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Have you heard of caller ID spoofing? People are able to make false numbers come up on your caller ID machine, fooling you into answering, according to Knight-Ridder. The equipment to do this costs very little money and it’s very easy to set up. Then, once you answer, they’ve got you on the phone and will try to sell you things. These spoof devices were available for law enforcement organizations only at first. But now the software is available on the Web for anyone. So, the number you see may not be the number calling. Beware!

Is it a smart idea to buy a condo, home or townhouse in a “new urbanist community?” These are the hottest real estate concepts in the country, with a “Main Street” look and immaculate appearances. In addition to being convenient and cool, they are also safe. And they’re appearing everywhere, especially in the South and West. With these areas, it’s no longer a risky urban life or a dull suburban life. Some have said that they look sterile or fake, but Clark has been to these “live, work, play” centers and he thinks they are really neat. In terms of real estate, it might be a good idea to rent for a while in one of these places.

How would you like to have a company with your name on it that is known for its bad customer service and shoddy business practices? That happened to Charles Schwab not too long ago. But he’s changed his image for the better once again. Schwab revolutionized the stock buying system as we know it today. But several years ago, the company came under different leadership and started charging mean-spirited junk fees. Its reputation tanked and Schwab’s name suffered. He came out of retirement and did away with the fees. He also started treating customers the way they should be treated again and now Schwab is turning a huge profit. The two go hand in hand, and more companies – like Home Depot – should remember that.

Coming soon!

Have you heard of pill splitting? It’s a simple technique that is saving people tons on health care costs. It’s been seen as an underground kind of practice and some health care folks claim it’s unsafe. But that’s not true. Now United Health is offering patients the choice of having pills cut in half when they fill a prescription. If a patient is willing to do that, the prescription costs half as much. Previously, people had to get double the dose and split the pills themselves. There are actually pill splitting tools out there. But now, insurance companies are getting on board with this idea. If you have to pay for medicines out of pocket, ask your doctor if it’s available. It won’t work for every medication and specifically for tablets, but United Health now offers 16 prescriptions that are split in half and cost half as much.