Car insurance is one of the most common bills that most households are required to pay. Below are some tips that may help you save on this expense and save toward your debt settlement.
Drive Safely
Numerous at-fault claims and traffic violations may increase your insurance rates. You may help avoid the likelihood of an accident by driving defensively and obeying traffic laws. Stay safe by adhering to road signs, driving the speed limit, and resisting the urge to talk on a cell phone while driving. Many insurance companies offer discounts if a policyholder has maintained a clean driving record for a specific amount of time.
Take Advantage Of All Discounts
You may qualify for car insurance discounts for a variety of reasons. Mention to your insurance company if your vehicle has features such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices. Keep track of how often you use your vehicle. If your mileage is lower than average, you may receive a discount. Younger drivers usually cost more to insure. Discounts may be available for student drivers with good grades or college students in the household that live on campus for most of the year. Your insurance company may also offer you a multi-policy discount if you purchase both auto and homeowners coverage.
What To Do In An Auto Accident
Here are some tips provided by Erie Insurance Group (www.erieinsurance.com) to help you remain calm and gather the necessary information in the event of a car accident. A detailed and accurate report can help you expedite your claim for repair costs.
The first priority is to make sure your vehicle is safely off the road and check to see if any parties are injured. If so, contact emergency personnel immediately.
Always call the police even if there is minor vehicle damage. A police report can help speed up the claims process.
Although car accidents are stressful situations, remain calm and do not discuss who is at fault. You will have an opportunity to talk to your insurance agent about the details. Exchange information with the other driver(s), which would include names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and the make and model of each car.
You may also want to record information such as date, time, location, and weather conditions. Most cell phones come equipped with a camera, so consider taking picture at the scene. In case of an accident, Erie recommends keeping a disposable camera along with a notepad in your glove box.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Health Care: Save On Co-Pays Or Additional Visits
Whether you have insurance or not, it might be wise to write down any important medical information and have your records in order prior to your appointment. Keep track of any changes in your health that cause you concern and discuss these changes with your physician. Remember, discussing all medical issues could reduce the chances of a follow-up visit, saving you money for your debt settlement negotation. If you've had tests and your doctor tells you there is no immediate need to return to the office, he/she might be willing to discuss your results over the phone.
Practice Good Health Habits
You can keep in mind that an apple a day might not solve everything but it shouldn't hurt either. Cnn.com reported in a recent article that worries about financial positions and the economy have given people more of an incentive to eat healthy and exercise. Eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising are good habits that can help you keep healthy, clear your mind and reduce stress. Cdc.gov advises Americans to check with their physician regarding an appropriate exercise plan.
American Academy of Dermatology: Go to aad.org to find a database of free skin cancer screenings around the country.
American Cancer Society: The organization's National Cancer Information Center at 800-227-2345 provides information about free screenings for various conditions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The federal agency at cdc.gov runs a national early detection program for breast and cervical cancers and provides free colon cancer screenings for people 50 and over.
Practice Good Health Habits
You can keep in mind that an apple a day might not solve everything but it shouldn't hurt either. Cnn.com reported in a recent article that worries about financial positions and the economy have given people more of an incentive to eat healthy and exercise. Eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising are good habits that can help you keep healthy, clear your mind and reduce stress. Cdc.gov advises Americans to check with their physician regarding an appropriate exercise plan.
American Academy of Dermatology: Go to aad.org to find a database of free skin cancer screenings around the country.
American Cancer Society: The organization's National Cancer Information Center at 800-227-2345 provides information about free screenings for various conditions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The federal agency at cdc.gov runs a national early detection program for breast and cervical cancers and provides free colon cancer screenings for people 50 and over.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Job Search Tips
According to a Household Data Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 14.5 million unemployed Americans as of May 2009. If you are one of the people who have unfortunately found yourself without a job due to the economic crisis, below are some tips you may consider as you search for a new employment.
Make use of the web
Online job search has become very common with the advent of the internet. You may also check out a web site for a company that you would like to work for and see if they have posted open positions on their web page. Also, check out web sites for business and trade associations in your field. Web sites for your local newspaper may also have job postings online.
Consider a part-time job or temporary job
A part-time job may be easier to acquire at first than a full-time job. If you are collecting unemployment, some states allow you to still earn a certain amount of wages while collecting benefits. Job sites such as Snag-A-Job (www.snagajob.com) specialize in part-time employment. Summertime and holiday seasons are prime times in which retail stores, restaurants, and amusement parks may need extra employees. This may also be a good idea if you are currently working, but would like to supplement your income. Temporary agencies may also be a good source of income. You may have a wide range of long and short-term assignments. For the most part, the jobs through agencies may be a temporary gig, but could eventually result in full-time employment. Find ways that you can earn extra money by using your skills. For example, you can babysit, watch pets while people are away, perform computer tasks, or clean houses.
