Saturday Night Live’s 35th season will premier September 26 and they can’t think of anyone better to host their season premier than the Transformers star Megan Fox.
“Megan is psyched to have gotten this opportunity. She has a lot of surprises in store for the audience. This is the perfect opportunity for her to show off her comedic skills, as she’s launching her new movie Jennifer’s Body [on September 18].”
This is a guest post by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com.
The initial provisions of the Credit CARD Act have gone into effect, giving consumers more notice on interest rate hikes, more time to receive their bills and the ability to say no to APR increases.
The more significant aspects of the bill, signed into law in May, don’t go into effect until February of 2010. Those provisions include restrictions on interest rate increases and marketing credit cards to people under 21.
Three changes that have went into effect:
Issuers must now give a 45-day notice instead of 15 days before a rate increase. This gives the cardholder a chance to shop around or pay off the card.
“The extra month of notification is good for consumers but it is still our responsibility to notice these changes. Rate increases are fairly widespread right now, so pay attention to your bill inserts, email notifications, or the plain white envelopes in your mail. This is how most issuers will notify you about a rate increase,” says Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com and author of The Credit Card Guidebook. “This longer period also gives you time to shop around for a card with a lower rate and possibly transfer your balance to a different card. Keep in mind that balance transfer offers aren’t as generous as they once were and most cards now charge at least a 3% fee for a balance transfer.
“Surprisingly, the CARD Act requires advance notification of a rate increase, but does not require advance notification if an issuer closes your account or decreases the credit limit on your card,” says Hardekopf. “Cardholders are being caught off guard by these practices. The cash register is not a good time to learn that your card has been cancelled or that you have exceeded your limit. It seems that both of these changes should have been included in the bill.”
Monthly statements now have to be mailed to consumers at least 21 days before it is due. Previously, issuers could mail the bill 14 days before the due date.
“Don’t look at this as an extra week to wait and pay your bill. Keep your regular payment schedule and be appreciative for the extra cushion to make sure your issuer receives it on time,” says Hardekopf. “If you use this extra time to procrastinate paying your bill, you may forget and incur a costly late fee.”
The right to opt out of rate hikes and fee increases. Currently, many issuers allow consumers to opt out, but the CARD Act makes it mandatory.
If you decline the increase, you can no longer make new purchases with the card and you must pay off the balance under the existing rates within five years. If you opt out, you must let the issuer know in a timely manner by mailing an opt out letter to your issuer declining the rate increase. Send the mail registered receipt and keep a copy of the letter for your records. You will then pay off the balance at the original rate. The closed account will appear on your credit report.
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LowCards.com simplifies the confusion of shopping for credit cards. It is a free, independent website that helps consumers easily compare credit cards in a variety of categories such as lowest rates, rewards, rebates, balance transfers and lowest introductory rates. It also gives an unbiased ranking and review for each card. The LowCards.com Complete Credit Card Index is the most objective and comprehensive resource on the Internet which allows consumers to compare rates for all 1260 credit cards offered in this country. Created by Hampton & Associates, the company has been analyzing the credit card industry and supplying objective websites on various consumer expenses for eight years.
This is a guest post by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com.
This week, Albert Gonzalez was charged with involvement in the biggest case of credit/debit card data theft in United States history. Federal prosecutors allege that he was part of a group of hackers that seized access to 130 million credit and debit accounts. This is a startling number and a good reminder of the importance of protecting account information.
According to a Javelin Research study released in February, the number of identity theft victims in 2008 increased 22% over 2007 levels to 9.9 million adults in the United States. The total annual fraud (the amount criminals were able to obtain) increased only 7% in 2008 versus a year ago to $48 billion. Surprisingly, the average fraud amount decreased by 12% to $4,849 and the consumer costs of fraud dropped by 31% to $496 per incident in 2008, down from $718 the previous year.
