Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
BidRx: Pharmacies bid for your business online
A Wisconsin based company BidRx will allow you to get the benefit of getting drug companies and pharmacies bid for your business. You register to a secure internet website, specify the medication that you want so drug companies and pharmacies will bid on electronically to give you the lowest price on your prescription.
“We give consumers a choice” Tom Kellenberger a BidRx official said it on the phone today, “we show them the generic medications that they can get and it is up to the consumer to go back to his doctor and see if it works for them” he continued on to explain that the company lets consumers see different prices on different brand names and generics so they can choose how much they can save.
The company has around 60,000 members nationwide so far, and is continuing to grow as more people learn of its existence. “There are so many ways to attack the price of prescriptions, but right now BidRx offers a new way to shop for prescriptions” stated Clark Howard on his show notes today.
One of the company’s press releases states that BidRx works for consumers that have or don’t have health insurance, and want to learn about lower cost prescriptions, it continues to say that it is common to see a savings of 50% or more in prescriptions, consumers can also call and contact to get assistance in login and placing an order if they have limited computer usage skills.
Consumers in Madison area have the benefit of some insurance companies in the area already aware of BidRx, Trilogy Insurance have signed up in December with the company to deliver its customers the benefits available through BidRx. “at BidRx Consumers and doctors can compare similar prescription medications and specific prices based on each consumer’s unique plan, determine which medications are the best value and get instant bids from local and mail order pharmacies” stated Ralph Kalies the CEO of BidRx.
You don’t need your prescriber or doctor to be a member; you do need to proof your prescription by showing it to the pharmacy of your choice once you select them. You also need to be careful which generic medication you choose to save money on, the best way should be to go with a proven one that has been a good alternative for long time.
“We give consumers a choice” Tom Kellenberger a BidRx official said it on the phone today, “we show them the generic medications that they can get and it is up to the consumer to go back to his doctor and see if it works for them” he continued on to explain that the company lets consumers see different prices on different brand names and generics so they can choose how much they can save.
The company has around 60,000 members nationwide so far, and is continuing to grow as more people learn of its existence. “There are so many ways to attack the price of prescriptions, but right now BidRx offers a new way to shop for prescriptions” stated Clark Howard on his show notes today.
One of the company’s press releases states that BidRx works for consumers that have or don’t have health insurance, and want to learn about lower cost prescriptions, it continues to say that it is common to see a savings of 50% or more in prescriptions, consumers can also call and contact to get assistance in login and placing an order if they have limited computer usage skills.
Consumers in Madison area have the benefit of some insurance companies in the area already aware of BidRx, Trilogy Insurance have signed up in December with the company to deliver its customers the benefits available through BidRx. “at BidRx Consumers and doctors can compare similar prescription medications and specific prices based on each consumer’s unique plan, determine which medications are the best value and get instant bids from local and mail order pharmacies” stated Ralph Kalies the CEO of BidRx.
You don’t need your prescriber or doctor to be a member; you do need to proof your prescription by showing it to the pharmacy of your choice once you select them. You also need to be careful which generic medication you choose to save money on, the best way should be to go with a proven one that has been a good alternative for long time.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Is it time for you to buy Gold?
Gold prices have gone up recently; a lot of people are asking themselves and the experts if they should invest all their portfolios in this highly prized precious metal. Well, the consumer advocate with the nationally syndicated talk show Clark Howard doesn’t think it. “Five to 10 percent of your overall portfolio in gold or other precious metals is acceptable. But no more” he advised it in his today’s show notes.
He goes on to explain that there is fine line in being an investor and being a speculator. Gold is priced now at $1,100 an ounce; this is far from where gold price used to be in the early 2000s. Whoever invested their money during those early years are now reaping the benefits, and they sure look like wealthy geniuses.
Here is the problem with gold now, as most people don’t get in until it’s too late and there’s already huge run up.
It is tempting nowadays given the huge ads that show up in TV commercials, most of them telling you “now is the time to buy gold”, they also emphasize that gold protects you against the inflation or that it will never be worthless. It may be true that Gold will never be worthless, just remember it is still subject to supply and demand laws.
Most of the hype about investing and buying Gold is being driven by brokers and dealers that want to encourage you to buy it now, thus adding momentum to rising price of Gold to try and keep increasing it. After all, Dealers and brokers get commission. You on the other hand, will get a very expensive ticket to the casino that is the commodities market.
