January 19, 2010
Grabbing the attention of teens today can be quite a challenge, especially since they want easy-to-find information quick and in most cases – online. The DMV wants to keep young drivers informed and safe on the roads, so it’s encouraging teens to obtain educational information through mediums they are regularly visiting anyway – popular social networking Web sites like YouTube, My Space, Facebook and Twitter. By creating a presence on Web sites that teens are familiar with and routinely use, the DMV is ensuring that they are getting all the information they need to be successful and skilled drivers. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Tips 
1 Comment »
January 12, 2010
A credit union has reported a new malicious banking application it discovered that apparently is designed to steal online banking account details on Google’s new Android cellphones.
The credit union says the rogue Android application “creates a shell of mobile banking apps that tries to gain access to a consumer’s financial information.”
The malware, developed by “Droid09,” has been removed from the market but the safest best for those that have downloaded it is to remove it from your phone and take it to your mobile provider to ensure it’s completely removed.
Questions or comments? E-mail me at blogger@matadorsmoneymatters.com.
Posted in Alerts & Scams No Comments »
January 11, 2010
I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the “Move Your Money” campaign first started by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post.
Basically, they’re saying that “Too-big-to-fail banks are profiting from bailout dollars and government guarantees, and growing bigger.” And, much like It’s a Wonderful Life, they are urging consumers to move their money from the big banks to smaller community banks. Initially, there was no mention of credit unions. However, after several readers wrote in (myself included) suggesting Huffington steer consumers to credit unions as well, they are now doing just that.
The “Move Your Money” campaign has gained national popularity in such a way that I really wish we could measure how many people actually do move their money to community banks and credit unions. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in General, Tips No Comments »
December 15, 2009
For all you California drivers – the following article from the Department of Motor Vehicles is a good one. Enjoy and please pass on to loved ones.
It is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions in California, increasing one’s risk of a crash by 23 times. It causes an estimated six percent of traffic collisions, resulting in approximately 2,600 deaths and as many as 330,000 injuries a year in the U.S. It’s even more dangerous than drunk driving and driving under the influence of marijuana. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Tips No Comments »
December 7, 2009
I just received a text message from 270-495-0189, saying “customer issue, visa service frozen, please call 270 495 0189.”
Do not text them or call them back! This is a scam. Think about it, does your Visa Credit Card Carrier have your cell phone number? Are you signed up to get text alerts? If you answered no, don’t call.
Please let everyone you can know about this. They will ask you for your credit card number, and probably your social security number. This is a complete phishing scam.
Posted in Alerts & Scams No Comments »
November 10, 2009
The passage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit Extension with the addition of existing home owners being able to participate too has many people asking questions.
Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit.
What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?
The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (long-time resident) as a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Loans, Tips 3 Comments »
November 4, 2009
A few months ago I wrote about advantages for first-time homebuyers. Now there is even more good news, with lowered mortgage rates and home prices still on the low side.
Daily reports of doom and gloom surrounding this housing market seem endless with numerous foreclosures and increased government regulations, making a home purchase seem even more difficult and your dream of home ownership just that, a dream. However, there are ways to improve your chances of purchasing a home utilizing the criteria of lenders to your benefit. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Loans 1 Comment »
October 8, 2009
In the past year or so, we’ve all seen several banks and credit unions failing and either closing their doors completely, or being swept up by a larger financial institution.
A good way to check on your financial institution’s well-being, besides looking at annual reports, is to check their rating on Bauer Financial. Bauer has been analyzing and reporting on the financial condition of the nation’s banking industry since 1983. They analyze bank and credit union’s quarterly financial data, and base their ratings (ZERO is the lowest and 5 is the highest) on factors such as liquidity, delinquencies, and net worth. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Tips No Comments »
September 29, 2009
To thank our members and the community for voting us #1 for the second year in a row, everyone is invited to join the credit union during the month of October, and win!
We’re giving away lots of very cool prizes – including a $500 travel gift certificate – and if you open a new checking account or apply for a loan, we’ll waive the $10 membership fee!
Tell your friends, family and neighbors to check us out and find out why we’re #1…again!
PLUS, join us at our Chatsworth branch on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am to 1pm and you can enter to win an autographed The Simpsons script, signed by Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson!
Go to MatadorsSaysThanks.com for full details!
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
September 11, 2009
Ever since Cash for Clunkers was introduced, car buyers have been in a frenzy turning in their old junkers to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient car. And car manufacturers have been in a frenzy to offer additional perks to car buyers to incent them to buy from them.
In the past year, it’s no secret that GM has had some bad press, what with the government bailout and years of consumer complaints about the poor quality of their cars. Now, they want you back. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments »
