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  • 2020 Homeowner Relief Stimulus: Do you Qualify?

    2020 Homeowner Relief Stimulus: Do you Qualify?

    If you own a home, chances are high that you’ve been giving some serious consideration to refinancing or seeking some relief from your mortgage payment.

     

    For homeowners who are having trouble making mortgage payments, forbearance rules are still in effect as part of the CARES Act. Regulators haven’t determined when loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will wind down forbearance. Homeowners with loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration are being asked to contact their servicer and request forbearance before Dec. 31.

    Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) tweeted the announcement of the second bill, saying it comes at an important time for Americans during the holiday season.

    “As the American people continue battling the coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be on their own,” he tweeted. “Congress has just reached an agreement. We will pass another rescue package ASAP. More help is on the way.”

    If you search for government or Congress mortgage relief, you’ll find results about programs like HARP and FMERR. But the information you see might be misleading. HARP and FMERR, the two major relief programs, are now expired. Even the CARES Act, which offered temporary relief from mortgage payments during COVID, won’t lower your loan costs in the long term. There’s just one large-scale relief program for 2020 that helps homeowners the way HARP and FMERR did.
    The Fannie Mae high LTV refinance option (HIRO) is still actively helping homeowners refinance with little or no equity in their homes.

    If you are in decent shape with your Mortgage and are able to make payments, you may want to consider refinancing your loan.

    Why Refinance?
     
    Everyone knows that mortgage rates have fallen to record breaking lows, but did you know about the “adverse market refinance fee” that took effect on Sept. 1 2020? This fee will apply to most loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As an example, if you’re looking to refinance a $350k mortgage, the fee would cost you an additional $1,750.

    Other reasons to refinance:
    1. Build your equity
    2. Improve your loan terms
    3. Get a better interest rate

     
    If you are looking to refinance, make sure you check into the following items:

    1. Mortgage rates are currently below 3%, which means that almost 18 million home owners can save money by refinancing.
    2. Closing costs, which typically account for about 2%-3% of your loan amount should be taken into account.
    3. Do you plan on moving? If you’re looking to sell your home in a few years, you may not save enough money with a refinance to make up for what you’ll spend in closing costs.
    4. Make sure your credit score is in good shape. You most likely will not be able to score that low interest rate unless your credit score is above 700+.

    The bottom line is to make sure you consider all of variables which may impact your unique situation. Here are tips when choosing the best mortgage loan refinancing company

    1. Read lender reviews. Happy customers might write great reviews about a company, but folks who have a bad experience will DEFINITELY write a bad review.
    2. Shop around online. Make sure to compare reputation, rates, and options before deciding.
    3. Shop your rate. Once you have a rate from a company, don’t be afraid to shop it with the competition. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
    4. Know your credit score. A lender will use your credit score one of the main factors in deciding your interest rate. Make sure you’re aware of your credit score and history.

     


  • Amazon Alexa to Have Full Spanish-Language Integration

    Amazon Alexa to Have Full Spanish-Language Integration

    Spanish-speaking Amazon Echo users have reason to be excited: Amazon has announced that their Alexa voice assistant will support Spanish-language commands. This news coincides with reports that app developers who have Alexa-enabled features on their apps can request developer kits to develop Spanish-language skills.

    Amazon to Speak Spanish Soon

    Amazon’s Statement

    This news comes courtesy of Amazon themselves. The company made the news public in a blog post relating to the future of Alexa and Alexa-enabled devices.

    “Along with the Echo family of devices, later this year Bose, Facebook, and Sony will bring Alexa Built-in devices and Philips, TP Link, and Honeywell Home will bring Works with Alexa devices that support Spanish in the US,” Stated Amazon in their post.

    Why Spanish?

    Spanish is one of the most-spoken languages on Earth, and the number of markets Amazon is opening itself up to is enormous with this move. More than just making it possible to sell Echo devices in Spanish-speaking countries, this also means that native Spanish-speakers in places like the US can feel more comfortable using the device.

    This could also prove a useful learning tool for people who want to learn Spanish. What better way to learn a language than to speak it daily?

    Smart Homes and Accessibility

    Amazon’s goal, of course, is to get Alexa into as many homes as possible. The smart-home speakers Echo and Show are two of Amazon’s best-selling products, so it makes sense the company would want them to be as accessible as possible.

