Who hasn't noticed that it costs more for everything these days? Gas, of course...but even eggs, fresh vegetables ... snow removal .. everything. And you may be one of the many people I talk to everyday who are having money problems, asking about credit consolidators and services.
There are so many scams out there, it's easy to be tricked by great sounding promises made by people who only want your money. So, I have compiled a list of things that should set off the scam artist alert when you are thinking about signing on with someone or thing that calls itself a consolidator.

DON'T PAY A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY UP FRONT TO GET STARTED
I don't care why they say you have to; whether they call it an initiation fee, an escrow account..whatever. I call it a rip off and a sure bet that you will lose whatever you give them.

DON'T SIGN ON UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT IT COSTS
Some companies are so busy making promises about things you want to believe, they don't tell you the ultimate cost. ASK!! And, if they offer a program for "X" number of dollars for "X"number of years, do the math. $10.00 a month may not sound like much .. until you find out it is for the rest of your life. Besides, most legitimate companies charge on a sliding scale...depending on what you can afford. It's not usually a flat fee. And they are usually non-profits, trying to be part of the solution, not the problem!!

DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE PROMISING TO CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT
They can't. If it's bad, it's bad and, by federal law, will stay bad, on your record, for at least 7 years. Bankruptcies, longer.

DON'T AGREE TO A LOAN FROM A CONSOLIDATOR
They rarely have the best terms and conditions and usually charge usurious fees. If you are considering a personal loan to consolidate your credit, go to your local neighborhood savings and loan institution, or credit union..they have the best rates and will usually do whatever they can to help.

GET HELP LOCALLY
There are several good services in Boston and Cambridge, with satellite offices around the state. (You can find them on-line and in the good old phone book.) You want to be able to actually see the people to whom you are giving all your personal information, money and trust

Finally, if it sounds too good to be true .... call or write to me first.
swornick@hearst.com

Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the economy, but I am hearing from a lot of people who are thinking about selling their time-shares, asking where to turn. Or course, to me! No, I can't buy your time-share. But, I can tell you how to protect yourself from being ripped off.
Here are some basic guidelines.
DO:
Check your original contract or bill of sale. There may be buy-back provisions from the original marketing company. The rate of return may not be what you can get on the open market, but, you may have an easy solution.
Check with the resort office at your property. They may know of people trying to buy in. Or they may act as your agent.
Check nearby real estate agencies. Not all handle time share re-sales, but, some do. It's worth asking.
List your property yourself.. but, if you do, be prepared to hear from scam artists who'll make wild promises who will demand payment up front, first. Don't do it. I have never ... EVER ... heard a happy ending to a story about those guys. Paying up-front is not how legitimate agencies operate. Legitimate agencies take their commission at the time of the sale.
And here are some other DON'T-s:
DON'T believe anyone who says they have hundreds of potential buyers. They don't. There is not a huge market for time-share re-sales. Ask anyone trying to sell one.
It's okay to pay money to list your property in a book, mass mailing, or any other publication, but, DON'T pay ANYONE a large fee, up-front, because they promise a sale. I don't care what they claim they need the money for; marketing, fees, taxes.. Whatever they call it, I call it a rip off, and money you'll likely never see again. As I said, this is not how legitimate companies operate .. demanding pre-payment.
If everything fails, and you can't sell your time-share, you might think about giving it to charity. Seriously, there are many good causes which could auction it off at their next event, bringing in big money for them, and possibly giving you a tax deduction, not to mention a great feeling. It might not be the same warmth you feel on the beach near your property.. but, it may be better... Because it'll be in your heart.

