All Entries Tagged With: "Money"

Financial Experts Says ” A Lot Can Be Learned From Hip Hop Artists”

In Summer 2012, Houston rapper Slim Thug released his first book, How To Survive In A Recession.  The book was a surprise to most hip hop heads who were used to seeing Slim Thug in videos with flashy jewels and expensive cars. He even premiered once on the popular MTV Cribs showing off his sprawling home and fleet of cars. Well, years later Slim Thug decided to live a debt-free life which consisted of doing away with a few materialistic things he’d worked so hard far. He didn’t downsize because he was broke. Due to the recession, he took the smart route, man’d up, and began managing his personal finances properly.

Nowadays, there are more hip hop artists investing in stocks, opening businesses, and securing a great financial future for themselves and their family.  Some music videos may tell a different story. But if you listen to their lyrics, you’ll notice that many of them are offering up some great advice about business and money. Recently, MSN posted several financial related quotes spit by several of our favorite rap artists. Financial experts reviewed each lyric and believed that fans of hip hop could actually learn a thing or two if we just pay attention.  In case you can’t remember what a few of these rappers said, take a look at these lesson-filled quotes expressed by 50 Cent, Slim Thug, Yung Joc, Busta Rhymes, and Common.

50 Cent says, “I used to think that if I bought stuff that showed the world how much money I made I’d be happy. But that doesn’t work. For me, success was always going to be a Lamborghini. But now I’ve got it, it just sits in drive. My Rolls Royce has less than nine miles on the clock.” (quoted from interview with Daily Mail)

Moral of the Quote – Buying expensive items do not always guarantee happiness. Some assets, like cars, depreciate in value. So it is best to invest in assets that will increase your net worth. Then to find happiness, try giving back to the less fortunate.

Slim Thug says, “I always say if you can’t buy it three times over, you can’t afford it. Don’t drive a Bentley on a Benz income.”  (quoted from How To Survive In A Recession)

Moral of the Quote – Simply. Don’t live beyond your means.

Yung Joc says, “Hold off on all the jewelry and cars. Straight up…(the rap business) not a 9-to-5. You go to work 40 hours a week, you’re not going to get the same amount of money…every week because it don’t work like that.” (quoted in interview with Hollywood Heavy)

Moral of the Quote – Be smart with your money. Always have it least 6 to 12 months salary saved up for hard times.

Busta Rhymes says, “Floss a little; invest up in a mutual fund.”  (quoted in his 1997 hit “Dangerous”)

Moral of the Quote – Diversify your portfolio. Never leave all your money in one bucket. Contact a financial advisor or stock broker and find opportunities to invest and grow your net worth.

Common says, “But once you get grown and out your own/Bills upon bill upon is what you have/Before you get your check then you already spent half.” (quoted in his 1994 song “Rich Man vs Poor Man”)

Moral of the Quote – Keep your bills minimal. Always store away at leat 10% of each paycheck in a separate savings account.

What do you think of the financial advice given by these artists?  Do you have any advice of your own that has proven financially effective for you?  If so, please share in the comments.

Matthew Knowles Next in Line For Owing Uncle Sam

It looks like Beyonce’s papi, Matthew Knowles is next up in line when it comes to who owes back taxes to the IRS

According to reports, Mr. Knowles owes good ole Uncle Sam an estimated $1.2 million in back taxes for 2010 and 2011. He was still managing his superstar daughter then which of course attributes to why the amount of what he possibly owes is so high.

It’s kind of hard to believe that Knowles would be so careless with his finances considering how good he’s been with making money over the last decade or so. But who knows how this could of happened. All I can say is that somewhere along the way, Knowles dropped the ball and didn’t stay on top of his affairs. Hopefully he’ll get it all worked out soon and not have to go the Lauryn Hill route.

Ja Rule Released From Prison; Time On Sentence Remains

It looks like hip-hop artist Ja Rule has gotten a major leap toward his freedom.

After serving the majority of the two-year sentence he received for illegal gun possession and then being transferred into federal custody for his tax evasion dilemma in which he failed to pay taxes on $3 million, Ja Rule has left prison early. Ja Rule was sentenced to 28 months for the tax evasion which was scheduled to run concurrently with the 24-month sentence.

According to authorities, Ja Rule was released earlier this week from a correctional facility in New York and is currently in home confinement to serve out the rest of his time. His official release date still stands as July 28, 2013.

Hopefully this will be the end of time when it comes to trouble for Ja Rule. It’ll be interesting to see what he’ll do with his time once he’s finishes his sentence. Will it be some new music…a reality show???

The 6-Step Process Towards Debt-Relief…

Tired of credit collectors blowing up your phone?  Tired of receiving collection letters in the mail?  Well, you and a million other people are sick of it. But, the first thing that you have to come to terms with is the reason why you owe so much anyway.  Many Americans, especially, engage in overspending and living above their means. We love to “keep up with the Joneses”, show-off the material things to our friends and family, and buy stuff that simply has no value.  Overspending is a condition that we all suffer or once suffered from. How do we get help with this problem? Initially, it will take you to make the decision to want to change. Once you have conquered that, you are on your way to living a healthier financial life.

Okay. To get started on your debt-relief process, here are several ways to slash the amount of money you owe.  Although these bullet points are not full proof, they will at least put you in the right direction.

• Obtain a copy of your credit report.  Americans are given two free copies each year. Then, compile a list of unpaid credit cards and outstanding loans. Add up the balances. The total you end up with is the overall amount you are in debt with.

• Decide which outstanding balances you want to start paying off first.  Some people choose the smaller accounts first. Outstanding balances that are low (a couple hundred dollars) is preferred because it will take the shortest time to pay off.

• Contact each credit lender/agency and speak with a representative about a possible payment plan. Before you start paying against the debt, make sure you have a steady income coming in. If you work, see how much you can put in a savings each pay check. After you’ve calculated your monthly household expenses, use the money you have left over to put in the savings. You can use a portion of that savings to pay off the debt or you can set up a separate account to store your “debt-money”.

• Pay more than the minimum monthly fee on your credit cards and loans.  It is better to pay more than just the minimum. This will allow you to see your balance decrease much faster than anticipated.

• Transfer debt to a credit company with a lower interest rate. It is smart to consolidate or transfer debt from the card with the 20% or more rate to an account with a lower rate.  This is a definite way to adjust your monthly minimum fees, thus giving you an opportunity to pay more against the balance.

• Watch what you buy if you can’t handle the monthly payments! Stay in your lane and learn to minimize your purchases. This will save you much financial grief later on.

Hopefully, these few tips can put your on your path to debt freedom.  If you check online, there are many outlets that provide programs to help you sort out your debt (i.e. www.payoff.com).  Information is always available. There is no excuse to continue to be in debt.

Good luck on your journey!

Dollars & Sense: Why Corporations Do Not Support Freedom of Speech?

Lately there’s been a rash of artists under scrutiny for their lyrics and artistic expression.  Although many might argue that artists should have the right to say what they want, corporations have a slightly different point of view. The most recent case involves Lil Wayne, rapper and CEO of YMCMB.  The New Orleans born emcee was dropped from PepsiCo as an endorser of their Mountain Dew soda product. The reason was due to an offensive reference made about Emmett Till, a young man brutally murdered in Mississippi during the civil rights era.

Wayne’s offensive lyrics was recorded on Future’s “Karate Chop” song. Due to the widespread negative press and disgust by Emmett Till’s family, PepsiCo decided to end their relationship with Lil Wayne. As such with Miami-rapper Rick Ross who, also, was dropped by a major corporation for his drug and rape reference in “U.E.O.N.O.”  Reebok severed their ties with the Maybach Music Group CEO, costing Ross several millions in endorsement money [READ HERE].

The recent string of events proves that there’s no such thing as “freedom of speech” to corporations.  The “bottom-line” in revenue dollars is what companies are most concerned with. For Reebok and PepsiCo, the impact of the negative press translated into a decline in sales. But also, the offensive and derogatory lyrics could have potentially tarnished their brands. Words can be deadly.  Yet, many artists fail to realize this and continue to degrade our women, glorify drugs and guns, and/or promote domestic violence.  At some point, artists should be held accountable for what they say.  Lyrics not only affect a company’s ability to sell products and make money, but they also confirm this negative perception of people and communities that are already oppressed.

At the end of the day, freedom of speech hurts us and the corporations.  It shows that some artists aren’t versatile enough to talk about other things.  Also, it shows companies that taking a risk by hiring an artist to endorse a product may not always be the best thing. You can make millions or easily lose millions.  Therefore, it is certain that the way corporations issue endorsement deals in the future will take on a different approach.  Don’t be surprised if stricter clauses are incorporated in these agreements.

What do you think?  Do you think artists should watch what they say in songs?  Let us know we’d like to know how you feel.

Rick Ross In Hot Water…Again???

They say if it isn’t one thing, it’s another but in the case of Rick Ross it seems to be quite a few things trying to weigh the rapper down.

As if the death threats from gang members and the drive-by shooting that happened weren’t enough, Ross then found himself under fire for his lyrics on Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O”. The mishap with his lyrics on the song which were eventually removed ultimately led to him losing his $5milliom Reebok endorsement.

Well now the Boss is being sued by Total Access Talent, a Miami-based talent agency for an estimated $170,000. Now while the amount appears to be a small thing compared to the giant that is Ross’ net worth, the notion of the MMG head honcho doing bad business can be damaging enough. According to suit, Total Access Talent claims that Ross failed to pay the 10% commission he agreed to pay the company to books shows for him in the Florida.

If what Total Access Talent claims is true, then Mr. Rozay should be ashamed and definitely needs to get some better business about his self.  But I’m hoping it’s just a lack of communication, a misunderstanding or at least something totally understandable.

Need Cash? Students Can Now Sell Textbooks via Chegg & Accept Payments on Prepaid Card

Chegg, an online student hub, has given college kids a cool platform to earn cash and learn to manage their money.

The new program is part of the “textbook buyback” initiative which is a collaborative effort between Chegg and American Express Serve®. American Express provides students with the Serve® prepaid card after textbooks are sold inside the Chegg website. The prepaid card does not have any hidden fees. Students do not have to pass a credit check to get one. Instead, the only qualification is that students set up an account on Chegg. Though the process below may seems a bit much, AMEX and Chegg assures that selling books and earning money is rather simple.  Check it out…

1) Student visits the Chegg website, requests and agrees to a quote for the books they would like to sell, and prints a shipping label to send their books to Chegg.

2) Student will then be directed to sign up for Serve from American Express within the Chegg website, and a Serve prepaid Card will be directly shipped to them. Buyback funds will be sent from Chegg within 24-hours of processing the book.

3) Student receives their Serve Card in the mail and activates it. They can use the newly available funds to transfer money between friends with Serve accounts, make an ATM withdrawal or to safely and securely shop virtually anywhere American Express® Cards are accepted.

 

“Going to college requires many transitions for students; one of the most important is developing good financial habits. We are thrilled to partner with Serve and help students manage their money using a trusted digital account,” said Elizabeth Harz, vice president of business development for Chegg. “Saving students time, money and helping them get smarter is what Chegg is all about. Teaming with Serve helps us deliver on this charter and provides American Express an authentic connection to this important and influential audience of 18 to 24 year olds.”

Starting now through August 30, 2013, students can open a new Serve Account and make purchases and receive a $10 credit.  For more information, go to www.chegg.com.

Chegg, the student hub, is transforming the way millions of students learn by connecting them to the people and tools needed to succeed in college through homework help, course selection, eTextbook and textbook options as well as school and scholarship connections. Students nationwide use Chegg 365 days a year to make learning easier, more accessible and more productive. As a part of the company’s philanthropic efforts, Chegg is dedicated to its Chegg For Good program, which empowers students to be a catalyst for change on their campus, in their communities and around the world. From starting as a textbook rental company to evolving into the student hub, Chegg is enhancing education for millions of students by saving them time, saving them money and helping them get smarter.

Best Books To Help Young Adults Manage Their Financial Life

It’s 2013. We are living in a day and age where information, on just about anything, is readily available.  Whether it’s through the internet or at your local library, advice on a wide ray of subjects can be found if one just take the time out to look.  This is especially true for parents who aren’t necessarily equipped with enough knowledge to pass down to their kids. One area that often stomps the parents when asked a question is money.

Personal finance, investing, wealth management, etc are all topics that parents should start teaching their kids early on.  But unfortunately there are many parents that suffer from personal money issues. So, this automatically deters them from being a great role model and/or teacher.  However, the necessary information and resources that can help young adults manage their financial lives are out there.

To help parents instill some financial accountability into their kids, STACKS Magazine found several great Books To Help Young Adults Manage Their Financial Life.  Here’s the list:

1.  The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey

2.  Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound

3. Financial Planning for Your First Job by Matthew Brandeburg

4. Investment Visionaries: A Roadmap to Wealth from the World’s Greatest Money Managers by Peter J. Tanous

5. Get A Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner

6. Your So Money: Live Rich, Even When Your Not by Farnoosh Torabi

7. Street Wise: A Guide for Teen Investors by Janet Bamford

Parents, most of these books can be purchased online on Amazon.  The earlier your child start developing some financial responsibility, the less financial headaches they’ll experience in the future.