“The cost of fraud is dropping because consumers and businesses are catching and resolving fraud more quickly. This indicates people are paying more attention to their accounts and credit reports, and are faster to report suspicious activity,” says Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com and author of The Credit Card Guidebook. “If you think something is not correct, contact your issuer as soon as soon as possible.”
While cases like the Gonzalez arrest get the headlines and scare the public, the Javelin study says that low-tech methods of theft, such as stolen wallets, checkbooks, credit and debit cards, are still the most likely methods of fraudster attacks.
“Unfortunately, the possibility of fraud and identity theft is now one of the risks of life. You can’t eliminate it, but you can take steps to protect yourself,” says Hardekopf. “Pay attention to the notices you receive from your issuer. If your account information has been stolen, your issuer will notify you by letter or email. These letters can come in plain white envelopes and might be easy to miss. If you receive a notice, it is a good idea to contact your bank or issuer and verify the authenticity of the notice. This will help avoid scams. The issuer may offer you free monitoring service to notify you if there is suspicious activity in your account. It is a good idea to sign up for this free service.”
Here are some tips from the FTC and FBI to guard against fraud:
Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
Carry your cards separately from your wallet in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
Void incorrect receipts.
Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.
Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.
Be cautious when responding to special offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).
Be cautious when dealing with individuals and companies from outside the country.
The safest way to purchase items via the Internet is by credit card because you can often dispute the charges if something is wrong. Make sure the site you are using is a secure site.
If you bank online, don’t use the “automatic sign on” for bank or credit card sites.
Never provide your credit card number or other personal information on the phone, unless you are able to verify that you are speaking with your trusted financial institution or a reputable merchant.
Don’t give your account number to anyone who sends you an email or calls you on the phone.
To make sure store or restaurant employees aren’t skimming your card, keep an eye on your card as they swipe your card for payment. The devices used for skimming are sometimes disguised to look like cell phones.
After the purchase, check to make sure you were handed back the right card.
If you are traveling to a foreign country or making a large purchase with your card, notify your credit card issuer in advance so your account won’t draw attention for possible fraud.
Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM. There may be cameras or someone watching as you enter this information.
Occasionally change your account number (one can change an account number without closing the account). Also change your PIN from time to time.
If fraud does occur, or your cards have been lost or stolen, immediately call your issuer. You are protected by law so that once you report the loss or theft, you will not be further responsible for unauthorized charges. Your maximum liability for credit cards is $50 per card. After you report the fraud, you will be sent a fraud affidavit to fill out and return.
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LowCards.com simplifies the confusion of shopping for credit cards. It is a free, independent website that helps consumers easily compare credit cards in a variety of categories such as lowest rates, rewards, rebates, balance transfers and lowest introductory rates. It also gives an unbiased ranking and review for each card. The LowCards.com Complete Credit Card Index is the most objective and comprehensive resource on the Internet which allows consumers to compare rates for all 1260 credit cards offered in this country. Created by Hampton & Associates, the company has been analyzing the credit card industry and supplying objective websites on various consumer expenses for eight years.
Kat Von D, the famed tattooed lady and artist has recently released a concealer exclusively through Sephora to cover up tattoos. To show how well the new product works (a formula she says, quote “[she and her team] pretty much almost killed ourselves over…[because she] really wanted it to be something that was waterproof and wasn’t going to get on [her] clothes”) she posed for a photo shoot of both herself before applying the concealer and after.
Take a look:
That is pretty impressive, if you ask me!
Tattoos are very difficult to cover, especially if you try covering them with regular concealer; not to mention the fact that your concealer color is going to wind up on your clothes, regardless of where your tattoos are located. I have two tattoos myself that are both made up exclusively of black ink. While my first tattoo that I got on the night of my 18th birthday is pretty much out of sight (to the right side of my back), the second tattoo I got (just a few months after getting my first one–tattoos are addicting, just ask anyone who has more than one piercing or tattoo!) is very visible (across my left wrist) so if I needed to go to a business conference or any kind of event where I would have to present myself as a professional person who has no tattoos, I could definitely see this concealer coming in handy.
