Simply upgrading to the right high performance motor oil can improve fuel economy.

(ARA) – Automobile insurance rates, maintenance and repair costs and vehicle ownership expenses continue to rise. Gasoline reached record high prices in 2008 and the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects fuel prices to rise again in the future. Thankfully, you don’t have to alter your driving habits or buy a new car to get some relief. Here are some quick, inexpensive and easy ways to save money with your car.

* Get slick to reduce maintenance costs and to save fuel.

Upgrading to one of today’s modern high performance motor oils can make a meaningful improvement to your car’s fuel economy and engine life. For instance, independent studies have documented that Royal Purple motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as 5 percent and significantly reduces engine wear. Using high performance synthetic motor oil, as opposed to conventional oils also allows for more miles between oil changes, reducing maintenance costs and the amount of time spent on maintenance. You’ll pay a little more for premium motor oil but the savings in fuel and reduced maintenance costs more than make up for the higher price. You can find out more about at www.royalpurple.com .

* Reduce your insurance costs by doing your homework.

One of the simplest ways to reduce insurance cost is simply to shop around. Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to do your homework. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state’s insurance regulator may also provide price comparisons. Other ways to reduce insurance costs can be found by visiting the U.S. Insurance Information Institute’s Web site.

* Mind the air to save money on fuel.

The U.S. Energy Department reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

Secondly, a clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine. More tips to save money on fuel are available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

An astute driver can save hundreds of dollars a year on automotive expenses without buying a new car or changing lifestyle. All it takes is a little time and research, and the good sense to choose better performing products.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: car ownership, cost of owning a car, fuel consumption, money saving tips, reduce insurance costs, reducing the cost of car ownership

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(ARA) – Even though the income tax deadline has passed, people shouldn’t lose sight of how the tax decisions they make today can affect their retirement plans tomorrow. If you are within five years of retirement, it’s time to fine tune your future finances. For example, have you thought of how taxes will affect you after you say goodbye to the nine to five? Securing retirement income and understanding how taxes apply to your money is crucial so you can afford to live the life you want throughout your golden years. 

“When you look at retirement assets through a tax lens, it becomes clear that decisions regarding whether you have an appropriate level of guaranteed lifetime income, how to maximize Social Security, whether you should work in retirement and how you deploy your assets are very much linked,” says Robert Fishbein, vice president and corporate counsel for Prudential Financial. “You should consider all of these elements in a holistic manner because, ultimately, the goal is to make sure your assets support your desired standard of living for the rest of your life.” 

Here are Fishbein’s top tax considerations for those planning for retirement: 

1 — Personal income tax 
Most people assume their personal income taxes will be lower after retirement because they won’t be generating as much income and, therefore, will be in a lower tax bracket. But due to the recent economic downturn and losses in retirement assets, the dismal personal savings rate over the last decade — which has only just recently begun to rise — and the decline of traditional pension plans, and the increase in the full retirement age under Social Security for those born after 1954, many retirees are choosing to take on part-time jobs. 

Regardless of the reason for working in retirement, the income earned, combined with use of retirement savings, might create a situation where you will be taxed at the same level or an even higher rate than when you were working full time. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to have both taxable and non-taxable retirement assets upon which you can draw in retirement so that you can manage taxes and maximize your income in the long term. Talking with a financial advisor is the best way to create a custom plan that will help you maximize the number of years you can generate income to maintain the same standard of living you enjoy today. 

2 — State and local taxes 
There’s a reason, besides warm weather, that people retire in states like Florida and Texas. Where you retire can have a significant impact on your after-tax income because state and local taxes can affect how long your retirement savings will last. Florida and Texas have a state income tax rate of zero, so they are attractive to many retirees who want to maximize their retirement assets. California, on the other hand, has the highest state income tax; residents there are taxed at 9.3 percent. 

In addition to state income taxes, there are sales and property taxes to consider. Some states derive more of their revenue from these taxes than from income taxes. You should understand how all of the taxes in the state and town in which you plan to retire will affect your income. 

3 — Future tax rates 
Another thing to consider when figuring out your post-retirement income is how federal and state taxes might change in the future. It’s hard to predict whether they will remain the same, be lower or increase. A good indicator of future federal income taxes is to look at history and take an educated guess. Doing so suggests that rates are at historic lows right now, which likely means an increase in the near future. An indicator of future state taxes might be the current budget position of the state, which, at the moment, suggests that many states may be looking to increase their income, sales and/or property taxes in the short term. 

What does this mean for retirement planning — especially in those critical five year periods just before and just after retirement? Basically, if federal or state taxes go up, your retirement savings and assets will be depleted sooner. You will have to save more to make your money last longer or you will have to adjust some of your spending habits. 

