#also the NCUA is the alternative insurance for credit unions that works the same way

[rincewindsapprentice]

Two minor things I wish were a bit clearer to people about the American political system:

Lawmakers will often propose bills that have no hope of passing in order to make a political statement, appeal to a specific electoral demographic, or appeal to their donors/lobbyists. Just because a super progressive or absurdly fascist bill is proposed does not automatically mean it will leave committee (i.e., will not face a full vote) or even have a hope of passing.

The FDIC is funded entirely by banks themselves. It is insurance, after all. Taxpayers only indirectly fund it by having their money in a bank. The recent "bailouts" of Silicon Valley Bank and the other failures were to cover the deposits of clients not to bail out the bank. Those deposits were more than covered by the large amount of money the FDIC has been able to accumulate over the years. While deposits above $250,000 aren't automatically guaranteed by the FDIC, they can still be covered if the FDIC has the money. It is, once again, insurance after all.

[ourmrmel]

Mel Feller Looks at Several ways to Save Money

Mel Feller Looks at Several ways to Save Money

 Here is a list of tips and ideas that will help you save money in various areas of your life:

 Airline Fares

 You may lower the price of a round trip airfare by as much as two-thirds by making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stay over, and by purchasing the ticket in advance.

 To make certain you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel agent, contact all the airlines that fly where you want to go and ask what the lowest fare to your destination is.

 Be flexible, if possible. Consider using low fare carriers or alternative airports and keep an eye out for fare wars.

 Car Rental

 Since car, rental rates can vary greatly, shop around for the best basic rates. Ask about any additional charges (extra driver, gas, drop-off fees) and special offers.

 Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.

 New Cars

 You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs. Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information.

 Having selected a model, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping.

 Call at least five dealers for price quotes and let each know that you are calling others.

 Remember there is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car.

 Used Cars

 Before buying any used car:

Compare the seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook" or other guide to car prices found at many libraries, banks, and credit unions.

 Have a mechanic you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as is."

 Consider purchasing a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out any problems with the car.

 Auto Leasing

 Do not decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments may be lower because you do not own the car at the end of the lease.

 Leasing a car is very complicated. When shopping, consider the price of the car, known as the capitalized cost , your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly payments, various fees (excess mileage, excess "wear and tear," end-of- lease), and the cost of buying the car at the end of the lease. Keys to

 Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide, published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Trade Commission, is a valuable source of information about auto leasing.

 Gasoline

 You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices at different stations, and using the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.

You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure.

 Car Repairs

 Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic. Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who:

Is certified and well established;

Has done good work for someone you know; and

Communicates well about repair options and costs.

 Auto Insurance

 You can save several hundred dollars a year by purchasing auto insurance from a licensed, low-price insurer. Call your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different companies. Then call at least four of the lowest-priced, licensed insurers to learn what they would charge you for the same coverage.

 Talk to your agent or insurer about raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverages to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping these coverages altogether. Taking these steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

 Make certain that your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.

 Homeowner/Renter Insurance

 You can save several hundred dollars a year on homeowner insurance and up to $50 a year on renter insurance by purchasing insurance from a low-price, licensed insurer.

 Ask your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different licensed companies. Then call at least four of the lowest priced insurers to learn what they would charge you. If such a publication is not available, it is even more important to call at least four insurers for price quotes.

 Make certain you purchase enough coverage to replace the house and its contents. "Replacement" on the house means rebuilding to its current condition.

 Make certain your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.

 Life Insurance

 If you want insurance protection only, and not a savings and investment product, buy a term life insurance policy.

 If you want to buy a whole life, universal life, or other cash value policy, plan to hold it for at least 15 years. Canceling these policies after only a few years can more than double your life insurance costs.

 Check your public library for information about the financial soundness of insurance companies and the prices they charge. Consumer Reports is a valuable source of information about a number of insurers.

 Checking

 You can save more than $100 a year in fees by selecting a checking account with a low (or no) minimum balance requirement that you can, and do, meet. Request a list of these and other fees that are charged on these accounts.

 Banking institutions often will drop or lower checking fees if your employer directly deposits paychecks. Direct deposit offers the additional advantages of convenience, security, and immediate access to your money.

 Savings and Investment Products

 Before opening a savings or investment account with a bank or other financial institution, find out whether the account is insured by the federal government (FDIC or NCUA). An increasing number of products offered by these institutions, including mutual stock funds and annuities, are not insured.

