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did you knowDid You Know topics range from things that could save you money to things that could save your life.  Most of the topics fall somewhere in between and hopefully they are useful.

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5% of Americans account for over 50% of US health care costs

By Team Afro on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 16:09

Figuring out how to lower the costs for cancer care, alzheimers, etc will dramatically reduce the cost for health insurance and treatment for ALL of us. Watch this video for more

source: 
MSNBC - Dylan Ratigan Show

70% of people on food stamps are white

By Team Afro on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 11:08

Too often minorities are demonized for receiving handouts like welfare and food stamps.  The statistics do not bear this out.  Hunger is colorblind in America. End racism forever.

source: 
National Urban League

America only graduates 1 engineer for every 4 engineering jobs available

By Team Afro on Thu, 12/15/2011 - 07:39

The opportunity is there, our young people just have to go get it.

source: 
US Department of Education

After a bankruptcy you are still eligible for credit cards and loans

By Team Afro on Thu, 12/15/2011 - 07:34

Bankruptcy doesn't mean you aren't able to get credit. After bankruptcy most people are bombarded by banks and others with offers for Mastercards, Visas and car loans.  Don't take them as credit debt is probably what caused the mess in the first place.

source: 
Money

70,533 Mortgage “Fraudclosure” cases (where banks cheated consumers) were reported in 2011

By Team Afro on Mon, 12/12/2011 - 08:12

This number of fraudulent foreclosures is up 11% since 2008. The Massachusetts Attorney General is suing the 5 biggest lenders: BofA, JP Morgan, Citbank, Wells Fargo and GMAC to help get our money back.

source: 
Massachusetts Attorney General

Home prices are still falling and expect to drop through 2012

By Team Afro on Mon, 12/12/2011 - 07:58

According to RealtyTrac all economic indicators show that prices may drop 10% or more in 2012. If you want to buy you should wait until next year (at least).  10 Cities With Biggest Price Drop

source: 
RealtyTrac

Western Union Charges 10% or more to do basically nothing

By Team Afro on Thu, 12/08/2011 - 17:15

Western Union brags that charging you $5 to send $50 is a good deal. Actually it’s a 10% charge for doing nothing! Don’t fall for it. Get a checking account at a bank or a credit union and send a check in the mail for 44 cents instead.

source: 
Western Union

Less Than 4% of the 46 Million Food Stamps Recipients Commit Fraud

By Team Afro on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 14:18

96% of the 46 million food stamp recipients have legitimate needs to have them.  Hunger in America is real. We have to deal with it.

source: 
Government Accounting Office (GAO)

The average American will spend 40% of their lifetime earnings on interest payments to the banks

By Team Afro on Tue, 11/29/2011 - 16:46

The average American will make almost $1 million in lifetime earnings.  $400,000 will be paid to banks for interest on credit cards, home mortgages and car loans.   Avoid as much bank interest as you can and use that $400,000 for yourself and your investments.

source: 
Financial Times

Late night grocery shopping can save you 50% or more on baked goods and other items

By Team Afro on Sat, 11/19/2011 - 17:42

Baked goods that won’t sell the next day often get marked down 50% or more right before closing time.  Other items like rotisserie chickens and sushi may go for 2 for 1 or at steep discounts.

source: 
RealSimple.com