As you look down the road for retirement, think ahead to how taxes will affect you. Visit www.retirementredzone.com to learn more about planning for retirement. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: retirement

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Wire Transfer Services are at Extremely High Risk of Cybercrime

(ARA) – As criminals get smarter, we all need to watch our money and personal information even more closely. Something as simple and seemingly secure as wiring money to your family is highly vulnerable to financial fraud, depending on the service you use. If you are planning to transfer money in the future, make sure you are protecting yourself.

Wire transfer businesses are often smaller mom-and-pop organizations that are very common in larger cities or areas with high ethnic populations. These businesses are often used by immigrants to send money back to their home countries, also known as remittances.

Worldwide remittances amount to more than $126 billion and have become a considerable force in the economy of many countries, U.S. Immigration Support estimates. Last year alone, Mexico received more than $17 billion in remittances through America-based workers, the highest of all countries.

Panda Security, a leading provider of security software for consumers and businesses, conducted a multi-year study in order to see how secure these types of businesses were. The results are alarming. Panda found that these businesses, numbering approximately 66,000 in the United States alone, are at extremely high risk for cybercrime like personal identity breaches and theft.

Surprisingly, the computers present in more than 300 offices audited by a team of researchers are typically basic computers with very few enhancements or software additions. In repeated visits over the past two years, Panda Security consistently found that trial antivirus software on these machines had long since expired and any kind of proactive security measure was almost always viewed as an unnecessary business expense. In addition, employees at these businesses are frequently minimum wage young adults who spend time chatting, using social networks and visiting chat sites on the very same computers that store sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license records, tax records and credit card information. This results in highly vulnerable systems that are very easy for criminals to attack, according to the report.

Money transfers are a regular part of many Americans’ lives, so it’s important to make sure that you take steps to secure your transaction. Here are some tips that Panda Security suggests you follow if you need to wire money:

1. Ask the wire transfer agent what security measures are in place to ensure the confidentiality of your personal information.

2. Make sure you understand what anti-fraud measures are in place at the receiving location in order to safeguard your money.

3. Call your beneficiary immediately after sending money so that it can be picked up before interception is likely to occur.

4. Try to send remittances before common dates such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.

5. Find out if there is any insurance if the transfer is intercepted. If not, consider using a service that provides this.

6. Be sure to ask around to determine whether a shop has a good track record before going there to complete your transaction.

7. If making the transaction yourself from a computer, visit “Infected or Not” (www.infectedornot.com) and run a free scan of the computer to ensure that it is virus and threat-free.

For all businesses geared towards U.S. immigrant money transfer, Panda Security recommends having an up-to-date anti-malware suite in place that is set to scan regularly. To get a complimentary security consultation from Panda Security or obtain a copy of their recent study, businesses can visit http://us.pandasecurity.com/criticalalert.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Cybercrime, Money Transfer Security, Security, Wire Transfer Services, wire transfers

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Why do credit card customers tend to choose one brand of credit card over the other? Many times it is as simple as what offers are better. But there are those who are loyal to a Visa credit card because they know that Visa is a company that they can trust. Why do you have a Visa credit card in your wallet?

The History Of Visa Credit Cards

A Visa credit card is sometimes taken for granted. Do you really know about the company behind your Visa credit card? Visa has been the most technologically advanced company when it comes to electronic payments since the company began in 1958. Visa was the first to have mobile payments, a revolving credit card platform and it now the leader the fast moving industry of credit card companies. The Visa Company has been the backbone of global commerce and continues to serve this purpose for companies and individuals.

Visa was incorporated in 1970 and in 1973 the NBI (National Bank Americard, Inc.) launches one of the first authorization systems that is complete electronic, and just a year later will introduce the first automated clearing and settlement system. Visa was also a pioneer in the ATM networks, providing 24-hour ATM service for all of its customers in 1983—years before many other companies were able to do this.

Now, if you own a Visa credit card, you get so many options and features that you may not even know all of the benefits of your particular card. Get to know you card and its features by reading all of the information that came with your card. If you don’t understand it or want to learn more, you can also access the online feature of your card. Most cards today will have a place online where you can view your account statements and all the options that are provided with your card. Most of the time, the online services are able to explain the features of your card in a simple, easy to understand language.

If you want to apply for a Visa credit card and are not sure whether to go with this company or not, you would be a fool to pass up the opportunity to own a Visa credit card. It will be a great step forward in establishing your credit and giving you the freedom to be able to accomplish the things you want to do in life.

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There is no doubt to the immense importance of having a high credit score when applying for credit because it will ensure that you get many benefits including lower rates of interest on the loans you apply for. It can even help you buy a new home or apartment and sometimes, it is also an advantage when applying for a job. No doubt, the debate regarding the usefulness or other use of credit cards continues. However, you just cannot deny the necessity of having a good credit score.

Irresponsible Use Of Credit Cards Is A No-No

Sometimes, students apply for credit cards and more often then not they apply for unsecured credit card. For them to have a good credit score will help them with their application while a poor credit score would damage their chances of getting an unsecured credit card. The fact of the matter is that irresponsible use of credit cards can result in applications for credit cards being turned down, even when it concerns unsecured credit cards.

Also, most people will first of all prefer to get an unsecured credit card, though their chances of succeeding in obtaining one will depend on how good or bad is their credit history. Unsecured credit cards are credit cards that can be used to buy goods and services up to the limit of the approved credit limit on the card. The credit limit that you get is actually based on your credit history as well as your source of income.

You could have an unsecured credit card that has a high credit limit or one that has a low credit limit and this in turn obviously depends on how good or bad has been your credit history. Most often, an applicant with a poor credit history stands little chance of getting an application for an unsecured credit card approved and before they succeed in obtaining one, they must first improve their credit score.

However, an unsecured credit card does not provide you with the same advantage as a secured credit card in so far as the rate of interest goes because it will invite higher interest rates. This is because with such a card, you are in fact borrowing money from the credit card company, which is another reason why an application for an unsecured credit card is generally treated more strictly than when applying for a secured credit card. The risk is greater when being given an unsecured credit card and thus only those applicants who can show good credit history have a chance of being approved.

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Life is good if a student has been accepted into a college or university.  There is usually great euphoria when that acceptance comes, and then a few months later, the student gets to leave for a great new life.  This life is even better if a student credit card is available for the trip and the anticipated activities.  A student credit card is a great tool for the young person going away to school and the parents who are sending him or her off on this great adventure.  In this day and age, a student credit card can be used for so many things.

Probably the first thing that a student worries about is food.  Away from the home cooked meals, food is very important.  A student credit card will be great for the trip there and the food along the route, and a student credit card will also be perfect for meals throughout the academic year.  The school fees and meal tickets can usually be purchased with a student credit card so there is no chance that the student will starve.  The student might not want the institutional meals, and the grocery stores will also take a student credit card for the essential ingredients.

Successful Students Use Student Credit Cards

Students have many expenses, and most of these can be taken care of with a student credit card.  The campus bookstore will take one of these great credit cards so the student can purchase all of the materials needed to pass each class.  All of the books necessary can be obtained with a credit card.  Other necessities such as a laptop computer can also be purchased with the credit card.  A student with a credit card can take out any necessary cash.

Parents will find that a student credit card will ease the way for their child and themselves.  This is a good way to instill discipline in their children.  The credit card can have a limit each month, and the student will have to learn to budget or be out of luck and money at the end of the month.  The student will not have to call home every time they run out of money.  The parents will also have a clear record of all of the expenditures made by their children while away.  These records should remind the student that he or she should be very careful with their money while away from home.

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Unfortunately, it can be quite easy to lose one’s credit cards physically though to have your credit card number stolen online is quite another ball game. When you send your credit card information over the Internet, you are at less risk of having your information illegally accessed than if you were to use the card physically and allow some prying eyes or nimble fingers rob you off your credit card information or the card itself. The fact of the matter is that the banking system is strong and secure enough to ensure that stolen credit cards are not something that can easily happen.

Don’t Throw Receipts At Public Places

However, if you are careless and throw your receipts into a trashcan in a public place, the chances of your credit card number being stolen and accessed by unauthorized persons increase dramatically. That is not to suggest that credit cards used over the Internet are absolutely safe because hackers can and will gain unauthorized entry into databases – though fortunately, such instances are still pretty rare.

To ensure that thieves cannot use stolen credit card numbers, many of the current crops of e-commerce merchants are making a conscious effort to devise new techniques with which to protect sensitive credit card information. Thus, it becomes necessary for you to provide your CID number before your credit card can be processed. In addition, your maximum liability in case of stolen credit cards being used illegally will not amount to more than fifty dollars and the credit card companies usually forgive this amount.

However, if you are using a credit card from one of the big four credit card companies, you should expect certain amount of attendant risk because these companies are often made the target of credit card fraud. What’s more, these companies generally won’t admit to such possibilities because of course they don’t want to dent consumer confidence in their service. A customer that doubts the safety of their credit cards will certainly not avail of a credit card from a company that cannot assure complete security of the card.

Nevertheless, if you find out that you have become a victim of a stolen credit card, you need to immediately contact the credit card issuer at a special telephone number and advise them about the loss of your credit card. As long as you take prompt and timely action, the credit card issuer can cancel the card before things get completely out of hand and thus minimize the loss to you on account of stolen credit card misuse.

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A small business credit card can prove to be a real boon for small businesses, especially those that are concerned about cash flow. In addition, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to picking a particular such piece of plastic that will help meet all of your business’s needs. Visa as well as MasterCard will give you four choices while American Express will double that number of choices. There are also several hundreds of other partner banks that you can also try out.

