John McCain

According to his campaign website, John McCain plans to deal with the housing crisis by creating a HOME Plan which will let qualifying homeowners trade their mortgage for a more manageable loan that reflects the home's current market value. To qualify they must hold a sub-prime mortgage taken out before 2005, the home must be the primary residence, and they must prove they had creditworthiness at the time of the original loan.

McCain's plan is based on two principles: "No taxpayer money should bail out real estate speculators or financial market participants who failed to perform due diligence in assessing credit risks," and "any policy of financial assistance should be accompanied by reforms that promote greater transparency and accountability to ensure we never face this problem again."

Barack Obama

As for Barack Obama, his campaign website outlines another home plan. He plans to create a Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit (HOME) score to simplify home mortgage product comparison and cost understanding. This metric would be standardized like APR.

Obama also plans to create a 10% universal mortgage credit to "provide an average of $500 to 10 million homeowners," and to "fight mortgage fraud" by increase funding for federal and state law enforcement programs.

How will Barack Obama or John McCain's housing policies affect you and your home? Guess we'll find out soon.

Related Content:

Health Insurance: McCain vs. Obama

What Cars Do the Candidates Drive?

The Orphanage--This is just a kind of creepy thriller that keeps you interested the entire time; that and one scene makes my fiancé scream every time we watch it.

Corpse Bride--I'm usually not a fan of animated movies but I really liked this one. Good movie by Tim Burton.

The Ring--The first time I saw this movie I thought the coolest scene was when the crazy girl came through the TV to kill off the guy. Other than that it was a pretty good mystery movie.

Sweeney Todd--Another Tim Burton flick. Although Gina disagrees with me on this one, I thought it was a good, gruesome movie.

The Exorcist--There is nothing like projectile vomiting from a possessed girl to make your Halloween.

The Stand--Best end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it, good vs. evil movie ever. You'll never look at crows or ravens the same way again. (Great book too--go read it!)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)--The original black and white, pod-people movie scared the living crap outta me!

Young Frankenstein--Ok, not scary, but defiantly a Halloween tradition 'round my house. Walk this way...

Ghostbusters--Who you gonna call? Fun movie all year long, but who can deny the Halloween appeal?

Clue--The ultimate murder mystery movie. Great for dark and stormy nights when you need a good laugh, and maybe a scream or two.

When discussing some of the best films to watch on Halloween night, some of Alfred Hitchcock's best films have to top the list. After all, he is the one and only "Master of Suspense." Here are five of my personal favorites:

Shadow of a Doubt--Known to police as "The Merry Widow Murderer," Uncle Charlie pays a visit to his dear beloved sister and her family--with devilishly-delightful results. If you thought your family was dysfunctional, give this film a look. Featuring terrific performances by Joseph Cotten and Theresa Wright. Hitchcock's desire to "bring murder back into the home--where it belongs!" certainly applies here.

Strangers on a Train--What do a professional tennis star and a blood-thirsty psychopath have in common? They'd both love to see a close relative dead. Who thought a simple train ride could get a man into so much trouble? The moral of this tale: never trust a man named Bruno. Hitchcock at his finest.

Rope--A little known gem from Hitch's early days. Only Hitchcock could pull off a suspense thriller where the murder begins in the very first frame. Murdering a classmate just for the heck of it, then throwing a dinner party to celebrate? Silly kids these days... Good thing Jimmy Stewart's around to watch out for clues. The story was inspired by real-life whackos Leopold and Leob.

Suspicion--Joan Fontaine suspects her husband, played by Cary Grant, is a murderer. Is she right? We're not sure, but close friends and family members seem to be dropping dead at an unusually rapid pace. Along with Rebecca, also starring Fontaine, it's one of Hitchcock's early classics. Not quite as polished as Notorious, but tons more fun. On a side note: is there a woman alive more beautiful than the young Joan Fontaine? Unlikely.

Psycho--Hitchcock's best-known film is also one of his best. Marion Crane steals a wad of money from her boss and high-tails it to the desert, then checks in to the Bates motel. Unfortunately, Norman Bates' mother isn't a fan of strangers, so she decides to chop her only lodger into pieces--which probably isn't the best marketing strategy. The tagline during the film's release has become a classic: "Please don't spoil the ending--it's the only one we have!"

So, are there any Halloween type movies we've forgotten?

