February 2008

Increasingly, cell phones have become a necessity for modern life. But most cell phone users aren’t happy about their service. In the latest Annual Survey of Cell Phone Service, Consumer Reports found that more than half of cell phone users were not satisfied with their service. Typical consumer complaints include poor coverage, dropped calls, early termination fees, mandatory contract extensions, locked phones, and unexpected fees. When cell phones offer many functions beyond phone calls—from text messaging to surfing the Internet to downloading videos—finding the right plan to meet your needs without breaking your budget can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you meet that challenge.

January 2008

Pre-approved credit card offers continue arriving daily in the mail in spite of the recent credit crunch. Many present temptingly low introductory or balance transfer rates. Others dangle “rewards” or “cash back” programs. Their goal: to entice you to apply for their card. If you need a credit card, what factors should you look at to make the best decision for you and your wallet?

This report helps you get past the sales hype so you can truly compare what is the best offer for you. Many members find that CCU will ultimately provide the best value for their situation — competitive rates, fewer or lower fees, and caring member service.

December 2007

An earlier Remar's Report looked at ways to finance higher education and focused on student loans. According to FinAid.org, the average student loan debt for a new graduate is almost $20,000. Whether you're just starting to repay your loans, you've been paying off your student loans for a while, or you're a parent paying off student loans, my report this month looks at the options you have for managing repayment of your loans.

Your repayment options can vary depending upon the types of the loans you have—Federal or Private—the amount you owe, and your financial situation. Consolidation of your loans isn't your only option.

November 2007

Energy costs have been rising for your home. None of us like to open our utility bills each month. There are various ways to reduce your utility bills including many that have little or no cost. Lowering your utility bills may also make a positive impact on the environment. My review this month offers tips that can help you save money and go greener at home.

No Cost/Low Cost Tips

There are many ways in which you can begin to save money without spending a lot of money.

• Raise your thermostat in the summer, lower your thermostat in the winter. For each degree you raise or lower your thermostat, you can save anywhere from 1% to 5% on your cooling or heating bill depending on where you live. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically raise or lower the temperature at night and when you are away from home.
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees. Insulate exposed hot water pipes. Older hot-water storage tanks may benefit from an insulation blanket designed for hot water heaters. 

October 2007

With the phenomenal success of sites such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com, the numbers and variety of social networking websites are exploding on the Internet. Some, such as MySpace and Facebook, attract millions of varied users and others may be targeted at fewer individuals with very specific interests. All share the objective of allowing “members” to communicate, or “network,” with other members, and all require that users share some information about themselves. Social networking sites can be a great place to meet other people with your interests. They can be a fun place to meet and interact with friends. The many positives of these sites, however, come with some real dangers—if you don’t use them wisely. This report provides tips for safely using social networking sites.

What are Social Networking Sites?

Social networking sites are online communities where people from all over the world can meet and share common interests. There are hundreds of these sites, some more well known or larger than others. Joining a site is usually free; and after you join, you typically set up a personalized profile or provide other information (such as a personal blog) that other members can see. Members then communicate using tools provided by the site — instant messaging, chat rooms, blogs, and email. On many sites members can post pictures and videos. Some sites allow other members to post comments on your profile or blog.