Sunday, September 5, 2010

Teens Buying or Leasubg a Car

Whether buying or leasing a new or used car, here are some things to consider:

  • Know how much you have to spend
  • Bring a trusted adult with you to the dealer, if possible
  • Research model and options
  • Shop for financing and compare costs, considering special offers and rebates
  • Learn how to read the Buyers Guide stickers
  • Learn about dealers’ reputation
  • Find out what type of warranty comes with the car
  • Find nearest repair facility that works on that model
See what vehicle you can afford

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Story Credit Cards Can Establish Credit

4 reasons you should get a department store credit card
Often (and justly) maligned, retail store cards sometimes can help

For many years I warned friends and family against getting store credit cards. Now I read there are benefits that I was not aware, but can understand based on recent financial events in our lives. The banks. They've abused my trust in them, lowering my credit limit and then increasing my interest rate because I'm too close to the limit. Adversely affecting my credit score and then raising my rates again because of the score they caused. Twice in 6 months. Just burns me up.

Following is helpful information I found on Channel 19.

Store-branded credit cards have never gotten much respect -- often for good reason. The sky-high interest rates and short grace periods that often accompany the cards don't do consumers any favors. And because they're often touted as a quick way to save 10 percent or 15 percent on a purchase, people rack them up quickly, to the detriment of their credit scores, says Scott Crawford, co-founder of DebtGoal.com.* "Because they're a hard inquiry on your credit file, which can cost you about 30 points on your score, taking out these cards can drive down your score pretty significantly," he says.

That said, there are times when a store card may be a boon. If you're a savvy, responsible shopper who pays bills on time and in full, you might be able to reap significant benefits from store cards. Here are four reasons you might want to give a store card a second look.

1. You need to build (or rebuild) your credit. If you're someone with a "thin credit file," or you're trying to start fresh after a bankruptcy, your options are few. A crummy economy likely means that major card issuers will be even more skittish about extending credit to risky borrowers. In some cases, a store card may be one of your only options. "If you're trying to build your credit, the typical route has been to get a store or gas card," says Liz Weston, author of "Easy Money" and "Your Credit Score." "Traditionally, those have been easier to get. Though that's not always the case, it may be worth looking into." Once you've built up a few months' history, though, she recommends branching out into a card from a major issuer.

2. You can save big on a one-time purchase. If your purchase is in the thousands of dollars -- think furniture and remodeling projects and supplies -- that 10 percent discount can make a big difference. "If you've got excellent credit, you're not going to be in the market for a new loan, and you've got a purchase where the savings from the card would be more than $100, go for it," says Crawford.

3. You buy from the store frequently (and will use the coupons and perks). A one-time savings of $10 or $20 usually isn't worth a credit inquiry and the hassle of filling out forms. That said, if the store is one that you go to regularly anyway, the deals and ongoing perks may be valuable enough for you to sign up, says Scott Bilker, founder of DebtSmart.com. "If the store has good prices, a lot of stuff you like, and discounts that you'll use, then having the store card is a good idea," he says. Some stores include deals such as free alterations and gift wrapping that may also be useful.

Before you take the leap, though, Bilker recommends doing some comparison shopping: You may be able to get the same perks just by signing up for a store newsletter or getting rewards from a regular credit card.

4. You can get interest-free financing. In addition to discounts, some stores may offer interest-free financing -- a perk that may be worth it if you're doing it for convenience, not necessity, says Crawford. "Interest rate concessions for six months or a year can be a great deal for big purchases -- as long as it doesn't get away from you," he adds. "The savings from interest-free financing for six months disappears pretty quickly if you pay 28 percent for a year after that."

By Erin Peterson Credit Cards.com

Some additional things to consider

It's too easy to spend money when you have more cards. Kimberly Penney of Kent, Wash., never gets the store card. She says, "I don't want to be tempted to use it later on, so I just don't open it."

Opening a new credit card can ding your credit score rating. If you're not expecting to refinance your house or borrow money in the near future, that may not be big deal. But if opening a new account causes a 10-point drop right before you apply for a loan, it can cost you plenty. Andy Jolls, CEO of Videocreditscore.com, a credit scoring educational site, gives the example of saving $45 on your current purchase -- only to pay about that much more every month on your new home loan because you didn't qualify for the lowest interest rate. In a worst-case scenario, you could pay $15,480 more over the life of your loan just to save $45 dollars at the checkout counter. It's hard to think of a worse deal than that!

It's one more card to keep track of and have open. An open card, especially one opened with another person, can come back to haunt you years later. You should never have more cards open than you can easily remember and keep track of.

"It's one more card to worry about identity theft on," says Jolls. If anyone ever steals or forges your driver's license, for instance, they can go to the store, present ID, and use your account.

You'll get a more junk mail -- possibly even junk e-mail -- once you're a "preferred" customer. That's just more temptation. I know from experience the more ads I look at, the more I'm likely to find something I want. If I don't see it, I don't buy it. By Sally Herigstad CPA



Friday, April 9, 2010

Last Will and Testament


Last Will & Testament - A will "Last Will & Testament" is the legal expression of declaration of an individual's wishes as to the disposition of his or her property after death. A will is revocable during the individual's lifetime.

Living Will - The Health Care Directive known as a Living Will or also known as a "right to die document" allows you to direct your personal physician to deny you life support if your are diagnosed as being brain dead and have no chance of recovery. If you do not feel comfortable in completing a Living Will, do not sign it. The other "estate planning" documents will work without your free living will. Free downloads Living Wills forms.

