Inside Consumer United :: Jim Elliott

An advocate since June 2010, Jim Elliott has contributed to Consumer United with his work ethic and focus. The embodiment of the "work hard, play hard" adage, Elliott is direct and effective in his approach to helping consumers save money. "I find a way to solve my customers' insurance needs right away," he says.

Elliott believes it's key that a consumer understand the policy and process, and always takes the time to answer any questions. However, he also knows that people want this process to be efficient, which is why he views his roll as a problem solver.

Elliott adds, "If they need insurance right away I can put them at ease by providing proof of insurance in less than five minutes. If they are paying too much I can easily find the right insurance policy for them and apply additional discounts that they may not be aware they are eligible for."

Outside of Consumer United, Elliott enjoys the "play hard" side of life, frequently taking his competitiveness to the golf course.

This is not to say that he doesn't slow things down. As an East Coaster he enjoys fishing throughout New England and can be found off the coast of RI and MA in the summer or up in Northern Maine ice fishing in the winter months. Keeping with the belief that hard work and fun can go hand in hand, Elliott also enjoys brewing his own beer.

Hailing from Southbury, CT, Elliott attended the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. He studied Finance and Leadership Theory learning not just the significance of value, but the importance of responsibility in business; lessons that have helped him greatly in his roll as a Consumer Advocate.

An avid sports fan, Elliott straddles the New England versus New York line, donning a Red Sox hat during the baseball season and Giants Sweatshirts during the football months. In Consumer United's Boston office this is a precarious line to walk, but Elliott doesn't hesitate to defend his sports views. Ultimately, Elliott is a true team player and an energetic and assertive supporter of the company and his colleagues.

Alliance urges efficiency to combat gas-price hike

With the recent spike in gasoline and oil prices threatening the nation's fragile economic recovery, the Alliance to Save Energy urges consumers to make a solid commitment to energy efficiency as a way to counter rising oil and gas prices.

"Uncertain supplies plus ever-increasing worldwide demand can equal unpredictable price spikes," says Alliance President Kateri Callahan, "but energy efficiency can help us change that equation."

Callahan continues, "The 33-cent surge in gas prices over the past two weeks--reflecting today's $100+ a barrel oil prices – puts into sharp focus the urgent need to put energy efficiency at the top of the list of our nation's fuel sources in order to reduce our dangerous and costly oil dependence."

In addition, the Alliance advises consumers at their Drive Smarter Challenge website to be more fuel efficient by taking steps to minimize gas consumption, such as carpooling, emptying their trunks and ensuring their tires are properly inflated.

"We must continue to improve fuel economy standards and encourage the use of all-electric and hybrid vehicles as well as options such as telecommuting and public transportation," Callahan continues. "Public transit saves the United States more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day, or 4 billion gallons annually," she adds.

Weekly Deals: Save 80% on dining out

Deal Of The Week:
Restaurant.com: Take 80% off $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com with Consumer United's special code SAVE through Monday, March 14 here.

Other Weekly Deals:
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Groupon: Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat and buy in a slew of cities across the United States. Click here to score today's Groupon.

Angie's List: As a Consumer United member, you qualify to save on Angie's List membership rates. Use promo code "LOCAL" for 15 percent off here.

How to snag a new $400 tax credit

Did you know that you can pocket some extra cold, hard cash this tax season thanks to the Making Work Pay tax credit? In 2010, a single taxpayer is eligible for up to $400 while married couples qualify for a maximum of $800.

In most situations, the credit is built into the withholding tables resulting in less tax taken out of your pay. To account for Making Work Pay credit this tax season, the IRS is asking individuals to file the Schedule M form with the 1040 and 1040A tax claims. For those who use the simplest return, 1040EZ, there's a work sheet on the back to compensate for the credit.

If you're not eligible for Making Work Pay credit, expect a change with the return amount from 2010. In fact, some taxpayers who normally get a small refund may owe this year because they didn't qualify for the credit.

