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Frugal Family Feast: Wild Mushroom Risotto

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:46:22 +0000

Risotto is a crowd pleaser. It’s easy to make and a delight to eat. This week’s Frugal Family Feast recipe creates a hearty, satisfying meal of wild mushroom risotto.

Chef David Rosov, owner and executive chef of Palm Beach Personal Chefs, shared his technique with Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson. Watch this video and read on for the recipe.

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Click to play ‘Frugal Family Feast: Wild Mushroom Risotto’

This wild mushroom risotto perfectly fits the bill for a Frugal Family Feast — a dish that feeds a family of four for less than $15. In fact, Chef David picked up his ingredients for about $11. For a little bit more, you can add cooked chicken to this dish and still have an inexpensive meal.

You start with arborio rice, a short-grained Italian rice with a high starch content that is the basis of risotto recipes. Dried porcini mushrooms can be found in most regular supermarkets or in an Italian market. Chef David also used a package of gourmet blend mushrooms that he found in the produce section of his supermarket.

Another tip: Remember that after you reconstitute the dried porcini mushrooms, save that mushroom water and squeeze the excess water from the mushrooms. The mushroom water is heated with the chicken stock, which becomes the liquid used to cook the rice.

When you cook risotto, each step builds another layer of flavor. The dry rice is added to the sauteed onions so that the rice is infused with the onion flavor. The mushrooms go in next and finally the hot liquid, one ladle at a time. The rice will develop a creamy texture as you stir.

Finishing the dish with mascarpone cheese, cream and Parmesan imparts extra creaminess, a savory boost and just the right amount of salt.

Wild mushroom risotto – courtesy of Chef David Rosov

Ingredients

2 cups arborio rice
1 2-ounce package of dried porcini mushrooms
8 ounces fresh mushrooms (gourmet blend or baby bellas)
1 small sweet onion
8 cups of chicken broth
4 ounces heavy cream
6 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

To prepare mushrooms:

Soak the dried mushrooms in ½ cup of water for 15 minutes.
Reserve the mushroom water as you drain and squeeze the rehydrated mushrooms.
Finely chop reconstituted and fresh mushrooms and set aside.

To prepare rice:

Pour chicken stock and reserved mushroom water into a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the liquid.
In another pot, saute finely chopped onion in olive oil over medium-low heat, taking care to cook until the onion is translucent but not burned.
Add dry rice to onions and stir continuously and slowly for two to three minutes.
Add mushrooms and saute for another two minutes.
Pour in one ladle of warm stock mixture and let the rice soak it up while you stir. Stirring helps the rice release its starches and develop the creamy risotto texture.
Gradually add more stock, stirring and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more, for the next 30 to 35 minutes.
Taste the rice. When the texture has a little firmness but is not crunchy or gritty, the risotto is done.
Turn off heat and gently fold in the mascarpone, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Place it in a serving dish and finish by sprinkling chopped Italian parsley on top.

After you try this recipe, go to our Facebook page and let us know how you like it.

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Offshore Profits Actually Stashed in New York?

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:46:22 +0000

‘Ground Zero Redux’ by Flickr user nosha

U.S. corporations are increasingly stashing cash overseas. Nearly a dozen major companies are thought to be hoarding more than $40 billion each beyond the reach of Uncle Sam.

But much of it might not be overseas at all, The New York Times says. Take Apple as an example:

Apple’s $102 billion in offshore profits is actually managed by one of its wholly owned subsidiaries in Reno, Nev., according to the Senate report on the company’s tax avoidance. The money is tracked by Apple company bookkeepers in Austin, Texas. What’s more, the funds are held in bank accounts in New York.

Technically, the money belongs to an Irish subsidiary of Apple. Many companies use this strategy, including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Google, the Times says.

Apple, which may have as much as $137 billion in cash reserves, chose to take on $17 billion in debt last month to pay shareholder dividends rather than tap the “offshore” funds. CEO Tim Cook told Congress it would have been unfair to shareholders to use the cash since it would be taxed at 35 percent if brought “home.”

