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4 Gadgets to Stay Connected on the Road

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As Americans look to save on travel costs and gasoline prices hold fairly steady, more people are turning to their own cars to get them where they want to go. But few sounds drown out the joy of a summer road trip faster than a backseat chorus of “Are we there yet?”

Fortunately for the chauffeurs of the vocal and impatient, gadget makers have released new devices designed to make car trips easier for passengers, not to mention drivers. Among the possibilities: tuning into live TV while idling in traffic, getting enough battery power from your computer to play the entire "Harry Potter" DVD lineup back-to-back, and turning your cellphone into a radar detector.

SmartMoney.com talked to auto and electronics experts, as well as drivers, to find car-worthy gadgets. Here are four ways to stay in touch on the road:

1) Live TV

New satellite services ensure that a lengthy road trip doesn’t mean the family misses the latest episodes of hit summer series like “Burn Notice,” or popular kids’ shows, such as “Hannah Montana.” “This would be a lifesaver,” says Lisa Tyler, a spokeswoman for social networking site MomsLikeMe.com. She routinely sets up the car’s DVD player with videos for her four-and-a-half year-old twin boys but says it’s tough to keep their interest with the same shows on the family’s annual 14-hour summer roadtrip from Virginia to Florida. “With TV, you get the variety of programming,” Tyler says.

Systems can be installed in most vehicles, as long as you have an FM radio and a monitor. The technology is still in early adoption, so expect to pay steep fees for equipment. A few systems on the market:

AT&T (T) CruiseCast. Browse the lineup of 42 satellite TV and radio channels, including Disney (DIS) XD, Discovery Kids, Animal Planet and Accuweather. The antenna/receiver combo costs $1,300, and a monthly subscription is $28.
DirecTV (DTV) Total Choice Mobile. Watch any of the satellite service’s 185 channels, including the major networks and niche offerings like The History Channel and Spike. The service requires a subscription to the satellite provider (packages start at $30 per month) and an unobtrusive receiver (roughly $2,000) to be installed on your vehicle’s roof.
Sirius (SIRI) Backseat TV. Programming is currently limited to three kid-friendly channels: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. To set up the service you’ll need an audio/video tuner ($300), as well as a monthly subscription ($7, in addition to regular satellite radio subscription fees, which start at $7 a month).

2) Power converter

Forgot the car charger for your favorite electronic device? No sweat. Inexpensive power converters enable you to power any device that uses a standard plug, including your cellphone, your laptop or a blender for smoothies near the beach. This coffee-cup-shaped version ($30, from ThinkGeek) plugs into the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. It can power up to three devices at the same time, and fits into the car’s drink holder for easy storage and access.

3) Your smartphone

Whether he’s driving the family car or his motorcycle, debt counselor Steve Rhode of GetOutofDebt.org always brings his Apple (AAPL) iPhone along for the trip. “It’s my travel essential,” he says. “I rely on it.” In addition to music and games, Rhode has loaded his phone with apps to make his trips easier, including weather monitor RadarScope ($9.99 on iTunes) and “AroundMe” (free), which locates the nearest restaurants and other amenities. “I can make a more informed decision about where I get off the highway,” Rhode says. A few other useful apps for the road:

Trapster. Avoid speeding tickets with this free app for the BlackBerry, iPhone, Android device or other phone operating system. It uses GPS to alert you when you’re approaching known speed traps, red-light cameras and speed cameras.
SitorSquat. This free app for BlackBerry and the iPhone uses GPS to find nearby restrooms. An active user community rates each from zero to five stars for cleanliness.

4) GPS

New standalone and dashboard models on the market do more than direct you from Point A to Point B. Some alert you to congested roadways and offer alternate routes to cut your travel time. Voice activation commands let you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. A handful — like the Garmin (GRMN) nüvi 265WT (on sale at Best Buy for $220, a 33% discount) — include Bluetooth technology, which allows you to reroute cellphone calls through the device’s built-in speakers and microphone. “We’re all in favor of anything that prevents distraction in a vehicle,” says Fran Clader, a spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol, which has issued more than 100,000 citations to drivers using handheld cellphones on the road. And in New Jersey, hands-free might soon be the only legal way to operate your GPS.)

Many GPS models also include programs that can play your MP3 collection, point you to the nearest bookstore or amusement park and locate the cheapest gas around.

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6 Patriotic Summer Trips for Less

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

With more Americans putting their money away in savings accounts, it seems like a fitting time to remember that you don’t have to spend a lot to honor your country – even while on vacation.

