Home & Family FinanceTM Radio
"It's your home; it's your money;
it's your future."
Welcome to Home & Family Finance™ Radio, a weekly one-hour program of helpful information and advice on the consumer finance issues
most important to you--retirement, education, budgeting, buying a home, and much more! Each week we talk to consumer and
money experts with an emphasis on what it all means to you.
We want to hear from you, too. Email your questions to HFFradio@creditunion.coop.
Home & Family Finance airs Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on the Radio America network, and is presented by
America'’s Credit Unions and CO-OP Network, the national credit union ATM network.
America's credit unions and the Credit Union National Association express their appreciation to our program's national sponsors:
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REBROADCAST OF EARLIER SHOW
Cut the Cost of Military Family Purchases
November 8, 2009 - Karen Jowers covers Issues and topics affecting you military families, ranging from
child care and housing, to education and spouse employment, for the Military Times newspapers – Air Force Times,
Army Times (where she’s known as Sergeant Shopper), Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times. She also writes a consumer
column for the papers aimed at pointing service members and their families to good deals on and off base, and
warning them about financial pitfalls. Karen discusses how to cut the cost of your family purchases, some times
using coupons and comparative shopping. Below are several websites Karen says will help you lower the cost of
groceries and other items.
Listen on-line or
download the mp3 file
| Additional Resources: |
www.coupons.com
www.mycoupons.com
www.commissaries.com, click on “links” for internet coupons;
At www.commissaries.com authorized shoppers can find prices of items
on sale with extra savings at their local commissary. Then go to
www.groceryguide.com, plug in your zip code and pick a civilian
grocery store, to compare that store’s specials with the commissary’s specials. At
www.commissaries.com you can also find the dates when certain
special discounted products will be brought in for sale.
Military Exchanges’ web sites: sign up for flyers about upcoming specials |
Council of Better Business Bureaus’ Military Line
November 8, 2009 - “Servicemembers and their families should know about the free services that are
available to them from BBB,” said Holly Petraeus, director of Military Line, with the Council of Better Business
Bureaus. “Whether the topic is buying a car, avoiding identity theft or getting out of debt, BBB Military Line
has advice that members of the military and their families can trust.” Servicemembers are targeted by unethical
and predatory business practices; the BBB provides Reliability Reports on companies, enabling you to do business
with those that uphold ethical standards. BBB is also a partner in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness
Campaign. Military Line has a website specific to each branch of the armed forces. If you didn’t know these
resources were available, you’re missing out, so visit Military Line today.
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Veterans Benefits
November 8, 2009 - Keith Pedigo is associate deputy undersecretary for policy and program management with
the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. Keith joined Home & Family Finance to discuss the benefits
under his purview, as well as many of the changes taking place in this area of veterans’ affairs. While burial and
memorial benefits, and health care are covered elsewhere by the VA, the following benefits were discussed:
Compensation and Pension; vocational Rehabilitation and Employment; Education and Training; Home Loans; Life
Insurance; and Dependants and Survivors. You’ll want to listen to this discussion, which includes upcoming changes
to the Montgomery GI Bill and your education benefits.
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Navigating the Veterans Benefits Maze
November 8, 2009 - Many veterans are missing out on their fair share of federal and state benefits. Approximately
74.5 million people, or about a quarter of the U.S. population, are potentially eligible for veterans’ benefits. Only
one-third of the 750,000 eligible Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have enrolled in VA health care-just one of many benefits.
Guest Shad Meshad, founder and president of the National Veteran's Foundation, located in Los Angeles, California, sheds
light on why veterans aren't applying for benefits they are entitled to and wants vets to know who to contact for help
with any of their needs after their service to our country.
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Your Questions Answered
November 8, 2009 - Executive order eases federal employment for military spouses; new tax benefits for military families
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REBROADCAST OF EARLIER SHOW
Five Tips If You Are Falling Behind On Car Payments:
November 1, 2009 - Times are tough and budgets feel the squeeze of higher prices for such things as food and gasoline. Surveys
show pay increases have not kept pace with rising costs. If you’ve been robbing Peter to pay Paul, and have trouble making your monthly
car note, guest Eric Hoffman, a spokesman for AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics) in Washington, DC, has
solid advice that will help you keep your wheels.
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Intergenerational Wealth Planning: New Ways to Handle an Age Old Process:
November 1, 2009 - Estate planners and finance managers are using technology more frequently to convey clients’ wishes, messages
and intent to their heirs. Videotaping the clients’ message is one tool guest Eric Aanes, founder and president of Titus Wealth Management
in San Mateo and Larkspur, California, employs. Tape makes sure nothing is lost in its delivery and this personal message often has a
profound impact on those who receive it.