About 20 companies are lobbying Congress for a tax holiday, when they could bring their reserves home at a reduced tax rate. They argue it would create jobs and encourage investment.

We’ve tried that before and it didn’t work. In 2004, American companies brought home more than $300 billion at a 5.25 percent rate, “but it led to no discernible increase in American investment or hiring,” the Times says.

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Many Americans Spend on Birthday Parties, Funerals for Pets

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:39:36 +0000

More than one in five people have held or attended a birthday celebration for a pet.

That’s among the fascinating results of a new survey about spending by CouponCabin.

One result is not surprising: Dog owners spend more on their pet per month than owners of cats. That’s discussed by Money Talks News’ Stacy Johnson in the video below. But the CouponCabin survey delved into other aspects of our financial commitments to our pets.

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Click to play ‘Which is Cheaper: Cats or Dogs?’

How much are we spending? CouponCabin found that:

62 percent claim to spend less than $50 a month on their pet.
22 percent spend between $51 and $100.
9 percent spend between $101 and $200 a month.
6 percent lavish more than $200 a month on a pet.

Nearly half of dog owners spend more than $50 a month while only 37 percent of cat owners said as much, CouponCabin says.

Now for the more interesting stuff. The survey found that:

36 percent of pet birthday bashes cost $20 to $49, and 17 percent cost $50 or more.
Nearly a third of dog owners have celebrated their pet’s birthday, while only a quarter of cat owners have.
Pet funeral and memorial services are also somewhat common, with 16 percent of adults saying they have attended one.

Finally, less than one in 10 pet owners have health insurance for their pets. Let’s hope they’ve self-insured by saving for future medical treatment.

How much do you spend on your pets? Birthdays? Funeral? Let us know on Facebook.

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This story is linked to with a thumbnail of ‘party animal’ by Flickr user Pippin Graham.

Small-Business Owners: How Not to Behave on the Internet

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:39:35 +0000

‘Restaurant social media and word of mouth’ by Flickr user Ethan Hein

Insulting your customers seems like an obviously bad idea.

So did the owner of an Arizona pizzeria lash out at critics on Facebook after the business was portrayed in a negative light on Fox reality TV show “Kitchen Nightmares”? Many of the postings have been deleted, but here’s an obscenity-free sample of what was said, from BuzzFeed‘s screenshots:

I AM NOT STUPID ALL OF YOU ARE. YOU JUST DO NOT KNOW GOOD FOOD.

To all of the Yelpers and Reddits: Bring it on. come to arizona. You are weaker than my wife, and weaker than me. you are just trash.

The owners of Amy’s Baking Co. now say the rant was the result of a hack, and police are investigating, The Associated Press says. AP also says that “social media sites show someone posting as a member of the Bouzaglo family had been insulting customers over negative reviews since at least 2010.”

On the show, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay gives advice to struggling restaurant owners. Amy’s Baking Co. has been open for six years, and in the episode Ramsay panned several dishes and criticized owners Amy and Samy Bouzaglo for getting increasingly defensive, AP says. The episode also showed the owners yelling and arguing with customers who complained about delays and undercooked food.

AP interviewed several marketing experts, all of whom agreed that the situation was very poorly handled. Businesses need to be humble, acknowledge mistakes, and find ways to bring unhappy customers back, they said — not chew them out for being dissatisfied.

The restaurant was temporarily closed last week. It has reopened, and the company’s page now features a press release that states in part: ”When re-opened, a portion of proceeds will benefit a charity organized to bring awareness to cyber bullying.”

It then said reservations may be made by emailing a public relations company.

More than 1,500 people requested a table, according to AZCentral.com. That site also says the PR company and Amy’s Baking Co are parting ways after they “disagreed over public-relations strategies.”