Single Trust:
Avoid Probate! By transferring your property into a Revocable Living Trust, your estate will not have to go through the time and expense of the Probate Process. If you own property in more than one state, our revocable living trust forms work for all of your property, wherever it may be located in the US or the Commonwealths.
You maintain control of your assets!
You control all of your assets or designate who will control your ps that property if you cannot.
Save Thousands of dollars in attorneys fees!
There will be no need for attorneys to settle your estate. These trust pre-plans for the contingencies.
Save months or years of time!
Your assets can be transferred to your loved ones within weeks.
Avoid Court Intervention!
There simply will be no need for your heirs to ever see a judge to either manage or distribute your assets
Avoid Will Contests!
By transferring your assets into a Trust, all of the arguments about incompetence or undue influence simply go away.
Pass all of your estate onto your loved ones!
Your estate will not be eroded by expensive attorneys or administrators.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The iPad


Best Buy sold out of the iPad at all 673 of its U.S. stores with Apple shops.

Apple stores however are maintaining stock.

Spokesperson Paula Baldwin said, "We expect to have iPad inventory replenished at these locations by Sunday."

Six Best Buy stores contacted in the San Diego and Los Angeles area said they sold out of the iPad on Saturday, the day iPad sales began. Ditto for Best Buy stores contacted on the East Coast; stores in suburban Philadelphia and Boston also sold out on Saturday. A New York store, however, said it had some stock until Tuesday but has no stock now.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Student Services Save Money

Student services are an excellent way to save money. These schools have veteran professionals guiding the students, so even if you're worried about subpar work, the right expertise is always on hand. The only major drawback is that some of these services, especially the dental school, where meticulousness counts, suck up significantly more of your time than if you paid a professional. I embrace the student services where it comes to beauty, massage, and five-star dining. I would consider taking advantage of the law clinics as well but I would be careful about getting a second opinion. Overall, being a guinea pig for students practicing on entering the working world of their industry is a great help for education ... and your wallet.

5-11-10 Update - The Sacramento City College Cosmetology Department. The Cosmetology Department offers services to the public as well as faculty, staff, and students of SCC. These services are offered at such a reduced rate because they are part of the education of SCC cosmetology students. All work is done by STUDENTS ONLY, under the supervision of an instructor.

If their prices are still too expensive, the Cosmetology Department periodically holds complimentary hair cut days.

Special services for all San Diego Community College District Staff or students with valid district or college ID card, for St. Vincent DePaul/ Joan Kroc Center with valid ID card 1/2 price discount for all services except as noted.

" Senior Citizen Half Price Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays.
MUST show a valid ID. Ages 60 and Older.

How to Clean Salt Stains From Garage Floors | eHow.com

How to Clean Salt Stains From Garage Floors | eHow.com

Cold climates often leads to the accumulation of road salt and sand on a vehicle. When vehicles with salt-encrusted tires are parked in a garage, it is likely that salt will end up staining the floor as the moisture from the tires and vehicles drips and dries. Salt is soluble in water, making salt deposits easier to remove than motor oil stains.

Loosen and wash the salt stains away w/strong stream of directed water.

Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the salt stains and loosen them up. The water that the pressure washing leaves behind will help dissolve the stains.

Use a wet mop to soak up and remove water from the garage floor.

Use a leaf blower to evaporate any moisture left behind.

PREVENT STAINS FROM SALT AND OTHER DAMAGES:

Over time, the concrete becomes stained and cracked from wear. Applying a sealant to your garage floor can make an old floor look like new and help prevent a new garage floor from becoming damaged. There are several types of sealants available, such as epoxy resin, acrylic and urethane. Epoxy and urethane last longer than acrylic, but acrylic is more resistant to fading.

You can use a large fan to help the sealant dry faster. You need to reseal your concrete garage floor every few years.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

AsSeenOnTV - Slendertone


Have you seen an offer on TV? You're now looking for it on the internet? No worries we have all the AsSeenOnTV offers for you right here in one place! Simply choose the offer you like and click the more info button for more information. It doesn't get much easier than that!

Firm, tone and strengthen your entire midsection with patented medical-grade EMS technology. It's fast, it's comfortable, it's easy and it works all your abdominal muscles in as little as just 30 minutes a day.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Popular Teeth Whitening

Smiling puts you and those around you into a good mood. A beautiful smile makes you more attractive, noticeable, and approachable. It makes it easier to spark a romantic connection with others. In fact, people with whiter teeth tend to kiss a lot more with their partners.

A nice smile also helps you succeed in your career and business relationships! In a survey conducted by London Guildhall University of 11,000 people, it was revealed that attractive people earn more in their careers, while less attractive people earned about 12 percent less. More so, whiter teeth make you more confident! It boosts self-esteem, which improves all sorts of areas in your life and is associated with a healthier mental and physical lifestyle.

Plus with whiter teeth you feel happier and sexier. They also give you a more youthful and vibrant appearance. It's no wonder people with whiter teeth so often get noticed and complimented. Why have a smile you're not happy with, or even ashamed of, when you can now have one you'll enjoy, want to show off, and be proud of. It's now easier, quicker, and more affordable than ever before.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The ultra miracle shammy


Sop N Mop is an ultra absorbent miracle shammy cloth that is a must for camping, swimming, auto washing any sporting event and more... Raises any liquid from any surface. Holds 21 times its weight in any liquid. Save hundreds of dollars a year spent on paper towels. Use as a dish cloth. Dry sweaters and hand washables in half the time. Dry animals after bathing.

Take Action Now