By the way, speaking of the boys from the Nation of Islam: I think it's been snuck past the American public, but he could be the biggest "operative" for the
bow-tie set, and he was able to quietly advance their agenda right in plain view throughout the 1980's–and no one's figured it out–until
now.
Despite all of the paperwork and (perceived) brain-damage that goes with the home buying process, the first mortgage company that was supposed to close fell apart and set the stage for the save of the century by my friends at W.R. Starkey Mortgage. And what's really amazing about this story are the facts of the deal: A pock-marked credit report, a non-conforming loan and a short-fuse couldn't keep Starkey from delivering the goods for a grateful homeowner, which brings me to the moral of the story...
Don't screw around with a buncha pikers that make mortgage promises they'll never be able to keep! You might think you're getting a good deal, but it'll likely blow up in your face when push-comes-to-shove and they can't close. Then your problems really begin.
W.R. Starkey has the Dover Seal of Approval because they're the best, no-B.S. mortgage company in the nation...period.
They deliver and make home buyers the winners and long-term beneficiaries of Starkey's commitment to their company positioning statement: "A different kind or mortgage company where people come first." You really can bank on it, folks.
Take the Dover-proven route to stress-free finance, and take advantage while interest rates are STILL at incredibly-low levels! Ben's no-brainer choice for any/all of your mortgage needs? Easy...do it all on-line or on the phone with the official mortgage company of www.benjamindover.com and your first (and only) stop: W.R. Starkey Mortgage.
It's easy to get educated about the process first...(plus the price is right...how about free?!?) Everything you need to know is only a click away. Get your copy of Ben's new-and-improved 2004 Home Buyer's Guide by clicking here.
I wonder if they ordered a "McRib" and didn’t know they were gonna take ’em seriously? Here’s one more reason why you need to inspect your food before you dig in.
Hold the fries–and can I have a cigar after dinner? It’s a diet that’s helped former president Slick Willy lose weight...if Whoopie slips on the SlimFast carpet, maybe she’ll end up with Arkansas’ favorite son?
There's a reason why the cable companies of the world are the butt of so many jokes: Maybe it's because of their cavalier attitude, rising prices and crappy service. Here's the perfect New Year's Resolution you'll appreciate every single day of 2004...and beyond! (And here's why I love my Dish!)
Are they counting on hairy female buyers? Gillette’s new electric razor promises to revolutionize the way you shave: They said "Tough Schick!" to the unveiling of the "Quattro" last Fall and now they’re rolling out a razor that requires a battery! C’mon...shaving can’t get this hi-tech, can it?
Smooth legs reminds me to remind you that Valentine's Day is now only 25 days away...more motivation to check out Ben's diamond/jewelry buying tips: All assembled in one easy-reference spot.
Want proof that the Justice Department is blind? Look no further than your wallet: I think they do a pretty good job of protecting us from egregious conflicts and monopolies, but the merger of J.P. Morgan Chase and Bank One (announced last week) smacks of bad news for consumers.
Get out the magnifying glass and get ready to read the fine print on your J.P. Morgan Chase and Bank One (formerly First USA) credit card bills:
There's no question if it’s gonna happen–but when.
As long as we're on the subject of plastic-related problems, here's your weekly reminder about your rights under federal law. Don't ever let bottom-feeding tele-terrorists scare you (or someone you know/love) into making even worse financial decisions! Here's where you can get your hands on Ben's popular pull-no-punches books and fire the debt collectors! Or maybe you need to take legal actions and clear the slate in '04? Read more here.....
Tired of reruns on TV all summer long? NBC’s about to change the rules of the "Fall Premiere" game: Next August–after you’ve overdosed on the Summer Olympics–NBC plans to roll out their new shows, virtually taking a wiz on Nielsen and their precious ratings periods.
Baylor University–Waco, Texas: The home of sleezy basketball coaches, dead players and now, grade-changes on demand!
Plan of gettin’ nekid in public anytime soon? Make sure you take your car keys: Apparently that fad from the 70’s–streaking–is back in style. And so is naked stupidity.....
Want further proof that the death penalty takes too long to be administered? Here’s one more example of why they should use old-and-dull needles on condemned death row inmates...
Don't get suckered in by countless (empty) radio-commercial claims from car leasing companies out to hook you, wear you down...and beat you into an emotional (and maybe financial) pulp! They might getcha in their showrooms but they can't deliver on the promise--but my leasing/buying resource can (and will): Check out Ben's free Smart Car Seminar automotive acquisition tips right here!
This is a no-brainer; they're the first and last automobile leasing company you'll ever need to deal with, no matter where you live...Benjamin Dover-endorsed Manufacturers Auto Leasing! They have loyal clients across the entire state of Texas and around the nation. Why? Because they'll take care of you better than anyone else out there!