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When Pigs Fly: How I Fought a Parking Ticket and Won

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:39:33 +0000

‘A Parking Ticket AND Physical Damage.’ by Flickr user mikeczyzewski

Money Talks News now features an Insurance Shopping Tool that allows you to compare rates on Auto, Health, Home and Motorcycle insurance. Check it out!

Usually, the only warm-blooded creature in the house that ever bothers to get up and acknowledge me when I come through the front door is my dog, Major.

So I knew something was wrong when I walked through the door and the Honeybee greeted me with a big kiss.

Needless to say, I cut right to the chase: “OK, what happened?”

“I got a parking ticket.”

“How much?”

“Thirty-five bucks. But I’m innocent!”

“Uh-huh. That’s what all you scofflaws say. Where did you get it?”

“In front of Patti’s house.”

Patti lives just around the corner from us. It turns out that the Honeybee had the misfortune of visiting her on a day when the city sweeper made its bimonthly run. Of course, a rascally meter maid took the opportunity to cite her for being illegally parked along the curb.

Cities are exploiting curb taxes

Supposedly, my city’s street sweeping enforcement program was launched in response to citizen complaints, although I strongly suspect the only citizens that actually, um, “complained” were the mayor and his five city council members.

In reality, cash-strapped cities are using parking fines to fill their coffers like never before. A retired New York City meter maid copped to writing 227 tickets during a five-hour shift. And last year, the meter maids in Washington, D.C., cranked out parking tickets at the astonishing rate of one every eight seconds, writing nearly 2 million tickets that generated $92 million in revenue.

How to fight a parking ticket

I fought the Honeybee’s parking ticket and got it dismissed. So, despite the conventional wisdom, you can fight City Hall.

Best of all, you don’t have to be Clarence Darrow. However, it does help to follow these simple rules:

Stay calm. When you first see that pitiful pink ticket on your windshield, don’t rip it up in a fit of rage and vow never to pay it. Failure to pay parking fines can result in additional penalties and even the impounding of your car.

Gather evidence. Before you drive away, note any evidence or facts that could help you beat the rap. Take pictures of anything that might exonerate you – how and where you were parked, or any missing or misleading regulatory signs. This was critical in how I got the Honeybee’s ticket overturned.

Look for an easy out. Carefully examine the ticket. Any incorrect information, whether it’s required or not, is grounds for dismissal. That includes the date, time, location, vehicle code violation, and make and model of your car. There were no mistakes on the Honeybee’s parking ticket, so I had to dig deeper.

Educate yourself. Information is power. That’s why it is absolutely crucial that you do a little research on the Internet. If I was going to beat the Honeybee’s ticket, I had to prove that my city was somehow in violation of the state vehicle code. The Honeybee’s citation referenced California Vehicle Code section 22507.6, which states in part:

Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on designated streets or highways, or portions thereof, for the purpose of street sweeping.

That section also includes this little nugget:

No such ordinance shall be effective until the street has been sign-posted in a conspicuous place at each entrance to the street with lettering setting forth the day or days and hours parking is prohibited.

So you can imagine my joy when I discovered, after retracing the Honeybee’s route, that the street she had parked on was not properly marked. In fact, the only no-parking sign in the entire neighborhood was two blocks away from where she had parked. So the ticket was bogus!

Don’t take “no” for an answer. My city refers all appeals directly to a private company that processes the tickets. So I sent a letter to them explaining why the ticket should be dismissed. I also included pictures and a street map showing the site of the alleged violation and far off location of the lone no-parking sign. Ten days later I received the verdict: Appeal denied. At this point, I think most people would have given up. Not me. I requested a court hearing.

Vigorously defend yourself. Don’t be timid when making your case, but always show respect to the judge. On the day of my hearing I presented the same map and pictures, along with a copy of the applicable section of the vehicle code. The judge tried to poke holes in my arguments, but I never wavered. The case was dismissed in less than five minutes.

The bottom line

In all, I reckon I spent six hours researching, gathering evidence, writing letters and preparing for court. For many folks, the time and effort involved to fight a parking ticket isn’t worth it. But I fought for principle’s sake; the ticket was unjust.

