• cellphonesforsoldiers.com - donate cell minutes to soldiers

About three years ago, Clark talked about a brother and sister from Massachusetts who wanted to help our military men and women with their hefty cell phone bills. The soldiers and sailors were spending a ton of money calling back to the States and couldn’t afford to pay their cell phone bills. So, the siblings decided to collect old cell phones and sell them to resale and refurbishing companies. Then, they’d take the money and use it to buy pre-paid minutes for soldiers. What a great idea! And, it’s now available. Check out more at cellphonesforsoldiers.com. In addition, AT&T will soon start a similar program. People can bring their cell phones to AT&T (formerly Cingular) stores and it doesn’t have to be an AT&T or Cingular phone. They will take any old cell phone during this program, which is expected to start in July. Of course, AT&T is hoping you switch plans and sign up for one of its plans while dropping off your phone. But the company is still doing something good for our country, so Clark wanted to mention it.

A market share war is now raging in the auto insurance world. Auto insurers and homeowner’s insurers go through cycles whereby they are either trying to make more money or gain more customers. Right now, companies are lowering costs because they’re trying to get more customers. Progressive Insurance, for example, is cutting rates and other insurers are being forced to reduce their costs to compete. In other words, it’s a great time to shop around for insurance. Prices differ based on the company and on you as a demographic. For instance, your age, gender and driving record all weigh in as well. Another change in the industry involves “concierge services,” whereby companies handle the repair and everything else at their own shop. Progressive, Travelers and Geico all offer a “one-stop-shop” for repairs and service. They also put you in a rental car, and work out the cost. The only downside could be cutting corners on the repair, reports state. So, check out the repair job thoroughly and get exactly what you deserve.

You’ve probably heard about the “Clark Stinks” message board, where people post gripes about Clark and the show. It’s a popular feature on the site and has even been turned into a feature on the show. Christa, Clark’s executive producer, reads some of the postings on the air to give you – and Clark – some of the helpful feedback. Tell us what you think in our latest poll.

Clark wants you to know about a tax change going on in Washington D.C., which will affect upper middle-class and wealthy families. These families will set up a custodial account for the benefit of a son or daughter. These children were subject to paying a punitive tax for that money. At first, it was through age 14. Then it was moved to age 18. Just recently, it was bumped up again to age 24. That means that these people are now adults, possibly living on their own, and still paying this “kiddie tax.” The good news is that there is an out. If you have a child with a custodial account, this year you can sell holdings and you’re only taxed five percent. After January 2008, that tax goes up to 35 percent. So, if your child is 18-23, make sure you talk to an accountant and get this taken care of this year. Get tax advice pronto to ensure you make smart tax moves this year and in future years.

People have become payment buyers in the typical American family. We’ve created one obligation after another with all of the monthly fees we pay and other purchases we make. In the last five years, people have taken on 20 percent more in financial obligations. Life has to be perfect to support these obligations, and we all know that life is not perfect. Make sure you have some financial security in your life and stop taking on obligations.