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Financial Fitness: More Than a Good Credit Score:
November 1, 2009 - The median amount of credit card debt individuals carry is $6,600 -- or 14 percent of the U.S. median household income
of $48,200 in 2006. Total U.S. consumer debt stands at $2,558 trillion dollars. In march (the most recent data available), the personal saving
rate in the United States was 0.2 percent of income -- a figure that easily could be negative if saving was financed by borrowing. Guest Brad
Stroh, co-founder and CEO of Bills.com in San Mateo, California, says Americans' collective financial IQ is
low, but individuals are starting to take responsibility for their financial future. Brad contends we're moving beyond just the credit score to
deeper knowledge and encourages
consumers to continue using the right financial practices.
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10 Techniques to Manage Your Personal Cost of Living:
November 1, 2009 - “We are totally in charge of our ''personal price index'', states Kathy Kristof, senior writer, Los Angeles Times.
Kathy shares 10 easy steps to improve your personal cost of living. Among these: appeal your property tax; shop for life insurance; and use
reward cards. That’s only three suggestions, so you’ll want to listen to the others. Kathy Kristof’s personal finance column appears in more
than 50 major newspapers (she was chosen to replace the legendary Sylvia Porter). Kathy is also the author of Investing 101, released just
this past week
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Your Email Questions Answered:
November 1, 2009 - Summer travel and identity theft; filing for bankruptcy—other choices: Your Questions Answered
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Military Homeowner’s Assistance Program
October 11, 2009 – Lost money selling your home? In the military? HAP (Homeowner’s Assistance Program) can help ease
your money woes if you qualify. Katie Savant, deputy director of government relations with the National Military Families
Association in Alexandria, Virginia, lays out what HAP covers—the who, what, when & why. Get the facts. Listen now.
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Fueling Fair Practices: A Road Map to Improved Public Policy for Used Car Sales and Financing
October 11, 2009 – Ever get ripped off buying and financing a used vehicle? John Van Alst, an attorney at the National
Consumer Law Center in Boston, tells what is needed to provide better consumer protection.
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Individual Development Accounts (IDA) – A Savings Account for You?
October 11, 2009 – Leigh Tivol, senior program manager with CFED – Expanding Economic Opportunity—in Washington, DC,
explains what an IDA is, how you qualify for an IDA, and how you can start saving now.
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Coping With Change When Your Spouse Dies
October 11, 2009 – It will be easier to get your documents together before you need them. How many copies of a death
certificate do you need? How do you apply for benefits to create cash flow? Susan Tiffany, director of personal finance
information for adults in the Center for Personal Finance with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), has the answers
and delivers practical advice on which you can depend.
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| Additional Resources: |
Home & Family Finance Resource Center
Social Security Administration: 800-772-1213
National Archives, Request Copies of Military Personnel Records: 866-272-6272 or online
Veterans Administration: 800-827-1000, VA benefits, death benefits; 877-294-6380, pension payments to beneficiaries; or 800-669-8477, life insurance benefits
Internal Revenue Service, 800-829-1040; what about taxes? Estate taxes? |
Your Questions Answered
October 11, 2009 – Money Smart Things to Do With Your Income Tax Refund; Identity Theft; Three Ways to Waste Money on a Car
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Financial Planning Week: It’s Important to You & Your Family:
October 4, 2009 - This week--financial planning week--take some time to address a financial issue. It can be paying off
debt, starting a new savings program for a child’s education or reviewing an existing savings program, such as saving for your
retirement. Take small bites and listen to how and why you should continue to tackle personal finance tasks. Ken McDonnell has
a short list of financial management strategies that will help you get your bucks in a row! Ken is program director of the
Employee Benefit Research Institute and American Savings Education Council in Washington, DC.
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I Will Teach You to Be Rich:
October 4, 2009 - Sounds like hype – a “come on,” doesn’t it? But, it got your attention, which was the plan. Ramit Sethi
shares sound, common sense, personal finance advice. Forget about saving on lattes – this book will save you thousands using a
step-by-step 6-week program. A completely practical approach delivered with a nonjudgmental style that makes readers want to do
what Sethi says, it is based around the four pillars of personal finance— banking, saving, budgeting, and investing—and the
wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship. Ramit is the founder and writer of Iwillteachyoutoberich.com. Filene Research
Institute Chef Research Officer George Hofheimer praises I Will Teach You to Be Rich, stating, “Ramit demystifies complex concepts
with wit and an expert understanding of finances. Not only is this book informative, it’s fun and includes fresh tips that will
help anyone master their finances.”
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Technology Trends at Your Credit Union:
October 4, 2009 - We can barely keep up on the latest technology developments in our personal lives – cloud computing,
virtualization, notebook/netbook adoption, open source software, online social networking. There are also technology trends taking
place at your credit union that will make transactions and your personal finance experience better, faster, and more efficient.
Kathy Herziger-Snider is the vice president of product development for CO-OP Financial Services in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Join Kathy and host Paul Berry for a lively discussion of technology trends and what they mean to you, your family, and your
finances.
