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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
August 2, 2007
/ 18 Menachem-Av, 5767
Advice is free, if you look
By
Vicki Lee Parker
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT)
Would you like some free financial planning advice?
Call your credit union, insurer or bank.
Many of these businesses have financial specialists who help customers set retirement goals, manage assets, consolidate debt and understand basic financial matters - all for free. And it's not just a one-time deal. Some companies will provide free consultation for as long as you like.
"We will work with you anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 years," said Doug E. Robertson, agency owner of Allstate Insurance in Raleigh, N.C.
As competition among financial institutions and insurance companies intensifies, more companies are trying to attract customers by offering free one-on-one financial counseling.
The problem is that few people know these services are available, or they worry that there will be a catch.
"Most people are hesitant to ask for help," said Kirby Parrish, senior vice president at the North Carolina State Employee Credit Union in Raleigh. "They think everyone has got an angle."
Of course, they usually do. Financial institutions want your business - and your money.
If you're the type of person who will feel pressured to buy something or invest money simply because you got some free advice, these consultations probably aren't for you.
Even savvy consumers should be ready to fend off the hard sell. You don't want to get pressured into moving your money into an account or buying an annuity before you have a chance to research it.
If the salesperson turns up the heat, just say you need time to think it over. If you have a hard time telling someone "no" face to face, ask whether a phone consultation is possible.
But if you go in with the right mind-set, the advice can be valuable. You can learn more about financial terms and products, find out about new options and compare information from different companies to determine what's best for you.
Parrish said the State Employee Credit Union, which has about 1.3 million members, has been offering free financial counseling for about two years. In April, it expanded its program to include brokerage services. And the State Employee Credit Union is a nonprofit organization: Its employees are paid the same, no matter what the customer does.
In some cases, you don't have to be a customer to meet with an adviser.
Christine Shaw, a spokeswoman for Wachovia, said people looking for a new bank are encouraged to meet with its financial expert.
On Tuesday, I met for more than an hour with a financial specialist at Robertson's Allstate office. Sure, she told me about products the company offers, but the majority of the conversation dealt with my financial planning needs. I got some great tips, and she gave me other contacts to help me with financial needs that are outside her area of expertise.
To get the most out of these meetings, it's best to go in armed with questions. Chances are you'll find that people are just as serious about helping you improve your finances as they are about selling you something.
"It's obvious that someone would like for you to buy their services," said Janet Fox-Kreielsheimer, a financial consultant and broker with ACH Investment Group of Raleigh, who doesn't charge for an initial consultation.
Fox-Kreielsheimer recommends that people take advantage of as many of these free consultations as possible. "If someone does not indicate that they offer the initial consultation at no charge, you probably don't want to work with them," she said.
To get the most out of your free sessions:
-
Be honest about your financial situation. That's the only way to get honest feedback.
- Don't hold back. Ask as many questions as they will let you. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience.
- Interview the adviser. Ask how long the company has been in business, how advisers are paid, whether they sell their own products and other questions.
- Avoid on-the-spot decisions. If you feel pressured to buy something, walk out.
And remember that sometimes, the best things in life are indeed free.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Vicki Lee Parker is a columnist for The News & Observer. Comment by clicking here.
Previously:
Hire a cleaner who won't clean you out
Teach children smart money tips that will keep them busy all summer long
Warning: Don't trust the ATM
Reasons to beware of We Buy Homes
Too wise to fall for a scam
Untethering cell phone from carrier
Re-check your credit card rewards
Treasure might be buried in medical bills
Tax-time saving tip: Free filing is available
College money is waiting; don't procrastinate
Extended warranties rarely worthwhile
Too busy for tax planning? It'll cost you
© 2007, The News & Observer Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
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