Here are things you SHOULD know before agreeing to be on the loan with a person of higher credit risk.

Beware the dealer (a scam?) that tells you you are “only” lending your credit for a short time. It will be at least 24 mos. before the car loan could be refinanced in the other persons name. Make sure the paperwork has both names on all the forms, especially the title and registration information.

There is NO co-signer second position on a car contract. The parties are equally responsible, although you may be listed first, according to credit value, the higher the credit score the top placement on the loan.

The interest rate on the car loan is determined by the weak score, and could be as high as 30% in some states. Good credit does NOT overcome bad credit, it only serves to achieve a loan of higher value or less money down.

The value of the credit/debt falls equally on both parties, however the bill is sent to the first person listed, or the address on the loan, not to both parties. 

Late charges are levied on both parties credit, however a repossession notice is only sent to the address listed. The second party may never know the status of the loan payments if they aren’t getting the bill.

Co-signing a car loan for a child/grand-child may preclude you from securing another car loan at a later time. One car per person.

If your name is on the loan, your name MUST be on the insurance and registration.  Consider the maximum liability you want on this car BEFORE agreeing to co-sign on the car loan.

First time buyers are often labeled in with “bad” credit people, higher interest rates and demand for a co-signer because of limited credit experience. If you MUST co-sign for a first-timer, go for as inexpensive a car and as short a term as possible to get the person’s credit established. Have the bill sent to you, and have the check written to the bank but handed off to you, in person, to be sure it is paid on time. Better yet, have a direct-automatic withdrawal set-up on a mutual account. 

While you may be lending your credit to help a family member in need, you may be better off lending them the money, or a portion of the money for the purchase, and keeping your good credit status safe.

The other option is “selling” the person in need your “old” car on terms of interest that are more agreeable, with insurance requirements. You may transfer the registration and title to that person when the car is paid off, but maintain yourself as the lienholder until the note is paid. Keep insurance on the car at MAXIMUM liability protection, including GAP protection. Have a second key, and solid record-keeping in the event you need to repossess your own vehicle in the future.

For information on how to create an inter-family car contract, please feel free to contact MyCarlady: SarahLee@mycarlady.com  702-521-7546

To see the California AG press release click here.

In a response Roni Deutch claims that the lawsuit is politically motivated and nothing more than election year politics. (See AP article)  

Once again be sure to do your homework before believing an advertisement making claims that seem too good to be true.

Contact Richard Warren at rwarren@iglide.net
http://vegas.healthyhometour.com

This month a Federal Judge, at the request of the Federal Trade Commission, banned internet sales of Acai berry supplements by several companies. The claims these firms made included rapid weight loss and the prevention of colon cancer (FTC press release). The companies also claimed that their products were endorsed by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. In fact, Oprah and Dr. Oz had previously sued the makers of several “magic juice” drinks for false endorsement (article).

My September 2009 article in The Vegas Voice compared these super juices to the magic elixirs hawked by 19^thcentury snake oil salesmen. Despite the wild claims about the Acai berry, scientific tests that measure the effectiveness of antioxidants showed that these magic juices that sell for as much as $40 per bottle couldn’t match the antioxidant power found in a $5 bottle of Welch’s 100% grape juice. I pointed out that there is hype and innuendo rather than real science behind these products; it seems now that the FTC agrees.

People fall for these claims because they want to believe there is some magic cure for whatever ails them. In the spirit of PT Barnum, people stand at the ready to tell them what they want to hear and separate them from their cash.

Remember what your mama told you – if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

Contact Richard Warren at rwarren@iglide.net

http://vegas.healthyhometour.com

You can listen to the show live by clicking here: RADIO SHOW LIVE

and get the scoop on who’s appearing in the weeks to come by clicking: FUTURE GUESTS APPEARING on The Vegas Voice Radio Hour.

The Montana Commissioner of Securities & Insurance recently issued a cease and desist order shutting down ACN Inc. for allegedly operating a pyramid scheme.  

See Complaint: click here

According to the complaint a total of $234,813 was paid by over 300 participants in 2009 yet they only received $896.86 in total compensation. They are calling ACN a pyramid scheme.

See news story: click here

This may be another case of “If it looks too good to be true it probably is.” Since ACN is active in this area we want our readers to be informed. Before becoming involved with this company, or any company, do your homework.

