Is a Move in Your Near Future?

Summer is without a doubt the busiest time for moving.  If you have ever moved, you know it is stressful—even when things go well.  However, there are several steps you can take to have a successful move and minimize your stress.

• Get several written estimates, based upon on-site inspections. Telephone estimates are seldom accurate and often result in higher prices on the day of the move. Know your rights if the mover tries to increase the price on the day of the move—some states have laws prohibiting the mover from engaging in the age-old practice of loading your goods on the truck, raising the price and then refusing to unload your goods unless you pay the higher price—in these states, the mover must unload your goods and then take the dispute to court.
• Don't choose on the basis of price alone.  Check out the company—how long it’s been in business, and if there are any complaints against it with either local consumer protection agencies, online consumer complaint sites or the BBB. Make sure there is a physical office for the company and that it has the proper licenses and insurance.
• Read and be sure you understand the terms of the Bill of Lading (moving contract) and in what form (check, cash, cashier's check, etc.) the mover will require payment.
• Get everything in writing, including the mover's liability in case of breakage or loss of your possessions. Most movers limit their liability for damage or loss to only 30 or 60 cents per pound. Therefore, give careful consideration to buying additional full replacement insurance to cover loss or damage. Keep accurate records or an inventory of all items shipped and their condition. Check items as they arrive.
• If it’s a local move, consider packing and moving rare or fragile things yourself. You don’t have to pay for boxes—just go to your local grocery store in the morning after they’ve stocked the shelves—they usually have lots of great boxes that they are willing to give away.
• Write "Subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on the moving contract to allow for damage you may discover after you've had more time to check your possessions.
• Check to see if the mover is a member of a trade association—which often tries to screen out unreliable movers and will arbitrate complaints.

If you spend the necessary time to select a reputable mover and get all details in writing, it will help to make your move smoother. You’ll notice I didn’t say it would be rosy—any move is tough, so do your homework, and have lots of patience on the actual moving day. For more information, see this

 Washington Post article.

MD CASH Academy

Looking to build your financial IQ? If you live in Maryland, you have a great new resource--a client of mine--The Maryland CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign just launched a new website, the Maryland CASH Academy, www.mdcashacademy.org, which lists free or low cost financial education. The MD CASH Campaign is a statewide non-profit, that assists low- and moderate- income working families by offering financial education and asset building programs.

Whether you are planning to purchase a new home, start a small business, or you need help understanding your credit or managing your money, the Maryland CASH Academy offers free classes taught by screened educators to meet your needs. No products or services will be promoted during the classes--they will be fact-based educational classes. You can sort through the classes by Topic; Location; Educator or Date and register online.

Check out the website for the Maryland CASH Academy today to join our mailing list and get up to date information on classes and trainings!

If you live in Delaware or Connecticut, you’re in luck too—those states also have online calendars of financial education courses:
www.ctmoney.org
www.delawaremoneyschool.com