Lookout.com offers an app, rated 4.5 stars that protects android market devices from hackers. The app is free, though you can expect future  upgrades to cost nominal amounts. But the cost, whether $10.00 or .99, the cost is more that worth it to protect your credit card and banking information from falling into the wrong hands.

Lookout.com app will alert you if you are in an unsafe wifi hotspot and where spyware may be lurking on your device. They even have an app to help you find your cell phone if it is lost or stolen.

Hackers may have used this boom in mobile devices to up their criminal activity, but if you have someone on Lookout, you have the advantage that may keep you and your financial information safe.

Starting March 1, 2012, your demographic info will be stored for more than 200,000 websites you visit. That information will be aggregated by Google to determine who you are as a consumer, what your interests are and who should sell to you. All accounts linked for information, as well as a log of visited sites will be stored and analyzed to better help advertisers sell you more effectively.

Of course, these assumptions of who you are based on Google’s personal information research is not always correct. For instance, a 55 year old woman who loves sports and often searches the net for scores, has been targeted by Google as a 25 year old man. Of course, interests might be the same, but one can only assume some advertising will be off the mark. Of course, none of the consumer pundits mind that Google can still get it so wrong despite collecting and tracking more personal information. In the end, the less Big Brother knows about you when it’s trying to get in your wallet, the better.

After signing loan documents, assuming they had been given what they asked for, the Lostons made their first payment, only to find that the principle of the loan remained untouched. They complained immediately in 2004 to try and get the loan modified. World Savings denied review of the loan. Then World Savings was acquired by Wachovia. The Lostons continued to try and get the loan modified and were denied. After the housing bubble burst, Wachovia was bought by Wells Fargo. The Lostons, now 8 years into their battle to get their loan modified were refused time and time again.

Wells Fargo, the bank that prided themselves on not being in crisis after the bubble burst because of their smart, financially sound practices, now the holder of the Loston’s and many other predatory loans not only refused to modify the loans for the Lostons, who the necessary credit scores to qualify for a new loan, but prepared to foreclose and auction their home. The Lostons found themselves about to lose their home because of their inability to avoid the skyrocketing payments. In 5 years the Loston’s saw their mortgage jump from $1800 a month to $4200 per month. And though they had been diligent in their efforts to have the loan modified—8 years of diligence—they had to go to the extreme lengths of staging a protest in order to have Wells Fargo review the loan.

With the help of CBS5 Consumer Reports, the Lostons were able to shine a light on Wells Fargo’s complicit denial of restructuring predatory lending loans now in their possession. The Lostons, unfortunately, are not the only homeowners suffering under the still precarious weight of home mortgages that require review and modification. However, their creative solution may, in fact, help many others (we hope). Wells Fargo is taking 30 days to review the loan under the watchful eye of reports. One hopes they will “do the right thing” with the spotlight focused on them. As Jerome Loston asked, “If I’m in the position to pay and you’re in the position to help me stay in my home why can’t we work together?”

So now that the Dollar Store is a drive rather than a walk, I will still put a monthly stop (like CostCo) onto the radar. I mean, why pay full price for foil or ziplocks?

Dollar Store Savings           June 12, 2012

OK, you’ve all seen Dollar Stores or some version thereof. For years I wondered at why people would spend money in stores that offered such “cheap items that break within a week.” Then, one day, a friend took me in and I saw how much I had been overspending in certain areas—for years!

So here is my list of Dollar Store savings that can add up in your wallet:

1. Household/Kitchen Essentials. Never pay more than $1 for foil, Ziplock bags, garbage bags, toilet paper etc. That’s right. I’d been paying almost $5 for a roll of foil and another $3 for Ziplock bags (which can add up when packing kid’s lunches). Dollar stores save my grocery budget approximately $30/mo on these items alone.

2. Party Supplies. Napkins, cups, plates, streamers, and even balloons can be found for less. If you have kids, the savings go further. Pack those party favor bags with a bottle of bubbles (pack of 3 found for $1), coloring books and all kinds of kid toys, which may not necessarily last a lifetime—but then, neither do the kids’ interest after the party is done.

3. Beauty Supplies. OK, this requires checking in on the beauty section whenever you are in for other items. Because these items are purchased as overstock by Dollar stores, you cannot always count on what brands and bargains will be available. Sometimes, you can score, BIG TIME. Imagine finding your hair color, body lotion, toothpaste etc., for only $1 each! Buy in bulk on these happy-find occasions and you can easily save yourself $100’s.

4. Holiday Happies. I call ‘Holiday Happies’ any of those cutesy little items needed to fill out a Valentine, stuff stockings or round out an Easter basket. Holiday cards and holiday-specific household decorations are all available at about $1. You can even get back into sending ‘birthday’, ‘get well soon’ and ‘thinking about you’ cards. The smiles you send are worth so much more than the $1 you paid for the card.

