SCAM WATCH | fbstarter.com Steals Facebook Users' Passwords

Phishers steal personal information

Reports have been flooding in about phishing site fbstarter.com. The dummy web site poses as a Facebook login page to get users to type in their usernames and passwords.

We all know that online scams set to steal personal information such as passwords are the first step on the road to identity theft.

Phishers keep changing lure

You may recall just a couple of days ago when fbaction.net pulled exactly the same password-stealing scheme. Therein lies the problem. Facebook blocked fbaction.net and it has blocked fbstarter.com, but these scams were likely conducted by the same people.

That means these phishers are changing their scheme slightly and launching new attacks after one is thwarted.

Could be harmless — or not

The phishing scam is widely reported to be harmless. After all, fbstarter.com doesn’t ask for credit card information or account numbers so fraudsters could take out payday loans in your name. It just takes your user information so it can send annoying fraudulent messages to others that will bring them to fb starter.

However, if you use the same username and password on your Facebook page as you do to login to your bank account or pay your credit card bill, who knows what could happen?

What to watch for

This little scam works like this: You get an e-mail saying that you’ve got a message on Facebook. There’s a link so you can look at it. You click the link and it sends you to the dummy page, fb starter, which looks just like a Facebook login page. You attempt to login and voila, phishers have your password. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "SCAM WATCH | fbstarter.com Steals Facebook Users' Passwords"

Repair Your Credit | Be a Punctual Payer (Pt. 2)

Make a new plan, Stan

CLICK HERE if you missed the first part of this “Repair Your Credit” E-book chapter. Many of these tips seem commonsense, but if they are, why aren’t more of us practicing them in our financial lives? I think it’s because we can all use a refresher once in a while, particularly when it comes to fighting spending habits and the desire for instant gratification at the expense of all else. Debt relief comes primarily from good habits. Military loans or civilian payday loans come from emergency situations. With the right budget and good habits, here’s to fewer emergencies in your future.

Pay bills on time

Letting things slip doesn’t pay in the long run. Paying your bills each month on time and every time is crucial to establishing and maintaining good credit. It does not matter how big or how small the balances are, if payment is overdue by 30 days or more and is turned over to a collection agency, the incident will be reported to the credit bureaus and you will receive a penalty that will affect your credit score for the next three years. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Credit | Be a Punctual Payer (Pt. 2)"

I’m Getting a Payday Loan

Moving, has it’s financial set-backs

The way I see it, I've earned it. I moved to North Dakota about two years ago. I've moved more than 20 times, and every time it has been a financial set-back. So I expected it. This time, I managed to get a job – granted, a low-paying one – within a few days. But just 16 months later I was laid off. I have a doctorate degree and tons of work experience, but it took me more than six months to find another low-paying job. Still, I made it. And I made it just in time. Real estate taxes are due this week.

I live hand-to-mouth, so it's not saying much to say that I did not incur any debt while I was unemployed. But I did manage to stay in the black. The fun stuff I do is free. I don't spend any money on entertainment. I don't even spend money on the new "necessaries" like television and internet or cell phone service. So I made it through unemployment with my mortgage current and without any of my utilities being cut off. But I made it by the skin of my teeth, and now I'm feeling the effects.

I can pay my real estate taxes, almost to the dollar, with the pay check I'll get today. But I have no financial cushion and all my utility payments are due. Toward the end of my unemployment, I was having to push all my utility payments – gas, electric, phone, water and trash — to the absolute deadline, and now they're all one payment behind and it won't be long before I start getting cut-off notices. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "I'm Getting a Payday Loan"

Repair Your Credit | Last Line of Defense (Pt. 4)

What to do when options are few

Welcome back to “Repair Your Credit.” CLICK HERE if you missed part three of this article on how credit repair and a lessened dependence on payday loans can help you to keep your financial boat afloat.

As you look at your balance transfer options, isolate the best offers and apply for them first. I’m talking lowest APR or no APR for the longest period of time, of course. This is important because inquiries made on your credit history will appear on your credit report and have a negative impact upon your FICO score (if there are many inquiries, in particular). According to the business world, your FICO score is THE indicator of your credit worthiness. Thus, you want to make the best debt consolidation choices possible to repair your credit.

