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		VOL. 3, ISSUE 5   •   SEPTEMBER, 2010 Egg Safety The recent recall of eggs contaminated with salmonella has sent shivers through kitchens everywhere, and reopened the question of when eggs are safe to eat. Raw eggs should never be considered safe, and even pasteurized egg products should not be eaten raw. In general, experts agree, you should follow some basic safety procedures when they are cooking with eggs: Wash your hands after you handle eggs, and wash down your counter and any utensils you used. When you are using eggs in baked foods such as casseroles, make sure the internal temperature of the food is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Egg dishes such as a quiche should be cooked or reheated to at least 165 degrees. Cook fried or poached eggs until the yolks are hard. Runny yolks are not safe to eat. Raw eggs can keep in the refrigerator for about a month. After that, throw them out. READ MORE...
		VOL. 3, ISSUE 4   •   AUGUST, 2010 Best Places to Live Money magazine has named a suburb of Minneapolis the best small city in America. Eden Prairie, Minn., topped the list of cities with a population between 50,000 and 300,00 To choose the top cities, Money looked at a number of factors, including housing costs, employment opportunities, crime, leisure activities, health care and diversity. In addition to Eden Prairie, rounding out the top 10 on the Money list are: Columbia and Ellicott City, Md. Newton, Mass. Bellevue, Wash. McKinney, Texas Fort Collins, Colo. Overland Park, Kan. Fishers, Ind. Ames, Iowa Rogers, Ark. READ MORE...
		VOL. 3, ISSUE 3   •   JULY, 2010 Fun Facts for the World Cup Maybe you are a longtime fan of soccer or are newly captivated by the World Cup competition being played in South Africa. Either way, here are some interesting facts about the sport, which is the most popular in the world: Outside the United States, soccer is known as football. It is only called soccer here to avoid confusion with the sport played on Sunday afternoons by huge men in helmets and pads. There have been 19 World Cups, and six were won by the team from the host nation. Talk about home field advantage. In July 1950 in a stadium in Rio de Janeiro, almost 200,000 people watched Brazil play. Soccer originated in England, and the first soccer team was the Sheffield FC, formed in 1857. Pele, the Brazilian believed by many to be the best soccer player ever, is also the only player to win the World Cup three times--in 1958, 1962 and 1970. READ MORE...
		VOL. 3, ISSUE 2   •   JUNE, 2010 Where the Money Is It should not be a surprise, but if you want to make the big bucks, be a doctor. Unless you're a woman. And stay away from the restaurant industry unless you want to starve. Forbes recently released the best- and worst-paying jobs in America, based on the May 2009 salary survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top five jobs are: surgeon, with an average annual pay of $219,770; anesthesiologist, $211,750; oral and maxillofacial surgeon, $210,710; orthodontist, $206,190; and obstetrician/gynecologist, $204,470. At the other end of the spectrum are: food preparation and serving worker, $18,120; fast food cook, $18,230; dishwasher, $18,330; shampooer, $18.890; and dining room and cafeteria attendant and bartender, $18,900. The situation is somewhat different for women, who make an average of 80 percent of what men make. The top-paying job for a woman is chief executive officer, with an annual salary of $81,000, followed by pharmacist, $76,500; lawyer, $75,500; computer information systems manager, $73,500; and computer software engineer, $68,000. READ MORE...
