Category: family

Beware of COVID-19 Scams: Utility Scammers

With COVID-19 comes a lot of new problems. Some we adjust to, some are temporary. I’ll never understand how scammers can do what they do to innocent people. Which is why I wanted to pass on this information I received from The National Consumer League (NCL).

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL) has issued a warning today for consumers about a reported increase in scams by con artists posing as utility company representatives who are threatening to shut off subscribers’ power service if they don’t make an immediate payment.

The anatomy of the scam is highly consistent: a consumer receives a call from someone claiming to be with the electric utility company. The caller warns the consumer that their power is about to be shut off over an unpaid bill. The only way to avoid this is to pay up immediately, typically via wire transfer, gift card, or some other difficult-to-stop payment method. So what can we, as consumers do?

Such a call can be very scary—particularly for those who may need electricity to power medical devices or run their small business. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers are having trouble keeping up with their bills, which may make them even more vulnerable to this scam. And even for consumers who are confident they’ve paid their bill, the impending threat of a shut-off at the height of summer heat can cause a panic. 

To avoid becoming a victim, consumers should:

  • Not panic. According to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, electric utilities in all 50 states have placed moratoriums on disconnections during the COVID-19 crisis, either voluntarily or in response to government orders. If someone contacts you claiming that they’re about to shut-off your electricity, it’s a scam. 
  • Contact the power company. A utility will never initiate a disconnection without contacting you via the mail first. If you received a call from someone claiming they’re about to turn off your power, hang up and contact your electric company. Their toll-free phone number and website address is typically listed on your electric bill. 
  • Beware of unusual payment methods. Anyone who asks you to pay an overdue electric or other utility bill via wire transfer, gift card, bank-to-bank transfer, bitcoin, or any other unusual payment method is almost certainly trying to scam you. 
  • Not give out personal information. Utility imposters may offer to connect their victims to federal assistance programs or payment plans to help pay their overdue bills. They just need to “verify” the victim’s information. In reality, these scammers are trying to gather the information they need to steal your identity. If you suspect something is amiss, hang up and call your utility company directly. 

NCL asks consumers to share their stories by filing a complaint at Fraud.org via its secure online complaint form. Complaints are shared with NCL’s network of nearly 200 law enforcement and consumer protection agency partners who can and do put fraudsters behind bars.

Scammers like these are everywhere. Knowledge is power. Please share this information with friends and family.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneering consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

How Knowing Your Plants Can Save You Money

For way too many years, I took for granted the “weeds” that were growing in my yard. I thought they were good for nothing but making my yard look bad. Then after learning a common weed in my garden was actually edible (and not half bad) I wondered else I didn’t know about the weeds in my yard and garden. Turns out, it’s a lot.

It is important to note that you should NEVER consume plants/weeds that have been treated with weed killers or certain lawn products. If you’re not sure, it’s best not to consume it.

Just another weed in my yard?

A landscaping company posted a picture of a weed I commonly see in yard.

Crushed or chewed then placed over a bug bite, mosquito bite, bee sting, rash, or acne as a poultice and bandaged these plant is said to be able to help draw out toxins. Do a quick search and you’ll find several recipes for salves and balms using the broadleaf plantain. It’s said to be a digestive aid as well. B&D Landscaping’s facebook post has a wealth of information about this plant and uses.

Broadleaf plantain is also edible in salads or added to recipes.

That Sticky Plant

On another occasion, while harvesting raspberries from the wild raspberry bushes we have growing in our yard, I came across this invasive weed. It was so long and sticky. It was starting to wrap around the raspberries. I wondered what it was since it was touching some of the raspberries we were going to consume. Turns out this weed has many names: Clevers, sticky willy, coachweed, goosegrass, and a few other names.

Probably my favorite thing to learn about these was that you can make “coffee” with them. Cleaver is actually part of the coffee family. Yes, those little sticky, fuzzy berry looking things. You can pick them off, dry out, then roast them in the oven, then grind them up and make coffee. Be warned the process is time consuming. Picking all those stickly little berries off takes a while and you need a lot to brew a pot of coffee. I tried it though. It wasn’t half bad. The leaves and stems are edible as well and can be added to stir fries, salads, and soups.

Cleaver is said to have diuretic properties and has been used for kidney and urinary tract ailments.

People actually plant this one on purpose!

Purslane. This is the one I often saw growing in my gardens. Almost looks like a succulent to me. I found out that not only is Purslane edible but quite nutrient dense for a little plant containing antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium, and Manganese. Phew! Now that’s a hard working plant.

