Consumer Issues and Your Rights

Take Charge of Your Federal Income Taxes Including Form 1099-K

2012-02-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

W-2 forms and 1099's for filing federal income taxes are in the mail, if yours haven't already arrived. You'll have all the income information to file your federal income taxes soon, but you may still need to add the income figures and make a few calculations.

You DO file your own federal income taxes, don't you? If not, you're paying someone to put figures in the blanks, and you provide the figures. The IRS has free filing through their website at irs.gov, but if you operate a business, you may need to purchase a tax software program such as TurboTax or TaxAct. The Home and Business version walks you through your Form 1040, Schedule C for your business and Schedule SE for your self-employment taxes -- Social Security and Medicare.

The federal tax laws have changed a little this year, and there is no Making Work Pay credit. The filing date without an extension is April 17, because April 15 falls on a Sunday and Monday is Emancipation Day in DC.

You'll need to break down your mileage from January to June 30 and from July 1 to December 31 if you want to claim mileage for your business activity. Mileage is calculated at 51 cents for the first half of the year and 55.5 cents for July to December.

The IRS has a new Form 8949 for capital gains. Complete this form to transfer your capital gains information to Schedule D. If you got a Form 1099-B, it may have the basis figure you need to complete the Form 8949.

Form 1099-K is new, and comes from merchant payment centers such as PayPal. If you received more than 200 payments through a merchant payment center during the 2011 year totaling more than $20,000, you will likely receive this form. Because you may also receive a Form 1099-MISC for contract work, be aware that there may be duplication of the amounts. You don't want to pay taxes on this income twice. Fortunately, the IRS has waived calculations for this year, and the 2011 Form 1040 tells you to put "0" in the blank.

Don't concern yourself about discrepancies in the Form 1099-K and your actual income for this year. Just put a zero in the blank and move on, because you can't likely reconcile the figures -- and you don't need to. Count all of your income on your federal income tax form, but only count it once.

The IRS requires businesses to send you a 1099-MISC if you work as a contractor and earn more than $600 during the year. If you earn less than $600, you must still count that as income, although you don't get a Form 1099-MISC.

Claim all of the deductions you are allowed, including mileage, advertising and supplies. And Internet expenses, if you work online. It's only with claiming all of your deductions that you can see if you make a profit from your business efforts.

Do your taxes yourself and treat yourself when you're done. You'll save a significant amount of money and you may learn some tax law along the way. Everything you need is available on the IRS website. Here's the information you need from the IRS about Form 1099-K.

Sometimes an eagle watches over you, and sometimes it's a hawk. We don't have a picture of an eagle, although my daughter swears she'll get us one. Here's the red shouldered hawk we see in our area often.

Such a stately bird, we enjoy his company. Get your federal income taxes done and soar ahead of the crowd.

We got a new book published. This one is Retirement Living Guide Tips and Recipes for Easy Cooking.

You can also read part of the Retirement Living Guide Tips and Recipes for Easy Cooking or download a copy for $2.99 on Kindle at Amazon.

Our previous book, Retirement Living Guide for Senior Citizens, is still available on Smashwords or Kindle.

See you SOON!

Linda

Organize with Files for Tax Time and Warranty Claims

2012-01-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Organize for 2012 so you'll be prepared for taxes, broken appliances and warranty work. Start a simple filing system with an expandable folder or file drawer. You don't need much to get started and keep your system up-to-date. Manila file folders work with a file drawer. Here's an easy system that works.

Label your file folders for saving receipts and papers you'll need for taxes or reference. Some labels you might use are

credit cards

house

income

insurance

taxes

miscellaneous

Date each file for the year.

During the year, stick the receipts in the correct file. Any order will do at this point. You don't have to be a fanatic for this system to work -- just don't throw away receipts or information about the things you might need, especially credit cards and insurance.

When it's tax time, pull the files for the year and sort the receipts. They will all be together for easy retrieval. Use the tax file to write down the items you can deduct from your taxes, such as property tax or maybe even your vehicle renewal fees. Calculate your credit card interest paid and other enlightening figures, so you can see where your money goes. Review the files for taxes and for budget resolutions -- improvements you can make to your spending habits.

You'll also need a warranty file for all of your small equipment. An alphabetical expandable file works well for this. When you purchase anything with a warranty such as electronic, electrical or hand equipment, clip the receipt to the warranty and mark the date of purchase. File your warranty information alphabetically by the name of the item for easy retrieval. This file is ongoing, and doesn't need to be started new each year. Include household items such as water heater, microwave and appliance warranties as well as warranties for toaster and small kitchen appliances. If it has a warranty, you need to save the paperwork to make a warranty claim. Be sure to make a warranty claim if you have an issue with any piece of equipment within the warranty period. This notifies the company of a potential problem as well as assists you in the repair or replacement of the item.

If your mind doesn't like the thought of organizing, this filing system works with little mental agony. Although the tax deadline isn't here yet, it's time to set up new files for 2012 so you'll have purchases and expenses for the year all in one place.

