Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Review Your Credit Report
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up
with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip.”
Starting a New Year is a GREAT time to start putting your fiscal house in order. The month of January, we will focus on tips to do just that.
This week, Reviewing your credit report may not seem like a savings tip, until you consider how much extra you could be spending on a high-interest loan due to errors on your credit report! If you’ve never reviewed your own report, I would suggest starting by obtaining a copy of all three major reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Once you’ve taken care of any initial issues or errors, begin pulling one credit report every four months. This way, you’ll never go longer than four months without reviewing one of your credit reports. In the event someone attempts to steal your identity, your credit won’t be a train wreck before you can identify the issue and control the damage. Bonus tip: Save the money you pay toward monthly credit monitoring and do it yourself!
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Technology Saving Tips Week 1: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens
Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip.”
The entire month of October, we are committed to Technology Saving Tips! This week, to upgrade or not to upgrade.
Sometimes we upgrade our technology because it’s stopped working; too often it is to have the latest gadget. Stop upgrading so often to save some money. Compare what you have with what you need and make sure you’re not just buying the label. Search for tips online for how to rejuvenate your old equipment by restoring factory settings or cleaning the hard drive. This might be just the new gift to yourself you’ve been looking for!
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: GETTING YOU GAS, Week 1
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip.”
The entire month of September, we are committed to GETTING YOU GAS FOR LESS! This week, it’s all about HOW you pay for it.
When you purchase gas this month, the right form of payment may make all the difference! Several credit cards are offering great rebates, but most are only good through the end of September. Chase Freedom and Discover Card are both offering 5% cash back while deals beyond September include American Express’ Blue Cash Preferred and Bank Americard that offer 3%. With the average gallon of gas in Wisconsin up to $3.48, every penny counts! Just remember… if you don’t normally purchase gas on credit, be sure to set aside the cash each week for the bill at the end of the month – it doesn’t become fun money!
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Keep Your Cool!
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip.”
The entire month of July, we are committed to helping you KEEP YOUR COOL and SAVE!
Here’s how you can start this week:
- Install a programmable thermostat for central air – raise your home’s temperature when you are away and save big money by not cooling an empty home! According to MGE.com, this can save you 20 to 60 cents per hour! You can buy one for between $30 and $100 at your local hardware store if you don’t have one already.
For more information on how to be a Wisconsin Saver, log onto our website: www.wismissingmoney.org or www.wwbic.com.
FAQ Edvest: Who Can Open An Account?
FAQ Unclaimed Property: How Does Property Become Unclaimed?
HOW DOES PROPERTY BECOME UNCLAIMED?
Property becomes unclaimed or abandoned when there has been no owner activity in relation to the account for a period of 5 years and when the owner has not been able to be contacted by the holder of that asset. A holder may include a bank, savings institution, credit union, insurance company, business or utility company.
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Keep Your Cool!
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” This week, how you can become a saver courtesy of WWBIC.
Keep your cool! Run heat-generating appliances like ovens and dryers early in the morning or late at night. Or better yet, not at all: A clothesline will save the $100 a year it can cost to run your dryer. And ditch your incandescent for cooler CFL or LED light bulbs.
Treasurer’s Top 5: Ozaukee County
Courtesy: www. travelwisconsin.com
This week, we travel to Ozaukee County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Ozaukee County
Lawrence Kunesh
HH Spake
Kim Ziegelbauer
Brian, Darren, Todd and James Schmeling
Myron Haack
Treasurer’s Top 5: Outagamie County
Outagamie County Courthouse, Appleton
This week, we travel to Outagamie County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Outagamie County
Leroy H Johnson
Shirley R Kane
AAL Bank and Trust
Rebecca and Frances Applegate Beck
Brenda Winter
Money Matters: Welcome to the Workforce (A Nod to Our Recent Graduates)
Welcome to the Workforce
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and put that lifetime of education to work for you. Our friends at www.practicamoneyskills.com can tell you, finding the right job isn’t easy—it takes motivation to go after the industry or company you want, effort to ace the application and interview process and a bit of luck to land the job. Read on for tips, advice and tools that will help ensure a successful search.
Resources
Your school career center is an excellent place to start when looking for work. As a resource provided to students, the point of a career center is to find jobs that relate to specific fields of study. Check in with a career counselor for advice on resume building or to sign up for on-campus interviews. Recruiters often come to schools and universities looking for future prospects. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of an otherwise out-of-reach company.
Headhunters and employment services can also be a good source for job leads. One of the major benefits of working with placement agencies is that they already have established relationships within the industries they service and know exactly who to put you in front of. The downside is that some may charge you a fee for their services or require a percentage of your pay from the company who has hired you.
Networking has become the new buzzword in professional circles—and for good reason. Many of the best jobs out there are never advertised. The key to landing them is a lucky combination of being in the right place at the right time and talking to the right person. Don’t be afraid to go to social events and advertise yourself or talk about your goals. Or share your plans with friends and family. You’ll be surprised how supportive people can be. After all, everyone has been there at one time or another. If they can’t immediately connect you with a job, they can often provide valuable advice on where to look and who the best contacts might be.
Know What You’re Looking For
Think about the big picture and not just the job you want now. Beyond earning a paycheck, what skills and experiences do you want to take away from your new job? Look to the next step of your career and think about which job will get you closer to that goal. Also, look at the associated benefits. A high-paying job with no benefits may not be as advantageous as a lower-paying position with a complete benefits package.
Consider cost of living and your expenses before you relocate for a job. Every city is different, so a starting salary in one area may not be enough to support you in a new location. Moving costs are another factor to take into consideration. If your prospective employer isn’t going to pay your moving costs, make sure the salary will make up for these costs in the long run, or that you have additional funds to cover the expenses.
FAQ Unclaimed Property: Why Does Wisconsin Have An UP Law?
WHY DOES WISCONSIN HAVE AN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY LAW?
The law was enacted in 1970 to enable Wisconsin residents to search in one place for missing funds. After 1 to 5 years of inactivity Wisconsin businesses are mandated to turn over all unclaimed money, stock, and safe deposit box contents to the State Treasurer’s Office. This process relieves businesses from the expense and liability associated with carrying unclaimed property on their financial records. Most importantly, the process benefits Wisconsin residents because the State Treasurer’s Office makes an active effort to reunite all rightful owners with their unclaimed property.
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: Get Grilling!
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” This week, how you can become a saver courtesy of WWBIC.
Cook outside.Using the stove or baking in the oven can create a lot of excess heat that has nowhere to go except in your house. Consider taking meal plans to the barbecue grill outside so that you can keep your cool inside.
Treasurer’s Top 5: Oconto County
This week, we travel to Oconto County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Oconto County
Donald A Taylor
Lillian Ratter
Clifford J Brown
Rudolph Saffran
David A Mauer
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: How To Become A Saver
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” This week, how you can become a saver courtesy of WWBIC.
To start, simply CLICK HERE
Treasurer’s Top 5: Monroe County
Sparta in Monroe County, “The Bicycling Capital of the World.”
This week, we travel to Monroe County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Monroe County
Richard W. Johnson
PIC Investment Club
Quinn P Clark
Richard O and Mary Jane Hem
James McEssy
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: POWER Shop!
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings courtesy of WWBIC.
Go grocery shopping while you are in a hurry! Maybe you need to go out in a couple of hours. Or your favorite show is going to be on TV after a couple of hours. Try to squeeze in the grocery trip in that intermediate time. Armed with your grocery list, you should be in-and-out very quickly with little time for meandering and getting tempted to buy things you don’t need. Plus if you “power shop” – you can burn calories!
Money Matters: Choosing A Health Plan
Health Care
For most of us, health care and prescriptions represent a big financial burden. When families and individuals experience financial strain, many cut back on health care services. But in the event of a serious illness or catastrophe, not being adequately covered can lead to financial disaster. Luckily, there are ways to ensure you find the best medical coverage for yourself and your family, as well as access to low-cost prescriptions and other services. Our friends at www.practicalmoneyskills.com share resources available; you just need to seek them out.
