Click the play button above to discover how not to get ripped off on goods and services.
Hello everyone.
The above message is a real life example of how not to get ripped off by companies and sales people.
You'll discover the 3 things you must do to avoid getting ripped off including how to spot a bait and switch offer.
Turn up your speakers, kick back relax and listen in on this 5 minute audio training session.
Enjoy.
Billy Alvaro
P.S Have you ever been ripped off or bait and switched? I would love to hear your story. Email me at balvaro@savemonthly.com and tell me and the world what has gone on. Or simply leave a comment below, your story may in fact help one of our members and readers from being ripped off in the future.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
"How not to get ripped off on products and services!"
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Last Week in Review
Last Week in Review
"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS." Slogan from World War II Not just clever words of good advice, this phrase was actually part of the US Office of War Information's attempt to limit the possibility of people inadvertently giving useful information to enemy spies. Now fast forward to present time, as Dallas Fed President Richard "Loose Lips" Fisher's careless comments last week worked to sink the Bond market, and caused home loan rates to rise about .125%.
Fisher lived up to his nickname last week, almost uncontrollably blurting out off-topic comments and rhetoric during his speech in Mexico City, and roiling the financial markets every step of the way. Long recognized as an "inflation hawk", he was the lone dissenter against the .50% cut to the Fed Funds Rate on January 30th.
Fisher stated, "Monetary policy acts with a lag. I liken it to a good single malt whiskey or perhaps truly great tequila: It takes time before you feel its full effect. The Fed has to be very careful now to add just the right amount of stimulus to the punchbowl without mixing in the potential to juice up inflation once the effect of the new punch kicks in. ...
My dissenting vote last week was simply a difference of opinion about how far and how fast we might re-spike the monetary punchbowl. Given that I had yet to see mitigation in inflation and inflationary expectations from their current high levels...I simply did not feel it was the proper time to support additional monetary accommodation."
The negative outburst by Lose Lips Fisher, which was again a departure from his prepared speech topic, didn't sit well with the Bond market. Bonds hate inflation, as higher inflation erodes the fixed payment return they offer over time. This sparked a sharp sell-off, causing home loan rates to rise.
AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN IS ALSO ON THE RISE, WITH SOME GREAT BENEFITS IN STORE FOR HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEBUYERS...BUT DO YOU KNOW HOW A BILL LIKE THIS ACTUALLY BECOMES LAW? DON'T MISS THIS WEEK'S INFORMATIVE MORTGAGE MARKET VIEW!
Forecast for the Week
This week's economic calendar holds mostly mid-level reports, but the Retail Sales report on Wednesday will definitely draw some attention, as we get a chance to see how consumers have been spending money out there. Additionally, Thursday's Initial Jobless Claims and Balance of Trade reports and Friday's Industrial Production report will also be of interest.
Bond prices had been hanging from a ceiling of resistance, shown in blue on the chart below…almost reminiscent of a Salami hanging in a butcher shop or meat store - and last week saw prices fall off that ceiling, straight down through a floor of support at the 25-day Moving Average. And now - what was a floor becomes a ceiling, and Bonds have not yet been able to recover and climb back above this level.
The economic news and headlines in the coming week will determine if Bonds are able to drive back higher, through the 25-day Moving Average and help home loan rates improve. Weak, negative economic news would be bad news for Stocks, but help money flow over into Bonds and find improvement for home loan rates. Positive, strong economic news will have just the opposite effect though, and cause Bonds and home loan rates to worsen.
I'M JUST A BILL... AND I'M SITTIN' HERE ON CAPITAL HILL
The campaign trail isn't the only place you'll find politicians posing for the media and shaking hands. This week, members of the Senate reached across the aisle to pass an amended version of the $168 Billion Economic Stimulus Plan, including rebates for taxpayers, tax breaks for businesses, and new conforming limits for home loans. The bill now heads back to the floor of the House for approval of their amendments and then onto the President.
All this back and forth prompts the question... how does a bill actually become a law? The answer is... well... it's a long process. But, we can sum it up in a handful of major steps.
First, a bill is proposed in the House of Representatives and is sent to the appropriate committee for discussion. Next, the committee discusses and amends the bill, and then approves the bill for full House consideration. From there, the bill moves to the full House of Representatives for additional discussion and amendment before a vote is taken. If the House vote passes, the bill is sent to the Senate--where it is discussed, amended, and voted on again.
