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Recent trends in consumer credit

Posted by Matt Tabor in Local Economy | Personal Finance - (0 Comments)

Credit card debt is on the rise all across the nation. The amount of debt we charged to our cards has risen almost seventy percent in recent times. With more and more consumers turning to their credit cards, the debt can really start to add up. More debt means more charges in finances and more opportunities to incur those little bank fees that love to add up – late fees, over limit fees, and miscellaneous charges.

How can you prepare yourself for having a little extra debt on those credit cards? You may not think that it needs much attention now, but that debt can easily turn unmanageable given several months. You should arm yourself with knowledge and an escape plan just in case debt gets out of control.

Make sure you negotiate the terms of all your credit cards to get the best deal possible. Placing a call to your banks to ask if you’re receiving the lowest rate can save you hundreds of dollars.

You should also try to pay more than the minimum charge to reduce those finance charges. They can easily add up and break your bank.

Debt consolidation can be an excellent way to solve your debt if you find yourself having trouble managing multiple accounts.

As always, make sure you can afford what you’re putting on that credit card before you go shopping! Prevention is the easiest way to avoid debt!

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Oregonians Switching from Ebay to Penny Auctions

Posted by Matt Tabor in Family Budgeting | Gadgets | Local Economy - (0 Comments)

What’s the latest online trend for those in Oregon? According to a list of recent winners on penny auction sites, many people are switching from using eBay for their auctions to these new sites that deal in penny auctions. Websites like Quibids offer an auction setting to buy electronics, clothes, and jewelry at over 96 percent off. One recent Oregonian won a brand new iPhone 4 for $23.92. Is this real, or is it just a Quibids scam? It’s as real as it gets, and the people of Quibids know what they’re doing.

The owners of penny auction websites make their money when consumers like you sign up and purchase a pack of bids. Each bid costs around sixty cents. Every time you bid on a product, it raises the price by one penny. If you’re wondering how these sites stay in business despite giving away iPhones for twenty dollars, it’s easy. They make money selling the bids. Use your bids wisely and bid smart. You can maximize your bids and end up winning an auction with one single bid if you pay attention and take your time. Recent winners from Oregon have also used Quibids to purchase new laptops, televisions, video games, and expensive diamond jewelry. Start bidding today to see what you’ll win!

Always Read the Fine Print

Posted by Matt Tabor in Local Economy - (0 Comments)

Beware, the price as advertised might not be all you are paying with your carpet cleaning service. If you get involved with the wrong company you could be paying double what the advertised price is due to hidden fees. They love to get you in low prices, but surprise you with a pricey bill at the end. You should be able to trust your carpet cleaner, that’s why Knockout carpet cleaning is the best choice for you.

Knockout is a stand up company offering the best carpet cleaning experience to be had. They offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed and strive to make the customer happy. They use all of the best and latest cleaning products including eco friendly shampoo. Their cleaning products are also kid and pet friendly ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Knockout Carpet Cleaning can get out even the worst pet stains and odors, but it doesn’t stop there. They also offer a variety of other services such as tile, upholstery, and rug cleaning as well. If you want the cleanest carpets from the most professional staff this is the place to go. You are guaranteed to love your carpet without any residue or use of toxic chemicals.

Taking Advantage of Coupons in a Down Economy

Posted by Matt Tabor in Family Budgeting | Local Economy - (0 Comments)

With the downturn in the economy, couponing has come to the forefront of basic cost-saving measures families are using to tighten their family budgets. Rates of coupon usage soared in the last three years, so here’s a few tips to help you get started trimming the fat that weekly grocery bill:

  • Use your Sunday newspaper! The Sunday papers are notorious for their outrageous number of ads and papers with bigger circulations numbers will be your best bet for finding great deals. Double up to get even better savings.
  • Use the internet. No, the internet is not just some new fangled technology to watch videos of babies laughing and kids after their dentist appointments, its actually an amazing tool to find super-saver deals for all your local grocery and convenience stores.
  • Check out the stores themselves. Sometimes they’ll offer in-store only discounts, and these are usually the best deals since they’re more exclusive. I’ve some really great prices on all sorts of things this way, especially on things like pizza hut coupons. Make sure to always check those coupons rack when walking into the stores.

Couponing doesn’t have to be boring or time consuming. A few simple steps will you get you and your family the best of the coupon world without all the hassle.

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Oregon and the American Recovery Act

Posted by Matt Tabor in Local Economy | Politics - (0 Comments)

In the hot-button issue of the last couple years, we’re finally seeing the effects of the federal government’s American Recovery and Investment Act on the average Oregonian. The feds invested a total of over $250 million in the State of Oregon, $110 million of which went directly to job creation. This $110 million created a whopping 4,225 jobs across all sectors, including health care and education, announced by governor John Kitzhaber. Additional money was put into social programs like unemployment assistance and food stamps. A total of $140 million was put directly in the hands of citizens to help them provide for their needs and the basic needs of their families.

One of the major areas of investment from this influx of cash (besides the heavy-hitters of education and health care) was weatherization projects. This included things like furnace repair or replacements, added insulation, window replacements, and improvements in home heating ducts. All in all, nearly 3,000 homes were positively impacted and better prepared for the cold winters, in addition to lots of federal jobs and local jobs being created.

In addition to funds from the ARIA, Oregon State University has opened up 77 grant programs which were quite competitive. They awarded $2.9 million to scientists researching areas from climate change to agriculture to ocean science. The highlight of this investment: the identification of a new molecule that plays a large part in autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes.

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