Choosing a Health Plan
With the countless options available and the complex terminology and paperwork, selecting a health care plan can be overwhelming. There are two basic types of plans: group plans (plans supported by an employer) and individual plans (plans not supported by an employer). Whether you have access to a plan supported by an employer or you need an individual plan, these tips for selecting a plan can help.
Before choosing a plan, ask yourself:
- How much can you afford to pay monthly for health care?
- Who requires coverage under your plan (just you, or a spouse or dependents as well)?
- How often do you, your spouse, and children visit the doctor?
- Do you want or need dental and vision coverage?
- Do you or your dependents have medical conditions that require specialized care?
- What would happen in the event of an accident or surgery?
- What is the maximum deductible you could afford to pay?
Knowing the answers to these questions can help you understand your health care needs and financial considerations. If you or a family member has a pre-existing health condition, it can be more difficult to get the health coverage you need. As part of the Affordable Care Plan passed in 2010, there is a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) available. You can find out more about it here.
FAQ Unclaimed Property: Who Administers The Law?
WHO ADMINISTERS THE LAW?
The Wisconsin State Treasurer serves as custodian of the property on behalf of the owner.
Treasurer’s Top 5: Menominee County
This week, we travel to Menominee County. Here’s a look at the Top 5 people and businesses there with unclaimed assets. Do you see anyone on this list you know? If so, have check out www.wismissingmoney.com and search their name to make a claim. They can also call 855-375-CASH (2274)
Menominee County
Francis Hendricks
Atlee A Dodge
Mary E Dodge
Lawrence E Lynch
Esther Herrick
Money Matters: Health Care Plans and Importance of Staying Healthy
Health Care
Health care and prescription coverage can represent a big financial burden. In the midst of financial hardship, it’s typically the first portion of a family budget to get slashed. If serious illness occurs, that could drive anyone to financial catastrophe. The past two weeks, we shared with you how to choose the best healtcare plan and dove into different types of Managed Health Care plans through our friends at www.practicalmoneyskills.com. This week, we stress the importance of staying healthy as part of your healthcare plan.
Staying Healthy
In addition to making life more enjoyable, living a healthy lifestyle is key to keeping healthcare costs down. People who live a healthy lifestyle tend to be more productive and better at handling stress, making them more valuable employees. Being fit can even save you on health insurance – many companies factor in height and weight when determining rates for consumers. Making healthy choices, like quitting smoking, can also help to keep your health care and medical insurance costs done. For tips on living healthfully on a budget, click here.
FAQ Edvest: How Do I Get Information on Edvest Performance?
Wisconsin Saves Fun Tip: “Slow and Steady” Saving for Retirement
The Wisconsin Office of the State Treasurer proudly teams up with WWBIC (Wisconsin’s Womens Business Initiative Corporation) for “Wisconsin Saves.” Each week, we will share with you a savings tip courtesy of WWBIC. This week, what it takes to properly save for RETIREMENT.
Keep in mind that slow and steady wins this race. Even modest monthly contributions to a retirement account for 30 to 40 years can, in part because of the miracle of compound interest, easily lead to an accumulation of several hundred thousand dollars.
FAQ Unclaimed Property: What Is Unclaimed Property?
WHAT IS UNCLAIMED PROPERTY?
Generally, any financial asset that has had no activity by its owner for a period of 1 year or more. This includes savings accounts, checking accounts, uncashed dividends, stocks, customer deposits or overpayments, certificates of deposit, credit balances, refunds, matured life insurance policies and uncashed death benefit checks. The law also requires that utility deposits, unclaimed wages and property resulting from business dissolutions be reported as unclaimed property after one year of inactivity. The Unclaimed Property Act does not include real estate.
FAQ Edvest: Do I have to Use My Account at Wisconsin College or University?
Wisconsin State Treasury 
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