Of course, it's not over yet. Once the bill passes the full Senate vote, it moves to a conference committee to iron out any differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. After the conference committee, the bill finally lands on the President's desk, where he (or who are we kidding, maybe she) can sign it into law or veto it.
The bottom line is, it typically takes a long time for a bill to become a law, and there are lots of discussions and amendments along the way. For a more humorous overview of the process that may bring back some memories, check out the old School House Rock - How a bill Becomes Law.
And, remember, the new Economic Stimulus Plan--with its new conforming loan limits--will go into law soon. If you've been thinking about refinancing or purchasing a new home, now is an excellent time and you could save big with the limits. Contact me to discuss how these new limits may help you!
Expect Success
Billy Alvaro
balvaro@savemonthly.com
1-800-793-5015 x 103
There is more info on line at www.savemonthly.com
P.S
Stop financial problems before they occur. Claim your personalized Free
1 hour Economic Problem Prevention Audit and discover how you can intelligently
get out of debt- build a realistic nest egg for retirement- stop living pay check to paycheck
and pay off your home in 7-11 years or sooner. It really is possible when you understand
how to fix the underlying problems you may be facing with money
Click here now to claim your life changing audit www.savemonthly.com/audit
P.P.S Things will not change on there own. You must take responsibility for your finances -create a plan and implement it at once!
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Best Things In Life are FREE
For the Month of February 2008 --- Vol. 3, Issue 2
IN THIS ISSUE...
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE! Ok...ok...maybe they're only "free" for identity thieves, but the Tax Man's a different story! Have no fear. The tax tips below can help you get through the process quickly and efficiently...and get to the real good news: a completed 2007 tax return!
Speaking of returns, how about returning a little peace of mind to your life? Did you know that more than 15 million people fall victim to identity theft each year? The article below can help you put a freeze on thieves that are looking to steal your identity.
Don't forget to spread the wealth. The info below may benefit your friends, family, and coworkers. So pass it along! And call or email me with any questions.
A TAXING TIME OF YEAR
It's that time again...time to start gathering all of that dreaded documentation to send to good old Uncle Sam! Recent stats say the IRS audited 1 out of every 97 returns last year, so it pays to be careful. And even though this may seem like a very painful process, taking just a few simple steps right now will make your tax filing far easier and more accurate.
Keep it together. Make a quick list of all the documents or statements that were needed to complete your return last year--or call your tax planning professional for a checklist. Use this as a checklist to make sure you have a good start on the documents you may need this year. As you receive tax documents in the mail, grab your checklist, and mark the item as received. Then, keep all of the tax documents together in a large file or envelope marked "2007 TAXES."
Do the math. According to the IRS, the most common mistake on tax returns is bad math--from transposed numbers to downright incorrect data. And with one document leading to the other, those errors can make a huge impact. And even if you use tax software, you're not off the hook--since they only add the info YOU put in. Double-check entries carefully.
Every last cent. The IRS receives copies of your Form 1099 earnings each tax season. So, they know how much you make in interest and dividend income, and they will use that info to double-check your filing information. Make sure you collect all your earnings statements and document them on your return.
Sign on the line. It sounds almost silly, but forgetting to sign a return is actually a fairly common oversight. And the IRS won't process a return that doesn't have a signature. So, make sure you sign to avoid resubmitting your paperwork and possibly paying late-filing fees.
*******************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE...
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE! Ok...ok...maybe they're only "free" for identity thieves, but the Tax Man's a different story! Have no fear. The tax tips below can help you get through the process quickly and efficiently...and get to the real good news: a completed 2007 tax return!
Speaking of returns, how about returning a little peace of mind to your life? Did you know that more than 15 million people fall victim to identity theft each year? The article below can help you put a freeze on thieves that are looking to steal your identity.
Don't forget to spread the wealth. The info below may benefit your friends, family, and coworkers. So pass it along! And call or email me with any questions.
A TAXING TIME OF YEAR
It's that time again...time to start gathering all of that dreaded documentation to send to good old Uncle Sam! Recent stats say the IRS audited 1 out of every 97 returns last year, so it pays to be careful. And even though this may seem like a very painful process, taking just a few simple steps right now will make your tax filing far easier and more accurate.
Keep it together. Make a quick list of all the documents or statements that were needed to complete your return last year--or call your tax planning professional for a checklist. Use this as a checklist to make sure you have a good start on the documents you may need this year. As you receive tax documents in the mail, grab your checklist, and mark the item as received. Then, keep all of the tax documents together in a large file or envelope marked "2007 TAXES."
