Don't Switch quite yet
Microsoft just released its new “Vista” operating system and you’ve probably heard all about it. The company spent a fortune on public relations for Vista, so people think it’s something they must have. Don’t believe the hype. In fact, all of the techie types are warning against getting Vista now because of the bugs that must be worked out. There are flaws in the program that could expose you to identity theft and other problems in the short term. So, you want to give this system six months or a year. You want to get a new operating system when it already comes on a computer. If you got a free upgrade-- at least wait until March.
Update on passport rules & regs
If you have any interest in traveling across our borders in the next few years, the rules have changed again. For people who are flying to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, you must have a passport starting Jan. 23. You don't want to spend money on a trip and lose it because you've forgotten to get your passport. If you're wondering why this is happening, it’s because of the threat of terrorism around the world. The next phase in the new rules concerns auto travel and cruises, but that won't go into effect until January of 2008. But the bottom line is that changes are coming and you don’t want to wait until just before the deadlines to order your passport. Many more people travel by car, so the passport applications will be pouring in at that time.
Daylight savings time longer this year!
Winter is going to be a month shorter this year. Starting in 2007, daylight saving time is going to start the second week of March and end the first Sunday in November. It means we’ll get a month more of daylight each year we keep in place the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Alarmists are going a little nuts over the act, saying the change could disrupt time sensitive machines and systems such as ATMs. There may be some small interruptions, but it will be fine.
New Dollar Coins Enter Circulation This Week
A new version of the DOLLAR coin, paying tribute to American presidents, goes into general circulation Thursday. Even though doing away with the bill could save hundreds of millions of dollars each year in printing costs, there is no plan to scrap the dolar bill in favor of the more durable coin. Two recent efforts to promote wide usage of a dollar coin proved unsuccessful. A quarter-century ago, it showed feminist Susan B. Anthony on the front; then one in 2000 featuring Sacagawea, the Shoshone Indian who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition. The latest dollar coin will bear Washington's image, followed later this year by those of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. A different president will appear on the golden dollar coins every three months. The series of coins will depict four different presidents per year, in the order they served. Congress voted to create the new dollar coin, betting that this series would be more popular than its recent predecessors. The Susan B. Anthony dollar put the image of the women's rights activist on a small silver coin that looked a lot like a quarter. The U.S Mint was left with millions of unused coins. As for the Sacagawea dollar, gold in color, millions of the coins also piled up in bank vaults for the same reason: lack of demand.
FREE INTERNET CLASS
http://speed-up-windows-pc.workshops.help.com/
Add memory to boost your PC's stability and speed; Adjust Windows XP settings for maximum efficiency; Reduce the number of programs that start automatically and slow down your system; Hidden ways to improve your Internet connection
Need Free anti-virus programs?
AVG Anti virus free edition
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-virus-free
AVAST anti virus free
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
Monday, February 12, 2007
2006 Auto Insurance Pricing Report
In its survey of 47 states, Insurance.com found an overall decline in the 2006 national average for auto insurance rates returned for households, as well as some interesting insights into state-specific pricing and general insurance premium trends. Some of the states where drivers benefited the most from the 2006 car insurance decline were New Jersey, who paid an average of $2,736.71 for car insurance – a 26.6% decrease from 2005. And Minnesota, who paid an average of $1,658.07 – a 18.8% decrease from 2005.
So how can all consumers save even more money on their auto insurance? Consider these basic tips:
1. Shop aroundYou may be surprised to learn that auto insurance premiums for the exact same coverage on the same car can vary quite dramatically (by hundreds of dollars) between different insurers. Make sure your current company is right for you, or find a better fit with a new company.
2. Increase your deductibleSometimes you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible. However, if you do this, make sure you have the financial resources to handle the larger deductible when the time comes.
3. Ask about multifamily/multi-policy discounts.A discount may apply to your auto insurance if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company. You also may receive a discount from your insurance company if you buy more than one type of insurance through that same company (e.g., auto and homeowners).
4. Keep an eye on your credit report.Your credit history can often be an important factor for some auto insurance companies. Many studies have shown a correlation between your credit history and the risk to an insurance company. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history will allow you to enjoy lower auto insurance rates.
In its survey of 47 states, Insurance.com found an overall decline in the 2006 national average for auto insurance rates returned for households, as well as some interesting insights into state-specific pricing and general insurance premium trends. Some of the states where drivers benefited the most from the 2006 car insurance decline were New Jersey, who paid an average of $2,736.71 for car insurance – a 26.6% decrease from 2005. And Minnesota, who paid an average of $1,658.07 – a 18.8% decrease from 2005.
