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Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don’t Overdo It
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A sedan hibernates in my driveway, its operator away at school. It was spared when a tree in my front yard toppled, tearing up said driveway but leaving my house unscathed. (As for the neighbors, well, sorry about the damaged SUV and roofs.)
So, insurance is on my mind. Specifically, how to trim my premium for auto coverage, given that one vehicle is idled indefinitely, and home, seeing as how another oak is precariously close to eliciting cries of “tim-brrrr.”
Thankfully, my car and home policies are packaged with one company, which saves me anywhere from 5 to 20 percent.
Do you have separate policies? If so, why?
My deductibles have inched upward, by choice, as the cars have aged. Many experts say that $250 for comprehensive and $500 for collision are ideal.
As for the house, raising the deductible to $1,000 is widely recommended.
Are you comfortable with those, or do you prefer lower deductibles?
The thinking is, for lesser repairs, filing a claim ultimately will hike your premium anyway, so take care of those out of pocket.
Check out more money-saving tips for your [wheels](money-saving tips] http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/44858/article.html) and your [digs](http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/inssaving.html).
Oh, and please forward them to my neighbors before my other tree takes a fall.
To find ways to help make you way through a bumpy economy check out Your Money.
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Kind acts can lighten a burden
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Amid economic uncertainty, financial collapse and job losses, simple kindness may be the only currency we still have in abundant supply.
A generous act, especially one that happens unexpectedly, can lighten a burden and delight both giver and benefactor.
Here’s a perfect example: Recently, at the produce stand at the Wachovia building downtown, two strangers paid for an elderly woman’s purchase. They apparently didn’t know each other and or her but split the cost between them. The act touched many people, including the elderly woman.
Has a friend, a family member or someone unknown to you done something that’s helped ease your emotional or financial load? Perhaps paid your bills? Picked up your tab at a restaurant? Bought clothes for your kids? Or just offered a helping hand or a sympathetic ear? Please share your stories of how random acts of kindness have made a difference in your life in these tough times.
Send them by e-mail, along with a daytime phone number, to vconwell@ajc.com. A reporter may contact your for a story.
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How To Become A Millionaire — Our Way
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It warmed my heart the other day to be reminded that most millionaires in the U.S. are … cheapskates.
They drive American-made cars. They buy clothes off the rack. They fill up at fast-food restaurants. Yes, they even clip coupons.
Not all rich folks use those tactics to erect a staircase to wealth, but many do. Donald Trump is hardly the role model.
We know this from “The Millionaire Next Door,” a book by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. Check out the first chapter.
Their survey of people with seven-figure bank accounts, conducted in the 1990s, determined that the average income then was $247,000 and the average home value was $320,000. (Both figures probably have not climbed much, if at all.) But a sizable number earned less than $100,000 annually.
Are you surprised?
While a good portion are entrepreneurs, plenty of millionaires hail from the ranks of employees with household-name companies. They invest one-fifth of their income and spend the rest cautiously. They commonly describe themselves as tightwads.
The findings offer us hope that there is a purpose to cheapskatin’. The road to affluence is paved with … coupons, as well as Costco and Sam’s Club membership cards.
Feel better now about your frugal ways?
To find ways to help make you way through a bumpy economy check out Your Money.
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Budget Fun for the New Year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Decatur-based singer-songwriter Caroline Herring, a nationally lauded local treasure, will perform a free show at the Decatur Library on Jan. 8. Photo: Kevin Garrett.
Spend the first few days of the new year spending nothing — or almost nothing. Here are a few big deals in arts and entertainment, and a budget dining option.
NIFTY NEON
You’ve probably seen Stephen Antonakos’ work, even if you don’t realize it. His neon sculpture, “Four Walls,” greets airport patrons on the escalators at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. The sculpture’s presence there was threatened earlier this year, but a grass-roots campaign to save it proved successful. Here’s another place to see Antonakos’ art, and you won’t have to buy a plane ticket. In fact, you won’t have to spend a thing, because it’s free. “Darkness and Light” is a show of drawings and models built around installations of neon light. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays; noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Feb. 15. ACA Gallery of the Savannah College of Art and Design, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-815-2931.
CRAZY QUILTS
The Arts Clayton Gallery in Jonesboro offers an interesting perspective on our roller coaster world with “Crazy Quilts for Crazy Times” The show consists of winning entries from the Georgia Quilt Council’s “Quilt Challenge,” with nearly 30 individual variations on the “crazy quilt” theme. An free opening reception takes place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 8. The show continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Jan. 30. 136 S. Main St., Jonesboro. 770-473-5488.
OPRAH’S TRAINER
Oprah pal and former trainer Bob Greene, a bestselling author and exercise physiologist, shares his latest books for better health, “The Best Life Diet” and “The Best Life Diet Cookbook” at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Acworth. Greene will be in the store 6-8 p.m. Jan. 8. Free. 3826 Cobb Parkway. 770-966-1226.
SWEET CAROLINE
Decatur-based Mississippi native Caroline Herring will easily win over any audience with her haunting melodies and sharp lyrics, which she delivers in a voice that conveys pain and regret. She’s one of the Atlanta area’s best-kept secrets but continues to make waves on a national level. “Lantana,” her latest album, was one of NPR’s “Folk Alley’s” Top 10 folk albums of the year. Herring plans to head into the studio in January to record the follow-up. 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 678-436-3237.
PASTA FOR PENNY-PINCHERS
The Old Spaghetti Factory is celebrating its 40th anniversary by giving you a present. On Jan. 6 at dinner, the Oregon-based restaurant chain will offer a complete meal for about $3. Kids’ meals are about $2. Guests will have their choice of six selections, and each meal includes a salad, a spaghetti entree, fresh bread and spumoni ice cream. After the 40th anniversary special on Jan. 6, guests get 40 percent off complete classic meals on Mondays and Tuesdays for the following three weeks of January. Check out the restaurant’s online home for more info on these frugal feasts and directions to the Atlanta location at 249 Ponce de Leon Ave. in Midtown.
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Ringing In The New Year’s Resolutions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The package tucked under my tree, naturally, was a plain brown box. No fancy bows, no shiny wrapping paper.
Monsieur Claus must read this blog. Inside was a brand new pair of … cheapskates. Can’t wait to strap them on and go rolling for bargains in ‘09.
Lots of New Year’s resolutions are focused on saving bucks. Mr. Cheapskatin’ applauds such efforts.
At the same time, let’s avoid going overboard. Here are my fave five vows for maintaining moderation with austerity. Would any work for you?
Groceries: Don’t gobble up every 2-for-1 deal because some foods wind up in the garbage after they have spoiled — or after you have grown tired of eating them.
Clothes: Don’t rush to the department store for new duds just because it’s having a sale. There will be more bargains — next week, if not the next day.
Gas: Stop tapping the pump for a gallon here and there while the fuel gauge needle forever hovers near “E.” Not good for the vehicle’s innards.
Home energy: Don’t be a slave to extreme temperatures, either freezing your fanny off in the winter or sweating a river in the summer. Your house’s heater and air-conditioner is there for a reason.
- Beer: Skip the domestically brewed, mainstream swill. Too many tasty brews out there begging to be sipped.
Otherwise, there will be a heap o’ cheapskatin’ in my life. Present your ideas for str-r-r-r-r-etching a dollar. And, please, no bows or wrapping around them.
Latest comments
I am amazed at the low premiums for expensive homes. Obviously you are getting bare bones coverage. Another fact, your credit score and previous liablity limits play a part as well as claims, tickets and accidents. You need to check your coverage if... read the full comment by Kathy | Comment on Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It Read Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It
the biggest kept secret is Ameriprise. they are owned by American Express. I have been with them for home/car since 1990 when I first moved here. I insure a 2008 Camry, 2003 Avalanche and 1998 4Runner. I pay $801/6 months. Full coverage for all 3 cars.... read the full comment by tina | Comment on Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It Read Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It
I had the first question, and I am not an agent. I have read some good advice on insurance, thanks to you. I do have State Farm on the car but not the house, and I don’t think I will let them insure the house. I will shop around for an independent... read the full comment by dell | Comment on Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It Read Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It
I can’t say anything good about State Farm. A former co-worker had her boat, car, house and RV insured with them. They cancelled ALL her policies when she had a claim on her house due to storm damage. I have been insured with Allstate for... read the full comment by Maryanne | Comment on Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It Read Protect Your Cars and Home, But Don't Overdo It