Many experts think that now is a great time to sell scrap gold, instead of buying Gold or investing in it why don’t you take advantage of the hype and sell all your scrap jewelry, since this is the latest craze you probably have it somewhere some jewelry that you don’t even use or wear it.
Now it will be good time to recycle your old and unused jewelry and pick couple of hundreds of dollars from something you don’t wear. Interestingly just because gold is risky investment now doesn’t mean you should not pick up some extra money from something you may never wear again.
He goes on to explain that there is fine line in being an investor and being a speculator. Gold is priced now at $1,100 an ounce; this is far from where gold price used to be in the early 2000s. Whoever invested their money during those early years are now reaping the benefits, and they sure look like wealthy geniuses.
Here is the problem with gold now, as most people don’t get in until it’s too late and there’s already huge run up.
It is tempting nowadays given the huge ads that show up in TV commercials, most of them telling you “now is the time to buy gold”, they also emphasize that gold protects you against the inflation or that it will never be worthless. It may be true that Gold will never be worthless, just remember it is still subject to supply and demand laws.
Most of the hype about investing and buying Gold is being driven by brokers and dealers that want to encourage you to buy it now, thus adding momentum to rising price of Gold to try and keep increasing it. After all, Dealers and brokers get commission. You on the other hand, will get a very expensive ticket to the casino that is the commodities market.
Many experts think that now is a great time to sell scrap gold, instead of buying Gold or investing in it why don’t you take advantage of the hype and sell all your scrap jewelry, since this is the latest craze you probably have it somewhere some jewelry that you don’t even use or wear it.
Now it will be good time to recycle your old and unused jewelry and pick couple of hundreds of dollars from something you don’t wear. Interestingly just because gold is risky investment now doesn’t mean you should not pick up some extra money from something you may never wear again.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Home sales in Dane county went up 14% in June
Home sales in Dane county went up 14% in June compared to a year ago, the Wisconsin state journal reported today. The increase is due to the expired federal government’s home buyer tax credit which expired for new contracts on April 30.
The MLS reports that 805 house and condominium sales for Dane county in June up 14% from 711 in June 2009, the median home sales price in the county was up 3% from last year, at 207,000 compared to 201,000 in 2009. At the same time year to date home prices went down by 1% compared to last year’s.
Condo sales went up 28% while house sales went up 9.2% in June, the MLS predicts that sales will be lower in the coming months of July and August, as the sales that took place in May and June will close down, many buyers have chosen to close earlier than they wanted, to take advantage of the Tax credit. This is great news for the city of Madison and the county as they both stand a chance to see their tax revenues go up.
Local agents have noticed that there is a drop in home buyers activities “showing activity and web activity are lower now” said agent Dan Miller of Keller Williams Realty, other counties in Wisconsin have had mixed results, as some counties have seen increased home sales and while other counties did not.
The home buyer tax credit helped push the increase even though it expired April, homebuyers had until June 30 to close the sale. “There is no question, the tax credit has had a significant impact on this market” said Re/Max CEO Margaret Kelly, “no one can predict the future and we may still see a slight pull pack, but for now it appears that housing is holding on its own, hopefully on the road to recovery”.
The house and the senate passed separate bills in late June to extend the June 30 deadline until September 30, due to backlogs in mortgage applications, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that as many as 180,000 buyers who signed valid contracts by April 30 may not be able to close by June 30, because their lenders are unable to process the loans on time.
The Washington post reports that the bill sponsors are hoping to attach the measure to a separate measure that would extend other tax breaks and the emergency unemployment funds, at this time it is not clear if the new extension will be passed, in order for home buyers that were unable to take advantage of the June 30 deadline get one more extension.
The MLS reports that 805 house and condominium sales for Dane county in June up 14% from 711 in June 2009, the median home sales price in the county was up 3% from last year, at 207,000 compared to 201,000 in 2009. At the same time year to date home prices went down by 1% compared to last year’s.
Condo sales went up 28% while house sales went up 9.2% in June, the MLS predicts that sales will be lower in the coming months of July and August, as the sales that took place in May and June will close down, many buyers have chosen to close earlier than they wanted, to take advantage of the Tax credit. This is great news for the city of Madison and the county as they both stand a chance to see their tax revenues go up.
Local agents have noticed that there is a drop in home buyers activities “showing activity and web activity are lower now” said agent Dan Miller of Keller Williams Realty, other counties in Wisconsin have had mixed results, as some counties have seen increased home sales and while other counties did not.
The home buyer tax credit helped push the increase even though it expired April, homebuyers had until June 30 to close the sale. “There is no question, the tax credit has had a significant impact on this market” said Re/Max CEO Margaret Kelly, “no one can predict the future and we may still see a slight pull pack, but for now it appears that housing is holding on its own, hopefully on the road to recovery”.
The house and the senate passed separate bills in late June to extend the June 30 deadline until September 30, due to backlogs in mortgage applications, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that as many as 180,000 buyers who signed valid contracts by April 30 may not be able to close by June 30, because their lenders are unable to process the loans on time.
The Washington post reports that the bill sponsors are hoping to attach the measure to a separate measure that would extend other tax breaks and the emergency unemployment funds, at this time it is not clear if the new extension will be passed, in order for home buyers that were unable to take advantage of the June 30 deadline get one more extension.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tips on how to avoid overdraft fees in your bank
The way the economy is going nowadays you are more likely to incur overdraft fees in your bank account; to some people it is clear when your hours at the work place are being cut and expenses pile on, you are more likely not to check your bank account balance. As per the FDIC report it is a $2 billion business annually for the banks.
Your bank probably enrolled you an overdraft protection plan (without your knowledge) that covers check, ATM, and debit card transactions that exceed your balance. Here is the catch, whenever you exceed your balance you will incur at least $30 fee for exceeding your balance, you could get charged such fees if you buy a $1.60 cup of coffee, and there will be a nasty surprise waiting for you when you check your balance.
In August 15 2010 is the last day that banks can charge you overdraft fees without your permission and that is if you have had an account with them before July 1st. That is why you are seeing banks sending you mail, emails to get you to opt in (agree to get charged), according to the consumer reports blog the emails say “It only takes a moment to stay protected” or “We know our customers don’t need the hassle and potential embarrassment of having a debit card purchase or ATM withdrawal denied due to insufficient fund”.
Experts think that consumers need not to opt in for such exorbitant charges, as a consumer you can try other ways that are cheaper for you to avoid getting hit, here are some tips on how to avoid overdraft fees:
1. Balance your checkbook. Use the old ways of balancing your check book, some banks offer online calculators and free ways to reconcile your bank account. Make sure that you don’t rely on available balance when you check your balance at the ATM, there could be other charges that are on the way as banks update their systems after hours.
2. Link your credit card to your checking account. Most of the banks offer this service which will help you not to incur fees if you exceed your checking account balance, the extra amount will be charged to your credit card account.
3. Sign up for online banking and set up low balance alert. If you set up a low balance alert it will send you an alert that you have a low balance (depending on how much you set it to), you could use this alert with your cell phone as most of the cell phones are used for text messages.
4. Apply overdraft protection program, some banks and credit unions offer this service where you will be charged a finance charge, this is only possible if your credit standing is excellent.
5. Opt out overdraft fees completely; it could be the best way for you since you don’t need to spend what you don’t have, when your card declines you may have averted a $30 charge that you don’t even have at that moment.
Your bank probably enrolled you an overdraft protection plan (without your knowledge) that covers check, ATM, and debit card transactions that exceed your balance. Here is the catch, whenever you exceed your balance you will incur at least $30 fee for exceeding your balance, you could get charged such fees if you buy a $1.60 cup of coffee, and there will be a nasty surprise waiting for you when you check your balance.
In August 15 2010 is the last day that banks can charge you overdraft fees without your permission and that is if you have had an account with them before July 1st. That is why you are seeing banks sending you mail, emails to get you to opt in (agree to get charged), according to the consumer reports blog the emails say “It only takes a moment to stay protected” or “We know our customers don’t need the hassle and potential embarrassment of having a debit card purchase or ATM withdrawal denied due to insufficient fund”.
Experts think that consumers need not to opt in for such exorbitant charges, as a consumer you can try other ways that are cheaper for you to avoid getting hit, here are some tips on how to avoid overdraft fees:
1. Balance your checkbook. Use the old ways of balancing your check book, some banks offer online calculators and free ways to reconcile your bank account. Make sure that you don’t rely on available balance when you check your balance at the ATM, there could be other charges that are on the way as banks update their systems after hours.
2. Link your credit card to your checking account. Most of the banks offer this service which will help you not to incur fees if you exceed your checking account balance, the extra amount will be charged to your credit card account.
