Dancing With the Stars cast announced, includes Bristol Palin

You need to be excited as a fan of “Dancing with the Stars” because there was a leaked cast for “DWTS” season 11. You will find a lot of surprises on the list. Sarah Palin’s daughter, Bristol Palin, 19, has made it on the list. She is Levi Johnston’s baby mamma which has made her a celebrity to many. ”Dancing with the Stars Style” has some more bananas to add. ”DWTS” Season 11 will be coming out on September 20.

‘Dancing With the Stars,’ we have a Situation

Yes, “Dancing With the Stars” is going to have to deal with the multi-million dollar ab-bearing boy from “The Jersey Shore,” Mr. The Situation. David Hasselhoff is another boy. Given the chance, he’ll surely break into a rousing round of “oooka shakas,” because song and dance are blissfully wed when the Hoff is on. For the pretty girl to look at, Audrina Patridge can be making an appearance. Brandy will be there too, says E! Online.

Kirstie Alley could not make it

Kirstie Alley was one of the stars that was rumored to be on the show but wasn’t on the list. The list also didn’t consist of one more rumored guest. “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” stars weren’t included. Bachelors can’t seem to get enough of “Dancing with the Stars” which is why during the “Bachelor Pad” on August 30, there will be the announcement. The announcement involves “DWTS” Season 11 cast announcements.

Make Bristol one to see

ABC’s Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” showed Bristol Palin in one episode. Mediate reports that she was going to co host a reality show with her ex, Levi Johnston,but now she has a lot of time for “DWTS” to happen. Maybe Bristol wants the attention that would come from a love triangle between Levi the Kid and Mr. The Situation. She may want the attention with lights and pretty gowns also. Maybe she just really wants to dance.

Additional reading

E! Online

eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b197302_exclusive_bristol_palin_coming_dancing.html

Mediaite

mediaite.com/online/report-bristol-palin-to-compete-on-dancing-with-the-stars/

CelebTV ‘DWTS’ Season 11 casting coverage

youtube.com/watch?v=Xa9-fo50Pu0

Federal Bureau of Investigation investigate probable problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokees

A federal investigation has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is what is being investigated. The number of affected vehicles could be as much as 3 million. The investigation was touched off by a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, over concerns of faulty and dangerous design of the popular SUVs. A fire hazard is what is being looked into, caused by negative placement of the fuel tank. Article resource – Feds investigate possible defects in Jeep Grand Cherokee by Car Deal Expert.

This might be no issue at all in the Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is being investigated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched the inquiry, as outlined by CNN. You will find over 10 model years being looked at. The years in question are vehicles from 1993 to 2004. The Center for Auto Safety says the design of the fuel tank poses a severe fire hazard.There are 254 deaths from fire in Jeep Grand Cherokees, and 172 crashes involving fire. Chrysler insisted the Cherokee was entirely safe.

It’s the gas tank which is the problem

The gas tank within the Jeep Cherokee is plastic. The tank is mounted below the rear bumper and behind the rear axle. This, as outlined by the Ralph Nader-founded CAS, makes the gas tank’s neck susceptible to rupture in rear end collisions and greater risk of fire. According to ABC, the NHTSA has identified 44 crashes where automobiles catching fire caused more damage than the actual crash. There were 55 deaths which were observed in crashes, where the fire, and not the crash, killed those involved. There were also 10 rear ending crashes were fire resulted. There were 13 deaths in rear end crashes that resulted in fire.

Jeep steals the show away from the Pinto

Jeep has offered a skid plate as an option for the Grand Cherokee that covers the fuel tank, but only as an add-on for off-road driving. Jeep at least added a brush guard in 1999. Nevertheless, in 2005, the jeep grand Cherokee got a re-design. The tank was moved to the middle of the car. Though the problem is not the same in many respects, the greater risk to the top of the tank being sheared off is comparable to the defect in the fuel tank of the Pinto.

Further reading

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Blotter/jeep-grand-cherokee-abc-station-reported-gas-tank/story?id=11473270 and page=1

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/autos/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/index.htm

Gmail user interface can be a part of Google Voice software

Whether a phone is a land line, desktop virtual phone or cell phone, everybody wants to be able to make free calls within the United States and Canada. It’s enticing to everyone except traditional phone and cellular service providers, that is. Now that Google Voice will soon be completely integrated into Gmail, it will be that much easier for Google users to make and receive high-quality calls for free. Free calling is limited a little bit. It can only be done where you are able to access Gmail. Article source – Google Voice now built-into Gmail user interface by Personal Money Store.

Google Voice makes your contacts in Gmail an effective phone service

Just because cell phone coverage isn’t there doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to make calls. Just use Google Voice with any internet connection. Two cents per minute is the rate if the call is outside the U.S. or Canada. TechCrunch reports that all it takes is the Google Talk plug-in for your browser. Your Gmail inbox saves voicemails and your Gmail interface allows you to make and receive calls. And here’s a neat function: you are able to transfer a call in progress from Google Voice on your desktop to your cell phone without dropping the call if you are on the go but need to keep talking.