Many hotels near patriotic sites have rolled back their prices to draw out tourists who might be setting aside less money for leisure in the midst of the recession. As the American wallet tightened, these businesses did not have much choice. Consumer confidence took a step back in June and remains at a level economists consider unhealthy -- and while Americans are spending, their dollars are not necessarily going toward travel. AAA predicts nearly 2% fewer Americans will travel over the July 4 weekend, and a Mintel survey of vacationers’ habits conducted earlier this month found that 60% of respondents chose to drive their own cars rather than fly during their last vacation.

6 Patriotic Summer Trips for Less

With cities desperate to attract tourists, patriotic-minded travelers can find a host of deals in cities with rich histories and notable attractions. Already-struggling hotels have incentive to pull in more travelers over the long weekend. Those deals, coupled with inexpensive historical sites, can add up to road trips that won’t break the bank, especially with gas prices down sharply from a year ago. Travelers can find deals at sites that stretch across the country, from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains and from New England down to the Mid-Atlantic states.

SmartMoney.com talked to historians and travel experts to find deals on all-American attractions. Check out six historic -- and economical -- cities to visit this summer:

Philadelphia

Follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers and declare your financial independence with a visit to this historic city. Fourth of July hotel rates are down 19% from last year, says Genevieve Brown Shaw, a spokeswoman for Travelocity. For example, four-star Sofitel Philadelphia is offering a night free with a reservation of at least four nights this summer, pushing the daily rate (regularly $205 and up) to an average $154. Shaw’s must-visit sites for first-time visitors -- the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House -- are more economical. Admission to the first two is free, although you’ll need timed tickets to avoid the crowds. Entry to the Betsy Ross House runs $3 for adults and $2 for kids.

Washington, D.C.

Vacationers voted Washington the city with the best free attractions in a June survey by travel review site TripAdvisor.com. The list of patriotic freebies is exhaustive. The National Mall & Memorial Parks include the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial and the FDR Memorial. Ford’s Theater distributes free tickets for timed tours of the historic theater where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and plays are still performed. Lincoln fans can also check out exhibits this year at the Smithsonian Institute’s museums (free) celebrating the bicentennial of his birth. If you stay in nearby Arlington (site of the Arlington National Cemetery, another free attraction) at the Westin Arlington Gateway, you’ll save 35% on a room with a three-night stay. You’ll pay $123 a night, down from $189.

New York

An Independence Day trip to the Big Apple will offer a rare view of the Manhattan skyline this year. Starting July 4, visitors can once again climb the steps of the Statue of Liberty to its crown. The crown had been closed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and will be closed again shortly after the holiday for a two-year renovation. You can also head to Ellis Island, where you can conduct a search for your ancestors. Both attractions are free, though you’ll pay $12 for adults and $5 per child for the ferry ride over, plus a $3 fee for a trip to the Statue’s crown. Get the full immigrant experience with a trip to the New York City Tenement Museum ($17 adults, $13 kids). “You have to go [there] to complete the story,” says Edward O’Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. “Most immigrants spent decades in tenements and only a few hours on Ellis Island.” Expedia lists many deals on accommodations, too. Rates at the three-and-a-half-star Bentley hotel are now down as much as 30%. Sale prices start at $154 per night.

Keystone, S.D.

Hike the Presidential Trail to the base of Mt. Rushmore, and listen to a free talk about how the four presidential heads were carved into the mountain face using dynamite. Entry to the memorial is free, and parking is $10. Time your summer visit to coincide with one of the U.S. National Park Service’s free weekends on July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16, and you can camp out in nearby Badlands National Park, a fossil-rich park about two hours away by car. (If you stay another time, it’s still a bargain at $15 for a seven-day vehicle permit.)

Gettysburg, Pa.

You can easily spend an entire day exploring the Gettysburg National Military Park, site of the battle that turned the course of the Civil War, says Allison Lockwood, project manager of travel information for AAA, who devised a nine-hour driving tour of Civil War sites. Entry to the park is free, but trading up to a guided tour is affordable. A two-hour car tour for up to six people with one of the park’s battlefield guides costs $55, while admission to the museum starts at $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Even the drive to the park can be a draw for history buffs. “You’re on some of the roads the troops traveled on,” Lockwood says. If you plan to stay overnight, the nearby two-star Chambersburg Travelodge is offering 15% off a stay of two nights or more for Expedia customers, which lowers the $85 weekend rate to $72.

Boston

"Boston's Freedom Trail is an easy way to see many of the city's historical sites, like the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall,” Travelocity’s Shaw says. “There are 16 sites along the red-brick trail, but you can pick and choose the ones that interest you the most.” Most carry nominal admission fees -- for example, the Paul Revere House costs $3.50 for adults, $1 for kids -- so visitors who plan to explore them all might pick up a Go Boston card, which offers free access to more than 70 tours and attractions around the city. Prices for a one-day pass are $55 for adults and $38 for kids and scale up for additional days. Hotels rates for the July 4 weekend are down 7% from last year, according to Travelocity. The three-and-a-half-star Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers is knocking 20% off its rates, with sale prices starting at $164 per night.