By the way, I brought my kids to court too, as a civics lesson to show them how our justice system works. They loved it!

So the next time you get a ticket, don’t get mad. Fight back!

Remember, the law works for the benefit of everyone — not just the meter maids who write the tickets.

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How to Get Cheap Video Games for Your Kids (or Yourself)

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:39:31 +0000

‘E3 Expo 2012 – Activision Skylanders Giants’ by Flickr user Pop Culture Geek

Summer is around the corner, which means the kids will be home more and will inevitably be attacking their video game controllers. They’re probably already asking for the newest Skylander figure or a video game you’ve never heard of.

Retail-priced games can cost up to $60, and there’s no guarantee your kid will even like it. How do you get your child the right game without going broke?

I’ve been video game bargain hunting for years. Here are my tips for finding the right kind of game at the right price.

The new fad

Kids, much like adults, are susceptible to fads, and Skylanders is the latest craze. You start with some basic characters that are introduced to the game through the “Portal of Power,” and then buy additional figurines for more in-game characters. With so many figurines, Skylanders can get expensive fast, so buy them on sale or in bundles (more on that below).

Older games

I recommend that you wait to buy a game until after the reviews are out so you don’t get stuck with a coaster. That way you can find a great title for your child that’s only $20 because it’s 18 months old. Check out the best games of 2011 and 2012 at Metacritic, which sources both professional and user-based reviews in its ratings.

When shopping for older titles that have stood the test of time, look for “Game of the Year” (GOTY) editions. They have additional content and usually sell for about $20.

Auction site bundles

You have a better shot of finding your kid a game he likes by buying five used games for a total of $60 than two brand-new games for $120. Here’s how to grab video game lots at discounted prices using auction sites.

First, be careful not to buy a game your kid already has. Snap a photo of his video game shelf with your smartphone.
Go to eBay and search for the console plus the word “lot.” For example, search “Wii lot” for games for the Wii or “PS3 lot” for games for the PlayStation 3.
Each listing will be different. Search through the listings’ titles. When you find a lot that looks promising, double-check it against games already in your home.
If you’re not sure the price is a good deal, search the individual games in the lot. Sort by “ending soonest” to see what people are paying.

Is Skylanders a hit in your house? Do a search for “Skylanders lot” to find figures you can get at a bundled discount.

A word of advice: Avoid lots with old sports games, which have an extremely low resale value. If you’re buying a five-game lot for a price that averages out to $15 per game, but two of them are older sports games, you may be overpaying for the other games in the lot.

Finally, if there’s a particular video game you want, search for the title and add “lot” to the search bar. You may get the game you want at a big discount, with some extra bonus games thrown in.

Online deals

I never buy games that aren’t on sale. Use these sites to find great prices on video games:

Slickdeals aggregates deals from around the Web.
Amazon Warehouse has cheap deals on video games and accessories.
GoHastings has daily deals on video games, and good clearance and used sections.
Gamefly has a cheap used game section.

Shopping in-store

Chances are there’s a GameStop store near you. Their new games are usually more expensive than those found elsewhere online, but their used games can be dirt-cheap. With a little research you can use GameStop stores effectively.

Avoid trading in video games. You’re unlikely to get the best possible price for them. Instead, sell them on eBay or Craigslist for a better return.
If the game stinks, take it back. You can return used games within seven days for a full refund.
Sign up for a free PowerUp Rewards account to earn reward points, which can be used for things like video game discounts and free clothing.
Check out their price drop list before going.

Renting

Renting games isn’t dead. Nearly all Redbox stations rent games at $2 a day. And GameFly is the Netflix of video game rentals. You can rent two games at a time per month for $9.95 the first month, then $22.95 a month after that, or one game at a time for $5.95 the first month and $15.95 for subsequent months. These plans include free access to PC games as long as you’re a subscriber.