Related Content:

Safe and Spooky Halloween Home

Drs. Imre Janszky of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm published their findings this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to Janszky, on the Monday following the end of Daylight Savings there are 5% fewer heart attacks on average. The opposite is true for the Daylight Savings adjustment in Spring, where the risk of heart attack goes up 5% when the clocks are moved forward.

"Some people find it quite difficult to adjust to it, and the sleep quality and sleep duration is affected and it takes a certain toll," Janszky told the AFP. "There is a growing body of evidence that problems of disruptions of the biological rhythms and sleep problems are connected to cardiovascular health."

Simply moving clocks ahead or back an hour doesn't change when the sun rises, yet we are suddenly expected to change our sleeping patterns and go to work earlier or later.

"This makes this shift more dangerous to some people," Janszky said.

More than 1.5 billion people deal with a form of Daylight Savings worldwide.

A number of companies now offer GPS devices that can be installed in the car your teen driver will be using to send data to their parents about their child's driving. Most GPS services allow parents to set parameters on their child's driving limits and will receive notifications, via e-mail or text message, if one of the parameters is broken.

The parameters usually include a max speed setting which notifies the parent if their child crosses the speed threshold. Restrictions can also be enforced as to where your child can drive. If you want to see where your child is, many of the teen GPS systems feature a map showing their exact location.

Some GPS programs also offer 24/7 roadside assistance and discounts on your car insurance premiums. No matter how safe your teen driver is, there is always a chance of a flat tire or running out of gas. Some car insurance providers offer discounts if you subscribe to a GPS tracking program.

I am curious to know whether there will be further studies done to see if technology such as GPS devices helps teens become better drivers. I think that parents knowing if their kid is speeding will help them discipline their child, but I'm skeptical that it will prevent the child from speeding the next time they get the keys.

The price of gas has fallen for 42 consecutive days. It hasn't increased since September 16--just days after a series of hurricanes battered the Gulf coast.

Overall, gas prices have fallen 37% from the record high of $4.11 this summer. The drop is attributed to lower crude oil prices and reduced consumer demand.

The price of crude oil hit a 17-month low on Monday, falling to $63 a barrel. And recent high gas prices have kept Americans off the roadways. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans are driving 5.6% fewer miles than last year.

Average gas prices in California, Alaska, and Hawaii remain above $3 a gallon.

Some major American cities with the lowest gas prices are Kansas City, MO, and Cincinnati, OH, at just over $2 a gallon.

Just months after reports of fuel theft dominated the headlines, gas prices in some areas have fallen below $2 a gallon. According to GasBuddy.com, you can find gasoline for $1.98 per gallon in Corpus Christi, TX, and $1.99 a gallon in Des Moines, IA.

To help parents choose wisely, CarMax, America's largest used car retailer, and Driver's Edge, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young drivers, produced a list of the best vehicles for teen drivers. Each vehicle on this list is rated on affordability, style, and has at least a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in each of the past three years.

The list, in alphabetical order by manufacturer, includes:

• Chevrolet Malibu (2008 only)

• Dodge Caliber (models with optional side airbags and ABS)

• Ford Fusion

• Honda Civic

• Hyundai Sonata

• Nissan Altima

• Pontiac G6

• Subaru Legacy

• Toyota Corolla

• Volkswagen Jetta

If you look closely, you'll notice that the cars on this list are cool, but they aren't fast. The old adage "speed kills" is true, especially when applied to teenagers. At over 3,500 fatalities per year, car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths.

When it comes to vehicle safety, bigger often means better--at least in a collision with another vehicle. And while there are no large vehicles on this list, none of the vehicles are tiny either. Because large trucks and SUVs are so popular, a compact car driven by an inexperienced teen is a fatality waiting to happen. Yet, of insurance rate comparison site InsWeb.com's teen customers, the most popular vehicle is the Chevrolet Cobalt--a subcompact with limited safety features.

Older vehicles are cost-effective, but they don't always have basic safety features like airbags or anti-lock brakes. If an older vehicle is all you can afford, bigger is usually better.

Not every family can afford a brand new luxury vehicle for their teen driver, but you can't put a price tag on your child's life. Purchasing a safe, affordable vehicle to keep your teen protected is well worth the investment.

Haunted Yards

Trick-or-treaters will be running up your front walk, bags out, ready for their chocolate and Smarties. Make sure they don't trip on anything in the yard by removing obstacles in their path:

• Brooms Aren't Just for Witches--Keep your walkways clear by sweeping up slippery leaves, putting away garden tools and rolling up hoses.

• Haunted Graveyards--Make sure all decorations are kept off walkways, but close enough to give kids (and adults) a fright.

Erie Lighting

The spooky and dark Halloween night doesn't need to be midnight black. Keep your porch and walkways properly lit to prevent falls. Remember this little bit of Halloween etiquette:

• Lights on= come get candy.

• Lights off= witching hour has passed.

Smiling Jack-O-Lanterns

Nothing says harvest and Halloween like a good old fashion Jack-o-Lantern. Here are some safety tips for carving and enjoying your own spooky pumpkin:

• Carving up Jack--It is best to let adults or older children wield the carving knife (safety knives are best), and always have parental supervision.

• Lighting up Jack--If you use a regular candle, keep combustibles and flammable items away, and keep the lid off the top of the pumpkin to let heat escape. If you are worried about fire danger, try using a battery powered light, or consider painting an un-carved pumpkin.

Frightful Flickering Flames

We all love to look outside on Halloween night and see the glowing lights of candles and Jack-o-Lanterns in people's yards. Unfortunately, many of these festive lights can become fires if not watched properly:

• Flickering Flames--Keep harvest decorations like straw, corn husks, scarecrows, and other combustibles away from open flames.

• Superman's Cape--Get your child a fire resistant costume and mask. Keep Jack-o-Lanterns away from flowing capes and swirling gowns.

• Test your smoke alarms.

Fido and Fluffy

Halloween isn't just for little kids. Since our pets are part of the family we want them to be included in the holiday fun. Keep open flames, like Jack-o-Lanterns, out of Mischief's reach. Make sure Rover won't be able to munch on decorations like fake spider webs, which could be toxic.

• Dogs--The ASPCA recommends keeping dogs in a back room so they are away from the front door and don't get spooked. You don't want your pup to jump on trick-or-treaters, or bite them. Even cute little dogs dressed as pirates can get a little crazy on Halloween (probably because the door bell won't stop ringing). Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability, as long as Rex has been disclosed to your insurance company.

• Cats--Halloween decorations often feature black cats, but there are some who would do little Garfield harm. Keep kitty safe in a back room or garage, away from the front door and ringing doorbell, so he can't make a mad escape.

Barack Obama's Health Insurance Plan:

•Would require large and midsize companies to provide health-care coverage. If they don't, then they would pay a fee into special fund that would create a public health plan similar to "the one that every federal employee--from a postal worker in Iowa to a Congressman in Washington--currently has for themselves." Workers would either continue to get their coverage through their employers or choose the new federal plan.

•Requires parents to purchase health insurance for all children, stopping just short of mandating universal coverage, instead seeking universal "access" to health care.

•Subsidizes the purchase of health insurance by the uninsured, buying coverage through the new federal health plan or the private sector.

John McCain's Health Insurance Plan:

•Would treat employer-sponsored health insurance as income and tax it. This is meant to level the playing field for people who must purchase their own coverage.

•Offset the new taxation by giving working-age citizens a refundable tax credit of $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families, encouraging the uninsured to buy insurance. "Families will be able to choose the insurance provider that suits them best and the money would be sent directly to the insurance provider."

•Insurance companies would be allowed to sell policies across state lines to promote competition.

•Create insurance pools for high-risk workers who have pre-existing health problems such as epilepsy, diabetes and cancer so "they get the high-quality coverage they need."

•Provide subsidies for workers who are forced, because of health problems, to seek coverage in the high-risk insurance pool.

So which candidate has the best policy for America--John McCain or Barack Obama? Whether you vote for Obama or McCain in the upcoming election, understand that your health insurance will be affected.

Photo by:Kamshots

Like the system found in cars and trucks, a motorcycle's ABS system helps riders stop abruptly without locking their brakes and losing control of the bike.

The study is fantastic news for the motorcycle safety industry, which has struggled for decades with rider safety. According to the Insurance Journal, there were more than 5,000 motorcycle-related deaths in 2007--dwarfing the 1998 total of 2,294.

At the moment, ABS is a relative luxury for most motorcycle models.

As ABS adds an additional $1,000 to the cost of an average motorcycle, it's uncertain if it will become standard safety feature in the near future. But with so many deaths attributed to motorcycle riding, are consumers willing to put a price tag on their lives?

If the motorcycle industry should push for ABS to become a standard safety feature, motorcycle insurance rates would certainly drop--not to mention the thousands of lives that would be saved.