Bomb Victims Fear High Medical Costs; Injuries May Cease Ability To Work

Photo Courtesy of MSNBC

The city of Boston suffered a great deal after two bombs exploded injuring 170 people and killing three.  At what was supposed to be a cheerful occasion, a deadly attack on marathoners instantly turned joy into horrific terror.  The explosions left a gruesome scene in which most of the victims were hit with bb’s, nails, and other components used to make the pressure cooker bombs.  Unfortunately, the bombs were able to hit a lot of people at one time causing major harm.

While watching more coverage of the bombings on CNN, a victim brought up a good point while speaking with a reporter.  He explained that as a self-employed man the injuries that he’s suffered will prevent him from being able to work.  This will be true for many of the victims. Blue collar workers who work with their hands or legs, if were severely affected by the attack, may have to take a extended leave of absence. Or in the case of the victim on CNN, he is self-employed so will have to completely stop working.  If he is the bread winner for his household, it is going to be extremely difficult to sustain the current household bills and the incoming hospital costs.

Will the victims receive any financial help from state or federal government?

City officials in Boston announced the creation of the One Fund Boston.  The fund is designed to be a central source for compensation for the victims.  A Boston-based insurer has already donated $1 million to the fund.  Although the fund is in place, there are no guidelines or qualifications set for those who want to file a claim.  This could take weeks to finalize.

One concern with One Fund Boston is that will victims be able to still sue the city of Boston.  After most incidents of this nature, the citizens oftentimes file lawsuits against the city or state.  In this case, the firm that manages the One Fund Boston have yet to decide the claim specifications surrounding any payments that will be made to the victims who file.

The only alternatives at the moment will be for victims to rely on their retirement savings, insurance payouts, or family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the victims of this horrible tragedy.  The hatred must cease. God bless us all.

Reebok Cuts Ties With Rick Ross Over Lyrics

Well it looks like rapper Rick Ross has done more than just pissed people off with his lyrics on Rocko’s song “U.O.E.N.O.” The plot has definitely thickened considering that Reebok has a problem with the lyrics and as a result has decided to end their business relationship with the MMG boss.

The lyrics Ross spit during his feature that instantly came under extreme fire go as follows:

“Put Molly all in the champagne, she ain’t even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it,”

While Ross says it isn’t so, many have related the lyrics to date rape.

About their decision to end their relationship with Ross concerning the lyrics, Reebok released a statement saying, “Reebok holds our partners to a high standard, and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so. While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse.”

Due to all the controversy, Rocko has decided to replace Ross’ verse.

Looking back on it all now, I’m sure Ricky Rozay is regretting the backlash and loss of stacks just a few words has cost him.

How to Handle Owing the IRS

Now that tax season is nearing an end, some people won’t have their hands waiting on a refund. Instead they’ll be getting their ducks in a row and trying to figure out how to pay the IRS back what they owe.

Now considering that the IRS is one of the biggest and baddest financial entities, there’s no room to play around with owing and they’ll want their money however you can get it. Whether you have to borrow on your credit card or take out a small loan, the IRS has got to be paid.

If you’re one of those that owe and are now wondering how you’re going to pay off your balance, below are a few options that may be available to you to help make things a little easier on you. 

Of course the first option would be to go ahead and pay them if you have the money now, but if not, here are a couple of other options that may benefit you.

The Monthly Installment

With this option if you’re eligible, the IRS allows you to set up a monthly payment plan to pay off your balance. To find out if qualify for the payment plan option, got to www.irs.gov and fill out the online agreement application {www.irs.gov/Individuals/Online-Payment-Agreement-Application]. With the online process you’ll find out right away if you qualify and can avoid the long process of mailing in your application. Be mindful though because with this option interest continues to accrue on the tax debt until it is paid in full. Also, be sure that your payments are set at an amount you can afford so you don’t find yourself in even more of a bind with the IRS.

An Offer in Compromise

This option is extended to those under extreme circumstance who simply cannot pay what the full amount that they owe. According to the IRS, “an offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe, if you meet strict requirements. This may be a legitimate option if you can’t pay your full tax liability, or doing so creates a financial hardship. We consider your unique set of facts and circumstances: ability to pay; income; expenses; and asset equity. Generally, an offer will not be accepted if the IRS believes the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement.” If you want to be considered for this option go to www.irs.gov to prepare your preliminary proposal and see if you qualify [http://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/].

No matter which route you have to take, be sure to read up on each option thouroughly so that you’ll know all of the ins and outs that come with each option. To be sure you making the right choice, it’s best to consult your tax preparer or a tax professional for advice before you proceed. Nonetheless, move as quickly as possible, because if you don’t pay…Uncle Sam will come for you and get what you owe one way or the other.

Basic Fundamentals to Having a Career in Entertainment

Are dreaming of becoming the world’s next groundbreaking singer? Interesting in becoming a celebrity stylist? What about a career in acting? Or maybe you aspire to be a publicist?

No matter what arena you choose, if you’re interested in a career in the entertainment industry, know upfront that the talent or skills you possess are not all you need. In order to maximize your potential you must possess thorough knowledge about what you’re doing and the full scope of the process. So before you jump out there head and/or heart first, take heed of the tips below to make sure you cover your basis.  

Define Your Goal

After deciding exactly what it is you truly want to do whether it’s too, sing, act, direct, or model be sure to clearly define your goal. From there you can develop a sound strategy.

Get Educated

Know what tools are at your disposal and figure out how to implement them into your strategy. Gain a clear understanding of the skills required to establish your career and familiarize yourself with every aspect of the business.

Understand How the Money Works

Beyond what you’ll need to invest out of your own pocket to nurture your career and before you do so; make it a priority to understand every financial aspect of the business you’re getting in. Make it your business to learn how the money works and flows from expenses to royalties and advances just to name a few. Gaining this knowledge will help you plan the best strategy for advancing your career and maximizing your income.

Build a Team

While your talent, desire, and level of motivation make stand in a lane all its own, some things just can’t be done alone. So figure out who you’ll need on your team be it a manager, lawyer, and/or publicist and in exactly what capacity you’ll need them. Be mindful of any expenses this may incur.

Network. Network. Network.  

Enlarge your territory! Increase your connections. Come up with a strategy that will productively expand both your business and social circles.