From Avvo.com

The Scams

Debt relief scams come in a few different forms. Some will tell you they can get your creditors to lower the overall amount you have to pay, while others claim they can get your creditors to lower their interest rates. They may promise to stop creditor calls, or tell you that if you give them a certain amount of money per month, they will pay off your creditors for you. You can count on getting socked with a fee, which is occasionally exorbitant, but you may see little or no improvement in your debt situation and may be left in worse financial shape than ever.

Surprise Fees

Not only are many of these companies unable or unwilling to fulfill their promises of debt relief and lower interest rates, but the fees often go unmentioned or the company lets you think the initial payment will go toward your debt, when it really doesn’t. Occasionally you will be asked to set up an account out of which they are to pay your creditors, but it’s also used as a source for additional fees. Fake credit repair companies promise to repair bad credit for a fee, but don’t actually do so even after you’ve paid them. These companies prey on your desperation and trust, making reassuring promises while collecting your financial information and convincing you that enrolling in their programs will save you.

Making An Example

Last May, the Federal Trade Commission shut down two such companies, Advanced Management Services NW LLC and Dynamic Financial Group, for placing illegal robo-calls to consumers (including those on the Do Not Call Registry) which claimed to dramatically lower their interest rates. After customers paid their fees—up to $1,995—the companies simply sent instructions on early debt payoff. Though Dynamic Financial Group offered a refund to customers who didn’t save a particular amount, they failed to actually pay the refunds. The company heads were banned from offering debt relief services or making robo-calls in the future. They were also fined millions, but not all were able to pay, leaving some scammed consumers out of luck.

Reliable Debt Relief Resources

Fortunately, reliable debt relief and credit counseling services do exist and can help if you are in debt over your head. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for help:

•    Compare at least 3 companies, with an understanding of the differences between debt consolidation, debt settlement, and credit counseling. Find out as much as you can about the services and fees of each company.

•    Check the Better Business Bureau and ask for references.

•    Know that legitimate companies will spend at least 20 minutes becoming familiar with your finances, and will put together a plan that fits your specific needs. One size does not fit all in debt relief.

•    According to the Consumer Federation of America, you should never have to pay more than $50 up front and $25 for monthly maintenance. If fees are significantly higher than that or vague, it’s a red flag.

•    A good starting point is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which can help you find a legitimate financial counselor in your area.

Read this article in its entirety here.

Saving Money and Finding Wealth

“Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck.” Before discovering the value of a cent, I used to feel like I could only save money and find wealth if I had a high income and refrained from buying nice clothes and dinners. Now, I enjoy a different lifestyle that allows me to become richer WHILE spending money. Here are some ways that you can spend money in effective and thoughtful ways:

1. BECOME AN EXTREME COUPONER, or at least coupon more often. Though you can hold back on buying clothes and entertainment, buying food is a necessity that can make or break your budget. Avoid eating at restaurants and fast food joints by cooking at home. This can save you an ample amount of money each month. Heading to the grocery store with a plan, with knowledge of the weekly sales, and with plenty of coupons will make a drastic difference in your food budget. After watching a few episodes of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing,” I was inspired to give it a chance. Now, I save anywhere from 25%-45% off my bill at each grocery visit. Before going to the supermarket, make sure you…

A. Make a list of necessary items;

B. Look through the grocery store’s sale items for that week, and see if you can adjust your list of necessary items to match the sale items;

C. Go through the Sunday paper to clip coupons for any items you currently need or know you will need before the expiration date. Have a folder to store coupons, and have fun watching your bill decrease with each barcode scan!

2. FIND AND WAIT FOR THE BEST DEALS. For big ticket items such as appliances, vehicles, and shoes, wait for big sales. There are lots of sales on holiday weekends and toward the end of the year. This is because businesses want to clear out that year’s stock and close the books for their taxes. Take advantage of holiday weekends and the month of December. Unless it’s a big-ticket item that you need immediately, you will get a real bargain by being patient and waiting for the price to decrease.

3. GET YOUR MONEY TO MAKE MONEY. Always keep an eye out for savings accounts that offer the highest interest rates and for banks that offer money for opening an account. Don’t be afraid to have multiple accounts too. Diversifying your money is always good for security, and it lessens the temptation to spend it if it’s spread around. I highly recommend ING to put the majority of your savings because they offer the highest interest on savings accounts AND they even offer interest on checking accounts too. This way, if you don’t have enough money for a savings account, at least you can start accruing interest on your checking account.