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Payday Lending, Usury Laws, and Statutory Sleight of Hand:
October 4, 2009 - Ah, yes, the statutory 3-card Monty! A recent study conducted by Christopher Peterson, associate dean
for academic affairs & professor of law, S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, Utah, produced three
major findings: (1) usury law has become more lax; (2) usury law has become more polarized; and, (3) usury law has become more
misleading. These findings suggest that the numeric language in current state usury statutes is not chosen because it helpfully
describes some expectation of commercial behavior. That, ladies and gentlemen translates into state legislatures using small,
innocuous numbers in usury law because they are attempting to minimize the public and media outcry over their decision to legalize
triple digit interest rate consumer loans. Yes, triple-digit! You don’t think your state legislature wants you to know that they
allow payday lenders to charge you 300, 400, 500% for what typically are small emergency loans? A revealing interview you won’t
want to miss.
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Consumer Resources On Line at the Federal Citizen Information Center :
September 27, 2009 - You’ve seen it on television a million times—“to get this free booklet, write to Federal Information
Center, Pueblo, Colorado.” You still can is you don’t have Internet access. But, Teresa Nasif, director, of the U.S. General
Services Administration’s Federal Citizen Information Center in Washington, DC, says there is a plethora of information on line:
pre-purchase buying tips; resolving consumer problems and sample complaint letters; a directory of hundreds of government and
corporate contacts. The site will help you save and protect your money, too-- highlights frauds and scams that can take your money;
provides important questions to ask before you make big purchases so you can get the most for your money; encourages you to research
interest rates and get estimates so you can get the best deal. There’s so much more! Use it—you paid for it!
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10 Things You Need to Know About Auto Insurance for Military Personnel:
September 27, 2009 - – Servicemembers have special auto insurance needs, according to guest Ethan Ewing. These needs
range from vehicles that must be stored while the owner is away on active duty, to vehicles originally registered and insured
in one state and then taken to another state for service orders. Ethan is president of Bills dot com, a free one-stop portal
where consumers can educate themselves about personal finance issues. Ethan presents insurance facts so you can be sure you
understand how to stay within the law and get the best coverage when you're insuring your vehicle. Much of this discussion
will provide auto insurance info to us regular Joes, as well as G.I. Joes. Give it a listen.
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Non-Sufficient Funds Fees & Overdraft Protection Programs at Military Financial Institutions:
September 27, 2009 - Marocco Roberts is the U.S. Army banking and credit union liaison officer, and is assigned to the
Pentagon. He is also the principal advisor to the assistant secretary of the Army (financial management & comptroller). Education
enhances the financial readiness posture of our soldiers and their families. The Army, and on-base financial institutions, has
programs in place to educate our soldiers and make them more aware of non-sufficient funds and over-draft protection. Marocco also
details alternatives our soldiers can pursue with their on-base financial institutions to help them through financially difficult
times and steps soldiers, and general consumers, should take when establishing their accounts to ensure they understand all the
specifics of their financial products and services.
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AARP Tax-Aide: Tax Help for the Elderly:
September 27, 2009 - There is plenty of FREE tax preparation assistance available to both the elderly and people with
low-to-moderate incomes. Bonnie Speedy is the national director of AARP Tax-Aide and vice president of the AARP Foundation in
Washington, DC. AARP has worked with the Internal Revenue Service to train volunteer tax preparers and if you’d like to be one,
you’ll find out how you can help in this interview. There are plenty of other ways you can help at the 65,000 tax preparation
centers you will find all across America in local community centers and similar facilities—you can greet people as they enter,
help them sign in, answer non-tax related questions—all kinds of jobs that will make this service a pleasant experience for those
seeking help. Do you need help preparing your taxes or those of an elderly, infirm, or non-English speaking relative? Bonnie covers
plenty of ground in this interview—how to volunteer and how to get help.
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| Additional Resource: |
Starting in early February, find the site closest to you by calling 1-888-a-a-r-pnow
(1-888-227-7669) or visiting www.aarp.org/taxaide
Free, year-round assistance AARP Tax-Aide offers via the Web allows taxpayers to pose questions to online
volunteers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of home. |
Save to Win and Prize-linked Savings Programs: Is This the Incentive You Need? :
September 27, 2009 - Personal savings rates in the U.S. have dropped from a 1988 high of around 11% to almost zero in
2006. Saving is not an easy discipline for everyone. The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Zweig recently wrote, “If we are to become
a nation of savers again, we need more innovations like "Save to Win," a Michigan program that's a cross between a CD and a raffle
ticket.” Chris Day is senior vice president of marketing at Nu-Union Credit Union in Lansing, Michigan. Nu-Union bet on “Save to
Win” and Chris and host Paul Berry discuss how it is paying off.
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Is Fear Stopping You From Making Financial Decisions? :
September 20, 2009 - You’ve been touched by the recession and feel like a deer caught in the headlights. You don’t
know what to do, so you do nothing. Fear is keeping you from making wise money choices. Laura Rowley is a Yahoo! Finance
columnist and author of Money & Happiness: A Guide to Living the Good Life. She discusses recent survey findings and suggests
how to avoid money missteps.