Now that we’ve given you the basic fundamental to jumpstarting your career in the entertainment industry, get busy fine tuning an effective strategy tailored to your individual goal. From there you can get on to the business of striving for success.

April Is Financial Literacy Month + T.D. Ameritrade Introduces “F.A.M.E.” To Help Educate Investors

Did you know that April is Financial Literacy Month?  Well, it is.  In effort to promote financial literacy, several companies are lending a helping hand by offering free information and tools to the public.

T.D. Ameritrade, for instance, is offering free access to educational tools, research topics, and webinars via their online education center.  To help investors better grasp the idea and need to reorganize how they save and invest money, the brokerage firm introduced a four-step idealogy called F.A.M.E.  These steps are as follows:

Step 1 – Framing – The lenses with which you view your goals can have a profound effect on how you save for retirement.  If you focus on being behind on your savings goals it’s easy to feel defeated.  Instead of thinking “I have a 30% chance of not reaching my savings goals,” think, “I have a 70% chance of reaching my goals.”  It’s the same mathematically, but it’s all in how you look at it.

Step 2 – Action – Take action. Don’t get paralyzed or overwhelmed by the end goal of whay you must do. And, instead of focusing on what you can’t control – budget cuts, the fiscal cliff, social security – focus on the positives and what you can do. Remember that the first step is often the hardest. Don’t think “I will never be able to accumulate $2 million dollars by the time I retire.”  Say ” I CAN commit to setting aside $100 a month.” Every dollar towards your future will be money you will have in retirement.

Step 3 – Motivate yourself and set realistic goals. Create small, measurable goals and focus on what is within your control. You may only be able to set aside $50 a month. Start there and increase the amount when you are able. At the end of the year, you’ll be $600 closer to your goal. Once you reach your milestones make sure you reward yourself along the way.

Step 4 – Emotion – Understand the way your mind absorbs facts and makes decisions. Are you more of an intuitive decision maker who makes decisions with great ease and goes with their “gut”? Or are you a more reflective and analytical decision maker? When it comes to saving, both ways work, but it’s important to know how you make those calls so that if there are market fluctuations you are making decisions based on fact, not emotion.

The F.A.M.E. steps and more free education can be found at www.tdameritrade.com/education.page.

Investing 101: How to Read Stock Tickers & Quotes

 
Learning how to read a stock table or ticker is fairly easy. Check out these descriptions and use them as a guideline when reading your daily newspaper or stock purchases via the internet.

Column 52-Week High and Low – These are the highest and lowest prices at which a stock has traded over the previous 52 weeks (one year). This typically does not include the previous day’s trading.

Column Company Name & Type of Stock – This column lists the name of the company. If there are no special symbols or letters following the name, it is common stock. Different symbols imply different classes of shares. For example, “pf” means the shares are preferred stock.

Column Ticker Symbol – This is the unique alphabetic name which identifies the stock. If you watch financial TV, you have seen the ticker tape move across the screen, quoting the latest prices alongside this symbol. If you are looking for stock quotes online, you always search for a company by the ticker symbol. If you don’t know what a particular company’s ticker is you can search for it at: http://finance.yahoo.com/l.

Column Dividend Per Share – This indicates the annual dividend payment per share. If this space is blank, the company does not currently pay out dividends.

Column Dividend Yield – The percentage return on the dividend. Calculated as annual dividends per share divided by price per share.

Column Price/Earnings Ratio – This is calculated by dividing the current stock price by earnings per share from the last four quarters. For more detail on how to interpret this, see our P/E Ratio tutorial.

Column Trading Volume – This figure shows the total number of shares traded for the day, listed in hundreds. To get the actual number traded, add “00″ to the end of the number listed.

Column Day High and Low – This indicates the price range at which the stock has traded at throughout the day. In other words, these are the maximum and the minimum prices that people have paid for the stock.

Column Close – The close is the last trading price recorded when the market closed on the day. If the closing price is up or down more than 5% than the previous day’s close, the entire listing for that stock is bold-faced. Keep in mind, you are not guaranteed to get this price if you buy the stock the next day because the price is constantly changing (even after the exchange is closed for the day). The close is merely an indicator of past performance and except in extreme circumstances serves as a ballpark of what you should expect to pay.

Column Net Change – This is the dollar value change in the stock price from the previous day’s closing price. When you hear about a stock being “up for the day,” it means the net change was positive.

Quotes on the Internet…
Nowadays, it’s far more convenient for most to get stock quotes off the Internet. This method is superior because most sites update throughout the day and give you more information, news, charting, research, etc.

Disclaimer: This article was originally posted in 2009, but via a different platform. Hopefully, this is found informational to those who didn’t read the original post.

Prenups: What Is It? When Is It Needed? What Does It Protect?

Although, prenuptial agreements have been implemented in marriages for years, it seems like lately (especially on television) the word “prenup” has been throwed around a lot.  For instance, on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi Burruss expressed her need for a prenup to fiance’ Todd. Also, the recent unfortunate announcement from Ex-NFLer Kordell Stewart that he’s divorcing wife Porsha Stewart, revealed that they did not have a prenup in place.  Well, with all the talk surrounding prenups, there are people who are not quite aware of what prenuptial agreements entails. In case you are one of those people, here are a few answers to help you understand prenups better.

What Is A Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between two people prior to marriage (executed at least 6 to 12 months before your wedding date).  The contract details how assets acquired before and after the marriage will be distributed in the case of death or divorce. A prenuptial agreement overpowers any local or state laws and is based solely on the couple’s wishes.

What Are The Requirements To Prove The Validity Of A Prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is required to have full disclosure of assets, income, and debts. Both parties must be truthful in what information they provide and disclose in the agreement. Although some states do not require full disclosure, it is still based on the mutual agreement of the parties.

This agreement must be truthful and not of fraudulent information.  If it is found that one of the parties were dishonest about their assets or income at the time of the agreement, the prenup will be considered invalid.  Therefore, it is suggested that both parties give themselves at least a year to review the agreement, provide accurate information to their lawyers, answer questions, etc.

In addition to the disclosure of each person’s assets and liabilities, the prenup will outline any debt brought into the marriage and who will pay for them.  The handling of any investments and additional assets brought into the marriage, as its value increases, will be determined.  Inheritances and alimony, in the case of death or divorce, will be determined via the agreement as to when and how long payments will be received.

When Does A Prenup Expire?

This is called a “sunset” provision. The parties can decide if an expiration date is warranted and must be spelled out in their prenuptial agreement.