Do the math. According to the IRS, the most common mistake on tax returns is bad math--from transposed numbers to downright incorrect data. And with one document leading to the other, those errors can make a huge impact. And even if you use tax software, you're not off the hook--since they only add the info YOU put in. Double-check entries carefully.
Every last cent. The IRS receives copies of your Form 1099 earnings each tax season. So, they know how much you make in interest and dividend income, and they will use that info to double-check your filing information. Make sure you collect all your earnings statements and document them on your return.
Sign on the line. It sounds almost silly, but forgetting to sign a return is actually a fairly common oversight. And the IRS won't process a return that doesn't have a signature. So, make sure you sign to avoid resubmitting your paperwork and possibly paying late-filing fees.
*******************************************************
!!!!!!!! FREE RESOURCE!!!!!!!!
Are you tired of trying to figure out how to get out of debt and build wealth?
Do you wish you had a crystal ball that exposed all the unanswered questions about money?
Want to learn how to get out of debt including your home in 7 years or less?
Would you like to discover the secrets to increasing your equity in your home
and building a healthy size nest egg of 1 million or more for retirement?
I am conducting a FREE 70 minute Tele-seminar this Monday Feb 4th 2008
Simply click here to register... www.savemonthly.com/teleseminar
It starts at 7pm eastern time
There is only 97 lines reserved... with only a few remaining.
Jump at the chance to get in on the insider secrets to
eliminating debt and building wealth.
www.savemonthly.com/teleseminar
**************************************************************
Remember, there isn't a lot of room for error when you're dealing with the IRS. A slight miscalculation could mean the difference between getting a return and writing a check--or worse, paying a penalty. It pays to work with a tax professional. If you need a referral, contact me--I'm happy to help!
PUTTING A FREEZE ON IDENTITY THEFT
In the time it takes to count to ten, five new people will become victims of identity theft. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, identity theft is now passing drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation--with more than 15 million victims every year.
Rather than lay awake at night worrying and wondering if your identity has been stolen, you can actually take a simple step to protect yourself... it's called a credit freeze (or, sometimes, a security freeze). Essentially, a credit freeze gives you the ability to "freeze" or lock access to your credit file--which helps prevent someone from opening a new account in your name.
Here's How It Works
When someone tries to open an account in your name, they'll be stopped in their tracks. That's because one of the first things a creditor will do before opening the account is pull a credit report.
By having a credit freeze in place, creditors aren't able to pull your credit report. And, since very few lenders will issue credit without first seeing a credit report, identity thieves can't open fraudulent accounts using your name. However, when you want to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze using a PIN... thus, allowing your legitimate application to be processed.
The Flip Side
First, it's important to remember that a credit freeze only stops someone from opening a fraudulent account. It can't stop them from using a stolen credit card. So you still need to keep the phone numbers of your credit cards handy, in case your cards are lost or stolen.
In addition, some critics argue that credit freezes have more of a downside than most people realize. That's because you won't be able to purchase a car, get a new credit card, or refinance a mortgage at a moment's notice. Instead, you'll have to plan ahead by lifting the freeze, which usually takes about three days.
For most major purchases, this won't be much of an issue--after all, how many of us buy a car or house on a whim? Typically, we make the decision to start looking and, at that point, can easily lift the credit freeze in anticipation of the purchase. However, a credit freeze can be problematic if you're at a department store and the cashier offers you 10% off your purchases if you open an instant credit card with the store.
Other Options
Opponents of credit freezes also argue that consumers can just as easily fight identity theft with fraud alerts, which require lenders to verify identity before issuing loans or credit. If you have reason to believe you've been a victim of identity theft, you can obtain a 90-day fraud alert. And if you provide reliable evidence that you are in fact a victim--using such documents as a police report--you can extend that fraud alert for up to seven years.
The problem is... fraud alerts only come into play AFTER you've been victimized. So for many consumers, credit freezes offer more protection and more peace of mind.
Here's the Shocker... You May Not Have a Choice!
Believe it or not, credit freezes aren't available in every state. Some states have yet to pass credit freeze laws. Why? Well... it all comes down to a battle between the big business of instant credit and the growing need for more secure personal information.
And, don't kid yourself, billions of dollars are at stake in this battle! Credit-reporting agencies sell credit reports to lenders, landlords, employers and other businesses. Department stores and retailers generate huge revenues by offering instant store credit cards that boost profits through interest and increased shopping. And, finally, we as consumers have simply grown accustom to receiving on-the-spot credit for our purchases.
