IRS Warns of Bogus Tax-Refund E-Mail

The Internal Revenue Service has issued an alert about an Internet Phishing scam in which consumers receive an e-mail, purportedly from the IRS, informing them that they are eligible to receive a tax refund for a specific amount. The e-mail, which claims to be from "tax refunds @irs.gov," directs the consumer to a link that requests personal information, such as Social Security numbers and credit card information. IRS officials stress that the agency does not ask for personal identifying or financial information via unsolicited e-mails. Anyone receiving such an e-mail should not open any attachments because they may contain a malicious code that will infect your computer. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine whether the agency is trying to contact you about a tax refund.

Cost of 12 Days Up 6%

"The twelve days of Christmas" will cost $18,348 this holiday season - a 6.1% increase over last year - according to the 21st annual PNC Christmas Price Index. The tongue-in-cheek tabulation of what it would cost to buy five golden rings ($325), hire 12 Lords a Leaping ($10,947) and make all the other purchases mentioned in the traditional holiday carol are substantially higher due to this year's increased shipping, fuel and handling costs. The survey found these costs closely follows the overall Consumer Price Index trends. PNC Advisor Rebekah McCahan says "to think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting.

Life's Treasurers

I came across a good quote the other day. Winston Churchill said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Cash & Checks Decreasing

Cash and checks now account for only 45 percent of consumers' monthly payments -- down from 57 percent in 2001 and 49 percent in 2003, according to a study by the American Bankers Association. The study found that 33 percent of in-store purchases are made with debit cards. Gift card use is increasing rapidly. 4 percent of all in-store purchases in 2004 were accounted for by gift cards. 52 percent of consumers use automatic payment to pay at least one bill per month, and 39 percent use online bill payment.

Weight Loss - Strategies that Work

If you go to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm you can calculate your body mass index and determine how much weight you should lose to achieve the "perfect look." According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter many products offer a simple solution to losing weight, but there is no easy answer. The healthiest way to lose weight requires making changes in your diet and exercise routines and committing to them over the long term.

Nobel Prize

News From The Associated Press

I'm always impressed with the rapid pace of technological advancements in the banking industry. I always find it interesting to learn about the Nobel Prize winners as a reminder that advancement is occurring rapidly in all areas of life.

Bob

Natural Disasters

I am constantly reminded of what President Lincoln told us all more than 140 years ago: "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be
done today." Those words continue to guide us all as we face incidents that challenge our age, and the 21st century.

Bob

madison.com | archives: We Have Bond With Hurricane Victims

http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2005:08:30:487954:FRONT

Today I'm feeling awfully blessed as others, less fortunate are being affected by tornados and hurricanes. Count your blessings and perhaps, if you can, reach out and help others in need.

Bob

Moral Intelligence : Home

Moral Intelligence : Home

I found this web article meaningful. Hopefully, you will, too.

Thinking About Banking

I see that the U. S. Treasury is bringing back the 30-year bond. The U.S. stopped issuing 30-year bonds in 2001 and restart during the first quarter of 2006. It will appeal to those looking for longer term, safe investments. Oh, by the way, recent survey results show that 48% of consumers trust banking the most among six industries to protect their personal financial information. Fourteen percent said they trust the stock brokerage/mutual fund industry the most, followed by real estate (12 percent), insurance (9 percent) and online merchants (1 percent). Thirteen percent of consumers said they do not trust any of the listed industries. Oh well, can't satisfy everyone!

Scholastic.com

Scholastic.com

Having 4 daughters of my own and grandchildren, I hear a lot about neat websites for parents. This is one of them! You may find it useful, too.

Getting Fish -- and Buyers -- to Bite

Getting Fish -- and Buyers -- to Bite

Just in time for summer.

Bob Gorsuch