Contact Richard Warren at rwarren@iglide.net

http://vegas.healthyhometour.com

Unfortunately some of the biggest vitamin manufacturers in the health food, supplement and alternative wellness market are more concerned with the health of their bottom line than the physical well-being of their customers.

Vitamin manufacturers may promise an alphabet full of nutrition in a daily pill, but do they deliver? Sadly they seem to choose to spend their money on advertising their products rather than using the dollars to provide quality.

These manufacturers often use forms of minerals that are not absorb-able by the human body. Why would they do this? Because it’s cheaper! They rely on the gullibility of the consumers. Far too many people believe that if a product is on available for sale that someone has looked at it to ensure its safety and quality. The truth is the consumer must investigate the vitamin quality for themselves. If an ingredient is listed on the label a manufacturer can legally claim their product contains whatever vitamin or mineral it may be. The fact that the human body is incapable of using it means nothing.

It’s even worse when an ingredient is downright dangerous. A recent Consumer Reports article warns of such dangers in supplements.

A quote from the article:
“We have identified a dozen supplement ingredients that we think consumers should avoid because of health risks, including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney problems. We found products with those ingredients readily available in stores and online.”

So before falling for slick ads promising fantastic health in one little daily pill – do your own research.

Women and Men car buyers take notice:

The reality of buying a car today rests not on the ADVERTISED incentives, 0% interest and rebates but on the ability of the consumer to secure the auto loan at a favorable rate of interest, this is governed not by the dealership but the banks. 

Even after the biggest financial bailout of two American car companies in the history of the country, these same companies are held to strict standards for automobile credit. Gone are the days of a 700 score being “Platinum” credit level good for buying anything at the lowest rate with no money down.

In today’s auto finance world, the car companies pitch 0% for 60 months to lure the customer into the market, fueled by pent-up demand and low interest returns in their money market.  

Unfortunately you must have a 720-740 FICO to qualify for these offers, along with a minimum of 10% CASH or TRADE value down. 

So as you look to scoop an END of YEAR special… get ready for a reality check from the old days of car buying. 

1. Inventories are at all time lows, making it difficult to “steal” a deal.
2. NO ‘DISCOUNT” for cash.
3. Trade prices have stabilized, so if you want to maximize your trade-in do it NOW!
4. CASH REBATES are only on the slow moving, not so popular models.
5. The HOT MODELS this season are new 2011 entry level gas misers; MAZDA 2, HONDA FIT, NISSAN VERSA, TOYOTA YARIS, and the Scion XD.
6. First-time buyers will need a co-signer on the least expensive model $10k limit.
7. Loan Modifications and Short sales are a problem on credit reports, regardless of the final result. If it says FORECLOSURE you can expect a higher interest rate or decline.
8. You can expect a  10% to 20% interest rate for a 600 score.
9. 500 FICO scores are not eligable for any car over $8k and 25% interest with min. $1500.00-2000.00 CASH down.
10. Not all dealers offer second chance-challenged-credit programs. Contact me for a list of good dealers that do want to help. 

“There is no need for you to respond, but I regret that I must give up the real good things of your paper. Please unsubscribe me. Yes, your paper is excellent. But the political content is such that my subscription indicates that I am supporting your political intents and so I must leave. If you ever stop the politics, I would be thrilled to return and become a full supporter of your paper. “– a reader

As you can see from the above, The Vegas Voice received its first (but surely not last) cancellation message.

The political content in question was from our conservative columnist John Cole. Notwithstanding that the preceding article consisted of a Guest column from Cindi Reid; Harry’s (yeah, that Harry) daughter-in-law and wife of Democratic gubernatorial contender Rory Reid, this reader wanted only his political point of view in The Vegas Voice.

Try as I might, I never understood the hatred that certain people have over those with a different political belief. Whether a Socialist or Tea Party faithful, I always thought it was more important to read the “other guy’s” point –of-view.

If you think it’s wrong, then why? Can you do so without any personal venom? Don’t just scream profanities; how about a well reasoned, grown-up, mature response refuting the position in the column?

Or how about – at the very least – ignore the columnist (like my better half Amy does with about half my columns) and simply turn the page?
In my humble political opinion, this makes more sense than cancelling The Vegas Voice – especially if the outraged reader readily agrees that our monthly publication is otherwise “excellent.”

Our goal at The Vegas Voice remains the same – to present all political sides of an issue. Under this philosophy, you’ll have to disagree with someone; but why can’t we disagree without being so disagreeable?

Dear Governor Gibbons:

I realize that things have not been ideal since you were elected to office. The economy tanked, your personal life has become a sordid punch-line regarding the women in your life and I won’t even go into that recent primary defeat.

Although it has not been a productive four years, allow me to suggest an idea that will leave you with a lasting legacy – dump the portrait.

According to a recent Las Vegas Review Journal article, the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs will soon decide which professional artist will paint your portrait. The painting will eventually hang in the Nevada State Capitol along with the other former governors.

The cost to the taxpayers is to be no more than $17,500.

Now you have expressed, time and time again, your theme of “no new taxes” and that the public sector should simply “do more with less.” Unfortunately, but obviously, based on that primary vote, the public has tuned you out.

Anyway, here’s my suggestion – instead of a painting, why not a simple photograph? No, I don’t mean a Kodak snap shot.

But with an ever-lasting theme of saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars, surely you can find a photographer to take a very professional, dignified and elegant picture.

I fully realize that this proposed savings (in a projected $3 billion budget shortfall) is but a drop in the bucket – but it would nevertheless illustrate your philosophy of saving taxpayer money. And just think of the precedent for future governors that would follow in your foot steps.

The Vegas Voice has a professional photographer and would be pleased to work out the arrangements. Please feel free to give us a call.

In any event, good luck in the private sector. It’s really tough out here.

Sincerely,

Dan Roberts – Publisher

PARANORMAL Remote Viewing

In our country, paranormal experimentation in the 70’s was initiated at the Stanford Research Institute. One of their tests was conducted with a remote viewer which led to a visit from the CIA. The result was a CIA sponsored program that was later renewed and expanded.

In 1978 the U.S. military funded and launched the Stargate project – a top-secret, $20 million dollar program. This project researched the potential and realistic use of psychic phenomena applications as a military tool. 

At its peak there were 14 Remote Viewing labs and 22 active military and remote viewers involved. 

Through the years of exploration, intense tension mounted between the two opposing groups involved. The believers claimed “anyone can use paranormal ability” and the non-believers insisted that, “the data was too vague to be of any use.”

How ironic that, unintentionally, in 1995 they were partially responsible for their own demise and for popularizing the top-secret Remote Viewing process. The program was discontinued and declassified, due in part to their bickering and the fact that each side was inflexibly convinced that they were right. 

Though the program was now doomed, it did continue for a while longer, and employed 3 full time Remote Viewers until it was totally put to rest in the mid 1990s. Or was it?

Although it takes much time, training and practice to master the skill of Remote Viewing, there is an exercise you can do to evaluate your personal skill level. You will know if you are a Remote Viewer if you are somewhat consistent in identifying the target. 

If you don’t do well at first, try, try, and try again since, as in anything, practice is the key! Who knows, you may find your calling!

Preparation: An assistant, a few black pens, glue, a stack of plain white paper and opaque envelopes and a quiet room with a desk and chair.

Assistant: Most importantly make sure no one gets to see what you are doing! Take some pictures that are different from one another. Keep it simple, yet you want to capture strong, bold, shapes, colors, lines, hidden objects, geographic locations, etc. (you can use cut outs from magazines like lakes, towers, mountains)

Paste each picture on a plain white piece of paper then put each picture in a separate envelope, making sure nothing is showing. Don’t forget to number and date the envelopes.

Remote Viewer: Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room. Prepare your paper and a few pens. Empty your mind. 

For a few minutes inhale deep breaths through your nose all the way down into your belly. Slowly exhale through your mouth.

Then shuffle the envelopes and pick one. Put the number of the envelope you picked on your paper and date it.

Close your eyes and picture a black door or window. That is your remote viewing opening.

Note that signals can be vague, unclear, fuzzy, etc. If the pictures are crisp and clear you are probably trying to make it happen. Now draw the images you see.

When you are through, open the envelope and compare the images. Make sure you, record your results. Keep a file and keep practicing.