See you next time!

Linda

cajunC

P.S. The red-bellied woodpecker is in our backyard, and claims the territory in this area of Texas.

Be Charitable -- Buy American this Christmas Season

2011-12-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

If you haven't done all of your Christmas shopping yet, maybe you can help your neighbor and your country when you shop.

ABC News published a blog by Ben Forer recently, entitled "Made in America: Creating Jobs For Christmas" about creating jobs by buying American products. The calculations show that if we purchase $64 in American-made products, we would create 200,000 jobs here and now. Why aren't we doing this? Maybe we don't understand the economy, or maybe we have difficulty locating items made in America. Sales are up 6 percent over last year, and this is an opportunity for consumers to make a difference.

When we felt the recession of the 1980s, even WalMart encouraged us to buy American goods, and had a little logo to distinguish those items. I've looked for items in the dollar stores and big box stores and have concluded that there is very little available for the consumer there that is made in America. Maybe some of the grocery store fruits and vegetables and food products are produced in the U.S. Some of the discount stores here in Texas don't even have many items printed in the English language. These are items made for export or maybe for stores catering to Spanish-speaking consumers.

You can locate American-made items online, but you have to make the effort. If it saves jobs for your family or creates a job for you, would you buy American?

If you can't buy American, consider purchasing used items. Purchasing used items is a form of recycling, good for the environment and the economy. Some items available on the Internet aren't really used but are NOS or new old stock. These items may come from a warehouse or store overstock from years ago, or may come from an individual who purchased several and didn't use them. For example, we sell unused sewing and crafts patterns that are new old stock, and the price is much less than a new pattern. The older patterns were made in the U.S., but more recent patterns are made in Mexico.

ABC News reports that the average American spends $700 on Christmas gifts. When you make your final purchases, look for $64 in American-made items or buy more if you can. Support your neighbor and the economy. We can make a difference.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Linda

Winter Utilities and Frugal Living -- Reduce Heating Bills

2011-11-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

For most of the country, winter means an increase in utility bills. Heating in most areas of the United States is more expensive than cooling, although in Texas, cooling usually wins out. Your electric company may have an average billing, allowing you to pay the same amount each month. This can work to your advantage if you don't have the discipline to do this on your own.

If you can average your own electric bill, you can earn a little interest on the money before the electric company takes it. Here's how it works: If your electric bill is $150 in the summer and $250 in the winter, your average bill works out to about $200 a month. Every month that your bill is less than $200, pay yourself the difference in a savings account. If you can't make the total payment when the bill goes over $200, draw the money you need from the savings account. If you do this all year, you are averaging your own electric bill. The advantage is that you do not pay amounts early and you have that money earning interest until you need it.

Save money on your heating bill this year by turning the temperature down two degrees. If you keep the heat on 70 degrees, leave it on 68 degrees this year and save about 10 percent on your utility bill. Wear warmer clothing in the house and use a microwaveable bag to keep your feet warm. These bags are available at the drug store, and are sometimes on sale. One goes by the name of Bed Buddy and looks like a sock with sealed rice inside.

You can make your own microwaveable pal with rice in a bag. You don't even need to know how to sew. Use a fine weave fabric for the inside bag so the fine broken rice can't escape. A cup or two of rice is all you need. Pour it into the bag and tie or sew the bag closed. Place this bag in a cotton sock and sew or tie it closed.

Place this bag in the microwave for a minute to heat the rice and use it whenever you need to get warm. It works well to take to bed on a cold night or to set your feet on it while watching television. You can make one for everyone in the family much cheaper than you can raise the temperature in the house by two degrees. This microwave bag stays warm for an hour or so and can be heated over and over.

Your cat or dog may appreciate the microwaveable bag, too. If your pets stay outside in cold weather, you can cozy up the doghouse or cat bed with a warmer. The whole family gets one!

Make Money Work For You -- Rethink, Reduce Expenses and Save

2011-10-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

Watch Your Money Like a Hawk. This is a Red Shouldered Hawk we photographed in our back yard in Texas today.

Learn to save money the same way you spend it -- with pleasure. If you can learn to appreciate money in the bank as much as you enjoy material objects, you can save money with a new attitude.

What money? Many of us are struggling to pay the bills, but it is a rare individual who doesn’t spend a little money on eating out, purchasing items you think you need but really can do without, or buying new when you could buy used items. Frugal doesn’t have to be a necessity; you can be frugal with lots of money on hand. Frugal is a way of living, and many people with money live modestly. Enjoy what you have and appreciate it without the constant thought of what life would be like if you had more.

Studies have shown that materialism does not make a happy marriage, reports ABC news and a survey published by Brigham Young University. Lower relationship satisfaction and less stability in a marriage are tied to a desire for money or material objects.