Making antilock brakes standard won't make motorcycling as safe as driving a passenger vehicle, but it would certainly be a move in the right direction.

Space Tourism Insurance

People willing to shell out $20 million for a trip into outer space are propelling a new phenomenon known as space tourism. As you may have guessed, leaving the planet is considered a dangerous activity, and insurance companies are reluctant to extend coverage to space travelers. But if you can afford to plunk down the money for a trip into space, you can probably afford the hefty insurance premium that comes with it.

Bottom line: If you're planning on leaving Earth, check with your insurance agent first.

Nuclear Attack Insurance

Bad news: Home insurance provides no coverage for nuclear radiation or contamination claims. Therefore, if your home is destroyed by a nuclear attack, you're on your own to rebuild. On the bright side, though, if your home is nuked--and you somehow escape the blast--your home insurance policy will probably be the least of your worries.

Wedding Insurance and Special Event Insurance

We've already explored the wonders of wedding insurance in a previous post, but remember: if you're planning on getting hitched, do it with protection.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, wedding and special event insurance "can be used to cover a 50th anniversary party, a bar mitzvah, a graduation party or any special occasion you might be planning." It provides coverage for natural disasters, damaged gowns or tuxedos, stolen gifts, unforeseen honeymoon difficulties (insert joke here), or counseling costs to remedy severe emotional stress due to an unexpected wedding cancellation (save for change of heart, which isn't covered). Prices range from $125 into the thousands depending on the amount of coverage desired.

Wedding insurance can't stop your spouse from ditching you at the altar--in which case you're on your own--but at least you're covered if a hurricane or other natural disaster wipes out your wedding locale.

Pet Insurance

Believe it or not, pet insurance has been a reality in Europe for decades--and it's becoming big business in North America. Despite the fact that an estimated 46 million Americans (human Americans, that is) don't have a proper health insurance policy, hundreds of thousands of pets are covered with pet insurance. Pet owners in North America spend an estimated $10 billion annually on pet healthcare expenses.

Who knew pets could have preexisting conditions?

The old car was running on borrowed time. If it had been a cat, it would have used up 11 of 9 lives, if you catch my drift. So when it finally gave up its last breath in the parking lot of a Mel's Diner one Sunday, Walt had had it. "That's it!" he said, pounding his fist on the steering wheel, and we went car shopping that afternoon (after we had the car towed back home).

Getting a new car had been in the back of his mind for quite awhile, so he'd done his homework. Still, he wanted to be sure by test driving a couple different cars. At one dealership they had lost the keys to the car we wanted to test drive. Another one also lost the keys, but then found them. One dealer didn't even ask us if we needed help, and we had been there for 15 minutes and had sat in 3 different cars.

The last dealership was better. The first sales guy didn't pressure us, and he even had the keys when we wanted to test drive. It was settled--Walt wanted this car.

Of course the next guy on the sales totem pole was more pushy, but that's to be expected. Sales guy number 2 insisted that Walt call his car insurance provider to add the car before he'd even signed the papers. He was on the phone for a good 20 minutes with the provider, which wasn't bad, but at the same time, sales guy 2 kept interrupting him and trying to shove papers under his nose for him to sign. Luckily I was able to take a better look at all those papers. I had to tell the sales guy to give us a minute since Walt was still in the middle of talking to the insurance company. What you gonna do?

We made sure we didn't get suckered into buying extras while swirled up in the fun and excitement of buying that new car. We didn't want to wake up the next day wondering where all the money went and why we had a $100 box of car cleansers we could have bought at Wal-Mart for $9.95.

So now Walt has a reliable, safe, fun, sporty, great mpg's, brand-spankin' new car with that wonderful new car smell...ahhh.

These vehicles include 140,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007-2008 model years. The recall also involves 2007-2008 model year Infiniti EX32, G35 Sedan, G37 and the Nissan 350Z, Murano and Rogue. (AP)

No injuries or accidents have been reported and Nissan is saying the defect was found during internal tests. In late August, GM issued a recall for 857,735 cars, trucks and SUVs. To check to see if your car is involved in any recalls, use InsWeb's Auto Recall Tool.

Sen. John McCain - Arizona

Republican presidential candidate John McCain and his wife Cindy own a combined 13 vehicles, but his main ride is a Cadillac CTS--and it fits his personality well. It's got a beefy engine with plenty of horsepower, a bold look, and an overall classic design. Plus, a 72-year-old man driving a Cadillac is almost too perfect. The "Straight Talk Express" bus isn't too shabby either.

