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Feeling charitable this holiday season? Don't get suckered in by the bad guys! Plus: Ben's 2003 Charity Picks... And...It's The Tipping Time of Year...(Who Gets What?)
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Air date: Thursday, December 4, 2003
Open: While holiday shoppers are getting a workout at the local shopping malls, and others are pointing-and-clicking their way through their gift lists, charities are making their own big push on the fund-raising front, and here to help us figure out the good ones from the not-so-good charities...as well as the world of tipping is our un-common-sense expert and Dallas Morning News columnist Benjamin Dover.
Question #1: This really is a big time of year for charities, isn't it?
Answer #1: You betcha. In fact it's estimated that half of all charitable giving for 2003 will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas...and since there's so much cash on the charity-tables, you know it's gonna bring out the bad guys.
And unfortunately, alotta donations never reach the people who need the help the most. Some solicitations are outright scams and take all the funds contributed while others eat up so much of the money in "fund raising expenses" that virtually none is left for true charity. These questionable charities cheat donors, shortchange people who truly need help, and hurt legitimate charitable organizations that rely on donations. Some of the most frequent cover-stories for these charity scams? Anything to do with police or firefighters, unfortunately.
Question #2: And you've gotta story about some fake Salvation Army bell-ringers that really drives this point home, don't you?
Answer #3: Yeah...and it's pretty funny, actually...and a reminder that the bad guys come in all shapes, sizes and clothing. Some "bogus bell ringers" got caught by police a couple of years ago in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area-scam artists arrested while "collecting" for the charity on a Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, these bad guys were tripped up by one small detail: The Salvation Army never collects on Sundays! I'm telling you this now with no intention of raining on their annual fund-raising crusade, but to illustrate how low the bad guys will go to sting you. By the way: All authorized Salvation Army "bell ringers" are supposed to have Salvation Army-issued IDs. If you're in doubt, check 'em out. And to help you navigate the potentially confusing world of charitable giving, I've got a section devoted to helping you make the best charitable choices-any time of the year-created after the outpouring of giving following September 11th (but recently updated): www.bendover.com/charity.asp.
Question #4: So what should consumers do to make sure their monies getting into legitimate hands?>
Answer #4:
Give directly to a known charity of your choice. That's always the best option. Check your telephone directory for a charity's local office and contact the office.
Don't be fooled by "look-alike" charity names. Some scams use names that sound impressive and are designed to resemble well-respected organizations...like law enforcement or fire department affiliations.
Ask phone solicitors to send written information. Check out the charity before you make a decision. Be suspicious if they refuse to send solid information.
Ask questions! Reputable charities welcome them! Ask how much of your donation actually goes for the charitable purpose. Ask 'em for a copy of their IRS filing, Form 990: It provides a detailed breakdown on their expenses and costs and will usually send the bad guys running--or hanging up the phone!
Ask if the caller will be paid a commission. Ask if they're a professional solicitor and, if so, what percentage of the donation they're receiving.
Don't ever give credit card or checking account numbers over the phone!
Question #5: You've got all of these charity-related questions and answers already up on your website, don't you?
Answer #5: You bet I do...plus I've also posted some terrific on-line resources for checking out charities, special websites affiliated with the Better Business Bureau and other organizations that rate-and-investigate charitable organizations for a living...as well as my own charitable donation suggestion for 2003!
Question #6: Let's talk tipping...your column in last week's Dallas Morning News featured a letter from one of your readers that sounded--well--kinda irritated about the thought of having to tip this time of year...so Ben, what's the answer?
Answer #6: First and foremost: Make sure your customers/clients know your name and your mailing address! Last year, two out of my four newspaper carriers got shut-out of their holiday tips because I didn't know their names, nor have their direct mailing addresses. My inquiries to the respective newspapers were answered with "we can't give this personal information out" replies. As a former paperboy, I swore I'd get the word out early this year so everyone might have a shot at getting their share of the holiday tipping pot-no matter what their line of business may be.
Question #7: Great advice...so let's talk specifics. Who gets tipped and how much?
Answer #7: Every year I try to get my finger on the pulse of the center of the tipping etiquette universe and this year I used the Emilypost.com website as my resource. Let's toll down the list:
Teachers: Check school's policy first. Enlist your child's help with selection. Ideas: Classroom supplies, book, picture frame, fruit basket or gourmet food item. Another option is to go in on a joint gift with other parents.
Day Care Provider(s): $25 - $70 each, plus a small gift from your child. (Be sure to check the day care center's policy first.)
Regular babysitter: One evening's pay, plus a small gift from your children/child.
Cleaning person: $25 - $50, or one day's pay, or a gift equivalent to a day's pay.
Newspaper carrier: $10 - $30 (Kinda make me wish I still had a route...)
Letter carrier: U.S. Postal Service regulations allow carriers and other employees to accept gifts worth up to $20, per occasion.
Beauty salon staff: $10 - $60 each, giving more, or possibly an additional small gift, to those who do more for you. (And guys, you're not off the hook-don't forget to tip your barber.)
Personal fitness trainer: One work-out session's fee if you're a regular client; less if you use the service occasionally.
Question #8: Great advice to make sure everyone gets a piece of the holiday action this year...and before we let you go, I hear you've got some updates to your Holiday Picks list?
Answer #8: As a matter of fact, I do! One of my website sponsors, as well as one of the top leasing companies here in North Texas--Manfacturers Auto Leasing--is promoting the fact that those consumers that are in the market and maybe "on the fence" about getting a new set of wheels might need a little push...so they're taking orders for the ultimate present this holiday season.
Who wouldn't like to wake up Christmas morning or the last day of Hannukah and look out the window to find a new vehicle with a big ol' red bow tied around it? Anyway, it's just one more thing on my expanding 2003 holiday gifts picks list that's--of course--posted up on my website.
More good news for future home buyers (and their credit reports): Didja hear about the mortgage company that was able to step in and close a tough loan on less than 24 hours notice? 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. Hit their website or call their main Dallas-Fort Worth office toll-free: (888) 282-6632.
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 Bens' 2003 Home Buyer's Guide by clicking here.
What's in your credit files? How do you know? Yeah-I've heard the faulty logic: "I get dozens of pre-approved credit card applications every month, so I must have great credit." Wrong, Einstein: Don't come cryin' to me if your file's loaded with credit crapola. Get to work and find out what's in your file-here's how.
It's time to wake up and check your FICO scores! I can't make it any easier for you, either. Click here for some credit hand-holding from your pal Bennie...
Since we're on the subject of credit scores, it's time to learn more about the inner-workings of that black hole known as the credit reporting bureaus: Get a digital copy of Ben's 1993 (#5) bestseller Life After Debt on-line, right here. Here's how.....
If you (or someone you know) is even remotely thinking about paying some non- profit credit counseling service, hiring a debt re-negotiation company or filing for bankruptcy, you might wanna read this first:Trust me, you'll be more informed and a lot more grateful 10-minutes (or less) from now.....
Speaking of brain-damage, Californians should check out this special section on the website that'll help you get a handle on your rights if you do decide to pull the ripcord (that's slang for filing for bankruptcy) on your creditors: It's a Q&A with one of the top bankruptcy attorneys in the state, and a chance to debunk the half-truths being spewed by those bottom-feeding tele-terrorists.
Don't get suckered in by countless radio-commercial claims from car leasing companies out to hook you, wear you down...and beat you into an emotional (and maybe financial) pulp! Check out Ben's free Smart Car Seminar automotive acquisition tips right here!
This is a no-brainer, and 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.
It's finally here. Ben's 2003 Holiday Gift Picks List: Wanna get a letter from the President? How about a sheet of uncut $1/$5/$10/$20 bills? Maybe you're at a loss for the perfect gifts for the woman in your life. Maybe you've got someone on your gift list who already has "everything....." Outta the box solutions...all here and all $$$ affordability rated.....
Why not help Mom & Dad (or Grandma & Grandpa) do a little fancy financial footwork and allow them to live in their homes until they pass on without a mortgage payment, or even pull a wad of cash outta the deal while they're at it? I've already done the research for you on reverse mortgages. Now it's your turn to help an older homeowner take advantage of this fantastic financial product.
Still looking for a cool holiday, birthday (or other special occasion) gift that'll keep on giving, all year long? Give 'em a subscription to the Dose of Dover...the most reliable source of insight and no s*** ideas available on the planet. (You can afford it...it's free!) Time to share the wealth! Sign-up for a subscription to the weekly Dose of Dover Newsletter right here!
Okay chicken, so you didn't want to fight the brain-damage of Thanksgiving travel...fine! Goin' anywhere for Christmas? It's only 21 days away!) Get more bang for your turkey buck...check out Ben's reliable, no-brainer choice for consistently affordable and competitively priced hotel room or condo deals: www.hotels.com.
NostraDover, Part III-I've been tellin' ya that this may be the hottest gift of the 2003 holiday season for the last several weeks: The Saturday, 11/29/03 edition of The Boston Globe spotlighted Dallas-based "Despair.com" and their line of "Demotivational" products: Cheer up...this stuff is hilarious, incredibly-affordable and their no-brainer gift catalog? Only a click away.....
Diamonds are still a girl's best friend. Here's how to buy 'em right, and get maximum bang-for-your-buck: It doesn't matter where you live on the planet, I've got the absolute best, Internet-based resource for diamond rings, tennis bracelets...or even high-end watches like Rolexes.
How deep are your pockets? Wanna even-up the gift-giving score for the next coupla years? Okay, so this one's not for everyone's budget...(but at least you won't have to worry about fighting lines at the post office to get this gift delivered on time).
Is getting right with the IRS on your list of New Year's Resolutions for '04? Don't even think about trying to make a deal with them on your own! 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. If you've got some tax-related challenges, make 2004 your year to tie down those loose-ends on your terms and get 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.
Looking for a few December '03 gift ideas? Why not...
Drop your cable company in the grease, upgrade your service and lower your monthly bill? Here's how...
Give the lady in your life something she'll like for a change?
Reverse the hands of time--for him or for her?
Find out if your home, office or that tanning booth have a hidden camera/hidden mike--for less than $35!
Send a gift that they'll love (and you can afford)?
They're great holiday gifts, but don't forget about other special days--like weddings, graduation and more! Fattowels, of course!
Wanna make a difference this holiday season? Here's your chance to help the millions of Americans going toe-to-toe with Alzheimer's. Do me a favor and follow my lead...please consider making a donation in the name of a family member, friend or business associate to Leeza's Place. Founded by Leeza Gibbons, you too can join the fight against this worldwide epidemic by making a tax-deductible donation this holiday season. It's money that'll fuel the expansion of Leeza's Memory Foundation and will help caregivers, families and their recently diagnosed loved ones face the Alzheimer's challenges that lie ahead. Click here for contact information and instructions on how and where to send your donation. (Or check out their new Virtual Tribute feature...)
The first Leeza's Place just opened in New York City...and more are coming to a city near you. And the best news of all? Leeza's Place is developing information and assistance that'll help families across the nation, regardless of location. (Thanks for helping to make a difference...)
'Tis the season to dig deep and give to the charity of your choice. Just make sure they're legit. Check out my special section devoted to helping you make the best charitable choices this holiday season--or any time of the year. Also included: My personal charities of choice for the 2003 holiday season.....
What do you mean those pictures of diamond tennis bracelets or rings don't look anything like what they're actually selling in their stores? You don't think they'd try to sucker you in and sell you "up" do you? Don't bite on the bait being thrown out there by the biggest national jewelry store chains until after you read this... Plus: Wanna avoid paying ridiculous interest rates on your next auto loan? Guiding you through life's mine-field (and one carat at a time), get out your jeweler's "loupe" and read today's (December 4, 2003) edition of Ask Benjamin Dover from The Dallas Morning News right here!
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