Rethink your needs. You need automobile insurance. Check to see if you can get a better rate. Consider increasing the deductible if you have comprehensive and collision. Consider dropping the comprehensive and collision if you have no lien on your vehicle. Comprehensive and collision cover only your car and only if you are at fault. If your car is older, your insurer uses Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) or Edmunds.com figures for payment. If you park under a large tree with dead limbs or have another high-risk issue, you may decide you need to keep comprehensive and collision.

You need homeowner’s or renter’s insurance in case of vandalism, theft or fire. You can increase the deductible on this insurance as well. Your objective is to have coverage for a major loss. Reporting small claims only increases the premium cost of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

Save a little money here and there. Establish a savings account that is for windfalls. If you receive a refund or any unexpected income such as overtime pay, add to your windfall savings account. Have another savings account for bills you pay once a year, such as life insurance or homeowner’s insurance. Add one-tenth of the amount you need to this account every month. If you need $1,000 for life insurance, $1,000 for homeowner’s insurance and $1,000 for property taxes, add $100 each month to this savings account for each. That’s $300 a month for the immediate future. This keeps the money out of your checking account, and you’ll be glad to have it at tax time or when insurance is due.

Buy with profit considerations. When you make purchases, consider resale value. When you are purchasing kitchen plastics, you can guess they will be worthless as used products at a garage sale in just a couple of years. Buy items on sale that will increase in value or improve your life. Intangibles such as education at a state university or certification in a specialized field meet that goal. Clothing does not. Gold or silver may increase in value if you purchase it at a bargain price. If you need a book, consider an autographed copy. Autographed copies often increase in value, even in the author’s lifetime, and nearly always upon death of the author. Save flyers, advertising or photographs of the signing to show that the autograph is genuine.

Take little steps to make a better future for yourself. You can't wait until the economy improves, your kids are grown, you no longer have a car payment or whatever excuse you have. Today is the day.

See you soon with more help with the economy. You can do better for yourself, but it takes some work on your part.

Linda
cajunC

Selling Your Gold Jewelry -- Calculate the Value Before You Sell

2011-09-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Scrap gold or old jewelry may help you make it through "back to school." You only have one chance to sell your gold items, so make sure you have the knowledge to make a wise sale.

Do not sell to the companies that take a large advertisement in the local paper and set up in the motel. They won't be there next week when you realize you didn't get a good deal. Don't sell to companies that ask you to mail your gold to them without payment. In fact, don't sell to anyone until you have done your research.

Go to Kitco.com to check the price of gold for the day. The price you see is for a Troy ounce. A Troy ounce is 31.1 grams of gold, and you probably won't have a Troy ounce. A small piece of jewelry usually weighs about 3 grams.

Determine the karat or percentage of your gold. Look on the inside of rings or bracelets with a strong magnifier or a loupe to see the gold marks or markings. Pure gold is 24k, but is too soft for jewelry. 18k gold is .750 and 14k gold is .583. 10k gold is .417. Group your gold items by karat.

If you do not have an accurate gram scale, take your jewelry to a pawn shop and ask them how much they will give you for it. The first thing they do is weigh the items. Write down the weight in grams, and the offer. Try another pawn shop if you want, but do not sell your gold yet.

Calculate the actual value of your items. If you have 3.2 grams of gold that is 24k, and gold is $1,820 an ounce, the actual value is $187.26.

Consider this: 31.1 grams equal an ounce of gold, so at $1,820 an ounce a gram of 24k gold is $58.52, but

58.52 x .583 = 34.12 x 3.2 = 109.17.

If you have 3.2 grams of 14k gold, with the value of gold at $1,820 an ounce, your gold is valued at $109.17.

$58.52 a gram x .417 or 10k = $24.40 x 3.2 grams = $78.08

3.2 grams of 10k gold is $78.08 when gold is $1,820 an ounce.

You will not receive full price for your gold, but you can expect to receive 75 percent of actual value. Multiply the price by .75 to determine what you can expect to receive. $78.08 x .75 is $58.56.

Calculate 3.2 grams of 18k gold at $1,820 an ounce. At this price, a gram of gold is still the same or $58.52 a gram. 18k gold is .750 or $43.89 a gram x 3.2 or $140.45. You should receive about 75 percent of full price or $105.34.

Once you know the value of your gold, shop around and sell it locally if you can. Do not give in to sales tactics, and sell to the shop that pays cash on the spot. If you have jewelry with stones, make certain to find out if the stones are valuable before you sell the jewelry for scrap gold value.

Be a smart consumer by educating yourself about your gold jewelry before you sell it.

Our "Retirement Living Guide for Senior Citizens" can help you handle your money and be a wise consumer. You can read part of it for free at this website:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77302

See you again soon!

Linda
cajunC

The Smart Meter May Make Us Smarter Consumers for Washing Clothes

2011-08-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

The smart meter is taking over the laundry at our house. We live in Texas, and the electric company has been installing smart meters at every home. Our smart meter replaced the old dial meter November a year ago. Our electric bill was $400 in December that year, and I complained bitterly, to no avail. We have never had an electric bill that high before or since.

