Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stop Calling Me! How to Remove Your Name from Telemarketing Lists


Don't Throw Your Phone Out-Learn to Stop Those Calls
As the Holiday season approaches, you will probably see an increase in telemarketing calls.  You can’t avoid unwanted calls completely, but according to the nonprofit National Consumers League, you can reduce the number of calls you receive.  


Don’t provide information that isn’t necessary for the transaction.  Don’t just fill in the blanks on order forms, warranty forms, etc. without considering whether you want to limit the information you supply.
Think twice before entering contests.  Entry forms are often used to build marketing lists.
Know the privacy policy.  Look for explanations about what personal information the company collects, how is it used, and what control you have over it.  If you don’t know what the privacy policy is, ask.
Know when your personal information is being collected.  Be aware of Automatic Number Identification, which shows the number you’re dialing from when you call a company’s 800 number.  Ask what information is being collected and tell the company if you don’t want to be put on a marketing list.
Understand that unlisted and unpublished phone numbers don’t guarantee privacy.  Marketers may get your number if you’ve given it to others or they may dial you randomly.
Know your rights.  Federal law allows you to tell telemarketers not to call you again.  Ask your state consumer protection agency if you have “Do Not Call” rights under state law.
Industry associations can help.  Call 888-567-8688 to get off marketing lists for preapproved credit and insurance offers (this does not affect your ability to apply for credit or insurance).  The Direct Marketing Association’s Telephone Preference Service will remove you from many major companies’ telemarketing lists.  

Report violations of your federal “Do Not Call” rights to the Federal Trade Commission, 877-382-4357 or http://www.ftc.gov/ and the Federal Communications Commission, 888-225-5322 or http://www.fcc.gov/cib.  You can also sue in small claims court under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act for $500.   For more tips go to NCL's Privacy Site.

Friday, October 8, 2010

This Fall--Get Your Home Ready for Winter

With temperatures dropping, we need to work on our fall “to-do” list to maintain our homes and save money.

If you are buying firewood, make sure you select a licensed firewood dealer. A cord of wood is defined as eight feet long by four feet high and four feet wide. Ask specifically for dry, seasoned wood. Have your chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep. Make sure the fireplace damper is in the closed position when the fireplace is not in use.

Clean your rain gutters and downspouts.  Have the seals around any openings in the roof—such as chimney, skylights, and plumbing vent pipes inspected for signs of deterioration. Roof leaks are the most common source of water damage in the home.

Inspect exterior walls, foundation, patio, steps and walkways for cracks or deterioration that could present a tripping/slipping hazard or allow water to seep in and freeze. Major signs of deterioration should be repaired professionally (ck my previous blog article for hiring a contractor). However, cracks less than ¼ inch wide can usually be caulked by the average handy homeowner.

Shut off water valve to outside faucet, drain water and disconnect hoses. This will prevent freezing pipes.

Keep warm in and cold air out by inspecting insulation to ensure that the layer over the heated part of the house is at least six inches thick. Put storm windows on or use plastic sealant if necessary. Visually inspect and replace damaged or missing weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Check the furnace to ensure that the air circulation fan and the burner are operating properly. Replace dirty air filters and check the operation of the thermostat. To further conserve fuel, it is recommended that thermostat settings not exceed 72 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night.

Change your batteries in your smoke detector and use a carbon monoxide detector if you have a wood fireplace or gas appliances.

Doing your work now will help ensure that your home is ready for winter and save you hard earned dollars. No one wants to wake up Christmas morning without heat (been there)!