Revisit the results

Once you have found a good, low-interest balance transfer candidate for consolidating your debts, go through the application process. After approval, go back to the payment calculator and determine your savings in both time and money over the life of the debt.

If the ship is sinking

If you have missed several payments resulting in a low credit score, you may not be able to take advantage of the low interest balance transfer options. But all is not lost! ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Credit | Last Line of Defense (Pt. 4)"

Mortgage Revamps Leave Consumers Looking to Short Term Loans

Short term loans can help consumers having mortgage problems

The short term loan is an option for people having problems meeting mortgage payments. With last years' careless handout of adjustable rate mortgages, many people are finding themselves at a deficit when repayment dates come. How to find extra money is a hot topic and many people are wondering what their options are.

ARMs

Adjustable rate mortgages were common during the lending boom. Underwriters boasted low payments, without warning that adjustable rate pay schedules are just that. They can go down, which rarely happens, or go up, which they almost always do. Consumers who had "great deals" and low interest rates, now find themselves with ballooning payments to handle and the same paycheck to cover it.

The Central Bank intervenes

Last year the central bank put together a set of rules that sought to protect consumers from credit card companies who were charging consumers high interest rates or giving them insufficient time to pay back debts. They also set in motion regulations to hamper unethical mortgage practices such as lending without concrete proof of an applicant's income. Many critics, however, state that their regulations came too late and enforcement is too slow in coming. The claim is that if the central bank worked sooner, the housing crash would not have occurred, or at minimum not occurred with such a tremendous impact on the economy. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Mortgage Revamps Leave Consumers Looking to Short Term Loans"

Americans are Using Payday Loans to Manage Debt

Falling behind is not hard in today's economy

The payday loan is an option for paying emergency debt. In today's market, it's easy to fall behind on bills or have an unplanned debt come up. Payday loans are quickly becoming a simple and quick way to handle debt by receiving upfront cash before your pay period. To apply for a payday loan you need to be over 18 years of age, employed and have a bank account. If you are approved, you wi ll typically have the emergency funds within 24-48 hours, usually even less. This is why the loans are so popular today. They are meeting the needs of qualified economy-burdened consumers.

American Debt Increasing

It is estimated that the next American crisis will be dealing with debt. The recession has brought many people to the brink of financial collapse, forcing them to file for unemployment, face foreclosure and rethink their financial plans. Both the mortgage crisis and the job decline have propelled people into serious arrears. Despite the $700 billion banking bailout, consumers are still struggling because the bailout is estimated to bring tangible economic improvement in mid-2010. Until then, people have to be smarter and more frugal than ever. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Americans are Using Payday Loans to Manage Debt"

Part 2 | More Free Earth Day Stuff and Earth Day Deals

What’s better than free stuff? More free stuff!

As you know from my other Free Earth Day Stuff article, there is no shortage of  compact fluorescent light bulbs, canvas tote bags and goodies available at no charge on Earth Day.

In fact, there are so many Earth Day giveaways going on I had to write a whole other article about it. Here’s the rest of the Earth Day giveaways and deals I read about online today.

Free services

Recycling electronics is one of those tricky things that makes you feel like you’re being punished for trying to do the right thing. Retailers usually charge environmentally friendly customers to recycle their electronic goods.

However, today ViaTekSolutions will take those pesky electronics off your hands for free, and they’ll recycle them to boot. So if your computer has lost the juice it takes to secure your online installment loans, haul it in to ViaTek.

Pro Energy Consultants will conduct a free energy audit of your home today. Homeowners in Evansville, Charlotte, Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Jacksonville can take advantage of this promotion. If you are  too late to get your free audit today, you can get a 50 percent discount on a future audit.

Odds and ends

Most of the free Earth Day stuff out there helps the planet in some way. Canvas bags replace plastic. CFLs save energy and cut down on trash. Jones Soda requires a pledge that customers will recycle.

A few items don’t have quite such a direct effect on the environment, but  companies out there are jumping on the Earth Day bandwagon to promote eco-friendly products. Butter London is giving free nail polish to the first 500 visitors to its web site. Amy Adele is offering free shipping on all products. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Part 2 | More Free Earth Day Stuff and Earth Day Deals"

Give the Gift of Romance without Payday Loans

No romance without finance?