System price drops

Finally, if you’re considering a new system, wait a bit longer. New PlayStation and Xbox consoles are rumored to be released by Christmas. Historically, price drops happen soon after the official release date is announced. The new Xbox was revealed on May 21 (although a release date wasn’t mentioned); expect PlayStation to follow shortly thereafter. However, the Wii U might not be getting any cheaper for a while, according to IGN.

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On Your Dream Trip? You Don’t Need a Rental Car

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:25:46 +0000

‘Red Vancity Bikes’ by Flickr user sillygwailo

You’ve flown to your dream vacation spot. Now, how do you get from Point A to Point B without paying expensive taxi fares or outrageous rental car fees?

Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks for keeping this particular line item under tight control. Here are some valuable resources for local travel information and alternatives to high-priced ground transportation.

Public transportation

You can easily save money by doing what the locals do — taking the city bus or subway. For intercity transportation, consider the bus or the train. In many cities, the bus and train stations are centrally located downtown, perhaps within easy walking distance of your hotel.

There’s likely a handy app to learn more about public transportation at your destination. City-Go-Round has assembled a myriad of helpful ones all in one place. Options include apps for the New York City subway, the Washington state ferry system, the Halifax, Nova Scotia, metro, rail travel in the United Kingdom, and many, many more.

Water taxis and trolleys

Venice, Italy, is famous for its gondolas. But water taxis are likely more common than you think. So are trolleys, particularly those that cater to visitors.

Use your favorite search engine to look for water taxis and trolleys in your destination. We quickly found water taxis in cities like Chicago, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Orlando, as well as in multiple international destinations. The locations with trolleys even include smaller cities like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The website of the tourism office of your destination city will let you know quickly about the availability of river buses, water taxis and trolleys. For example, the tourist website for Daytona Beach, Fla., has information about a beachside trolley that costs only $1.25 per adult.

Car sharing

There’s no law that says you need to book a vehicle through a big national chain. If you need a car for some side trips, you might be better off with a short-term rental. Some possibilities:

Getaround.com offers peer-to-peer car rentals in several U.S. cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Ore., and Austin, Texas. Rates start at less than $10 per hour, including insurance.
Car-sharing service Zipcar is available in more U.S. cities, as well as some cities in Canada, Great Britain and Spain.
Services like DriveNow and Car2Go let you leave the car at your destination instead of having to take it back. Both are available in some U.S. and European cities.
Locally based car-sharing services may be available. This is where using a search engine may help.

Bicycle sharing

Hugely popular in Europe, bike sharing is starting to make its mark in the U.S. Travelers can pick up a short-term bike rental at one station and check it back in at a separate station near their desired attraction. Prices vary depending on the city.

While bike-sharing programs sell annual memberships, many also offer short-term commitments that would work well for tourists. For instance, bike sharing in Montreal costs $7 for 24 hours of access, with additional fees for more than 30-minute trips.

This resource from Bikes Belong provides links to American cities that have taken the shared-bike plunge, including Denver, Miami and New York City. The Bike-sharing Blog also has a lot of useful information.

Walking

Some destinations are remarkably walkable. Cities where I have found plenty to see within walking distance of my hotel include Florence and Venice in Italy; Key West, Fla.; and Cuzco, Peru.

How do you determine whether your destination is easily walkable and safe for pedestrians?

Guide books. Good travel guides provide detailed information about public transportation and walkability. Lonely Planet tends to have exceptionally informative city center maps, and is my personal go-to choice for indie getaways.
Walk Score. This site scores the walkability of cities around the world and provides other essential information, like the location of nearby grocery stores, restaurants, cultural sites and much more. It also has a free app.

Another useful tip

If you must rent a car, a travel agent might have inside knowledge about deals and about the overseas car rental companies that are most transparent about taxes and fees.

A close friend of mine recently booked a rental car for a month to visit her mother and help during a surgical recovery period. By going through her local AAA agent, she scored a price of $200 with unlimited mileage. A definite deal in anyone’s book.