You can eat it raw by itself, mix it into your salad, or add it to your dish. You can easily find Purslane seeds and plants online. In fact, Purslane is commonly grown, on purpose, in many other countries.

The multitasker of the weed world

Dandelions, we all know them. Dandelion greens can be eaten. The petals can be turned into teas, wine, jams, or jellies. You can use the root for dandelion root coffee.

Dandelions are also said to have medicinal properties. A quick search will have you finding tinctures, tonics, and many other medicine cabinet ideas for dandelions.

The more I learn the more I realize the culinary adventures and medicine cabinet stocking I can do. And that saves me money! I’m also interested in learning more.

I love seeing companies like T1 payments that care. Donating to the South Florida Fairchild Botanic Gardens. I truly believe that there are so much more we need to learn about plants. There could be one out there that could be the cure for an illness, or an affordable option to help stop hunger.

This post is sponsored by Diamond Links.

Extended Stay America: An Off-Campus Living Option? Yes

So I’m signed up for the Extended Stay America newsletter ok. They have good deals, it’s been an option for us with vacations, who knows when we’ll need them. I get info about deals and coupon codes. I don’t hate getting the newsletters. In fact, sometimes they’re even enlightening.

The latest email I got from them blew my mind. It was one of those things that made me thing “Wow, that’s true! Why didn’t I think of that”

Extended Stay America offers short term and long term stay options. Even offering bigger discounts for stays of 30+ days or more. The rooms have kitchenettes complete with microwave refrigerator, coffee maker, and counter space. I’m thinking, most the time parents have to buy mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, linens, etc. You wouldn’t have to buy any of that stuff.

Most of the complaints about dorms are things like: community showers, small living space, noisy, cleanliness,or being stuck with a roommate you just don’t get along with. This alleviates all those.

Another bonus, Extended Stay America has laundry facilities and offers free breakfasts. Some Extended Stay America sites even offer amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and business areas that would be great for typing up reports.

Extended Stay America also offers free wi-fi (uber important for college) and include all utilities! Be sure to check Extended Plus Program for 60+ days or longer for lowest rates.

This could be a great temporary option too for those colleges with limited dorm availability or for those that just like their personal space. Go together with a friend and get a room at Extended Stay America and split the cost.

Oh and one more thing, Extended Stay America offers pet friendly rooms. So if your college bound student just can’t part with Fido, he may be able to take him along! Some Extended Stay America sites offer shuttle services to local restaurants and stores. A ride to the grocery store? Awesome!

I understand this option may not be appealing to everyone but I thought it would be a great idea in several circumstances. If you deduct the price you’d pay for furnishing a dorm room, paying for laundry, paying for breakfasts, paying for any utilities the price could even out.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will get a small commission from bookings made through this post.

5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying Insurance

This Sunday, June 28, is National Insurance Awareness Day. Given data indicating that about 13 percent of drivers in the US do not have insurance and that a staggering 50 percent of residents may not have adequate homeowners insurance coverage, Financial Partners Credit Union – a California-based credit union with over 84,000 members and their own in-house insurance agency – is sharing important tips to “ensure” that you aren’t vulnerable when an accident or damage happens and it’s time to file a claim.

“Many times, we see drivers and homeowners opting for the lowest cost option when it comes to insurance,” says Mario Osorio, President of Partnership Insurance Agency, a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Partners Credit Union. “While we all want to save money, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate coverage and that your deductible is appropriate. In the event of an accident or damage to your home, you could end up spending much more without proper coverage.”

Here are some basics to keep in mind when purchasing and maintaining insurance – whether homeowners, renters, or auto – the same rules of thumb apply. 

Rule #1: Shop Smart! Price is an important factor for your budget; however, your monthly payment or annual cost should not be the determining factor when it comes to insurance. First, look at what your lender requires as your baseline. For example: what is the maximum allowable deductible? What are the minimum coverages? Then, assess how you may want to add-on to those requirements based on your personal needs. Working with an insurance agent can help you ensure you have the proper coverages.

Rule #2: Avoid Monthly Payments if Possible: While it’s certainly budget-friendly to take the monthly payment option when it comes to premium payments, you can save when you pay quarterly, every six months or annually if you’re able. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your coverage is secure, and you can save a few hundred dollars or even more in the process.

