It’s already March 2012 which means you still have some time
to save yourself and household money. As
the tough economy continues I thought I’d share some of my findings.
1.)Lose the TV Package- take a note of which
channels you watch of a two week basis and then do some research to find which
package works best for your household
2.)Discount grocery shopping! You’ve seen the show Extreme Couponing- and
although I know it’s a bit to an extreme I am saying everything is great in
reasonable portions. Take the time to
flip through the coupon section or check out some of the manufacturers websites
that you frequently purchase at the stores.
Here are some great links
Daniel Marzinotto, Consumer United’s glowing VP of Sales
Training is celebrating his 4th year anniversary today! Four years ago Dan, also known as Marz, was
on the phones selling policies. From
there he had moved up to Sales Manager but decided to share his insurance and
sales knowledge to all of our new trainees that come in through CU’s doors. Why not have the best, train the best? Consumer United is growing tremendously with
an excellent team of 100 individuals here in Boston and our team in Denver,
CO. If you’d like to join the fun, knowledgeable
and growing CU team please send your resume to careers@consumerunited.com and you
may even get the chance to work with the
sales guru, Daniel Marzinotto,
himself!
It’s absolutely crazy when you think of the things that we
can do on cell phones now days. I
personally can’t go anywhere without my cell phone or I feel naked. It was this morning on the train that I took
a look up from my iPhone and realized everyone around me were ALL on their
phones too! Just to think we used to
have those huge cell phones back in the stone ages, then the flip phones, then
color and pictures and now? There are
endless limits of the things you can do and crazy amounts of apps that make
everything, well, EASIER!
A California legislator’s bill to allow auto insurance
policyholders to provide proof of coverage via a Smartphone is the new “in”,
going paperless and green! States such
as Idaho, Arizona, Maryland and Mississippi are to follow.
“Most people today, their whole life is on their cell phone
and their laptop,” Assemblyman Mike Gatto said.
“They have a paperless life… they just feel this is a total hassle to
keep this paper in their car. This would
just make it a lot easier for folks.” Agreed!
Stay tuned! Since the
bill is currently in Assembly, it won’t be heard in committee until March 17th! Stay tuned for an update.
It’s hard to shop for something when you DON’T KNOW what it
means! It’s like going to an Italian
restaurant, taking a look at the menu and having no idea what you are about to
order. I put together a list of the most
common auto insurance terms that will you help you out.
Comprehensive Coverage- This is not the same as COMPLETE
coverage. It only means that your auto
is covered in situations such as damage, theft or vandalism. NOT Collisions and of course a deductible
amount will apply.
Bodily Injury liability- The part of your auto insurance
policy that pays for injuries that you may cause another driver or pedestrian
i.e. medical expenses and loss of wages
Deductible amount- The amount you pay before the insurance
agency pays the rest. Average deductible rates range from $100-$1,000 however the higher your deductible, the lower your
insurance premium is.
Liability insurance- Covers the injuries you may cause to
other vehicles or drivers when you are at fault for the accident. Most states require liability coverage.
Property Damage- Pays for damages you may cause to another
car or property.
Uninsured motorist- Covers injuries to you caused by a
driver without insurance i.e. your medical expenses. Some states will include damages to your car
as well.
Collision coverage- Pays for repairs to your vehicle after a
collision with another vehicle or object.
Deductible amounts will apply.
Now study up and check out a free auto insurance quote!
Before starting at Consumer United I would have had NO idea
what different factors or tid bits of information I should know when renewing
my auto insurance. Everyone’s insurance
premium rate is different and is based on a variety of factors such as; what car
you drive; where you live; how old you are; driving record and so forth. Brought to you directly from the Insurance
Information Institute are some tips that you should know on renewing and
getting the best price possible for you insurance!
1.)Shop around!
Just like buying a car or house, take a look around the market
place. See what type of prices various
insurance companies are offering and do a detailed comparison.
a.Check out your QUOTE HERE!
2.)Before buying a car, contact some insurance
companies and price out the auto insurance, repair costs, safety record and
retail price of the car.
3.)INCREASE your deductible! I know it sounds silly but if you request a
higher deductible (amount you pay before you insurance policy kicks in) you can
actually lower the costs.