So how can all consumers save even more money on their auto insurance? Consider these basic tips:
1. Shop aroundYou may be surprised to learn that auto insurance premiums for the exact same coverage on the same car can vary quite dramatically (by hundreds of dollars) between different insurers. Make sure your current company is right for you, or find a better fit with a new company.
2. Increase your deductibleSometimes you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible. However, if you do this, make sure you have the financial resources to handle the larger deductible when the time comes.
3. Ask about multifamily/multi-policy discounts.A discount may apply to your auto insurance if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company. You also may receive a discount from your insurance company if you buy more than one type of insurance through that same company (e.g., auto and homeowners).
4. Keep an eye on your credit report.Your credit history can often be an important factor for some auto insurance companies. Many studies have shown a correlation between your credit history and the risk to an insurance company. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history will allow you to enjoy lower auto insurance rates.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Don't be fooled by phony sites
WARNING!!!! The site “freecreditreport.com” is NOT the official place to get your free credit score. The real site – and the only legitimate one that won’t try to sign you up for a membership – is annualcreditreport.com. To cancel your membership at “freecreditreport.com” call 1-877-481-6826. In addition, the only site that gives you your true credit score is myfico.com The score is not free. But you should buy it once a year.
• www.annualcreditreport.com - the only legitimate free credit report site
• cnet.com - electronics guide -- cell phone and pocket PC help
• epinions.com - consumer good quide
• feedthepig.org - teaching adults how to save money
• consumerfed.org - evaluate your insurance policy
• fidelity.com - "My Plan" budgeting tool
• choicepoint.com - get copy of your Clue report
• vanguard.com - open a Vanguard Star account for grandchild
• 800free411.com - free 411 calls
• youmail.com - free customized voice mail• 888-do-frucall (363-7862) - call number to compare prices while in store
• futurephone.com - free international calls
http://usatoday.jiwire.com/hotspot-hot-spot-directory-browse-by-location.htm ---FREE Wi-FI locations
FREE INTERNET CLASS
http://speed-up-windows-pc.workshops.help.com/
Add memory to boost your PC's stability and speed; Adjust Windows XP settings for maximum efficiency; Reduce the number of programs that start automatically and slow down your system; Hidden ways to improve your Internet connection
DON'T PAY FOR 411 DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
CALL 1-800-free411 or www.free411.com
Don't pay up to $1 everytime you use directory assistance
Good on line or from your home/cell phone
HOME Prices in more than 100 metro areas . http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2006-11-20-metroprices-chart_x.htm
WARNING!!!! The site “freecreditreport.com” is NOT the official place to get your free credit score. The real site – and the only legitimate one that won’t try to sign you up for a membership – is annualcreditreport.com. To cancel your membership at “freecreditreport.com” call 1-877-481-6826. In addition, the only site that gives you your true credit score is myfico.com The score is not free. But you should buy it once a year.
• www.annualcreditreport.com - the only legitimate free credit report site
• cnet.com - electronics guide -- cell phone and pocket PC help
• epinions.com - consumer good quide
• feedthepig.org - teaching adults how to save money
• consumerfed.org - evaluate your insurance policy
• fidelity.com - "My Plan" budgeting tool
• choicepoint.com - get copy of your Clue report
• vanguard.com - open a Vanguard Star account for grandchild
• 800free411.com - free 411 calls
• youmail.com - free customized voice mail• 888-do-frucall (363-7862) - call number to compare prices while in store
• futurephone.com - free international calls
http://usatoday.jiwire.com/hotspot-hot-spot-directory-browse-by-location.htm ---FREE Wi-FI locations
FREE INTERNET CLASS
http://speed-up-windows-pc.workshops.help.com/
Add memory to boost your PC's stability and speed; Adjust Windows XP settings for maximum efficiency; Reduce the number of programs that start automatically and slow down your system; Hidden ways to improve your Internet connection
DON'T PAY FOR 411 DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
CALL 1-800-free411 or www.free411.com
Don't pay up to $1 everytime you use directory assistance
Good on line or from your home/cell phone
HOME Prices in more than 100 metro areas . http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2006-11-20-metroprices-chart_x.htm
What's new ?
Big News from Congress...
Mortgage Insurance now tax deductible!