The smart meter companies produce a report defining your usage by day, and even with a graph that reports your hourly usage. You can see peak usage hours. We have used electricity on Saturday and Sunday for years -- usually doing the laundry, running the dishwasher, and using lots of hot water. Since our smart meter report shows high electricity use on Saturday and Sunday, starting today we are not going to do any laundry on the weekends to see if it makes a significant difference in the weekend electricity use. If peak hours increase the cost per kwh, maybe adjusting the usage to non-peak hours and non-peak days will decrease our electric bill. We are experimenting, and will let you know what we find.

** See below for the results.

Laundry is one of the places you can save money as a consumer. Some of the new energy-efficient washers have no option for rinse water temperature -- it's cold or cold, or cold, on any wash setting. The high-efficiency washers adjust the water level according to the size of the load, so there is no water-level adjustment. These washers require high-efficiency laundry detergent that works like dishwasher detergent. It is low-suds, but effective.

Take a lesson from the high-efficiency washer and use cold for all your rinse cycles. Hot water will not rinse your clothes any better than cold water, and you save water-heating money by using cold water rinse for every load. Use the water-level adjustment if your washer has one, limiting your high water-level adjustment to full loads.

Use natural products for your laundry and save money. Borax or hydrogen peroxide are germicides that you can use in the wash cycle. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach, so use about half a cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach or the same amount of borax in the wash cycle. Adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to the final rinse removes odors and eliminates the need for fabric softener. These natural products are better for you and the environment and are inexpensive alternatives to expensive bleaches, detergents and fabric softeners.

Looks like we were able to drop our Saturday and Sunday usage by 9 kWh each day. We were using about 42 kWh, but September 3 and 4 show 32 and 33 kWh. We did not have the oven on on Saturday, but cooked rolls on Sunday. August 27 and 28 registered 41 and 42 kWh, but the temperature was about 4 degrees higher as well. The total usage for the week is registering 249 kWh for a total of about $30. Projected cost for the month is shown at $141 to $174. That's good enough in this Texas heat.

Thanks for following!

The lantana is still blooming, although we've had no rain for a couple of months. We water twice a week, but some of the plants are struggling.

http://idiotsguides.com/static/quickguides/homegarden/green_ways_to_clean_your_home.html

Energy Savers: Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

See you soon with a smart meter report and more consumer tips you can use for green living and for saving money.

Linda
cajunC

2011-08-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Texas brown is a stark comparison to the lush green of West Virginia this summer. We left the brown scorched earth and 111 degrees in Dallas and looked down on the fields, anxious to see some greenery. It didn't take long to travel to another climate. The green was everywhere in W. Va.; so was the rain and cooler temperatures.

After not flying for several years, we experienced consumerism and the changes first-hand in airport security and passenger controls. We shed our shoes and set out our bottles in the quart Ziploc bag for all to see. The alarm sounded and I got escorted to the side of the line with a call for "female assist." My necklace would not pass screening without removal. They placed it in a dish that looked like it had watered the dog, ran it through the x-ray and left it just out of reach for me to retrieve.

The reassurance of the captain that they were tightening the last few bolts at the rear of the plane was not comforting in Detroit. The flight out of Charleston, W. Va. was delayed 45 minutes for a flat tire that the captain reported as "worn." That made us wonder the status of other tires and parts, but the airline has your money and your soul once you board the plane.

We had 15 minutes to make a connection in Atlanta because of the flight delay, and no one was there to pick us up. Years ago, the airline would have had a shuttle there to take the delayed passengers to the next flight. We got a workout but made the connecting flight.

Airline fares depend on where you purchase your tickets, how far in advance you buy and what services you need. If word-of-mouth is a good indicator, Southwest Airlines has good deals, including no charge for a checked bag or two. Delta currently charges $25 for checked baggage, and that is $25 each way for a round-trip. You can have a purse or laptop and a carry-on, along with a jacket or shirt, but all checked luggage costs a fee. You still receive a complimentary cold drink and nuts or cookie on Delta flights, and the flight attendants still smile.

You can find ticket prices online at several discount websites, but buying from the airline is usually a good idea. You can get a low fare with the airline directly and know who to contact if you have issues. Your flight may be cheaper if you fly during the week and stay over a weekend. You may qualify for discounts by charging your flight on a specific credit card, so check before you buy the tickets.

If you belong to AAA or AARP, use discounts for motels and a rental car for significant savings. Shop online and by telephone for the best rate. Stay at motels slightly out of town and away from the airport for a better bargain. The Sleep Inn in Mink Shoals was the best bargain in the Charleston Area; the Best Western Plus in Irving was a great deal in the Dallas area.

We're glad to be back in sunny Texas, greeted by thirsty birds, squirrels and flowers, water restrictions and brown earth. Our yard and many others have remained a green oasis for animal shelter in the city.