Network
Let all of your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you are looking for a job. You may find out about an unadvertised position through word of mouth. Contact your former college's alumni office or visit their web site to see if they have alumni postings on their site. You can also create a profile on LinkedIn.com, a business networking web site. You have the option of "linking in" with former business associates or people that work in your industry.
Make use of the web
Online job search has become very common with the advent of the internet. You may also check out a web site for a company that you would like to work for and see if they have posted open positions on their web page. Also, check out web sites for business and trade associations in your field. Web sites for your local newspaper may also have job postings online.
Consider a part-time job or temporary job
A part-time job may be easier to acquire at first than a full-time job. If you are collecting unemployment, some states allow you to still earn a certain amount of wages while collecting benefits. Job sites such as Snag-A-Job (www.snagajob.com) specialize in part-time employment. Summertime and holiday seasons are prime times in which retail stores, restaurants, and amusement parks may need extra employees. This may also be a good idea if you are currently working, but would like to supplement your income. Temporary agencies may also be a good source of income. You may have a wide range of long and short-term assignments. For the most part, the jobs through agencies may be a temporary gig, but could eventually result in full-time employment. Find ways that you can earn extra money by using your skills. For example, you can babysit, watch pets while people are away, perform computer tasks, or clean houses.
Network
Let all of your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you are looking for a job. You may find out about an unadvertised position through word of mouth. Contact your former college's alumni office or visit their web site to see if they have alumni postings on their site. You can also create a profile on LinkedIn.com, a business networking web site. You have the option of "linking in" with former business associates or people that work in your industry.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Low Mileage Can Result In Less Expensive Insurance Rates
The drive less-save more programs encourage drivers to spend less time on the road, leading to fewer accidents which will cost insurers less money which can be used to help save for your debt settlement negotiation. In the past, low mileage drivers were offered no incentive and were expected to pay the same car insurance as everyone else. Now, with some plans, drivers who log less than 2,500 miles a term may save as much as 5 to 25 percent on their insurance bill. If you drive less than 15,000 miles annually, a deeper discount may apply.
It is wise to call your insurance company to see if they offer a drive less-save more program. All drivers may not be eligible and plans and requirements vary depending on company. Also, if your insurer does offer the program, some states may be exempt. One plan requires you to have an OnStar-equipped General Motors vehicle. OnStar, a navigation and safety system, is used to verify mileage driven and automatically report the vehicle's odometer reading at the beginning and end of the owner's insurance policy term. Not all plans require ownership of a GM vehicle, however.
Call your insurance company to find out if they offer a low mileage discount. It is suggested that prior to signing up drivers are aware and comply with the methods the insurer uses to collect mileage information.
It is wise to call your insurance company to see if they offer a drive less-save more program. All drivers may not be eligible and plans and requirements vary depending on company. Also, if your insurer does offer the program, some states may be exempt. One plan requires you to have an OnStar-equipped General Motors vehicle. OnStar, a navigation and safety system, is used to verify mileage driven and automatically report the vehicle's odometer reading at the beginning and end of the owner's insurance policy term. Not all plans require ownership of a GM vehicle, however.
Call your insurance company to find out if they offer a low mileage discount. It is suggested that prior to signing up drivers are aware and comply with the methods the insurer uses to collect mileage information.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Payday Loans Push Consumers Deeper In Debt
Research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) shows important information regarding payday lending and borrowers who find themselves trapped in the payday debt cycle.
According to CRL, it's not just the demand for new payday loans that leads to trouble for borrowers. Rather, the study verified that approximately 75 percent of the payday industry's loan volume was generated in particular by customers who are opening payday loans to repay their first payday loan.
The report came to light just before the California Senate Judiciary Committee met to review AB 377, a payday lending bill that ignited controversy.
CRL reports payday lenders generally make loans due in full on a payday and charge close to $60 for an average $350 loan. Since low-income customers may experience a shortfall by their next payday, lenders anticipate their return for a new loan. CRL estimates that those types of customers account for 76 percent of total loan volume.
If you are caught in the payday loan cycle and a paying too much on credit card payments, debt settlement might be a viable option for you to live better debt free.
According to CRL, it's not just the demand for new payday loans that leads to trouble for borrowers. Rather, the study verified that approximately 75 percent of the payday industry's loan volume was generated in particular by customers who are opening payday loans to repay their first payday loan.
The report came to light just before the California Senate Judiciary Committee met to review AB 377, a payday lending bill that ignited controversy.
CRL reports payday lenders generally make loans due in full on a payday and charge close to $60 for an average $350 loan. Since low-income customers may experience a shortfall by their next payday, lenders anticipate their return for a new loan. CRL estimates that those types of customers account for 76 percent of total loan volume.
If you are caught in the payday loan cycle and a paying too much on credit card payments, debt settlement might be a viable option for you to live better debt free.
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