As you probably know, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required anytime a loan is taken out with a higher "loan to value" ratio of 80%, as the loan is riskier to the lender. Mortgage Insurance allows a consumer to purchase a home with little or no down payment, or refinance at higher loan to values than 80%...but the beneficiary of the Mortgage Insurance is the lender, as it only provides coverage to the lender to protect against financial loss should the homeowner default on the loan.
And historically, these Mortgage Insurance premiums have never been tax deductible, so many consumers turned to the "piggyback" loan strategy. A "piggyback" means the first mortgage is placed at 80% of the value of the home - therefore not requiring mortgage insurance - and the additional funds needed to finance the home were placed on a second home loan, "piggybacked" behind the first mortgage...and providing more tax-deductible interest.
But these second home loan rates have risen dramatically higher in recent years. But in their final session hours - Congress just passed a law with a change to the tax code which will allow Mortgage Insurance Premiums to be claimed as tax deductions for households earning less than 100k annually.
What does this mean?
Primarily, it means that mortgage options that include standard Private Mortgage Insurance will now become much more competitive and attractive, especially as the Mortgage Insurance premium payment can often be later removed with sufficient property appreciation or declining loan balance, assuming timely payments. In fact, hundreds of thousands of 2007 homebuyers or home refinancers will save an estimated total of $91,000,000 when they file their tax returns in 2008.
A few important notes:
This piece of legislation still requires President Bush's signature, but at this time there is no indication that he will not sign it. The full deduction can only be taken if your Adjusted Gross Income is $100,000 or less. There is a rapidly declining proration table for incomes up to $110,000, with no deductibility if your Adjusted Gross Income exceeds that level.
As a rule of thumb, the mortgage normally needs to be around $130,000 to make itemizing make good financial sense.
And of course, whenever the IRS is concerned...it always makes sense to review specifics with a tax professional. Remember that Mortgage Insurance can often be removed in time, with property appreciation or a declining loan balance, assuming payments are being made in a timely manner.
As always, please ask me any questions - I'd be happy to review these changes with you, or anyone who might be looking into a mortgage at this time. I look forward to assisting you in making smart decisions on refinancing, and helping even more Americans become homeowners in the New Year!
Mortgage Insurance now tax deductible!
As you probably know, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required anytime a loan is taken out with a higher "loan to value" ratio of 80%, as the loan is riskier to the lender. Mortgage Insurance allows a consumer to purchase a home with little or no down payment, or refinance at higher loan to values than 80%...but the beneficiary of the Mortgage Insurance is the lender, as it only provides coverage to the lender to protect against financial loss should the homeowner default on the loan.
And historically, these Mortgage Insurance premiums have never been tax deductible, so many consumers turned to the "piggyback" loan strategy. A "piggyback" means the first mortgage is placed at 80% of the value of the home - therefore not requiring mortgage insurance - and the additional funds needed to finance the home were placed on a second home loan, "piggybacked" behind the first mortgage...and providing more tax-deductible interest.
But these second home loan rates have risen dramatically higher in recent years. But in their final session hours - Congress just passed a law with a change to the tax code which will allow Mortgage Insurance Premiums to be claimed as tax deductions for households earning less than 100k annually.
What does this mean?
Primarily, it means that mortgage options that include standard Private Mortgage Insurance will now become much more competitive and attractive, especially as the Mortgage Insurance premium payment can often be later removed with sufficient property appreciation or declining loan balance, assuming timely payments. In fact, hundreds of thousands of 2007 homebuyers or home refinancers will save an estimated total of $91,000,000 when they file their tax returns in 2008.
A few important notes:
This piece of legislation still requires President Bush's signature, but at this time there is no indication that he will not sign it. The full deduction can only be taken if your Adjusted Gross Income is $100,000 or less. There is a rapidly declining proration table for incomes up to $110,000, with no deductibility if your Adjusted Gross Income exceeds that level.
As a rule of thumb, the mortgage normally needs to be around $130,000 to make itemizing make good financial sense.
And of course, whenever the IRS is concerned...it always makes sense to review specifics with a tax professional. Remember that Mortgage Insurance can often be removed in time, with property appreciation or a declining loan balance, assuming payments are being made in a timely manner.
As always, please ask me any questions - I'd be happy to review these changes with you, or anyone who might be looking into a mortgage at this time. I look forward to assisting you in making smart decisions on refinancing, and helping even more Americans become homeowners in the New Year!
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