Nowadays, inexpensive dates are more popular than taking out payday loans to purchase a fast food meal. Why wouldn't they be, with the current financial stress many single people are subjected to? Price increases on food, gas, rent, utilities, and clothes have caused many to experience romance on a tight budget. The old adage, "There's no romance without finance," has completely flown out of the window. But don't fret, here are some cost slashing tips that you can utilize on a date and still have a good, romantic time.

Tip Number 1

You could meet you date for an early breakfast. There have been studies that prove breakfast is the most favorite meal time for many people and thank goodness breakfasts don't have to cost a lot. Just invite your date to your home and serve them. You could take turns doing this, eliminated going out and spending money on restaurant breakfast meals.

Tip Number 2

Throw a Frisbee back and forth between each other. I'm serious. The date can become even more special if you end it with a nice walk around the park or by enjoying the swings or other park equipment. Sometimes this helps in bringing back the childhood innocence that romance is sometimes made of.

Tip Number 3

Let's say you don’t like the idea of tossing a Frisbee around in the park, perhaps you would enjoy taking a book of poems or inspirational quotes and sharing them with that special someone. A date can be made even more special and romantic by taking turns with your date reading one another poetry in the park. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Give the Gift of Romance without Payday Loans"

Peapod Car Makes a Splash on Earth Day

Chrysler releases electric vehicle

Chrysler’s new Peapod car, which debuts today, is many things. It is electric, small and cute. However, it’s not really a car. Well, at least I don’t consider it a car. It’s a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle that only goes 25 miles per hour and can only travel 30 miles on a charge.

The   Peapod “car” goes on sale today, Earth Day, which is appropriate because its best qualities are its eco-friendly ones. It emits no pollutants and uses no gas.

Price of personality

This slow-moving, short-distance traveling little pod costs $12,500. It seats four (small) people, and Kevin Allen at “Shiny Objects” calls it a “four-seat hipster carrier.”

To me, $12,500 seems pretty steep for a vehicle that can’t go fast enough to hit the speed limit on major streets. However, the thought of never needing a payday loan to buy gas again is pretty attractive. Nonetheless, I’d probably need credit repair and a personal loan to afford a Peapod.

The company

The Peapod car is created by Peapod Mobility, which is a spinoff of GEM. GEM is a division of Chrysler. GEM has been producing small electric vehicles for a decade, and so far it has strong sales on college campuses and in retirement communities. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Peapod Car Makes a Splash on Earth Day"

Iceland's Kronur Down, Tourist Dollars Up

Your money’s better there than ever

The world economic crisis has cut its path of woe everywhere. However, some countries have been effected more than others. Take Iceland as an example. Their recent economic meltdown, reports AFP, has sent their currency into a free fall. Payday cash advance loans and debt consolidation may not be able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again, but there is perhaps a silver lining to their dark cloud.

As the currency value of the kronur has decreased, the exchange rate for foreign monies has become more favorable to foreigners. This means that tourists who once considered Iceland to be prohibitively expensive to visit are now coming to visit the North Atlantic island homeland of Bjork.

How good is the exchange rate now?

“Last year you got 60 kronur for one dollar, today you get 105 kronur,” says Will Delaney, a 22-year-old student from Canada.

According to Iceland’s tourism board, the nation drew a total of 502,000 tourists in 2008, which is significant for a country of just 320,000. The current state of the economy, while staggeringly difficult for residents, is a boon to tourism numbers. For the entire year, the kronur’s value declined by 44 percent in 2008. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Iceland's Kronur Down, Tourist Dollars Up"

Repair Your Credit | You Are the Demographic (Pt. 3)

PersonalMoneyStore.com customer income

“Repair Your Credit” with information. Knowing that military loans and installment loans can contribute toward a better financial present (avoiding missed bill payments, etc). CLICK HERE if you missed the last part of this article.

More than half of all traffic to the PersonalMoneyStore.com Web site (56 percent to be exact) earns $60,000 or more per year, which includes an above average index number for users who earn $100,000-plus. Where are the opposition’s claims that online payday loans target the disadvantaged? The $100,000-plus earners constitute 28 percent; 27 percent earn $30,000-$60,000 per year. It seems clear to me that PersonalMoneyStore.com users are individuals who have the income to repay their debts. This does not classify them as “victims” of installment loans.

