Posted February 5th 2012

From dealing with the sales guy to choosing lapels—everything you need to know about buying the perfect suit.

1. Beware of the sales guy

He’ll tell you whatever you want to hear—that everything looks great on you, that the store’s tailor can fix any suit. And you can almost be guaranteed his sense of style will be different from yours. For all these reasons, you need to know as much as possible about how a suit should fit and what kind of suit you’re looking for before you walk through the door. Remember, you’re the boss, not him.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GC COMPLETE GUIDE ON BUYING A SUIT

By Katherine Gray

Posted November 11th 2011

If you’re one of the 4 million people who picked up a new Apple iPhone 4S during its first weekend, or if you’re waiting eagerly for the next Android smartphone, you probably have an old phone that has suddenly become obsolete for you. That’s an expensive piece of technology to dump in a landfill, though! Thankfully, there are several different ways you can get rid of your old smartphone and even make a little money in the process.
Apple Reuse and Recycling program
Apple has its own buy-back program for its gadgets, called the Reuse and Recycling Program. The program asks detailed questions about your old tech, including whether it’s been engraved, if the battery charges completely, if there are scratches or scuffs, and whether it’s had water damage. You can’t get cash through Apple’s buy-back program, but you can get Apple gift cards, so you can continue your Apple addiction. Apple will even provide shipping materials and a free shipping label, so all you have to do is put it in the box and drop it in the mail.

Assuming your device has no scratches or damage, a black 16GB iPhone 3GS is worth $105 through Apple’s Reuse and Recycling program. A newer 32 GB iPhone 4 will net you $200. The offer drops to $140 for an iPhone 4 with “light to moderate scratches or scuffs.” The online form asks if you’ve included the power cord, though it doesn’t seem to affect the buy-back offer if you say no.
Swappa your Android
Looking for somewhere more Android-specific? Swappa is a place to buy and sell gently used Android devices. You have to log in with either Facebook or an OpenID such as your Google account, and then you can list your phone and provide details such as its condition and whether or not it’s rooted and has CyanogenMod installed. Swappa requires that your device be fully functional and free of water damage and screen cracks.

It’s free to list your phone on Swappa; there’s a small fee included in the price that the buyer pays, which supports the site. Rather than selling your phone to a company, you’re actually selling it to another Android user, so Swappa acts as an intermediary, much like eBay or Craigslist. You’re responsible for packaging and sending your phone to the buyer, after you receive payment through PayPal. Unlike selling your phone to a company like Apple or those listed below, you aren’t guaranteed to actually sell your device on Swappa – but if you do, you’ll likely make more than you might on another site. Currently, HTC Sensation 4G phones are selling for $300-$470, and Motorola Droid X phones are going for $150-$260.

NextWorth
One of the most popular places to sell your old technology, NextWorth buys all sorts of gadgets, from phones to game consoles to calculators. The web interface is very easy and intuitive to use – just find your item, answer a few quick questions about its condition, and get a quote. If you accept the quote, you can print off a prepaid shipping label, and then you have 21 days to send your item to NextWorth, after which you’ll receive your payment.

Currently, NextWorth is offering $200 for a black 32GB iPhone 4 in good condition or $115 for a black iPhone 3GS. The HTC Sensation 4G sells for $145, and the Motorola Droid X is going for $86.57. You can choose to receive payment via PayPal, Target gift card, or a paper check mailed to your home.

Gazelle
Gazelle is another well-known electronics buy-back site that purchases used electronics of all sorts. Items that are still useful are resold, and those that aren’t are recycled (which means that even if your phone is broken, Gazelle will still buy it).

Currently, Gazelle will give you $110 for your 16GB iPhone 3GS, $162 for a 32GB iPhone 4, $97 for a Motorola Droid X2, and $195 for a HTC Sensation 4G. Payment is made by Amazon gift card, paper check, or PayPal.

Wipe it clean
If you’re like most smartphone users, your phone was packed full of personal information. Your contacts list, photos, email information – all of the things that make smartphones so helpful can also be used for nefarious purposes in the wrong hands. So before you send your old smartphone off to wherever you’ve decided to sell it, you need to wipe the memory clean and return it to its pristine, like-new state. It’s pretty easy to do.

