Gift ideas (big and small)
With budgets being tight, and stores realizing that they need to fight over what little spending money shoppers have this year, you can expect to see some fantastic deals.
Black Friday is considered the start of the holiday shopping season—this year, it'll be shorter than usual, as Thanksgiving is a little later than usual.
That said, aside from some of the incredible early-bird specials you'll find on the 28th (if you're willing to get up at 4am to catch them!) you can expect to see these prices reflected in ongoing deals throughout the rest of the season.
We've left out the "early-bird" specials listed by each store, as those items might be limited to a handful per store, and unless you're there as soon as the doors open, there's little guarantee that you'll be able to pick them up. However, if you're interested in viewing the entire list of what they have coming out, visit GottaDeal.com's Black Friday Deals.
Budget Gifts for Car Enthusiasts (Under $20!)Black Friday offers a relatively small selection of non-electronic gifts for motorists this year. However, any of these would make for a good, inexpensive present. Outside of Black Friday deals, be sure to check the automotive sections in your favorite discount stores, as they are packed full of gift ideas at this time of year, above and beyond the deals below.
Inline Ignition Spark Checker (Harbor Freight)
$1.99
U.S. General Battery Cut-Off Switch (Harbor Freight)
$3.99
Stainless Steel Heated Travel Mug (Ace Hardware)
$4.99
WeatherHandler 36-Piece Glove Box Tool Kit (Kmart)
$8.49
WeatherHandler 44-Piece Triangle Emergency Kit (Kmart)
$9.87
Wet/Dry Auto Vacuum with 3' Hose (Ace Hardware)
$9.99
Armor All Holiday Gift Pack (Target)
$19.99
GPS SystemsThis year, GPS systems are cheaper than ever, and there are a huge number of deals available on Black Friday, for all budgets. Bear in mind that you do get what you pay for, and that the less expensive GPS systems respond more slowly and have fewer features. More expensive units are faster and offer more functionality. Either way, they all do the same basic thing—they get you from A to B. It's just a matter of style and function.
Some GPS featuresScreen size—Most GPS units describe the screen size in the product name—this is a diagonal measurement like a TV screen, and obviously the larger the screen, the easier it is to read. For most purposes, the screen size won't affect the clarity of the directions given on the screen while driving—but additional navigation details may benefit from a larger screen.
Text to Speech—Most GPS units will have a voice prompt telling you which way to turn, how far it is to the next exit, and so on. Many will also have audible tones that assist with that. Text to Speech will actually read the name of the road instead of a generic "turn right ahead." How useful this is depends upon your personal preference.
For a list of more GPS features, check out ConsumerReport.org's analysis of the most important.
GPS Units under $100As you can see below, the TomTom One 125 and the Magellan RoadMate 1200 are both on sale this year. Although the prices are similar across different stores, Macy's offers the RoadMate for nearly $5 less than Sears and Target.
TomTom One 125 GPS Navigation System
$99.99 at Circuit City, Kmart and Office Max
Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$95.00 at Macy's
Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$99.99 at Target and Sears
GPS Units under $150The model of interest here is the Garmin nuvi 205, and there's a $10 difference depending upon where you pick it up on the 28th. Best Buy has the least expensive units, but you can expect those to sell out quickly.
Garmin nuvi 205 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$119.99 at Best Buy
Garmin nuvi 205 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$124.99 at Sears
Garmin nuvi 205 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$129.99 at OfficeMax
Garmin nuvi 200W GPS Navigation System
$119.99 at Target
Garmin nuvi 260 3.5" GPS Navigation System
$149.99 at Circuit City
Mio Moov 300 4.3" GPS Navigation System
$129.99 at Radio Shack
Motorola 3.5" GPS with Text-to-Speech
$149.99 at Radio Shack
Beyond Black FridaySome of us may not be able to brave the lines on Friday morning, and though the deals mentioned above may well extend through December, there are certainly other options available for our holiday shopping.
Other Gifts for under $25Websites like Amazon.com offer the canny online shopper many options for inexpensive automotive gifts. They have an entire section dedicated to automotive items under $25. There are 100+ items for that amount or less, but the selection changes often, and you can also find used items.
You can save money on shipping by doing most of your gift shopping at once through sites such as Amazon.com, and if you're unable to travel much this year, you can even have items gift-wrapped and mailed directly to the recipient's home.
Alternative Gift IdeasThe New York Times Store has a great selection of NASCAR collectibles, and much more—you'll certainly find some great gift ideas here.