By the way: If you're facing one of those upside-down scenarios (car business term meaning you're financially buried), or maybe you simply want to bail on your current vehicle and need someone to get creative on your behalf, Manufacturers Auto Leasing is the best in the business. Period.
Wanna know a secret? The woman in your life ain't tellin' you everything she knows! Great...30 Things She's NOT Gonna Tell Ya.....
Could divorce be one of your New Year’s resolutions? Here are some assets to go for (that you probably hadn’t thought about): It’s not always all about cash, houses and cars–there are other assets to pursue if you’re finally splitting the marital sheets. Here’s some ideas to take to your favorite attorney.....
Okay, so maybe you're ready to reward that naughty person with something nice for Valentine's Day weekend coming up in a few weeks. How about an affordable getaway? Get more bang for your travel-buck...check out Ben's always reliable, no-brainer choice for consistently affordable and competitively priced hotel room or condo deals: www.hotels.com.
Big Brother's watching, Part I–YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO SKIP THIS ARTICLE IF YOU THINK YOU’LL EVER RENT A CAR: Big Brother’s alive and well and ready to slam your credit card the next time you color outside the lines. Think Global Positioning–meets–fine print...and you’ll end up paying. Wow! This really is an amazing story of technology raising the accountability stakes to an all time [expensive] high.
Big Brother's watching, Part II: You just never know who's watching you in that rental car. Just ask the fugitive who got ratted out by GPS.....
Big Brother's watching, Part III: The next time you're in New York City, seize the chance to pull back the curtain and put Big Brother on defense for a change. Here's how.
Big Brother's always, Part IV: If you're one of millions of taxpayers that are "off the IRS radar, why not make "getting right" with them a top priority on your New Year's To Do List for '04? Don't even think about trying to make a deal with 'em on your own, since lousy advice could not only cost you dearly, it could really jack up your total tax bill...late fees, interest and/or fines can jump to levels that'll make you think about heading south of the border. Tie down those loose-ends in 2004 but do it on your terms by getting a deal worked out before it's too late. Non-filers...innocent spouses...941 (payroll taxes) for the entrepreneurs amongst us: Know all your options and learn why hiring an Enrolled Agent probably makes the most sense.
Today’s ridiculous number of reality shows really showcase how lazy and uncreative Hollywood is–but maybe this newest show will break the trend: Fox is looking for a ratings winner, and they might have it walking down the aisle next week in the form of "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé". Skip the prenup and take a shot at torturing the parents of the bride.
Wanna make a higher return on your CDs? eBay may have the answer: And yes, I’m talking about money-CDs, not music-CDs.....
Didja hear about the criminal who’s suing the cop for shooting him? Amazing...and another example of legal malpractice.....
Forget spy satellites and moles out to advance the American way behind enemy lines on foreign soil. Here’s how we’re really gonna win: The best way to promote western values, democracy and freedom? All roads wind through your stomach...here’s why.
Earthquakes. Floods. Fires. Extreme temperatures. Tornadoes. Hurricanes. (I know, it does sound like a typical news day in Southern California.) These are disasters none of us want to ever deal with, but here’s some good advice to keep in mind if you ever do. Life goes on–and all of the whining in the world ain’t gonna help your credit scores if you fail to handle the "small" stuff.
What does a BetaMax VCR have in common with Apple’s iPod, TiVo and other state-of-the-art gee wiz techno-gadgets? A lot more than you might think.....
Dontcha love the amazing resources I compile every week in the Dose of Dover? Good! Then don't whine about having to sign-up for free access: Like anything in life, there's always gonna be a trade-off on some level. I embed dozens of links in every edition of this newsletter, and my frequent sources, The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register and USA Today require varying levels of registration in order to access their websites for free...with one small caveat: If you try to hit an older story, there's a reasonable chance that the news organization has either moved the story to a new URL, or to their archives. If it's archived, there's a high probability that they'll charge you for access to the story...usually under $3. Don't whine about it...just pay 'em if you wanna read it--or not. It's always your choice.
Also worth noting: Nowhere is it written that you have to give accurate information when you sign up for free access on their website. They'd like you to, but they'll never really know. So use a disposable e-mail address (like Hotmail or Yahoo) and get creative when you register. But just remember: They/we are giving you a tremendous service for a great price...free! So no complaining...
You might wanna think twice about using a debit card: Sure, they'll help you manage your cash, but it's a different story once the bad guys strike and you start dealing with the fraud department...here's why. Plus: You don't really think you're gonna be able to qualify for 0% financing on a new car purchase, do you? Check out the January 22, 2004 edition of Ask Ben from The Dallas Morning News right here!