Sen. Barack Obama - Illinois

After pressuring American automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama dumped his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300C for a more practical Ford Escape Hybrid. The Chrysler 300 is undoubtedly a sexier and more youthful vehicle, but dumping the HEMI engine for a hybrid is certainly a step in the 'green' direction.

Gov. Sarah Palin - Alaska

In a world of gas-sipping hybrids and Cooper Minis, sometimes you gotta go big. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has two sons, three daughters, a husband, and probably a few pets to taxi around, so her 9-seater Chevy Suburban is definitely a necessity. Palin also owns a Volkswagen Jetta with a diesel engine when she needs some get-up-and-go.

Sen. Joe Biden - Delaware

For the past 30 years, Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden has commuted to Washington via Amtrak, but that '67 Corvette in his garage isn't just for show. It was given to him as a wedding gift by his father, a car salesman, over four decades ago. Biden also has a Ford F-series pickup for the weekend.

Tonight's McCain/Obama meeting in Hempstead, New York, is the final presidential debate of this election season. It takes place on National Grouch Day--is that a bad omen?

For this experiment I picked out some basic (ok very basic) grocery items. I first made a list (never go shopping without a list!). Then I scoped out the Sunday paper and clipped some coupons. It took me about 45 minutes to sift through the ads for items on my list. I normally shop at the local discount grocer (in this case WinCo Foods) as much as possible. To get an idea of the savings, I also did a price check at Safeway, which has chains across the country. (Just so you know, I compared the same brands/sizes at each store to get a good comparison.)

The Savings Breakdown:

• WinCo: $93.52 total

• Safeway: $157.66 total ($121.41 with a club card)

• Coupons: $2.40 off

So, was taking 45 minutes to scour the paper and clip coupons worth the savings? I'd say not this time.

I could have clipped store specific coupons and drove to those stores, but with the price of gas, I wanted to make as few stops as possible. I also will probably start a coupon box--clip coupons for all kinds of items and save money when it comes time to buy them.

Another option is online coupon sites. Some of these sites combine coupons with store sales (determined by ZIP code) to get even better deals. It depends on just how much time you want to spend

Other Money Saving Shopping Tips:

• Make a shopping list and stick to it

• Don't go shopping hungry--you're more likely to buy impulse items

• Look for what is on sale

• Plan meals ahead of time

• Try store brands

• Buy in bulk

• Try using coupons

What really saved me cash was shopping at the discount grocery store (more on that coming soon!).

In case you are curious, here is my very simple shopping list:

• Bananas

• Lettuce

• Tomatoes

• Apples

• Turkey lunch meat

• Bread

• Cookies

• Spaghetti

• Rice

• Campbell's Chicken noodle soup

• Tuna

• Cereal

• Chicken breast

• Ground beef

• American cheese

• Cheddar cheese

• Eggs

• Milk

• Margarine

• Frozen corn

• Ice Cream

• Soft Drink

• Juice

• Peanut butter

• Jelly

• Coffee

• Canned cat food

• Toilet paper

• Paper towels

• Trash bags

• Pain medicine (Advil)

• Laundry detergent

Related Content:

Money Saving Tips Part 1: Saving at Home

While coverage options differ based on the type of business you own, most insurance companies offer protection from all major property and liability risks. You can purchase a policy that covers property and liability in one package, or purchase each policy separately.

Package deals are usually tailored to a specific size or type of business, so small and medium-sized companies may purchase a businessowners policy, while larger enterprises have the choice to purchase a commercial or customized policy.

Business insurance is necessary to protect your company from potential property damage or loss due to a variety of factors. If the physical assets of your company are destroyed or damaged, insurance covers the cost of repair and/or replacement. In most cases these costs would be too high to cover on your own, which is why business insurance is such a sound investment. Businesses also run the risk of being sued, so liability insurance is often recommended as part of a business insurance policy.

Every company, no matter how small, should consider purchasing a business insurance policy. In the business world, anything can happen, so it's essential to be prepared for whatever comes your way. The smartest move you can make before selecting an insurance policy is to shop around and consult different companies for quotes and services. This is also the best way to find a policy that best suits your business and your budget.

When comparing quotes, take into account more than just price. Specifically, look for a policy that offers the most coverage for the risks inherent in your particular business. Potential savings can be found if you consider a policy with a higher deductible or if you package your policy with your other insurance needs, like auto or heath insurance. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that you ask your quoting insurance agent or company about loss prevention. Often, insurance companies offer reduced premiums if you follow certain safety recommendations.

Selecting the right insurance policy for your business is a lengthy process, but if you take the proper steps and research the available options, you will rest easy knowing your business is protected.

With the cold season rapidly approaching, many people might start stocking up on the over the counter medicines. Others will head to the local grocery store and stock up on chicken soup. But does chicken soup actually possess healing power?

Alright, while chicken soup might not be a cure but there is some scientific proof that chicken soup can help alleviate the symptoms of a common cold. A University of Nebraska study found that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps speeds mucus through the nose helping to relieve congestion. Apparently, chicken soup can also help relieve stress. In Beijing, Xiwang and Weiwei used chicken soup to get over a stressful weekend. They also happen to be pandas at the Wuhan Zoo.

Some of the home remedies that my coworkers could think of were:

• Sniffing eucalyptus oil will clear sinuses

• Hot tea with lemon and honey to soothe throat

• Cold teas bags on eyes to reduce pressure and swelling

• Eating spicy foods such as Kimchi to help kill the virus

• Chamomile tea for insomnia

• Sage tea for indigestion

• 7up for upset stomach

• Lavender and mint help with headaches (like the smell of a candle, or tea)

For me, when I start to come down with a cold, I stick to chicken soup and warm lemonade. So what are some of your home remedies? Maybe you have an ancient family secret that you wouldn't mind sharing with the public?

Started in 1920 as National Fire Prevention Day, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running health and safety observance on record according to the National Archives and Records Administration. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses this week to remind people of the dangers of fires so that there isn't a repeat of the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire. According to the NFPA, there were an estimated 399,000 reported home structure fires in 2007, resulting in 2865 deaths, 13,600 injuries and $7.4 billion in damage.

96% of U.S. households claim to have at least one smoke alarm. Unfortunately, in almost ½ of reported home fires, no smoke alarms are present, or they don't work. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home structure fires in half (NFPA).

2008 Slogan: It's Fire Prevention Week! Prevent Home Fires

Here are some basic ways from the NFPA to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of fire:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area

• Test smoke alarms once a month

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

• Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family twice a year

• Find two ways out of every room and designate an outside meeting place

• When the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out!

Taking preventative measures against home fire damage can save you money on your homeowners insurance premiums, so check with your insurance provider.

Crafty thieves have learned to manipulate gas pumps' computer systems to pump for free. Some pose as maintenance workers and tap the metering system to release fuel. Others simply puncture a gas station's underground fuel tank and guzzle out as much fuel as they can.

Gas siphoning from commercial vehicles is also becoming common. Semi-trucks are one of the biggest targets for crooks targeting diesel fuel. Truckers who leave their trucks at a rest stop or motel parking lot for the night often return to find their fuel tank empty.

Everyday drivers are falling victim to fuel thieves too--especially full-size trucks and SUVs with large, elevated tanks. Crooks use several methods: cutting the fuel line and draining fuel, drilling a hole directly into the tank, or removing the gas cap and siphoning fuel with a hose. More aggressive thieves simply hijack drivers at gunpoint and drive the vehicle away.

According to Newsweek, gas thefts cost the convenience store industry $300 million in 2005--a time when fuel prices were comparatively cheap. With gasoline prices currently around $3.50 per gallon, the numbers for 2008 could skyrocket.

To stem the tide, a number of states have implemented harsh penalties for fuel thieves, with high fines, jail time, loss of license, and vehicle confiscation.

To protect against fuel theft, the American Automobile Association recommends taking these steps:

• Purchase a locking gas cap

• Park in a locked garage

• Set up a driveway surveillance system, even if it's just a dummy camera

• Replace rubber fuel lines with steel fuel lines

The personal liability coverage available through a homeowners or automobile policy is simply not enough to protect you. An umbrella policy can offer a higher level of liability coverage protecting you and your family from damages for which you may be held responsible. The greater your assets, the more you potentially have at risk. Umbrella coverage can help protect you against personal liabilities that could attack a substantial portion of your current assets, future assets or future earnings.

A personal umbrella liability policy is an insurance contract designed to increase the liability protection over and above a standard home and/or auto insurance policy. The personal umbrella extends your liability protection beyond the primary policy limits - usually sold in million dollar increments. An umbrella may be obtained once your home and auto insurance policies meet a minimum "attachment point" (typically, a liability limit of $250,000 or $500,000).

Personal umbrella policies provide four elements of coverage:

• Personal injury: Includes mental anguish, false arrest, wrongful entry/eviction, malicious prosecution, libel, slander, defamation of character, invasion of privacy or negligent infliction of emotional distress (not all umbrella policies are the same and/or include all coverage noted)
  

• Bodily injury: Includes physical injury or death - in some jurisdictions, this includes emotional injury




• Property damage: Includes destruction of the property of others, cost of recreation, and loss of use. Worth noting - an umbrella policy does not provide coverage for your own property (such as not having sufficient limits to cover a homeowner's loss)

• Defense coverage: Includes groundless, false, and fraudulent suits, loss of earnings, bail bond costs and other reasonable expenses

The price of an umbrella policy depends on three main rating factors - the dollar limit of coverage, the number of properties owned/rented and the number of automobiles/watercraft owned. The cost associated with automobiles and watercrafts are much higher than the cost for each property location.

For example, the premium for a $5 million umbrella for an individual with one home and one auto ranges from $270 to $550 per year. The cost of a $10 million umbrella for a family with two homes, one rental property and three autos ranges from $970 to $1,750. The cost varies due the number of exposures and the location addresses.

• You drive down a busy street and accidentally injure a successful entrepreneur in the crosswalk. Medical costs, lost earnings and damages amount to millions.

• A 15-year-old guest at your son's pool party dives unknowingly into the shallow end of your pool, and suffers devastating paralysis and injuries amounting to millions.

• Your tenant sues you for wrongful eviction, unlawful entry and slander. The cost to defend may be in excess of $100,000.

• You're having a wide-screen television delivered to your home, a deliveryman slips on your wet steps and fractures his skull. Damages are several hundred thousand dollars.

• While carrying your umbrella in the rain, you accidentally poke the eye of an executive. The executive loses her eye and the injury causes significant disfigurement. Medical costs, lost earnings and damages amount to millions.

Umbrella coverage can help protect you against personal liabilities that could attack a substantial portion of your assets or future earnings. For a few hundred dollars a year, you may add an umbrella policy or increase your policy limits commensurate to your growing assets and "risk factors." Talk to your personal insurance agent regarding this important coverage.

Content provided by Daniel Glunt of Fort Point Insurance Services,Inc. (415)781-8801

Car insurance companies base your rates on how high of a risk you are to insure. In 2006, nearly 30,000 male drivers died in car accidents, while only 13,000 women suffered the same fate (IIHS).

Because male drivers are more likely to die in a car accident, car insurance companies perceive them to be a higher risk to insure, especially young male drivers who just got their license. Consequently, young male drivers aged 16-25 typically pay more for auto insurance than young female drivers in the same age group.

The good news for male drivers is that they are only perceived as a higher risk to insure from the ages of 16 to 25. Once you reach age 25, as long as your driving record is devoid of accidents and tickets, your car insurance rates should start to decrease and will eventually become level with your female counterparts. While this news can be disheartening to young male drivers, they can take solace that their car insurance rates will gradually decrease over time as long as they maintain a clean driving record.

While both genders can continue to argue which sex is the better driver, one thing we all can agree on is that saving money on your car insurance benefits everyone. If you have a teenage driver, especially a male teenage driver, you can still find discounts on your car insurance. While you are in school, car insurance companies usually offer good student discounts if you maintain a "B" average or better. Men and women alike can raise their deductibles to make their car insurance rates a little lower as well. When looking for car insurance at any age, comparing quotes is the best way to find the best rates.

According to the CDC, if your BMI is less than 18.5, you are underweight. A normal or healthy weight range is between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is between 25 to 29.9, you're overweight. If your BMI is above 30, then you are considered obese. My get-fit mission is I will drop my weight to get towards the healthy range.

My Goals

My goal is to lose 45 pounds, and to do it in a healthy manner. So my plan is to lose 3 pounds a week for the next 15 weeks. To do so, I have devised the following plan:

Monday: 30 minute bike ride in the morning, gym at lunch or after work

Tuesday: Interval run for 2 miles

Wednesday: 30 minute bike ride, gym at lunch or after work

Thursday: Interval run for 2 miles

Friday: 30 minute bike ride, gym at lunch or after work

Saturday: Long bike ride (weather permitting)

Sunday: Watch football but eat celery instead of chips and salsa

The Plan

To measure my success, we will use my BMI and my weight as our measurement. As for my diet, my plan is to continue to eat three square meals a day, but avoid fatty foods. I will not be doing some crash diet or starving myself, nor will I become a vegetarian, but my plan is solely reliant on my ability to kick my own butt into gear and exercise everyday.

