Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Homeowner's Property Tax Reduction Kit Arms You Against Bad Assessments [Taxes] . Feel in your gut that you're paying too much property tax? Add the Homeowner's Property Tax Reduction Kit (direct PDF link, 1.4MB) to your reading list. The 86-page guide from the American Homeowner's Association helps you look for common assessment errors, and compiles state-by-state tips on laws and appeal procedures. [Consumerist] [Lifehacker] 4:48:49 PM     AnnualCreditReport.com I'll be the first to admit, I am a total sucker for a catchy commercial. The Madison Avenue marketing wizards know exactly how to reel me in. A certain lizard with an accent nearly had me purchasing insurance for a motorcycle...which I don't even have. Other commercials use catchy jingles or funny circumstances to lure you into a service which-SURPRISE! You are actually entitled to for free. Right now, with the economy in an uncertain state, everyone is doing their best to track their finances and keep their credit in order. Are you aware that thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act you are guaranteed access to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide reporting agencies:Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion? Recent ads featuring likable tunes and characters have people scattering to get a free credit report, not realizing they are being charged $14.95 in hidden fees for this service. To combat this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched their own set of ads promoting annualcreditreport.com:the only authorized source to get your free credit report under federal law. Request your Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion report either all at once or separately throughout the year. By requesting the reports separately, you can monitor your credit more frequently. It's important to check and be sure there are no errors and that all your information is accurate, as this report is used to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and renting a home. Check out the FTC ads below. What do you think?   - Colleen [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog] 4:48:10 PM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 4/1/2009; 2:33:34 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien