Standing Up For All the Little Guys

Do you know what you're paying for?  What exactly is a Federal Universal Service Fee? Local number portability?  It's amazing what we pay for and don't understand.  And what about those rate hikes that we take lying down?

Today, we salute George James of Bakersfield.  It's true... his story didn't make it on CNN or in the New York Times, but his letter to the editor Explain Yourself, Cable Guy is at least a highlight in his hometown.  His home cable bill has gone up year after year.  Year after year he questions it but with little satisfaction.

My point today is:  Question it!  Do an audit of your bills - spend the time understanding what you're paying for and questioning each of the charges with your utility provider.  You'll be surprised what you're paying for that you probably don't want and/or need.  Every dollar counts and wouldn't you rather be spending those dollars on your financial goals?

When you've become an expert on your bills, remember that Consumer Utility may be able to help lower your monthly utility bills even further!  Submit your information now and see what we can do.

Why Do We Pay So Much?

Kiplinger.com brings awareness of 10 Things We Overpay For.  This makes me ask the question, "Why do we pay so much?"  Many consumers complete their due diligence in price shopping when it comes to big ticket items like autos, HDTV, and homes.  So why is it that diligence stops when it comes to regular monthly expenses?

There are two reasons:  laziness and ignorance.  Time is ultimately more valuable than money.  However, if poor money management leads you to - say, have to get a second job in order to make ends meet - then perhaps it is worth a little more diligence.  The second is that many consumers aren't savvy enough to realize they don't always have to pay "sticker price".

Out of the 10 things listed by Kiplinger, you'll see that several of the items are everyday household utilities.  Consider the bundling tips and alternative services to reduce your costs.  Also, make sure you've submitted your information to Consumer Utility to see if better rates can be negotiated for you on your phone, internet and cable services.  That way, you'll not only save your money - but also your time!

Want to Boost Your Income?

Need a short-term loan or find a few extra bucks each month?  Start by reviewing your withholding allowance on your W-4 at work.

Many Americans are used to and even look forward to receiving a tax refund check each year.  According to the IRS in a USA Today article, last year the average federal tax refund jumped 10% to over $3,000.  While a big check is nice to get once a year, would it be better to get less on that check and have more for household expenses (or saving) each month?

Do you realize that when you receive a large tax refund, you have essentially given the federal government and interest free loan - interest that you could have earned by saving, investing or even paying down debt?  In fact, the IRS released a press statement recently showing that over 1 million taxpayers will lose out on over $1.1 billion dollars in refunds from 2007 if they are not claimed by April 18, 2011.

Bottom Line:  You should be putting your own money to work for you!

EVERYONE is Eligible to Free File!

Did you know that anyone can file their tax returns for free?  Why pay a company or individual when you can do it for free?  Your options for free filing will be based on your income.

Low to moderate income people (generally under $49,000), seniors over age 60 and military personnel are eligible to take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites or Tax Counseling for the Elderly.  Find a VITA site near you by using this IRS site list.

Those filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $58,000 or less can utilize one of many free online filing methods.  Here is an EXTENSIVE list of free file sites and help finding a company if you need it.

Of course anyone can use the IRS' Free File system and e-file your return.

How will you prepare your own household taxes this year?

March Focus: TAXES!

Federal tax filing deadline is April 18, 2011 (some of you get a freebie couple of days!). We are going to use the month of March to provide practical tips for completing your tax filings. Short, sweet and to the point - you...... won't want to miss it!