Budget Not a Problem?Another unique gift idea is to give someone a once-in-a-lifetime driving experience. From Extreme Stock Car Driving to a Drag Race Ride Along, excitations.com offers a huge variety of driving adventures.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Holiday Shopping Tips: Part One
Shopping in a Tough Economy
With the current credit crunch, and the increasing pressure on our wallets, the idea of shopping for gifts this holiday season might seem like a depressing prospect.
Nielsen's 2008 holiday retail forecast is predicting a 4.7% gain in dollar sales over 2007, which is lower than the rate of inflation (4.94% in September 2008)—a bad sign for retailers. This would be the first decline in consumer sales since 1991.
However, that's still $98 billion in sales and retailers are going to be doing everything they can to get their cut of your holiday spending money. But, smart consumers will use cash more than credit this year.
The Credit CrunchAccording to the eBillme Online Spending Index, credit is a problem and consumers are adjusting their spending.
34 percent of consumers are closer to their credit limit than a year ago.
45 percent have used their credit card less often over the last 90 days in favor of non-credit payment options.
55 percent say their available credit has decreased this holiday season.
48 percent of consumers are delaying purchases due to the economy.
Changes in Shopping HabitsNielsen's research suggests that shoppers will be concentrating on basic needs, and that value will be more important than variety and convenience. This also means that retailers are preparing for more "at home consumption" from shoppers—less eating out at restaurants or cinema trips, along with less shopping in general.
What Does This Mean for Me?Retailers will be more competitive, especially for non-luxury items, resulting in more discounts and better deals for the average consumer. Brands and stores are already competing for your spending, so watch for sales and special offers.
Alternatives to credit may be available, though stores are more likely to offer "special deals" if you sign up for their store cards, in an attempt to keep consumers within their store for their purchases. Watch deferred billing offers carefully, because you may incur high interest costs if you fail to meet the first payment due date.
If you do decide to brave the shops this holiday season (and we all will, of course) here are some shopping tips that may help you get the most from your dollar this year. Remember to drive safely when you're out shopping!
Online ShoppingThe Internet continues to be a popular way to not only "window shop" for gift ideas, but to actually purchase items too. With air travel still sometimes prohibitively expensive, online purchases may end up being a slightly better option than previous years. Look for free delivery offers to save even more.
According to a study by Harris Interactive, 85% of online shoppers are using the Internet to find good deals online, using price comparison websites (such as PriceGrabber.com or MySimon.com), online coupon sites (such as RetailMeNot.com) and online ads.
And, make sure to ask about for "website only" deals offered by local stores. You can always shop in-person and then buy online.
LayawayIncreasing numbers of consumers are using layaway programs this season as an alternative to purchasing on credit. Many stores that offer layaway ask for a small deposit or fee upfront and may limit what can be put on layaway, such as perishables and clearance items. It's a great way to shop early and stay within your budget, by planning and making your payments before the holidays.
Make sure to get a copy of the store's policy and read it carefully before you decide to use layaway, and keep a record of the payments you've made.
Gift CardsAn alternative to layaway is buying gift cards—not to give as presents themselves, but to use for your own holiday shopping. This allows you to "set aside" $25, $50 or even $100 at a time into gift cards that can be used like cash for your shopping later in the season.
Some grocery stores offer loyalty cards give you discounts to either gas or food shopping throughout the year. By purchasing gift cards from your grocery store, not only can you sensibly set aside your holiday shopping budget one card at a time, you may actually earn some of these additional "perks" for yourself.
Coupon ClippingIt's a great idea to check your local coupon magazine and newspapers for potential savings—you may discover an opportunity to save a lot of money by carefully collecting the right kind of coupons.
Discount StoresIn a tight economy, discount stores may offer the best deals for holiday shopping. There is a lot of competition between the large chains and that is good news for consumers. It'll pay to compare prices between stores, and check the clearance sections, too. You may find the items you want at a considerable savings if you spend some time comparison shopping.
Start Shopping for Next Season EarlyAll of the above tips are good no matter what time of year it is, and it's never too early to start finding bargains for next year's holiday season. Keep your eyes open throughout the year for great deals, and always have a checklist of potential gift ideas in the back of your mind. This will not only help you save money by spreading the expenses of your holiday shopping throughout the year, but could reduce the stress of rushing around for last minute gifts. Unfortunately, that's likely to remain the one unavoidable reality of holiday shopping!
The second article in this series includes a number of driving-related gift ideas to match all budgets.
With the current credit crunch, and the increasing pressure on our wallets, the idea of shopping for gifts this holiday season might seem like a depressing prospect.
Nielsen's 2008 holiday retail forecast is predicting a 4.7% gain in dollar sales over 2007, which is lower than the rate of inflation (4.94% in September 2008)—a bad sign for retailers. This would be the first decline in consumer sales since 1991.
However, that's still $98 billion in sales and retailers are going to be doing everything they can to get their cut of your holiday spending money. But, smart consumers will use cash more than credit this year.
The Credit CrunchAccording to the eBillme Online Spending Index, credit is a problem and consumers are adjusting their spending.
34 percent of consumers are closer to their credit limit than a year ago.
45 percent have used their credit card less often over the last 90 days in favor of non-credit payment options.
55 percent say their available credit has decreased this holiday season.
48 percent of consumers are delaying purchases due to the economy.
Changes in Shopping HabitsNielsen's research suggests that shoppers will be concentrating on basic needs, and that value will be more important than variety and convenience. This also means that retailers are preparing for more "at home consumption" from shoppers—less eating out at restaurants or cinema trips, along with less shopping in general.
What Does This Mean for Me?Retailers will be more competitive, especially for non-luxury items, resulting in more discounts and better deals for the average consumer. Brands and stores are already competing for your spending, so watch for sales and special offers.
Alternatives to credit may be available, though stores are more likely to offer "special deals" if you sign up for their store cards, in an attempt to keep consumers within their store for their purchases. Watch deferred billing offers carefully, because you may incur high interest costs if you fail to meet the first payment due date.
If you do decide to brave the shops this holiday season (and we all will, of course) here are some shopping tips that may help you get the most from your dollar this year. Remember to drive safely when you're out shopping!
Online ShoppingThe Internet continues to be a popular way to not only "window shop" for gift ideas, but to actually purchase items too. With air travel still sometimes prohibitively expensive, online purchases may end up being a slightly better option than previous years. Look for free delivery offers to save even more.
According to a study by Harris Interactive, 85% of online shoppers are using the Internet to find good deals online, using price comparison websites (such as PriceGrabber.com or MySimon.com), online coupon sites (such as RetailMeNot.com) and online ads.
And, make sure to ask about for "website only" deals offered by local stores. You can always shop in-person and then buy online.
LayawayIncreasing numbers of consumers are using layaway programs this season as an alternative to purchasing on credit. Many stores that offer layaway ask for a small deposit or fee upfront and may limit what can be put on layaway, such as perishables and clearance items. It's a great way to shop early and stay within your budget, by planning and making your payments before the holidays.
Make sure to get a copy of the store's policy and read it carefully before you decide to use layaway, and keep a record of the payments you've made.
Gift CardsAn alternative to layaway is buying gift cards—not to give as presents themselves, but to use for your own holiday shopping. This allows you to "set aside" $25, $50 or even $100 at a time into gift cards that can be used like cash for your shopping later in the season.
Some grocery stores offer loyalty cards give you discounts to either gas or food shopping throughout the year. By purchasing gift cards from your grocery store, not only can you sensibly set aside your holiday shopping budget one card at a time, you may actually earn some of these additional "perks" for yourself.
Coupon ClippingIt's a great idea to check your local coupon magazine and newspapers for potential savings—you may discover an opportunity to save a lot of money by carefully collecting the right kind of coupons.
Discount StoresIn a tight economy, discount stores may offer the best deals for holiday shopping. There is a lot of competition between the large chains and that is good news for consumers. It'll pay to compare prices between stores, and check the clearance sections, too. You may find the items you want at a considerable savings if you spend some time comparison shopping.
Start Shopping for Next Season EarlyAll of the above tips are good no matter what time of year it is, and it's never too early to start finding bargains for next year's holiday season. Keep your eyes open throughout the year for great deals, and always have a checklist of potential gift ideas in the back of your mind. This will not only help you save money by spreading the expenses of your holiday shopping throughout the year, but could reduce the stress of rushing around for last minute gifts. Unfortunately, that's likely to remain the one unavoidable reality of holiday shopping!
The second article in this series includes a number of driving-related gift ideas to match all budgets.
Top 10 States for Highest Gas Prices
Based on the most recent official data from the federal Energy Information Administration, these are the top 10 states with the highest gas prices. (The states are sorted highest to lowest, based on an average of their monthly gas prices from January 2008 to July 2008.)
Alaska
Hawaii
California
Oregon
Vermont
Connecticut
Washington
Maine
West Virginia
New Mexico
When summer ends, we look forward to falling leaves and falling gas prices. The summer driving season has traditionally been when we see the highest prices at the pump, and gas prices usually get better at the start of the school year.
Gas Prices Are Dropping.Normally, as Labor Day passes, travel diminishes and gasoline prices fall, and travel has already been slower than last year due to high gas prices. Despite supply problems due to the recent hurricanes, we are already starting to see a price drop this year. However, industry experts say that continued worldwide strong demand, and overall level-to-decreased production will cause long-term increases in the price of gasoline. The price of crude oil hit a record high of almost $150 per barrel this past July, and while prices have eased a bit, no one is expecting a long-term return to the prices of below $55 per barrel that we saw just three years ago without significant demand changes.
Should We Lower Gas Taxes?Federal, State, and local taxes were traditionally a large component of the retail price of gasoline. However, taxes currently account for only about 15% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline. Federal excise taxes have held steady at 18.4¢ per gallon since October of 1997, and basic state taxes average about 21¢ per gallon. Unfortunately, at around 40¢ a gallon, lowering gas taxes would not significantly lower the price of gas. In addition, since gas taxes are mostly used to fund road maintenance and public transportation, the reduced tax revenue would have to be raised in other ways. Cities, states, and the federal government would raise the overall tax burden even for those who don't drive. If you still think we're paying too much for gas, consider this: Europeans are paying an average price of around $7.50 per gallon of gasoline, a large part of which is tax.
Some States Add More Taxes.The 21¢ per gallon is an average figure, meaning some states are adding more tax, and others are adding less. Some states, such as Hawaii, which are far from the refineries, pay more due to additional transportation cost. And residents of California are saddled with expensive gasoline because the state operates its own reformulated gasoline program with more stringent requirements than federally-mandated gasoline. California prices are historically more variable than others because there are relatively few supply sources for its unique blend of gasoline.
Will Gas Prices Cause a Permanent Shift?Interestingly, gas prices rose to a point this year that caused Americans to change their driving habits. There has been an accelerated demand for fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids and economy cars. Nearly all carmakers have hybrids either in production or planned for future release. It remains to be seen, however, if the recent drop in gas prices will cause a return to earlier levels of travel, or if the trend toward less travel will be permanent. Historically, cheaper gas has led to more driving, but switching to public transportation, carpooling, and cars with better gas mileage may counteract this tendency.
Alaska
Hawaii
California
Oregon
Vermont
Connecticut
Washington
Maine
West Virginia
New Mexico
When summer ends, we look forward to falling leaves and falling gas prices. The summer driving season has traditionally been when we see the highest prices at the pump, and gas prices usually get better at the start of the school year.
Gas Prices Are Dropping.Normally, as Labor Day passes, travel diminishes and gasoline prices fall, and travel has already been slower than last year due to high gas prices. Despite supply problems due to the recent hurricanes, we are already starting to see a price drop this year. However, industry experts say that continued worldwide strong demand, and overall level-to-decreased production will cause long-term increases in the price of gasoline. The price of crude oil hit a record high of almost $150 per barrel this past July, and while prices have eased a bit, no one is expecting a long-term return to the prices of below $55 per barrel that we saw just three years ago without significant demand changes.
Should We Lower Gas Taxes?Federal, State, and local taxes were traditionally a large component of the retail price of gasoline. However, taxes currently account for only about 15% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline. Federal excise taxes have held steady at 18.4¢ per gallon since October of 1997, and basic state taxes average about 21¢ per gallon. Unfortunately, at around 40¢ a gallon, lowering gas taxes would not significantly lower the price of gas. In addition, since gas taxes are mostly used to fund road maintenance and public transportation, the reduced tax revenue would have to be raised in other ways. Cities, states, and the federal government would raise the overall tax burden even for those who don't drive. If you still think we're paying too much for gas, consider this: Europeans are paying an average price of around $7.50 per gallon of gasoline, a large part of which is tax.
Some States Add More Taxes.The 21¢ per gallon is an average figure, meaning some states are adding more tax, and others are adding less. Some states, such as Hawaii, which are far from the refineries, pay more due to additional transportation cost. And residents of California are saddled with expensive gasoline because the state operates its own reformulated gasoline program with more stringent requirements than federally-mandated gasoline. California prices are historically more variable than others because there are relatively few supply sources for its unique blend of gasoline.
Will Gas Prices Cause a Permanent Shift?Interestingly, gas prices rose to a point this year that caused Americans to change their driving habits. There has been an accelerated demand for fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids and economy cars. Nearly all carmakers have hybrids either in production or planned for future release. It remains to be seen, however, if the recent drop in gas prices will cause a return to earlier levels of travel, or if the trend toward less travel will be permanent. Historically, cheaper gas has led to more driving, but switching to public transportation, carpooling, and cars with better gas mileage may counteract this tendency.
Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths
The color of my car determines my auto insurance rate. My credit score has no bearing on my insurance premium. I have auto insurance coverage so my new car is already covered… right? Maybe not! Below is a list of fallacies many car owners believe and drive by each day. The truth just might make you change course.
Myth #10: "No-fault insurance means it's not my fault!"False. Basically, no-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.
Myth #9: "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rates. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, and engine size, along with your credit history and driving record.
Myth #8: "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages."False. Your car, your responsibility! However, your friend's insurance could act as excess insurance if the damages exceed your policy's limits. And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, it will go on your insurance record and your insurance premium could go up.
Myth #7: "My insurance rate is set by the government."False. The government does not set your car insurance rate. Your state's insurance department only regulates the rates car insurance companies are allowed to set. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.
Myth #6: "I recently paid my insurance premium, so the new car I just purchased is covered."True, up to a point. Most insurance policies require that the policyholder notify the car insurance company or agent within a specified number of days after purchase.
Myth #5: "It's a fact. Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance."True and false. Males under 25 years old usually pay more for car insurance than female drivers under 25. However, across the board, teenagers and seniors pay more for auto insurance, in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.
Myth #4: "My credit score has no effect on my insurance rate."False. Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when you want to purchase, change, or renew your auto insurance coverage.
Myth #3: "Even without comprehensive coverage, I'm still covered for theft, windstorms, hail and deer accidents."False. Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance-which covers damage to your car resulting from driving accidents--that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.
Myth #2: "My personal auto insurance covers both my personal and business use of my car."Be careful. It might be able to cover it, but you need to check with your car insurance company. If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.
Myth #1: "I've never had or been involved in a car accident, so I don't need automobile insurance."False. Some drivers are lucky enough to avoid accidents. However, car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event of an auto accident. You are also legally required to have some form of auto insurance, and failing to do so can carry strict penalties.
Claim Buster.
Myth #10: "No-fault insurance means it's not my fault!"False. Basically, no-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.
Myth #9: "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rates. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, and engine size, along with your credit history and driving record.
Myth #8: "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages."False. Your car, your responsibility! However, your friend's insurance could act as excess insurance if the damages exceed your policy's limits. And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, it will go on your insurance record and your insurance premium could go up.
Myth #7: "My insurance rate is set by the government."False. The government does not set your car insurance rate. Your state's insurance department only regulates the rates car insurance companies are allowed to set. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.
Myth #6: "I recently paid my insurance premium, so the new car I just purchased is covered."True, up to a point. Most insurance policies require that the policyholder notify the car insurance company or agent within a specified number of days after purchase.
Myth #5: "It's a fact. Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance."True and false. Males under 25 years old usually pay more for car insurance than female drivers under 25. However, across the board, teenagers and seniors pay more for auto insurance, in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.
Myth #4: "My credit score has no effect on my insurance rate."False. Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when you want to purchase, change, or renew your auto insurance coverage.
Myth #3: "Even without comprehensive coverage, I'm still covered for theft, windstorms, hail and deer accidents."False. Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance-which covers damage to your car resulting from driving accidents--that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.
Myth #2: "My personal auto insurance covers both my personal and business use of my car."Be careful. It might be able to cover it, but you need to check with your car insurance company. If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.
Myth #1: "I've never had or been involved in a car accident, so I don't need automobile insurance."False. Some drivers are lucky enough to avoid accidents. However, car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event of an auto accident. You are also legally required to have some form of auto insurance, and failing to do so can carry strict penalties.
Claim Buster.
8 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance
Trying to understand auto insurance can be as tricky and confusing as trying to untie the Gordian knot. (We hear the knotty Gordian problem can be solved with a sword.) However, some "insider" knowledge can help you understand your options and what you can do to save money and get the most out of your auto insurance.
1) Some of the most helpful coverages are the cheapest.
Auto insurance may be expensive, but if you're already spending a lot, shouldn't you get a lot? Optional coverages such as gap coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage can provide a lot of protection for a little price increase. Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive of these coverages, but is still usually about half the price of collision coverage and a third the price of liability coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is especially important, considering the benefits it offers and the number of uninsured drivers on the road, particularly during this period of economic hardship. Take a look at your coverage options. Paying a little more now may save you a lot in the future.
2) Many factors can affect your car insurance rate.
Auto insurance companies use many different criteria when evaluating an insurance application during a process called underwriting. Each car insurance company has many guidelines regarding which groups of drivers they want to accept and how much they will charge those groups they consider a greater risk. The guidelines are different for each company, meaning that two companies comparing the same driver can arrive at vastly different conclusions.
