Posted: October 22nd, 2008 | Author: Joe | Filed under: spending, Sponsored | Tags: Sponsored | No Comments »
Autumn Eyewear
Looking to cut costs and save some money? It’s one of the first things my wife and I did when we made our resolution to get out of debt. The thinking was that any money we could save, we would pool together and use to make an extra payment. Every little bit helps.
One cost I never really thought about cutting was eyewear. I’m not sure why, since eyewear is so expensive and I usually focus on such big ticket items when looking to cut costs.
I wish I’d known about companies like Zenni Optical when we were looking to save money and pay down our debt. Heck, I wish I’d known about Zenni Optical last time I had to get eyeglasses! By the time I left my last eye exam I was $274 poorer.
Most of the emotional (psychological?) pain stemmed from the fact that I needed reading glasses. I’m not sure I’d buy eyewear that I need to drive to work from an online site, but I think reading glasses would be a reasonable first purchase. Especially when you consider that eyeglasses at Zenni start at just $8! Even progressive lenses start at $37.00, and Anti Scratch coating, UV protection, Lens Edge polishing and Beveling, Hard Eyeglass case and Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth are all free.
Their choice of frames isn’t too shabby either. I personally have a hard time choosing frames, and need to see them on my face before I can really decide. But, something like reading glasses, that I really only wear at work, I can get frames similar to what I have and not really worry about too drastic a change. In fact, I think I’m going to try them out, next time my prescription changes.
photo by grytr
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Posted: October 21st, 2008 | Author: Joe | Filed under: Insurance, Saving | Tags: FDIC, Savings | No Comments »
You may know that deposits up to $100,000 were insured against loss by the FDIC in case of bank failure, and that Congress has upped that coverage to $250,000. Here’s a release from the FDIC detailing the increase (pdf).
But what if your bank has failed and you’re not sure who assumed control or where you money is?
Well, I just found this (somewhat) handy tool at the FDIC website called “Is My Account Fully Insured?”
The tool provides a means to verify whether their bank was FDIC before it failed. Just select your failed bank from the drop down list and hit submit. I said it’s “somewhat” useful because:
“This service will be available for use no later than the first business day after a bank failure and will remain posted for 30 days. After 30 days the data will be removed. This service is only available for banks that failed after July 1, 2008.”
But it still may be of use to you. Here’s some sample results:
For WAMU, Henderson, NV:
“The full balance of each of your deposit accounts has been transferred to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Columbus, Ohio. To inquire about your deposits accounts call JPMorgan Chase Bank at your local branch office.”
But for IndyMac Bank, F.S.B., Pasadena, CA:
“This tool will only display the status of your account at bank failure and remain posted for 30 days.
Your data has been removed.”
Not so useful, huh? Some banks give detailed info with phone numbers and contact info for a next step. I suppose it’s better than nothing?
Check it out for yourself.
Photo by cramsay23
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Posted: October 16th, 2008 | Author: Joe | Filed under: Debt, Real Estate | Tags: Adjustable Rate Mortgages, ING, Mortgage Rates | 4 Comments »
I just bought a new home, and unfortunately my evil plains of world domination of the financial markets has net yet been realized, so I had to take out a loan.
I’ve been an ING member for 4 years now. I have a Direct Savings account and an Electric Orange Checking account with them. I even have a ShareBuilder account, though I created that before ING acquired ShareBuilder in 2007. I have to say I LOVE each account I have with them. The customer service is excellent, and web sites are intuitive and easy to use. They pay a good rate on their bank accounts. But I didn’t actively consider them for my mortgage. Why?
I got a mailing recently about the ING 5/1 Orange Mortgage:
“We believe you have the right to a mortgage that fits your needs and isn’t filled with surprises. That’s why we offer the 5/1 Orange Mortgage:
* Low Closing Costs and No Bank Fees
* Options that match most homeowners needs
* Save thousands during the initial fixed rate of 5 years”
Sounds great, and as I said, I love their other offerings. It was that 5/1 part that bugged me. The phrase “initial fixed rate of 5 years” was the clincher. It’s an adjustable rate mortgage that resets after 5 years.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with this. They even point out that the average American only stays in their house for 7 years or less. I’m just not that average this time around. My wife and I lived in our last house for less than 5 years, we knew going in it was a starter home and we weren’t planning on staying around. But this house we would like to stay in until we retire, so the 5/1 adjustable rate was a deal breaker.
Having said that, I must also say that ING is entirely up front about the offer. Many people have said that they got duped into adjustable rate mortgages, not knowing what they meant, and now can no longer afford to make the payments. ING does a good job of stating what they’re offering. I think if I was in the market for an adjustable rate mortgage, I’d probably give them a call.
I’m wondering, does anybody have an experience with an ING Mortgage, or an adjustable rate in general?
Photo by Secretly Ironic
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Posted: October 15th, 2008 | Author: Joe | Filed under: Sponsored | Tags: Sponsored | No Comments »
Everyone knows that a certain part success in business is looking the part. We may not like it, but there is still much truth to that old adage “clothes make the man.” But gone are the days of the affordable and finely tailored suit. Or are they?
I just discovered MySuit, a New York men’s wear store that offers Made to Measure suits at off-the-rack prices. Suits starting at $495 and going up to $2,000! This isn’t your JC Penny special – it’s suit just for you! Not your body type. Not your size. You.
You choose the style, fit and fabric!
They have a pretty nice website too. If you check out the “My.Suit Experience” section they guide you through the process:
- Details of the measurements taken.
- Your choice of 5 basic jacket styles: Single button, 4 button, 3 button, 6 button double-breasted and the 2 button.
- Your choice of 3 different pant styles: double pleat, flat front and single pleat.
- Your choice of styling details: Lapels, Stitching, vents, pockets, sleeve buttons, pockets, buttons, side tabs, belt loops
After the guide, you have the opportunity to make an appointment. At this time it looks like they only have 1 store, and it’s in NYC (1270 Broadway @ 33rd Street). Since it’s all about the right suit for you that fits your unique measurements, I’d suggest you make sure you can at least get to the store before scheduling an appointment. 
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