Gift Cards
Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything, your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker or your child's baby-sitter? Gift cards may be the answer: One size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. But before you buy a wallet full of gift cards from your favorite retailer or your local financial institution, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know that some strings may be attached.
Some cards can be used only at the retailer's store locations; others can be used at any retailer and online. Some have expiration dates. Some let you "reload" or add money to the balance on the card. And some have fees that can reduce the card's value, like activation fees, transaction fees, monthly maintenance fees, inactivity or nonuse fees, replacement fees for lost or stolen cards, or balance inquiry fees. - Smart Tips For Saving Money Online
How do you determine what the best deals are when there are hundreds of advertisements screaming "On Sale Now!," "Free Shipping!" and "Clearance!" every time you open your in-box or go online?
1. Earn cash back. At Judy's Book, you can receive cash back on all of your purchases with select retailers. So now you are not only saving money but you are earning it back as well. - Reduce Energy Costs With Fiber Glass Insulation
With energy costs on the rise, it is critical to find new ways to conserve energy and make the most of your energy dollars. A typical American family spends more than $1,600 on home utility bills each year-50 to 70 percent of which is for heating and cooling, with a large portion wasted by escaping through drafts.
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of reducing energy use and increasing efficiency year-round is to ensure that your home is properly insulated. - Spend Your Energy On Saving Energy
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light and live in our homes. Fortunately, you can save 20 to 30 percent on your household energy bill by making energy efficiency improvements.
Poor design and installation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment alone increases energy costs 10 to 30 percent. Proper sizing, design and installation are usually the top three priorities for cutting energy bills. - Smart Spending During The Holiday Season
From booking travel arrangements to shopping for last-minute gifts, the holiday season can be hectic. Here are a few suggested steps for spending smart and making the most out of your credit during the holiday season:
Determine Your Spending Budget Before You Hit the Malls. It's easy to get carried away with generosity and end up spending more on gifts for friends and family than you can really afford. Try setting a predetermined limit on how much you can spend during the entire season. When buying a gift for one person, subtract that amount from the total. When you keep a written record of what you're spending, you'll be less likely to exceed your budget. - Women Likely To Run Out Of Money During Retirement
Women are taking an increasingly hands-on role in their planning for retirement. A smart move, considering women are statistically likely to spend some of their final years alone. While generally optimistic about the future, women have more financial fears than men about retirement, but can take significant retirement-planning steps on their own.
National statistics show: - Campaign Urges Young Adults To Save More
Young adults 25-34 are being encouraged to do something they did as children-feed their piggy bank.
Why? Experts say consumers in this age group aren't saving enough. - Holiday Hints: Tips To Avoid Identity Theft
It may be a time of giving but when it comes to sharing your personal information, you may want to be a bit like Ebenezer Scrooge this holiday season.
"That's because the most wonderful time of the year is also the best time of year for identity thieves," says Kirk Herath, Nationwide Insurance's chief privacy officer and renowned expert on identity theft. - Guaranteed Lifetime Income Can Be Yours
If you sometimes feel as if saving for your retirement is only half of the retirement challenge, you're not alone. According to research conducted by Mathew Greenwald & Associates, only 10 percent of Americans understand how much of their retirement savings they can safely spend each year without running out of money. And only 11 percent of the preretirees surveyed believe they will improve their standard of living in retirement.
Meanwhile, only two in 10 private sector employees are covered by employer-sponsored pension plans, and only four in 10 are covered by 401(k) type savings plans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now more than ever, people need help setting up their own sources of guaranteed lifetime income. People are also living longer in retirement and depending on their savings to last. - Securing Holiday Transactions
The benefits of online shopping have always outweighed the risks--particularly during the holiday season. Online stores are always open and busy holiday shoppers can avoid long lines and crowded stores while saving on gas, parking and time. And the selection is unparalleled. When you shop online, you can get almost anything you want from almost anywhere in the world.
However, as consumers turn to the Web to complete holiday shopping this year, they should be aware that doing business online comes with some very real risks. Online transactions involve some of our most sensitive personal and financial information. In notorious scams such as phishing and pharming, cybercriminals use fake e-mails or Web pages to trick people into divulging account numbers, passwords and even Social Security numbers. - Cutting Home Energy Bills
The average family spends approximately $1,900 a year on energy bills, with heating and cooling accounting for as much as half of a home's energy use. To help you get the most out of your heating and cooling system, experts recommend properly maintaining your existing equipment, using a programmable thermostat and finding and sealing air leaks around windows, doors and ducts that cause drafts and make your heating and cooling system work overtime.
If you're in the market for new equipment, Energy Star®-qualified models can reduce your annual energy costs by as much as 20 percent. Energy Star is a voluntary partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local utilities, product manufacturers, retailers, builders and financial institutions. The partnership helps consumers identify and purchase the most energy-efficient products on the market. To be Energy Star-qualified, products must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the DOE and the EPA. - Survey: Getting Financial Advice Pays Off
According to a recent survey, nearly 84 percent of Americans believe they are in either excellent or okay "financial fitness" shape. Eleven percent believe they are in troublesome shape. Yet when asked if and how they seek financial assistance, 67 percent of consumers had never received advice on their personal finances; only 31 percent had sought advice.
Overall results of the survey, conducted on behalf of the Financial Services Roundtable-representing 100 of the largest integrated financial services companies providing banking, insurance and investment services-indicate that financial advice for consumers equates to a better understanding of finances, which results in better money management and fewer bankruptcies. - Don't Let Your Financial Plan Fall Into "the Doughnut Hole"
Just as 401(k)s and IRAs have given people greater opportunities in their financial planning, new Medicare options could help give seniors a more secure retirement-if they take the right steps.
"For people in retirement or nearing it, choosing the right Medicare options has become very important," said Adam Manna Quarello, financial advisor at UBS Financial Services, Inc. "Decisions that you make today will have a big impact on your standard of living years down the road. Unlike in the past, there are now many Medicare options, including some that are new for 2007." - Protecting Yourself (and Your Credit) Against Identity Theft
Thanks to advances in electronics, many people are using their credit and debit cards to buy everything from groceries to gas to gifts. Unfortunately, the more people swipe their cards, the more susceptible they are to fraud. When you're out doing your shopping, consider some commonsense advice to help keep your identity, and your card's buying power, your own.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals, then uses or sells your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, credit card information or other identifying information. Identity thieves use a variety of methods-some sophisticated, some pretty simple-to gain access to your personal information. These can include rummaging through your trash, stealing your wallet and purse, stealing your mail (including bank statements and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks and tax information) or using various e-mail "phishing" techniques-that is, posing as a legitimate business to try to trick you into supplying personal information. - Should An Annuity Be Part Of Your Financial Plan?
The average life span in America keeps on increasing. In fact, most 65-year-olds today have more than 20 years ahead of them.
How can you make sure you won't outlive your money? Experts in finance point to the annuity. An annuity provides payments-either fixed or variable-for a lifetime or for a certain amount of time. Annuitizing your savings, or a portion of them, means those assets can last as long as you do. - Financial Tips For Generation X
Young adults in their twenties and early thirties face a variety of challenges in their quest for financial security.
If you are a member of what's known as "Generation X," here are five tips to help you manage your money and plan for your future: - It May Be Time To Design Your Own Pension Plan
Your mom or dad may have had a company pension, but chances are you do not.
Since 1985, the number of defined benefit plans has shrunk from more than 112,000 to less than 30,000, according to the U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. - How To Make Your Money Work For You
"Don't spend what you don't have!"
Most people have heard that warning, but too many American families now find themselves in debt-credit card debt. Part of the problem may be that food, household and medical expenses have risen more than 11 percent since 2001, while workers' wages have remained essentially flat. As a result, the average American family with at least one credit card owes over $9,000 in credit card debt and will pay more than $800 annually in penalty fees and interest payments. - Uncle Sam Wants You To Save For Retirement
If you ever feel your finances are too stretched to save for retirement, there could be good news for you. The Saver's Credit could make saving for retirement more affordable than you think. It may reduce your federal income taxes when you save for retirement through a qualified retirement plan or an individual retirement account ("IRA").