4.)Older Car? If the market value of your car is
less than 10 times your auto insurance premium that you are paying it may not
make sense to purchase the optional comprehensive or collision coverage.
5.)Discounts Discounts Discounts! Ask about various discounts that you may be
eligible for such as
Anti-theft devices
Multiple Policies with the same company
College students living out of the house
Defensive driving courses
Drivers Ed courses
Good credit record
Higher deductibles
Low annual mileage
Long-time customer and loyalty
Multiple cars
No accidents
No moving violations
Student drivers with good grades- Honor roll
students!
For the past 5 years Consumer United has been providing
consumers with our industry knowledge and expertise! We want to make sure that you have all the
right tools to purchase and renew your insurance while saving more money in
2012. Nowadays people are buying
everything online like groceries, pets, cars, vacations, spouses, clothes etc.
so why not insurance and at the best rate possible? This is where “Consumer-Centric” carriers
like us come into play.
Servicing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, New
Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Texas we team up with insurance companies
such as Progressive and our girl, Flow, The Harford, 21st Century, Safeco,
Infinity, Bunker Hill, Plymouth Rock, Travelers and Metlife to find out what
the best priced insurance is for you!
Take a minute to fill out this form for a FREE QUOTE; you could be
spending more money than you have to!
Now that the April 18th tax filing deadline has come and gone, many Americans are faced with the fact that they will have to file late this year.
Although the thought of filing late likely causes feelings of anxiety, it's certainly not something to fear. However, you must understand that there are penalties associated with filing your taxes after the deadline and the longer you wait, the more penalties you may be required to pay.
If you owe money this year and didn't ask for an extension by midnight on April 18th, you may be required to pay interest on the unpaid amount that you owe, plus face additional penalties for failing to file on time.
According to the IRS's website, the penalty for not filing your taxes on time is 5% for each month you are late, up to a maximum of 25%. Once your tax return filing is more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty will be either $135 or the amount that you owe including penalties, whichever is less.
The sooner you file your tax return, the less you will be penalized, even if you can't pay all or some of the taxes you owe. If you haven't filed yet, try to get it done as soon as possible and avoid having to pay more than you should.
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.
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.
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: Turbo Tax: Make tough times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free Edition. Click here to start saving.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 8here.
Listen up smart phone users. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled a new iPhone application called IRS2Go that lets anxious consumers check on the status of their tax refund. Also, taxpayers can enter their e-mail address to receive daily advice directly from the IRS.
"This new smart phone app reflects our commitment to modernizing the agency and engaging taxpayers where they want when they want it," says IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "As technology evolves and younger taxpayers get their information in new ways, we will keep innovating to make it easy for all taxpayers to access helpful information."
Apple users can download the free IRS2Go application at the Apple App Store; Android users can go to the Android Marketplace.
"This phone app is a first step for us," Shulman adds. "We will look for additional ways to expand and refine our use of smart phones and other new technologies to help meet the needs of taxpayers."
The mobile app, among a handful in the federal government, offers a number of safe and secure ways to help taxpayers. Features include real-time updates on their refund status, which will work within about 72 hours after filing electronically, compared to four weeks using snail mail. Also, the IRS will send out daily tax tips through the app and offer additional news via their Twitter feed at @IRSnews.
Deal Of The Week: Turbo Tax: Make tough times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free Edition. Click here to start saving.
Other Weekly Deals: Restaurant.com: Take 80% off $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com with Consumer United's special code DINE through Monday, Feb. 28here.
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.
Since joining the group in August of 2010, Wesley Jordan has contributed to Consumer United’s ongoing growth and helped hundreds of people save money on insurance products. Jordan approaches his position as a Consumer Advocate with a philosophy that has served both the company and consumers well. "The more you know, the more tools you have to help someone," Jordan replies when asked how he’s been successful in saving clients money.
In addition to his depth of insurance knowledge, Jordan’s warm sense of humor and helpful nature have made him a fun and valued addition to the New Jersey Auto team.
Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Jordan attended Colby-Sawyer College where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Sports Management. While waiting patiently for a front-office job with the Celtics, he enjoys sports both as an avid fan and participant. If he’s not following New England teams, he's taking advantage of New England weather and can be found playing snow football in the winter and on the basketball court in the summer. Jordan also volunteers with a youth soccer league in nearby Hudson, NH where his belief in the benefits of sharing what you know clearly extends beyond the office.
As a recent college graduate with school loans who entered a weak economy, Jordan is driven for the need to save, both in putting money aside and using it wisely. He notes the importance of being disciplined, but also self aware and reasonable. “I put a percentage of my check away each pay period in a separate savings account that I made not so accessible,” he says, adding with a confessing grin.
After accounting for bills and some permanent savings, Jordan allows for the occasional indulgence. This time of year? “A Celtics game.”
Deal Of The Week: Groupon: Save 50% on flowers, gifts and more at FTD. $20 for $40 worth of flowers perfect for Valentine's Day. Deal ends Friday, Feb. 11 at 11:59 p.m. here.
Other Weekly Deals: Restaurant.com: Take 80% off $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com with Consumer United's special code LOVE through Monday, Feb. 14 here.
Hotels.com: Love is in the air at Hotels.com. Consumer United members can save up to 30 percent until Monday, Feb. 14 here.
CheapOair: Book your flights on CheapOair and get $10 off by using Consumer United's coupon code VALENTINE10 here until Monday, Feb. 14.
With all of the fees and low interest rates on savings accounts, banking can be surprising expensive. Consumer United has compiled a list of tips to help you avoid hidden fees and needless hassles.
Stay informed. A lot of banks stagger the order in which checks are deposited and accounts are debited in order to charge as many overdraft fees as possible. Keep a "cushion" in your checking account to ensure that any crafty banking practices won't dent your wallet.
Consider alternatives to a traditional checking account at a large, national bank. Credit unions sometimes have more flexibilities when it comes to overdrafting, and prepaid debit cards can also be a good option for customers who frequently send their accounts into the red through point of sale transactions.
Find a bank that works and stick with them. Banks may be more likely to accommodate the requests of long-term customers who have both checking and savings accounts. It's expensive for service providers to acquire new customers and maintaining a history with your bank will make them want to lose their established customers even less.
Get back to basics. With multiple accounts and a wallet full of debit and credit cards, it can be difficult to keep track of numerous balances. The more cards and accounts you have, the easier it is for you to overdraft. It's old-fashioned, but allotting a designated amount of cash for spending each week is a fool-proof solution.
Are your tax returns out of shape? Don't fret. In anticipation of the 2010 tax season deadline extended to Monday, April 18, we've assembled a few tips to battle that post-recession bulge. No weights or cardio work necessary. We promise.
So, what should you remember from the past year that will have an impact when you file taxes?
Tuition Did you pay tuition? Back in February 2009, the American Opportunity Credit for 2009 and 2010 (was the HOPE credit enhanced by February's stimulus bill). What's cool about the 2009 version? It has a higher phaseout for income, and a higher maximum credit. Income for singles is now at $80,000 to $90,000 and joint filers $160,000 to $180,000. The maximum credit is now $2500 with 40% refundability.
Home improvements Home improvements made in 2009 will help this year's taxes. The energy-efficient home improvement tax credit was revitalized as well thanks to the February stimulus plan. In 2009, a 30% credit was offered for up to $1500 spent. This credit can be used on most energy-efficient appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and also insulation, windows, roofs and fans. If your purchase qualifies for the credit, it should come with a "qualifying" sticker from the manufacturer.
New car Bought a new car? Purchases made between February 17th to December 31, 2009 are offered a deduction, allowed for up to $49,500 of the new car's price. For this type of benefit, the income limit is extremely high. For singles, the limit is $125,000, and joint filers up to $250,000.
Property taxes Don't forget this deduction when you are looking over real property taxes. A new deduction ($500 for singles, and $1000 for married couples) was added last year for non-itemizers. If you don't itemize...don't forget this deduction. Also, Consumer United has teamed up with TurboTax® to make times a little easier. File your simple return for FREE with TurboTax® Federal Free Edition. Click here to start saving.
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