As many people can see from watching the television and reading the newspaper many people are in jeopardy of loosing their American Dream…the homes which people have worked so hard to acquire. We, my husband and I are 2 of those people. We could not afford to acquire are own home until about 4 years ago, we raised our children in small rental apartments or houses. Most of the time with our son and daughter sharing the same bedroom. As the kids got older that wasn’t going to work any more, so my husband and I started working more hours and saving money, cleaning up our credit to perfection. We did everything that we could to get a home for our family.
In Feb. of 2003, we accomplished our goal, we purchased an affordable 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom home in a nice area of town with a beautiful fresh water canal in the serve yard for $94,000. The home was built in 1975 so it wasn’t perfect, but to us it was the home we hoped and dreamed about for our family to live. It was wonderful for the first time we could decorate our house the diagram we wanted, we didn’t have to live with pasty white walls, we could have pets…WE OWNED A HOME!!!!
Life was typical for our American family. Our teenagers could invite their friends over, there was enough room in the yard to play sports, fish in the canal, or just hang out and relax in elegant sunny Florida.
Until life changed, on August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charlie made a direct hit on our community. Our dream home was damaged but repairable, Thank God, but financially we where in trouble. As a result of the storm my husband had lost his job, as a person working in the school system I hadn’t worked all summer so let’s say our reserves were dinky already. As I already said we are a typical American working class family, living paycheck to paycheck..
After the storm we had lots of help in the community especially from The Salvation Army. When I went to FEMA and asked for assistance…I got NO serve at all. I asked if they could help with paying 1 month mortgage payment, they couldn’t…but they where willing to put a very expensive trailer in my front yard. So I contacted my mortgage company and they placed us with special hurricane assistance department, the very nice women advised me to get 4 months tedious in my mortgage and they would help us. By that time, both myself and my husband were working and we could pay the monthly payment but we were behind with about 1 1/2 months mortgage payment. They mortgage company kindly advised us to get 4 months behind and since we where at the mercy of those helping us in our community we listened. Got a subordinate mortgage which wouldn’t have to be paid until the end of the 30 year loan and everything was wonderful!!!
A couple months later we got a notice stating that our mortgage would be going up $150 per month because of the homeowners insurance and property taxes increasing. That was alright we could afford it, my husband and I where working steadily. We had both found better paying jobs…life was nice again. The wonderful American dream had come back, going to work, fixing nice meals for the family, going for weekend outings…a simple life but that’s all we wanted.
Financially, life was going good, so it was time to correct another problem that occurred as a result of the hurricane, we had gotten behind on the credit cards and decided it was time to refinance the house and pay off that debt, we paid off the car payment and figured that since we had stable employment we could handle the increase of our mortgage. We where advised by a different mortgage company that it was a good choice to pay off our debts, increase our credit score, etc., etc. Of course when we refinanced our credit score wasn’t that great…you observe the prior mortgage company had advised us to catch 4 months tedious and it appeared that we where in pre-foreclosure at that point in time.
As I stated before, we could have paid the mortgage prior to becoming 4 months behind, we did not pay under converse from a mortgage professional. When we refinanced we ended up with a very high adjustable interest rate…but it was worth it cause we got our debts paid off. The mortgage did increased and life was nice…for a while…until I lost my good paying job. Luckily we had a little cushion in the bank and I was able to collect unemployment, I took the first job which would hire me at a much lower pay rate and we just started living the best we could…with a few cut backs. But, you got to do, what you gotta do…THAT”S LIFE!
At the end of 2006 we received another letter from our mortgage company stating that we would have an increase in our escrow, another $100 per month…our mortgage has basically double from it’s unique amount. Unfortunately, our income has not and with the price of gas, food, electricity, and everything needed to survive increasing I decided to gawk for a better paying job. In April 2007, I found a chunky time job which would pay me more per hour and would help offset the increase in our mortgage. I knew it wasn’t going to make me rich, but I figured it would be a help. I had to do the proper thing to pay my bills properly.
Life was getting rough with the increase of gas prices, and my husbands job requiring so much driving. My mind was state on…we need more money, we need a better income, we need to do the right things to keep our American Dream going.
Heres where the nightmare starts, I started my new job in April, not just a job but a step toward my career, you search for I have been going to college for over 10 years trying to get my teaching degree…the other dream. This child care center was highly recommended to me it offered a higher income and amazing work atmosphere…it sounds great doesn’t it? By the destroy of May most of the children graduated the program and would be heading to kindergarten, the school attendance dropped considerably as a result I have been working only 30, 24, 12, even 3 hours a week a my wonderful highly recommended FULL TIME job.
In the mean time my husband lost his job and was denied unemployment (that’s another story for another time). As a result we have been living off of next to nothing for the past several months. He will actually start working next week at a lower paying job that he is overqualified for but it’s better then nothing.
