Say ‘No’ to Debit Cards for Teens
By Janet Bodnar, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Even as consumers try to unload credit-card debt – and card issuers try to unload high-risk borrowers – some banks are still trying to get teenagers hooked on plastic. “Call it plastic on training wheels!” chirps the press release for the new Current Card by Discover, the latest debit card aimed at “kids, tweens and teens.” I’ve never been a fan of these cards, and I like them even less given the current economic climate. The idea is that parents deposit money in the card account, which the kids can use to...
Read MorePros and Cons of a Bi-Weekly Mortgage Program
When borrowers enter into a contract to make bi-weekly payments on their mortgage, the amortization schedule is accelerated. For example, with a 30-year amortization schedule, the borrower makes 12 payments per year. In a bi-weekly arrangement, the borrower makes 26 ‘half’ payments, which allows the loan to be paid off in 22.8 years instead of 30 years. It’s the same as making 13 monthly payments. This ultimately saves the borrower thousands of dollars in interest rate fees. However, bear in mind that bi-weekly programs usually have some type of setup, transaction, and...
Read MoreSearch Google™ Like a Pro (Part Two)
In Part One of Search Google™ Like a Pro, we shared some special search features that, according to Google™, less than 5% of users actually utilize when searching for information and sites online. Below you’ll find more great strategies to help you become a Google™ search master. 1) Define Intervention – You can use Google™ as a dictionary. To have Google™ define a word, simply type in the Define: operator followed by the word you want to look up. Example: define: intervention. You can also use Google™ to find synonyms by using the tilde symbol before a word....
Read MoreSearch Google™ Like a Pro (Part One)
At one point or another, we all use Google™ to help us search the Internet but, according to Google™, less than 5% of users actually utilize the special features that make finding whatever we’re looking for online so much easier. So, if you’re not in the 5% of users who are Google™ search masters, then keep reading. Here are a few search tips straight from Google™. Exact Word or Phrase – Let’s say you turn to Google™ to find out who said this exact quote, “Great poetry requires great audiences.” If you type in the entire phrase, Google™ will return...
Read MoreYou Received an IRS Notice. Now What?
Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers throughout the year. And just because you receive a notice doesn’t mean you’re being audited or you have something to worry about it. But don’t take my word for it. Here is a list of things every taxpayer should know about IRS notices, straight from the IRS. Don’t panic. Many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly. There are number of reasons the IRS sends notices to taxpayers. The notice may request payment of taxes, notify you of a change to your account or request additional...
Read MorePodcasts
Take Your iPod to the Next Level If you’re lucky enough to own an iPod, or any mp3 player for that matter, then you know just how fun they can be. The idea of converting your CDs into mp3 files and being able to listen to them wherever you go is exciting to say the least. The fun doesn’t have to stop there though. The development of the iPod has opened up a world of other interesting opportunities, podcasts among them. Podcasts, by definition, have actually been around for a while; but the name, which is a combination of “iPod” and “broadcast”, came about...
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