Their education

Increased earning potential and education typically go hand in hand. Recent U.S. Government studies show a clear correlation between a worker’s level of education and their average pay level. Thus, the higher the level of education consumers who use PersonalMoneyStore.com have attained, the higher their pay level. Quantcast shows that rather than “exploiting the uneducated,” PersonalMoneyStore.com works with an customer base that is 64 percent college graduates and 20 percent graduate students. The latter figure in particular is well above the Internet index average. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Credit | You Are the Demographic (Pt. 3)"

Repair Your Credit | Unlock the Index (Pt. 2)

What Quantcast’s index means

You’re back and you want to “Repair Your Credit.” CLICK HERE if you missed the beginning of this article. Read on and learn what index numbers mean to the demographics of PersonalMoneyStore.com and cash advance portals like it.

This index changes things a bit. Quantcast’s analysis of traffic to PersonalMoneyStore.com shows that the Web site is more likely than average to draw male consumer traffic, while female traffic is close to an expected average, only a tic below. It could be argued that this is consistent with the popular belief that women tend to think more about having something set aside for emergencies, while the average man tends to live more in the moment, dealing with problems as they happen.

Admittedly, few studies actually support this notion; it’s mostly an anecdotal notion. However, a recent University of Virginia study regarding male and female use of the Internet did show that women are more likely than men to state their reasons for not using the Internet. The reason given most often by women and men is that they “don’t need it” (58 percent of women, compared with 45 percent of polled men) or “don’t want it” (58 vs. 43 percent). Perhaps the offers something in the way of explanation as to the difference is user numbers for PersonalMoneyStore.com.

Their age

... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Credit | Unlock the Index (Pt. 2)"

Ghetto Burgers | No Meat Recession @ Ann's Snack Bar

Greasy spoons must live on

A recession is a recession is a recession. Money is tight and cash advance loans are there when you need that bridge between paychecks and you don’t want to hassle with revolving credit card interest.

But denial seems to be everybody’s river in Egypt anymore. “Don’t eat out, it’s too expensive!” I confess - even I have been guilty of saying that on these pages. Don’t get me wrong, though. I love food. I think it is one of the singular joys that existence opens to us. Whether we’re swine or falcons, good food is a pearl necklace. And let’s face it, sometimes you’re just going to have to eat out.

Which leads us to Ann’s Snack Bar in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re a burger fan, this is an American mecca of greasy good taste. Just check out the media coverage. Thom Patterson of CNN recently shared his gastronomic love of the best burger joints, and Ann’s was prominent on the list.

Get a Ghetto Burger

Dubbed America’s best by no less than the Wall Street Journal, the ghetto burger is ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, seasoning, mayo, mustard, onions and chili on oven-toasted buns. When you look at your budget and cry out for that balm in Gilead, a ghetto burger will do nicely. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Ghetto Burgers | No Meat Recession @ Ann's Snack Bar"

Still Not Sure? More Signs that You Need Debt Consolidation | Part 6

Recognize red flags

I’ve previously mentioned in this debt consolidation series that this step isn’t for everyone. We have been introduced to debt consolidation. I covered the benefits and which bills can be covered.

If you’re still not sure whether it’s time for you to get debt consolidation help, here are some signs.

Paying debt with debt

If you are accruing new debt to pay off existing debt, this is a huge red flag. If you have to use your credit card to make car payments, pay off bills that are headed for collections or finally settle up with the heating company, that’s a sign that you need help.

If you are paying off payday loans with more payday loans or, worst of all,  using credit cards to pay off other credit cards, don’t walk, run to your nearest debt counselor’s office. Or just visit our debt consolidation page and sign up to get in touch with one. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Still Not Sure? More Signs that You Need Debt Consolidation | Part 6"

No Personal Loan Addiction With Naltrexone?

What is addiction?

We all talk about how we’re “addicted” to things. “Oh, I am so addicted to chocolate!” or “Have you seen how I look in those jeans? I am just ADDICTED to denim!” At this level, what we’re really saying is that we have a strong preference for certain things. However, when it comes to more serious things like shoplifting, using personal loans or credit cards in they way they weren’t intended to be used, sub stance abuse and other life-disrupting behaviors, addiction can be very real. It is no laughing matter.

But now there may be a pill for that, called naltrexone.

Caleb Hellerman reports for CNN that this new anti-addiction medication “may turn the world of rehab on its head.”