STATE OF GEORGIA LAWS ON PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS AND DIVORCE

Now, specifically to the state of Georgia, there are other provisions that can be enforced.  If a couple aquired property (i.e. home, land, etc) during the marriage, the prenup can spell out how that property will be divided between the two.  If property were owned separately prior to the marriage, the prenup can require that those property(s) be kept separate and with the rightful owner.  Child custody and child support, in the state of Georgia, is not protected by a prenup and is determined solely by the judge presiding over the case. Addendums (or changes) to the prenuptial agreement can be made during the marriage. But, only in the prescence of witnesses.

The information provided above is set forth so that a person can be financially protected in the case of divorce.  Although marriage should be based on spirituality, being equally yoked, and love, it doesn’t hurt to protect those things you’ve worked hard for to achieve.  You never know if a marriage will last in this day and age. So, be prepared and protect what is yours.

Tech News: U.S. Banks Target Of “Denial-of-Service” Cyber Attack

Yesterday, several U.S. financial institutions were the target of a widespread cyber attack. The group responsible for the cyber attacks, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters, is a muslim group that decided to target banks in protest for those who considered as anti-Islam. Banks hit by the attack are (and will be) Wells Fargo,  PNC, BB&T, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bankcorp, SunTrust, and Fifth Third Bancor.

Wells Fargo, although not affected through ATMs, branches, or mobile apps, received a high volume of calls from customers stating that they experienced difficulty accessing their account info via their website.  A spokesperson for Wells Fargo says customer accounts are currently safe and suggested to call their customer service line for questions.

In September 2011, Wells Fargo and other banks were the target of a cyber attack as well. Although it is not confirmed that the attacks are caused by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters group, the group does proclaim that the attacks will continue until an “Innocence of Muslims” video is removed from the internet.

We’ll keep you posted on this developing story.

The Downfalls of Lending Family Or Friends Money…

After coming across an article on CNNMoney, it made me instantly think about the very few times I lended money out.  Although, in most instances the money was returned, there was one friend who didn’t give my money back. This created a huge cloud over our friendship and weakened my trust. So after reading this article, I got to thinking about the downfalls of lending people money.  What happens when a cousin ask for money to help pay a electric bill? Or what happens when a girlfriend ask to “hold” a few dollars for gas money?  What do you do? Give it to them with the risk of not getting it back?? Or simply say “NO” and quickly inheret the reputation of being “stingy”??

Well, let’s take a look at the advice that is given by CNN and make the assumption that you’re not getting your money back. Here’s my list of downfalls of lending family or friends money…

CNNMoney #1 – Talk In Person (Opening Gambit) – “I was happy to lend you the money when you needed it. That’s what friends do.”

Bels:  Although this statement reminds the friend that you helped them out in an emergency, it wouldn’t make the friend pay you back any faster.  Because the friend expects this type of treatment due to the fact that you two are “friends”.  People who have known each other for years and have developed a tight bond, sometimes feels entitled to certain things. Those things include money. If a friend is in a bind, yes they expect one of their friends to bail them out.  Family is especially faulty of this.

CNNMoney #2 – Be Direct – “When do you think you’ll be able to pay back the $500 I lent you?”

Bels:  Now, I agree with this bit of advice. YES, you have to be direct. Beating around the bush will get you nowhere. Being direct will leave no stones unturned.  That family member or friend will know exactly what it is you want. The only downfall is that it may seem confrontational. Some people don’t like being approached in a straight-forward way. Also, if your tone of voice sounds angry, the other person will immediately get in defense mode. This will strike up a potential argument causing both parties to be pissed the hell off!

CNNMoney #3 – Add Urgency, As Needed – “We’re going to get hit with some really big tuition bills soon and could really use that money.”

Bels:  If you give off the sense of urgency, your family member or friend will ignore it. I know. I’ve been there. As kids, we grow up hating authority. We dislike when a mother or whoever pressure us to do something. I can’t stand that. If you ask for your money and say you need it in three days, but I don’t get paid until ten days later, what can you do about it.  You have no choice but to wait. Regardless of your reason for needed it back ASAP, a person will not move until they are ready to move.

CNNMoney #4 – Set A Deadline – “I’d really like to get the money back before the end of June.”

Bels:  Read my response to #3 again!

CNNMoney #5 – Offer Flexibility – “Would it be easier for you to pay me back over time, say, $100 a month?”

Bels:  I think offering a payment plan is a good idea.  But, if it is a substanstial amount of money, create a promissary note for them to sign off on.  Add a clause in the contract that states “if by the deadline date full payment is not received, legal action will be taken.”   Most times when the threat of taking them to court is presented, people tend to get on the ball and pay you back more quickly. 

At the end of the day, there’s downfalls to lending family or friends money.  If you are willing to lose a friend over money, then do so. I did. All of us want people in their circle that they can trust.  If you see them clubbing every weekend or always at the mall, but can’t pay you your money, that’s a problem. Apparently, they don’t take your friendship that serious and in turn you shouldn’t take theirs.

If you have a story to share or know of other downfalls to lending money, let us know. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Best Buy’s New Price-Matching Promise

Best Buy is changing its policy and has decided to give price-matching on a full scale a try. While the company originally tested the waters with a price-matching deal that existed only during the last holiday season, this time the deal will just be a part of how they do business.

Starting next month, the retail company will match the pre-tax price of identical products from local retail competitors and major online retailers. The offer is good only at the time of purchase.

The new price-matching policy applies to all product categories. In the case that you’re a big online shopper, here’s the list of the online retailers that are covered by Best Buy’s price-matching promise. 

• Amazon.com

• Apple.com

• Bhphotovideo.com

• Buy.com

• Crutchfield.com

• Dell.com

• Frys.com

• hhgregg.com

• HP.com

• HomeDepot.com

• Lowes.com

• Newegg.com

• OfficeDepot.com

• OfficeMax.com

• Sears.com

• Staples.com

• Target.com

• TigerDirect.com

• Walmart.com

The official kick off date for Best Buy’s price-matching promise is March 3^rd.  

Katt Williams Makes Good on $284,000 Tax Lien

Even though this may seem like a small thing compared to the giant of problems that comedian Katt Williams has faced lately, it’s still good to see him do something on the up side to help his current situation.

With the IRS having placed several tax liens against Williams for unpaid taxes in 2007, 2008 and 2009, it looks like he’s starting to pay up. Williams coughed up the $284,000 worth of income taxes he owed from 2007. The tax lien was dissolved a few weeks ago. Looks like he has one down and two more years to go with the $3.2 million he owes from 2008 and the $829,000 he owes from 2009.