See you again soon! In the meantime, read some retirement information written just for you.

Our Retirement Living Guide for Senior Citizens is now in eBook format for your e-reader. You can also read it on your computer, with a generous portion available for free. Learn to enjoy retirement and make your money last your lifetime. You don't have to buy the eBook to read some for free and decide if you want to purchase the whole book at $2.99.

Linda

cajunC

Summer Heat and Cool Consumers Look for Economy in Utilities and Beef

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Consumers across the nation are feeling the summer heat and drought. Utility bills for cooling the house are increasing, but so are water and feed bills for animals. If you have animals, this may be your first summer to have to feed hay in areas that have had no rain. Farmers throughout the South expect a hay shortage this winter because of feeding hay this summer. Some farmers are selling livestock to save the expense of feeding this summer, and predictions are that the price of beef will increase as early as this winter.

If you make your meat purchases based on the economy and the weather, you can save money. Beef on sale between now and the end of the year may be a result of the increased sales of livestock because of the drought. It may be a good time to buy. There will be less livestock to sell when winter comes. If farmers sell off livestock this summer, it may take years to rebuild the stock, keeping the price of beef high.

If your utility bills are maxed out, use ceiling fans if you have them and area fans to circulate the air where you are. Fans are less expensive to operate than lowering the air conditioning temperature. Don't use your oven, but use the microwave or cook on top of the stove. Alternatively, eat cold vegetables and meals that require no cooking. When you operate the oven and the air conditioning, you incur double the expense. The oven heats and the air conditioning has to cool the same air the oven just heated. Keep the doors closed as much as possible and wear lightweight clothing.

Frugal living can be your friend and help with the bills as well.

See you soon with more consumer information to share!

Linda

cajunC

Credit Scores, Credit Reports and Consumer Issues

2011-07-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Your credit score is important for borrowing money, but it is also important for pricing insurance policies. Insurers refer to your credit score when giving you a quote for automobile and homeowner's insurance. You can get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- by using annualcreditreport.com website ONLY. This website is operated by the three credit reporting companies in compliance with federal regulations. You can get a credit report from each of the three reporting companies. If you are interested and want to keep track of your credit report, apply every four months for a report from a different company -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. This gives you a report every four months without cost to you.

If you use any of the other credit reporting websites, you will sign up for a monitoring service and pay an unnecessary charge. You can monitor your own credit and will receive better information with your own review of your credit reports. Why pay someone to monitor your credit? Do not be intimidated by scare tactics and fear of identity theft.

If you are interested in your FICO score, you can obtain the actual score for a fee from myfico.com. The current cost is $14.95 for one credit score. Your FICO score calculations come from Fair Isaac Corporation that first developed the FICO score formula. About 35 percent of the score comes from your payment history and another 30 percent is based on what you owe. Fifteen percent of the FICO calculation arises from the longevity of your credit history. FICO divides the other 20 percent between new credit and other factors, with 10 percent for each. A search for several new credit lines can lower your score, but a mix of different types of credit may increase your score. You can read more about your credit score at the FCIC website operated by the federal government for consumers.

**
It's survival of the fittest in Texas in the summer. The critters are all around the house. Today I went out to fertilize the flowers and the anoles are everywhere. Many are only an inch or so long. You may recognize these as chameleons, as they change color from green to brown, and puff a large red throat at times. This little guy is not a gecko -- we have those, too. They are brown speckled.

See you soon!

The Federal Citizen Information Center Can Help

2011-07-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Federal Citizen Information Center provides information from the federal government that you can use, including online tips and guides for savvy consumers. When you locate an area of interest, you can sign up for a newsletter or weekly email with new information relating to the consumer issue. There are summertime gas saving tips and tips for saving energy.

You can get the consumer information catalog sent to your home or view it online. This catalog shows the publications available from the federal government, and many are free.

The smart consumer online tips and guides section has suggestions for employment, re-entering the work force and careers. There is also a section on money with excellent advice for taxes, scams and credit cards.

If you haven't looked over these free materials from the federal government printing office, you are missing an excellent consumer source.

We live in Central Texas, with dry weather and high heat most of the summer. Learning some ways to save on cooling and water are essential. We use ceiling fans and portable fans to keep the house as cool as we can without constant running of the air conditioner. Keeping the doors closed and not operating the oven, washer and dryer all seem to help some. We try to use these appliances late in the evening or early in the morning. Turning off unnecessary lights and using CFL lighting is helpful as well.

We're glad to share what we've learned with a lifetime interest in consumer issues and frugal living. We all need any tips we can get, and the Federal Citizen Information Center has excellent free publications and tips.

Linda
cajunC

The Texas Spiny Lizard is busy catching whatever he can find in this weather. We love the Texas critters.

Find Public Records Online and at the Courthouse

2010-07-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Grow your Knowledge as a Consumer

Public records are available to you as an American consumer if you know where to look for them. Many records are online now, including property records and assessment values for most counties and most states. Many legal opinions are also available for reading online once the case is completed.

If you read something in the local newspaper and want to check it out, you have the same records available to you as the reporter who wrote the original story. Just read carefully and figure out where the information is located. County records are held in the County Clerk's office. District Court records are at the District Clerk's office. Federal court records are at the Federal District Clerk's office. It's that easy. We have written an article with more detailed information about finding public records online and at the courthouse. Learn where to find public records to compare your property assessment with others in your area. These are likely available online, and you can read property value assessments from years past.

Read court cases in your area at the courthouse. Find criminal cases there, too. Stay informed and know how to check public records--a handy tool in your consumer toolbox.

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Buy a House with Knowledge -- Be a Smart Consumer

2010-06-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is a good year to make a home purchase. With many homes on the market and many more in foreclosure, you can likely make a good deal on a new home, or a home new to you. A little work and thought on the front end will save lots of hassle as the years of the mortgage roll by.

Consider the Mortgage

The mortgage on your home is a major expense every month and every year, and thirty years is the majority of your working life. Be sure to check the interest rate and the monthly cost of a fifteen-year mortgage. A fifteen-year mortgage will save thousands of dollars and the house will be paid much faster.

Look at the Insurance Costs

If you can pay 20 percent down on a house, you can avoid PMI insurance that has no benefit to you. You may also be able to handle your own taxes and insurance payments so these are not paid monthly to the mortgage company. Why let the mortgage company get the interest? You can set up a personal savings account and earn the interest on the taxes and insurance money until it is due.

Do not accept the insurer the mortgage company uses. There is better coverage for less, if you shop around. Understand homeowner's insurance and ask for an explanation for any charges you do not understand.

Read all the Paperwork in Advance

You are entitled to a copy of the paperwork before the closing. Make sure you get a copy and review it carefully in advance. Ask about closing costs, and why you, the buyer, are paying certain items.

We have written an article about the pitfalls of buying a home that may help you be a smart consumer.

May all your purchases be good ones!

Linda
cajunC

Social Security Disability Payments Can Work for You

2010-06-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

If you are disabled and receive Social Security disability, the month is usually longer than the money. It is easy to let the finances and the disability combination get you down, but this is just the time you need to think for yourself. You have probably been thinking for an employer for years, so now is the time to think for yourself.

Consider what you can do besides sitting there all day. You have the computer, the internet, crafts, woodworking, and other projects, but these will not make enough money to make a difference.

Think outside the box. Don't be chicken. Use Social Security rules to your advantage. Look for other benefits. Medicare is available after two years of disability, and your spouse is entitled to benefits if she is 62. Minor children may be entitled to Social Security because you are disabled, too. We have written an article about Social Security disability that may give you just the ideas you need.

We are consumer advocates, and like to help. We hope this helps you.

Linda
cajunC

Landscape and Design Flower Beds DIY Tips

2010-06-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Landscape your own yard and get it right the first time. Landscaping is a task we as consumers often leave to the experts, but the best landscaper for your yard is YOU. You can do it yourself on freezer paper first.

Make a Landscaping Plan

Use a piece of freezer paper that approximates the shape of the yard, and mark on the dull side with a pencil or pen. Start with the permanent fixtures like the house and trees, outbuildings and fences. Draw those in the approximate locations. Mark proposed paths and walkways. Think through a traffic flow pattern for the front yard, then the backyard, and mark on the plan how to get from front to back, preferably on each side of the house. Once you have the basics on paper, you can see where the flower beds and shrubs can be placed.

Design the Flower Beds

Create flower beds with larger plants to the back and sides and smaller plants in the front. Check your neighbors for ideas for plants and for size approximation. Some plants grow larger in one area than another, and checking out the neighbors flowers can help with what grows well and how large it gets. Find other tips and information on how to make this work for you in this article on Do-it-Yourself landscaping.

Do the Labor for a Beautiful Yard

Once you have a landscaping plan, design the shape of a flower bed on the ground with flour or spray paint, or a garden hose. Spade around the entire area and separate it from the lawn with something permanent, like the heavy black plastic edging that comes in a roll at the home improvement store. It works, and seems to last forever, since we have some that has been in the ground for 14 years. Remove all traces of grass and weeds from the flower bed area, as these will only annoy for years to come. Amend the soil with good products like flower planting mix before you start to plant. Plant bulbs first, and in one area of the bed so you don't have to watch for bulbs every time you dig. Plant sparsely, as these flowers and plants will grow to be bigger than you expect. When one flower bed is done, take a break. Then, start another one. You will soon have a beautiful yard with lots of compliments.

See you soon with more consumer fun!

Linda
cajunC

PS: We also have used gardening and landscaping books for sale here.

Prepare for Retirement Early -- Be Prepared

2010-06-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Look to the Future and Plan for Retirement.

Be prepared for retirement before it happens, since it may not occur on your schedule. There are laws in place to prevent age discrimination but employers find ways to eliminate jobs of high earners who have been with the company for a long time, and they often offer early retirement carrots to encourage older folks to step aside. Don't get caught having to find another job at 60 -- it may be more difficult than you think.

Start early and make plans for the possibility of retirement by paying down debts and paying off the house. Be sure you own a good car since it may be more difficult to get a new one once you have no income. Think of something you like to do that will make some income each month and get started doing it to establish a business on your own. Develop new skills. Sell off items that cost money to maintain and save the money for retirement. Extra cars, boats, campers, equipment not being used and real estate that is not the homestead are some possibilities. Read more about preparing for retirement ten years early here.

Get your finances ready for retirement, and if the unexpected happens, you will be ready to enjoy your senior years without having to scrape and scramble.

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Tanning Beds are in the News Again. Melanoma Connection!

2010-05-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tanning beds have been previously linked to skin cancer potential, but the new findings link tanning beds to melanoma, the most deadly of skin cancers. If you like to get a tan or have teens who insist on the tanning bed, give them the warnings! The new figures show three times the risk of melanoma with the use of tanning beds, and the regular use increases the risk.

Teens are dying to be beautiful--literally. It isn't worth it. We have an article about safer use of tanning beds, and although there is no really safe way to use them, there are some precautions that may save a life. The FDA is considering the new report, according to a Reuters review. Hopefully, the FDA will soon have more warnings and precautions in place for those who insist that lying on a tanning bed isn't the same as rolling over and playing dead.

I think I'll try to live for another day, white skin and out of style. Wish we could get the teenagers to see the advantage.

The mimosa tree is in bloom, signaling summer and hot sun in Texas. Wear sunscreen if you are outside, and heed the tanning bed warnings!

See you soon with more consumer news.

Linda
cajunC

Looking for a Job? Write a Cover Letter with a Resume

2010-05-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

The perfect resume is often posted online, but serious job hunters still have to network, make contacts, and send resumes through the mail or deliver them. With the mail or delivery, a cover letter is expected, and the rules have changed in recent years. It is no longer correct to send a letter of two lines announcing the resume is attached. More is expected, and a good cover letter may get an interview, and hopefully, a job.

The cover letter of today is tailored to the company and the position, so the letter cannot be the same for every application.We have an article about writing a quality cover letter so you can soar with eagles or work with turkeys. It's all about options, and a job offer is an option--a fork in the road--a chance to do better for yourself. Success may not be learned, but being successful is based on learning.

Keep up with the new trends and prepare a cover letter for your resume that is modern and thoughtful, combining qualifications with the position available. You will be a step closer to getting the job!

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Are you Concerned about Privacy Online?

2010-05-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

You Can't Hide from the Internet

Most of us have a few concerns about privacy, but those of us who spend hours online and belong to many sites can expect to find information about ourselves in all kinds of places.

If you have not checked, make it a point to put your name in quotes and search a couple of the major search engines to see how much information you find about yourself. Some of it will not likely be correct, and that is probably good. The correct information should be of more concern to you.

If you feel that your privacy is being invaded by some websites, copy the URL for the page that has your personal information, and go to the PRIVACY link on the site. Request that they remove your private information, and they probably will do so if you provide the URL and give them an email address to confirm that you want the information removed. Sites like spokeo.com are used to removing the information, and have it set up as automated.

We are always concerned for others about identity theft issues and family safety on the internet. We have written these articles to share tips for consumers to prevent an invasion of privacy, and encourage you to always be alert and aware of the pitfalls of an online presence.

See you again soon with more consumer rights to share.

Linda
cajunC

Find Activities for Senior Citizens

2010-05-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Consumers are families, not just individuals, and most families have senior citizens. Seniors need stimulation and activities to keep their minds sharp and productive, and many families search for activities that Grammy or Papa will like.

Activities are available for senior citizens, but sometimes they have to be sought. They are not openly visible without some searching, since these activities are local of necessity. Here are some ideas for locating activities for seniors:

Consider the personality of the senior, and whether they prefer loner activities or group activities. Attempt to match the senior activity with your senior citizen's personality. If the senior citizen is a loner, there may be activities online that are of interest.

Look online. Do a local search for activities in the area that are specifically for seniors.

Check the Council for Aging or similar group in the area to see what activities they know about. Get recommendations to be sure the activities are SAFE.

Watch the local newspaper for activities for seniors that sound like something of interest to your senior citizen.

We have written an article about finding activities for senior citizens that may give you some more ideas.

Make sure senior citizens in your family find activities to keep their minds sharp, whether they be puzzles and word games, card games, or group activities with other seniors. They may also be physically active, and there are activities for seniors that provide exercise, dance, or charity walks. Keep alert to keep your seniors alert.

See you again soon with more consumer issues and tips.