There can be Google Voice in Gmail within the near future

The Official Google Voice Blog says that United States Gmail accounts will get the Google Voice feature in the next few days. Watch for “Call Phone” to show up in your Google Chat list. Google users who are using Google Apps for academic or business purposes will also be able to enjoy the new Google Voice features and free calling, but integration will take slightly longer in that case.

Additional reading

Google Voice Blog

googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/

TechCrunch

techcrunch.com/2010/08/25/google-voice-integrated-into-gmail-make-and-receive-calls-from-the-browser/?utm_source=feedburner and amp;utm_medium=feed and amp;utm_campaign=Feed: Techcrunch (TechCrunch) and amp;utm_content=Google Feedfetcher

Google Voice humor – testing transcript capabilities

youtube.com/watch?v=FzOMyXwfrR8

Era of McMansions comes to an end since homes marketplace corrects itself

McMansions are the dinosaurs of the housing market. During the housing bubble homebuyers sought out ever larger floor plans with more luxurious amenities. Within the aftermath of the housing problems, such excess is regarded as foolish. Grandiose palaces sit abandoned in many neighborhoods. Brand new research confirms that demand for these behemoths has all but disappeared. New construction shows a downsizing trend. Luxurious amenities are being scaled back. Realtors and architects believe the sentiment that McMansions are out is more than just a passing real estate trend.

Age of McMansion come to an end

The housing bubble seems to are the peak of the McMansion, which has been lampooned by such terms as beginner castle and Hummer house. Now that the housing bubble has burst, the decline for Mcmansions could be permanent. As reported by TIME, a report on real estate trends by Trulia shows the average square feet of floor plans in United States of America homes has gone down for the very first time in six decades. Homes in the U.S. had reached an average size of about 983 square feet by simply 1950. According to Trulia’s American Dream Survey, by 2004 the average had swelled to 2,349 square feet. Homes of at least 3,000 square feet are considered McMansions. Only 9 percent of the respondents in a different study, the Trulia-Harris Interactive Survey, said they were interested in homes reaching that size. Homes ranging from just 800-2,000 square feet were the goal for 64 percent of home buyers.

Housing industry undergoes modification

Builders and architects are already adjusting to changing demand. Houses market experts believe the change could be permanent. CNBC quoted Pete Flint of Trulia as saying that shrinking square footage can have a long-lasting impression . In a survey of builders last year, nine out of 10 said they planned to build smaller or lower-priced homes. When interviewed by CNBC, Kermit Baker, the chief economist at the American Institute of Architects, said design professionals are leaving the McMansion concept behind as demand moves to more practical layouts.Paul Bishop, vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, told CNBC that McMansions look and feel out of place within the aftermath of the recession.

Additional reading

TIME

newsfeed.time.com

Trulia

info.trulia.com

CNBC

cnbc.com

You will find a lot of payday loan debt collection scams

Illinois consumers have been getting hit by pay day debt collection scams. Stolen personal information has reached the hands of con artists. These con artists then use personal details and data from current and previous paydayloans borrowers to make a scam. Lawsuits and jail time are the typical threats con artists for payday loan collectors use. They call on the phone to get a hold of the consumers. The paydayloans debt collection scam has proliferated to the point that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has issued a consumer alert.

Debt collection scammers like to threaten and intimidate

Recently, there has been a lot more complaints about bogus paydayloans debt collectors. These came into the Illinois attorney general’s office. Recpients of pay day loan scam calls used online payday loans direct lender before. Consumer Affairs reports that they had all paid the debt already by the time they got the call. They say the scammers know their names, social security numbers, employer and bank account numbers. Victims think the scammers are real because of all the details the caller has. To get money out of the victims’ bank accounts, the scammers just have to use threats and intimidation, such as lawsuits or jail. Lawsuits or jail are just two of the threats and intimidation, that are used by the scammers. They use this to get withdraw! als made from victims’ bank accounts. Sometimes, consumers are tricked to sign promissory notes and fax them to the bogus collectors.

Payday lenders lose business

More individuals are getting hurt by debt collection scammers. Illinois payday loans no faxing customers aren’t the only ones. Wallet Pop reports the payday loan scam calls have surfaced in Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Indiana and other states around the nation. Madigan said the scammers say they’re from a variety of bogus companies, such as Morgan and Associates, Federal Bureau of Investigators, DNR Recovery, DNI Recovery, Legal Accounts Association, Department of Law and Enforcement, CashNet USA, America Legal Services, Instant money and ACS. The names are all fake, well, for probably the most part. There is a real one coming from CashNet USA. It is one of the only real ones. Scam warnings are on the site for CashNet USA right now.

Illegal to harass with debt collection

Debt collectors can’t call between 8 am and 9 pm as outlined by the FTC’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They also can’t demand more money than what is owed, reveal a consumer’s debt to a third party or threaten lawsuits or arrest. The payday loan scam made it so victims had to pay hundreds of dollars. These reports came in to the Madigan office in numerous reports. Madigan gave some advice for everyone contacted by scammers via an Illinois TV station, WIFR.

People don’t go to jail for failing to pay a debt in this country.

Never give out any personal information over the telephone, especially bank account numbers or credit card numbers.

When in doubt, ask the debt collector to produce documentation that qualifies the debt they seek to collect.

Contact the original creditor to confirm if the debt has been paid. If not, confirm that the debt was sold to a third party collector before making a payment.

Further reading

Consumer Affairs

consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/08/il_payday_lending.html

Wallet Pop

walletpop.com/blog/2010/08/26/warning-issued-over-bogus-payday-loan-debt-collector-calls/

WIFR

wifr.com/news/headlines/101497999.html?ref=999

Furor erupts over most recent Medal of Honor game

The video game series “Medal of Honor” is creating great debate due to its latest installment. All titles in the series were set in World War II until now. This game takes place within the current war if Afghanistan. It’s not the first game to do so, however it is a “MOH” first. What’s different about this one? Players also get to be the Taliban in multiplayer mode in “Medal of Honor 2010.” The British Secretary of Defense thinks the game should be banned.

Liam Fox demands bar

There are calls for the video game to be banned. One of those in good opposition is Liam Fox, the Secretary of Defense (British English spells it with a “c” not an “s”) for the United Kingdom. He is opposed to the sale of the video game through retailers, according to The Guardian, and doesn’t think everyone should buy it. The belief that players could be within the Taliban in multiplayer mode is the root of the controversy, and would be shooting, virtually, at US and UK troops. You will find others who oppose the game. It would seem sacrilegious to shoot at American or British troops, even in an online gaming pretend reality. Other games, such as those within the “Call of Duty” series took place in Iraq and Afghanistan. It seems unfortunately like an inevitability that this would be in a video gaming.

Electronic Arts responds

The “Medal of Honor” series has heretofore always taken place in World War II. The game series is by Electronic Arts. The PR Representative for EA said to AOL News that most people take opposing roles in play as kids. Police are opposed to by criminals, cowboys must contend with Indians and their own weak offenses in the post season, and within the game, “someone’s gotta be the Taliban.” Opponents also observe that Word War II is removed from modern history by a long time, and thus games in which people can be Nazis in multiplayer are less harmful as a result.

It still is simply a video game

This is not the first row over video games. Every time there is a furor over a video gaming, two things always happen. A fantastic deal of people decrying the video game precedes massive sales, and just remember what happened with “Mortal Kombat” and “Grand Theft Auto” if you want an example. Unfortunately, seems like that given the number of games taking place in the exact same current conflicts, that this exact circumstance was inevitable. The first “Medal of Honor,” which was partially created by Steven Spielberg, also featured multiplayer characters that were interesting. Players could unlock multiplayer characters for instance William Shakespeare or a German Shepherd. They could also play as a Velociraptor from “Jurassic Park”. This is, after all, the series where dinosaurs kill Nazis.

Discover more info on this subject

AOL News

aolnews.com/nation/article/new-video-game-will-let-you-play-as-the-taliban/19588413

Guardian

guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2010/aug/23/liam-fox-medal-of-honor-ban

Lowest interest rates recorded making investing and saving impossible

Savings is popular. That is because numerous just want to cut out debt. The Federal Reserve, in an effort to keep the economy from a double-dip recession, is keeping the benchmark interest rate artificially low. Record-low interest rates are fattening bank bottom lines. Now the range between what borrowers have to pay and what financial institutions have to pay is wider with the low interest rates. Some analysts are saying that when Fed monetary policies shore up the banks it bailed out with billions, they’re an “invisible tax” on savers, investors, pensions and endowments.

Little reward for saving money

U.S. banks are paying savers the lowest average rates on record. Bloomberg did a study with Market Rate Insight suggesting that 0.99 percent was about how much in July was paid towards interest on checking, savings, money market and certificates. Market Rates measured anything that was a rate or bonus paid by 1,300 banks and credit unions within the whole American country. The report also tracked savings rate fluctuations between Jan. 2004 and July 2010. One goes up when the other goes down. The report concludes that when the unemployment rate goes down, interest rates on savings will go up.

Banks make paying debt harder

Fed monetary policy that is holding the interest rate at near zero, some believe, is rewarding banks and penalizing the average citizen. People who want to cut back debt and save more seem to have the deck stacked against them. Daily Markets’ Larry Doyle explained that those with fixed incomes are having a bad time with low interest rates. Savings accounts generate a negligible returns. Credit card issuing banks make sure they raise interest rates on credit although it is costing almost nothing to get it themselves.

Low interest rates

The New York Times’ Gretchen Morgenson explained that economic problems may be continuing because of the Fed’s interest rate policy. Todd E. Petzel of Offit Capital Advisors told Morgenson the Fed’s interest rate policy is an “invisible tax” that costs savers and investors about $350 billion a year. He worked hard to get that number. He began with the $14 trillion lent by the treasury with the super low interest. 3 percent has been the typical rating. That is the average over time. That makes current rates too low by 2.5 points. On $14 trillion, 2.5 percent adds up to $350 billion a year in lost income to savers, investors, pensions and endowments. The money lost is more than 2 percent of gross domestic product and almost 3 percent of disposable personal income.