Hopefully this will be the beginning of a triumphant effort on Katt’s behalf to dig him out of the deep hole he’s gotten himself in. Time will tell!

Protecting Your Identity & Refund This Tax Season

With the tax season officially in full swing, many of you are rushing to your computers or nearest tax office to get your tax filing in motion. This is especially the case for those that are expecting a refund. Unfortunately, this can make you a prime target for identity thieves and an open money schemes.  So if you haven’t filed already and hopefully if you have you were skeptical and careful, there are several things that one needs to ensure when it comes to protecting both your identity and your refund.

While the IRS has beefed up their efforts to protect taxpayers from identity theft, here are some things you need to do help keep your identity and money safe this tax season.

Guard your Social Security number. The IRS warns taxpayers not to carry their Social Security cards or any documents with their Social Security numbers or taxpayer identification numbers on them. And do not give out these numbers just because you’re asked. You will be required to provide your Social Security number in any situation that requires your identity to be verified (such as an application for credit or a license) or about which the IRS must be notified. Otherwise, be sure to ask whether the agency, business or organization has to have the number.

Monitor your mailbox. Make sure you receive all the W-2, 1099 and other tax forms you expect to get. If you fail to receive some, contact the company or financial institution that was supposed to send them to find out if and when they were mailed. If you suspect that any of these forms were stolen from your mailbox, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 extension 245.

Ignore e-mails from the IRS. The IRS doesn’t send taxpayers e-mails or text messages. So do not reply to e-mails or messages supposedly from the IRS, open any attachments (which could contain viruses) or click on any links (which could take you to a fraudulent site). Forward all suspect e-mails to phishing@irs.gov.

Be wary of people claiming to be IRS agents. Don’t reveal any personal information if someone calls and claims to be from the IRS. Instead, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to see if an agent has a legitimate need to contact you.

Protect your refund. If you file your tax return by mail, use certified mail from the U.S. Postal Service to confirm that your return was received. And opt for direct deposit of tax refunds to avoid lost or stolen checks.

Store sensitive information in a secure place. Store paper tax forms in a locked home safe or safe-deposit box. Electronic forms should be stored on a password-protected or encrypted external drive or disk. Use strong passwords that include upper and lowercase characters, numbers and symbols. Never store tax files or any personal information on a cloud or Internet drive. And use a wiping application before getting rid of old computers that contain past tax information.

Be picky about your preparer. Many fraud rings front as tax-preparation companies and may offer to review returns for inaccuracies, but they can steal your information and redirect your refund, says Adam Levin, founder and chairman of Identity Theft 911. Also be wary of tax services that promise a bigger or faster refund. 

Verify the status of a preparer’s license with the Better Business Bureau and IRS Office of Professional Responsibility. E-mail the IRS at opr@irs.gov with the full name of the individual or company and the address.

Before handing over personal information, ask the tax preparer how your information will be stored and what his or her privacy policy is. This will help you feel more secure and will alert a less-than-reputable preparer that you’re on the ball. Most important, scrutinize your prepared return and don’t sign it if it is incomplete or if the preparer has failed to sign it (paid preparers are required to sign your return and complete all preparer sections requesting their ID number). [Source]

All in all remember that there is only one you and your identity is the only one you get which makes it worth protecting. So be CAREFUL and not sorry!

Ex-NBA Star Allen Iverson Loses ATL Mansion

One can only shake their head when thinking about all the trials and tribulations that have seemed to engulf not only the NBA career Allen Iverson once had but other prominent areas of his life.

Fresh off the heels of a divorce, he has now been bit by the foreclosure bug and has lost his mansion in Atlanta. In the divorce decree, Iverson kept ownership of the almost 10,000 square foot home which he had on the market for $2.5 million. Iverson had the home built four years ago for $4.5 million. According to sources, the home was purchased for $2.5 million by Georgia Primary Bank.

As it’s been said here a few time before…if your outgo is more than your income then your upkeep will be your downfall. But hopefully somewhere along the way Iverson can get a grip, plant his feet on some solid ground and get it together.

Filing for Taxpayers Claiming Education Credits Delayed

If you are all fired up and ready to file your taxes when the tax season officially kicks off on Wednesday, but you just so happen to be one of those that are claiming certain education credits then you’ll have to slow your roll.

The IRS announced yesterday that the filing eligibility for the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit has been delayed until mid-February. The IRS attributes the reason for the delay due to needing to update its processing systems prior to accepting Form 8863 which is used to claim both credits.  

Other education benefits such as tuition, fees and student loan interest deductions can be claimed when the tax season begins on January 30^th.

Interscope Gave Chief Keef, What?!; Details Of His $6 Million Dollar Record Deal

There’s one thing, as an artist, to create a buzz. But, for record labels to hand out large deals based on the popularity of one or two songs, is ridiculous.

As Chicago rapper Chief Keef sits in juvenile for 60 days, the courts has released details regarding his Interscope deal.  Because Keef is underage and unable to legally sign off as a minor, the contracts were made public due to the need for a judge’s approval. According to Allhiphop.com,  Chief Keef’s record deal is for a substantial $6 million.  Details of his contract are as follows:

Chief Keef reportedly will be given a $440,000 advance, half of which Chief Keef’s legal guardian and Grandmother, Margaret Carter will administer in a trust fund.

 

In addition, the rapper received over $300,000 to record his project, Finally Rich, which sold 50,000 copies in its first week of sales.

 

The deal also states that if Keef doesn’t sell at least 250,000 records by December 2013, Interscope reserves the right to drop the subsequent album releases which include two albums and a compilation record.

 

Chief Keef’s “Glory Boyz Entertainment” also known as GBE, received another $440,000 advance that states that his manager, Rovan Manuel, will be paid at least 180,000.

 

It also states that 15% of Chief Keef’s advance money will be put in his aforementioned trust fund, although Interscope Records reserves the right to terminate the Glory Boyz deal if Interscope’s losses exceed $4.5 million.

 

According to the GBE deal, Chief Keef and Rovan Manuel each own 40 percent of the record label, which will be a subsidiary of Interscope.

 

Also, GBE’s Fredo Santana is to receive $40,000 in advance and received 10-percent interest in the GBE label, while Chief Keef’s uncle Alonzo Carter and Anthony H. Dade also holds 5-percent interest in the GBE’s imprint.

 

GBE also receives $200,000 for “overhead” expenses associated with offices, travel, entertainment, salary cost and additional money for marketing.

With all of the different clauses and metrics outlined in this deal, Chief Keef is heading down a road of financial dispair.  As a young man who’s probably intrigued by the spoils of life (i.e. cars, jewelry, houses, clothing, etc), if he doesn’t end up broke when it’s all over, I’d be surprised.