 To earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) and treasury bills or notes.

 Once you select a type of savings or investment product, compare rates and fees offered by different institutions. These rates can vary a lot and, over time, can significantly affect interest earnings.

 Credit Cards

 You can save as much as a thousand dollars or more each year in lower credit card interest charges by paying off your entire bill each month.

 If you are unable to pay off a large balance, pay as much as you can and switch to a credit card with a low annual percentage rate (APR).

 You can reduce credit card fees, which may add up to more than $100 a year, by getting rid of all but one or two cards, and by avoiding late payment and over-the-credit limit fees.

 Auto Loans

 If you have significant savings earning a low interest rate, consider making a large down payment or even paying for the car in cash. This could save you as much as several thousand dollars in finance charges.

 You can save as much as hundreds of dollars in finance charges by shopping for the cheapest loan. Contact several banks, your credit union, and the auto manufacturer's own finance company.

 First Mortgage Loans

 Although your monthly payment may be higher, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the shortest-term mortgage you can afford. On a $100,000 fixed-rate loan at 8% annual percentage rate (APR), for example, you will pay $90,000 less in interest on a l 5-year mortgage than on a 30-year mortgage.

 You can save thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the lowest-rate mortgage with the fewest points. On a 15-year, $100,000 fixed-rate mortgage, just lowering the APR from 4.5% to 4.0% can save you more than $5,000 in interest charges. On this mortgage, paying two points instead of three would save you an additional $1,000.

 If your local newspaper does not periodically run mortgage rate surveys, call at least six lenders for information about their rates (APRs), points, and fees. Then ask an accountant to compute precisely how much each mortgage option will cost and its tax implications.

 Be aware that the interest rate on most adjustable rate mortgage loans (ARMs) can vary a great deal over the lifetime of the mortgage. An increase of several percentage points might raise payments by hundreds of dollars per month.

 Mortgage Refinancing

 Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is at least one percentage point lower than your existing mortgage rate and plan to keep the new mortgage for several years or more. Ask an accountant to calculate precisely how much your new mortgage (including up-front fees) will cost and whether, in the end, it will cost less than your current mortgage.

 Home Equity Loans

 Be cautious in taking out home equity loans. These loans reduce the equity that you have built up in your home. If you are unable to make payments, you could lose your home.

 Compare home equity loans offered by at least four banking institutions. In comparing these loans, consider not only the annual percentage rate (APR) but also points, closing costs, other fees, and the index for any variable rate changes.

 Home Purchase

 You can often negotiate a lower sale price by employing a buyer broker who works for you not the seller. If the buyer broker or the broker's firm also lists properties, there may be a conflict of interest, so ask them to tell you if they are showing you a property that they have listed.

 Do not purchase any house until a home inspector that you selected has examined it.

 Renting a Place to Live

 Do not limit your rental housing search to classified ads or referrals from friends and acquaintances. Select buildings where you would like to live and contact their building manager or owner to see if anything is available.

 Remember that signing a lease probably obligates you to make all monthly payments for the term of the agreement.

 Home Improvement

 Home repairs often cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Select from among several well-established, licensed contractors who have submitted written, fixed-price bids for the work.

 Do not sign any contract that requires full payment before satisfactory completion of the work.

 Major Appliances

 Consult Consumer Reports, available in most public libraries, for information about specific brands and how to evaluate them, including energy use. There are often great price and quality differences among brands.

 Once you've selected a brand, check the phone book to learn what stores carry this brand, then call at least four of these stores for the prices of specific models. After each store has given you a quote, ask if that's the lowest price they can offer you. This comparison-shopping can save you as much as $100 or more.

 Electricity

 To save as much as hundreds of dollars a year on electricity, make certain that any new appliances you purchase, especially air conditioners and furnaces, are energy- efficient. Information on the energy efficiency of major appliances is found on Energy Guide Labels required by federal law.

 Enrolling in load management programs and off-hour rate programs offered by your electric utility may save you up to $100 a year in electricity costs. Call your electric utility for information about these cost-saving programs.

 Home Heating

 A home energy audit can identify ways to save up to hundreds of dollars a year on home heating (and air conditioning). Ask your electric or gas utility if they can do this audit for free or for a reasonable charge. If they cannot, ask them to refer you to a qualified professional.

 Food Purchased at Markets

 You can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping at the lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest prices.

 You will spend less on food if you shop with a list.

 You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing price-per-ounce or other unit prices on shelf labels. Stock up on those items with low per-unit costs.

