Highlights for Saturday (8-31) Your Safe Money Show!

Do I have a radio show for you this week! Hospital bills can be VERY expensive but you can negotiate your bill and costs for the same procedure can vary widely from hospital to hospital. Tune in Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at BOBFM 106.1, HOPEFM 95.9, WQPM 1300AM, and at 8:30a.m.at KASM 1150AM. Hear the show podcast at http://yoursafemoneyshow.com/ Most recent shows are at the bottom of the podcast page. Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend!

More Pictures from Radio Summit 2013

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Get rid of services you don't need.

Do you actually need the services you've subscribed to? If not, then you should get rid of the services you don't need in your life. Getting rid of the unnecessary services can help you get out of debt in the long run. For example, do you read all the newspapers and magazines you have subscribed to? Do you watch all the channels offered by your cable operator? If not, then you can unsubscribe the channels you don't watch at any time. You can just go for the basic package and save money.

Impact Radio Summit 2013

Last week I was in New York City for a radio summit through Impact. I along with around 22 other radio hosts that do financial shows around the country had a chance to hear various speakers and bottom line I want to continue to learn ways to make Your Safe Money Show better. Here's a picture with Sean Hannity.

                                                                               

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Don't apply for unemployment benefits if you leave a job on your own.

Unemployment benefits are primarily available to the people who are without any job. People who have lost their job without any fault of their own are eligible for these benefits. If you have resigned from your job without any genuine reason, then you’ll not qualify for this benefit. However, if you have been forced to leave a job due to some unavoidable reason, then you may be eligible for these benefits. Moreover, you may also not qualify for the unemployed benefits if you have left your job due to illness.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

                                                                                        

You're already concerned about your credit score; one day you may also have to be concerned about your Facebook friends - because a few tech startups are using social data when determining whether to loan you money. One company checks out whether your Facebook friends list includes anyone who's ever been late paying back a Lenddo loan, and, if so, how often you interact with that person. 

Todd's Tip of the Day!

When you're a single parent, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

It is crucial to have adequate insurance when you're a single parent. Buy adequate amount of life insurance coverage to secure the financial future of your children. Calculate your income, assets, debts and age of your children before buying life insurance. It is best to purchase coverage amount at least 6-8 times your yearly income. You can buy term life insurance or cash value life insurance as per your financial condition. You can go for the latter if you wish to save for the education of your children. Time life insurance is good choice when you're interested in replenishing lost income.

5 Ways You Can Mess Up Your Retirement

Sometimes knowing what you should NOT do is as beneficial as knowing what you SHOULD do. Read here for great information on retirement.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/five-ways-you-can-really-mess-up-your-retirement-174342765.html

Check Out Highlights For This Saturday's Your Safe Money show!

How expensive is it to raise a child to age 18 these days? The number may surprise you. I'll talk about that on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. Plus there are ways you can mess up your retirement I'll share those with you so you don't make the same mistakes.And if you want a copy of Patrick Kelly's book Stress Free Retirement or one of his other books I'll give you a chance to get one of those free! Listen to the show at 7:30 a.m. at BOBFM 106.1, HOPEFM 95.9, WQPM 1300AM, and at 8:30a.m.at KASM 1150AM. Hear the show podcast athttp://yoursafemoneyshow.com/ Most recent shows are at the bottom of the podcast page.

Todd's Tip of the day!

Before taking out a credit card, ask yourself if you really need one.

You'll get plenty of credit card offers in your mails everyday. Some offers will be too tempting too resist. No matter how much tempting the credit card offers are, you'll have to make a conscious decision before taking out a card. Credit cards have some associated expenses. You'll have to pay the monthly bills and interests. An additional credit card actually means that you'll incur extra expenses. Ask yourself if you can meet those extra expenses. If your monthly budget doesn't allow you spend an extra dime, then it's best to avoid taking out a new credit card.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

A secured credit card helps you build credit without inviting debt troubles. If your credit is in bad shape, then take out a secured card.

A secured credit card helps you build credit gradually. You can use the card after depositing a certain amount against it. The money is used as the collateral against the card. The credit limit on the card will be determined as per your affordability.

You can use the card for various financial transactions. However, you have to make the monthly payments on the card. If you don't make the required payments, then the credit card company can retain the deposited amount. This induces you to make the monthly payments on time and if you can pay the bills regularly, then your credit score will improve gradually.

The Lighter Side of News Wednesday (hump day) August 21, 2013:

The all-electric Tesla Model S automobile broke a record for government safety tests. The highest a car can score is 5 but the Model S received an off-the-scale 5.4. 