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10 Ways to Save on Health Care.:
September 20, 2009 - “While legislators look for a way to make health care more affordable for all, paying for
medical care is in your own hands. By knowing how to save, you can make a difference in the cost of care for you and
your family," says guest Ethan Ewing, president of Bills.com, headquartered
in San Mateo, California. Don’t skip this interview. You’ll miss how to save on medicine, get a discount from your
physician, read a medical bill to catch errors, avoid the Medicare “doughnut hole” and more.
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Are You Responsible for Your Deceased Relative's Debts? :
September 20, 2009 - Your brother ate, drank and was merry; and he quite merrily charged everything. He ate and
drank himself into an early grave and now debt collectors are after his next of kin to make good on his debts. That’s YOU!
Should it be? Quisaira Whitney, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, DC, discusses the rights of
surviving relatives and the extent to which they are covered by the fair debt collection practices act.
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Extreme Frugality: Can You Handle It? :
September 20, 2009 - Karen McCall is the founder and president of the Financial Recovery Institute in San Francisco.
She discusses the growing trend of extreme frugality, in which participants go to what some people might consider severe
or excessive lengths to live more simply. Can you handle extreme frugality? Some pros and cons in Karen’s interview.
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Groupon: What Is It And How Does It Work? :
September 13, 2009 - This shopping website offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services, events, and
culture in 20 cities so far. Groupon negotiates deals with top businesses through its new spin on e-commerce: collective
buying. On Groupon, deals are only activated if a minimum number of people agree to buy. Guest Andrew Mason, founder
and CEO of Groupon.com says, “By guaranteeing businesses a large number of new customers, Groupon creates a win-win for
local merchants and consumers.” What will they think of next?
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Hurricane Season: Homeowner’s Insurance & Catastrophes:
September 13, 2009 - What do you do when your roof is blowin’ in the wind? The answer, my friend, can be found in
this interview with Michael Barry, vice president – media relations, with the Insurance Information Institute in New York
City. What are hurricane/windstorm deductibles (in some coastal states, homeowner insurers impose deductibles of 1 to 5
percent to spread the risk with policyholders in hurricane prone states)? What does a typical homeowner’s insurance policy
cover? Not floods; think again! No matter where you live, you’ll want to hear this interview—be prepared. Michael also
shares information on how you can save money on homeowner’s insurance.
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How to Avoid Auto Warranty Scams:
September 13, 2009 - Steven Baker is the director of the Midwest Region Federal Trade Commission Office in Chicago.
He’s the good guy. The bad guy is the one that keeps mailing you notices that your auto warranty has expired and you need
to buy a new one. The bad guy uses robo-calls that interrupt your dinner with the same message. The bad guy uses high-pressure
tactics to hide his true motive—he wants your money! Good guy Steve says legitimate companies put information in writing and
give you time to check with your auto dealer, read your car’s manual, and check them out before asking you to commit to a
purchase. Good guy Steve shares more good information in this interview; don’t get taken for a ride.
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The BBB Goes ABC: New Grading System Helps Consumers:
September 13, 2009 - The Better Business Bureau is a source of information all of us should use, especially when we
are about to do business with a company we know little about. Steve Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business
Bureaus in Arlington, Virginia, joined us to describe a new and easier to understand grading system that will help us decide
whether we want to do business with any company or service the BBB has evaluated. It’s now as simple as A, B, C.
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Your Questions Answered:
September 13, 2009 - How to identify a “secure” web site; monitoring accounts for identity theft; saving money on groceries
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REBROADCAST OF EARLIER SHOW
Gadgets That Help You Use and Conserve Water Wisely:
September 6, 2009 - Every day, on average, Americans use a total of 40 billion gallons of fresh water. Around the
house, up to 70 percent of that water is used on our landscapes. That’s why saving water outside the home is as important
as it is inside. Partners of the Water—Use It Wisely Coalition provide consumer education on the judicious use of this
precious resource. Guest Stacy Bass, the utilities department public relations officer, and manager of education and
outreach programs, for the City of Mesa, Arizona discusses gadgets that help keep your yard looking good while conserving
water.
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Saving for College:
September 6, 2009 - High school graduates can expect to earn an average of $1.2 million over a lifetime of work, while
someone with a bachelor’s degree will average $2.1 million–$900,000 more. Give your child a leg up; start saving for his
or her college education sooner than later. Jason Alderman, director of issues management, with Visa USA in San Francisco,
California, presents the many savings options available. Options are many and varied—from a 529 qualified state tuition plan,
to the Coverdell Education Savings Account, to filing for scholarships, low-income grants and merit-based assistance.
