Health Insurance Enrollment Process

How to stay fit directly impacts your wallet -

As the weather finally starts to warm up and decrease in layers of clothing, people throw their anxiety sneakers or do some crunches before bed.

Who has not seen the magazine covers of dozens proclaiming a fast way to get your body "beach ready?"

Other than feeling good in a bikini (or Speedo), staying in shape has a direct impact on your wallet. Tweet this

Being fit can reduce medications, avoid co-pays for doctor visits, and maybe even lower your monthly insurance costs.

If you need to get in shape, you can still keep your hard earned money using free or inexpensive methods to break a sweat.

Laura Bennett , a policy coordinator living in Washington, DC, understands the need to shape both his health and his wallet.

Bennett grew up as an athlete and his past years of high school running track and work on the triathlon the road crew of his father, but in college, she was diagnosed with diabetes type 2.

late diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome explained why such an active young woman had a difficult time shedding pounds

"I spend about $ 30 on medicines for diabetes each month - only on the pill every day I take (Metformin). "explained Bennett

" That's a total of $ 360. year, which adds up quickly, more medical visits quarterly to perform glucose and blood tests and check-ups. "

The 24-year-old has decided to become proactive about their health and started running as a way to cope with stress and get healthy in drug withdrawal hope.

"[I figured] I save over $ 500 a year down my medication completely, which means fewer visits to the doctor as well," said Bennett. "this number is still flashing in my head I launch a hill! "

over the years, Bennett has not only fell in love with the race, but she completed two half marathons, a number of 5K and 10K races and started to chronicle his journey on a blog called "Finding My Strong."

on his journey to get healthy and off drugs, Bennett and her husband changed their lifestyle to incorporate organic foods, low glycemic index, and use their trips to work and spare minutes in the day to squeeze in extra workouts.

Bennett points out that it is possible to eat healthy and organic, without spending $ 300 per week at Whole Foods.

She buys in bulk at Costco, which offers low cost of organic products. Bennett and her husband to budget $ 100 a week for meals - they both remain frugal by brown bagging their lunches -. And rarely go on the budget

When healthy couple are stuffing themselves with salad, they take advantage of the changing seasons to find profitable exercise classes in their community .

"Now that spring is here, we have a ton of free fitness opportunities arise, free courses boot outdoor camp, the bi-weekly yoga classes in the park of the operating groups free, and more, "said Bennett enthusiastically.

"I try to take advantage of as many as I can to change my fitness routine."

Bennett is quick to point out that the race is always free, without the membership required to throw on sneakers and go pound the pavement.

for those who need the extra boost for motivation, they can turn to a smartphone.

"There's an app for that" even applies to your work.

"I recently blogged about the 7-Minute Workout app," said Bennett. "It provides a great circuit training with high intensity intervals to add to the end of a cardio workout. I also use MapMyRun, a free tracker running on a daily basis. It allows me to create routes, track my mileage, and find new ways. "

Many others, frugal fitness applications such as Couch to 5K, and Fitocracy Hot5 can help everyone from of couch potatoes to fitness enthusiasts find an engaging workout.

players can even transform their Xbox console into a personal trainer by accessing Xbox Fitness. The system offers courses of famous gurus drive Jillian Michaels and Tracy Anderson.

Modern Luddites will just beside all the free exercise or cheap options technology can afford and stick to just run outside (without music!).

When it comes to your well-being, you need not spend hundreds of dollars on an expensive gym to get fit and stay healthy.

in fact, you should think about what you eat as you think about your bank account.

junk food layout is like taking money from your 401 (k) when running and eating a salad is like putting 20% ​​of each paycheck into savings .

use the devices at your disposal to get a great workout for free, and use the money saved to take a vacation at the beach and show that the new body.

photo credit: Aristocrats-hat photopin via cc

Improving your credit score and save more in 3 easy steps -

Do you have a good credit score can save you thousands of dollars?

credit scores (or Fair Isaac Credit Score) follow you from job to job and are not only not determine the interest rate you pay on your car or a mortgage.

your credit score can also help if you are promoted in your work and what kind of rate you pay on your car insurance.