More on this topic

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-24/u-s-banks-paying-depositors-record-low-interest-rates-market-rates-says.html

Daily Markets

dailymarkets.com/stock/2010/08/24/invisible-taxes-loan-sharking-usury/

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/08/22/business/22gret.html?_r=2 and amp;ref=gretchen_morgenson

Dealers short on cars with low factory inventory

Automotive News shows us that automakers are still shy about making cars despite the economic c climate of recession and also the taxpayer auto bailout with it. That’s because low factory inventory is becoming the rule rather than the exception recently. The result of this is that dealers need more cars to sell, as they can’t meet increasing demand. An online survey found that more than 160 of 244 responding dealers – representing the spectrum of automotive brands – had too few autos to sell. Less sales were made because of this.

Dealers losing buyers over low inventory

Low inventory is the reason why buyers have left their dealerships upset. Not enough GMCs, Hondas, Hyundais, Chevrolets or other cars are available, which constitutes a wide portion of the automotive spectrum. One dealer told Automotive News that automakers “have driven supplies too low,” yet dealers like him are certain they could sell more if stock was accessible. Cars like the GMC Terrain tend to be among probably the most problematic vehicles to acquire for dealers, yet makers like General Motors, Ford and also the Chrysler continue to take a hard line on boosting profits while maintaining low inventory. Dealers are worried that that automakers may be cutting too much.

Factories are trying to help

Automakers have to help dealers although they’re trying to keep away from losing money with overproduction. Dealers are nervous too. They’d rather sell all the cars than get more cars than they can sell. Right now is a time that we have to move forward from the high incentive and low resale value cars. Automotive News reported this after talking with Tom Henderson. Some adjustments are necessary, of course. GM has been changing a part of a plant in Ingersoll, Ontario to create more bodies showing that Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain need more cars to meet demand. Since there’s no room for the bodies on the assembly line under the current production schedule, however, GM is sending the new bodies to an additional plant located two hours east for paint and finish.

More on this topic

Auto News

autonews.com/article/20100823/OEM01/308239949/1262

Congress is interested within the reason for the salmonella egg recall

The egg recall list expanded Friday with another Iowa egg producer joining the list. 1,000 people in 10 states, says the Food and Drug Administration, have gotten sick which is why the half a billion eggs are being recalled. An investigation was launched by Congress because of the outbreak of salmonella. July 9 was when new egg safety rules came out. The FDA was given the authority to do this. The FDA has said that salmonella wouldn’t have even happened had the laws been in place already.

Egg producer expected for this

Wright County Egg recalled 380 million eggs, says the FDA, when the largest egg recall ever recorded started last week. Another 180 million eggs were recalled by Hillendale Farms. Quality Egg, supplied by Hillendale, was shown to have salmonella cases by the FDA. Monday was the day the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked for documents from the company. CNN reported this. Wright County Egg and Quality Egg are owned by the DeCoster agribusiness empire within the Midwest and Northeast. DeCoster companies have a history of questionable practices. In Maine, Jack DeCoster pleaded guilty in June to 10 civil counts of animal cruelty. In 1996, DeCoster paid a $ 3.6 million fine after being accused of running a sweatshop for minority workers at a Maine chicken farm. DeCoster was called a “habitual violator” of state environmental laws by an Iowa attorney general in 2000 after getting accused of dumping hog manure.

Getting eggs a bit safer with new rules

Until July 9, inspection of egg producers was the sole responsibility of the USDA. The Center of Disease control reports that three times more reports of Salmonella than normal were reported between May and July of this year. That is about 2,000 cases. The Wall Street Journal reports the new change. Now the FDA and USDA share responsibility for inspecting. Farms now have to test eggs and facilities for salmonella along with safeguarding feed and water from contamination and chicks and hens have to be bought from those who monitor salmonella. Farms have one year to change their standard.

Get your salmonella

Any eggs with certain packing dates and locations are being recalled meaning consumers should take back or throw out these eggs. Even so, a salmonella contamination expert told the Los Angeles Times that there is always some threat of salmonella poisoning from raw eggs. A person can’t determine a salmonella egg from its look, smell or taste. People have been contracting salmonella poisoning most likely from making hollandaise sauce or eating their eggs sunny side up. Cooking an egg all the way can really help. This will kill any bacteria from salmonella. Simply make sure you cook the yoke. That is important. Pasteurized eggs are safe. If your eggs are on the recall list, you’d better be safe than sorry. Just take the eggs back and get you money.

Find more info on this subject

CNN

cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/23/eggs.salmonella/index.html?npt=NP1

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704504204575445981962961848.html

Los Angeles Times

mobile.latimes.com/wap/news/text.jsp?sid=294 and amp;nid=19361323 and amp;cid=17706 and amp;scid=1053 and amp;ith=1 and amp;title=Health

Tim Geithner tells Freddie and Fannie to change their tune

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called for changes to be made in the US mortgage market at a recent press conference. He didn’t announce any regulatory deadlines or strategies, though. It is predicted he will be telling Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to shape up in the next year or so or face the consequences. Geithner also made it clear the United States of America can’t afford to have to bail them out again and that they were too aggressive in taking on risk.

