TRAVEL
- Here are some tips for getting the best deal on on-line travel
sites. First go to the sites with firm prices like
www.bestfares.com,
www.travelocity.com, and
www.expedia.com to help you set your bidding limit. Be
prepared: after you win the auction is when you make your
reservation so your travel dates must be flexible. If you can't
travel when the dates are available, it won't matter that your
price was best. Travel auction sites are:
www.luxurylink.com and
www.skyauction.com.
MEDICATIONS
- One way to save on your prescriptions is by using generics. Look
for AB-rated generics. You'll have to ask the pharmacist, as they
are not publicized. The rating means the drug dissolves and gets
into the body at the same rate as the brand-name drug. The best
part is they cost at least 50% less than the brand-name.
BETTER
INTEREST RATES
- You'll get better rates on mortgages, auto loans and credit
cards by monitoring your credit report. Check at least once a year
(preferably every six months). The cost is $9 per report per
agency. It's more if you want your credit score. The agencies may be contacted below:
Or get a consolidated report including your scores from all three
agencies for $34.95 at
www.myvesta.org.
How to analyze your
report:
First, look for active accounts you don't recognize, such as
credit cards or store charge accounts where you don't shop.
Second, look for inaccuracies, such as on time payments listed as
late or settled debts listed as unpaid. These will stay on your
record for seven years if not corrected.
How to correct mistakes:
Request a dispute form. Your concern must be investigated and the
agency finding back to you within 30 days. If they can't confirm
the information, the discrepancy must be removed from your record.
Anyone requesting your credit report in the last six months must
be notified of the correction.
Close old or unused accounts because they can also affect your
credit rating.
FREE TOOLS TO
DOWNLOAD
- We're pleased to offer our online visitors useful tools provided
by Microsoft to assist you in your financial planning. Select from
the following:
401K Planner:
Download size: 30 KB (<1 min @ 56 Kbps) Version:
Requires Excel 2000 or later After
downloading above item:
Click Here to Download Free Excel Viewer
to view the 401K Planner
College Costs Calculator:
Download size: 28 KB (<1 min @ 56 Kbps) Version:
Requires Excel 2000 or later After
downloading above item:
Click Here to Download Free Excel Viewer
to view the College Costs Calculator
Personal Financial Statement:
Download size: 24 KB (<1 min @ 56 Kbps) Version:
Requires Excel 97 or later After
downloading above item:
Click Here to Download Free Excel Viewer
to view the Personal Financial Statement
Net Worth Calculator:
Download size: 18 KB (<1 min @ 56 Kbps) Version: Requires
Excel 97 or later After
downloading above item:
Click Here to Download Free Excel Viewer
to view the Net Worth Calculator
Stock Investment Performance:
Download size: 30 KB (<1 min @ 56 Kbps) Version: Requires
Excel 97 or later After
downloading above item:
Click Here to Download Free Excel Viewer
to view the Stock Investment Performance
TRAVEL
- Here are some tips for getting the best deal on on-line travel
sites. First go to the sites with firm prices like