		VOL. 3, ISSUE 1   •   MAY, 2010 Wild Things During the spring or summer months, you may find a baby bird, bunny, opossum, deer or some other animal alone in your yard. What should you do? According to The Humane Society of the United States, do not be too quick to do anything. Many parents leave their babies alone, sometimes for long periods. For example, mothers sometimes visit baby deer or rabbits only a few times a day, so they do not draw predators to their young. Unless there is evidence that a predator has disturbed the area, you can probably watch and wait for the mom to come back. On the other hand, young raccoons are rarely left alone, so if you see a baby raccoon and do not observe a parent for a while, it is probably orphaned. You can return uninjured baby birds to the nest; the parents will not reject them because of human touch. If the nest is destroyed or you cannot reach it, you can hang a woven basket, like you might get at a craft shop, near where the nest was, according to the Humane Society. If the animal is injured or if you have watched for a while and you believe the baby is an orphan, call your local humane society, animal control office or wildlife rehabilitator for help. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 12   •   APRIL, 2010 Ideas for Your Tax Refund If you got a tax refund this year, the Choose to Save national public savings education program has five suggestions for ways you can put that money to work to build your long-term financial security: 1. Reduce the amount you pay in interest by making an extra mortgage or credit card payment. 2. Buy a U.S. savings bond. Bonds are for sale at most banks and credit unions, or online at www.savingsbonds.gov. 3. Set up an automatic payroll deduction saving plan, and use your refund as seed money. 4. Contribute to a traditional IRA. 5. Contribute to a Roth IRA. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 11   •   MARCH, 2010 Last-Minute Tax Tips T.S. Eliot declared that April is the cruelest month, and everyone filing an income tax return would probably agree. But there are still a few things you can do to ease the pain. You have until April 15 to make a contribution to some tax-deferred savings vehicles, such as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a Simplified Employer Plan (SEP). The amount that you can contribute depends on several factors, including your age and income level. If you just can't quite get it together to file on time, you can file for a four-month extension and put the whole thing off until Aug. 15. However, you still have to pay your total tax liability by April 15. If you are outside the country on April 15, you may be eligible for an automatic two-month filing extension. And if you are serving in the military in a combat zone, you may get an even longer extension. For more information, visit the IRS Web site. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 10   •   FEBRUARY, 2010 Spring Cleaning for Your Paperwork It is spring cleaning time, time to scrub up and open the house to get rid of winter's gloom. While you are cleaning, don't forget to give your personal papers a going-over, too. Your first step, if you have not already done so, is to gather all your personal papers together in safe place, like a filing cabinet or storage boxes in a closet. You probably should use a safe or safe-deposit box to store some things, like your will, the deed to your house, the title to your car, citizenship or naturalization papers, etc. But keep copies of these documents at home with other personal papers, such as canceled checks and bank statements, copies of your tax returns, insurance coverage information, receipts and warranty information on major purchases, etc. Put this paperwork in clearly marked file folders or binders. Then go through these files at least once a year. Update them with new information where applicable, and remove and shred outdated information. Finally, make sure you tell a trusted friend or family member where to find these papers, in case something happens to you. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 9   •   JANUARY, 2010 Put Your Spending on a Diet The holidays are over, and you probably overate and overspent. The average person spends about $1,000 on holiday giving and gains from 1 to 5 pounds during the season. You may already have started to work on losing those extra pounds, but you might want to consider putting your spending on a diet too. Start by writing down your spending over a month. Include everything — the candy bar from the vending machine, the newspaper for the train. At the end of the month, divide your spending into categories: Fixed — bills that are the same every month, like your rent or mortgage, car loan, cable TV bill, etc. Variable — bills that change from month to month, like your phone bill and spending for food. Include large periodic bills like insurance, tuition, etc. Discretionary — spending that isn't absolutely necessary, like entertainment, travel and gifts. Look at your lists and think about ways you could cut back. Could you eat out less? Get a cheaper phone plan? Clip coupons? Then take the extra money and use it to save and invest more for your future. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 8   •   DECEMBER, 2009 The holidays are here, with their lights and presents and getting together with friends. But don't let disaster wreck your season. Practice fire safety. If you use candles for decoration, don't leave them unattended or put them close to anything flammable. Unplug outdoor lights when you are not home, and don't leave your tree lit unless you are nearby. Be careful about drinking and driving. The combination of winter weather, busy roads and lots of people celebrating can be lethal. Don't drink and drive, and don't drive when you are tired or distracted. Don't make your house an invitation to intruders. Burglars know that lots of people are away during the holidays. If you are gone, leave lights on, have your paper and mail taken in, and ask a neighbor or friend to check in on your house periodically. You also might want to let the local police know you will be away. Finally, let your insurance agent know if you have something very valuable under the tree. That diamond necklace, for example, should be covered from the time you leave the shop; don't wait until Christmas morning. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 7   •   NOVEMBER, 2009 Get Your Car Ready for Winter The time to get your car ready for the snow and ice and cold is long before you are stranded by the side of the road in a 5-degree windchill. When you are winterizing your car, pay special attention to the following areas: Exhaust system. Make sure there are no cracks or visible defects in your exhaust system, including your muffler and tailpipe. Fluids. You should flush and replace your radiator fluids at least every two years or 30,000 miles. Use antifreeze that can stand up to the lowest temperatures. And don't forget to check the windshield washer fluid. If you run out, or if it freezes up, you could be unable to clear snow and salt from your windshield. Battery. Check your battery charge and, if it is starting to weaken, consider getting a new battery. Cold weather is very hard on batteries, and they can give up the ghost with little warning. Also, check that your connections are solid and not corroded. Tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. If you live in a very hilly, very snowy area, you might want to consider installing snow tires. Be sure to check the spare, while you're at it. Engine. Winter is a good time for a tuneup, and maybe new spark plugs. Check the belts and hoses. You also might want to consider changing your oil and using a winter weight. Windshield wipers. Make sure your windshield wipers are strong enough to handle snow, and that they do a good job of clearing the windshield. Emergency gear. Especially if you drive a lot or in rural areas, you should carry emergency gear in your trunk. Include jumper cables, blankets, a working flashlight and backup batteries, a small shovel in case you get stuck and have to dig out, some kitty litter to provide traction. You also might want to carry a small can of de-icer in your purse or briefcase, in case your car locks freeze. Finally, check your windshield fluid regularly, and keep your gas tank more than half full to keep fuel lines from freezing. Use extra caution driving in winter weather, and give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you're going. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 6   •   OCTOBER, 2009 Most Dangerous Jobs It turns out that the cable TV show "Deadliest Catch" is right. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, commercial fisherman are the most likely of all occupations to be killed on the job. The DoL's Top 10 dangerous jobs are: Commercial fishermen Loggers Aircraft pilots and flight engineers Farmers and ranchers Garbage and recycling collectors Roofers Electrical line workers Truck drivers and traveling salespeople Taxi drivers and chauffeurs. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 5   •   SEPTEMBER, 2009 The Class of 2013 Each year Beloit College publishes its Mindset List, which gives insight into the cultural forces that have shaped young people entering college in that year. Most members of the class of 2013 were born in 1991. Martha Graham, Pan American Airways, Michael Landon, Dr. Seuss and Freddie Mercury have always been dead, and Dan Rostenkowski, Jack Kevorkian and Mike Tyson have always been felons. They have not used a card catalog to find a book in the library, and they always have been able to read books on an electronic screen. They always have had chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, Berry Berry Kix and blue Jell-O. There has never been a KGB. The Atlanta Braves have always been managed by Bobby Cox, and Phil Jackson has been winning basketball championships. "Womyn" and "waitperson" have always been in the dictionary. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 4   •   AUGUST, 2009 Top North American Vacation Spots Mickey Mouse's home tops the list of top vacation sports in North America, according to Forbes Traveler. The Top 10 travel destinations are: Orlando New York Las Vegas San Francisco Los Angeles The Maya Riviera in Mexico Chicago South Florida Oahu The Bahamas READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 3   •   JULY, 2009 Everything old is new again. Emma was the most popular name given to baby girls born in the United States in 2008, according to data from the Social Security Administration. It was the Number 3 girl's name 1880, the first year for which the agency has records. Jacob was the top boy's name in 2008, for the 10th year in a row. It was followed by Michael, Ethan, Joshua, Daniel, Alexander, Anthony, William, Christopher and Matthew. After Emma, the top girl's names were Isabella, Emily (last year's Number 1), Madison, Ava, Olivia, Sophia, Abigail, Elizabeth and Chloe. In 1880, the most popular boy's name was John, followed by William, James, Charles, George, Frank, Joseph, Thomas, Henry and Robert. Mary led the list for girls, followed by Anna, Emma, Elizabeth, Minnie, Margaret, Ida, Alice, Bertha and Sarah. And in 1955, the heart of the Baby Boom, the top boy's name was Michael, followed by David, James, Robert, John, William, Richard, Thomas, Mark and Steven. Mary was still the most popular girl's name, followed by Deborah, Linda, Debra, Susan, Patricia, Barbara, Karen, Nancy and Donna. The Social Security Administration tracks names on Social Security card applications for births after 1879. Alternate spellings of the same name -- for example, Deborah and Debra -- are counted separately. And names that could be for either a boy or a girl -- such as Taylor -- are ranked separately for each gender. In the case of a tie, the higher rank is chosen alphabetically. You can find more information on popular names at the Social Security Web site. READ MORE...
