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Take Five Steps to Save BEFORE You Shop for a New Vehicle
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 July 2006
Yes, you read that headline correctly. If you are thinking of buying a new or used vehicle and you want to save money, I recommend first taking five steps before you even think of heading to a dealership showroom or website to shop. When many of us feel that first itch for a new vehicle, we think first about dropping by a dealership to browse—look at a few models, lift a few hoods, check out a few prices. Not a great idea—dealerships love to see innocent browsers pull on to the lot. Or maybe, you just like to cruise the local dealership websites. That's a better idea, but still not one designed to save you money or to really help you find the right car for you and your family. Instead, when that itch strikes, stop and take these five steps. Your wallet will thank you.
Read more: Take Five Steps to Save BEFORE You Shop for a New Vehicle
Using Home Equity to Consolidate Credit
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 June 2006
Are you carrying balances on high interest rate credit cards? Have you been tempted by all those ads in print, on TV, and on the Internet that urge you to "consolidate your debt—lower your payments in one easy step"? Many of these ads tout home equity loans, second mortgages, or home equity lines of credit as the best or easiest way to consolidate your credit card debt. Could it be right for you? Maybe and maybe not. You need to do a little homework before deciding. My report this month takes a brief look at what you need to consider before using your home equity to consolidate credit card debt.
Read more: Using Home Equity to Consolidate Credit
Getting the Most for Your Travel Dollars
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 May 2006
Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, making travel arrangements that fit your comfort criteria and your budget is every traveler's goal. The many online services make achieving those goals easier than they've ever been, if you learn the ropes. As a dedicated traveler, I share some tips and insights I've learned in covering hundreds of thousands of miles.
Be clear about your travel requirements.
Before you even begin to shop for a vacation destination, airline tickets and a hotel, ask yourself what criteria are most important to you?
Read more: Getting the Most for Your Travel Dollars
Do You Have a Personal Savings Plan? Why saving is important and how to get started.
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 April 2006
How much Americans save—or don't save—has been in the news since the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that the U.S. personal savings rate in 2005 was a negative 0.5%. Debate has boomed about whether the savings picture is actually so bleak because the calculation doesn't take into account any capital gains from investments or increases in home equity that citizens may have. The calculation only looks at personal income and spending to determine the savings rate. But even if the savings picture is rosier, common sense says that as a nation of consumers we are probably not putting enough away for a rainy day or a dire emergency. And of course, there's the question of saving toward something important such as a down payment for a home or a fund for higher education or retirement.
Read more: Do You Have a Personal Savings Plan? Why saving is important and how to get started.
Going Wireless? Protect Your Personal Information
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 March 2006
The convenience of going wireless with your notebook computer is so tempting. Wireless computer connections free you up to work over the Internet all around the house or office or from the local coffeeshop. Many consumers are putting wireless networks in their homes. Wi-Fi hotspots are appearing in many public locations such as cafes, libraries, churches, and airports. You can go online anywhere, it seems. But unless you take the proper security precautions in using Wi-Fi hotspots and in setting up your own wireless network, you are putting your financial and personal information at risk. In this month's report we look at the dangers and the precautions you can take.
Read more: Going Wireless? Protect Your Personal Information
E-Statements and Managing Your Financial Accounts Online Can Offer Big Benefits
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 February 2006
CCU members are very savvy about online banking. Many CCU members take advantage of CCU's Home Banking to manage many aspects of their credit union accounts online. That's terrific.
If you regularly read Remar's Reports, you know that I'm a big fan of managing your personal financial business online. Having online access to all your financial accounts (beyond your checking account) can offer increased convenience, efficiency, and, above all, security. Using e-statements, instead of paper statements, can also offer benefits. Of course, as the "end-use" consumer, you must follow good security practices, just like CCU and other reputable financial institutions do. This review profiles some of the potential benefits of managing most of your financial business online, including using e-statements, and provides tips for doing it safely.
Read more: E-Statements and Managing Your Financial Accounts Online Can Offer Big Benefits
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Web Links
Did you recently get a new computer or other electronics and you don't know what to do with the old stuff. Then check out these sites:
Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronic Products? — This page from the Environmental Protection Agency can help you find a local program, manufacturer and retailer programs, and government-supported donation and recycling programs.
Electronics Reuse and Recycling Center from GreenerChoices.org — This site from Consumer Reports provides various information about what you can do with your old electronics including donating and recycling.
Federal Reserve Consumer Help
This site is loaded with information from the Federal Reserve Board. Learn more about checking accounts, credit reports, deposit insurance, electronic banking and more. Other sections include file a complaint, find an answer, and other resources.
Tax Tips for 2009
Beginning January 5th, the IRS will issue more than 70 tax tips through the April filing deadline. These easy-to-understand tips cover a wide range of topics.
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