Are we losing our democracy?

Are we losing our democracy?
When wealthy contributors can give $ millions to candidates thru PACs and blanket electorates with TV ads non-stop, is it possible to buy an election? Could a foreign government via a puppet give $ billions to a PAC to sway voters to someone favorable to them? The Supreme Court decided thatcorporations are people (?) and their money is free speech. So, is America different than other governments that allow one group to slant the elections? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SprsUaX5j78
And why didn’t they count all the votes in 2000 like the Constitution says in Article II Section 1? It is the House not the Supremes that is supposed to make the decision. The founders knew Justices are political appointees not elected representatives. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
Romney seems to be the perfect corporate ruler. He bets $10,000 on things we would wager a $1 on. He does not earn a living. He pays a tax rate based on investment income, not earned income. Never got a paycheck. http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20120118/FREE/120119921/-1/INDaily01&dailycount=3&issuedate=20120118’
Newt makes $ millions by influencing Congress by giving “advice” not lobbying, he says. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-influence-industry-gingrich-case-raises-question-what-is-a-lobbyist/2011/12/07/gIQAtW7ZdO_story.html
Santorum is the largest supporter of Big Government earmarks. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/us/politics/as-rick-santorum-secured-earmarks-2006-donations-flowed-in.html?pagewanted=all
Obama is out fundraising instead of governing. He is said to be on track to pass the record $750 million this year. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/12/obama-fundraising-could-fuel-small-economy/
Many GOP-run states are enacting laws to make it harder for people to vote even though there is no known case of fraud being prosecuted. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/16/2592500/holder-decries-states-efforts.html

MI has gone so far as to eliminate the local governments elected by the citizens of 5 towns. http://news.yahoo.com/marchers-protest-michigan-emergency-managers-governors-home-234600752.html


Is the new Suze Orman debit card right for you?
One critic called the talk show host's card “the cream of the crap,” noting the fee structure and features are comparable to the best prepaid debit cards already on the market. However, he and most other financial experts agree the category is a dog. “You are still paying at least $36 a yearto have access to your own money,” Mr. Ulzheimer said. “And you're doing nothing to help with your credit.” “It might be a conflict because people view her as potentially objective,” he said. Her $63 newsletter promises to tell you where to invest your retirement money. However, Ms Orman is no longer a registered advisor. Members remember her pitch for her $180 credit monitor service! WOW. Better alternatives in our Guide: : http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guides-Discount-Financial-Services/

How is your auto insurance company rated by customers?
Check at http://www.insure.com/best-car-insurance-companies/

New Year resolution—Stop leasing your cars
Leasing a vehicle for 36-39 months is waste of money. You could be investing that $10,000 -$12,000 to make sure you have enough later on. Buy a used car that still has good mileage and low maintenance. http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-used-cars-under-8000-1/

Allstate raises rates, again, in IL for homeowners
It's the second time in less than a year that Allstate has raised homeowners rates in Illinois. In July, the company said it was planning to increase rates 2.5% to 9%, effective July 11. But it also hiked the discounts it offers to policyholders up to 5% for taking on options such as paying the premium in full or paying online. Time to shop for new coverage: http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guides-Discount-Financial-Services/

When is the best time to take Social Security benefits?
Many people are giving up 25% of their benefits by starting early at age 62. Is this smart?Find out why or why not. What are your options if you have to start early? http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/social-security-benefits-calculator/

Managed funds see flow to index funds … again
Most popular funds from American and Fidelity lost customers last year. Many went to Vanguard as index funds with low expenses faired better during the market volatilityhttp://www.investmentnews.com/article/20120116/FREE/120119942/-1/INDaily01&dailycount=1&issuedate=20120116

Are you eligible for filing tax for FREE?
People with an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or less are eligible for at least one software product if not more. Each of the Free File software providers sets their own eligibility requirements, usually based on qualifiers such as income, state residency, age or military status. The easiest way to locate a software provider is to use the online “get help” tool at www.irs.gov/freefile. Before you start the Fed tax filing, check the cost of the state filing. Most sites charge for this and it is easy to complete your state filing from the numbers you already entered. Go back to the site the next day to confirm IRS acceptance of the return. Taxpayers can e-file their tax returns one of three ways starting 1/17/12: through a tax return preparer, through self-preparation software or through IRS Free File.

PA health insurance for less
Simply Blue PPO, a new individual insurance plan that offers simple health insurance coverage with a low premium, low deductible and predictable copayment structure. plan, offers preventive care benefits with 100 percent coverage, emergency room coverage and vision benefits. Premiums for Simply Blue are as low as $90 a month with a $500 deductible for males ages 25 to 29. Plan description: "Individuals can feel at ease knowing that they are covered for preventive services to keep them healthy and have the protection against the high cost of unexpected illness or injury." Members buy only what they need: : http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guides-Discount-Financial-Services/

Is your car safe and repairable at reasonable cost?
Check your vehicle for relative cost of repairs and medical/injury ratings. The most expensive are not always the safest or cheapest to repair. Some are twice as safe as the averages but cost the same. Members save on their purchase by using the “tricks of the trade”: http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guides-Discount-Financial-Services/


SCAMS
Brokerage caught screwing clients on purpose -- cost Citi $54 million
“… the product was defective, management inept, risk controls nonexistent and the effect was ruinous. If one drives their car into another, they are responsible; they have no option but to take responsibility for their actions,” One witness said. Citi tried to cover up the mess when clients complained about the losses.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/business/in-citigroup-case-a-risk-rating-investors-didnt-see-fair-game.html

Insurers, caught holding death benefits, face little penalty for fraud
Prudential Financial Inc. has settled with Massachusetts and 19 other states, agreeing to improve its practices in identifying beneficiaries who are due unclaimed life insurance death benefits. What kind of accountability is this?

Let me know what you think. Editor@TheInsidersGuides.com
IAN 41 Watchung Plaza, B242 Montclair, NJ 07042 347.746.2014www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com
Alerts available at http://dankeppel.blogspot.com/