Here's a list of those who should pay special attention to their withholding, according to IRS.gov:

• Pensioners
• Married couples with two incomes
• Individuals with multiple jobs
• Dependents
• Some Social Security recipients who work
• Workers without valid Social Security numbers
  

Not sure if you qualify for the $400 credit? Schedule M will help taxpayers sort out those issues. Also, filing through an online service like TurboTax will help clarify the Make Work Pay tax credit and save you from many errors that might not have been caught on paper.

As previously reported, the IRS unveiled a new iPhone application called IRS2Go that lets anxious consumers check on the status of their tax refund and enter their e-mail address to receive daily advice directly from the IRS.

Coupon guru explains the art of free shopping

When budgeting for the monthly basics, the idea that you could get some of the essentials for free sounds too good to be true. This isn’t just a possibility, insists coupon guru Kathy Spencer of Boxford, MA, but a lifestyle she’s maintained for years.

“I started at CVS six years ago with $8 out of pocket and since then I haven’t spent any real dollar bills in the store,’’ Spencer tells the Boston Globe. Through planning, attentiveness and, at times in the checkout line, a strong backbone she has saved her family thousands of dollars.

Spencer keeps an eye on circulars for supermarkets and pharmacies. Frequently coupons can be applied the same time as sales, making many everyday products free or earning the shopper rebates or credit. In these instances you can stock up on an item, cross it off the list and move on to other necessities.

An extension of this Spencer employs is called a “roll,” in which store credit is combined with in-store rewards. Credit used on items will often still earn dollar rewards, and if broken up over multiple purchases on low cost items, this can allow you to walk in with $10 in credit and walk out with $20 worth of household goods.

Ultimately “free,” requires the vigilance of keeping tabs on different stores and their discounts, the organization of knowing what household staples you’ll need over extended periods of time, and the restraint to know the difference between stocking up and hoarding an attic full of toilet paper.

Not everyone has the time or interest in this type of Rubix-cube style of shopping, however Spencer’s successes are based on basic ideas that will help you save regardless of your interest in following her step for step.

Click here for the complete article.

Inside Consumer United :: Omar Kazmi

Omar Kazmi joined the Consumer United family in September 2010. Kazmi hit the ground running by understanding the consumer and fostering communication as the first steps to helping them. As he puts it, "no two conversations are exactly alike, you need to suit the needs of each client."

Kazmi has talked to shoppers from rural farming communities and dense, bustling cities and helped them by acknowledging their insurance needs and preferences vary just as much as where they're from. With both New York and New Jersey auto teams, he has appreciated clients’ viewpoints and touted the importance of communication.

As a Consumer Advocate, Kazmi has worked hard not just to provide the best prices, but also to understand the best fit for consumers, whether it’s their preference for a local business with exceptional customer service or a national carrier with convenient features not offered elsewhere.

Raised off the coast of Southern India in Sri Lanka, Kazmi moved to the U.S. at the age of eight, landing first in Southern New Jersey and later in Framingham, MA. He attended Bentley University just outside of Boston, pursuing Business Management and International Studies. Active beyond the classroom, Kazmi volunteered at nearby soup kitchens and tutored local students, but also boxed on weekends and played water polo for the university.

Kazmi remains passionate about athletics and fitness but is also an avid reader. While he's ready with insight on a recent boxing match or MMA fight, Kazmi is just as bright, if a bit more modest, in discussing modern history. Kazmi's thoughtful approach as a Consumer Advocate continues to help the company's goal, and his range of interests and knowledge have made him a favorite in and out of the office.

Weekly Deals: Bundle Your iPod Package

Deal Of The Week:
Best Buy: Members can save big when they bundle accessories with their MP3 player purchases. Get $23-$47 off select iPod player packages here until Saturday, March 5.

Other Weekly Deals:
Hotels.com: Looking forward to Fat Tuesday? Save up to 30 percent on Mardi Gras hotels until Tuesday, March 8 here.

Turbo Tax: Make tough times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free Edition. Click here to start saving.

Restaurant.com: Take 70% off $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com with Consumer United's special code FORK through Tuesday, March 8 here.