If you have too much debt, you might not get that new dream job. Tweet this

Even utility companies check the scores and decide if you need to pay a deposit based on the score.

Responsibility credit card Disclosure Act (widely known as the Credit Card Act) liability and makes understanding easier credit, but it is also affected on credit scores to consumers.

lenders have reduced credit limits, canceled cards and raised the annual rate APRs to counter the bill. Because of these strategies and the consequences of the recession, millions of Americans FICO scores are down.

According to recent figures provided by FICO, 25.5% of consumers (nearly 43.4 million) now have a credit score of 599 or below, marking them as poor risks for lenders.

makes it unlikely that this group will get credit cards, auto loans or mortgages under the tighter lending standards banks now use.

These credit ratings can also make the difference between whether you are accepted or rejected for a consolidation loan, as a tenant and more. This is one of many reasons why it is important to know your number

Summary:.? Why do I need a good credit score

A good credit score is invaluable for everyone. The benefits of a good score in one word:

security clearance - If you are having financial problems, as indicated by a FICO score, then you are a security risk can not be . allowed to work in areas requiring a security clearance, such as military or civilian contractors

loans -. a good credit score helps you get ready and get faster loan approval

Interest rates - Your FICO score is often the determining factor when it comes time to be awarded an interest rate

a higher rating can help you get a better mortgage rate and might. even mean the difference between owning versus a tenant continues

0% APR -. Have you ever been tempted by advertising on a new car, furniture or a new credit card that offers a special "0% APR"?

Few people realize that these types of offers Special not go to those in the upper levels of FICO scores.

If a good credit score holder acquires too many of these types of loans, they will deteriorate their score. So book them for loans long term, as a new car

so close and yet so far . - Sometimes the difference between qualifying and not qualifying for much may be as close as 20 points your FICO score

:. You can say "So what? I am not eligible for it, but I can still enjoy a relatively low interest rates. "But he adds, and matters a lot. The difference on a loan of $ 20,000 car at a 0% APR against 7% to 8% APR is about $ 1,800 over the loan

job applications -. Your score can have an impact if you get a job that requires high security clearance, such as the positions of the government and the financial sector

location - .. Some people can not rent a house or apartment without a good credit score

Utilities -. you can often have your lifting deposit if you have a good FICO

Insurance Rates - It can affect your insurance premiums. Some auto insurers use credit information to help determine insurance rates.

In fact, 92 of the 100 largest personal automobile insurance companies in the country use credit data in the new business underwriting, according to a study by Conning & Co.

Three easy steps to improve your credit score

Step 1: Pay your credit bills a day early than a day late

Configure pay Automatic bill online, so you'll never be late. It is not that you are paying as much as soon as you never pay late

Step 2 :. Pay attention to the proportionality

Keep your costs to 50% or less of available credit, even if you pay the card at the end of each month. This means that if you have a credit limit of $ 5000, you should never have a balance of more than $ 2,500

Step 3 :. Pay at least $ 5 more than the minimum each month

Paying extra on your report shows that pay your debt makes up your credit score!

Not only that, but you can pay above the minimum payment, the less you pay in interest charges.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, our family had $ 40,000 of consumer debt and very low FICO scores at one point. After work, we improved our FICO to the point where we qualified for a 0% APR on a new car loan offer.

Our young adults create good scores as well. In fact, our 22 year old son was a 700+ score when he graduated from college, enough to pre-qualify for a mortgage home loan.

If we can do it, so can you!

When is the last time you checked your FICO score

photo credit: Kris Krug via photopin cc

If College Savings Be at my child's name? -

If you save for college education for your children in your own accounts or to savings plans in the name of each child?

to start saving for college can seem daunting.

You must decide how to save, how much to save and how to invest. You can choose a tax-deferred plan or any other investment.

Before you get well, however, the first thing you must decide is whether you want to save your own name, or the name of your. Children

Here are some pros and cons to consider when saving for college education for your children:

3 reasons to education savings on behalf of your child

1. College savings in their own name helps children participate planning and preparing for college.

Teenagers may put part of the earnings and cash donations in education savings to help it grow faster.

contribute to the college savings themselves gives them a stake in the project. A child who knows he or she wants to go to college, and works hard to help save money in advance to do so is more likely to work hard after the start of classes.