A breakthrough in treatment

Dr. Mark Willenbring of the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse says mental health care and the substance abuse tied to it has reached a point where treatment is not necessarily tied to being institutionalized. Now more can be done in homes and doctors’ offices. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "No Personal Loan Addiction With Naltrexone?"

Repair Your Credit | The After-School APR Special (Pt. 6)

Want to know what your loan costs?

You want to “Repair Your Credit.” That’s why you’re here.

Last time, if you’ll recall, we were talking about what opponents of the short term loan industry says to try to get you to believe that the annual percentage rate on said loans was just out of sight. Never mind that that the majority of payday loans are two-week loans where an annual percentage rate is less than useful. It doesn’t tell you what you’re going to be paying for the two-week pleasure of the money loaned, which is exactly what people want to know. But whoever accused the government of serving the people?

Their argument as unforgettable after-school special

To further explain this, let’s take a closer look at the argument offered forth by opponents of the personal loan industry:

Joe Sixpack Opponent: “Payday loans charge 391 percent interest, I tell ya! That’s too much for hardworking American families!”

Ear of the Consumer: “Gosh! That means it’s going to cost me four times the amount of the loan in interest charges!”

Voice of Reason: “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong. Joe, keep quiet. Ear, do what you do. 391 percent is the annual percentage rate. Ear, you’d have to pay this if you borrowed a two-week cash advance on your paycheck and allowed it to lapse for an entire year, or 26 times in a row. That’s without ever paying a dime towards the original loan amount. Would you do that, Ear?” ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Credit | The After-School APR Special (Pt. 6)"

Repair Your Credit | Payday Loan Truth vs. Fiction (Pt. 1)

Facts and Fallacies of Payday Loans

Last time, we took a look at some of the advantages online payday loans have when you’re on the road to “Repair Your Credit.” Now let’s examine some of the truth and fiction that’s out there about the industry, so that you have more information to use when making decisions about how you’ll manage your short-term finances to rebuild and maximize your credit rating.

Currently, there are more than 11 states that have passed laws which have banned payday loan businesses from operating. The reason for this is largely based upon the fact that banks and credit unions take a rather monopolistic view of free competition.

In this case, payday lenders presented competition in the short-term consumer lending market, so banks managed to convince politicians through campaign contributions (and the promise of more to come) that they should regulate these cash advance lenders out of business. Numerous other states have capped or are considering putting caps on interest rates. Some of this is necessary to ensure that consumers are protected from those lenders who buck industry regulation and charge excessive rates, but for the most part, this damages the ability of honest lenders to operate. That in turn costs people their jobs. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Repair Your Cre dit | Payday Loan Truth vs. Fiction (Pt. 1)"

Leftover Ham Recipes Stretch Your Food Dollar

Got ham? Here are fast and easy ideas

It’s always a good idea to be economical when it comes to food, whether there’s a recession on or not.  If we need payday cash advance loans to help put food on the table, we know that adjustments are needed.

Mary Lawrence of The Saginaw News brings us some good advice for leftover ham recipes, which is timely considering that many American families share the tradition of a ham dinner for Easter. Thankfully, ham leftovers are a great resource for producing meals like ham casserole, ham soup, split pea  or bean soup, ham salad, and more for some time after the original meal. It’s as versatile as you need to be when feeding a family during a recession.

Truly a miracle food, this ham

How long does ham last? Three or four days in the refrigerator, says the National Pork Board. They don’t advise freezing large pieces of ham, because it makes the texture unpalatable. If you must freeze, slices or cubes are the way to go. They work great in soups and casseroles at that size, anyway, so no worries.

Soups, croquettes, frittatas and pasta dishes are all great options. But how about a nice ham sandwich. Here, via the Associated Press, is a recipe Lawrence uncovered: a ham and cheese with sliced pears and mango chutney inside a gently toasted and pressed panini. Sounds good enough to me… ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Leftover Ham Recipes Stretch Your Food Dollar"

6 Easy Steps to Your Own Garden Patch

Short term loan, garden, steps to garden,

1.Start with a Good Gardening Handbook

A good gardening handbook outlining the basics of setting up, planting, and maintaining a garden is invaluable. These aren't very expensive, and you can often find one that is specific to your area. There is a lot of information online, but a book is great to sit and read. You'll find you will keep going back to it to refresh your memory. All the while you are learning and the information will be retained.