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The Secrets of Money: A Guide for Everyone on Practical Financial Literacy:
September 6, 2009 - This “encyclopedia of finance” is one tool to combat the "Financial Illiteracy Epidemic" sweeping
the nation. Guest Braun Mincher, an entrepreneur and author, from Ft. Collins, Colorado, designed this book for anyone to
improve their financial IQ and get the most out of every dollar they make. There is also an on line financial literacy
quiz to help you determine your current financial literacy using questions that can easily be answered after reading the
book.
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Discarded Computer Retaliates Against Former Owner for Coffee Spill—Gives Up Personal Finance Information to I.D.
Thief. Don’t Let This Happen to You:
September 6, 2009 - Jim Stickley, founder, chief technical officer and vice president of engineering for Trace Security
in San Diego, California, warns, “Be aware of the risks of throwing away and donating your computer.” Just because a file was
deleted doesn’t mean that it’s truly gone. Identity thieves buy pallets of used computers at auctions for very little money
and monitor Ebay for used computers. If you have used your computer for online banking or accounting, guard that hard drive
at all costs. Find out how in this interview.
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Host Paul Berry Answers Your Questions:
September 6, 2009 - Simple ways to save gas; laddering certificates of deposit; selecting a credit counselor
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REBROADCAST OF EARLIER SHOW
Perfect Storm for Identity Theft Brewing: Worst Data Breach Yet to Come
August 30, 2009 – Adam Levin, chairman of IDentityTheft 911.com and former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer
Affairs, warns of the factors coming together to create a perfect storm for an upsurge in identity theft. Bottom line? We ain’t
seen nothin’ yet!
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MatchSavings.org
August 30, 2009 – MatchSavings.org lets you match the savings of someone living in poverty. You choose who to help meet
their savings goal and choose to match their savings toward housing, education or a business. Janette Klaehn, vice president of
communications with the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) in Madison, Wisc. tells you how MatchSavings.org differs from other
microfinancing initiatives and why you should sign on to MatchSavings.org.
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Your Questions Answered
August 30, 2009 – What’s in the stimulus package for YOU; credit card repayment solutions
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Don’t Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats
July 26, 2009 - Uncommon times call for uncommon wisdom. Brother and sister writing team, and inveterate collectors
of quotations, Kathryn and Ross Petras’s new book is Don’t Forget To Sing In The Lifeboats: 342 Other Bits Of Uncommon
Wisdom For Uncommon Times. It's inspiring to hear from people who've graduated from the school of hard knocks, yet kept a
sense of humor. People who've been there, done that, and refuse to sugar coat what they've learned. All with a special twist
for Home & Family Finance: "Why is there so much month left at the end of the money?"---John Barrymore "October. This is
one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November,
May, March, June, December, August, and February."—Mark Twain. Available on line and at booksellers everywhere.
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Consumers Eating Healthier, Saving Money During Recession: Healthy Eating On a Budget
July 26, 2009 - Best known for his work in the area of food trends, Phil Lempert has tracked consumer behaviors and
evolving markets for 25 years. Phil is the food trends editor and correspondent for NBC’s Today show. He founded
Supermarketguru.com, now one of the leading food and health resources on the internet and visited by more than 9 million
people annually. His Lempert Report is a videocast that focuses on the latest consumer trends and rates the latest new
products. Find out how consumers are faring with the cost of food and healthy eating during this economic recession in a
recent Lempert Report, which reports results of a survey conducted by Supermarketguru.com. Phil’s new PBS series “Food Sense,”
airing in 2010, focuses on consumer food trends and sustainability.
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How Credit Unions Help the Financially Underserved
July 26, 2009 - Who are the financially underserved and unbanked? How many people are underserved and why are they
neglected? What are the ramifications of being unbanked or underserved by financial institutions? Carolyn Lane, senior vice
president of business development and marketing with CO-OP Financial Services in Rancho Cucamonga, California, says credit
unions and credit union service organizations, or CUSOs, are taking the lead in meeting the financial needs of those traditionally
ignored and neglected. In this lively discussion with host Paul Berry, Caroline explains the measures credit unions and CUSOs are
taking to reach out and provide services to these members of our communities.
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Credit Reports, Credit Scores and More: What You Need to Know Amid 2009 Legislation and Economy
July 26, 2009 - Brad Stroh is founder and co-CEO of Bills.com and
its partner company, Freedom Financial Network. Bills.com is a free one-stop
online portal where consumers can educate themselves about complex personal finance issues andcomparison shop for products and
services including credit cards, debt relief assistance, insurance, mortgages and other loans. The credit crisis, the downward
economic spiral, the cry for increased oversight and accountability in all things financial, has resulted in several federal laws
being passed. What impact has credit card legislation had on credit scores? Banks closed credit card accounts and lowered credit
limits on others; consumers’ credit scores were affected and it became harder to obtain credit. The way credit scores are calculated
changed with FICO 08, making it more difficult to receive an “Excellent” credit score. Brad discusses credit trends, what you can
do to improve your credit score and whether a “credit repair” service is right for your needs
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Your Questions Answered:
July 26, 2009 - Scams by fake charities; your liability with a lost or stolen debit card; how to lower the cost
of your auto insurance; and buying foreclosed property
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The Difference: Traits and Habits of Those Who Moved From the Lowest Economic Strata to the Highest and How You Can, Too.