As Kat Von D says in the video below, this is especially great for women who have tattoos that they want to cover up for their wedding day and it’s waterproof so it isn’t going to come off on your clothes.
Safety is the biggest factor when buying arts and crafts supplies for your children; but parents are not double checking the ingredients used to make some of the biggest-selling supplies on the market. All natural, non-toxic, water-based supplies are definitely the route to go when purchasing new supplies for your kids to dive into (sometimes literally.)
Here are some safe supplies to opt for the next time you find yourself shopping for the supplies to let your little artist create their masterpieces.
Crayons
Stockmar’s Beeswax Block Crayons ($29.95)
Stockmar crayons are made of non-toxic and sweet smelling beeswax. Long lasting and brilliant in color, they are a favorite for parents, children and schools. This set of 16 block crayons presents endless artistic possibilities. Place the crayon on one side and draw endless skies with a single swoop. Use the edge to print letters and numbers. Stockmar wax crayons meet the highest artistic standards. Through the addition of pure beeswax as a binding agent, the light-resistant pigments display their purity and full brilliance. Because they are mixed with wax, the colors are able to be used in a wide range of interesting coloring techniques – more than any other coloring material. The natural transparency of the wax and the lack of additives result in a high degree of opacity like that of watercolors.
Artemis Plant Colored Pastel Crayons ($34.95)
These lovely high quality pastel crayons include soft tints of primary and secondary colors. Colors include carmine red, vermillion, orange, gold yellow, lemon yellow, pale green, blue, dark blue, lilac, purple. These beautiful crayons have been colored by natural plant extract from buckthorn berries, madder root, indigo plant, weld leaves, lac-dye, coreopsis flowers, and catechu acacia. The thick, chunky shaped crayon blocks provide stability when holding.
Crayon Rocks Soy Crayons ($10.00)
Little hands can reach for these cool little coloring tools. The shape actually helps strengthen small hand muscles and gets ‘em ready for pencils and pens. Makes for wide, expressive strokes, too. Box contains 16 1″ crayons. Made of natural soy wax (non-toxic and good for the planet).
Finger Paint
Speedball “Speedy Kids” Finger Paint ($26.00)
Exciting fun and entertainment for kids of all ages; 5 oz. squeeze tubes; washable. Absolutely non toxic! Bright fantastic colors! Cleans up easily with soap and water; normal laundering procedures remove stains from most fabrics. This set includes one each of all 9 “Speedy Kids” colors!
While you can buy non-toxic and eco-friendly finger paint, your best bet is to make it yourself. Here’s how:
You will need:
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup grated soap (choose your favorite plain organic soap bar)
1. Melt grated soap flakes into half cup of boiling water.
2. Add cornstarch.
3. Blend well and put aside. Allow mixture to thicken.
4. Divide into small containers and add coloring.
Natural colorings can be derived from the juice of frozen berries, beet juice, tea, onion skils (boiled) or other natural sources. You can store your fingerpaints in the refrigerator for about a week.
Artemis Plant-Colored Modeling Beeswax ($85.00)
These high beeswax sheets include soft tints of primary and secondary colors. Colors include green, transparent, pink, brown, yellow, carmine, orange, dark blue. These beautiful beeswax sheets have been colored by natural plant extract from buckthorn berries, madder root, indigo plant, weld leaves, lac-dye, coreopsis flowers, and catechu acacia
Play Dough
Eco-Dough ($22.00)
Eco-dough is an all natural alternative. It is made with plant, fruit and veggie extracts! No chemicals, artificial dyes or metals. The containers are made from cornstarch and 100% compostable. Also it doesn’t dry out like name brands. If it’s left out overnight just add a few drops of olive oil and it comes right back!
Mary’s Softdough – Solid Color Set ($17.00)
6 Solid Colors – Pink, Blue, Purple, Red, Green, Yellow Mary’s Softdough is a soft, non-crumbly modeling dough that’s fun to play with! It holds up well to lots of creative play and when stored in it’s container will last up to a year.
Facebook has an absolute plethora of applications; they easily have hundreds of applications, if not more, that appeal to pretty much everyone. I have noticed an application frenzy around Facebook as of late. While applications have always been very popular on Facebook, it seems as of the number of people visiting their Facebook applications has grown exponentially and seem to only be rising as time goes by. From personality and ‘What character from this television show/movie are you most like?’ quizzes to games you can play with and against your friends Facebook applications have been growing to meet the rising demand for them.
The reason why Facebook applications have done so well and are continuing to pick up the pace is because frankly, they are addicting and one game that has been the source of a great entertainment and procrastination for all is Farmville–an application that lets you be a farmer and grow crops and raise animals living on your own, virtual farm.
Farmville lets you grow numerous crops like strawberries, eggplant, soybeans, peppers, and numerous others and lets you raise animals like cows, pigs, horses, and ducks. It is incredibly cute and very, very addicting, especially when you get into the awards you can get from achieving small milestones like harvesting a certain number of trees or the amount of times you visit and help out on your friend’s farm and start purchasing decorations like whitewash fences (to keep your animals all fenced in while they are getting ready for their feathers, wool, milk, and eggs to be collected!) and haybales, carts, outhouses, and garden gnomes. And of course, a farm is not complete without a barn, tool shed, and of course a farm house for your farmer to live in.
Over 7 million people are playing Farmville daily, but if you’re one of the few people to actually have never heard of this game, it’s time to start your own farm and get in on Farmville. However, you may want to clear your schedule for the next week or so because that’s how long you’ll be staring at your farm, waiting for crops to go, and decorate your space.
And if that sounds a little like what your life has looked like over the past few weeks, be sure to follow Farmville on Twitter @zfarmville where they announce all of the new crops, decorations, buildings, and more that are put into the game and announce all the cool stuff going on within the Farmville community, like one person who made an entire farm that looks like Super Mario.
This is a guest post by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com.
As we approach the enactment of the first phase of the Credit CARD Act next week, credit card issuers continue to make changes that could have a significant effect on consumers.
In September and October, some cardholders can expect more fee increases, some may lose reward points because of a late payment, and more cards will be introduced with high annual fees.
“We feared issuers might make some of these changes and now we see them starting to take place,” says Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com and author of The Credit Card Guidebook. “These changes will continue as issuers try to find new ways to generate revenue and do anything they can to regain profitability. Many households can expect changes so we should all pay attention to the white, non-descript envelopes that we receive in the mail and the stuffers in our monthly credit card bill. This is how issuers notify their customers about changes to the terms of their credit card.”
Here are some changes that have recently been announced:
Starting in September, American Express Blue and Blue Sky cards will cancel the points that cardholders earn in the month they have a late fee. Points are not available for redemption until your account is again in good standing, and you pay an additional $29 fee for each month of points that you want to recover. (Note: in most cases, a consumer would have to spend $2,900 to have earned $29 in rewards.) Citibank has also added this policy of canceling points, but has yet to add a reinstatement fee.
“Cancelling reward points is a very concerning change,” says Hardekopf. “This opens a door to adding new fees to the reward program and holding reward points hostage. If this works, others could follow and find additional ways to introduce new fees for rewards.”
American Express just notified customers of upcoming changes that it says are being made in response to the current business and economic environment. It is raising the cash advance fee from 21.24% to 25.24% after October 1. The notice also said that it was raising the APR on any balance that has a penalty rate because of a late payment. In addition, they are increasing the late fee.