Geithner doesn’t have a game plan yet

As of now, there is no real plan in place for what to do about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Geithner did, however, make it patently clear there were some things that would be happening. First, Fannie and Freddie will not be resuming business within the manner they were conducting it before the market meltdown. The two mortgage houses would also not be put in position to try and dominate the mortgage market. He was adamant the current mortgage industry, as it stands, is untenable, according to Reuters.

Little consensus on how to go about it

There is not much within the way of a consensus among industry insiders or economists on how to best reform the housing industry. Geithner did advocate retaining mortgage underwriting through Fannie and Freddie, as government backing for mortgages is a practice that all industrial nations participate it. Others, for instance co-founder of Pacific Investment Management, Co. Bill Gross, contend that completely nationalizing the housing industry is required at this point. Gross argues that the private market in mortgage underwriting and lending can’t make an effective return, according to Businessweek.

Something has to be done regardless of strategy

How to proceed with Freddie and Fannie is subject to wild speculation, but few think nothing should be done. The government has already, according to NPR, spent $ 150 billion on the mortgage houses. For the first half of this year, 89 percent of all new American mortgages were securitized by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae . As opposed to Fannie and Freddie, Ginnie Mae securitizes only some mortgages, doesn’t lend to anyone, and is completely part of the US government.

Find more details on this subject

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67G3E820100817

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2010-08-17/gross-urges-full-nationalization-of-housing-finance.html

NPR

npr.org/blogs/money/2010/08/17/129250765/socialized-housing-for-everyone

Rise in bacon prices a squealing good sign for the economy

The London Telegraph reports that harvest difficulties and a wheat crisis in Russia made it so a pint of beer in Europe now costs $ 6.30. There is an additional problem that is worse. Bacon prices are going up significantly. Bacon costs 20 percent more than it did a year ago, says CNBC. Researchers say it is good for the U.S. economy to have bacon prices going up, although those who love their bacon are probably pretty upset.

Getting bacon can cost $ 4 per pound

The Department of Agriculture has given their opinion on the situation. It feels the rise in price is because there is a supply-and-demand curve that has to be met. Pig farms are getting smaller most recently. This is because of the recession. Tomatoes are at the moment ripe, so BLT sandwiches are a hot item – and thus there’s a need for more bacon. The National Review says this is “Obama’s Next Crisis.”

One man’s crisis, one more man’s baby steps to recovery

The National Review was all upset about the bacon issues. It forgot to mention all the good things to come from it. Bacon is considered to be a luxury item. If more individuals are buying it, then more people are feeling comfortable to buy luxury items. The economy will likely do better considering this outreach for luxury items. It was said by Rich Nelson of Allendale, Inc. that “They may not be getting steak rather than hamburger, but they will put bacon on their hamburger or other things.” This is good news.

Bacon tends to be in more items at restaurants because of this.

Demand will fatten the herd

Pig farmers have gotten more hogs because of the demand. Nelson feels like prices will go down. This should happen by mid-2011. In the interim, some consumers may settle for the generic bacon brands, which are usually fattier and leave eaters with less meat after cooking as the fat melts away. As outlined by Jason Mosely of Mr. Baconpants, “Your BLT deserves the best bacon you are able to afford!” even though most know the economy must be recovering due to the greatness of bacon, including CNBC’s Heather Lauer. Then everybody will celebrate Sept. 4 with patriotic fervor, for that is International Bacon Day. It really is.

Additional reading

CNBC

cnbc.com/id/38725523/

The only problem with bacon is that it makes you thirsty… for more bacon.

youtube.com/watch?v=CaK9bjLy3v4

These personal finance tips can help you stay from all that debt

Avoiding debt is going to be your best change when dealing with debt issues. Too many individuals end up owing tens of thousands of dollars on credit cards, student loans or car loans. You are able to change now if you have not been one to mess up your personal finance already. The best results are found for personal finance with a couple of key things. Figure out what those things are and focus to them. Avoiding debt problems could be as simple as becoming more financially literate about credit card debt, saving money and buying wholesale.

Debt proof living in the start

Financial literacy can be gained with one very basic thing which is understanding credit card debt and avoiding it. The “power of 50″ is discussed by Practical money Skills. Eight years will be required to pay back a card that has a $ 3,000 balance with 18 percent APR which only required a 2 percent minimum pay of $ 60 a month. You’ll end up paying much more than $ 3,000, but rather $ 5,780. If you are able to lower the amount left on the credit card faster, say pay $ 50 more a month, or $ 110 a month instead, then the company won’t be able to charge you nearly as much interest. You will pay down the debt three years faster with the $ 1,800 you would normally have paid towards credit card interest.

Conserve with a little at a time

Saving money is easier than you think. Saving money for an emergency fund avoids debt if you need something like car repairs. Saving money for something you really want is a good idea since you can better appreciate it. The best way to succeed, says ehow.com, is to start small and work up. You can simply pay $ 20 to savings every time you get paid. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up. If you reuse water bottles or make your own coffee, the amount you save could be a big amount. You should try adding what you spend each and every week on water bottles and coffee together. You are able to conserve a ton with that simple step.