    If you’re wondering what all the fuss over Alexa is about, consider trying an Amazon Echo Dot, the introductory level smart-home speaker. It starts you off with an Alexa-enabled device and shows the power and convenience of smart speakers. The Echo Dot is available from Amazon for $50 for the third-generation speaker.


  • Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    For centuries, genealogists have relied on oral and written records to trace their family trees. But around the year 2000, the age of genealogical DNA testing was launched. This provided genealogists and family historians with an opportunity to use well-established scientific methods to prove relationships and ancestry.

    Ready to take an ancestry DNA test to better understand your family’s past, but aren’t sure which one to choose? You’re not alone. Several excellent DNA tests for genealogy are now available for a reasonable cost, but picking the right one for you can be very confusing. Which DNA test is best?

    23 and Me

    Called 23andMe as a nod to each person’s unique set of 23 chromosomes, 23andMe is the only kit in this lineup to offer health screenings aside from autosomal testing.  Fill the tube with your spit, send it back for testing, and get your results in 6-8 weeks. Results are kept indefinitely, so you can log on at any time to see or update your family tree.

    23andMe’s health tests can give valuable information about genetic illnesses, health risks, carrier status on health conditions, or traits that may run in your family — providing you with an important heads up about any checkups you may want to schedule.

    23andMe is possibly the easiest to find, sold at retailers like Target as well as Amazon and 23andMe.com. Though the starting price on these sites is $29.99, the lab fee will add up to either $69 or $169 — $10 cheaper than the base price on 23andMe’s official website, depending on if you choose just the ancestry test or add the health screening to that.

    MyHeritage

    If you’re balling on a budget and are only looking for the autosomal testing, MyHeritage could be the DNA test for you. First timers may also find this kit the most appealing as it is the most user-friendly. Swab the inside of your cheek with the provided tool, send it back for testing, and have your results in 3-4 weeks. Results are kept for 25 years.

    MyHeritage is said to be the fastest and cheapest test, usually sending results back to participants in 3-4 weeks and not requiring a monthly-paid subscription to access results. MyHeritage also pulls from 42 graphic regions, the third highest number behind AncestryDNA and Living DNA. DNA can be linked online to create a family tree, and there is an option to upload raw data — so if you’ve gotten some sort of genealogy tests done before or have outside genetics information that you’d like to use, it can easily be included in results.

    Ancestry.com

    AncestryDNA makes it easy to explore your ethnic origins but can’t differentiate between maternal and paternal lineages. This test is great for tracing your ethnic roots and finding living relatives.  Though all of the DNA services provide broadly similar results for ethnic origins, AncestryDNA presented this data in a clearer manner and placed the information in a useful historical context.

    For people seeking distant cousins or even biological parents, the company’s claimed DNA database of 10 million customers—twice the size of its closest competitor’s—increases the odds of successful matches. Unlike the other services we tested, however, AncestryDNA cannot track your maternal and paternal heritage independently or trace your ancient migration path out of Africa. Ancestry.com also is one of the most affordable DNA tests out there, usually $99 but currently offering a holiday special for only $59!

    Family Tree

    Family Tree is a data trove for genealogists with a bigger budget. It has options for highly detailed analysis of maternal and paternal lineages. But the cost for the genealogist-oriented add-ons can add up quickly. Family Tree DNA offers a more comprehensive suite of testing options than any service we evaluated, with additional tools that should satisfy genealogy buffs looking to explore their connections to early human migration or find relatives from one particular side of their family tree.

    As you would at a good sushi restaurant, however, you’ll want to watch your bill. Family Tree DNA’s à la carte approach can quickly add up; you can easily spend more than than three times the testing cost of our main pick.

    Living DNA

    Living DNA is a UK-based genomics firm that offers autosomal DNA data, as well as a breakdown of matrilineal and patrilineal lines. DNA data is gathered through a mouth swab. We liked how shipping for the test kit is free.

    If you’re looking for a DNA service that can match you to other possible relatives throughout the world, Living DNA is not the service for you. While Living DNA is beginning to build up a family match database, there’s nothing there now to work with.

    On the other hand, Living DNA’s test is quite comprehensive if you’re researching your background without regard to finding long-lost cousins. The company tests 638,000 autosomal SNPs, 22,500 Y chromosome SNPs and 17,800 X chromosome SNPs, along with 4,700 mitochondrial SNPs.

    Of particular interest to those looking backwards throughout their history, Living DNA tracks DNA to 80 geographic regions, and, for those of you with a UK family history, can even can provide an map of where your ancestors lived on the islands.