		VOL. 3, ISSUE 1   •   MAY, 2010 Wild Things During the spring or summer months, you may find a baby bird, bunny, opossum, deer or some other animal alone in your yard. What should you do? According to The Humane Society of the United States, do not be too quick to do anything. Many parents leave their babies alone, sometimes for long periods. For example, mothers sometimes visit baby deer or rabbits only a few times a day, so they do not draw predators to their young. Unless there is evidence that a predator has disturbed the area, you can probably watch and wait for the mom to come back. On the other hand, young raccoons are rarely left alone, so if you see a baby raccoon and do not observe a parent for a while, it is probably orphaned. You can return uninjured baby birds to the nest; the parents will not reject them because of human touch. If the nest is destroyed or you cannot reach it, you can hang a woven basket, like you might get at a craft shop, near where the nest was, according to the Humane Society. If the animal is injured or if you have watched for a while and you believe the baby is an orphan, call your local humane society, animal control office or wildlife rehabilitator for help. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 1   •   MAY, 2009 Top Cars for 2009 Consumer Reports magazine has released its coveted "Top Picks" among cars for 2009. The winners are: Best small sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE Best family sedan: Honda Accord Best upscale sedan: Infiniti G37 Best midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander Best small SUV: Toyota RAV4 Best pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche Best minivan: Toyota Sienna Most fun to drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata Greenest car: Toyota Prius Best value: Toyota Prius Best vehicle overall: Lexus LS 460. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 12   •   APRIL, 2009 Beware of IRS Phishing Scam If you get an email that says it is from the IRS, you can be certain of one thing: It is not. According to the IRS, it does not initiate contact through email, and it does not ask for personal or financial information through email. However, there are people who go "phishing" for such information by pretending to be the IRS. They send an email that instructs the reader to go to an IRS site or open an attachment. The email might say, for example, that the reader is due a refund or could be audited unless he or she provides the requested information. If you receive such an email, the IRS says, don't open it; that could infect your computer. Instead, forward the email to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Then delete the message. If you fear that you already have provided information to a phony site, visit the Identity Theft page at www.irs.gov. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1 , ISSUE 11   •   MARCH, 2009 Top 10 Cities for Vacation Value If you want to get away but don't want to spend a ton of cash, set your GPS for Orlando. According to Hotwire.com, the home of the Magic Kingdom is the best vacation value in the country for 2009, based on the cost of hotel, airfare, rental cars and entertainment. Rounding out the top 10 are: 2. Atlanta 3. Denver 4. Dallas-Fort Worth 5. Phoenix 6. Houston 7. Los Angeles 8. Tampa 9. Washington, D.C. 10. Chicago READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 10   •   FEBRUARY, 2009 How Smart Is Your State? Vermont is the smartest state in the nation, according to recent rankings released by Morgan Quitno Press, which surveyed public school systems across the county. States were ranked based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, attendance, graduation rates, pupil-teacher ratios and proficiency in reading, writing and math. According to the study, the 10 smartest states are: Vermont Massachussets Connecticut New Jersey Maine Virginia Montana Wisconsin Iowa Pennsylvania. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 9   •   JANUARY, 2009 Most Expensive Colleges If you are paying college tuition, or thinking about paying college tuition, you know that that the cost of college has been rising faster than the Consumer Price Index for years. But at some prestigious institutes of higher learning, that increase has gone into the stratosphere. The most expensive college in the United States in 2008-2009 was Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., where students (or their parents) had to plunk down a whopping $40,350 in tuition alone. That does not even include room and board (an additional $13,104), books or essentials like pizza and spring break in Cancun. Of course, many students receive grants or scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. But the most expensive schools still take a chunk out of any budget. Rounding out the most expensive colleges in 2008-2009 (Figures are tuition and room and board): 2. George Washington University, Washington, D.C.: $50,357 3. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: $50,275 4. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.: $50,241 5. University of Chicago: $50,189 6. New York University: $50,182 7. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.: $49,804 8. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.: $49,560 9. Boston College: $49,560 10. Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.: $49,470 READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 8   •   DECEMBER, 2008 World Wildlife Fund Conservation Tips The World Wildlife Fund has released a list of 10 things you can do to further the cause of conservation in your everyday life: Don't buy anything made of tropical hardwood unless it has a Forest Stewardship Council label. See if your electric power provider offers the option to buy power from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Replace your regular showerheads with low-flow showerheads. Plant local species of trees. Buy seafood with the Marine Stewardship Council label. Avoid perfumed air fresheners. Buy organic fruits and vegetables, and clothes and other things made from organic cotton. Wrap an insulating jacket around your water heater. Choose a car that gets at least 30 miles per gallon. READ MORE...
		VOL. 2, ISSUE 7   •   NOVEMBER, 2009 Get Your Car Ready for Winter The time to get your car ready for the snow and ice and cold is long before you are stranded by the side of the road in a 5-degree windchill. When you are winterizing your car, pay special attention to the following areas: Exhaust system. Make sure there are no cracks or visible defects in your exhaust system, including your muffler and tailpipe. Fluids. You should flush and replace your radiator fluids at least every two years or 30,000 miles. Use antifreeze that can stand up to the lowest temperatures. And don't forget to check the windshield washer fluid. If you run out, or if it freezes up, you could be unable to clear snow and salt from your windshield. Battery. Check your battery charge and, if it is starting to weaken, consider getting a new battery. Cold weather is very hard on batteries, and they can give up the ghost with little warning. Also, check that your connections are solid and not corroded. Tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. If you live in a very hilly, very snowy area, you might want to consider installing snow tires. Be sure to check the spare, while you're at it. Engine. Winter is a good time for a tuneup, and maybe new spark plugs. Check the belts and hoses. You also might want to consider changing your oil and using a winter weight. Windshield wipers. Make sure your windshield wipers are strong enough to handle snow, and that they do a good job of clearing the windshield. Emergency gear. Especially if you drive a lot or in rural areas, you should carry emergency gear in your trunk. Include jumper cables, blankets, a working flashlight and backup batteries, a small shovel in case you get stuck and have to dig out, some kitty litter to provide traction. You also might want to carry a small can of de-icer in your purse or briefcase, in case your car locks freeze. Finally, check your windshield fluid regularly, and keep your gas tank more than half full to keep fuel lines from freezing. Use extra caution driving in winter weather, and give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you're going. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 6   •   OCTOBER, 2008 Avoiding Colds Colds and flu can happen any time of year, and they can lay you low. You probably won't be able to avoid ever getting sick, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of catching a bug: Wash your hands regularly. Cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Kids don't always have a tissue handy, so some doctors suggest that parents teach children to sneeze into their elbow, to avoid getting germs on their hands. Don't share drinks or silverware, especially with people who appear to be sick. Replace your toothbrush regularly, especially after you have been sick, to avoid being exposed to germs on the bristles. Drink more water — as much as eight to 12 glasses a day. Eat properly and get enough sleep. If you get sick, try to avoid coming into contact with people. Stay home from work if possible. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 5   •   SEPTEMBER, 2008 Preparing for Emergencies No one knows exactly when an emergency will strike, or what form it will take. But you improve your chances of survival if you are prepared. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security urges each American household to take the following steps to prepare for emergencies ranging from weather disaster to terrorist attack: Put together an emergency kit with supplies for at least three days, including clean clothes, sleeping bags, dried or canned food, at least one gallon of water per person per day, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and other toiletries. Don't forget special items such as prescription medications, diapers or baby formula. And include duct tape and garbage bags to seal windows and doors in the case of a chemical, biological or radiation attack. Make a family communication plan. Choose a safe room in your house to gather, preferably an interior room above ground. Decide on a place to gather outside if you are not in the house. And choose a contact, preferably someone outside your area, that family members can call to let everyone know they are OK. Learn more to prepare. Know what radio stations broadcast alerts and emergency information. Take a first aid or CPR course. Think about how you would handle elderly or ill family members or pets. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 4   •   AUGUST, 2008 Finding Unclaimed Property Did you ever have the feeling that you were forgetting something important? It happens to everyone, and it can be costly. More often than you would think, people forget about money or property that belongs to them. Maybe they move and forget to close out a checking account, for example. This money eventually finds its way into the hands of the state -- where you can find and claim what belongs to you. Start by searching online for lost or unclaimed property and the state in which you are interested. In Illinois, for example, you will be referred to a section of the Illinois State Treasurer's site, called cashdash. You can follow the simple directions to see if the state of Illinois has any of your money. If so, the site includes instructions for claiming the money or property. Generally, the greater the value, the greater the requirements for claiming. At the very least, you will have to prove that you are the person whose money or property it is. You can check all the states in which you ever lived or worked. Usually, they will tell you not only whether you have unclaimed property, but also the general value of that property. You also can search on behalf of other people, including those who have died. At the very least, it can be interesting to see what is out there. And who knows -- you could end up with a little windfall!. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 9   •   JANUARY, 2009 Most Expensive Colleges If you are paying college tuition, or thinking about paying college tuition, you know that that the cost of college has been rising faster than the Consumer Price Index for years. But at some prestigious institutes of higher learning, that increase has gone into the stratosphere. The most expensive college in the United States in 2008-2009 was Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., where students (or their parents) had to plunk down a whopping $40,350 in tuition alone. That does not even include room and board (an additional $13,104), books or essentials like pizza and spring break in Cancun. Of course, many students receive grants or scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. But the most expensive schools still take a chunk out of any budget. Rounding out the most expensive colleges in 2008-2009 (Figures are tuition and room and board): 2. George Washington University, Washington, D.C.: $50,357 3. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: $50,275 4. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.: $50,241 5. University of Chicago: $50,189 6. New York University: $50,182 7. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.: $49,804 8. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.: $49,560 9. Boston College: $49,560 10. Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.: $49,470 READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 2   •   JUNE, 2008 Changing Your Computer Password It seems that you need a computer password every time you turn around, for your bank ATM, for your credit cards, for your online shopping. And to make matters even worse, computer security experts say you should change your password every three to six months. So what should you use as a password? For starters, security experts say, don't use something obvious, like your name, your address, your Social Security number, your children's names, etc. You don't want your password to be easily guessed by people who know you. (And don't use those types of words but spell them backwards -- that is too obvious.) In fact, the experts say, it's best if you don't use a word that appears in the dictionary at all, at least with the traditional spelling. Use a combination of at least six to eight letters and numbers, and use both uppercase and lowercase letters. You may substitute a number for a letter -- the numeral 1 for the letter I, for example. Of course, the best password in the world is no good if you forget it. You can start with something easy to remember, like a saying or the title of a book. Then make some of the letters into numbers and mix in some upper-case and lower-case letters. You can also buy software that helps you manage your passwords, if you fear your memory may not be up to the task. READ MORE...
		VOL. 1, ISSUE 1   •   MAY, 2008 Beware of Stimulus Check Scam Several consumer protection organizations have reported a new kind of Internet and phone scam that revolves around the IRS stimulus checks that are being sent out to U.S. taxpayers. The checks start arriving in mailboxes in May, but some scam artists are calling or emailing homes claiming to represent the IRS and offering to have the stimulus check directly deposited into the taxpayer's bank account. All they need is the number of the account. Of course, the stimulus check never shows up in the account, but the account balance often disappears. The IRS warns taxpayers that it does not contact them by phone or email about stimulus checks or any other matter. If you receive a phone call or email that claims to be from the IRS, you are being conned. If you are called, hang up. And if you receive an email, delete it. Don't open it or click on any links. You also can report the incident to the IRS. READ MORE...