July 12, 2009 - Jean Chatzky is the financial editor for NBC’s Today show, as well as a columnist, talk show host,
and author. Her latest book, The Difference, asks, “Can you really start from nothing and become truly secure financially?”
What’s the difference between you and Warren Buffett? Between you and your boss? Or between you and your successful neighbor?
What do the financially comfortable have that you don’t? It’s not that those people were born into money, caught a lucky
break, or have an Ivy League education. It’s not even that they are smarter than you or make more money than you do each year.
So what do they have that you don’t . . . at least not yet? What’s The Difference? Jean shares the secrets her groundbreaking
research of the self-made wealthy has uncovered so that anyone—yes, Y-O-U—can break through the barriers that stand between
them and true financial freedom.
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| Additional Resources: |
The Difference – Buy it at Amazon and booksellers everywhere |
The New GI Bill.
July 12, 2009 - Sean-Michael Green, author of Marching to College: Turning Military Experience into College Admissions, is
an attorney, and dean of graduate and adult enrollment at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. He is also veteran of the Marine
Corps and took advantage of opportunities afforded him by an earlier version of the G.I. Bill. Now Sean-Michael is letting others
know what benefits and programs are available in the latest G.I. Bill. Not only does he explain who’s eligible for money for education,
but answers such questions as, “Can military personnel who are still serving on active duty use the bill; what is the Yellow Ribbon
program; and what other money is available to servicemembers and veterans?
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Are You Worried About Your Financial Advisor?
July 12, 2009 - Your financial advisor might not be in the same league as Bernie Madoff, but even if something
feels wrong or misleading that you don’t have hard evidence on, there are steps you can and should take, according to
Diahann Lassus, chair of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. Start with your advisor and have them
explain any discrepancies or oddities; if you aren’t reassured, make an appointment to meet with your advisor about your
concerns. Don’t stop there is you smell something fishy; contact the advisors independent custodian and take it up the
line to notifying the advisor’s broker dealer. To file a written complaint, see the contact information below in Additional
Resources. Remember, this person works for you and is accountable to you. If you are unsatisfied, take action immediately
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U.S. Lags World in Paid Sick Days for Workers & Families: Are You at Greater Risk of Contracting Communicable Diseases?
July 12, 2009 - Flu season is just around the corner and we are still seeing many new cases of Swine Flu in the U.S. We have
yet to experience a pandemic, but wouldn’t your paycheck take a hit with an outbreak of a communicable disease in your region alone?
Dr. Jody Heymann, who is the director of the Institute for Health and Social Policy and professor of Epidemiology at McGill University
in Montreal, Canada, conducted research that revealed just how behind the rest of the world the U.S. is in providing paid sick days for
workers and their families. Do you want to go to work (maybe use public transportation) during an epidemic? If you could, wouldn’t it be
nice to be able to work from home? If you have a “can’t do at home” job, you may feel that you must report to work to receive your usual
amount of pay. It’s a dilemma tilting the scale that balances health and income.
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REBROADCAST OF EARLIER SHOW
Going Buggy? Hire a Pest Control Firm
July 5, 2009 - Which company is right for you, your home, and your creepy crawlies? We asked Greg Baumann, senior
scientist and technical director with the National Pest Management Association, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. Greg suggests
questions you should ask your potential pest control partner, what red flags to notice, and what to look for in a service contract.
To the right is one of the carpenter bee that’s been drilling holes in the fascia of my home for a decade!
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Get Your Home Inspected
July 5, 2009 - It isn't just for home buyers. Even if you've owned your home for several years, having your house
inspected may help you set future repair priorities and plan upgrades--and save money over the long run. Nick Gromicko, founder
and director of public relations at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, in Boulder, Colorado, tells what
should be checked and why.
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How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor
July 5, 2009 - Guest Renee Rewiski, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), in Des
Plaines, Illinois, presents a virtual consumers’ guide to finding the right company, and the right people, for any job. The
HOMEOWNERS section of the NARI website puts comprehensive information a mouse click away. The homeowner’s guide provides: a budget
worksheet; how to find a professional remodeler; questions to ask potential remodelers or contractors; warning signs; reference
questions; remodeling tips; and more.
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De-Clutter and Organize Your Home
July 5, 2009 - Do you hide when unexpected company arrives at your door? Do you dread entering the spare bedroom?
Does it take you 5 minutes to find the right baking pan? Marcia Weuve owns Impact Solutionz: the Organizing Specialists, in Austin,
Texas. Marcia has simple short tips and tasks to leave any home (even yours) in ship-shape condition.