"The Saver's Credit is a wonderful opportunity to help people save for retirement by potentially saving on their tax bill," said Catherine Collinson, the retirement trends expert for the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.1 - What You Should Know About Longevity And Retirement Income
Many people know at least one person who has reached the milestone age of 100. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1990 only 37,000 Americans reached age 100. That number had doubled to 74,000 by 2002. What's to be expected in the future? By 2050, the number of centenarians is expected to skyrocket to more than 1 million. At that time, the number of people who live to age 85 could be as many as 20 million.
It's no secret-Americans are living longer than ever. Advances in medicine and a focus on personal health have increased our longevity. This is, first and foremost, good news. But with increased longevity also comes a serious risk-outliving the money you have saved for retirement. - The Financial Side Of Disaster Preparedness
If you want to protect your financial well-being during a natural disaster, experts say preparation is the key. Keeping these tips in mind can help you weather a storm and much more:
• Put identification-related materials, such as insurance cards, Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates, in a safe place that you can get to in an emergency. - Health Savings Accounts And Voluntary Insurance
A growing number of consumers believe Health Savings Accounts-also known as HSAs-offer the right prescription for comprehensive health coverage.
A recent survey of 1,000 Americans suggests potential growth for HSAs, providing more Americans become aware of the new accounts. - Calculate Your Retirement Readiness
In the next decade, 77 million baby boomers are going to reach retirement age. The National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI) in 2006 revealed that 43 percent of Americans are currently at risk of being financially unprepared for retirement. Faced with declining traditional pensions, modest 401(k) balances, longer life spans and declining Social Security expectations, what can Americans do to help ensure their golden years are truly golden?
In response to this growing need, one major financial firm created a free, innovative and customized online experience that enables users to generate a single number-their R-ScoreSM-that measures their retirement readiness. - Becoming F.i.t.-financially In Tune
Your financial health doesn't have to keep you up at night.
Do you worry you're not saving enough for retirement, your children's education, or an emergency fund? Do you feel you just have too many financial obligations? - Playing Roulette With Retirement
Pension legislation signed by President Bush in the fall of 2006 may help ensure that workers currently covered by pension agreements with their employers get the checks they were promised-at minimal cost to the American taxpayer. Unfortunately, it does nothing to reverse the larger, more ominous trend: that of employers walking away from traditional "defined-benefit" pensions. Congress and the president have taken steps to resolve the immediate crisis, but the long-term problem of retirement security remains.
Not everyone is upset that defined-benefit pensions are rapidly becoming a mirage. In the corner offices occupied by senior corporate executives, this latest retreat from company loyalty is considered good business-another way to pump up profits. Among middle-class families, the reception will be less joyous: It means a less secure retirement for millions of people. - Simple Tips For Shaping Up Your Savings
For only the second time since the Great Depression, Americans set aside less money than they spent last year.
The good news, according to a year-end survey from KeyBank (NYSE:KEY), is that three in four Americans (77 percent) plan to increase their personal or family savings in the coming year. The bad news, however, is that half of those people (44 percent) admit their financial knowledge is "not where I need it to be," which could hamper their ability to save. - What To Do When You Have Concerns With Your Bank
It's a comforting thought to know that you can "bank" on something-or that you can "take it to the bank."
But what if you have an experience at your bank that leads you to doubt that you are being treated fairly and honestly? - Opening New Windows Of Opportunity. Savings And Retirement Advice For Women
Women are making tremendous strides in their financial lives. Female homeownership is at an all-time high, with one-fifth of residential real estate now being held by single females. Women are now the primary breadwinners in roughly one-third of U.S. households. Still, women are more likely to face shortfalls in retirement than their male counterparts.