4. INVEST IN THE RIGHT PLACES AND IN SEVERAL PLACES. It’s never too early to have a retirement fund, especially if your company has a program that will match your contribution. You should also consider some mutual funds, stocks, or coins. Savings accounts will help inch your way toward wealth, but mutual funds and stocks will help you leap there if you choose wisely and have a good financial planner. Ask your friends and family to recommend a trustworthy financial planner that will help you decide the best places to invest your money.

5. STAY ORGANIZED TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR EXPENSES EACH MONTH. Keep a list of your monthly bills and due dates so you can avoid any late charges. If you enroll in “Auto-Pay,” you still need to check your accounts because companies will increase fees without warning, and it is up to you to ask them to refund the new charges. About once a month, I call my Cable Company or Phone Company to refute a charge or argue a price increase. When you call, they usually offer new deals that you may be interested in as well. You should also call your credit card companies regularly about lowering your interest rates.

As I have shown you, to save money and find wealth, you do not have to get a better job or win the lottery; all you have to do is be more wise about where your money goes. In sum, use coupons on small items, look for sales on big items, put your extra money in a high-interest savings account, start a retirement account as soon as possible, choose a few stocks or coins to invest in, and keep track of your spending so you can avoid losing money unnecessarily. Celebrate your increasing wealth in some way too! I like to keep all my receipts with big savings in a folder to keep me inspired. My aunt keeps a jar where she puts all the money she saved so she can add it up at the end of the year. Be proud of whatever you do and always look for new ways to save a dime!

“The economy has affected everyone.” – Lucy ext. 5353

“Know that within your spiritual core you deserve abundance. Stay away from people who say otherwise. Take real action to make your goals happen. If you’re thinking about, but not taking steps in the direction of abundance, you’ll usually end up disappointed.” – William ext. 5131

Not since at least 1960 has the US standard of living fallen so fast for so long. The average American has $1,315 less in annual disposable income now than at the onset of the Great Recession.

What has led to the most dramatic drop in the US standard of living since at least 1960? One factor is stagnant incomes: Real median income is down 9.8 percent since the start of the recession through this June, according to Sentier Research in Annapolis, Md., citing census bureau data. Another is falling net worth – think about the value of your home and, if you have one, your retirement portfolio. A third is rising consumer prices, with inflation eroding people’s buying power by 3.25 percent since mid-2008.

The recession has effected diverse groups unevenly. For example those without a college education or low skilled workers faced unemployment as companies moved production offshore or bought equipment that replaced manpower. But even those working may have found salaries and benefits cut, increased responsibilities (and hours) because of staff reductions and no signs of a living wage pay increase on the horizon. Between technological advances and weak economic growth, this period has been the most difficult for American households since the 1930s. “If you don’t have the education and you don’t have the right skills, then you are getting creamed.”

As we launch into this new year, this blog will start detailing ways to help you save money, cut corners, keep your chin up and ride out these seemingly endless economic waves to a supportive shoreline where you can at least get your head above water. Not every idea will have a huge impact on your bottom line, but collectively—like crazy couponing— you will see a difference.

Every cent counts. Every act of saving makes an impact.

It is supposed that Sears declining business, down 5% this Christmas season, was partially caused by Sears’ inability to keep up with a changing consumer market, as well as attempting to compete with Wal-Mart pricing and selection. As a savvy consumer, however, I must say I buy much of my children’s clothing at Sears because the selection is, actually, quite fashionable and my preferred retailer because the clothes are well-made, last much longer than Wal-Mart leggings, jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, etc.

Sears has experienced a sharp 12.74% decline in stocks from $33.38 to $27.20, just after the announcement. Sears Holdings stock had been at $80 per share in October.

The retail research firm ShopperTrak posted reports of consumer feedback stating 60% of consumers planned to shop on the 26th, a 17% increase from last year. Many shoppers report intentions of cashing in gift cards and personal shopping at the expected 45%-75% off sales. Some have reported postponing gift exchanges until after the expected huge sales of post-Christmas because they did not have the funds earlier.

Valerie, of Newton, Tex., contacted Consumer Affairs about a fairly serious tax problem. Her trucking business filed bankruptcy in 2001 and included two credit cards with Cross Country Bank in the filing. Since that time she was contacted by the IRS showing that credit card debt dismissed in 2010. According to IRS she did not pay taxes on the cancelled debt. (See Debt Forgiven but not forgotten by IRS.)

“I have received a letter from the IRS saying that I did not report a cancellation of debt on my last year income tax (2010) from a company I had no knowledge of,” Valerie said. “The company is ECAST Settlement Corp. This was a debt that was suppose to be taken care of in the bankruptcy.”

Valerie should not respond to the IRS until speaking with an accountant or tax attorney. If she is correct that the credit cards were covered in the bankruptcy, the collection agency that bought the debt might not be aware of that. She should get solid professional advice before proceeding.