1. First things first: Back up your old data! Make sure you get all your pictures, phone numbers, and other important information off your phone before you delete it forever.
2. Most Android phones come with a microSD card that stores your data. If you’re keeping the microSD card from the old phone to use in the new, just pop it out and you’re done. If you’ll be erasing it to leave it for the next user, you can reformat it by going to the settings menu, tapping Storage, and selecting Format SD Card.
3. Resetting the phone works similarly for both Android phones and iPhones. On an Android phone, find the main system settings page, go to Privacy, and tap “Factory data reset.” Once you’ve confirmed that you really want to do this, the phone will reset to the original state in which it rolled out of the factory. On an iPhone, at the very bottom of the General Settings menu, you’ll find a Reset button. You can choose various options, but if you’re prepping your phone to sell, you’ll want to choose Reset All Settings; if you’re running an older OS, this might be called Erase All Content and Settings. You’ll have to enter your password and confirm that you really want to do this, and voilà. Note that it might take up to two hours for all data to be completely erased from your phone.
4. Remove the SIM card. Some phones also have a SIM card that stores personal account data; check your phone’s manual to see if yours does have such a card and how to remove it.

Seller beware
Whatever you choose to do with your old phone, make sure you know exactly what to expect. Research the company you choose, and know what your responsibilities are and what the company will give you in return. If you’re careful (and with a bit of luck), you can nearly finance the entire cost of your shiny new phone by selling your old one!

Posted July 9th 2011

(PHOTO: BISOUX RESTAURANT LAGUARDIA  AIRPORT NEW YORK)

Travel Alert: Best Airport Food Across the U.S.

Sluggishly slow ticketing lines, airport security…and a great meal? Food & Wine‘s ultimate airport dining survival guide features the best places to eat and drink in airports around the country, from Carolina-style barbecue in Charlotte and fresh sushi in San Francisco, to the culinary juggernaut that is Terminal 5 in NYC’s JFK airport (a brasserie, a tapas joint and yakitori).

CLICK HERE FOR BEST AIRPORT FOOD IN US

By Rosa Golijan

Posted April 15th 2011

Remember that old social networking site called MySpace? Turns out that it still exists — for now anyway.

ZDNet reports that statistics gathered up by Internet data tracking site comScore are showing that MySpace is quickly dying. In March 2011 alone, the social network lost 10 million users — and that’s following abandonment by over 50 million people in the prior year.

According to the Telegraph, this means that MySpace is left with about 63 million users. To put that number into perspective, consider that Facebook has more than 600 million active users right now and MySpace had about 180 million during its height in 2007.

These statistics, the pattern of user loss, and various reports of job cuts are fueling speculation that MySpace might not make it through this year.

We’ll see what happens, but for now we’re not exactly bothering to pretty up our old MySpace profiles in hopes that they’ll have a purpose again.

By Kat Consador, EHow Contributor

Posted January 21st 2011

Some men forgo fashion when it comes to cold weather survival. Looking good while bundling up can be an arduous task. Avoid a fashion faux pas by planning a basic winter wardrobe that fits all your cold weather needs. A classic closet will keep you warm and looking good throughout the frigid months, letting you develop a sharp sense of style during the chilliest season of the year.

Jackets and Coats

1. Own a waterproof jacket to face snow, sleet or rain. Esquire recommends that if you’re chopping lumber or simply need to free up your arms on a sunny day, opt for a thick down-filled vest.According to GQ, only wear a parka with a suit if it’s a neutral color and if it’s longer than the suit jacket itself. Otherwise, Esquire recommends a wool topcoat to be worn with a suit, especially after 6 p.m. Many labels make wool topcoats with removable insulated vests. Wear them together or apart; it’s a three-in-one deal.
   

   Clothes

2. Have long johns to insulate your body heat, especially if you live in a location where the temperature truly dips.Basic tops to own are a cotton button-down, cardigan and turtleneck.

   According to AskMen.com, owning classic pants to mix and match is key for winter style. You’ll need a pair of straight-leg pants, preferably a wool blend. Five-pocket pants are a dressier option than jeans. Of course, own a pair of jeans in dark blue for the winter season. Find a pair of corduroys as another casual option, in black, brown or camel.

   Shoes and Accessories

3. Own a classic winter hat in black or gray. Find a lined fisherman hat for a warm and stylish look. You can also opt for a classic knit scull cap or tweed newsboy hat. Some men look polished and refined in luxury leather and fur hats—just don’t go overboard or you’ll look like Daniel Boone.A cotton, wool or fleece scarf will keep you extra warm. When wearing accessories, make sure that shades match. Black and gray are the best options and are easy to match.

   Keep hands warm with black leather gloves. They’re versatile and don’t get dirty fast.

   According to GQ, boots look great with a suit, as long as you’re wearing the right kind of boots. Look for dark, military-inspired boots to be worn with a slim and modern suit. Save those rugged Timberlands for your jeans.

Posted December 201th 2010

Is your computer running very slooooow? You may feel like you’ve tried everything to make it run faster, including changing your browser settings, removing spyware or defragging the hard disk. Whether you’re using Windows XP or Windows 7, here are some simple tweaks and changes you may not have tried that can make your system not only more efficient, but also run faster.

Microsoft Windows 7
1. Buy More RAM
Add RAM (memory) to increase performance. For prices that range from $40 to $200, you can purchase RAM that is installed internally in the computer. The more RAM you get, the pricier it is. Get it from any store that sells computers or search online using the term “memory upgrades.” If you’re a 32-bit user, aim for a total of 3GB, while 64-bit users can go as high as 4GB to 6GB total. Want instructions on how to install it? Search using this phrase: “How to install RAM.”

2. Use Windows ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost, which comes bundled with Windows 7, allows you to use fast memory drives/cards for a high-speed system cache that will boost performance without adding any additional physical RAM. Although this is no substitute for adding more memory to your system, ReadyBoost-compatible devices have much faster read and write access times than hard disks, so they provide speedy buffers for random I/O operations.

3. Install the Correct Version of Windows 7
If you have a high-end PC with more than 3GB of RAM, use the 64-bit version of Windows. The 32-bit hardware/software doesn’t use all the memory, so you could be wasting the potential of your RAM.

4. Keep Your System Drivers Updated
By updating the main system drivers, which include the graphics card, chipset, audio and more, you’ll get the most from any performance enhancements and bug fixes. Periodic driver updates will be provided automatically through a Windows 7 update.

5. Disable Unwanted Startup Applications
Most computers are packed with small utilities and unneeded software that are attached to the startup list. Many (but not all) are fairly useless and just slow your system down. Run “msconfig” and view the startup tab to view and change your startup list. You should be able to disable startup entries by uninstalling or configuring the software correctly.
(Source: The Windows 7 Forums)

Microsoft Windows XP

1. Buy More RAM
If your PC has less than 512MB of RAM, add more. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to upgrade and dramatically improve system performance. Installed internally in your computer, it should cost less than $100. You can buy additional RAM from any store that sells computers or search online using the term “memory upgrades.” For instructions on how to install it, search using this phrase: “How to install RAM.”

2. Use the NTFS File System
The New Technology File System (NTFS) is the standard file system of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It supersedes the FAT32 file system as the preferred file system for Windows. NTFS, unlike FAT32, provides far better security, better hard disk space usage, efficiency and reliability.

To test whether Windows XP is utilizing the NTFS file system, do the following:
• Double-click the My Computer icon.
• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.
• Examine the File System type. If it says FAT32, then back-up any important data. (Repeat: Back-up important data before you move to the next step!)
• Click Start, click Run, type CMD and then click OK.
• At the prompt, type CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS and press the Enter key.

NOTE: This can be a long process, and it must be allowed to run uninterrupted. Before you run it, make sure the computer is virus-free.

WARNING: This is not for the timid. Doing this erases all your existing data, including your programs and personal files. That is why you must backup everything before you begin so you can restore your data from a backup and reinstall your operating system and programs. For more information from Microsoft, click here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307881

3. Disable File Indexing
File indexing works by extracting information from documents and other files on your hard drive and creating a “searchable keyword index.” This can really slow down your system. If you never use this search feature, disable it by doing the following:

• Double-click the My Computer icon.
• Right-click on the C: Drive and select Properties.
• Uncheck “Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching.”
• Apply changes to “C: subfolders and files” and click OK.
• If a warning or error message appears, such as “Access is denied,” click the Ignore All button.
• Because it has to apply the changes to all folders and files, this can take a while to complete. Plan to let it run overnight.

4. Remove Spyware
Spyware is insidious, hiding in your system and potentially wreaking havoc — or at the very least slowing things down. You can use a program like BetterGuard to remove spyware, malware and Trojans. In addition, McAfee security software, which is included at no extra charge with a paid AOL membership, includes spyware removal. Any spyware that either program finds can be safely removed from your computer.

5. Run a Disk Cleanup
On the first day of every month, run a disk cleanup by doing the following:
• Double-click the My Computer icon.
• Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties.
• Click the Disk Cleanup button, which is located to the right of the Capacity pie graph.
• Delete all temporary files.

By Jean Chatzky

Posted December 11th 2010

Sometime this month — sooner, rather than later — you need to take a break from all of the holiday hoopla and focus on maximizing your tax position for 2010. Making just a few small moves before Dec. 31 could benefit you big time come April 15. It won’t take long, and it will be relatively painless, I promise.

1. Max Out Your Retirement Account

Or at least get as close as you can. You can stash $16,500 in your 401(k) this year, and $5,000 in your IRA (if you’re 50 or older, you get an extra $5,500 for the 401(k) and an extra $1,000 for the IRA). The 401(k) has to be funded by Dec. 31, but you have until April 15 of next year to fund your IRA. There is a lot of uncertainty about tax rates — most people think rates will go up over the next few years– but saving for retirement is one move that always makes sense.

2. Give to Charity

There are countless coat, food, and toy drives going on right now. I saw Salvation Army bell ringers out for the first time this weekend. If you have some cash to spare, or a closet to clean out, now is the time to do it if you want to take a deduction this year. Just be sure to get a receipt, and make sure it specifies the who, what and when, says Bob Meighan, a CPA and VP at TurboTax (INTU). “You need a record of which charity you gave to, what the date was, and if you gave items, a description of what they were.” There are some other rules you need to know, as well: If you donate an item worth more than $5,000, you need to get an appraisal. And if all of your non-cash contributions total more than $500, you have to attach IRS Form 8283 to your return.

What you’re deducting is the fair market value of the item — in other words, what you would get if you sold it. If you’re not sure what your donation is worth, it pays to run some numbers. The Salvation Army has a good list of the fair market value of common items, or you can use a program like TurboTax’s ItsDeductible. “Surprisingly, most people underestimate the value of these items, and take a smaller deduction than what they’re entitled to. You want to make sure you get the maximum deductible possible,” says Meighan

Finally, if you don’t have money or items to donate this year, volunteer your time. Charities tend to need a bit more help during the holidays, and you can deduct mileage if you drive back and forth. This year, the rate is set at 14 cents a mile. It doesn’t seem like much, but ask anyone who drives a lot for work and gets reimbursed — it adds up fast.

3. Look for Credits

Deductions aren’t much help if you don’t itemize. But credits are: A credit actually lowers your tax bill dollar for dollar, while a deduction lowers your taxable income. One thing you can do now, says Meighan, is take advantage of energy credits, some of which are set to expire at the end of this year. If you make energy-efficient home improvements — things like new windows and doors, insulation, metal and asphalt roofs or central air conditioners — on your principal residence, you can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the total amount spent on the home, up to $1,500. Note that these things must be “placed in service” before December 31 — not just purchased, but installed and available for use.

4. Sell Losing Stocks

Pushing your losers out the door allows you to claim a loss of up to $3,000 in any year, according to Meighan. If you have more than that, you can take $3,000 this year, and roll any excess into next year’s return.

5. Plan Ahead

If you’re a higher earner — with an income over $250,000 for families or $200,000 if you’re single — you should have your eye on Congress, says Meighan, and you should already be positioning yourself to make a move if they decide to act prior to the end of the year. That means identifying ways to accelerate income into 2010 and defer deductions into 2011. If you’re not sure where you stand, I’d meet with an accountant now to get a grasp on what you can do to improve your situation, if the need arises.

What Works Now: Smart Moves When Buying A Home!

Posted November 15th 2010

• The type of area: Is it part of a development? Or is it stand alone acreage?
• The recent sales prices of comparable homes located nearby
• The average sales time of this type of property in that area
• The proximity to desirable schools and public facilities

This information can be found by various sources — from driving down the street and observing the surroundings, to gathering information at the local tax assessor’s office and county courthouses, through MLSs (multiple listing services), by conducting interviews and more.

It’s a lot to consider, so you can see how having experience valuating properties within a given neighborhood is critical to arriving at an accurate appraisal.

But what about the property itself?

The appraiser will tour the home as a potential buyer would tour the home. Clean, updated, well-maintained homes will appeal more to buyers – and chances are, they’ll appeal more to the appraiser as well.

First impressions aside, for his analysis the appraiser will generally consider only permanent fixtures and real property — that is, property that’s permanently dug into, or set upon, land. So, a building is real property — a couch is not. Added touches, like sconces or other added fixtures, are nice but do not count toward the appraiser’s assessment.

After taking stock of the real property, the appraiser estimates the square footage of the home. Typically, the more space in a home, the better. GLA, or gross living area, is calculated by measuring the exterior of the home. The appraiser will note the GLA and then will look to calculate actual living area space. So that means he deducts the measurements of non-living areas, such as garages or covered porches. (Although, surprisingly, finished basements are calculated separately from the above-ground GLA.)

All said and done, depending on the size of the property, an appraisal should take anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours.

But don’t ask the appraiser for the value of the property while he’s still there – he won’t have it yet. After the walk-through, it’s back to the office for some number crunching. Buyers (and lenders) can typically expect a report within a few business days.

And who pays for the appraisal? Although the Lender arranges for the Appraisal, the buyer pays the bill. For an average home, that’s usually around $300 to $500.

Want to know more? Check out our next installment on selling your home, Inside the Mind of an Appraiser.

Tami Luhby, senior writer

The jobless may not be getting much help from President Obama’s loan modification program, but those in Pennsylvania have another place to turn.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers the jobless and those suffering financial hardship loans of up to $60,000 for as long as three years to cover their monthly payments or take care of their arrears. Created in 1983, the program boasts an 80% success rate in preventing foreclosures.

“If you allow people some time to find a job, they can keep their home, which saves their family, their neighborhood and their communities,” said Brian Hudson, the agency’s executive director.

The emergency mortgage assistance program, which is funded by the state and borrowers’ repayments, has come into the spotlight in recent weeks as the president searches for a way to help the unemployed stay in their homes.

The administration late last month announced a $1.5 billion initiative that gives money to the states hardest hit by the mortgage crisis: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada. The effort calls for the states’ housing authorities to assist the jobless and those who are underwater — meaning they owe far more than their homes are worth.

Already, officials in Nevada, California and Florida have been in touch with Hudson to learn how to replicate Pennsylvania’s program, which has distributed $450 million on behalf of 43,000 homeowners since inception. Similar efforts also exist in Delaware, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

Here’s how the Pennsylvania program works: Housing counselors send the agency applications of those suffering temporary hardships beyond their control, Hudson said. Those approved could have their arrears wiped out, their monthly mortgage obligation covered, or both.

Hudson attributes the program’s success to a careful inspection of applicants’ financial backgrounds, which are reviewed annually. Those who’ve racked up credit cards debts are not likely to gain approval, for instance. Those likely to land a job within a few months or years are.

“You must have a reasonable prospect of resuming full payments within 36 months and of paying the mortgage in full,” Hudson said.

Loan payments are made directly to the servicers and a lien is placed on the property. The aid is repaid at a 5.25% interest rate over 10 years on average, though the borrower’s financial circumstances are taken into account.

For Erin and Robert Smith, the loan program helped them keep a roof over the heads of their three children. The Harrisburg, Pa. couple had no problem handling the $2,000 monthly payment on their home … until they lost their jobs in 2008.

Their loan servicer refused to help them, instead sending them a foreclosure notice. But the Pennsylvania agency stepped in, giving them a $30,000 loan to cover their arrears and real estate taxes.

“All we needed was a break,” said Erin Smith, 33. “We knew once we found employment, we could start making those payments.”

The Smiths are among the 3,250 homeowners that the housing agency’s mortgage assistance program saved from foreclosure last year. A record 14,000 homeowners applied for help in 2009, up from 10,000 in most years.

“Not too many mortgage companies say we’ll only take a small payment until you get back on your feet,” said Linda Harvan, a foreclosure intervention counselor with Action Housing in Pittsburgh.

Such loan programs are not that easy to administer, however. Fannie Mae unveiled a similar program, HomeSaver Advance, in 2008 to help those suffering temporary financial hardships. It provided unsecured loans of up to $15,000 that borrowers could use to clear their arrears.

But the program was effectively discontinued within a year after redefault rates soared to nearly 70%. By August 2009, HomeSaver Advance accounted for only 3% of Fannie Mae’s foreclosure prevention actions, down from 42% a year earlier.

Awilda Mercado is thankful that the emergency loan program in Pennsylvania continues to serve the state’s residents. In 2008 she lost her factory position and her husband had an on-the-job accident that left him unable to work. To help her stay in her York, Penn., home, the agency took care of her arrears of $7,386 and paid four months of her mortgage.

Now that she’s receiving unemployment and her husband is on disability, the Mercados have been able to resume their mortgage payments. They also are reimbursing the housing agency, often sending in more than the $25 minimum payment.

“They helped me not only save my home, but got me back on my feet,” said Mercado, 52, who has three grown children.

By Karen Datko

Posted February 8th 2010