2. Decide What Type of Garden Will Suit You Best

The type of garden you have will determine how much money you'll need to get started. If you have a big yard you might want to go for garden beds. If you are a little cramped for space perhaps some large containers would be best. Even a small balcony can house pots with fresh salads, herbs and vegetables. Just remember plants in pots need good drainage and frequent watering. If you are looking at gardening for small spaces, look around for additional books on that subject.

3. Start Small And Build Up

Sometimes it's easy to get all enthusiastic and try to put everything in at once. If you have little or no gardening experience, start off with some salad vegetables suited to your climate. Ask around and talk to people who might have a garden in your area and see what grows well, Ask at your local plant nursery. If you have three or four ingredients that can make up a salad or the basis of a salad, you'll have an instant meal ready anytime. Things like salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and some herbs might be enough to get your confidence up. And think of the money you will save with instant, free dinners out of your yard all summer. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "6 Easy Steps to Your Own Garden Patch"

MVA Maryland, Corruption and the Terrorist Threat (2)

More MVA Maryland antics…

Welcome back, patriots! CLICK HERE if you missed part one of this article. As you’ll see here, illegal immigrants could use payday loans to pay for backwater licensing services… if I believed in that kind of thing, which I don’t…

But the red flags are on the public record. For instance, on January 16, 2008, a woman named Gabriel Beatriz Wekid came to Maryland with an Argentina passport. She gave the address of a Delaware farm and provided a cell phone bill with the same address. It wasn’t until a document from a Delaware agency appeared that an examiner noticed a discrepancy.

Wekid lived in Newark, Delaware, but had never been to been employed by the farm she’d cited in her application. Wekid was charged with two violations of fraud law, which amounted to a $55 fine and 60 days probation. What a slap!

That’s just the tip of the iceberg

The process to obtain a Maryland driver’s license using foreign documents without visa stamps involves calling a toll-free number to schedule an appointment. MVA officials report that the volume of out-of-state calls that number receives is tremendous, on the order of one in four from 53 states and territories outside Maryland. Officials have responded by blocking out-of-state calls.

In comes industry. Someone came up with the bright (and entirely legal) idea to charge immigrants hundreds of dollars to help them get licenses. The business makes appointments, reviews documents and provides transportation and translation services. Many who don’t have the money to pay for the service face as much as an eight-month wait to get an appointment. Using false licenses has been the path for some, as the arrest numbers in Maryland can testify: they prosecuted 507 immigrants in 2008. Surely there were many that went undetected. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "MVA Maryland, Corruption and the Terrorist Threat (2)"

Handmedowns.com Gives Parents More Options

Web site sells inexpensive children’s clothes

Some of the clothes on Handmedowns.com have price tags still attached.

They may not be free, but the used baby clothes at Handmedowns.com sure are cheap. And, unlike most online retailers, you might not need to pay for shipping.

Handmedowns.com categorizes offerings by city, so you could potentially arrange to meet the seller.

Helping parents from Seattle to Miami

Handmedowns.com offers help for cash-strapped parents on both ends of the deal and all corners of the country. Parents who need a little extra cash and have gently used children’s items can sell them and maybe avoid needing payday loans to help out with extra costs.

Moms and dads who don’t want to pay retail prices for items their pride and joy will outgrow in .04 seconds can pick up shoes, clothes, car seats, strollers and plenty of other necessities.

Easy to use

Handmedowns.com has big, colorful icons at the top, where you can choose whether you want to “buy goods and services,” “sell your stuff,” “give away for free” or “donate to charity.”

Of course, that “give” button means that you could also find free items on Handmedowns.com. However, in most of the cities I checked there weren’t any free items listed.

More than just clothes

For each city, goods are separated into nine categories. You can find books, music, toys, furniture and other gear. There are also categories for classes/services and childcare. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Handmedowns.com Gives Parents More Options"

Senator Advocates Payday Loan Oversight, Not Overregulation

Senator questioned because of donations

Sen. Tim Johnson

In a recent Associated Press story, Sen. Tim Johnson, of South Dakota, was listed as the highest recipient of campaign donations from the Online Lenders Association. Because this group includes many businesses that offer payday loans, reporters quickly tracked him down to hear is thoughts on an industry that some have deemed “predatory.”

