Thinking of Donating Your Used Vehicle to Charity?

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December 2006

Dozens of radio and TV ads from many different charities are currently flooding the airwaves suggesting that you donate your used car or boat. Are you considering it? If so, then you need to know how the 2005 changes in IRS rules might affect the tax deductibility of your gift. You also need to know how to check out the charity you're considering. This month's review will help you do these things wisely. Planning to donate to a charity but not necessarily a vehicle? You'll want to read this review too. I'm going to start with the most important thing—how to check out the charity so that you know your dollars will go where you want them to. Then, I'll share the technical details about vehicle donation.

Read more: Thinking of Donating Your Used Vehicle to Charity?

Opting Out for Peace and Security

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November 2006

Are you tired of finding your mailbox loaded with unsolicited credit card, mortgage, and home equity loan offers? Are you tired of your phone ringing with offers from telemarketers? Are you tired of junk mail? Would you also like to do something to take your name out of circulation for various solicitations? Then read on. This month's report provides more information about some of the topics about privacy and personal security I touched on during my recent visit to Corning CU.

Did you know that in about an hour, you can reduce the amount of junk mail and unsolicited offers in all forms that you receive? That's about the amount of time it will take you to opt-out.

Read more: Opting Out for Peace and Security

Bankruptcy — An Updated Fact Sheet

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October 2006

Consumer debt, not including mortgages, in the U.S. has climbed to over $2 trillion and continues rising. Part of this surge represents growing credit card debt. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's campaign to keep inflation in check has forced interest rates higher. Rising interest rates in turn make credit card debt more expensive to pay off. To add pressure, the housing boom also appears to be cooling and in some areas growth in housing values has not just slowed, but declined. Higher interest rates and lower housing values make home equity loans harder to get and less attractive. In real life, all these economic "trends" mean that many consumers are getting deeper in debt and may be finding it harder to make ends meet. Some of these consumers may be considering bankruptcy.

Read more: Bankruptcy — An Updated Fact Sheet

Do You Know Where Your Financial and Important Papers Are?

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September 2006

Do you know where your financial and important documents are? If you had to leave your home quickly, could you easily find them? If something happened to you, could someone else find all of your important papers? If you answered yes to all of these questions, congratulations, you are well organized. For the rest of us, this review profiles how to put your important records in order.

Which documents are important?

Documents that prove identity, ownership, insurance coverage, and other various legal documents are important and should be kept in a protected but accessible location. These documents include, but aren't limited to, the following:

Read more: Do You Know Where Your Financial and Important Papers Are?

Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information

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August 2006

The Internet is a rich treasure trove of information and entertainment. Unfortunately, it's equally rich in traps for the unwary. Threats to your privacy (and your personal information) are just waiting for you online. You may have noticed recent news reports of various phishing scams and security breaches at various organizations. Are you doing all you can to protect your privacy and personal information online? In this report, we look at some tips and tools to help you enhance your online privacy and security.

Read more: Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information