It's 65 degrees and sunny. Amazing. On a day like today, a joy ride seems like a good idea ... right up until the time you're jolted back to reality by the thud of the tire that has just clipped a pothole and likely exploded right there on the spot. If you're lucky, it's just a flat .. but, more than likely .. you've lost your tire and dented, if not demolished, the rim .. and you're livid. I don't blame you, I mean .. why is it such a big deal to fill, or at least flag, potholes? I don't have an answer. But, you may have recourse. 'May' is the important word here.
You may be surprised (if not outraged) to know there are no laws pertaining to potholes. Nothing in our state constitution protects us from bad road construction. Nothing in any city or state charter spells out what to do or who to call. It's mostly on a case by case basis, and it depends on where it happens.
If you hit a pothole on a state-owned road, you're completely on your own. Mass Highway has never been known to pay claims for damage caused by potholes. Period. You can call your state rep, but, you may find only a sympathetic ear. There's no process for even filing a claim to the state.
Happily, the news is different if you're on a street that is owned by a city or town. Even Boston. In those cases, at least you have a chance to file a claim and, who knows, perhaps be reimbursed. Most communities request something in writing, along with a copy of the repair bill. Then, it goes to whatever board is assigned to deal with such matters and, if you live long enough, you'll hear back. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so sarcastic. It isn't fair. Only once did I hear from a consumer who, in a town that shall remain nameless (okay, Framingham), was still waiting for repayment of her $375.00 tire and rim replacement 3 cars after it happened. I think the town fathers (not mothers, they wouldn't do this) were hoping she'd go away. You'd think they were offering rebates.
But, I digress.
Essentially, if you're driving around town and hit a pothole that causes damage, call the local town hall to find out who owns the road and how to proceed. If you discover it's a state road, just leave the car there and walk home.
Enjoy the weather. And, if you are in New Hampshire, don't forget to vote.

Happily, it's warming up more and more every day, with our staff of meteorologists in complete agreement that by mid-week we'll be needing sunblock. I heard J-C say it will be 55 by next Wednesday, which is especially good news considering the price of home heating fuels, which is the subject of this blog.
As you know, oil hit record highs of $100 a barrel this week, and consumption isn't decreasing. So, here we sit, chilly, at the mercy of the oil rich countries, and more immediately, our dealers.
But, don't blame them. Seriously. Most of the dealers I know are family owned companies run by hard working people tyring to lessen the burden on customers as much as possible. Their costs are also going up. They have few options other than to pass their expenses. But, that could actually be good news for you. You may be able to lower your bill.
Unless you have a signed contract, specifying the price you will pay this season, it is always a good idea to appeal to your company for help. Really, ask if they will reduce your rate. They may. You have nothing to lose by asking. And, even if that isn't possible, they may set you up on a budget, payment plan, or defer your costs over time. Either way, it may make paying for your heat a little easier.
Something else I want to mention: if you do have a signed contract with your heat provider... they have to stick to it, regardless of the escalating going rate. In previous years, we've heard about companies trying to ignore their deals. They can't. A contract is a contract, and, unless there is a "fluctuating cost" clause, in which the price can change within a range, it has to remain the same.
So, I hope this helps. If it doesn't .. and you still need assistance, call your State Representative, who should have other ideas and programs that may be useful.
Have a good weekend. They tell me the skiing is great. I'll be at Homegoods..

And, another local business bites the dust.
Well, hopefully, not exactly..though, as you've undoubtedly heard, the once prominent Boston area jewelry chain Alpha Omega has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. They're scrambling to find someone to buy the inventory and keep "business as usual".
So, what does this mean to you? Well, if you have a store credit, order or gift card, it means you need to get in to the nearest store ASAP to cash out.
While the lawyer handling the procedure for the owners, the Handa family, told me they will continue to honor all of the above, I am always concerned that consumers could lose out in these kinds of tenuous financial situations. Why take a chance, use whatever it is you have as soon as possible.
What has happened here is unfortunate. Alpha Omega was a good company. I never received complaints from unhappy customers or employees. It was the kind of business I admire: locally owned and operated by a philanthropic family that regularly donated goods, services, cash and even their own time, to causes we all care about; everything from breast cancer research to feeding homeless children.
So, what went wrong? It's clear the Handas tried to save the business as best they could over the last many months. They were apparently mortgaged to the hilt by bankers who trusted them. But, maybe, despite their best attempts, they were just too over extended and simply couldn't sell enough Rolex watches. I refuse to think there was anymore to it, unlike other companies that sell gift certificates and give credits even hours before they know they'll be closing their doors forever.
There have been several newspaper reports alluding to family's sudden and unannounced return to their native India. Their lawyer told me it was necessary, for health reasons .. but, I have to admit, that sounds a little fishy, given the circumstances.
I honestly don't know what to think .. but, I can tell you this, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to hear that the Handas were simply embarrassed. Good people, in situations like this, often are.
So, Mr. Handa, if you or your attorneys happen to see this, please know we all wish you well, we hope your health improves to the point that you can return to Massachusetts, and tell us what the heck happened. We trusted you, and liked you a whole lot better than some of the others.