To learn more about these issues and to find out if your state allows credit freezes, visit www.ConsumersUnion.org/finance/creditfreezeinfo.htm.
Enjoy the super bowl!
Billy Alvaro
P.S Anything and everything is possible when you have a solid plan and take action.
P.P.S would love to hear your comments.
Are you tired of trying to figure out how to get out of debt and build wealth?
Do you wish you had a crystal ball that exposed all the unanswered questions about money?
Want to learn how to get out of debt including your home in 7 years or less?
Would you like to discover the secrets to increasing your equity in your home
and building a healthy size nest egg of 1 million or more for retirement?
I am conducting a FREE 70 minute Tele-seminar this Monday Feb 4th 2008
Simply click here to register... www.savemonthly.com/teleseminar
It starts at 7pm eastern time
There is only 97 lines reserved... with only a few remaining.
Jump at the chance to get in on the insider secrets to
eliminating debt and building wealth.
www.savemonthly.com/teleseminar
**************************************************************
Remember, there isn't a lot of room for error when you're dealing with the IRS. A slight miscalculation could mean the difference between getting a return and writing a check--or worse, paying a penalty. It pays to work with a tax professional. If you need a referral, contact me--I'm happy to help!
PUTTING A FREEZE ON IDENTITY THEFT
In the time it takes to count to ten, five new people will become victims of identity theft. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, identity theft is now passing drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation--with more than 15 million victims every year.
Rather than lay awake at night worrying and wondering if your identity has been stolen, you can actually take a simple step to protect yourself... it's called a credit freeze (or, sometimes, a security freeze). Essentially, a credit freeze gives you the ability to "freeze" or lock access to your credit file--which helps prevent someone from opening a new account in your name.
Here's How It Works
When someone tries to open an account in your name, they'll be stopped in their tracks. That's because one of the first things a creditor will do before opening the account is pull a credit report.
By having a credit freeze in place, creditors aren't able to pull your credit report. And, since very few lenders will issue credit without first seeing a credit report, identity thieves can't open fraudulent accounts using your name. However, when you want to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze using a PIN... thus, allowing your legitimate application to be processed.
The Flip Side
First, it's important to remember that a credit freeze only stops someone from opening a fraudulent account. It can't stop them from using a stolen credit card. So you still need to keep the phone numbers of your credit cards handy, in case your cards are lost or stolen.
In addition, some critics argue that credit freezes have more of a downside than most people realize. That's because you won't be able to purchase a car, get a new credit card, or refinance a mortgage at a moment's notice. Instead, you'll have to plan ahead by lifting the freeze, which usually takes about three days.
For most major purchases, this won't be much of an issue--after all, how many of us buy a car or house on a whim? Typically, we make the decision to start looking and, at that point, can easily lift the credit freeze in anticipation of the purchase. However, a credit freeze can be problematic if you're at a department store and the cashier offers you 10% off your purchases if you open an instant credit card with the store.
Other Options
Opponents of credit freezes also argue that consumers can just as easily fight identity theft with fraud alerts, which require lenders to verify identity before issuing loans or credit. If you have reason to believe you've been a victim of identity theft, you can obtain a 90-day fraud alert. And if you provide reliable evidence that you are in fact a victim--using such documents as a police report--you can extend that fraud alert for up to seven years.
The problem is... fraud alerts only come into play AFTER you've been victimized. So for many consumers, credit freezes offer more protection and more peace of mind.
Here's the Shocker... You May Not Have a Choice!
Believe it or not, credit freezes aren't available in every state. Some states have yet to pass credit freeze laws. Why? Well... it all comes down to a battle between the big business of instant credit and the growing need for more secure personal information.
And, don't kid yourself, billions of dollars are at stake in this battle! Credit-reporting agencies sell credit reports to lenders, landlords, employers and other businesses. Department stores and retailers generate huge revenues by offering instant store credit cards that boost profits through interest and increased shopping. And, finally, we as consumers have simply grown accustom to receiving on-the-spot credit for our purchases.
To learn more about these issues and to find out if your state allows credit freezes, visit www.ConsumersUnion.org/finance/creditfreezeinfo.htm.
Enjoy the super bowl!
Billy Alvaro
P.S Anything and everything is possible when you have a solid plan and take action.
P.P.S would love to hear your comments.
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