In Vacone, Italy, the restaurant Solo Per Due caters to two people at a time. The owner wants couples to experience an exclusive dining experience. Dining there costs approximately $335 per person.

A new study claims one in four dogs is clinically depressed and show signs such as pacing, chasing their tail, howling and pooping. A group called Home Alone Dogs says the reason for all the downer dogs is that so many pooches are left at home during the day and miss their masters.

A survey found half of us experience desk rage while at work and it doesn't take much to set us off. The worst day of the week for desk rage: Monday, of course. What sets us off the most: computer crashes.

Jobs Are Hard to Find For One Demographic Group

There is one demographic group that's really getting hit hard in this current job market. You might surprised to see who that is ...read on:

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/job-market-faces-problem-hitting-one-unlucky-group-155045271.html

Todd's tip of the Day!

Accept your financial mistakes in front of your spouse. This would help you avoid painful break-ups and divorce.

It doesn't feel great to disclose your financial mistakes to your spouse, and that too at the early stage of your relationship. However, it is absolutely necessary to do so. If you refuse to discuss about your financial mistakes and weakness with your spouse, then you're just inviting troubles in your life.

Strike a casual conversation with your love interest. Ask his/her opinion about money and debt. You can understand his/her financial personality after having a few words with him/her. If you get a feeling that financial issues can have an effect on your relationship, then it is better broach the dreaded subject immediately. It is better to have a frank and free discussion right now.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Embrace the pain of living without luxury items before the pain of staying with debt becomes too much.

It is not easy to live without the luxury items, especially when you're completely habituated with them. However, you need to endure this pain when debt has become an inseparable part of your life. Debts can ruin your mental peace and life. Harassing collection calls can be totally a nerve-racking experience. If you want to get rid of them, it's best that you start living without making useless expenses. You can curb down your expenses only when you start leading a frugal life.

It may be painful to give up all the luxury items and start living on just the bare minimums. Nonetheless, it is much better than living with debts.

Social Security Site for Smartphones

We use our smartphones for everything these days and Social Security is keeping up with the times by offering information on your Smartphone, check it out.
http://www.patriotledger.com/blogs/goodage/x273436229/Social-Security-site-for-smart-phones

How to Tell If You Have A Lousy 401(k) Plan

I deal with many clients and their 401(k) plans especially when they leave a job or after they retire. I talked about some of the downsides of 401(k)'s in last week's show and here's the full story to read for yourself.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/tell-lousy-401-k-plan-152009584.html

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Don't ever drive under the influence of alcohol

If you are returning from a late night party and are completely drunk, then it is better to ask your friend to drive you home. There is a high chance of  an accident when someone drives under the influence of alcohol.

The insurance companies go through the driving records of the consumers from time to time. They are most likely to reject your insurance application after discovering that you have been convicted for drunk driving in the past. Your existing insurer may hike the premium rate instantly. They may also nullify your insurance policy.They can drop you and you end up in "high risk" insurance and that will cost you a lot more.

Highlights for this Saturdays (August 17) Your Safe Money Show!

How expensive is it to raise a child to age 18 these days? The number may surprise you. I'll talk about that on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. Plus there are ways you can mess up your retirement I'll share those with you so you don't make the same mistakes.And if you want a copy of Patrick Kelly's book Stress Free Retirement or one of his other books I'll give you a chance to get one of those free! Listen to the show at 7:30 a.m. at BOBFM 106.1, HOPEFM 95.9, WQPM 1300AM, and at 8:30a.m.at KASM 1150AM. Hear the show podcast at http://yoursafemoneyshow.com/ Most recent shows are at the bottom of the podcast page.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Apply the money principles you use for business to your personal finances: Track expenses to create a snapshot of your spending habits.Build a budget-if you have the will power. If not, practice conscious spending by actively choosing where your money goes. Cut costs ruthlessly on things that don't matter.Turn a profit. A company goes out of business if it doesn't turn a profit. The same goes for a household. Know your worth. Create a personal income statement/balance sheet. Sites like Investopedia, Consumerism Commentary, Mint and Yodlee can help.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Never co-sign for a loan if you can't afford to pay it off

Many a times, friends or relatives ask you to become a co-signer for their loans. Most of the times, you agree to their requests out of love and respect. But it is not always a good decision for your financial health. The reason is, as a co-signer, you are legally obligated for a loan. So, if the primary borrower fails to repay the loan, then the lender will come after you for the payment issues. In such a situation, you will be accountable to pay off the loan. Therefore, before becoming a co-signer for a loan, check whether or not you have sufficient funds to repay the debt.

Social Media's Newest Members Are Baby Boomers!