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How to Zap Your Home Electricity Expense: Listener’s Best Money Management Tips
July 5, 2009 - Chris, from Pendleton, Oregon, has a truly fresh idea. He bought a $30 energy cost analyzer,
which shows him current electricity use in his home—in kilowatts and dollars. In the two months he’s been using this monitor,
his energy use has dropped 30%. He says, “When you see how much electricity you use in real time dollars and cents it makes it a
good tool of persuasion to turn off the lights or investigate what appliances or fixtures are the most expensive to run.” Susan
Tiffany, director of personal finance information for adults at the Credit Union National Association, and host Paul Berry discuss
alternative ways to measure your electricity consumption and how to simply use less.
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Happy 35th Birthday, Barcode!:
June 28, 2009 - The barcode is poised for revolutionary additions to help consumers! Seriously! Blogging as Tightwad Tod,
Tod Marks, senior editor of Consumer Reports, has the scoop and a look back at the early days of the dash, slash, dash, dash
funny-looking lines that translate into product information. What is on the horizon for the barcode? What’s the connection with
salmonella scares from produce of unknown origins? Will the barcode be akin to the micro-chip one day, and as we enter this world,
will the obstetrician’s hand mark be joined by a barcode on our little bottoms?
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$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers:
June 28, 2009 - What a way to celebrate National Homeownership Month! Guest Jerry Howard, President and CEO of the
National Association of Home Builders, says the government’s economic stimulus package contains a great deal for qualified
homebuyers. First time homebuyers are eligible for a tax credit for 2009 home purchases! The news is exciting and presents
a welcome shot in the arm.
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Operation False Charity:
June 28, 2009 - David Horn is a lawyer with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who sues companies that deceive consumers.
This time it’s phony charities that appear to support (among others) veterans, firefighters, and other service providers – BUT DON’T!
Recently, the FTC was joined by 49 states in bringing 76 actions against fraudulent solicitors nationwide. Don’t be fooled by “the
pros;” listen to Dave’s warning signs, so you don’t throw away your hard-earned dollars on what you think is a good cause, but is only
a ruse to steal your money.
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Surprise Travel Packages: Are Bundled Vacation Deals a Bargain? :
June 28, 2009 - If getting a good bargain on a vacation package is your goal, you will have to do some work. If money is no
problem, have somebody do the work for you. Oh, you’re not in that group? Back to “do your homework.” Guest Sue Perry, deputy editor
of ShopSmart, from the publishers of Consumer Reports, clues us in on steps you can take to find good value for your next trip. Many
online companies combine airfare, hotels, rental cars, and other add-ons like spa services or golf outings. To get the best value in a
bundled travel package, you need to: price it; comparison shop; consider the value of extras (transfers, golf outings, etc.); check the
providers’ own sites; and visit DealBase.com. Why visit DealBase.com? We can’t tell you everything or you wouldn’t listen to the interview!
We’ll tell you one thing: the tips in this interview will save you money.
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Your Questions Answered:
June 28, 2009 - Go green with your finances; money saving tips that keep your pet happy and healthy; senior discounts
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Crooks Don’t Take Vacations! Keep Your Credit Card & Personal Information Safe on Vacation:
June 21, 2009 - Summer is upon us and for many of us that means planning our annual trip or getaway. Traveling is exciting
but it often leaves us vulnerable to our surroundings. Keeping track of where we use our credit card or what information we give
to people while we are away is not always the first thing on our minds. Lyn Chitow Oakes, chief marketing officer with Trusted ID,
tells what we should watch for on vacation and what to look out for when booking a trip online.
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Credit Card Repayment Relief: New Terms Offer Better Options for Consumers:
June 21, 2009 - Buyer beware. Based on the column in SmartMoney, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, this book, from
Editor in Chief Jonathan Dahl, is packed with insider secrets and expert knowledge that show you how to take control and manage
your money, your health, your material well-being. In all, it covers the top ten things they won’t tell you, covering 100 businesses
and professions that readers interact with daily. What is it they don’t want you to know? Nursing homes: We're careless about the
drugs we give out. Veterinarians: Vaccinating your pet may do more harm than good. Tax preparers: What are my qualifications? Well,
I'm real good at Sudoku. Cruise lines: Our engines break down all the time. Plastic surgeons: I trained a whole weekend to learn this
procedure. In addition to outlining exactly what you don’t know, but need to, it arms you with insights, tips, and techniques to make
each of you a savvier, smarter consumer.
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download the mp3 file
| Additional Resources: |
Consumers seeking more information about or eligibility for a DMP should
contact the NFCC member nonprofit credit counseling agency in their area by
calling 800-388-2227 (en Español: 800-682-9832) or visit .
www.nfcc.org |
Job Loss and What It Means to Your 401 (k):
June 21, 2009 - With so many companies announcing job cuts or bankruptcy filings, as an employee, you are probably
wondering what will happen to your retirement plan and if you can use it for a source of income if you lose your job. Jordan
Amin, representing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a senior manager in the Tax Department of
Amper, Politziner & Mattia, talks cost, bankruptcy (your company or YOU), and tax consequences of withdrawing from your 401
(k) plan. If you don’t know something about “hardship distributions,” you need to hear this important interview.