This is clearly another case in which labels take advantage of artists.  Sometimes I wonder who makes the decisions at these establishments.  No diss to Chief Keef, but who would gamble on an artists who only had one or two songs that gained major attention. I’m not too familiar with Keef’s music background. Before “Sh*t I Don’t Like”, I had never heard of him.  That song was hot and also his other joint, “Sosa”.  But that still doesn’t justify the need to cut a man a check for $6 million.

I hope that his team and family has his best interest at heart. Make sure he’s strapped with accountants and attorneys.  Also, they need to maybe send him to financial counseling.  We don’t need to see another artist get trapped and have to live their lives owing folks money.

T.I. Says He Wants $75 Million in New Deal

The King of the South, T.I., is always making power moves and this time he is really trying to as he says in his song…“Go Get It”.

It’s being reported that T.I.’s ten-year deal with Atlantic Records came to an end last month and he’s shopping a new one. But this time around Tip says he wants $75 million stacks in his new deal. According to reports, the terms of the deal would include 3 albums, a percentage of publishing, film and TV rights, corporate endorsement deals and the exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists.

It hasn’t been said whether or not Atlantic will make an offer to keep T.I. on their label but it seems as Mr. Harris may already be in talks with Dr. Dre and Interscope, Universal and even Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Sony.

This can get quite interesting, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted as T.I. proceeds in his journey for a new deal.

A Few Ways to Buffer the Payroll Tax Hike…

If you’re like most people then you’re still reeling from your paycheck shrinking due this year’s increase in payroll tax. While yes you’ve gotten a break for the past two years, every little bit counts and every little bit gone hurts.

Well to hopefully help ease the impact of the gradual decrease in take home funds, here are few ways courtesy of CNBC you may can buffer the loss suffered from the payroll tax hike.

ADJUST YOUR TAX WITHHOLDING 

Start with the IRS. Millions of Americans get big income tax refunds every year when they could have extra money each month. That’s money you could use for everyday expenses. Figure out the number of withholding allowances you should claim by using the worksheet on the IRS website at irs.gov.

MAX OUT YOUR 401(K)  

If you have a qualified retirement plan at work, contribute the maximum amount to that 401(k). You’ll reduce your taxable wages by the amount you put in. This year, you can save up to $17,500 in a 401(k) — a 3 percent increase from 2012.

SAVE ON INSURANCE 

Examine all property and casualty and life insurance policies and compare rates. Ask your insurance agent about ways to lower premiums, and ask about any discounts for loyalty, good driving and bundling multiple polices. Get a second opinion from another agent to make sure you’re getting the best rate.

REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE 

Rates are still at historic lows, but don’t keep waiting for them to go even lower. Take advantage of low rates now to lower your monthly mortgage payment. Online calculators at sites like BankRate (RATE).com can tell you in a few minutes if you can save money by getting a better rate on your mortgage.

CHECK ALL FEES  

Don’t keep paying for things you no longer need — like that Netflix account your rarely use anymore — just because they’re set up as auto-pay. Avoid unnecessary charges by not using out-of-network ATMs. Negotiate with your bank for lower fees on your accounts or change banks.

Other than those there are many more ways you can keep more of your money in your pocket, you’ll just have to look at your finances to see where you could save or cut back. For instance, if you’re a credit card holder, you may want to look into switching to a credit card with a lower rate. Also cutting back on the unnecessary expenses such as that daily trip to Starbucks or breaking bad habits such as smoking can save you quite a few bucks not to mention it’s a plus for your health. Think about it!!!

No, You Can’t Write That Off On Your Taxes!

It’s tax season and everyone is in need of a huge refund check. But some of the biggest mistakes found by the IRS on tax forms are where individuals try to write off things that you simply can’t write off. It may be due to lack of tax education and the IRS policies.

To help familiarize you and prepare you for this tax season, here’s a list of items you should rethink before writing them off:

Spousal and Child Support
Many taxpayers try to deduct these two forms of familial support on their returns. However, alimony is the only type of income paid by one ex-spouse to another that can be deducted.

Unreimbursed Work Expenses
Although self-employed taxpayers can deduct every dollar of work-related expenses, W-2 employees can only deduct unreimbursed expenses in excess of 2% of their adjusted gross incomes – and only those who are able to itemize their deductions.

Above-the-Line Deduction for Roth IRA Contributions
Unlike traditional IRA contributions, there is no deduction for Roth IRA contributions because the income distributed from them is tax-free, whereas traditional IRA and retirement plan distributions are taxable as ordinary income.

529 Plan Contributions
Taxpayers who contribute money to the 529 plan sponsored by their own state can often take a deduction for their contributions up to a certain limit on their state returns. However, there is no federal deduction available for this.

Political Contributions
Cash or property donations to any qualified 501(c)(3) organization are deductible, but political parties do not fall into this category. Unfortunately, but that $100 you sent in to get the candidate of your choice elected doesn’t go anywhere on the 1040.

Homeowners’ Insurance
The only time that this can be deducted is for those who either use part of their home for business or for those who own rental properties. Homeowners outside these categories cannot deduct their homeowners’ or rental insurance under any circumstances.

To see more items and get the full scoop, go here!

Your Money & You: Saving…How To & Ways To

Without a doubt, saving money is a significant part of your financial well-being. So if you’re already in the habit of saving money then you’re on the right track, if not let’s see if we can help you get there.

The first step is to identify some goals concerning what you hope and plan to achieve when it comes to saving money. Some goals may be short term lasting for only a week, month or a year. These might include saving money for things such as a down payment for a car, a new set of tires or a vacation. Some goals may be more long term like saving for yours or your child’s college education or buying a house. Whatever the case may be, goals give you something to work toward.

Next, in an effort to be successful be sure that your goals are SMART:

Specific – Exactly what you plan to do.

Measurable – You should be able to monitor your progress.

Agreed Upon – If others are involved, this is something everyone agrees should be done.

Realistic – Something that is truly achievable.

Timed – Established beginning and ending dates.

Think about what you want to accomplish and set your ‘smart’ goals. Once you’ve done that, start looking into some ways to save.

The most obvious way to save is to cut your expenses where you can. Easier said than done right? Maybe, but it’s not impossible! Remember, you’re in complete control of this area of your finances. All it takes is determination and discipline, both of which are free.