Purchase wholesale

Purchase your stuff at wholesale with wholesale prices and stop using the additional man within the middle. Essortment.com gives many tips on saving money by buying wholesale. Go ahead and ask your local wholesalers if they sell to the general public. Sample sales are a great way to purchase wholesale. Interior designers, contractors or beauticians all purchase wholesale and may be willing to take you with them if you offer them something in return. Buying around is always good. Prices get marked down on boxes if they are just torn. Just do your research and work a little, and you’ll be able to find pretty great prices.

Further reading

Practical Money Skills

practicalmoneyskills.com/personalfinance/creditdebt/debt/

Ehow

ehow.com/how_2205105_start-saving-money-have-none.html

Essortment

essortment.com/career/tipsbuyingwh_twqf.htm

Rod Blagojevich gets one of the verdicts turned guilty

The trial of disgraced former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich has just concluded. After two weeks of deliberation, the grand jury returned only a single guilty verdict. Blagojevich was only convicted of one count of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sentencing will soon follow, and he could face up to five years in prison for giving false statements to government officials. Federal prosecutors have already announced they fully intend to re-try Blagojevich.

Jury renders verdict after two weeks

It was about two years ago when Rod Blagojevich was arrested because he tried selling the U.S. Senate seat that Barack Obama left empty. This led him to be impeached and removed from office. 24 accusations of corruption were charged against him. There was a clear verdict given after two weeks of thinking. The judge declared a mistrial on 23 of the 24 accounts and announced the guilty verdict on one count of providing a false statement to the FBI.

U.S. Attorney will file for a retrial

The New York Times, reports that a retrial for Blagojevich is wanted by the U.S. Attorney's office. A lie to the FBI was what he was convicted of. Making false statements to the FBI is a federal crime, which carries a fine of up to $ 250,000 or up to five years in prison, or both. Some hope that he could be given both.

Blagojevich seen as stereotypical Chicago politician

Politics in Chicago are generally corrupt. Rod Blagojevich has a previous governor, George Ryan, who was convicted after being removed from office. Ryan was sent to federal prison for corruption. We have no idea where Rod Blagojevich could be since a second trial may be happening soon. He could end up serving all five years in prison.

Chances are Remote - Pros and cons of remote oil filters

Modifications to your car do exist that will make working on your automobile and regular maintenance easier. To make changing oil easier, a vehicle owner can install a remote oil filter. The basics of it are to install an adapter kit and mounting bracket for the new filter, with to and from hoses running to and from the new location of the oil filter. It can make changing oil a lot easier, and if done properly there are virtually no risks. Post resource – Remote Possibilities – whether to get a remote oil filter by Car Deal Expert.

Oil strike

You will find not many vehicles, be they auto, truck, SUV, van or motorcycle, that do not have a remote oil filter kit available. A remote kit won’t exactly break the financial institution, either. Usually, they go for less than $ 100. If you are concerned about the quality of the installation, you are able to have a mechanic do it for you, which shouldn’t be too costly. A bypass valve is installed, and send/return hoses run from the original oil filter location to where the new oil filter and mounting bracket are located.

Little downside

There is no downside to installing a remote oil filter. The cost of parts and labor are all there is to lose, but the benefits are mostly for the DIY auto repair sort. If you don’t change your own oil, there is no advantage other than being kind to your mechanic. It does make oil changes easier on you, if you change your own oil. The only thing you will have to crawl under the hood for is to remove and replace the oil drain plug. You need to be changing the oil about each and every 3,000 miles anyway. The filter is changed just like normal.

The good the bad and also the oily

It is not a terribly costly or complicated procedure. It won’t conserve you a lot of cash, but simply makes your own maintenance just a little easier. It does minimize the time you have to be under the automobile, and it can be an advantage if you drive a auto or other car that is low to the ground.

The horror of hospital re-admission costs

Health care in America is exceedingly costly, which means that any new programs that stem from health care reform have work cut out for them. Practicing preventative medicine is vital to the nation’s well-being, yet America doesn’t appear to be proficient in that regard. According to a 2009 study by the New England Journal of Medicine, one-fifth of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. After 90 days, that percentage increases to one-third. What is perhaps most disturbing is that after a year, two-thirds of patients are back within the hospital or dead. Article resource – Patient re-admission is as common as it is costly by Newystype.com.

The re-admission of patients is inefficient and costly

The Huffington Post reports that Medicare cost taxpayers $17.4 billion in 2004. That tremendous cash outlay prompted Medicare administration to begin to monitor hospital re-admission rates. Those hospitals with the greatest occurrence of re-admission faced economic sanctions. A new industry was born amidst the turmoil; private companies would extend their efficiency expert services to afflicted hospitals. Thinking about that several studies show that three-quarters of all re-admissions are preventable, seems like likely the efficiency experts have lots of business.

Hospitals and nursing homes won’t take ownership

Lack of communication between acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities is a common thread in just how likely a patient is to avoid rebounding back into care. Not providing enough patient and medication info, neglecting follow-up appointments and providing confusing or contradictory patient care instructions are just some of the major issues America’s health care system faces, writes the Post. Older patients on Medicaid – particularly those who shuttle between different types of care facilities – are among the most at risk in this communication black hole.

Medicare and private insurance work with blinders on

The Huffington Post cites an American Geriatric Society study that shows that Medicare and private insurance companies are “pushing very hard” to have stroke rehab patients admitted to skilled nursing facilities rather than inpatient rehab centers. This is done due to lower costs up front, but the rebound rate at skilled nursing facilities in this scenario is seven times higher. Couple the clear cost difference with the proven statistical fact that patients who enter inpatient rehab facilities after a stroke are three times more likely to return home after care and also the lack of vision on the part of Medicare and private insurance becomes particularly disturbing.

Get the answers you need

Patients and those who care about them must ask doctors questions in order to assess the risk of future re-admittance. This is why it is vitally significant that patients (Medicare or otherwise) and their loved ones question doctors concerning the risk of re-admission, and for making certain they understand the necessary care going forward. If you’d like more details on what questions to ask, look into the Huffington Post article.

Further reading

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/richard-c-senelick-md/the-bounce-back-effect-ho_b_677575.html

Cutting credit card limits without telling

A final round of new credit card rules designed to protect consumers goes into effect on Aug. 22. To make these new rules possible, banks and credit card companies are working to cut credit limits, rates and fees on all their cards. Since the economy is so bad right now, it makes sense that credit limits would be cut. But cardholders’ credit scores get hurt by it, through no fault of their own. But you will find steps credit card users can take if they want to preserve their current credit limits, or even boost their credit limits.

Everybody is having a credit card limit dropped

During the recession, most credit card companies are harder on their consumers. Before new credit card rules have to be upheld, banks who use credit cards are trying to pull in all of their risk. As outlined by Bankrate.com, even those with good credit scores are having difficulties with dropping credit card limits. Banks are trying to close as numerous credit lines as they can, explained Dennis C. Moroney, research director of bank cards at TowerGroup, to Bankrate. Even those with scores between 720 and 750 can’t get credit very effortlessly right now.

Credit scores drop with credit limit

Credit limit hurt for 60 million cardholders in just the few years past. Credit Card Guide reports that numerous individuals hit by credit limit cuts have not committed any of the typical “risk triggers” banks use to assess credit worthiness, such as regular late payments or high credit card balances. Having your credit limit cut isn’t really just an inconvenience for people. It also hurts many credit scores of cardholders who have had outstanding balances on their cards. Credit line cuts aren’t just a concern considering one of probably the most essential things in a credit score is debt-to-credit ratios.

Helping your credit card limits

Any person trying to keep their credit limits from going down or help their credit go up should listen to advice given at Credit Card Guide by Eva Norlyk Smith. You are able to always call and ask. Most credit card accounts qualify for credit limit increases once a year. Always pay down the balance in full each month. You should be using your credit card a lot, although you shouldn’t use more than 50 percent of the line of credit. Make sure you pay all of it off on time. Don’t cancel credit cards you already have, don’t get any new either, and don’t get a credit check through your credit card company. A credit check is just as bad as applying for a new card.

Find more information on this subject

Bankrate

bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/credit-card-issuers-slash-credit-limits-1.aspx

Credit Card guide

creditcardguide.com/creditcards/credit-card-tips/higher-credit-limit-6-dos-donts-342/

Groupawn blog tracks living for a year on Groupon coupons

Groupons are supporting the lifestyle of Josh Stevens for a year. The Groupon challenge is a dare the online coupon company made earlier this year. Groupon put up $ 100,000 to see if someone was willing to survive off nothing but Groupon coupons for a year. Stevens took them up on it. Travelling the country chasing Groupon bargains for his basic needs, he’s about a one-quarter through living his life as the “Goupawn”. In Stevens’ Groupon lifestyle, life’s basic needs have included carriage rides, yoga classes and plenty of food. Article resource – Groupawn tries to live on nothing but Groupon coupons for a year by Personal Money Store.

Groupawn blog chronicles a year on coupons

Former corporate auditor Stevens accepted the Groupon challenge in May and left his cubicle behind. He told CNN that he started with one pair of shoes, socks, underwear and a paper suit made of Groupons. Groupon gave him a laptop, camera, internet card and phone.Stevens cannot use or even touch money, but he’s supplied with online coupons that could be used for lodging, dining and buying. He’s allowed only five visits from family and friends, with each visit lasting less than a day.He shares his experiences in the Groupawn blog as he uses Groupon coupons to barter for sustenance.

Groupawn guy gains a following

Stevens gets a $ 100,000 windfall if he’s successful. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talked with Stevens last weekend.He showed up in the city as he went after another Groupon deal. The Sentinel said Stevens thought a lot more bartering on the street would be required as he traveled. He said individuals want to pitch in and help when he tells them about his adventures.He showed up in Milwaukee after pursuing Groupon offers for just a little more than three months in several United States of America cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York.