During the underwriting process, car insurance applicants are placed in a group based on how much money and how many claims the insurance company believes it may have to pay. Underwriting is done automatically by software behind the scenes. At this time, the insurance company will look at motor vehicle records to see how many accidents or tickets a driver has received. Many insurance companies also use an insurance history report to see if the driver has made any car insurance claims, and how much money was paid. Although accidents and violations can only affect the rates you receive for three years, many companies will look back five or more years when deciding if they want to offer you insurance. In addition, many auto insurance companies look at the credit history of the applicant. Although they use credit history to determine which group an applicant belongs to, they don't actually look at a credit report.
3) Insurance prices vary (a lot) by company.
You've probably seen commercials saying you can save money by switching to a certain car insurance company. How can so many companies make this claim? The reason is that "auto insurance is a highly competitive business and one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance costs is simply to shop around," according to Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "Drivers should look for an insurance company that will provide a good price along with excellent service."
Prices for the same policy from the same company, however, are set by law. They are approved by the state and can't be changed by an agent, so you can't get a better price for the same policy simply by going to a different agent or trying to negotiate the price. The best plan is to decide what coverages and options you need and comparison shop to get the best price.
4) If you let your policy lapse, you'll pay more in the long run.
Most insurance companies view drivers who are licensed but don't have insurance as risky or irresponsible. Because of this, if you let your policy lapse, you'll probably pay more when you go to buy car insurance. To avoid this, if you don't want to pay for insurance or are planning to let your policy expire because you want to switch companies, make sure to purchase car insurance before your current policy is cancelled.
5) Higher deductibles can lower your premium.
Insurance prices are based on how much money the insurance company believes it could have to pay. If you agree to pay for a larger portion of your own damages by raising your deductibles, your car insurance company automatically knows they won't have to pay as much for your claims. Because of this, they will usually give you a lower premium. If you decide to raise your deductibles to save money, be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you have to make a claim.
6) Insurance discounts can make a difference.
Most insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for things like a safe driving record, car safety features, anti-theft devices, electronic payments, payment in full, and more. Make sure you're getting rewarded for being a safe driver and for having a safe car by shopping around for car insurance that appreciates your record.
7) Coverage affects what you pay.
The majority of your car insurance premium generally goes toward the legally-required liability portion of your policy. It's typically not a good idea to reduce this portion in an attempt to save money, because you'll be responsible for any amount of damages above your policy limits. However, other coverages, although generally helpful, could be reduced or eliminated to lower your premium. If you have an older car that's not worth very much, or if you won't have a problem paying for a new car, collision and comprehensive coverages may not make economic sense. Talk to your car insurance company or agent about the best options for you.
8) The car you drive can affect your auto insurance rates.
The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles insurance accident statistics for most types of cars. Many insurance companies use data like this when setting prices on your insurance. For example, if the car you drive is very expensive to repair, the company is going to have to pay more if you get in an accident. Conversely, if the car you drive is extremely safe and protects occupants well, your insurance company will not have to pay as much if you're involved in a crash. If your model of car is generally less likely to be stolen, your car insurance company is less likely to have to pay to replace it. All of these car related factors can raise or lower the auto insurance quotes you receive, so it makes sense to keep insurance in mind when purchasing a car. Of course, since rates are based on much more than just the car you drive, your overall rate may be more or less than someone driving the same car.
1) Some of the most helpful coverages are the cheapest.
Auto insurance may be expensive, but if you're already spending a lot, shouldn't you get a lot? Optional coverages such as gap coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage can provide a lot of protection for a little price increase. Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive of these coverages, but is still usually about half the price of collision coverage and a third the price of liability coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is especially important, considering the benefits it offers and the number of uninsured drivers on the road, particularly during this period of economic hardship. Take a look at your coverage options. Paying a little more now may save you a lot in the future.
2) Many factors can affect your car insurance rate.
Auto insurance companies use many different criteria when evaluating an insurance application during a process called underwriting. Each car insurance company has many guidelines regarding which groups of drivers they want to accept and how much they will charge those groups they consider a greater risk. The guidelines are different for each company, meaning that two companies comparing the same driver can arrive at vastly different conclusions.
During the underwriting process, car insurance applicants are placed in a group based on how much money and how many claims the insurance company believes it may have to pay. Underwriting is done automatically by software behind the scenes. At this time, the insurance company will look at motor vehicle records to see how many accidents or tickets a driver has received. Many insurance companies also use an insurance history report to see if the driver has made any car insurance claims, and how much money was paid. Although accidents and violations can only affect the rates you receive for three years, many companies will look back five or more years when deciding if they want to offer you insurance. In addition, many auto insurance companies look at the credit history of the applicant. Although they use credit history to determine which group an applicant belongs to, they don't actually look at a credit report.
3) Insurance prices vary (a lot) by company.
You've probably seen commercials saying you can save money by switching to a certain car insurance company. How can so many companies make this claim? The reason is that "auto insurance is a highly competitive business and one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance costs is simply to shop around," according to Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "Drivers should look for an insurance company that will provide a good price along with excellent service."
Prices for the same policy from the same company, however, are set by law. They are approved by the state and can't be changed by an agent, so you can't get a better price for the same policy simply by going to a different agent or trying to negotiate the price. The best plan is to decide what coverages and options you need and comparison shop to get the best price.
4) If you let your policy lapse, you'll pay more in the long run.
Most insurance companies view drivers who are licensed but don't have insurance as risky or irresponsible. Because of this, if you let your policy lapse, you'll probably pay more when you go to buy car insurance. To avoid this, if you don't want to pay for insurance or are planning to let your policy expire because you want to switch companies, make sure to purchase car insurance before your current policy is cancelled.
5) Higher deductibles can lower your premium.
Insurance prices are based on how much money the insurance company believes it could have to pay. If you agree to pay for a larger portion of your own damages by raising your deductibles, your car insurance company automatically knows they won't have to pay as much for your claims. Because of this, they will usually give you a lower premium. If you decide to raise your deductibles to save money, be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you have to make a claim.
6) Insurance discounts can make a difference.
Most insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for things like a safe driving record, car safety features, anti-theft devices, electronic payments, payment in full, and more. Make sure you're getting rewarded for being a safe driver and for having a safe car by shopping around for car insurance that appreciates your record.
7) Coverage affects what you pay.
The majority of your car insurance premium generally goes toward the legally-required liability portion of your policy. It's typically not a good idea to reduce this portion in an attempt to save money, because you'll be responsible for any amount of damages above your policy limits. However, other coverages, although generally helpful, could be reduced or eliminated to lower your premium. If you have an older car that's not worth very much, or if you won't have a problem paying for a new car, collision and comprehensive coverages may not make economic sense. Talk to your car insurance company or agent about the best options for you.
8) The car you drive can affect your auto insurance rates.
The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles insurance accident statistics for most types of cars. Many insurance companies use data like this when setting prices on your insurance. For example, if the car you drive is very expensive to repair, the company is going to have to pay more if you get in an accident. Conversely, if the car you drive is extremely safe and protects occupants well, your insurance company will not have to pay as much if you're involved in a crash. If your model of car is generally less likely to be stolen, your car insurance company is less likely to have to pay to replace it. All of these car related factors can raise or lower the auto insurance quotes you receive, so it makes sense to keep insurance in mind when purchasing a car. Of course, since rates are based on much more than just the car you drive, your overall rate may be more or less than someone driving the same car.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Using Article Instant Submitter Software To Publish Your Articles
Getting the articles distributed to as many sources as possible is one of the most daunting tasks for every marketer, and the time consuming process of article submission stops many marketers from using article marketing. But there`s an easy Solution.
Using an automatic software, an Article Submitter, will speed up the process of submitting YOur Articles. The Software will auto-fill the forms of the article directories automatically, saving You tons of time.
Article Pro Submitter will also supply You with a list of more than 140 Article Directories to post Your articles to, so YOu will not run out of places to post to. This will also increase Your Link Popularity dramatically.
A good article marketing software will also enable You to add and delete directories as new ones show up on the net and others close down. Auto Post Your Article to Your favorite directories automatically and don`t depend on the software owners to supply updates.
Getting Your Articles listed on as many directories as possible with Article Instant Submitter will also greatly increase Your Chance of getting Your article published in ezines and on other sites. This will give You additional traffic and backlinks and will therefor help You to get a better Google Page Rank and Alexa Rating.
If You want to get the most of Your Article Marketing Efforts then You should be using an Article Submitter! Not only will it free You up from hours of typing the same contact data again and again, but it will also supply You with lot`s of sites You wouldn`t have found otherwise.
You can increase Your articles visibility by up to 700% by posting it to all the important article sites and the only way to get it submitted to these many sites is auto submission software.
Written by Thomas Kraemer I`m a 32 Year old Web Marketer from Germany and use Article Marketing to increase my sites position in search-engines dramatically. Find more Infos on Article Pro Submitter at my website: http://bryxen7article.net/
Using an automatic software, an Article Submitter, will speed up the process of submitting YOur Articles. The Software will auto-fill the forms of the article directories automatically, saving You tons of time.