Don’t run them out of the state

Rapid City Journal reports that Johnson, via his Communications Director Julianne Fisher, assures the public that his approach to payday loan legislation won’t be swayed by the donations. He says that certain lending practices do need oversight. However, he recognizes the need for payday loans and other short-term loans. He wants payday lenders to be able to continue doing business and providing a much-needed service.

In his own words

“It is important that truly predatory lending practices be rooted out, but it is also important that we do not enact laws and regulations that will unnecessarily restrict the offering of products and services, or borrowers’ access to credit,” Johnson said. “Were that to happen, people with poor credit histories would be forced to seek loans from completely unregulated lenders, loan sharks or other disreputable sources when they needed help paying a medical bill, affording an unexpected car repair or meeting some other unexpected cost.” ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Senator Advocates Payday Loan Oversight, Not Overregulation"

America's Defense Budget for 2010 Announced

Big changes for the military

The early months of Barack Obama’s presidency have had everything to do with budgeting and spending. From delegating cash advance loans for troubled corporations to making the national budget, there’s never a dull moment.  Now comes the budget for America’s defense, and it’s a doozy.

Christopher Hinton reports for Marketwatch that Defense Secretary Robert Gates has announced huge changes across the board, reflecting a greater priority towards the type of fighting used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cutbacks

Gates has revealed that America will stop buying F-22 Raptors and C-17 Globemasters by year’s end. We will also end the TSAT satellite program and the use of the CSAR-X. Orders for new presidential helicopters will be delayed and the number of contractors working for the Pentagon will be reduced significantly.

But the contractors will be replaced. “Our goal is to hire as many as 13,000 new civil servants in fiscal 2010 to replace contractors and up to 30,000 new civil servants in place of contractors over the next five years,” Gates said. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "America's Defense Budget for 2010 Announced"

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits Extended

State helps still-unemployed

President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan extended unemployment benefits by five weeks through Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Now, Minnesota is taking that extension even further through the state program, allowing up to 13 weeks of additional unemployment benefits after the EUC runs out.

Extra benefits kick in

The change to Minnesota unemployment benefits kicks in this week. So, any Minnesota resident who collected the last of their EUC last week can file again this week. The money will come directly from the state instead of from the feds. They can still collect their unemployment through www.uimn.org.

Many weeks without work

With the 13-week extension to Minnesota unemployment, residents can get up to 72 weeks of unemployment, or almost a year and five months. That’s only for people who were at their jobs long enough to qualify for the maximum amount of unemployment insurance.

A long dry spell

That’s a long time to be on unemployment, but it makes sense. With layoffs continuing to rise and not many companies hiring, there just aren’t enough jobs out there. And with lawmakers trying to legislate payday loan stores out of business there are even fewer jobs out there.

February statistics show Minnesota had an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, about the same as the national unemployment rate. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Minnesota Unemployment Benefits Extended"

Coming Soon: Rod Blagojevich Indictment

Ahead of schedule

The indictment against Rod Blagojevich will reportedly be filed later today. Though federal prosecutors have until Tuesday  to produce and indictment regarding a “significant criminal matter,” they say it will be done today.

Though U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald has not flatly said that the high-profile indictment to be filed today is Blagojevich’s, Chicagoans have widely accepted confirmation from other sources.

Blago’s whereabouts

As federal attorneys plan to file the indictment against the former governor, Blagojevich possibly was riding Space Mountain or eating a $10 hot dog. Blagojevich reportedly in at Disney World now with his family. With all of the fines that he will undoubtedly have to pay, I hope he funded his trip with payday loans.

The pending charges

Blagojevich officially is being charged with political corruption. Prosecutors say that he tried to sell or trade the Illinois Senate seat left vacant when Barack Obama won the presidency.

“An affidavit accompanying the complaint accuses Blagojevich of trying to squeeze companies for campaign money and pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers calling for his impeachment.” - From the Associated Press.