The cost of getting from place to place on vacation is nearly impossible to eliminate entirely. However, with the savvy implementation of a few of these strategies, it is possible to greatly reduce the overall cost.

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5 Steps to Marital Money Bliss

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:25:45 +0000

If you’re heading down the aisle, we have some scary statistics for you. Nearly 30 percent of married couples say money is the No. 1 source of stress in their relationship, according to a study by American Express, and money issues are largely blamed as a top cause of divorce by many experts.

How do you avoid the strain? In the video below, Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson explains how to get on the same financial track as your partner before you wed. Check it out, then read on for more tips and details.

Please enable JavaScript to view this video.

Click to play ‘Marriage and Money’

Now, let’s expand on Stacy’s pre-wedding advice.

1. Look for red flags

Look for thoughts or actions on your partner’s part that may not mesh well with your own. Does your partner make big purchases on payday rather than put money in a savings account? Does he forget to pay the bills on time? Everyone makes money mistakes, but a pattern of behavior isn’t going to change just because you tie the knot. Pay attention, and talk about your concerns.

2. Discuss your money habits

Only 43 percent of couples talk about money before marriage, according to American Express. That’s sad, because talking openly about finances is one of the best things you can do for your relationship and future married life. Set a time to sit down and have that discussion. Here’s some fodder for that conversation:

How do you view money? Some people see money as a means to reach goals. Other people see it as a way to pay the bills and have a good time. You’ll want to be on the same page with this one.
What debts do you have? You don’t want to find out your partner has a huge load of debt after the wedding ceremony. Perhaps they’re student loans or maybe the result of childish irresponsibility. What is your partner’s plan to pay them off? Is that plan realistic?
What is your credit score? It might feel strange to ask, but you should know your partner’s credit score. If you plan to buy a house, take on new joint credit cards, or get other loans together, a bad credit score will mean you pay higher interest rates.
What are your future money plans? Do you plan on making a big purchase soon? Do you have other savings goals? Are you serious about setting aside money for retirement? How much have you saved?

3. Set goals

Merging lives and money means merging goals. Before you get married, you and your partner should come up with a few financial goals you both want to achieve. Some things to consider:

What are our goals? Whether you want to buy a house, save for retirement, get a new car, or take a two-week vacation every year, having mutual goals keeps you working together and gives you both something to look forward to.
What’s the time frame? You’ve both figured out you want to buy your own home. But what if you want a house in the next year and your future spouse is fine with making the move in, perhaps, five years? Agreeing on a timetable has obvious benefits.
What is my part? Set clear actions for both parties to reach your goals. For example, if you make more money than your partner, maybe you’ll feel comfortable contributing more to your goals.

4. Make a plan

Sixty-six percent of survey respondents told American Express they share all monthly expenses, and 34 percent divide up their monthly bills based on factors like income. How do you plan to pay the bills?

Before you say “I do,” set up a household budget and decide who will pay for what. Deciding what is fair in your relationship ahead of time will cut down on arguments and stress later on.

5. Take a test-drive with your wedding plans

Remember when Monica and Chandler got married on “Friends”? Monica thought her parents would pay for her huge dream wedding, but when they didn’t, we found out Chandler had enough money in savings to cover the expense. By today’s standards that would be $28,427 on average, according to The Knot. In the end, Monica and Chandler decided to scale back and save some of that money for their future goals – a true sign of financial compatibility.

Consider the wedding as a way to test-drive managing money with your future spouse. Keep your partner involved in the planning and make big and small purchases together. If you can learn to agree on costs, you’re well on your way to managing money as a couple.

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This story is linked to with a thumbnail of ‘bride groom money trees?’ by Flickr user pengrin™.

Women Manage Credit Better Than Men, Study Says

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:25:44 +0000

‘Bryant Park, late Apr 2009 – 21′ by Flickr user Ed Yourdon

Who says women aren’t good at math and money? People who can’t read, that’s who.