Linda
cajunC

Puzzle books designed for senior citizens help slow down symptoms of dementia.(Oregon Life): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Buy Online But Be Careful as a Smart Consumer

2010-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Be watchful like a cat.

Buying online is easier than going to the local store, and the items can be delivered to your door within a few days, so why not buy online? I am a great advocate of buying online--actually I am an online seller, too--so I encourage everyone to buy online if they can buy SMART.

Online scams abound, and there are all kinds of potential problems, from identity theft to credit card abuse. If you are not very familiar with buying online, heed some warnings.

Do not buy from individual websites that are not established. New websites go up every day, and they are anxious to sell. If they want you to sign up with name, address, and credit card information, and they are a small or newer site, back out. Good sites that are new know that you should not give your credit card information to them, so they take PayPal or Google Checkout, and let THEM get your credit information. Another reason not to buy from new individual sites is that you may not get the merchandise.

Do not buy from international sites. USA shoppers should buy from the USA. This is not just for the benefit of the economy, but also because of the customs laws. Many foreign sellers do not realize that U.S. customs may seize the items or fees may be assessed. They also may not send the goods.

Buy from large, well-established sites that have some control over the merchants. I sell on a website called iOffer, and they remove sellers who do not deliver the merchandise. eBay, Amazon, and other conglomerate seller sites are usually safe, too. When you make purchases from these sites, be sure to buy from sellers who have been there for some time. Do not make purchases from new sellers, as this is high risk.

We have an article about practicing internet safety for your family that you may find helpful. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to scams, and we have written an article about scams against seniors, too.

Be ever watchful and be a smart consumer.

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Be a Smart Consumer: Landscape and Plant Flowers and Shrubs for Frugal Living

2010-04-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

Planting flowers and shrubs give pleasure and admiration for years to come if the landscaping is attractive and the flowers and shrubs thrive, but it is discouraging to plant and watch the flowers die. There are techniques to gardening and planting flowers and shrubs that require very little knowledge and not even much work, and you will be on the way to a beautiful yard.

The best landscaper for your yard is YOU, since you know the way your yard is used better than a professional landscaper. We have written a detailed article about landscaping for best use and DIY
so you can get some ideas for creating a useful landscaping plan that works best for you.

Spring is here, and there is no better time for planting flowers and shrubs on a budget, and improving your landscaping plan. Think first, plan next, then put your thoughts and plan into action. You will have a beautiful yard in no time, and it will grow year after year with little effort from you. Be a smart consumer by reading online before beginning a project.

See you again soon with more consumer tips. Joy to spring!

Linda
cajunC

File Income Taxes Timely or Get an Extension with Form 4868

2010-04-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Federal income taxes are due on April 15, and if you find you do not have all the information to file your tax return, you can still be within the law and not file your income tax return--but you must file for an extension and pay any taxes you estimate are owed.

You can read more about how to file for a Federal income tax extension with Form 4868 on our Today blog. The important part is to be sure you file something before midnight on April 15.

Start now to assemble the information needed for next year's Federal income tax return by setting up files to drop the receipts into. We give consumer tips on what files you will need--just click on the blog link above. You can make this work for you, and develop an efficient method that does not take much time.

Hop to it and get this done today.

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Savvy Consumers are Interested in Frugal Living and Saving Money

2010-04-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Saving money or money-saving is a concept for this economy, and most of us are either saving money because we have to or because we want to. If you are into frugal living by choice, that is the most fun; but saving money by necessity keeps you on your toes looking for new ways to save money in daily life. Don't get snowed by bills and money issues.

We write a blog on money-saving tips for frugal living fun that you may find helpful for saving money. We often discuss how we save money at the grocery store (shopping once a month) and share recipes. We also blog about utilities, weather, and practical ways to save money.

You can follow our blog called Money-Saving-Tips at blogdog.com where we share ideas and pictures for the consumer who has an interest in frugal living and saving money. Leave comments, share your thoughts and experiences. We are always looking for friends who like to save money.

See you again soon!

Linda
cajunC

Senior Citizens Can Get Free Education

2010-03-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Senior citizens are often interested in learning, either to keep their minds sharp or for additional income. It is often not advertised, but many colleges and universities offer free education for senior citizens. If you have a college or university in your area, contact the Registrar's Office and ask if there is a senior learning center, or if seniors may attend classes tuition-free. You can check on the internet, too, since several university websites show offers for free tuition for seniors.

Even if you do not qualify for tuition-free education, you may be able to stimulate your brain and learn through adult education courses. These classes offer fun learning in subjects that are computer-related or even exercise. Some adult education programs offer dance courses or even antiques and collectibles courses. Some of these courses are very inexpensive, and are available through your community services.

We have an article about getting free education as a senior citizen that has other information for finding frugal or free avenues for learning.

There is more free learning available than the senior citizen has time. Use it and keep your mind sharp. Brain stimulation seems to prevent Alzheimer's, too. Stay healthy and happy with learning something new.

See you soon with more consumer fun.

Linda
cajunC