Actual Needs

However, it must be understood that most small businesses do not in fact need or require the use of credit cards to make their businesses run smoother, though there is also no denying the usefulness of having a small business credit card or two on hand. In the final analysis, whether a small business uses or does not use a small business credit card depends solely on its real needs.

Furthermore, a small business credit card must not be the only source of a small business for accruing capital, although such a card is nevertheless well suited when making purchases of goods, materials and services, especially when availability of cash is limited. Also, a small business credit card is very practical when buying in large quantities. And using such a card is also great when you need to track your financial transactions because there are some of these cards that come with software that records all of your transactions and then lets you view the recorded transactions at a later time.

Using the small business credit card is also advantageous for you because many creditors offer rewards for using their particular card and taking advantage of these rewards and cash-back offers helps you save money which is always a welcome thing.

Before using your small business credit card, you will need to sign on it though you need to use the card judiciously because if you make the mistake of defaulting on your credit card use you will pay a heavy price in the form of refusal of credit and loss of further business from your creditors. So, in spite of the many advantages of using a small business credit card, you must always be very careful about how you use it and not end up becoming another victim of credit card debts because of irresponsible use of credit.

The bottom line as far as using a small business credit card goes is that provided you use it in a disciplined manner and can shoulder the responsibilities that come with them you will end up profiting from using your small business credit card.

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A secured credit card can make a big difference in every day life for those with a less than perfect credit history.  A credit card is necessary for so many transactions and convenient for many others.  It is much more difficult to rent a car if you do not have a credit card.  Business on the internet or over the phone is almost impossible without a credit card.  At least, it is much easier to do business in many circumstances with a credit card.  People without a credit history or a bad credit history will definitely miss the convenience of a credit card.  A secured credit card is often the answer for these people.

A secured credit card can be used like a regular credit card to make plane reservations, hotel reservations and to rent a car.  Many people do not like the idea of using a credit card, but a credit card can help you out even if you eventually want to pay with a check or cash.  A secured credit card can help you this way even if you plan to pay by check or cash.  A secured credit card may even be helpful in obtaining a regular credit card.  There are some requirements for obtaining a secured card.

A Secured Credit Card Requires A Cash Deposit

A secured credit card requires some cash to be used as collateral in case there is a problem with the payments on the card.  The amount deposited serves as the limit on the card.  A five hundred dollar deposit allows the credit card holder to charge up to five hundred dollars, for example.  The amount can be increased as needed, and the bank may increase the amount as the credit card holder pays regularly.  There are several companies that offer these types of credit cards and the conditions for the cards may vary from one bank to another.

A secured credit card might require an application fee or other fees.  Some secured credit cards require an insurance fee.  The fees can vary substantially so it is wise to check out all of the available cards before making a final decision.  Some banks are more helpful to their customers, and it is often wise to go with a bank that has been helpful in the past.  People can often apply for an unsecured credit card after using a secured card for at least a year.  The money that is used as a deposit can earn interest on many of the secured credit cards, but the interest rates vary.

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A prepaid credit card has many of the benefits of a regular credit card and none of the dangers.  A prepaid credit card can be used to purchase goods, secure rental agreements and get a cash advance.  It is almost impossible to move around the world or one’s own hometown without the use of a regular or prepaid credit card.  Try renting a car without a regular or prepaid card.  A customer could present a substantial amount of cash to pay for the rental car, but the company still wants a regular or prepaid credit card before releasing the car to a renter.

A person can use a prepaid credit card to make many purchases on the world wide web without encountering any problems.  These prepaid credit cards can be used to purchase clothes for a student away at college, a grandmother waiting for a birthday present or a case of wine for the next dinner party.  A prepaid card can be used to make plane and train reservations from the privacy of home.  Life can be smoother with a prepaid credit card.  People can save money on gas and time by making their purchases online.

A Prepaid Credit Card Is Valid Worldwide

A prepaid credit card is usually accepted at thousands of establishments around the world.  A traveler can purchase pearls in Japan, diamonds in Amsterdam and fashionable clothes in London.  There was a time when a world traveler would have to have a stack of traveler’s check or cash to buy things in a foreign country.  In these modern times, travelers can pay for their hotel rooms, meals and airplane tickets with a prepaid credit card.  Most prepaid cards can be used for many transactions regardless of the location of the traveler.

A prepaid credit card is valid for a specific amount of money.  When the funds are exhausted, the credit card is useless.  A traveler might be tempted to make some other purchases in different places, but if they have decided on their budget and made the card support this budget, they will not be able to go above that budget.  The traveler will have to be careful to stay within their budget even though they do have a credit card.  One of these cards is guaranteed for approval.  No traveler will have to worry that their card will be declined just as they are about to check into their hotel after a long trip.

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