Article Pro Submitter will also supply You with a list of more than 140 Article Directories to post Your articles to, so YOu will not run out of places to post to. This will also increase Your Link Popularity dramatically.
A good article marketing software will also enable You to add and delete directories as new ones show up on the net and others close down. Auto Post Your Article to Your favorite directories automatically and don`t depend on the software owners to supply updates.
Getting Your Articles listed on as many directories as possible with Article Instant Submitter will also greatly increase Your Chance of getting Your article published in ezines and on other sites. This will give You additional traffic and backlinks and will therefor help You to get a better Google Page Rank and Alexa Rating.
If You want to get the most of Your Article Marketing Efforts then You should be using an Article Submitter! Not only will it free You up from hours of typing the same contact data again and again, but it will also supply You with lot`s of sites You wouldn`t have found otherwise.
You can increase Your articles visibility by up to 700% by posting it to all the important article sites and the only way to get it submitted to these many sites is auto submission software.
Written by Thomas Kraemer I`m a 32 Year old Web Marketer from Germany and use Article Marketing to increase my sites position in search-engines dramatically. Find more Infos on Article Pro Submitter at my website: http://bryxen7article.net/
Monday, October 13, 2008
25 Tips for Marketing Your Blog
With so many blogs being created every day, it’s a mystery to many bloggers how to make their blog stand out. There are many types of blogs or purposes for blogs and a certain number of tactics are applicable to just about all of them.Some companies choose to hire a blog consultant, but others like to try things internally. For those “DIY” companies and individuals interested in practical tips for marketing and optimizing a business blog, try out the following list of blog marketing and optimization tips:
1.Decide on a stand alone domain name www.myblog.com or directory of existing site www.mysite.com/blog. Sub domain is also an option blog.mysite.com. Avoid hosted services that do not allow you to use your own domain name!
2.Obtain and install customizable blog software - WordPress and Moveable Type are my favorites.
3.Customize blog look and feel templates - aka design.
4.Research keywords and develop a glossary - Keyword Discovery, WordTracker, SitePoint, SEOBook Keyword Research.
5.Optimize the blog:
Template optimization - RSS subscription options, social bookmark links, HTML code, Unique title tags, URLs, Sitemap
Add helper plugins specific to WordPress or MT
Create keyword rich categories (reference your keyword glossary)
6.Enable automatic trackback and ping functionality.
7.Create Feedburner Pro account and enable feed tracking.
8.Setup a Google account for Sitemap, validate and prep for future submission.
9.Identify authoritative blogs, web sites and hubs for outbound resource links and blogroll.
10.Format archived posts, related posts.
11.Enable statistics for tracking - Google Analytics, ClickTracks.
12.Submit RSS feed and Blog URL to prominent RSS and Blog directories / search engines.
13.Engage in an ongoing link building campaign.
14.If podcast or video content are available, submit to Podcast and Vlog directories.
15.Submit blog url to paid directories with categories for blogs - Yahoo, BOTW, bCentral, WOW, JoeAnt.
16.Optimize and distribute a press release announcing blog.
17.Request feedback or reviews of your blog in relevant forums, discussion threads. If you have a resourceful post that will help others, point to it.
18.Research and comment on relevant industry related blogs and blogs with significant centers of influence.
19.Post regularly. If it’s a news oriented blog, 3-5 times per day. If it’s an authoritative blog, 3-5 times per week, but each post must be unique and high value.
20.Monitor inbound links, traffic, comments and mentions of your blog - Google Alerts, Technorati, Blogpulse, Yahoo News, Ask Blogs and Feeds.
21.Always respond to comments on your blog and when you detect a mention of your blog on another blog, thank that blogger in the comments of the post.
22.Make contact with related bloggers on AND offline if possible.
23.When making blog posts always cite the source with a link and don’t be afraid to mention popular bloggers by name. Use keywords in the blog post title, in the body of the post and use anchor text when you link to previous posts you’ve made.
24.Use social networking services, forums and discussion threads to connect with other bloggers. If they like your stuff, they will link to you.
25.Remember when web sites were a new concept and the sage advice to print your web address everywhere you print your phone number? The same advice applies for your blog.=============
26.If your blog’s goal is to promote you as an authority, interview other prominent bloggers in your industry. Your own credibility will improve by association.
27.Build out your online networks through services such as MyBlogLog, Twitter and Facebook and leverage them to promote particularly useful content on your blog.
28.Once your blog has 1000 or more subscribers, show your Feedburner badge
29.Host images with Flickr making sure to include an anchor text link in the image description back to the post where the image is used.
30.Use your blog to gain press/media credentials at relevant industry conferences and use the event to create content, connections and increase your knowledge.
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