I filed my taxes with TurboTax. Do I need to mail in anything?
April 18th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q. I filed my taxes with TurboTax. Do I need to mail in anything?
A. First of all, pat yourself on the back! You filed your taxes by the deadline (today), so your question about TurboTax is timely. Luckily, you chose the service that is easiest to use and has the best online deduction-finder tools, so TurboTax would have let you know very clearly whether you needed to mail anything to anyone. You most likely don't have to anyway at this point, since your official forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) should have been furnished to the IRS some time ago. Just make sure to keep copies of your tax documents for at least three years in case of an audit.
Does the Norton Online Backup back up your Microsoft Word and Excel files?
April 15th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Does Norton Online Backup back up your Microsoft Word and Excel files?
A: Yes, in fact those are just the kinds of files that Norton Online Backup is made to back up. Of course, it will take just about any file you throw at it, including photos and music. The only files it's not built to back up are programs. They're just too large, and restoring a program is always best done from the original install files.
For more information on online backup services, check out our reviews.
Does the bank get a different "credit score" than what's reported on credit monitoring websites? If not, how do we dispute this discrepancy?
April 15th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha
Q: We recently applied for a car loan from a bank and were told that our credit scores were much lower than what we see online at freecreditreport.com. Does the bank get a different "credit score" than what's reported on credit monitoring websites? If not, how do we dispute this discrepancy?
A: You're not alone in your confusion about differing credit scores—most people are thrown off by them. In fact, it is very likely that your bank had a different credit score from the scores reported on freecreditscore.com. This is because there are many different credit score brands out there, ranging from freecreditscore.com to others like FICO and even private bank-branded scores.
The one thing that all credit scores have in common is that they are based on the information in your credit report. This information is used in a credit score company's secret formula, and turns into your credit score. That's why this is also a good time to closely review the information on your credit reports. If you find any discrepancies, you need to contact each credit bureau directly. Learn how to dispute information on your credit report.
The easiest way to determine which credit score your bank is using is to ask them. If it turns out they are using the Experian PLUS brand of credit score (which is the one provided by freecreditscore.com), you should ask them which credit report the score is based on. Everyone has 3 different credit reports, one from each of the 3 credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It's possible that the bank is looking at your Experian PLUS credit score for your Experian credit report, while you are looking at your Experian PLUS score for your TransUnion credit report. This could explain the discrepancy.
Additionally, credit scores are a moving target. You should look at the date you checked your credit scores. If they were checked on a different date than the day the bank pulled your scores, the information on your credit report could have changed, thereby updating your credit scores.
The best way to stay on top of your credit scores is to closely monitoring your credit reports. This is because your credit reports are the building blocks for your credit scores. You can do this yourself, but constantly pulling your credit reports can get really expensive. A more economic solution is subscribing to a credit monitoring service.
True Life: Stolen Identity
April 14th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
When the university I was attending sent a mass email explaining that its employee database had been hacked, I kind of ignored it. Yes, I worked for the school as a teaching assistant, but I scoffed at the possibility that anyone would want my identity. I was a broke, full-time college student working three jobs, and I hadn't done anything financially significant in my life, so who cares?
Somebody cared. Somebody took my information and used it to apply for credit cards and go on a drugstore shopping spree. Who spends $500 at Walgreen's? A jerk, that's who.
But all was not lost. At the behest of my mother, I had taken the university up on its deal with Experian, a discount on a credit monitoring service much like ProtectMyID.com. It put a fraud alert on my accounts, sent me copies of my credit report, and sent me notices every time anyone tried to access my credit report or open a new account. I was a bit shocked to learn that many credit inquiries had been done on me, meaning that someone tried to use my information more than once.
I resolved the drugstore charge separately with my bank; when someone steals your identity, you're not liable for purchases you didn't make. But it scared me into looking after my credit religiously. If you don't have identity theft protection, get it before a stranger makes you wish you had.
Can you explain to me how the file sharing works with online backup and how we would be able to access it?
April 14th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question
Q: Can you explain to me how the file sharing works with online backup and how we would be able to access it?
A: Online backup services such as SugarSync, ElephantDrive, and Norton Online Backup include file sharing functionality. Here's how it works: Suppose, you may want to give a colleague access to a spreadsheet you've been working on. If it's been backed up on one of the services mentioned above, you simply log into your account on the backup service's website, select the file, and choose to share it with them.
The service will send the access information to any email addresses of your choice. Your recipient then clicks on a link and they are taken to the file sharing section of your online backup service's website. Your data is safe because you choose which files to share, and which people have access. Some services even offer options to set a password, as well as the ability to expire sharing.
It's a very convenient feature, and one that makes a lot of sense. Since your files are already "in the cloud" you might as well have the ability to share them with others.
I have a Mac computer. Can I use Nextiva Fax? If so, How does it work? In particular how does the 'web interface' work?
April 13th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: I have a Mac computer. Can I use Nextiva Fax? If so, How does it work? In particular how does the 'web interface' work?
A: Yes, because Nextiva Fax works entirely through your web browser, you can use it on a PC or a Mac. Just enter a phone number for the recipient, fill in the cover page information and "attach" the document you want to fax. It's very similar to the way you might use a web-based email service (such as Gmail) to send an email attachment. Nextiva Fax takes care of the rest. Since Nextiva offers a 30-day free trial, you'll have ample time to find out if it's a good service for your needs.
Check out our online fax reviews for more information, and to see which Internet fax services we liked the best.
