Choosing a Cell Phone Plan to Meet Your Needs and Your Budget

| Print | E-mail |

February 2008

Increasingly, cell phones have become a necessity for modern life. But most cell phone users aren’t happy about their service. In the latest Annual Survey of Cell Phone Service, Consumer Reports found that more than half of cell phone users were not satisfied with their service. Typical consumer complaints include poor coverage, dropped calls, early termination fees, mandatory contract extensions, locked phones, and unexpected fees. When cell phones offer many functions beyond phone calls—from text messaging to surfing the Internet to downloading videos—finding the right plan to meet your needs without breaking your budget can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you meet that challenge.

How will you use the phone?

The most important step in finding the right phone plan for the right value is to first ask how you and your family members will use the phones and what functions you want.

Read more: Choosing a Cell Phone Plan to Meet Your Needs and Your Budget

Choosing a Credit Card That’s Right for You

| Print | E-mail |

January 2008

“Pre-approved” credit card offers continue arriving daily in the mail in spite of the recent “credit crunch.” Many present temptingly low introductory or balance transfer rates. Others dangle “rewards” or “cash back” programs. Their goal: to entice you to apply for their card. If you need a credit card, what factors should you look at to make the best decision for you and your wallet?

This report helps you get past the sales hype so you can truly compare what is the best offer for you. Many members find that Educators will ultimately provide the best value for their situation – competitive rates, fewer or lower fees, and caring member service.

Read more: Choosing a Credit Card That’s Right for You

Thinking of Donating Your Used Vehicle to Charity?

| Print | E-mail |

December 2007

Dozens of radio and TV ads from many different charities are currently flooding the airwaves suggesting that you donate your used car or boat. Are you considering it? If so, then you need to know how the 2005 changes in IRS rules might affect the tax deductibility of your gift. You also need to know how to check out the charity you’re considering. This month's report will help you do these things wisely. Planning to donate to a charity but not necessarily a vehicle? You'll want to read this report too. I’m going to start with the most important thing—how to check out the charity so that you know your dollars will go where you want them to. Then, I’ll share the technical details about vehicle donation.

Read more: Thinking of Donating Your Used Vehicle to Charity?

Check, Credit Card or Debit Card? Choosing a Payment Method for Security and Convenience

| Print | E-mail |

November 2007

How do you pay for everyday purchases or bills? Cash? Check? Credit Card? Debit Card? If you are like most people, you use a combination of these methods—and more. The advent and growth of electronic banking has encouraged many people to move more and more from paper (cash, checks) to plastic (credit cards, debit cards). All these payment methods have roles to play in personal financial management today.

Read more: Check, Credit Card or Debit Card? Choosing a Payment Method for Security and Convenience

Thinking about Buying a First Home or Moving Up to a Larger Home? Lessons You Can Learn From Today’s Housing Market

| Print | E-mail |

October 2007

The housing market has been much in the news recently. After years of steadily rising home values, the market has cooled. In many areas home values have leveled off; and in some areas, home values are actually going down. At the same time, a record number of home foreclosures have been reported to date in 2007. The press is full of news about rising default rates, particularly for “subprime” mortgages.

As some of the heavily marketed “creative” financing products such as Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) “reset,” many homeowners face suddenly higher monthly payments that they can no longer afford. The impact has unsettled the housing and mortgage markets.

Read more: Thinking about Buying a First Home or Moving Up to a Larger Home? Lessons You Can Learn From Today’s Housing Market