As I sit here today, we are almost 4 months behind on our mortgage payment. I have spoken to my original mortgage company several times trying to get assistance. I have spoken to numerous other mortgage companies trying to refinance or get information to know and understand what to do. I have searched for a recent job, second job any way to execute additional income. My husband has been looking for a job, traveling miles spending money like crazy on gas. I have contacted several social service agencies in our community with very little success. We make too much money, we don’t fabricate enough money, they don’t assist with mortgages, I can’t go rent another house yet cause I collected occupy this one. When I asked the mortgage company “How long do I have before I have to leave this house? ” that can’t say it verbally, I have to wait until I find the letter in the mail.
My husband and I are slowly becoming physically and yes mentally sick, we can’t sleep. I go to sleep crying, I wake up crying then have to pull myself together to go to work…for how many hours? When will they utter me to go home, do I bring lunch or not? Do I go home and pack my belongings or will some miracle happen where we will be blessed with enough money to pay at least one month of the mortgage and finish or at least slow down the foreclosure process.
Will we become homeless? Thank God the kids are young adults and have their own places to live. What will happen to my kids pictures, the keepsakes I inherited from my grandparents? Who will take my pets? How much of my life will I fit in my mini van?
The American Dream…we work so hard, then what happens? Does our government really realize that the working class people need help? Will they perform the right choices with the mortgage reforms to help the working people? Will these changes happen soon enough so maybe, just maybe, I won’t loose my home?
What’s the answer to this nightmare? WHEN will it END? HOW will it END?
Are we just some of those crude lives that people are taking about?
DO WE Impartial STOP TRYING TO SUCCEED!!!???? And give up on our AMERICAN DREAM…
Filed under Types Of Auto Insurance by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment. 
Many senior citizens have been loyal to their auto insurance companies for years, often decades. Having the same reliable insurance agent and company is comforting. But the auto insurance industry has become more competitive, actively vying for the senior citizen market. It makes sense for senior citizens to gather information to compare their current rates, especially at the time of auto insurance renewal.
Getting quotes for auto insurance is an easy process. With unprejudiced a few clicks on the computer or toll-free telephone calls, anyone can gather a list that compares auto insurance by services and rates. For senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, this can be a very cost-effective exercise, possibly saving them hundreds of dollars during an insured period.
Finding Comparable Rates
Buying auto insurance is like any other important, long-term purchase. The key is to take time to research and shop for the best deal with reliable auto insurance companies.
The following is a sample of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering auto insurance quotes on the Internet. Many have specific marketing programs targeting senior citizens.
AARP: www.aarp.thehartford.com.
AARP is an advocacy organization for seniors that promotes the interests of people over 50 years old. They offer auto insurance to members through The Hartford.
Allstate: www.allstate.com.
Allstate is a well known insurance company. Quotes can be gathered at the above website or local agents can be found in the telephone book and are available to assist in preparing a free quote.
Farmers Insurance Group: http://www.farmersinsurance.com.
Online or in person, a Farmers insurance agent can review auto insurance coverage, help identify potential gaps, and include any qualifying Farmers Auto insurance discounts.
Progressive Insurance: www.progressive.com.
Progressive will provide a quote for their company along with comparables of other auto insurance companies for easy comparisons.
Geico Insurance: www.geico.com.
This company can be accessed online or at one of their many offices. It is easy to get a quote; they offer flexible payment options and competitive rates.
Costco: www.costco.com.
Costco offers membership insurance through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance.
Autoinsure: www.autoinsure.org.
Autoinsure has a page with helpful insurance information for senior citizens. They can provide quotes from all the major auto insurance companies.
Esurance: www.esurance.com.
A rising star among insurance companies that select pride in stating: “Esurance doesn’t just offer reliable insurance coverage, we also hold in educating consumers.” Their online quote process is easy to navigate.
US Insurance: www.usinsuranceonline.com
They will provide multiple auto insurance quotes tailored to specific needs within minutes of filling out their simple short form. It’s easy then to compare them side by side to obtain the best prices and coverage.
Car Insurance Rates: www.carinsurancerates.com
Their network of companies and brokers offer a variety of car insurances: Farmers, Allstate, AIG, Nationwide, AARP, Safeco Insurance, Liberty Mutual, MetLife and Mercury.
Every insurance rate: www.everyinsurancerate.com
EveryInsuranceCompany.com is a handy Internet directory to bag local insurance companies, insurance quotes and discount insurance rates.
Quote Scout: www.quotescout.com.
This website will provide quotes from a long list of auto insurance companies – literally from “A” to “Z”.
Insurance.com: http://www.insurance.com.
Insurance.com works directly with 15 highly rated car insurance companies in 46 states: 21st Century, Electric Insurance, Esurance Auto Insurance, The Hartford, Infinity, Liberty Mutual, Meritplan Insurance, MetLife Auto Insurance, Newport Insurance, Permanent General Assurance Corporation (The General), Progressive, QBE Insurance, Safeco, Travelers Insurance, and Unitrin Direct.
Keeping Auto Insurance Rates Down
There are ways that senior citizens can take responsibility to control their auto insurance rates. Here are a few suggestions.
According to seniorjournal.com, most of the major auto insurance agencies provide a 5% – 10% discount to drivers beginning at the ages of 50 or 55. However, as a group, drivers 75 and older have one of the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. Because of this, it’s important that senior drivers stay proactive and involved in keeping their driving skills sharp.