Unemployed

Blagojevich has already been impeached from office, and his post has been taken over by Pat Quinn. Blagojevich was impeached Jan. 9 and convicted Jan. 29 by the Senate. He already has had one lawyer quit on him. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Coming Soon: Rod Blagojevich Indictment"

Payday Loan Options Still Available for the Employed

Emergency funds available for the employed

Being employed means you can still apply for payday loans for emergency funds. These very short term loans get some bad press, but used correctly can be the greatest gift to cash-strapped workers. The trick is to research the terms very well and be sure not to borrow more than you can afford to pay back on your next payday. These loans can make a lot of sense if something unexpected crops up and you know you would have the spare cash when you get paid but just can't get it together immediately. They should never be used if the loan would put strain on y our income and see you short of money.

Don't set up a vicious circle

It is most important that people don't overextend themselves when using short term loans. Badly managed, these crunch-time loans can mean continually borrowing to cover paying for the previous amount and still having enough expendable cash to live on. It is wise to remember that any amount will need to be paid back and to only borrow what you can comfortably afford to go without the following payday. Even though it's tempting to get a payday loan for non essentials, be very careful you don't put yourself or your family into a worse situation.

Emergencies do happen

Regardless of our best intentions, emergencies do happen. Often they happen at the worst possible time. Medical bills, accidents, car repairs are just a few reasons people look to secure some extra funds quickly. There will always be times when we need money before our next payday. More and more people are living from one payday to the next with not a lot of cash in reserve. And truth be known, individuals should be circulating as much money as they can afford back into their local economy. The economic recovery will depend on this. There are still people employed and when stuck for emergency cash, a traditional loan might take too long to secure. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Payday Loan Options Still Available for the Employed"

The bank only offers you an umbrella after the rain has stopped

My bank should love me but it sure doesn’t seem that way

I went across the street late last night to deposit a check that had arrived in the mail. The miserable check was payment for an article that was submitted about 6 months ago and was finally published in February. The mall was closing up shop when I walked in and the bank was gone. Vanished. The windows plastered over with sheets of white paper.

"Where's the bank?" I asked the cleaner. She shrugged meaning:

• I don't know.
• I don't care.
• I don't understand English. I only arrived in this country from (Insert name of any third-world country) 2 days ago.

I eventually found someone who pointed across the street to a new building. I dropped the now irritating check in the deposit box at the bank.

At the same time I resolved in the future to work only with My Personal Money Store using Installment Loans to weave my way through the month.

The bank pays attention to me now

I used to have a bank account with money in it. In these days of financial stress I maintain an overdraft at the bank. It is not huge, but it seems to glow in a psychedelic red that draws every bank official's attention to it whenever they walk anywhere near. So I get lots of mail and e-mails from the bank. Some offer me loans – they want me to build on my overdraft. Some say nice things like "please attend to your overdraft" and others threaten like "Attend to the matter of your overdraft immediately. If you have already done so please ignore this letter." No matter how angry they get, they don't want to stab me fatally! ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "The bank only offers you an umbrella after the rain has stopped"

FASB Gives Banks Ticket to Doctor Their Books (Pt .1)

Long-term fix or short-term trickery?

Banks saddled with toxic assets have cried to the government for relief. They’ve received a cash advance of taxpayer money, and now they’ve been given yet another gift.

Ronald Orol reports for MarketWatch that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) voted unanimously to “give auditors more flexibility in valuing toxic mortgage assets that may have long-term value.” This is expected to boost bank operating profits for Q1 2009. It also alters mark-to-market rules, where banks and corporations assign a value to assets like mortgages, securities, credit-card debt and student-loan investments. The value s assigned are based on the current market price for that asset.

Banks are chomping at the bit for this

The FASB’s decision comes none too soon in the mind of bankers, who have complained that they have assets that can’t be sold because there is no active market for them. Banks and their auditors will now be allowed to use “significant judgment” when valuing toxic asset. What does this mean? If companies have assets with strong cash flows that can be estimated, then those cash flows would be the basis for estimating appropriate value in the corresponding toxic (illiquid) market. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "FASB Gives Banks Ticket to Doctor Their Books (Pt .1)"

Surviving the Recession, Episode 4: Red Plum Online Coupons

Spot those online coupons

When it comes to shopping, I’m sure you’ve found that everything continues to be expensive. Salaries are being cut all over and people are relying more on personal loans, but prices don’t seem to be falling to compensate. That’s why clipping coupons can be such a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks to Web sites like Red Plum, you can discover all you need to know when it comes to the art of finding online coupons.