United and Chase credit card services are offering new cards that may point to the future of reward cards. They are aimed at the “savvy traveler” who wants added comfort, more reward miles, and a chance to earn elite status more quickly. The annual fee ranges from $130 for United Mileage Plus Select Visa to $375 for United Mileage Plus Club Visa. While you earn more for United purchases, you still only earn one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
“Reward cards are the first cards that seem to be adding annual fees. We expect new reward cards to follow these United and Chase cards, which are advertised as offering a little more than the typical reward card and marketed to those with the best credit,” says Hardekopf.
There is one positive change for some cardholders. Discover and American Express are eliminating the over-the-limit fees. American Express announced this will occur in October; Discover said this will take place soon.
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LowCards.com simplifies the confusion of shopping for credit cards. It is a free, independent website that helps consumers easily compare credit cards in a variety of categories such as lowest rates, rewards, rebates, balance transfers and lowest introductory rates. It also gives an unbiased ranking and review for each card. The LowCards.com Complete Credit Card Index is the most objective and comprehensive resource on the Internet which allows consumers to compare rates for all 1260 credit cards offered in this country. Created by Hampton & Associates, the company has been analyzing the credit card industry and supplying objective websites on various consumer expenses for eight years.
We expect nothing but the best from Paris Hilton. From her fashion sense (most of the time?) to her living quarters, but Paris Hilton recently invited Life & Style to the mini-mansion of Tinkerbell, Marilyn Monroe, Prince Baby Bear, Harajuku, Dolce, and Prada. Yes, her dogs have a mini-mansion in Beverly Hills all their own. Their two-story house is complete with air conditioning, closets, and a crystal chandelier and at $325,000, her dogs are living better than a lot of us, am I right?
Take a look at the images from Life & Style of the dog’s mini-mansion:
As soon as I came across Big Eye Dummies’ website I knew I had come across something very unique and very, very fun. Their website alone will make you crack up; from the first glance over the website and you notice that they recommend their designer plush dolls for kids ages 2 and up to immature adults and you know what, they are completely correct in that assessment. I recently had the opportunity to receive Slicka the penguin from the Big Eye Dummies collection and I have to admit, me and my partner played around for it for a good long while before handing it off to the stepkids.
Big Eye Dummies are incredibly cute, incredibly wacky designer plush toys that come with two sets of interchangeable eye and mouth pieces letting you change the way your toy looks by mixing and matching to your heart’s content!
Big Eye Dummies were designed and created in New York City by David Lipson who is a professional Animation Producer and Director. He has worked on television shows like Word World, Lizzie McGuire, Schoolhouse Rock, and also shorts for Sesame Street!
The quality of Big Eye Dummies is incredible; the eyes and mouth are gently sewed down so after you cut the threads you can immediately begin mixing and matching. What I love the most about the toys is that the interchangeable parts are magnetic; they are not Velcro which has the tendency to get pieces of lint, hair, and whatever little easily-stickable things that are on your floors or furniture caught in it and after a while becomes unusable. Because Big Eye Dummies uses magnets to stick the eyes and mouths on the plush toys, they will last a good long time!
Not surprising in the least, Big Eye Dummies have received great recognition for their toys and have even received Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice Award!
We love Big Eye Dummies; the kids had a great time mixing and matching them and I think my partner and I had just about as much fun with them! You can purchase Big Eye Dummies on their website for $19.99 each.
Big Eye Dummies is giving away a free doll every month! If you want to enter their contests, become a fan of Big Eye Dummies on Facebook. Further instructions are provided on the site.
The quality of Big Eye Dummies is incredible; the eyes and mouth are gently sewed down so after you cut the threads you can immediately begin mixing and matching. What I love the most about the toys is that the interchangeable parts are magnetic; they are not Velcro which has the tendency to get pieces of lint, hair, and whatever little easily-stickable things that are on your floors or furniture caught in it and after a while becomes unusable. Because Big Eye Dummies uses magnets to stick the eyes and mouths on the plush toys, they will last a good long time!