2. The money is under the control of the child.

Depending on the type of savings, the child may decide to use it for a cause other than the university, such as buying a house or start a business.

In addition, if you intend to be some savings for a child, and something happens to you, the savings are already his.

3. Your child is probably in a lower tax bracket than you are.

Up to $ 2,000 is taxed interest or other unearned income a child at a lower rate of the child.

4 reasons to keep college savings in your own name

1. Saving the child's name can reduce their eligibility for financial aid.

This is the most frequently cited reason for not putting savings in the child's name.

Where financial assistance is calculated, a higher percentage of children's goods are considered available to pay for tuition. This is generally true even for custodial accounts that you keep for your minor children.

2. You may not want the money to be under the control of a young person.

Not everyone is able to make the wisest decisions age 18 or 21. If you help your child to save money for college, and he buys a new car instead of attending university, then?

3. You can use other methods of saving for college.

You can start a side business, invest in real estate, improve your own career skills, or take other non-traditional ways to prepare to help your child to 'university.

4. Life is full of surprises.

If you put money in the name of your child, it is theirs. You can not borrow from the savings account.

things if you lose your job or suffer any financial crisis and you do not have an adequate emergency fund, you may wish you had kept flexible.

even if you do not need the money, you may want more options later.

For example, if you have more than one child, the two may not need the same amount of money for college. A child can go to community college, while another goes to law school

Photo credit :. Leo Hidalgo (@yompyz) via photopin cc

6 and Don'ts for an Energy-Efficient Home

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Autumn is coming, and with it higher energy bills. You are on the right track if you are already thinking of ways you can save money this winter.

all the steps you can take to have an energy efficient home are not equal, however.

Here are some do's and don'ts to help you make the most of your energy saving efforts:

not Replace computer monitors, refrigerators and more recent stories in the hope of saving electricity

Do: Replace refrigerators manufactured prior to 1993. Switch off refrigerators you don 't really need

new devices are more effective than those of our parents and grandparents bought years ago -. a widely touted on advertisements for new

However, most devices have done in the last 20 years or more are already quite efficient. If you have the money for a new model, you'll never break even on only the energy savings.

Computer screens use very little energy per day. If you are worried about energy, turn them off when not in use

Do not :. Insulate the walls, in most cases

is that :. Insulate the attic

It may cost you a small fortune to add more insulation for walls, especially because within your walls are difficult to obtain

If your house has no insulation in the walls and you live in a cold climate, or if you intend to put a new coating on anyway (and therefore cover the holes of adding insulation ), go ahead and insulate the walls.

Otherwise, you spend less and save more by adding insulation to the attic.

Not only is it easier to get to the attic to add insulation, but because heat rises, which is probably where you lose more heat to start

not Let your heat goes up the chimney

do chimney draft block

does it feel a little common air around the fireplace? Your heat could be going straight up the chimney.

Even if you use the fireplace to warm things up a little now and then, it will never make for a constant draft in the room.

You can get a home urethane pillow made just for the purpose of blocking projects. An even cheaper solution is to reuse an old cushion to keep your heat from being sucked up the chimney.
Check drafts. A small project is like having a door ajar.

Get out the caulking gun, weatherstripping, or other stop projects tools. Lock your home used so that it does not suck heat your fireplace

Do not :. maintenance chores boring negligence

Do: Change your furnace filter

According to pet hair, dust, and other things that float in the air of your home, your filters may block more often than once a month.

When this happens, your energy efficiency decreases significantly

furnace filters are relatively cheap, and keeping them changed regularly, you'll breathe easier, too

not: .. Get new windows, unless yours are very, very old

do: Get out the caulking gun

Feel the air around your windows and doors. If you feel drafts, block with new products caulking or weatherstripping. The cost is minimal and it should save you a lot of money this winter.

The small projects around your home is like having the door open. It is amazing how the heat is on!