  • Top Arthritis Pain Remedies

    Top Arthritis Pain Remedies

    More than 50 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis, and up to 67 million are expected to be diagnosed by the year 2030. Arthritis pain can be downright incapacitating if it gets intense enough.

    Wrists and joints ache and you feel as though nothing can make you feel normal. Every joint can be affected, but most often hands, wrists, knees, and feet are affected.
    When not properly treated, arthritis can be damaging to many aspects of people’s lives, causing all kinds of physical and emotional issues stemming from chronic pain and the loss of mobility. There has been much research into arthritis remedies for those suffering with aching joints. Here are a few you can try.

    Top Arthritis Remedies

    1-Enbrel

    Etanercept (Enbrel) is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is a prescription only injection that has been proven to stop joint pain, and prevent joint damage. It has many side effects, despite its effectiveness. Contact your physician for more information.

    2-NSAIDs

    Two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and naproxen are available without a prescription, and are quite effective at treating arthritis pain. Aspirin, the proptype of this class, is still used quite commonly in treating arthritic pain. Avoid upset stomach by taking these medications with food.

    3-Over the Counter Rubs

    There are a wide array of creams and ointments available without a prescription that are effective in alleviating pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Look for ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate when choosing a product.

    4-Ginger

    Ginger is quite effective at treating and preventing arthritic pain. It is available in many forms including the root which can be chewed, cooked, or used in teas.
    5-Black Seed Oil

    A teaspoonful a day is helpful in treating arthritis. Black seed oil has many other uses.

    6-Hot and Cold Therapy

    Hot and cold therapy can do wonders for aching joints from arthritis. Taking a nice, long and hot bath or shower in the morning can do aching joints wonders. Alternatively, using electric blankets or heating pads can help to relax stiff joints.

    On the other hand ice therapy can be used to alleviate intense pain rapidly. Ice packs wrapped in towels and applied to sore joints can provide fast relief. Follow this cold treatment with a bit of heat treatment for relief from joint pain!

    7-Turmeric
    Consider adding turmeric to your diet in higher quantities. This root plant is a known anti-inflammatory and has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of years. You can add it to dishes easily, as it is a common spice. It tastes really good, too! While it’s not a cure-all, you might find it helps to alleviate symptoms of joint pain.

    The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could result in your joints and tendons feeling some relief from your arthritis symptoms. This is a great way to attempt to tackle your symptoms from several angles.

    Because, at the very worst, it’ll just add some spice to your dishes!

    8-Cocoa/Chocolate
    Did you know that cocoa provides an abundant source of phytochemicals? You might not know much about phytochemicals, but this odd ingredient means cocoa is an antioxidant – and antioxidants are known to help with cardiovascular health, brain function, and cancer prevention. If you have RA, consuming cocoa (yes, even in the form of chocolate) can also benefit your immune system.

    Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. Cocoa properties are known to decrease COX-2 enzymes that cause inflammation, meaning every bite of dark chocolate helps decrease what’s causing your aches and pains.

    When you consume chocolate, it triggers the release of serotonin in the brain – or what many people call “the happiness chemical.” Serotonin literally changes your mindset, releasing happiness and lifting your mood.

    Suffering from the symptoms of RA can have a devastating impact on your well-being. However, treating yourself with dark chocolate can help combat both a bad mood and a little of your pain. Enjoying dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) is enough to lift up your spirits, even if just for a moment.

    9-Acupuncture
    The use of acupuncture for treating pain is a bit contentious. However, many patients claim that their chronic pain symptoms are greatly alleviated by acupuncture. Consider visiting a specialist for a consultation and a quote! They might be able to help you.

    In short, acupuncture is a practice that uses select placement of needles to attempt to manipulate the body’s pain receptors. Some practitioners ascribe the benefits of acupuncture to the manipulation of chi flow in the patient. Chi is an energy force that many Eastern traditions believe flows through all living things, though scientific examination has shown no evidence of such a force.

    Those patients who have had acupuncture treatments have had varying responses, though many claim that the procedures have helped them manage their arthritis pain.

    10-Massage
    Along those same lines, you could consider visiting a massage therapist. They could use massage techniques to help relax your muscles and loosen stiff joints. Alternatively, you could work with a physical therapist to learn techniques of self-massage if it would be difficult to see a professional regularly.

    11-Exercise
    Make sure you get lots of exercise! Simply staying active can work wonders on aching or stiff joints. Make sure you walk often and don’t spend all day indoors. If you find walking to be too high-impact, consider hitting the pool. Getting some light swimming in is a great way to work your joints, tendons and muscles without putting a lot of stress on them. Staying limber and exercising often is a great way to directly tackle arthritis symptoms.
    Try a combination of these arthritis remedies and hopefully they will alleviate your symptoms!


  • The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2021 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2021 iteration of the Ranger?

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Trim Levels

    The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

    XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

    Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

    Off-Roading

    The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

    The TMS,

    in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

    When and How Much?

    Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2021. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

    For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.


  • Best Online Investment Apps! Start Earning Now

    Best Online Investment Apps! Start Earning Now

    Investing in the Stock Market can be daunting. There are a ton of moving parts and the big players all seem like Wall Street types. The good news is, the age of the smartphone has made investing super simple and easy. Where once you might have had to contact a broker to be your proxy on the exchange, you can now just use an app. There are a ton of options out there, though. How do you know which investment app is the best? Well, we’ve got our ten favorites for you to check out! 

    Bloomberg 

    Photo Credit: Bloomberg 

    A well-known name in money management, Bloomberg’s app is great for investing. Combining breaking money news and investing tips, Bloomberg has it all. The app even offers personalized news, so you can watch the companies you invest in.  

    If you’re as interested in the “why” of the stock market as you are in making money off of it, try Bloomberg. 

    Benzinga

    Photo Credit: iTunes 

    Benzinga is great for investors who want insatnt information. By opening the app, you get immediate stock quotes, no need for waiting or skimming over news you don’t want. Acting as something of a punchy investment app, Benzinga is good for those who want to forge their own way. It has social media options, too, letting you share trending stock info to sites like Twitter.  

    Benzinga can also give you push notifications when news relevant to your investments breaks. It also offers some premium features for those who want a more in-depth experience. If you get the subscription you access features like live analysts to answer questions and audio news. 

    CNBC

    Photo Credit: DownloadMyMobileApp.com 

    CNBC is a great news app for those who want to see a little bit from every source. Their app is clean and user-friendly, presenting data in an immediate, digestible format. Many investors swear by the process of synthesizing news from as many sources as you can stand to read. CNBC’s app is a fantastic way to achieve such wide-ranging research without having to dig across the internet. A great resource for novices and veterans alike! 

    Fidelity Investments

    Photo Credit: iTunes 

    Fidelity Investments’ app is great for more experienced investors looking to move to something more in-depth. The app offers in-depth charts and daily video coverage of market trends. It also offers notifications for when prices go above or below certain thresholds. It has a comprehensive news section and offers multiple money-management tools. This is a great choice for those who have become more adept in their online investing! 

    Motif Explorer

    Photo Credit: The Divided Ninja 

    Motif is a cool way to introduce the stock market to people who are curious about the exchange. The app’s creators track various world events to see which could cause the market to shift. Portfolios, or motifs, based on those observations are generated. For instance, they might have a profile on clean energy, and if you invest in that motif your money would be invested in various clean energy companies. The app works to find which motifs are trending upwards and help you invest accordingly.  

    While Motif Explorer isn’t the best for large, serious investing, it is interesting for newcomers. Consider this one if you’re interested in dipping your toe in investing. 

    TD Ameritrade 

    Photo Credit: TD Ameritrade 

    This app gets a nod for being a great, bare-bones app with no frills. If you’re looking to not have your hand held and just start investing, check this one out. It offers real-time view of the stock exchange, mobile trading, fund exchange and other basic features.  

    Most notably, this app has a feature called Snapstock. This feature lets you use your phone camera to take a picture of a barcode. Then, the app pulls up the company that makes the product that barcode is attached to. That way, if you see an item in a store and think “this is going to be huge,” you can find them and invest on the fly from your phone. 

    Yahoo! Finance

    Photo Credit: Geeky Gadgets 

    Surely, you’ve heard of these guys? Jokes aside, Yahoo! Finance has a great app for beginner investors. The app has a gorgeous, clean design reminiscent of Apple’s native iPhone stocks app. The design is personalized to your investments and offers a great dashboard to see what stocks are trending. It also features news and trending stocks at a glance. All in all, this app is great for those just starting out who want to get their stock info at a glance.  

    Stock Market Simulator

    Photo Credit: APK-DI.com 

    This mock investment app is a stress-free simulator to show newbie investors the ropes. You start with $10,000 in virtual money with no value and can mock invest in an echo of the real stock market. The echo updates fifteen minutes behind the real exchange. While this isn’t meant to be a tool to predict actual investment trends, it is useful to show newcomers what the exchange looks like. It allows them to experiment without risking their actual money. 

    SigFig

     

    Photo Credit: Apptentive 

    This investment app is quite good for newcomers. SigFig offers advanced optimization tools for portfolios, helping you manage your money. You take a profile quiz to tell the app the ways you like to take risks with your money. You get a personalized investment plan, put money in the account, and off it goes. It’s like a digital broker! 

    The app also offers investment advice for first-time investors. The only downside is that it only shows you three years back of your investment, where most apps opt for five- or even ten-year retrospectives. That said, this is still an awesome choice for newcomers. 

    Our Favorite Beginner Investment App: Acorns

    Photo Credit: Cult of Mac 

    The Acorns app is pretty awesome. This investment app works by investing your loose change into a diversified portfolio. The idea is that you set it up with your credit or debit card, and then the app rounds up your regular purchases and invests the small amounts of money in accounts recommend by Harry Markowitz. Markowitz, for his part, has won a Nobel Prize for his work as an economist, so you know your money is in good hands. 

    Acorns is meant to be a “set it and forget it” service, in their COO Jeff Cruttenden’s own words. The service does have a small monthly fee, but as long as you keep small amounts of money in it, you probably won’t notice it. This service is great for those who’d like to invest but don’t know where to start. 


  • Largest Bike Sharing Service in the US!

    Largest Bike Sharing Service in the US!

    Lyft has recently acquired the largest bike sharing service (yeah, that’s a thing, apparently) in the US for $250 million. If that’s got you scratching your head, don’t worry, we are too. Jokes aside, the bike company, called Motivate, operates a number of bike rental services in urban centers that use bikes instead of cars. The offered bike rentals around the city are a combination of novel and useful. For one thing, they’re just neat: you go to a docking station and grab a bike! Additionally, the usefulness of not having to lug a bike downtown is a big draw to customers.

    Ride Sharing’s Interest in Bike Sharing

    Similarly, Uber recently purchased New York-based Jump Bikes. Lyft and Uber’s sudden interest in the bike sharing market may seem odd at a glance, but it makes sense. The primary income for both companies comes from densely-packed urban centers. Those same urban centers are a prime location for using a bike to get around. And, what better way to dig into Uber and Lyft than offering cheap bike rentals?

    In order to head off this potential thorn in their side, the companies did the thing they do best, and threw money at the problem. In this case, it worked out pretty well: they both possess significantly more bikes now than they did, and the competition is gone.

    That said, Lyft seems to have come out on top, as Motivate currently operates in dozens of cities in the US. This marks the first time the ride sharing company considered second-fiddle to Uber has come out on top in a bid for supremacy. This can only spell good things for customers: increased competition leads to better, cheaper services. If you find yourself in a large metropolis looking for a good way to get around, keep your eyes peeled for a Lyft sign over a bike station. You might just be able to drop some quarters and grab a two-wheeled ride!


  • Searching for Medicare Part D?

    Searching for Medicare Part D?

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you may find that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are currently in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans, our findings are below

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Another factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance may not always cover everything Medicare misses.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. In 2019 they had a 94% satisfaction rate amongst users. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, co-insurance and co-payment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates for 2021

    Even if you’re not driving as much anymore, you are required to have car insurance. There are many options out there for the price conscious consumer. Today we’re taking a look at some of the best car insurance companies for the money in 2020.

    We’re looking at a combination of factors when deciding on the best: customer service, customer satisfaction, price and a good shopping experience. There are plenty of car insurance companies who want you as a customer, and it behooves you to choose wisely.

    Amica Insurance

    Amica isn’t the biggest names in terms of recognition, but they are a juggernaut in the field of customer satisfaction. Amica consistently scores huge marks from their customers in terms of satisfaction: people with Amica feel taken care of, important, and well-covered. Amica has proportionally lower complaints from customers than any other agency in the country.

    Car insurance policyholders with Amica get all kinds of goodies like free lock and airbag replacement. You also get a complete reimbursement of your lost wages if you have to go into court at Amica’s request: they have you covered. If you lose your keys, or they get stolen, they’ll cover the cost of getting you replacements. Oh, and did we mention that in most states they won’t take depreciation out of your new car in the first year if you total it?