A new study from one of the major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, says, “Overall, women are better at managing their money and debt” — even though women working full time earn about 23 percent less than men.

Experian used 750,000 credit reports from its database in December for the analysis. Here’s some of what it found:

Men have 4.3 percent more debt than women, and on average use 2 percent more of their available credit.
The average debt is $26,227 for men and $25,095 for women. That includes credit cards, auto loans and personal loans.
Mortgage loan amounts for men are 4.9 percent higher, and men have late mortgage payments 7 percent more often.
Women in Washington, D.C., Georgia and Florida are most likely to have an independent, rather than joint, mortgage, compared with women in other states.
The average credit score for women is 675, beating men by a single point.

Experian also broke down its data by state and metropolitan area. They’re worth you taking a look. For instance, women in Minnesota have the nation’s highest average credit score: 710, compared with 705 for Minnesota men, who have the highest average credit score among U.S. men.

Next best for both sexes is North Dakota, with 705 for women and 700 for men.

Men have higher average credit scores in just 16 states. And the biggest gap in average mortgage debt is in Connecticut, where men owe $229,510 and women owe $175,276.

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Beware Tornado-Related Scams in Aftermath of Oklahoma City

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:24:59 +0000

‘Oklahoma National Guard’ by Flickr user The National Guard

You’ll find plenty of ways to offer help to the victims of Monday’s deadly Oklahoma City tornado, but some of them will be fake. It happens every time disaster strikes: Imposters and scammers will mislead the public and try to steal your personal information or your money.

In the wake of tragedy, it’s important to take extra care when you’re trying to help out.

After the Boston Marathon bombing, a Twitter account posing as the marathon organizer claimed it would donate money for each retweet (sharing of its message) it received, NBC Los Angeles says. Also, cybercrooks created fake news and charity pages about both the bombing and the Texas fertilizer plant explosion in an effort to plant malware in viewers’ computers, McAfee.com says.

Here are some of the ways The Oklahoman says you can help disaster victims:

Text Red Cross to 90999 to donate $10.
Refer people who haven’t heard from missing loved ones to www.safeandwell.org.
Donate to The Salvation Army online, by phone at (800) 725-2769 or by texting STORM to 80888 and confirming a $10 donation by typing “yes.”
Donate to Feed the Children online or call (800) 627-4556.

The Better Business Bureau has disaster relief donation advice. Here’s the gist of it, from a story we did just last month warning about marathon scammers:

Do some research to make sure the charity is not poorly organized or questionable. If it’s brand new, it may be one or both.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of when and how the money will be used to help victims. You can find spending reports and tax documents for established charities at Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and GuideStar.

If you’re donating online, pay attention to the links you’re clicking and make sure the Web address is exactly what it should be, because some scammers try to imitate the look of established charities.

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Frugal Family Feast: Wild Mushroom Risotto

Wild mushroom risotto – courtesy of Chef David Rosov

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Related stories

Offshore Profits Actually Stashed in New York?

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Related stories

Many Americans Spend on Birthday Parties, Funerals for Pets

Subscribe by email

Related stories

Small-Business Owners: How Not to Behave on the Internet

Subscribe by email

Related stories

When Pigs Fly: How I Fought a Parking Ticket and Won

Cities are exploiting curb taxes

How to fight a parking ticket

The bottom line

Subscribe by email

Related stories

How to Get Cheap Video Games for Your Kids (or Yourself)

The new fad

Older games

Auction site bundles

Online deals

Shopping in-store

Renting

System price drops

Subscribe by email

Related stories

On Your Dream Trip? You Don’t Need a Rental Car

Public transportation

Water taxis and trolleys

Car sharing

Bicycle sharing

Walking

Another useful tip

Subscribe by email

Related stories

5 Steps to Marital Money Bliss

1. Look for red flags

2. Discuss your money habits

3. Set goals

4. Make a plan

5. Take a test-drive with your wedding plans

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