The only time you need to replace the windows for the purpose of energy saving is if you have old single pane windows. If this is the case, maybe it's time for a change

Do not :. Making energy-saving improvements in 2014 just for the tax benefits

Do:. Take measures that you really save energy saving silver

If you made any improvements to your home before December 31, 2013 energy saving, you may have qualified tax credits for energy in your statement

So far, unfortunately, these credits were not extended to 2014 and beyond.

For 2013, if you had paid for insulation, windows, doors and roofs that come with credit certification statement from a manufacturer, you might get 10% of the cost of your return as a tax credit.

This credit limit a lifetime of $ 500, of which only $ 0 may be for windows.

alternative energy equipment installed in 2013 was an even better deal.

If you have installed solar energy systems, fuel cells, small wind energy systems, or geothermal heat pumps before the expiration of the credit, you could take a credit tax 30% of the cost.

These energy credits can be restored retroactively, or they may not. If you do that improvements actually pay you back in energy savings, however, you will always ahead anyway.

Read before letting your Autorenew ACA plan for 2015 -

If you are enrolled in a health insurance plan you have purchased through exchanges affordable care Act (or markets), your plan is set to autorenew this fall. You do not have to do anything extra to keep your policy in effect for 2015.

This is the good news.

The bad news is that if you do not look your policy and make sure all the information is always correct, and you still get the best deal for your money, you may be sorry later

the questions you need to answer before your policy renews .:

is that your income has changed?

If your household income has increased since you registered, you can not qualify for the same amount of tax credit advanced premium - if you are still eligible for all

IRS will not know that you make more money right away, so if you report. change in your market, the amount of your credit will not change.

When you file your tax return, unfortunately, you could be in for a shock.

IRS will compare the amount you said you will do to the year with the amount you actually did.

If the amount of credit you have actually qualified for turns out to be less than what you received, you must pay at tax time.

This could be a significant amount of money, depending on your situation.

Have your health care needs or other circumstances changed?

Whatever the time of year, you must report significant life changes such as marriage or divorce, having a baby, moving, becoming disabled or losing their disability status, become pregnant events, or others for your state market.

If your life changed since you signed up for a plan, the next enrollment period (Nov. 15-15 February 2015) is your chance to make changes.

For example, if you or a family member has new medical problems, you may want to buy another plan with higher monthly premiums, but offer medical coverage.

on the other hand, you may not have to consult the doctor or emergency rooms in 2014, and you decided to take your chances with a cheaper policy.

Does your premiums change?

The cost of health insurance premiums, like everything else, tends to rise with inflation.

2015, there may be additional increases that insurance companies adjust to the realities of the costs under the regulations of the ACA.

your insurance company will send you information in the fall of changes to your premiums and benefits. Be sure to read it.

Does your change of Advanced Premium tax credit amount?

The amount of your credit might change for several reasons.

In addition to changes in your household income, the amount of your credit may change due to a quirk in the ACA law called the "benchmark" rule.

the maximum amount of the advance premium tax credit is calculated on the basis of a so-called reference plane, the second lowest priced silver plan offered by the state of your market.

For example, if insurers in your area introduce a cheaper plan, which could mean having to pay more to keep your plan.

If you autorenew your 2014 plan and you have not experienced life changes, you will also renew the same grant you got last year.

to avoid getting the wrong subsidy and have to pay back later, ask your market for a review of your grant.

is that your plan is the best deal, or if you switch plans?

insurance plan that gave you the best coverage of health care for less money last year may not be the best deal again this year.

With all the changes in the market and competitive forces, insurers have changed many rate and benefits.

rates are not the only things that can change from year to year.

Before you autorenew your plan, make sure your doctor and other health care providers are still covered, and your prescription coverage has not changed.

When you compare plans, make sure to look at other plans offered by your current insurance company, plans offered by competing insurance companies in the exchange, and private plans apart from the exchange.

Remember, if you buy a private plan, you will not be eligible for premium tax credits or cost sharing reductions.

If you do not need or want to make changes, great! You do not have to do anything -. Your autorenew plane

Otherwise, your window to make changes to your plan is November 15 to February 15, 2015.

By going to market your state and compare prices and plans , you can ensure that you always get the best deal for you and your family

#YouGotThis

photo credit :. chrisschoenbohm

Weekly Favorites: Time to Make Moves fiscal year-end - and more -

weekly TaxACT favorites: October 24, 2014

6 and Don'ts for an energy-efficient home

by Sally Herigstad

autumn is here, and with it higher energy bills. You are on the right track if you are already thinking of ways you can save money this winter. all the steps you can take to have an energy efficient home are not equal, however. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you make the most of your energy saving efforts. Continue reading ...

It is time to tax movements year-end

by Kay Bell

tax season finally ended, with millions of tax stragglers get their 2013 returns to the Internal Revenue Service before the deadline October 15 extension. Now it is time to think about 2014 taxes. Continue reading ...

2014 Tax planning begins with your tax bracket

by Kay Bell

The 2013 fiscal year is finally over. That means it's time to turn your thoughts to tax moves you can do to reduce your tax bill 2014. A good starting point for any tax planning is with the basics like to know what your tax bill probably will be. Continue reading ...

#YouGotThis

3 reasons to trade in your COBRA policy for a plane ACA -

The loss of your job or make a career transition is stressful - and can hit you for a loop like a punch to the solar plexus. Then there is the added pressure of securing health insurance until you land a new job, or kicking the cover of a new employer.

In the past, many people avoid a gap in coverage for health care under COBRA, the law that keeps you on the group health care from your former employer, usually for 18 months, provided that you pay the premiums

with the affordable care Act (ACA) in place, however, a market plan can provide better -. and cheaper -. the

With the annual open enrollment period from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015 -. it is a good time to weigh your health insurance options, especially if you are currently covered by COBRA

Here are three reasons why you might want to exchange your COBRA policy for a market plan ACA.

1. Your monthly premiums may be lower

COBRA coverage can be expensive, and it is because you are responsible for the total premium.

This means that the part you pay as an employee and your employer contributed (usually about 70% of the cost) and an administration fee of 2%.

If you are currently covered under COBRA, the open enrollment period will give you the opportunity to spend your former employer the plan to a market option, which can offer greater flexibility regarding the coverage and premiums.

In addition to a choice of providers, there is also coverage levels, organized as platinum metal levels, gold, silver and bronze.

The platinum and gold levels have higher premiums but cover about 0 and 80%, respectively, health care costs, while the silver and bronze Plans have monthly premiums lower but higher deductibles and copays.

Keep in mind that moving to a different system could mean having to choose a different network provider and approved services.

If you receive continuous treatment, for example, and want to continue with your medical team, check to see if these doctors are covered by an ACA scheme you are considering.

2. You may be eligible for tax subsidies

A health plan market "could be much cheaper, especially with the tax credits," says Ivan Williams, Analyst principal policy GetInsured.

About 26 million Americans are eligible for government tax credits to help pay for Medicare premiums, while tax subsidies are not available under COBRA.

"You will be able to file the COBRA coverage during open enrollment and sign up for the coverage of the market with tax credits, if you qualify for them," Williams said.

qualification of government bases for tax credits on household income and how many people are part of the family and their ages.

eligible individuals can either request the credit to their monthly premium (in some cases, reducing the cost to $ 0) or choose to pay the total premium and receive credit when they file their next tax return.

You can also choose to receive a credit to your monthly premium and the rest during the tax filing. to estimate the possible tax credits, use calculators available GetInsured.

3 . a new year usually means a new franchise

Many, but not all, annual deductibles for health insurance are based on the calendar year, not a year from which your coverage began.

Whether you are currently insured through COBRA or a market plan, you may be responsible for a new franchise around the beginning of 2015.

When you start a new regime health insurance, you are responsible for a whole new franchise, whatever the time of year or how much you have already paid to franchise your previous plan.

So maybe you've chosen to keep your COBRA coverage when you might have switched mid-year (deadline for changing an ACA COBRA plan was postponed to 1 July).

"After all, who wants to lose the money they have already paid to an annual deductible and start over?" said Williams.

If your deductible will reset the rings in the New Year whatever plan you have, you might as well see if you can also get good coverage at a lower cost.

Those who sign up for a plan market before December 15 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1.

photo credit: Gopal Venkatesan via photopin cc