    Erie Insurance

    Another smaller company with a low profile and stellar customer reviews, Erie Insurance is beloved by their policyholders. The consistently get five-star satisfaction reviews, and they offer a ton of killer perks. The only problem, however, is that they operate in a small selection of states. Only Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania are covered.

    If you do happen to be covered, however, Erie is well-worth considering. They offer a rate-lock so that you know your premiums won’t go up unless you add cars or drivers to your policy. After three years, you get accident forgiveness so that your first at-fault accident doesn’t carry a surcharge. They also offer goodies like a diminishing deductible and even pet injury coverage if your pet is hurt in a car accident.

    Nationwide

    Nationwide insurance is the only insurer on this list with a large national profile, and for good reason. Normally operating at the scale they do makes it difficult to keep customers satisfied, but they manage to be both massive and care about their policyholders. Ignoring their obnoxious televised commercials, Nationwide is a good company to have in your corner. They consistently score five-star customer satisfaction reviews, and they have a very low number of customer complaints year over year.

    The much-talked-about vanishing deductible is one of Nationwide’s staples, and it can really add up: after five years of safe driving, you’ll have $500 off your deductible. In some states, Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, which can be a lifesaver if you get into a little fender bender and don’t want your rates to go up. Likewise, their “On Your Side Review” offers you the yearly chance to go over your life and needs to make sure you’re getting the right coverage and all the discounts you need. In short, Nationwide treats their customers with care and tries to make sure they feel valuable and cared for.


  • 3 Crazy New Credit Scams, Don’t Be A Victim!

    3 Crazy New Credit Scams, Don’t Be A Victim!

    Let’s face facts – if you don’t take credit fraud seriously, scammers will, and at your expense, search for credit fraud alerts. At a time when more and more people are turning their backs on cash in favor of credit and debit cards, the risk of credit fraud is higher than ever. Yet Americans don’t seem to be doing enough to protect themselves against credit scams.

    In this new generation, you might have had to be convinced by your kids or grandkids at some point that using your credit card online is safe. “It doesn’t feel safe,” you may say, but they tell you that’s the way everyone shops all the time, and their credit card information is totally safe.

    But they’re wrong. Credit card numbers do get stolen, and credit fraud does happen, both online and offline. In fact, security experts say virtually everyone has been the victim of at least one data breach at this point.

    New survey data from AARP show that Americans are unnecessarily putting themselves at greater risk by failing to adopt smart digital safety practices. In fact, 47% of U.S. adults have reported being victimized by a fraudulent purchase using their credit or debit card.

    Here is a look at 4 of the most convincing scams that you will want to be on the lookout for:

    1. The Jury Duty Credit Card Scam

    In this scam, the con artist calls the victim claiming to be a representative from the local court in their area. They tell the victim that because they failed to show up for a scheduled jury duty an arrest warrant has been issued in their name. The victim replies by saying that they never received a jury duty notice.

    The scammer then says that, in order to clear up the matter, they need to verify some information. The scammer will go on to ask for personal information including the victim’s address, social security number, birth date, and credit card numbers. The unknowing victim, who is frazzled and worried about the arrest warrant, complies and gives the caller the information, becoming subject to identity theft and credit card fraud.

    2. “Skimming” Your Card

    Skimming machines, known as “skimmers” have become high-tech these days. Recently, skimmers have been found in gas pumps and ATMs across the country. With these skimmers, credit card data is collected and transferred via Bluetooth to the scammers who can then replicate the cards and go on a shopping spree. Other traditional, less technological skimming tricks include restaurant waitstaff and retail employees skimming your credit card and then using it to make small purchases that are very often missed by the victim.

    The bottom line is that you should always look your bill over carefully each month and report discrepancies immediately to your credit card company. If reported in time, you will never be liable for fraudulent purchases.

    3. Scam Phone Call Claiming to Reduce Your Credit Card Debt

    In this marketing scam, the victim receives a phone call from someone who claims that he is a representative of their credit card company and can get them significantly reduced interest rates and debt payments. The catch? The victim needs to provide their credit card information to confirm their identity.

    Recently, these types of marketing cons came under the scrutiny of the FTC, and it is now illegal to demand upfront fees for debt settlement services. In addition, debt reduction companies are now required to maintain a dedicated account, entirely owned by the client, for use in paying creditors. However, not everyone knows this and therefore is still a potential victim to this sneaky scheme.

    Make sure to monitor your credit card statements, bank statements, and credit reports on a regular basis. The earlier you catch a potentially fraudulent transaction, the better the chances that you’ll be able to prevent further trouble!