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/boomers-dive-into-social-media-2013-08-09

Todd's Tip of the Day!

 Getting out of debt is actually a matter of controlling your impulses, not a matter of mere calculations.

You can use debt calculators and find out how much a debt relief option can save you. You can also know about the time it will take to make your debt payments. You can do as many calculations as you want. However, you won't actually be able to get out of debt without controlling your impulses. You need to stop making impulse purchases. This means, you've stop yourself from buying anything that looks beautiful or appealing. This is because if you continue to shop till you drop, then you'll never be able to reduce your expenses and get rid of debt.

How Important Are Vacations?

                                                                         

Studies show that we are more productive when we regularly take vacations. But much as we are sleeping less, we're also taking less time off. In 2008, one-third of Americans said they intended to take no vacation at all. Another 33% planned a vacation of seven days or less. Health costs from too little vacation are surprising. One study found infrequent vacationers 50% more likely to die of a heart attack and 20% more likely to die from any cause. Emotional health is similarly influenced by length of vacation, and there's growing evidence that performance itself is correlated with vacation time.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

 Proper guidance about money management to the right people can bring positive changes to your overall financial health.

Teach financial lessons to the right people. If you can teach the right financial lessons to the responsible persons in your family, then you'll be able to manage the overall expenses in a better way. For instance: explain the importance of budgeting to your family members. Teach them some smart budgeting tips and tricks. Your family members will use these tips in real life. They will start spending money as per the family budget. They will take steps to reduce unnecessary expenses. These steps will help your family to lead a strong financial life in future.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Always make sure you know how much money is there in your bank

Calculate the total amount of money you have in your bank account. This will help you know about the available funds in your account. Once you have a clear idea about the total savings in your checking account, it becomes easier for you to manage your finances in a better way.

You should check your account statement from time to time. You can find out all the financial transactions that have taken place in your account from the statement. This will also let you know whether or not any illegal financial transactions have taken place in your account.

Highlights for this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show

Sometimes it's nice to reflect on what you've done since the first of the year and that's what were doing on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. We look back at money trends and concerns to date and see what the future might bring. Listen to the show at 7:30 a.m. at BOBFM 106.1, HOPEFM 95.9, WQPM 1300AM, and at 8:30a.m.at KASM 1150AM.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Opting for online documents can help you monitor your accounts regularly as well as save environment.

You can monitor your accounts online nowadays. You won't have to stand in the long queue for several hours to get your account statements. You can get the account statements in your personal email. You can check your account statements at night when most of the banks are closed. You won't have to take out your car to reach the nearest branch of the bank. This means that you can avoid exhausting fuel and polluting environment.

Online documents can help you save the environment in another way. The banks don't need to use thousands and thousands of pages for printing the account statements. Everything is done via emails.

Todd's Tip of the Day!

 Debt consolidation gives you the courage to pay back your creditors. But it won't be of any use unless you change your spending habits.

Debt consolidation gives you a psychological boost. It gives you the confidence that you can really pay off your debts through a new and revised repayment plan. However, debt consolidation won't be of any use if you stick to your old spending habits. You'll incur fresh debts. As such, you'll have to arrange more money to pay off your new debts. This will complicate the financial matters. You may not be able to complete the consolidation process and as a result it will take a longer period of time to get debt free.

There's More to Retirement Than Meets the Eye!

Retirement  is more than no longer going to work everyday. If you want true retirement bliss check out these 10 helpful ideas.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2013/08/02/10-ingredients-for-retirement-bliss?src=usn_fb

Smokers Can be Paid Less Than Non-Smokers...Why?

I talked about the "cost" of smoking on last weekend's Your Safe Money Show. We're always finding ways to help you with your finances, so this article explains really how expensive smoking can be. See what you think.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/07/22/burned-smokers-earn-175-less-than-non-smokers/

Todd's Tip of the Day!

Pride and jealousy destroy a person completely. Don't ever think that you'll be happy and satisfied by owning a bigger home or vehicle.

Don't buy a big house just because your neighbor lives in one. Remember, there is no end to jealousy. It won't allow you to live in peace. Moreover, a bigger house means larger expenses. You'll have to take out a bigger mortgage loan. You'll have to spend a greater amount on the taxes and insurance policies. This won't be at all good for all your personal financial health.

Be happy with what you have. Buy a house which you can afford to buy. Never ever try to attempt to buy a house just because your biggest enemy in this world has bought one.

Highlights for August 3 Your Safe Money Show

Ever wonder how much members of Congress receive in retirement benefits compared to you and me? That's one topic on the show plus do smokers make less money on the job than non-smokers? And we have a new segment called 'What if?"