Double Coupon Grocery Stores In Maryland

I am thinking of getting into coupons and rebates. A coworker told me that she gets a year's supply of toiletries from this and I am starting to get into this!

Went on some websites and was trying to check out this double/triple coupon phenomenon.

Source: http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/double_coupon.html
Has other states!

Maryland
Acme
Food Lion
Giant Foods
Martins (Hagerstown) - offers double coupons& every 2 or 3 months they offer 3 triple coupons in their sales circular (limited to 3 manufacturers coupons per bonus card member)
Metro
Safeway
Shoppers
Superfresh
Weis

A look at Education and Tech Workers in India

India's IT industry has been the talk of the world the last decade and been fueling the tech boom everywhere. It has an amazing growth rate at approximately 25%. However India is facing a shortage in qualified workers to continue the growth.

India produces nearly half a million new engineers every year. But only 100,000 are really ready to do a good job. The graduates are learning very little when it comes to actual application and problem-solving. Classes primarily teach esoteric theory that students cram up. Cramming brings up another issue. Earlier down the pipeline than college, the best students from the best colleges mostly go through cram school where there is sheer rote of memorization and learning for the exams. Very little original thinking or even basic communication skills in writing and speaking are taught. Teamwork never really happens or project oriented thinking.

This is a major issue for India to keep up in the tech sector!!

"The problem is not a shortage of people," said Mohandas Pai, human resources chief for Infosys Technologies, the software giant that built and runs the Mysore campus for its new employees. "It's a shortage of trained people."

"This is really the Achilles heel of the industry," said James Friedman, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group, an investment firm based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., who has studied the issue.

A study commissioned by a trade group, the National Association of Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, found only one in four engineering graduates to be employable. The rest were deficient in the required technical skills, fluency in English or ability to work in a team or deliver basic oral presentations

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/industry/2007-04-06-india-workers_N.htm?csp=34

Illegal Immigration

Normally, I don't like to write about politically charged issues in my blog. However, this issue does intersect the area I most enjoy writing about. Money, jobs, business and the rising costs for Americans.

Per the Heritage Foundation, it is estimated that 1 Billion people around the world would like to live in the USA.

As an auditor who works with a lot of databases, I find that it is fairly easy in at least 50% if not more of the case to detect illegal immigrants by employers who could expend a rudimentary effort. Fake Social Security Numbers are used and can be detected with the assistance of the social security administration for all business.

It has been estimated that the true cost of illegal immigrants even after amnesty is high. Why? Low-skilled individuals, legal or illegal, cost the government much more than they pay in taxes, Uncle Sam would be out-of-pocket $70 billion a year.

Heritage calculates that the average household of a high school dropout pays about $9,600 in taxes, including payroll, sales, excise, possibly income (often offset by the Earned Income Tax Credit), property, etc. That same household receives about $32,000 a year in government services. These include Social Security, Medicare, education, welfare, highways, police and fire protection, etc. The net cost to society for each low income and low skilled individual can be reasonably estimated from these figures to be $22,000 cost to society!!!

Additionally, these immigrants are being really exploited by the businesses who hire them. The Southern Poverty Law Center struck a blow at existing guest-worker programs, and perhaps Mr. Bush's proposal, with a detailed report concluding that guest workers are "close to slavery." They are paid little, routinely cheated out of wages, forced to live in squalid conditions, and held virtually captive by employers who seize their documents. It's an "untenable situation ... not morally acceptable," says Mary Bauer, author of the report.

Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0319/p16s01-cogn.html?page=2

Know your neighborhood and MONITOR IT

When I first relocated to Cockeysville, MD - I wanted to know more about it. At that time I was considering the various suburbs of Baltimore.

1. First I looked at Crime - The following Website was invaluable for this. http://www.relocationessentials.com/aff/www/tools/crime/crime.aspx

2. I then wanted to do a general community research. http://www.relocationessentials.com/CommunityResearch.aspx The things to look for was the school report card, salary analyzer, community comparison..etc.

3. Next I wanted general comparisons to the best place to live. CNN Money Magazine does that well with plenty of detail from crime, demographics, income, education, health, etc... http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/ Enter your zip code and check it out!

4. Summary information for a quick comparison is also possible - lot less detail than CNN Money's. http://www.bestplaces.net/zip-code/

• Population Growth Rate 7.9%


• Median House Cost $480,100 & Home Appreciation 19.40%


• Cost of Living - 25.17% Higher than the U.S. average


• Public School expenditure per student - 6,588 per student


• Unemployment Rates - 4.3%

CellPhone Contract trading!!!

Okay my husband has a cell phone contract with Sprint. Nothing personal against the company but I always was amused at the fact that when I lived at Kansas City (Sprint HQ city), lot of Sprint employees couldn't get decent cell signal. Lot's of blackout points..etc.

My husband also has a problem whenever he is at his parents house in a major metro area. No cell signal. So what's a person to do if they move around and get locked into a contract with bad cell signal?

One option might be to go to celltradeusa.com - this is a web site where they can sell their cellphone contract to someone else. People end up bidding on these contracts and phone.

Why would this service be popular? Early termination fees are high = $200 wowsers!!

Retail Healthcare Alternative to Traditional Doc's office

Okay. I am all for competition in any form. Especially in the exorbitantly expensive medical side.
I am also for efficiency and efficacy - somethings that seems to be laughable concepts in healthcare. So I am delighted to say I am quite pleased to see some competition given by in-store retail health clinics in places like Target, Walmart, now. All the drugstores have a health clinic associated.

Source: Reuters "Health insurers have embraced the concept because the clinics promise considerable savings. While a typical doctor visit for a basic illness costs an insurer about $110, a visit to one of the clinics usually costs under $60. In addition, the clinic services are far cheaper than the emergency room, which is where patients often wind up when they need medical care outside business hours. (A strep throat test at the emergency room can cost over $300.) Some insurers are actively encouraging patients to use the clinics by lowering the co-pay. In Minnesota, companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Graco Inc., have reduced or eliminated co-pays for employees who opt to use a MinuteClinic instead of a doctor. Take Care has deals in place with several insurers in Portland."

It is very convenient as these clinics are open weekend and evening hours - usually as long as the store pharmacies are open. Additionally no need for advance appointments and wait time is pretty short. Fore example - In Baltimore, at least 4 Targets are also overseen by GBMC Hospital physicians. If there is more required, these clinics give physician referrels..but for the average sore throat, stomach ache, and other preventative/medical primary care needs I really liked it.

Source: Reuters April 12, 2007 "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is forecasting more than 6,600 in-store medical clinics will open their doors in the next five years in retailers nationwide, a company official said on Thursday.

I am really excited as this will give doctors the run for the money and alleviate the primary care shortage. Currently Wal-Mart has only 75 clinics open nationwide but customer appetite is eager for this. Hence more clinics will be rolled out. So here are some sample services. These retailers partner with other organizations to get there services below:

Sample Services

Diagnostic Tests

• Albumin
• Blood type
• BUN
• Calcium
• CBC
• Cholesterol Profiles
• CMP
• Creatinine
• Diabetic blood tests
• Drug Screens (Urine)
• H. Pylori
• Hemoglobin A1C
• HIV
• Liver Profile
• Lyme Disease Titer
• Potassium (Serum)
• PSA
• Pregnancy test (Serum)
• Pregnancy tests (Urine)
• Sodium (Serum)
• TSH

Immunizations & Vaccinations

• Flu Vaccine
• Pneumonia
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B

Physicals

• School/College Sports
• DOT Physicals
• Sports/Camp Physicals

Illness & Disease Management

• Acne
• Athletes Foot
• Allergies
• Bladder Infection
• Bronchitis
• Colds
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dysuria (Painful Urination)
• Ear Pain
• Flu
• Insomnia
• Jock Itch
• Laryngitis
• Mono
• Nail Fungus
• Nausea
• Pink Eye
• Skin Rashes
• Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
• Sore Throat (Strep)
• Styes and Chalazia
• Warts

Prevention

• Depression Screening
• Nutritional Counseling
• Memory Loss Screening
• Sleep Hygiene
• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Loss / Weight Management

Service Providers/Retailers:

MinuteClinic / Target

InterFit Health / Walmart

MinuteClinic /CVS

Take Care / Walgreens

First Class Reading material for Free

Okay. I am huge proponent of Free Magazines that offer quality reading! Airlines have some really good ones that actually can help you become more erudite, refined, and seem like a natural member of the educated jet-set crowd.I think this makes you a more cosmopolitan and globally aware person.

So next time you amble next to a prominent politician or anyone else in first class (should you get upgraded from cattle class (economy)) - you will definitely seem like a pro at this rather than a newbie. This is what they are reading too as they wait in their first class lounges.You can have the same exposure without the high price tag and become a discerning sophisticate who understands finesse, taste, and can make a crowd intrigued with your intelligent bon mots on any topic!
_____________________________________

1. A calendar of events, business and travel articles, and destinations off the beaten path are a few of the online offerings of Delta's in flight magazine Delta Sky.

2. Air Canada's offering is EnRoute making a few of their magazine's feature articles online along with an archive of past features and movie and audio entertainment information.

3. Alaska Airlines/Horizons Air gives the online reader access to its cover feature, and cover features of past cover features.

4. American Airlines magazine, American Way offers virtually the entire magazine online. Route maps, lifestyle articles, travel features - even the crossword puzzle is offered online!

5. US Airways Magazine Current articles. City Profiles, Real Estate, Business, Gadget Reviews, Food Reviews, Tip/Tricks, Biographies..This is a great magazine to read! Lots of trivia and general knowledge learnt.

6. Hemispheres, the in flight magazine of United Airlines seems to be fully available to Internet users. There are lots of fun and interesting travel facts, an online version of its crossword puzzle, and gourmet themed articles among the many offerings provided for its online readers.

7. Hana Hou! the in flight magazine of Hawaiian Airlines gives the online reader lots of advice as to their "best of" the Hawaiian Islands. Feature articles from present and past issues are also available for reading.

8. Southwest Airlines Spirit does not have enough readily available articles or other features. However, you can read various articles sometimes. The feature stories are often varied and they also have some interesting fiction features. Being a budget airline, I think the website reflects the readership expectations. However, I would not look down my nose at a possible venue for interesting information! Knowledge is power - however low-budget the learning.

9. SkyWest Magazine Small publication of SkyWest Airlines. This magazine highlights little known places and resorts in the U.S. This is for the discerning reader that wants to find out information about the diamond in the rough or the places where the truly sophisticated go to.

10. SN Brussels The in-flight title for Brussels Airlines. Pretty good articles for a small Euro magazine. It has world-class photography, bios, business articles, reviews on spas/cities/etc., not many articles but the few that are there are interesting and may not be learnt of any other way.

11. Tiger Tales A quarterly magazine for the Asian market, read by the passengers of Tiger Airways. Lots of information and coverage from Saigon, Vietnam to Bankgok, Thailand. I would definitely recommending this to stay abreast of some cool information on Southeast Asia. Great for General Knowledge as well as the best spas, restaurants, and also random real estate investment ideas. (:

12. Velocity The in-flight magazine of VLM Airlines. Designed to appeal to the modern business traveller, the magazine casts a slick, stylish eye over the latest in entertainment, business, motoring, sport and a host of other contemporary subjects.

13. WorldTraveler The magazine of Northwest Airlines. Does not have more than 10 major reads per issue they put out. But they have some interesting coverage of 1 international, 1 domestic U.S. city, and another cover story/profile, etc... Additionally, they have an education, money, and medical section reflecting the broad customer base of the airline.

14. WizzIt The in-flight magazine of Wizz Air. Primarily has reviews of European cities, spas, etc. Also has an occasional real estate magazine. Primary topic is European travel and reviews.

15. The Australian Way The in flight magazine of QANTAS. Reflecting the Australian psyche has articles on adventure travel, sports, food, wine, games....etc.

16. Bradmans A business travel guide distributed through major airlines on selected flights and in first and business class lounges. Four editions cover Europe, North America, Asia, and The Middle East.

17. easyJet In-Flight Read the on-line version of the easyJet in-flight magazine has features, business, and real estate articles. Features deal with style, health, bargains, and information on different regions. Even some trivia, sports, profiles, etc..

18. Fah Thai A a bi-monthly magazine for the passengers of Bangkok Airways. Some interesting articles..but mainly only for people intrigued with that region. Not very global oriented magazine.

19. go Magazine AirTran Airways in-flight magazine. Interesting features on tech. gadgets, business, property, book reviews, sports, beauty tips, all around interesting ideas, quizzes, etc...

20. Impressions Carried on BMED (operating as British Airways) flights from London Heathrow Terminal 4 to Ethiopia, Kazakstan, etc...as well in Business Class lounges of destinations. The features in this magazine are quite interesting for information on Central Asia and former Soviet Republics. Cultural, business, and other articles.Impressions Magazine is a contemporary high calibre quarterly publication that caters for the modern traveller. Impressions is one of the few in flight magazines with dedicated features and information on every destination. Readers are local and international. business and leisure travellers with a high disposable income and sophisticated lifestyle.

Deals better than Ebay at Property Room

All right I never thought I would find a more intriguing site than E-Bay.

I have found it now. http://www.propertyroom.com

This website has really made it easier to get a bargain now on property seized by police departments in US. Real estate for $100 to cheap high-end jewelry and watches.
Earlier one had to go to warehouses and go through musty boxes. Now police can be put up nationally now.

This website has verified the authenticity and repair items like Rolex's etc.

This website has electronics, computers, jewelry, and even things like athletci wear adn real estate. (:

Enjoy. This stuff moves fairly quickly!

Citizenship and green card fees going up up up!!! So file now!

US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced its long-awaited, and much-dreaded, schedule of fee increases recently!

As of July 30, when the fee hikes go into effect, it will cost an individual $675 to file a citizenship application. The current fee is $400.

The increases are expected to raise an extra $1 billion for the Citizenship and Immigration Services Department, which processes 6 million to 8 million applications each year, including those from immigrants seeking citizenship, legal permanent residency, or green cards; work authorizations; asylum petitions; and US citizen petitions to bring fiancées or adopted children into the country.

What about green cards??? Even more expensive!

The cost to start the green card process, the first step in attaining citizenship, will increase from $325 to $1,100.

Deed of Trust Mortgages in 34 states impact fast foreclosures

Source: CNN Money -http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/19/real_estate/foreclosure_by_the_state/index.htm?postversion=2007072012

1. There are two types of mortgages law and paperwork you can have. It impacts on whether a lender needs to go to court to secure a foreclosure against you or not.

The two types are:

A. Conventional Mortgage
B. Deed of Trust

The Deed of Trust is most common and is used in 34 states primarily because for lenders it is quick and they don't have to go to court.

What's the difference?

The difference is this: Mortgages involve two parties, borrowers and lenders, while deeds of trust have third parties, called trustees, who hold temporary title to the properties until borrowers pay off their loans.

So okay, now it is easy to foreclose on your house without courts....how long do you as the homeowner have?

Well in Alabama 30 days, California 120 days, and in New York over a year...get the idea. It is state by state?

So how do you know what your state's policy is? see how long it generally takes in your home state, go to Foreclosures.com and click on a state!!!

I did that for Maryland where I am currently residing..and it's 90 days!!! yipes.