3. Sign up for online banking and set up low balance alert. If you set up a low balance alert it will send you an alert that you have a low balance (depending on how much you set it to), you could use this alert with your cell phone as most of the cell phones are used for text messages.
4. Apply overdraft protection program, some banks and credit unions offer this service where you will be charged a finance charge, this is only possible if your credit standing is excellent.
5. Opt out overdraft fees completely; it could be the best way for you since you don’t need to spend what you don’t have, when your card declines you may have averted a $30 charge that you don’t even have at that moment.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Conflict of Interest: Security Analyst and the Investment Banker
A security analyst is the individual doing analysis of firms, providing valuations reports, researching portfolios, and able to recommend buy/sell /hold, such individuals work for investment firms, brokerage houses, banks, or investment institutions, they usually cover particular industry or companies that they specialize on.
Investment banker is the individual that acts as an underwriter and serves as a go between an issuer of securities and the investing public, and companies, the investment banker buys the securities from issuer and sells it to dealers and investors, profiting in the middle between the buying price and the selling price (public offering), investment bankers also market securities that has already been sold, and look for securities for private parties, they also serve as brokers for other financial services.
There is a potential for conflict of interest if both the security analyst and the investment banker are working for the same firm, where they always work for the same department, for example if some of the companies in which the analyst covers are marketed by the investment banker where they both know that such company stock is not performing as it appears to the public, in this case if the company that is issuing the securities is being retained as a costumer by the firm, then they can both conspire to push selling such stocks, by getting motivated to make more money for the firm, and for themselves.
In some cases the companies which are issuing the securities may see that their stock is rated negatively, or that they are not recommended as a buy, then that company can exert pressure to the firm, demanding that they start rating their stock positively, or as in some cases, they may threaten that they will take their business to somewhere else. When things like that happen, both the analyst and the investment banker will still keep on working and market that same company’s securities. The analyst’s salary is tied to the companies that they cover and the performance of the investment bankers that they work with, in some cases the analyst reports to the investment banker, many times the analysts have purchased stocks of companies that they have covered, buying it before the initial public offerings, and the firm that the analyst works for took the company to public, then the analyst rates the stocks favorable. Thus, the analyst is profiting from the stocks that he rated, and the investment banker that he reports to underwrote it.
There are some solutions to stop such unethical practice that can be implemented, the SEC have issued that firms provide full disclosers to the investors, also the SEC issued restrictions on analysts pay plan, their personal trading, even though the SEC have issued all of these restrictions still if the firms encourage such practices it is fruitless, the best way could be if the firms separate the analysts and investment bankers or establish two different departments one for the research and the other for the investment bankers.
Dahir Nur.
Investment banker is the individual that acts as an underwriter and serves as a go between an issuer of securities and the investing public, and companies, the investment banker buys the securities from issuer and sells it to dealers and investors, profiting in the middle between the buying price and the selling price (public offering), investment bankers also market securities that has already been sold, and look for securities for private parties, they also serve as brokers for other financial services.
There is a potential for conflict of interest if both the security analyst and the investment banker are working for the same firm, where they always work for the same department, for example if some of the companies in which the analyst covers are marketed by the investment banker where they both know that such company stock is not performing as it appears to the public, in this case if the company that is issuing the securities is being retained as a costumer by the firm, then they can both conspire to push selling such stocks, by getting motivated to make more money for the firm, and for themselves.
In some cases the companies which are issuing the securities may see that their stock is rated negatively, or that they are not recommended as a buy, then that company can exert pressure to the firm, demanding that they start rating their stock positively, or as in some cases, they may threaten that they will take their business to somewhere else. When things like that happen, both the analyst and the investment banker will still keep on working and market that same company’s securities. The analyst’s salary is tied to the companies that they cover and the performance of the investment bankers that they work with, in some cases the analyst reports to the investment banker, many times the analysts have purchased stocks of companies that they have covered, buying it before the initial public offerings, and the firm that the analyst works for took the company to public, then the analyst rates the stocks favorable. Thus, the analyst is profiting from the stocks that he rated, and the investment banker that he reports to underwrote it.
There are some solutions to stop such unethical practice that can be implemented, the SEC have issued that firms provide full disclosers to the investors, also the SEC issued restrictions on analysts pay plan, their personal trading, even though the SEC have issued all of these restrictions still if the firms encourage such practices it is fruitless, the best way could be if the firms separate the analysts and investment bankers or establish two different departments one for the research and the other for the investment bankers.
Dahir Nur.
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