Now, I am in some decent shape, mostly from riding my bike and playing weekend sports, but I plan on including more cardio into my gym routine. I invite all who read this to post comments about their weight loss successes and I will keep everyone updated as to my status. My plan kick starts October 6th. So, every week I will post my updated BMI as well as how I'm feeling and I will respond to any comments I receive. Happy exercising.

The Study

The IIHS conducted their study in New Jersey and Connecticut from 1992 to 1996. According to the IIHS, the study found that the number of 16-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes in New Jersey was less than the number in Connecticut. Some have questioned the relevance of such findings are as 16-year-olds are not allowed to have driver's licenses in New Jersey.

Others have asked why the study did not compare the rate of fatal crashes for 16-year-old licensed drivers in Connecticut to the rate of fatal crashes for 17-year-old licensed drivers in New Jersey, thereby determining if age is the sole determining factor?

Improved Laws

The IIHS study was conducted over a decade ago. At that time, neither New Jersey nor Connecticut had implemented graduated licensing laws, which are designed to increase the amount of training a new driver receives before heading out on the road alone.

A typical graduated license program restricts new drivers from driving late at night, allows only immediate family as passengers, and bans all use of cell phones while driving. After an allotted period of time, teens "graduate" into the next phase with fewer restrictions. The laws regulating graduated licenses are very strict and include penalties as severe as loss of license.

The IIHS admits that graduated licenses are successful and result in lower death rate, but opponents have pointed out that their recommendation to increase the driving age is based on data collected before such laws were in place.

Driver Training

Many have argued that the apparent immaturity of those under 18 makes them unworthy and incapable of handling such a large responsibility as driving a car. Yet these same irresponsible teens are expected to handle the responsibility of prepping for college, high school, homework, sports and extra curricular activities, as well as part time jobs. As proposed by the IIHS, 18 year old high school graduates would have just recently been given their licenses (or may not have if they have graduated while still 17) as they drive off to college, alone for the first time.

Teens will not become better drivers simply because they turn 18--their driving skills need to be honed through training. The IIHS doesn't mention improving driver's training. Will teens still be able to get driving permits at 15 ½, or will that age go up with the licensing age? Rather than kicking 16 year-olds out of the car, why not add 6 months to a year of training by lowering the age of driver's training to 14 ½ or 15?

This study's results are interesting, but more research is warranted before we overhaul the nation's driving laws.

What do you think of this proposed law change?

Recently unbeknownst to me, there is a National Building Museum located in Washington D.C. The museum recently compiled a list, with the help of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), of 10 ways to green your home. Here is their list:

1. Turn down the thermostat. Lowering it by just one degree can reduce heating energy costs by about four percent.

2. Use ceiling fans in the summer AND winter. By reversing the direction of the blades, warm air is pushed down, helping to keep rooms warm in winter.

3. Conserve energy by purchasing major appliances with an Energy Star™ rating. Compared to a 1990 model, an Energy Star-qualified refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for more than four and a half months.

4. Repair leaky fixtures: one drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as mush as 10 gallons of water each week.

5. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Low-flow faucets reduce water consumption and the cost of heating water by as much as 50 percent; using a low-flow toilet can save Americans 2.1 trillion gallons of water and $11.3 million nationwide every day.

6. Choose carpeting, rugs, window treatments and other textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.

7. Ask for flooring products made from rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo. Bamboo is one of the fasted growing plants in the world, requiring no replanting and little fertilization or pesticides.

8. Select solid woods harvested from sustainably-managed forests, when possible, for furniture or cabinetry, rather than pressed woods or composites that may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that may be toxic and hazardous to your health.

9. Eliminate waste by choosing products that are biodegradable or recyclable. Consider the "lifecycle" of furnishings and accessories before purchasing: Are they made of materials that can be reused or recycled when the item eventually wears out or is no longer needed?

10. Recycle packing and shipping materials from any newly purchased items, and safely dispose of paint cans and other containers with contents that could potentially contaminate the ground or water supply.

These tips seem simple enough to follow that can help save the environment as well as lower the cost of some of your utilities. Also, since my home is a two bedroom apartment, most of these tips I can still follow. Not sure my apartment managers will approve my request to turn my floor into bamboo.