Holidays
Consumer Newsbrief- "Green" Claims, Gadget Insurance, Holiday Debt, Around the World Trip: 11/27/07
POSTED: 3:33 pm EST November 27, 2007
Let’s begin tonight with "green" marketing claims. The Washington Post reported that the Federal Trade Commission is reviewing green guidelines that have been in place for the past decade. The guidelines cover such claims as power utilities that charge premiums to subsidize wind power, online marketers that sell green offset certificates and other firms that claim to plant trees or make other "green" claims.
The green offset market is currently worth $55-million and it's mostly unregulated. The FTC warns that makes green marketing ripe for rip-offs.
If you're one of the 42-million American households giving or receiving high-tech electronic products this year, here's something you haven't thought about...insurance.
The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America reports that seven out of eight households do not understand if their homeowners insurance protects high-tech devices such as iPods and iPhones and plasma TVs.
The good news is that most electronic gadgets are covered under standard homeowners or rental policies. But consider this: Downloads such as iTunes are generally not covered if your computer is damaged or stolen. Damage because of power surges is generally not covered. Your deductible may exceed the cost of replacing many high-tech devices. Because of exclusions, high-tech devices may not be covered because of flood or other natural disasters. Insurance may not cover business use of home items such as computers and iPhones. And lost or stolen gift cards may not be covered.
High-tech losses can amount to serious money so it's worth discussing with your insurance agent.
While we're talking holiday gifts...Consolidated Credit Counseling Services has some tips to help you avoid holiday debt.
Think before you purchase. Ask yourself if the gift receiver will actually enjoy, use, and appreciate your gift. Shop with cash, and when you've spent the money go home. And keep track of the presents you've already purchased.
More than 30-percent of shoppers surveyed are still paying off holiday debt from last year...certainly not the way to make this season merry and bright.
Finally, if you have big money to burn, how about an Around-The-World 24-day trip? The Wall Street Journal reports that American Express Travel and Abercrombie and Kent are offering just such a deal. You depart from Los Angeles. The plane stops on five continents. You stay at five-star hotels as you enjoy gourmet dining, and exclusive access to museums, events and private tours.
The trip runs January 20th to February 13th, and it's yours for a mere $97,970 per person. Book now...the plane only holds 50 people.
