Bank at Mango financial if you're unbanked or underbanked

Unbanked and underbanked people are able to go to Mango Financial, or Mango Money, for help with financial services. Mango Financial put together a whole bunch of services like prepaid debit cards and other things not typically offered to underbanked or unbanked individuals. You can only reach Mango Financial physically by going to Austin, Texas although they plan to expand. Source for this article – Mango Financial- better service for the unbanked and underbanked by Personal Money Store.

Something extra for the unbanked and underbanked

Although Mango financial can give anybody a prepaid debit card, if you are able to get to the Austin store, there are other things accessible. Mango founder Bertrand Sosa told My Bank Tracker that his company’s prepaid debit card is a gateway to a growing range of financial services unbanked and underbanked consumers can use to manage their money. A linked savings account is available with 5.1 percent interest for all Mango customers. As a member of the Austin location for Mango, a customer can manage accounts as a self service kiosk, use prepaid debit cards with mobile abilities to send money through a text or check balances, withdraw cash at the ATM, get paydays put on cards, send money internationally, or pay bills.

New territory with Mango Money

Hardly any person has tried serving the unbanked and underbanked as Mango Financial is trying to do. There are 22.2 million families, or rather 20 percent of the U.S. population, considered unbanked because they do not have a financial institution set up and used regularly, reports the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). An additional 22 million underbanked families use a mixture of mainstream and option providers such as check cashers and payday loan lenders to meet their financial service needs. Each year, Americans spend at least $ 13 billion on more than 340 million choice financial services transactions.

Mango makes customers essential

Mango Financial means underbanked and unbanked individuals will be treated better. But Triplepundit said the company’s most ambitious innovation could possibly be its first Mango Store in Austin. Mango hopes its Austin store is the first of a national chain. Jennifer Tescher, founder and director of the CFSI, said Mango should be applauded for paying attention to the customer experience for this under-served portion of the public. Tescher explains that Mango cares about how things are done to customers more than what is done for the consumers. She said numerous young individuals are growing disenchanted with traditional banking, whether because of high fees or Wall Street greed. These people are the ones that are going to be interested within the Mango Store.

More on this topic

My Bank Tracker

mybanktracker.com/bank-news/2010/08/04/mango-financial-offers-banking-unbanked-interview-cofounder/

Center for Financial Services

cfsinnovation.com/

Triplepundit

triplepundit.com/2010/07/mango-moneys-mango-store-brings-retail-to-the-unbanked/

Rush Limbaugh claims nobody wants the Chevy Volt

Rush Limbaugh has decided he is going to make the final decision on General Motors’ new electric car, the Chevy Volt. Politico reports Limbaugh saying $ 41,000 is “a steep price to pay for showing you care about the environment”. Limbaugh thinks the $ 7,500 tax credit the government is giving to anyone who wants a new environment friendly car, but executives think the Chevy is a “game-changing product”. Limbaugh feels like the product is not being marketed well since a game-changing product certainly doesn’t need any kind of incentive to be sold. Source of article – Rush Limbaugh claims nobody wants the Chevy Volt by Car Deal Expert.

Chevy Volt- A sign of the auto industry’s revival

A car like the Chevy Volt that is battery powered and gas powered shows the industry is doing much better, says Robert Gibbs of the White House. Considering that both the car and its innovative lithium-ion battery are likely to be made in America, the Obama administration could reasonably consider the Chevy Volt a feather in its cap. Of course not everyone is happy about this.

Batter comments by Limbaugh

The Volt’s battery has an outstanding warranty program, although the car can only travel 40 miles on the battery which charges in “three to four hours” which is what Limbaugh doesn’t like. Limbaugh hates this car so much that be made sure any General Motors ads that would have run during his program were canceled. Or, as he prefers to call the company, “Obama Motors,” referring to the massive taxpayer bailout the automaker received.

‘Expensive ways to promote the environmentalist agenda’

Limbaugh clearly believes that the $ 41,000 Chevy Volt and also the $ 30,000 Toyota Prius are too costly. Others might argue the reduction of emissions is worth it within the long run, and the technology will gradually become less costly. All technology has this problem, and as a consequence, so does all those who purchase it. You pay more if you need it before anybody else. Admittedly, some consumers will have to wait, but as green cars like the Chevy Volt advance automotive technology, the wait will no doubt be rewarded.

Find more information on this subject

Politico

politico.com/news/stories/0710/40397.html

The Sounds of the Chevy Volt

youtube.com/watch?v=_-v-pMxmHLE

Kristy Lee Cook gets on the bad side of PETA

”American Idol” fans likely recall Kristy Lee Cook, a top-10 finisher from season seven back in 2008 who added country flair to her performances. The country in Cook – along with her photogenic overall look – are what led to her role within the new Versus hunting and reality show “Goin’ Country”. Now PETA has Kristy Lee Cook in its sights. The often controversial animal rights organization is locked, loaded and waiting for Cook to blink.

Kristy Lee Cook is not backing down

According to Fox News, Kristy Lee Cook makes no apologies for her participation with “Goin’ Country”. PETA had harsh words for the previous “Idol” star, whom they’d hoped would toe the line and advertise with them in support of animal right as Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Simon Cowell have done before. Cook had her own words for PETA, in protection of her personal beliefs and those of responsible American hunters. She told Fox that “Given that hunters have done more for American wildlife conservation than any other group in history, I make no apology for being one”. “Indeed, I join the ranks of millions of American hunters who celebrate our outdoor heritage and who conserve millions of acres of wild lands. These very same individuals support more than 600,000 jobs across the country and provide a critical voice to encourage more investment in American conservation”.

She sings, she hunts

”Goin’ Country” gives fans a chance to see inside the life of Kristy Lee Cook. Much of her time is devoted to her animal charity, the “Kristy Lee Horse Heaven Foundation”. Hunting is among her family’s preferred recreational activities. Throughout, Cook insists that hunting is handled responsibly, with an eye toward conservation and even the role meat can play in an organic diet. “If I do not take the meat home to my family, then we give it to orphanages or homeless shelters,” she said.

Meat is brain food

Meat is valuable to human evolution, something that PETA and other hunting-critical groups tend to ignore. Anthropologist Leslie Aiello notes that when human beings began to eat meat, a major change occurred.Specifically, she told NPR that “What we think is that this dietary change around 2.3 million years ago was one of the major significant factors in the evolution of our own species”. Using tools was a big part of the brain development that went on when meat eating began for humans. Most significantly, the caloric and fat value of meat gave brains the energy needed for growth. The theory is that excess energy from meat enabled the human body to spend more energy growing a larger brain. Cooking, which came not long after meat eating began for humans, further aided in brain development through its social and division of labor aspects.

Discover more info on this subject

Fox News

foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/08/03/exclusive-peta-takes-aim-kristy-lee-cooks-hunting-shoots/

NPR.org

npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128849908

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristy_Lee_Cook

Blackberry Torch could be released on August 12

Research In Motion, the Canadian business behind the Blackberry, has announced its newest phone — the Blackberry Torch 9800. On Aug. 12, the Blackberry Torch can be released on the AT and T network. New features that have been built to the Blackberry Touch have some customers excited, but reviewers do not seem happy.

The Blackberry Torch 9800 basics

The features that Blackberries are loved for are maintained within the Torch 9800. The QWERTY keyboard is housed in a slider-style case. The messaging and web browsing functions are nevertheless solidly in place, though updated. The Blackberry Torch 9800 has a comparable size and weight as previous models. The security that Blackberry phones have become known for are also in place.

Blackberry Torch updates

The Blackberry 6 operating system has been written for the Blackberry Torch. This update consists of many new features on the Blackberry Torch that users are asking for. Universal search and social networking have been built in. There is also a new web browser based on WebKit that is reportedly more efficient than other browsers when it comes to data usage. The Blackberry App Store comes pre-loaded on the Blackberry Torch 9800, allowing you to customize the phone easily.

Blackberry Torch 9800 reviews and concerns

The Blackberry Torch 9800 may not be enough for RIM to truly survive. No frills interfaces and strong security make the Blackberry popular with government and business customers. RIM seems to be courting more of the consumer market with the Blackberry Torch. However, the tiny screen with almost half the resolution of other Smartphone’s combined with the few-frills email interface may be the downfall of this granddaddy of Smartphone makers.

Cutting your bill and waistline by saving money on food

When it comes to saving cash, it’s not hard to become overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Many consumers are trapped within the idea that saving money on food, household supplies or quite possibly vacations demands strenuous effort and sacrifice. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be that way, particularly for those who start off small and slow with a few small changes at home.

Saving money on food

Let’s keep it simple and focus on relatively easy ways to conserve, such as saving money on food purchases. Though the cost of food is increasing, you are able to keep away from the need for payday advances by learning a few simple tricks on how to really save money on food. Every little thing adds up, and you also will notice a drastic change in your spending lifestyle, as well as your health, if you work on developing good eating and spending habits.

Consider purchasing store brands

One easy, painless way to cut the grocery bill is to buy store brand food. As budgets get tighter and food prices run high, increasingly more consumers are turning to store brands — including higher income families. Store brand offerings that are just as good as or better than name brand products can be found almost anywhere you go. Many supermarket chains are offering more store brand products of better quality, and sticking close to store brand purchases can cut the bill down by 50 percent or more.

The benefit of getting in bulk

Another great way to conserve cash on food and prevent the need for payday loans is to purchase in bulk. Search for the items that cost probably the most and find out whether getting in bulk will save you more money in the end. You may want to stay from purchasing highly perishable items like fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk, but things like rice, potatoes, beans and pasta could be stored for a long period of time. Be careful, though, because getting in bulk can also work against you if you overstock and throw things away. You’ll basically be throwing hard-earned money down the drain.

Put a stop to impulse buying

Always write a list before making your way to the supermarket. Focus that list on necessary things you need each month and try not to confuse your wants with your needs. Any budget could be damaged by impulse buying, so it’s essential that you plan ahead and stick within your boundaries. Write a separate list for things you need for no real good reason other than to boost your morale and put it aside for a later time. As you start to see your money grow, you can go back to your “want” list and budget for one item at a time. It’s important that you reward yourself every once in a while for your efforts to conserve money.

Quick tip: The best time to plan a small shopping trip is during the busiest time of the day. With your purchasing list handy, you are able to easily go in and out and avoid the urge to look around and ignite temptation.

Make meals at home

If you have a busy day-to-day schedule, this could be a bit tricky. But keep in mind that you are able to save some significant bucks just by making meals at home. Furthermore, eating processed food and eating out can have a negative effect on your weight and overall health, also as your spending budget. For those of you who run busy lifestyles, preparing ahead of time will help a great deal. And here is where the crock pot handily comes in. Put all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, and on your way out the door the next morning, it will take almost no time to pull it out of the fridge and have it cook all day while you are away. It is almost as easy as applying for online pay day loan. When your day is over and it is time to come home, you are able to return to a home-cooked delicious meal everybody will enjoy.

Many fires, such as the Tehachapi fire, make for state of emergency

In Sacramento this morning, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a state of emergency in Kern County. The Tehachapi fire, also known as the west fire, has been contained 25 percent. The Bull Fire is only 5 percent contained. The State of Emergency allows cash-strapped California to spend money on firefighters and containment.

Facts on the Tehachapi fire

The Tehachapi Fire, centered in a small community 10 miles south of Tehachapi, began on Tuesday. After flames began consuming the town, Old West Ranch residents were forced to leave. The fire has been officially named the West Fire, following the ranch that was split up to form the community. A grinder was in dry grass when individuals started cutting scrap metal in it, beginning the fire. Now you will find 40 homes that no longer stand as well as 1,400 acres which were burned. 150 other homes have had to evacuate.

Bull Fire info

The Bull Fire started in Kernville, California and burns 16,000 acres already. When the fire began, it immediately burned eight homes and six outbuildings down. Two firefighters have already been injured while fighting this fire. Nobody knows why the Bull Fire started and only about 5 percent of it has been contained so far.

Wildfires expenses

In budget-strapped California, fighting wildfire is an incredibly expensive proposition. Not only the human cost of possible firefighter deaths, but the financial cost. $1 million to $2.5 million is about what it costs per day to fight fires. More than $500 million is spent on an “average” wildfire fighting year. California assigns these costs to many different agencies. The majority of the cost is carried by the California state spending budget. Nothing is covered on this except the actual containment of the fire. Because there is a State of Emergency, the money gets spent although nobody knows where it is coming from yet.

BP preparing to take a $ 10 billion tax credit

Facing a $ 17 billion second quarter loss and $ 32 billion in spill cleanup costs, BP has decided to take a $ 10 billion tax credit. Cash until payday loan advanced like this are given to companies that are in a lot of trouble. It is still argued how legal this tax credit really is. The government is going to end up paying more for the oil spill cleanup than they intended with tax credits like this. Article source – BP planning to take a $ 10 billion tax credit by Personal Money Store.

Losses that spurred the BP tax credit

Tax credits like these are accessible to all companies that are in some severe financial trouble. In just the second quarter of this year, BP has reported losses of over $ 17 billion. BP stock falling is where most of this loss comes from. BP is easily losing profit although borrowing money hasn’t been a question so far.

Economic effect of BP tax credit

With a $ 10 billion tax credit, the government will end up paying of BP’s bill when it comes to the oil spill cleanup. BP said they’d pay at least $ 20 billion for the oil spill. If the government gives BP $ 10 billion, then the government basically paid half of that bill.

Those against the BP tax credit

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, in a press briefing, commented on the BP tax credit by saying “I do not think anybody would prefer that [BP] do that.”. The only thing that compares is when Goldman Sachs tried to write off the $ 535 million penalty fee they paid to the SEC. Nobody has ever tried to do this before, where they take out loans till payday but then writing the loans off.

Reasons BP deserves the tax credit

Although it appears the tax credit shouldn’t be given, there may be some reasons to consider giving BP this credit. BP is expected to pay for every little thing involved in the oil spill cleanup. Unless BP can stay solvent, then getting the quick money loan needed for the cleanup might be practically difficult. If BP can’t discover a way to keep in business without the $ 10 billion, then they’d likely go out of business and be unable to pay for any of the expenses of the oil spill cleanup. The IRS will choose if that is the case or not though.

Additional reading

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/story/taxes/bp-claiming-9-9b-tax-credit-on-gulf-clean-up-costs/19571518/

Market Watch

miamiherald.com/2010/07/28/1749344/bp-eyes-10b-tax-credit-over-gulf.html#ixzz0uyReljAI