Many states offer an auto insurance discount for mature drivers if a person meets a given age criteria and has taken an approved primitive driver safety course. Local colleges and senior centers are expedient resources to learn about the classes. AARP has local and on-line access to the course. Costco offers its members an online drivers’ safety training course through FirstNet: www.firstnetlearning.com.
Another way to keep auto insurance rates down is to drive a low-profile car, one that as part of a group has a lower rate due to minimum repair costs, considered safer and less likely to be stolen. Check the Highway Loss Data Institute, www.iihs.org, for the latest related data.
Examine current auto insurance needs and requirements. Changing to higher deductibles or dropping collision or comprehensive coverage for older cars may make sense.
Always ask about discounts when purchasing or renewing auto insurance.
And finally, the best long-term advice: Always drive defensively, stay alert and follow the driving laws. Maintaining a safe driving record is the best plan to keep auto insurance rates down.
Filed under Types Of Auto Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment.
Saving on car insurance is definitely something that has crossed your mind several times. And chances are you are paying quite a high premium on your car insurance, although you could definitely catch a better rate from another insurance company.
The increasingly competitive environment of the insurance industry that has been triggered by the Internet enables consumers to review their insurance policies, look for lower insurance rates, and compare premiums. The paradox is that people do not shop around for new insurance as often as they shop for a current car. This means they are not willing to save money on their car insurance premiums, most likely because they don’t bear it is possible.
As a matter of fact, it is possible. You can save a lot of money on your car insurance, normally 5% to 10% percent on your premium. For instance, if you save $700 for 30 years and invest the money in your retirement plan, with a 7% return you could have almost $100,000 in savings. Of course, to achieve that, you have to follow several tips.
In particular, here are five ways on how to save on your car insurance:
• Shop online
There are several websites that provide insurance quotes online. In effect, some of them can even give you quotes from multiple insurance companies. All you need to do is fill in some electronic forms with information required about your car, the type of coverage you are looking for, the position you’re living at and you’ll get your quote.
Some other websites may generate an automated quote or having an insurance agent call you back with the quote. Although you may be getting higher quotes than what you are currently paying, you have a broad variety of options available and most importantly, you establish a great deal of time of calling an agent.
Here are several websites where you can launch from:
http://www.allstate.com/auto-insurance.aspx
http://www.esurance.com
• Talk to an insurance agent
Although shopping car insurance online may save you time and money, you may want to have personal contact with an insurance agent or you may have already established a friendly relationship with your agent and you don’t want to switch. In that case, you may get your online quote and talk to your insurance agent to explore if there is any possibility to find a better quote or match the one you got.
The insurance industry is dynamic and insurance companies come out with new products and new discounts very often. So, chances are you will get a better quote by your agent if you ask about a better rate.
• Score informed about the discounts you qualify for
Often, buying home and car insurance from the same insurance company can save you money. Some insurance providers may offer you an additional 5% to 15% discount if you prefer at least two insurance policies from them. This combined form of coverage, not only saves you money by lowering your car payments and your homeowner’s policy, but it also makes your life easier because you pay two policies in one bill and you deal with one insurance provider for claims.
You may also be eligible for a renewal discount. If you have been to the same insurance company for a long period of time, you are possibly eligible for a renewal discount, especially if you haven’t had any accident during these years. Typically, renewal discounts are great incentives that lure customers to stay with an insurer. And a great way for insurers to show to their customers they are happy for not having compensated them all those years.
There are also discounts for auto safety features. For instance, in Florida, New York and Unusual Jersey, consumers are encouraged to buy cars with antiblock brakes so that they are eligible for auto safety discounts. Other car features that are rewarded with insurance discounts are automatic seatbelts and airbags.
Affiliation with AAA, college sororities, credit unions, and other professional organizations are also eligible for lower insurance premiums. So, all you have to do is to check if you belong to any of the above and take advantage of discounted insurance rates.
• Ask for a higher deductible
The deductible is what you pay before your insurance company covers for the damage. A common deductible is $300. This means that if an accident you’re in causes $1,800 worth of damage. You will $300 and your insurer will pay $1,500. if you increase your deductible from $300 to $600 you will reduce your premium by 20% to 30%; even better, a $1,000 deductible can save you up to 40%.
Increasing your deductible still covers you against heavy losses, but it also considerably decreases your monthly premium.
• Keep your driving report clean
Keeping a clean driving record is extremely well-known for your car insurance premium. Regardless if you are a new or an experienced driver your driving record should be clean. For instance, a sole accident may increase your rates by 40%. Besides, arresting violations or even parking tickets may adversely affect your insurance premium and this higher rate typically lasts for three years.
On the contrary, a smart driving record for a period of three to six years can qualify you for an additional 5% to 10% discount.
All in all, there are many ways to avoid high car insurance costs. For instance, you may avoid over-insure. Preserve the lowest liability limits as indicated by the law ($50,000 for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability) to avoid paying extra premium. You may also drop your collision insurance on an older car. Finally, you may pay your bills automatically. Some insurance companies charge no fees for automatically deducted payments, but you may be charged $5 if you mail your payment.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/44858/article.html
Filed under Types Of Auto Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment.
