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Stories for December 2009
Stories for Thursday, December 31
Use a kitchen cabinet to assist you in entrepreneurship
A "kitchen cabinet" is indispensable for anyone who owns their own business or wants to start one. This is an informal group of advisers who help guide you and develop new strategies to improve your business. SCORE.org -- the Service Corps of Retired Executives -- has historically offered free advice ...
Credit freezes are more of a necessity than ever
More than a year ago, doing a credit freeze was a very popular topic on our show. However, Clark recently received several calls from listeners that indicated people are still unfamiliar with the basics of a credit freeze. A credit freeze is, in essence, the cheapest insurance policy there's ever ...
Websites/phone numbers mentioned:
ClarkHoward.com - Credit freeze guide SCORE.org - Service Corps of Retired Executives AthenaFoundation.org - Support for women small business owners Today's show features "Best of Clark" segments from recent shows
FBI warns of scam e-mails about terrorist activity
RIP-OFF ALERT: The FBI has issued a warning about e-mails purporting to be from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI Counterterrorism Division. The e-mails typically have subject lines like "New DHS Report," "New Patterns in Al Qaeda Financing" and "FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate." In addition, these ...
Insurance industry revamps variable annuities
The insurance industry is revamping variable annuities into an even worse deal to protect itself from any future market turbulence. When you buy a variable annuity, you buy an insurance product where you invest in something like mutual funds. If your holdings go down and you die, your heirs receive ...
Stories for Wednesday, December 30
Wal-Mart to push popular product categories online
When you go to shop, so much everyday stuff is getting cheaper and cheaper. Even clothes are a deal right now! Clark was recently looking at golf shirts in a discount store while his wife was getting clothing for the children. He found 100 percent cotton golf shirts for $7. ...
Britain ban commissions on investment products
The United Kingdom is moving to ban all commissions on investment products. While no similar move is planned here in the United States, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you don't get ripped on high-commission investments. Britain has recognized that there's a conflict of interest when ...
Websites/phone numbers mentioned:
ClarkHoward.com - Clark's investing guide NAPFA.org - Find a fee-only financial planner NFCC.org - National Foundation for Credit Counseling Today's show features "Best of Clark" segments from recent shows
Internet ratings may be overinflated
The Lake Wobegone effect has made its way into the realm of cyberspace. Dow Jones recently reported that Internet ratings can be vastly inflated. The average YouTube rating is 4.6 stars! It's like grade inflation for online reviews. It seems we're all too kind in our opinions. Of course, that's ...
Bake sales, convenience stores banned by the food police
We all know about the national health crisis caused by consuming too many calories and exercising too little. But some of the solutions local government is proposing to the dilemma are comical. New York City has a new policy that bans bake sales at schools. Their strategy is to block ...
Stories for Tuesday, December 29
Recent college grads move back home because of job market
Recent college graduates are moving back in with their parents or other relatives in huge numbers. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that it's happening to 80 percent of graduates. Worse yet, the graduates are beating themselves up over their unlucky plight. Yet college grads need to realize they are not ...
Look beyond standard one-year leases to lock in low rents
Are you among the one third of Americans who rents? The market is smiling on you with the potential for some great monthly savings. Rents are undergoing the steepest year-to-year decline since 1995. That's because vacancies are fast approaching the highest level since stats started being kept. If you're a ...
Websites/phone numbers mentioned:
ClarkHoward.com - Guide to selling your gold Edmunds.com - Vehicle costs and incentives calculator ChoiceTrust.com - Get your free C.L.U.E. report GasPriceWatch.com - Monitor gas prices across the country Today's show features "Best of Clark" segments from recent shows
Book price war makes hardcover titles cheaper than ever
MONEY-SAVING MOMENT: Have a bookworm on your Christmas list? Three major retailers are in a price war over books and you won't believe how cheap they are selling new hardcover titles! Amazon, Wal-Mart and Target are driving prices down to $8.99 in the massive scramble to grab market share. This ...
Sell your unwanted gold jewelry the Clark Smart way
MONEY-SAVING MOMENT: We've all seen the ads running constantly on late-night TV that promise to turn your unloved gold jewelry into cash. But is it really worth it? Consumer Reports' Money Adviser weighs in with some tips and pointers to help you get the most for your gold. The reality ...
Stories for Monday, December 28
Clark Smart tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades
A slew of federal, state and local tax credits are making payback on energy-efficient upgrades to your home a great deal. EnergyStar.gov has compiled a list of the federal tax credits. Contact your state and municipality for more granular details about local tax credits. Energy-efficient upgrades can really help you ...
Clark applauds Maryland's use of speed cameras
Clark has been an outspoken critic of speed cameras in the past, especially how they're used in Arizona strictly as a revenue booster. But he's now applauding Maryland's use of them exclusively in school zones and construction zones. He thinks this is a fair and reasonable way to deploy speed ...
Websites/phone numbers mentioned:
EnergyStar.gov - Federal tax credits for energy efficiency HomeFair.com - Relocation cost of living calculator Salary.com - Salary calculator PayScale.com - Salary calculator FinAid.org - Info about financial aid for students ClarkHoward.com- Relocation assistance for military homeowners Today's show features "Best of Clark" segments from recent shows
A trio of Ponzi schemes catch Clark's eye
RIP-OFF ALERT: Clark has a trio of Ponzi scheme stories to share with you today. First, The Wall Street Journal reports $250 million was swiped in an investment scheme to sell telecommunications services to Las Vegas casinos. The promoters convinced those who didn't have money to refinance their homes and ...
Bank of America testing annual fees on some credit cards
Bank of America is experimenting with levying annual fees on previously fee-free credit cards among approximately one percent of its customers. One staffer on our team got a letter stating her annual fee would be $59. Other reports in the media suggest people are being told they'll face fees at ...
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