"Today's women often try to do it all: running a household, caring for a family, and working full- or part-time jobs-with precious little time to think about the present, much less the future," said Donna DeMaio, president of MetLife Bank, N.A. "However, women owe it to themselves to plan for the future." - Financial Goals To Bank On
Creating lasting financial change can be easier than you might think. The key is to set (and stick to) a few simple goals.
Goal #l: Create an emergency fund - Simple Savings-ways To Save $25, $50 Or Even $100 A Month
The next time you need a little extra cash or you are trying to save but don't know where to begin, you may be glad to know you're not alone. According to a recent survey commissioned by HSBC's Center for Consumer Advocacy, 77 percent of Americans express at least some concern about their current level of savings.
Here are a few ways to start finding a little extra cash-$25, $50 or even $100 a month-that you can save towards your financial goals. - Have More Money In The Bank By The End Of The Year
Have your financial resolutions already gone by the wayside? Is your spending already outpacing your monthly income? And has your commitment to saving unceremoniously ended? It's not a lost cause. Now is the time to get your finances back on track for the year. By implementing these easy steps, you can have more money in the bank by the end of this year:
1. Call your company's payroll department and ask them to split the Direct Deposit of your pay among two or more accounts. Have them deposit just enough to pay the bills into your checking account and split the balance between a high-yield savings account and a retirement account. If your company will not let you split your Direct Deposit, call your financial institution and have it set up automatic withdrawals from your checking account to be deposited in a high-yield savings account and a retirement account. Because the money is transferred electronically, you will establish a consistent savings program without having to lift a finger. A survey by NACHA's Marketing Management Group showed that consumers who use Direct Deposit or Direct Payment to save for education save $90 more per month than those who use another method to save. If you don't have 90 extra dollars, save what you can. Every little bit counts. - Hearing Loss May Mean Income Loss
Maybe you haven't heard, but good hearing may mean a larger paycheck. New research indicates that there may be a relationship between your hearing and your income.
A survey by the Better Hearing Institute shows that working Americans who ignore their hearing problems are collectively losing at least $100 billion a year in earnings. Even people with mild hearing loss, who may miss a consonant here or a word there, may lose income if they can't completely grasp the latest news at the water cooler or a phone message from the boss. - How Rfid Technology Can Help You
A technology that's been around for decades is making shopping more convenient, driving more efficient and problem products easier to track. It's called radio frequency identification, or RFID, and it's finding more and more uses in today's world.
RFID is a wireless technology that's used to identify things. It's been used for more than 60 years, mainly to track products as they travel from manufacturers to distributors to retailers. Today, however, consumers are encountering this technology in many forms, and the National Consumers League, the nation's oldest consumer advocacy organization, says that it's important to understand what it is and how it works. - Eliminating Loans From Financial Aid Packages
Nationally, college students already borrow $53.8 billion per year to cover the costs of tuition, room and board. The College Board has tracked an increase in tuition over the last five years.
Many of the students who receive financial aid rely on loans to cover some or all of their college costs. As a result, many graduates head out into the "real world" deeply in debt. - Personal Finances
When it comes to managing your household income and expenses, it can help to handle your personal bookkeeping the way that professionals do-with proper accounting tools, instead of just sticking receipts in envelopes. Not only can this mean less hassles come April 15, but it can give you more free time for the things you enjoy.
One helpful tool is the Dome Household Budget File. This budget book includes pockets for filing bills, receipts, etc. It also contains money-saving budget information, plus national averages for comparison purposes. - Finding A Way For A Will
You can't take it with you, according to the adage, but it seems many Americans don't have a plan for what they'll leave behind.
Over half (55 percent) of all adult Americans do not have a will, a new survey shows, a percent that has remained virtually unchanged over the past three years. A will-an expressed intention of what should be done with one's property after death-is typically the first document considered in an individual's estate plan. - American Workers Need To Adapt To A Changing Retirement System
Even though workers are aware the U.S. retirement system is changing, many are not adapting in ways that are likely to leave them with a comfortable retirement.
That's according to the 17th annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). The survey is sponsored by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, a survey research firm.
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