The Groupon business model – buying in

Groupons are daily deals offered by local merchants sold on the company’s website. The site offers Groupon deals in more than 165 markets in 22 nations to 11 million subscribers. When a certain number of people purchase, within the deal becomes valid. If the quota is reached, buyers get links to print out their Groupons. If the sales quota falls short, the offer is pulled. Buyers aren’t charged for trying to cash in.

Groupons can bite the hand that feeds

The riches produced by the Groupon business model are so tempting that more than 500 imitators have sprouted up online. But selling Groupon coupons can go haywire for an unprepared business . As reported within the Tribune, many Chicago merchants have been swamped by a tide of Groupon coupons. A bagel company in Chicago sold a Groupon coupon for $ 3 good for any item up to $ 8. Local subscribers to Groupon snapped up $ 10,000 coupons. After splitting 50 percent of the revenue with Groupon, the standard deal for most businesses, the bagel shop netted about $ 15,000 for giving up $ 80,000 worth of food.

Find more information on this subject

CNN

cnn.com

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

jsonline.com

Chicago Tribune

chicagotribune.com

Americans don't want to end Social Security to help with deficit

According to a recent poll conducted by research firm GfK Roper and funded by AARP, Americans largely disapprove of cutting Social Security in order to reduce the national deficit. The Huffington Post reports that polls results show that 85 percent of adults are against cutting Social Security. 72 percent were shown in the survey to “strongly oppose” social security. Resource for this article – Americans disagree with Social Security cuts to trim deficit by Personal Money Store.

'Me first’ is the response from Social Security recipients

It is surprising to see these numbers come from a Social Security system that is 75 years old and hotly debated. Since the AARP funded this survey happening, and the AARP members tend to be either on, or nearly on Social Security, seems like about right. 57 percent of anyone under the age of 50 answering the survey said they would rather pay higher payroll taxes with a Social Security guarantee than be paying what they are now and not being certain of what can be received. The “Baby Boomer” generation gets to relax and live off other people’s incomes, which is why they don’t care about the deficit that the younger generation is going to have to fix one day.

Raiding the trust fund

The Obama administration is presently looking into what should be done with Social Security, as the insurance program clearly is not sustainable in its current form. The majority are concerned they won’t get their Social Security anymore. Privatization would be great for those still within the work force while Baby Boomers wouldn’t be able to get their funds anymore, and taxes aren’t covering the program.

Two-thirds Americans afraid to lose Social Security as an income

While two out of 3 Americans fear the direct effect that cutting Social Security would have on their budgets in the golden years, a whopping 80 percent are wary of indirect financial stress such action would cause families of fixed-income retirees. Clichéd old fears of a “poor house” or “debtors’ prison” rear their ugly heads, giving way to hysteria. However, nearly 80 percent of “the sky is falling” types do not even know – according to the poll – that if the Social Security trust fund is in fact drained, they’ll nevertheless receive benefits, just at a slightly lower level.

Discover more information on this subject

Bestyears.com

bestyears.com/parentstold.html

AARP survey

aarp.org/work/social-security/info-08-2010/social_security_75th.html

Cato Institute

cato.org/social-security

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/11/public-opposes-cutting-so_n_678374.html

Social Security Online

ssa.gov/

Milton Friedman on the Social Security myth

youtube.com/watch?v=rCdgv7n9xCY

Public offering soon to happen for General Motors as CEO retires

The last few years are fraught with peril for General Motors. Sequential years of falling sales resulted in GM filing for bankruptcy and asking for bailout funds from the government. The government mandated they take control of the majority of shares while the business was in conservatorship. The short time GM was in bankruptcy was not ill spent. Recently, it was announced that CEO Ed Whitacre, Jr. would be retiring, and also the General Motors is days from an Initial Public Offering.

Ed Whitacre the GM CEO is stepping down

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, Ed Whitacre Jr., has just announced that he could be retiring, according to the New York Times. He had formerly been the Chairman of AT and T. Daniel Akerson, former executive at Nextel, will take his place. Whitacre will step down in September as CEO, and will transfer duties as Chairman to his replacement by the end of the year. Whitacre had planned to retire once General Motors was back in fighting shape all along, and had said so. It looks like that is precisely what’s happened.

GM posting profits

Last year, General Motors filed for bankruptcy and turned the majority of shares to the American and Canadian governments, and has seen its second quarter of profits in a row. GM made a profit of $ 1.3 billion for the second quarter, according to USA Today. In the second quarter of 2009, GM had missed a huge debt payment. GM posted a profit last quarter, as outlined by CNN Money, of $ 865 million. Things are looking up for the global automobile giant, after having to divest of all brands except Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.

GM IPO shortly to follow

To repay the Treasury and buy back the 60 percent of shares the government holds, General Motors may have to hold a public stock offering as they were de-listed off stock exchanges. Chris Liddell, the Chief Financial Officer for GM, hasn’t commented much on the subject. General Motors, in its new lean and mean configuration, may hold an Initial Public Offering at the highest price ever paid for stock in the company.

Additional reading at these websites

NY Times

nytimes.com/2010/08/13/business/13auto.html?_r=1 and src=mv

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/companies/earnings/2010-08-12-gm_N.htm

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/08/12/news/companies/gm_results/