Rule #3: Look for Deductions: With auto, renters and homeowners insurance, you can qualify for deductions based on some “hacks” like having a surveillance system installed in your home, having a tracking device on your car or other tactics that can save you money and provide added security. Also, if you keep your car in a garage at night instead of parking on the street – you can save! There are many little hacks to save money that a qualified professional can help you determine.

Rule #4: Never Let Coverage Lapse: If money is tight – as it may be considering the current economic climate – it’s important NOT to let your insurance coverage lapse. If your policy falls behind, the insurance company may cancel your coverage which not only puts you at risk but also could mean a higher premium when you re-apply. Additionally, many lenders will “buy insurance coverage on your behalf,” which gets added to your auto or home loan. “If you’re having trouble making insurance payments, it’s important to reach out to your insurance agent right away to discuss ways to avoid cancellation,” Osorio says. “We’re here to assist and often can help determine strategies to help you maintain coverage.”

Rule #5: Re-Evaluate Your Insurance Annually: Circumstances change so it’s important to look at your insurance coverage regularly to make sure it still meets your needs and that you are getting the best coverage for the money. Additionally, an annual review helps you plan for potential issues. For example, if you know you will be adding a teen to your auto policy, you may want to talk to your insurance agent in advance to determine the best policy adjustments.

“One of the many benefits of a credit union over other financial institutions is that we are member-owned and not for profit. This means as a member, you are part owner. So we are always looking for added benefits like insurance services, to help our members save money,” says Osorio. “We want to help our members stay financially fit – which includes looking at their coverage to make sure members aren’t caught off guard or worse, uninsured and that they aren’t overpaying for their coverage. Basically, at Financial Partners Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members build their best financial lives.”

Habitly Has Your New Favorite Fitness Classes Online

Even prior to all this pandemic/isolation stuff I was trying to lose weight. I had started in a gym around September, not sure if I should have spent the money on a gym membership. I ended up loving it. The main reason was to lose weight but that goal became secondary and eventually pushed further down the list because the gym was helping with my depression and anxiety. It was helping me with my confidence. It was helping me to socialize a little more. Of course I was happy when the scale would move, even just a pound, but it became more about my mental health. I had more energy, I smiled more, the negative thoughts were becoming fewer. It was my me time.

I then got the confidence to sign up for a POUND fitness class at my local community building once a week. It was so much fun. Again, socializing more and kicking up my cardio a little. Sometimes I had to miss a class or two just because I didn’t have anyone to watch the kids or I didn’t want to ask anyone to so I just would not go. Then all this coronavirus stuff happened.

I struggled trying to find a routine for fitness at home. I still had to work but now I also needed to guide my kids through e-learning. I didn’t want to lose the progress I had made through the gym and fitness classes though. My husband got us a new treadmill with one of those e-training apps which helped BUT ultimately you’re either walking or running. I missed the classes and didn’t think I could strength train without my gym equipment.

Then Habitlyfit.com came into my feed the one day. I decided to give it a try.

I was impressed by the amount and variety of classes offered on their site. The ease of registering for a class. The ability to cancel if life got in the way. Specifically I had wanted to get back into yoga. They have a variety of yoga classes so there is something for all levels. But they also have Zumba, Pilates, Barre, Cardio HIIT, strength training, meditation, and so much more. I just found out they added BollyX classes which I can’t wait to try!

Habitly classes are affordable, (It’s in Canadian dollars but no worries, US residents are encouraged to take the classes, in fact they’d love it) . You can pay per class or get a class package when you realize how much you love the it! Classes run throughout the day. Just pick the class you want that’s available at the time you want and get ready to work. They send you reminder emails so you don’t forget about your class. You can even get packages to save even more with 10 class packages for only $35 or monthly unlimited packages for $80. That’s huge savings! But I can do even better for you.

Habitly is offering LuvSavingMoney readers 20% off 10 class packages or unlimited packages with code: 20ANG4

Plus Habitly is now offering a 7 day free trial so you get to try out the classes before you buy if you’d like.

Not sure what classes to take? They have class descriptions on the site so it’s easy to figure out what interests you. And with the 7 day free trial you’ll have opportunities to try a lot of classes.

Since I’ve been doing the classes at home, even my kids have take an interest in trying to move along with it.

I never thought I’d like online classes as much as I do. If anythings it’s more convenient. With lots of classes and times/days to select, no worrying about finding a sitter, no leaving the house, It’s awesome!

Give Habityfit.com a try. With the 7 day free trial you have nothing to lose. And when you love it (and I know you will) don’t forget to use code: 20Ang4 to save 20% off a 10 class package or unlimited monthly package!