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21st Century Transportation for a 21st Century America :
June 21, 2009 - THow’s your daily commute? On many of the nation’s highways, the trip to work and back has become a stop-and-go,
15 mile per hour nightmare. Transportation affects us all - drivers, cyclists, walkers, the young, the old, big city dwellers and small
town neighbors. Whether you ride the train or brave the traffic, building stronger, safer communities starts with smart transportation
investment. But, plainly, does your commute suck? Well, then, there’s a web site you’ll appreciate at
www.mycommutesucks.org. David Goldberg, is with Transportation for America, a broad coalition
of housing, environmental, equal opportunity, public health, urban planning, transportation and other organizations focused on creating a
21st century national transportation program. Right now Congress is writing a new transportation bill that will shape our communities for
generations. Now's your chance to make sure they finally get it right. Visit the sites noted in David’s interview and take action for a
better tomorrow.
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Your Questions Answered:
June 21, 2009 - What to do if your company stops matching contributions to your 401 (k); disability insurance for single people; what
to consider if you owe more on your home than it’s worth
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Power Through Credit Card Debt:
June 14, 2009 - Get rid of your credit card debt as quickly and efficiently as you can. Every day costs you more money.
Susan Tiffany, director of personal finance information for adults with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), tells how
you can slash through your debt to get on the road to financial freedom.
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1,001 Things They Won’t Tell You: An Insider’s Guide to Spending, Saving and Living Wisely:
June 14, 2009 - Buyer beware. Based on the column in SmartMoney, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, this book, from
Editor in Chief Jonathan Dahl, is packed with insider secrets and expert knowledge that show you how to take control and manage
your money, your health, your material well-being. In all, it covers the top ten things they won’t tell you, covering 100 businesses
and professions that readers interact with daily. What is it they don’t want you to know? Nursing homes: We're careless about the
drugs we give out. Veterinarians: Vaccinating your pet may do more harm than good. Tax preparers: What are my qualifications? Well,
I'm real good at Sudoku. Cruise lines: Our engines break down all the time. Plastic surgeons: I trained a whole weekend to learn this
procedure. In addition to outlining exactly what you don’t know, but need to, it arms you with insights, tips, and techniques to make
each of you a savvier, smarter consumer.
Listen on-line or
download the mp3 file
Provisions of the Credit Card Act of 2009:
June 14, 2009 - “When President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 in May, it was the most sweeping change to hit the
industry since the first 60,000 credit cards were dropped in California mailboxes 50 years ago.” The changes go into effect in seven
months. Pamela Banks, who is a policy attorney with Consumers Union’s Washington, DC office, talks about what is in the new law and
the changes you can expect to see from your credit card provider.
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Sweeping Change In Credit Card Rules: How They Affect You:
June 14, 2009 - The most significant changes EVER to hit the credit card industry go into effect in a matter of months.
What does that mean to you and for your future business relationship with your credit card provider? Adam Levin, founder and
chairman of Credit.com, shares his knowledge and insights with host Paul Berry in this lively conversation you won’t want to
miss—after all, don’t you want to know that something is getting better for you in the world of finance?
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Your Questions Answered:
June 14, 2009 - Auto Insurance Coverage; Erase Your Debt & Debt Settlement Scams; and Medicare & Nursing Home Stays
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Click here to learn more about America's credit unions and
find a credit union near you
About Paul Berry: With more than 32 years of media experience, Paul Berry is one of Washington's most
respected journalists. He has hosted his own daily radio talk show in Washington, DC AM570 WTNT,
where he discussed local and national issues with newsmakers, journalists, and Washingtonians. Paul was
senior anchor for WJLA's 5, 6, and 11 pm newscasts in Washington DC. Berry joined ABC-7 in 1972 from his
native city of Detroit where he spent four years as an anchor/reporter at the ABC owned outlet WXYZ.
Previously, Berry completed a broadcast training program with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service
while stationed in Vietnam. After completing his training, Berry was assigned to the Tuy Hoa Air Force
installation where he worked as Program Director and Sportscaster. It was here that Berry established the
first independent FM radio station in South Vietnam. Over the years, Berry has been recognized countless
times for his relentless work and commitment to the community. In 1982, Berry was named the unanimous
winner of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Ted Yates award, given to the
individual who has demonstrated outstanding professional and personal qualities in their contribution
to Washington television news and public affairs.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Wolff, Senior Vice President-Communications
Credit Union National Association, Washington, DC
202-638-5777 or mwolff@cuna.coop
We want to hear from you; email your questions to HFFradio@creditunion.coop
Copyright © 2009 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.
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