Break Food Addiction with Online Diet Programs
April 12th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
A recent study suggests that food can be as addictive for some people as heroin. The researchers found that when showing a group of 48 healthy young women images of ice cream, the women who had three or more food addiction symptoms experienced more brain activity in regions associated with substance dependence. Scary, huh?
Addictions aren't simple, but there is help. Admission is the first step to recovery. So how do you know if you're addicted to food? Here are some of the symptoms:
- Obsessive thoughts about food
- Anxiety about eating that usually results in continued eating
- Eating when you're not hungry or when you're upset
- Worrying frequently about overeating
- Eating just because food is around
- Eating large amounts quickly
- Eating until you feel sick
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
- Hiding food to binge on it in secret later
- Trouble functioning because you're either overeating or trying to control it
If you or someone you love is suffering from food addiction, most important is seeking a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. Your next step should be a diet plan that helps you control your level of desire, no matter the situation. That's why a meal delivery plan would be best for you: It sets you up with pre-made food for all your meals, taking out the guesswork. Here are our top picks for online diet programs that can help you improve your relationship with food and overcome food addiction:
Bistro MD: This is easily the best option for anyone suffering from food addiction, and it's also our top taste choice for lunches. Fully cooked meals — even snacks should you decide to include them — can be delivered to your door every day for $179.95 a week. Just pop them in the microwave, and enjoy! You also have phone access to a dietitian if you need it. Click here to sign up with Bistro MD and save $75 off your first order with coupon code LuckyBistro75.
Diet-to-Go: Much like Bistro MD, Diet-to-Go can deliver meals right to you. The food is fresher and generally better-tasting than Bistro MD, but user support is much more limited. It also costs a bit less, so if dietitian support is not important to you, we recommend this option. Click here and use coupon code APRILDEAL to save 20% with Diet-to-Go.
The Biggest Loser: If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll love this plan designed for viewers of the eponymous TV show. Unlike Bistro MD and Diet-to-Go, The Biggest Loser offers dessert! Each week, you log into your online account and select the meals you want delivered. They'll be prepared to order and shipped to you and your microwave. Users also have email, phone, and online chat access to dietitians. The food isn't as good is either of the previous plans, which might actually help you break the addiction, but it's not bad, which will encourage you to stay on the plan. Click here to sign up.
eDiets Fresh Prepared: This plan also offers dessert and has the tastiest breakfast meals. The seven-day complete program includes pre-made breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack or dessert every day for $160 a week plus shipping. eDiets.com offers many resources, including a social networking tool, in addition to the meals. The fitness component is strong as well, so this program is great for anyone looking to make a complete lifestyle change. Click here to sign up.
How easy/appropriate a site is Ancestry.com for a 15-year-old just starting his research?
April 12th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: How easy/appropriate a site is Ancestry.com for a 15-year-old just starting his research? What are the 15 Countries are covered in the World Deluxe membership? He'd need England, Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain for starters.
A: Ancestry.com is probably the easiest genealogy site to use, and it's also the most comprehensive. How well your 15-year-old will take to it depends a lot on his experience with computers and web sites in general. If he's already using the Internet to check email, search for information, and play games, he'll have no problem using Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com's World Deluxe Plan covers man countries around the world including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, and more. Chances are you'll find all the countries you need covered. There's even a forum on Ancestry.com devoted to Portuguese genealogy.
The best way to find out the answers to both of these questions, is to sign up for the 14-day free trial.
Will Net Detective (or other services) search only my own state, or can it search other states?
April 11th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Will Net Detective (or other services) search only my own state, or can it search other states?
A: Yes, every background check service we reviewed will allow you to search in any state, not just the one you're billed in. With most background search services, you do have to choose a search in a particular state, but it can be any state. Net Detective, however, let's you search records in each state for $29.95 per month. In general, we think it's a good idea to use two services to help verify the information you receive, so Net Detective's unlimited searches can help you narrow down the right state to search in for your second opinion.
I checked my credit score, and it came up with places I have never lived and that I have a current mortgage when I do not. What should I do?
April 11th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha
Q: I checked my credit score, and it came up with places I have never lived and that I have a current mortgage when I do not. What should I do?
A: It sounds like you checked you credit score, as well as your credit report. Your credit report provides information about your lines of credit (ie, mortgage, credit cards, loans, etc), as well as your address and other personal information. You credit score is just a number, and is based on your credit report.
If your credit report indicates that you have a mortgage when you do not have one, you may be a victim of identity theft. Additionally, it's very suspicious that your credit report shows you as living at addresses you have never inhabited. The good news is that now that you know about it, you can take steps to help resolve it. The first thing you need to do is get all 3 of your credit reports and follow the steps in our previous blog about What To Do If Someone Has Stolen Your Identity. You'll also want to file dispute claims with the credit bureaus to help get your credit report corrected.
This is a good time to seriously consider signing up for an identity theft protection service like IDENTITY GUARD®. Identity Guard will actively monitor your credit reports at all 3 credit bureaus and alert you if there are any changes. Credit monitoring helps to catch potential identity theft in the bud. Identity Guard also scans the Internet black market and public records for the use of your SSN, name, credit cards and bank accounts. In addition you'll get anti-virus, anti-keylogging and mobile security software as part of your membership. Right now you will even get free credit scores, credit reports and a free 30-day trial if you sign up from our site. After the trial period Identity Guard is $14.99/month.
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