 Prescription Drugs

 Since brand name drugs are usually much more expensive than their generic equivalents, ask your physician and pharmacist for generic drugs whenever appropriate.

 Since pharmacies may charge widely different prices for the same medicine, call several. When taking a drug for a long time, also consider calling mail-order pharmacies, which often charge lower prices.

 Funeral Arrangements

 Make your wishes known about your funeral, memorial, or burial arrangements in writing. Be cautious about prepaying because there may be risks involved.

 For information about the least costly options, which could save you several thousand dollars, contact a local memorial society, which is usually listed in the Yellow Pages under funeral services.

 Before selecting a funeral home, call several and ask for prices of specific goods and services, or visit them to obtain an itemized price list. You are entitled to this information by law and, by using it to comparison shop; you can save hundreds of dollars.

 Mel Feller Career Highlights

 Mel Feller offers career and leadership coaching to executives, entrepreneurs, and other coaches. Mel is also a life coach and usually advises his career & leadership-coaching clients on work/ life balance and other issues.  Mel actively coaches other coaches one-on-one, in groups, or through Master Minds and laser coaching.  

 His coaching specialty is helping high-performing people to accelerate their progress by gaining clarity, alignment with their talents, and focusing on what is meaningful to them. He also works with people who feel stuck at work or in life and helps them create momentum to get into the work they dream of and feel good about their lives overall.

Mel Feller Loving What He Does

He also offers business-consulting services to entrepreneurs who are visioning, launching, or trying to scale their businesses for profitable growth.  

 Mel is a motivational speaker who makes several appearances a year and will speak to large and small groups.  He will also offer to customize a speech or workshop/ retreat for your organization. He is also a newspaper contributor and blogger; blogs under several blogs he owns and contributes to several more.

As a certified coach, Mel has studied with Franklin-Covey Institute, The Financial Institute for Life Transformation; Coaching For Success Elite Coaching; and is a member of several Boards and  Associations. Mel also has an MA in Human Resources, marketing and strategy/ policy and a MA in Public Administration from Utah State University and a BA in Political Science, Accounting and Legal Studies with High Honors from Weber State University.  Previously, Mel worked as a Chief of Staff for a United States Senator.  

 What distinguishes Mel is that he has been a high-powered executive; a stay-at-home/ work at home single dad at one time; and an entrepreneur so he understands what the challenges are for C-Suite executives and what they are for Stay-At-Home parents’ thinking about re-entering the workforce.  He has done it and he gets it!

 Most coaches do not have the level of business experience that Mel does so it gives he a helpful vantage point to coach CEOs, senior management teams, C-Suite level and middle management level executives.  He personally worked with senior managements, CEOs, and Board of Directors on business strategy issues so he understands what it takes to thrive and persuade in that environment firsthand.  

 Mel understands how to help people create momentum for change in their life and how to break through the barriers holding them back.  He is a big believer in taking concrete steps forward every day.  Mel was stuck and more than once and so he knows firsthand how hard it can be to change your life to pursue your dreams, but he is living proof that it can be done.  

 It is his mission to help you get into the life you dream about, to convince you that you can make a living doing what it is you want to be doing, to help you feel like you are living your purpose and in congruency with your values.

 “Truth telling, honesty, and candor: I loved you Mel Feller! You have so much energy and knowledge! I truly hope I get another opportunity to be coached by you. I see myself a little clearer now, and it’s not so bad.”

Lisa Mathews

 “Mel Feller you added more value than we can possibly see right now. Mel Feller, you are warm, inviting, and accommodating. Thank you for coming alongside us in this transition!”

Vanessa Cavanaugh

“Mel Feller the best education session that we have attended in many years! Thank you so much — I am very excited to put everything you have taught us into practice!”

Michael Randolph

 “Mr. Mel Feller, Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving a marvelous keynote at our Symposium! While we have not yet collected the official feedback, the unofficial feedback was that You Were a Hit! I heard nothing but compliments regarding your presentations. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our attendees! ”

Lyle Cunningham VP

 "Mel Feller uses his humor, compassion, and direct nature to help bring out the best in me. Mel Feller is committed to helping me live...I mean, really live, life to its fullest."

Jose Rodriguez

 Mel Feller Links

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 https://twitter.com/melfeller/following  

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 https://thecoachingoffice.com  

 https://quora.com/profile/Mel-Feller  

 https://linkedin.com/pulse/reflections-journaling-mel-feller-mel-feller  

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