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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.