First things first; put an end to all your needless spending. All of us have been guilty of wasteful spending at some time or another.  Ever stopped at a store just to “look around” and ended up spending money on stuff you didn’t plan on buying or probably don’t even need? What about that latte you stop and get every morning on your way to work? Or the five, ten sometimes twenty dollars you spend on junk food or impulsive buys at the grocery store? While it may not seem like much, saving small amounts will add up over time.

In addition to cutting your expenses where feasible, here are a couple of other things you can do to jump start your savings plan:

Establish a savings account.

Savings accounts may not earn much and may seem worthless to have, but it’s a good place to start putting away some money each payday. Once your balance increases, you can then consider investing the money in something that will earn you more money. For now, just get in the habit of saving

.

Stash your change.

Every day stash the coins you receive after making a purchase in a piggy bank or a jar. When it’s full, dump the coins, roll them in coin wrappers and deposit the money into your savings. You’d be amazed how the money adds up! Immediately start stashing your change again!

A key point to remember is that saving money regularly leads to successful savings! So get your savings in order!

A Retirement Account for Kids: Roth IRAs Are The Way

If you’re saving for college, or if you have kids that are saving for college, you should consider a Roth IRA. No kidding – even if the kid is only 8 or 10 years old – if he has earnings of any sort, be it lawn mowing, painting fences, baling hay (I used to do it!) or working at the corner store, he is eligible to put aside the lesser of $5,000 (for 2009) or the total earned income for the year.

Tis’ the season…How to Avoid Being Hacked While Shopping Online

With the holidays fast approaching and the wonderful notion that tis’ the season to be giving, be careful not to get too caught up in all the shopping and festivities and let your guard down when it comes to protecting your identity and assets.

Now more than ever, scam artists are on the prowl…tis’ their season for more taking. So keep your third eye and even a fourth open especially when it comes to shopping online. Just because you can’t see a thief doesn’t mean one is not out there and they just might be sitting on a computer waiting for you to give you all the information they need to get to your stacks.

So if you want to play it safe, according to the CEO of Immunity, a software company, here are 10 threats to be aware of during the holiday season and always.

1. Clickjacking. This popular Facebook scam involves online games that require you to click something that moves across your computer screen. You think you’re clicking on a dancing Santa, but you could instead be clicking on a concealed link that might perform actions such as making your Facebook profile information public or giving scammers access to information stored on your computer. So don’t click on those dancing Santas (or any other game that pops up on your computer or gets passed around on Facebook).

2. Drive-by downloads. This is a term that refers to downloading something that you didn’t realize was a malicious program or a download that occurs without your knowledge. This might happen as you are browsing the Web during the holidays and visit unfamiliar sites with ads that promise deep discounts. If the site isn’t legitimate, the ads probably aren’t, either. Also avoid sites that require you to download a “codec” to view a video, because this is malicious software.

3. Infections from legitimate sites. Now is prime time for hackers to infect sites that get more traffic during the holidays with pop-up ads that have viruses. Aitel recommends installing an ad blocker on your browser, such as the free Adblock Plus, or using Chrome as your browser because it’s harder for hackers to infiltrate.

4. Email phishing. Your inbox might fill up with donation requests or holiday deals over the coming weeks. If these emails come from people or groups you’re not familiar with, delete them; they’re likely attempts to steal your personal information or con you out of big bucks. Also watch out for emails claiming to come from your credit card issuer. You might assume that they’re legitimate if you’ve been using your card frequently to make holiday purchases. But don’t respond to any emails saying that there’s a problem with your card. Instead, call your company directly using the number printed on the back of your card.

5. Text-message phishing (or smishing). Be wary of text messages with donation requests, notices of too-good-to-be-true deals or even gift card offers from major retailers. There’s a good chance that they’re fake. If you respond, you may be prompted to divulge personal information, such as your credit card number.

6. Phony apps. Be wary of the apps you download on your phone or Facebook page. Researchers recently found that Android phones are vulnerable to text message phishing if users download infected apps. Even legitimate apps might ask for too much information. So read the list of permissions an app requests to make sure it’s not asking for information you don’t want to provide.

7. Fake Google results. If you do a Google search for a popular toy your kid wants for Christmas, for example, there’s a good chance that some of the results will be links to fake sites or images that have viruses or malware. That’s because scammers build sites based on popular search terms. When doing your holiday shopping online, stick with sites you know.

8. Forced browsing. This advanced hacker technique is used to steal your passwords when you log into your accounts using a public Wi-Fi connection. (It gets its name from a computer being forced to browse without the user’s knowledge.) So don’t check your accounts online at the coffee shop or other public Wi-Fi spot. Even if you’re just browsing the Web using a public Wi-Fi connection, you can put yourself at risk if you’ve set your browser to save the passwords to your accounts. Hackers can view your browsing history, go to sites you’ve visited and steal passwords without you knowing.

9. Wi-Fi sniffing. This technique allows hackers to see what you’re doing on your computer if you’re using a public Wi-Fi source. If you surf the Web on your smartphone, use your 3G (or 4G) network connection if you can because it is more secure than Wi-Fi. To protect your laptop from hackers, sign up for a personal virtual private network service, such as Private Internet Access, to secure your computer’s Internet connection.

10. Digital profiling. Your digital profile is basically what you say about yourself on social media. And thieves can make use of this information. For example, you shouldn’t announce on Facebook that you’ll be out of town over the holidays. You put your home at risk of a break-in or of being used by criminals as a mailing address to ship illicit packages.

Take heed! Don’t be sorry…BE CAREFUL!!!

Western European Bank Offers World’s First ‘Gold & Diamond’ VISA Card

Would you pay $100,000 for a bank card made of gold, diamonds, and pearls?  Who has money to blow on a card like this? That’s the real question.

Well, apparently there could possibly be some folks in Kazakhstan that has the dough. According to ABC News, Sberbank-Kazakhstan released news that they will begin offering a limited edition, Visa Infinite Exclusive card. It is stated that only 100 cards will be released to individuals who currently hold accounts at the bank.  The card is made up of 100% gold, 26 diamonds, and pearls.

The whopping costs of $100,000 for the card will go toward $65,000 in minting fees to produce the card. The remaining $35,000 will reside in the individuals bank account. In addition, the card will come with an annual fee of $2000. But in case you are wondering what incentives comes along, don’t worry. Sberbank says cardholders will receive exclusive perks such as conceirge service, hotel and restaurant discounts, lounge access at the airport, and an outstanding life/health insurance policy worth over $250,000. That’s not all! The bank will give cardholders free iPhone 5′s and a Montblanc card case.

For those who may think it’s too risky to carry around such an expensive bank card, Sberbank plans to hand out a standard plastic version too.