5 Factors That Determine Your Credit Score

letters@smartmoney.com (AnnaMaria Andriotis) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Are you sure you know how good your credit is?

Since September, more credit-card companies have been cracking down on card holders they consider risky -- and even lowering the boom on those good standing -- by reducing their credit lines or increasing their interest rates.

About 65% of banks have lowered the credit limits of new or existing credit-card customers, according to the Federal Reserve’s April survey of senior loan officers, up from 45% in January.

Consumers have taken notice: 19% of customers reported recent interest-rate hikes in June, up from 15% in February, and 14% said their credit limits were recently lowered, up from 8% in February, according to a separate telephone survey of 1,000 credit-card customers conducted by a market research firm for Credit.com.

Recent legislation to prevent credit-card firms from making those kinds of changes won't stop rate hikes and credit limit reductions, as companies may attempt to implement these before a new law takes effect. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act signed by President Obama in May aims to protect consumers and improve transparency associated with sudden changes in their credit-card company policies, but the law will not take effect for another two to eight months. In the meantime, consumers should expect more interest rate or fee hikes or credit line reductions, says Ken Lin, CEO of CreditKarma.com, which offers free credit scores and free tools to help consumers improve their scores. Individuals with credit scores below 700 may see their credit lines reduced, and those with scores below 620 could see some of their credit cards canceled, Lin says. “The idea is to eliminate risky credit card holders before this legislation takes effect,” he says.

Of course, most decisions on interest rates and credit lines are handed down not by MasterCard (MA) or Visa (V) but by the banks that underwrite them.

Bank of America spokeswoman Betty Riess says the bank has always “closely monitor[ed] accounts for risk and may adjust customers’ lines…depending on their risk profile.” In April, Bank of America notified less than 10% of its customers of a rate increase, which went into effect on their June statement, she says. Some of those increases were the result of the bank’s periodic review of individual credit risk, which looks at how individuals are using all their credit and whether they’ve defaulted on loans to other creditors, she says.

Discover (DFS) says that most of its customers haven’t experienced credit line reductions or interest rate increases, but the firm increased interest rates on a small number of cardholders who were paying late or not paying at all.

American Express (AXP) spokeswoman Desiree Fish says the company has been reducing lines of credit since September but that the majority of its customers haven’t been affected.

Spokespersons for Bank of America (BAC) and American Express say their firms haven’t announced policy changes associated with the credit-card legislation.

For now, consumers would be wise to keep a closer eye on their credit scores. Here are the five most important factors that affect your FICO credit score and a few ways to protect yourself against the credit crackdown.

Do You Pay on Time?

35% of your credit score

Start marking your credit-card bill due dates on your calendar. Paying your bills on time plays the biggest role in determining your credit score.

To stay on top of your charges, consider setting up an automatic bill payment, says Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Look over your past bills, estimate your minimum required monthly payment and set up automatic bill payments for that amount, she says. That way, you’ll meet the payment deadlines, dodge late fees or interest-rate hikes, and remain free to pay the remaining balance at your convenience.

The consumer who pays his bills on time every time maintains an average credit score of 706, Lin says, but the drop-off is huge. The average score of a consumer who pays on time 99%: 658.

Making a late payment can also lead to universal default, the condition in which credit-card companies raise your interest rate on their cards for being late with another company’s payment. Once the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act goes into effect, that practice will be curtailed, but if card issuers perceive an increase in a cardholder’s risk level through some other means, they could roughly double their rates, Lin says. The annual percentage rate of the average credit-card firm is now 10.9%, according to Bankrate.com.

What Do You Owe?

30% of your credit score

Paying bills on time doesn’t guarantee a high credit score. You’ll also need to keep your balances from surpassing 30% of your total credit line.

Your credit score is based in part on your credit utilization ratio, the amount you owe in proportion to your total credit limit. If your credit-card company reduces your credit limit, your debts make up a larger percentage of your credit line. If your line is cut unexpectedly, call your issuer to try to undo the reduction, especially if you’ve been on time with payments and maintain a low balance.

In some cases a credit line reduction is unavoidable, says Linda Robertson, a certified financial planner with Financial Finesse, a financial education company . In the past year, many retailers like Fortunoff and Linens ‘n Things shut down or went into bankruptcy and canceled their credit cards. When their credit-card holders lost those lines, their scores may have suffered, she says.

How Long Have You Been Borrowing?

15% of your credit score

A middle-aged consumer often fares better in this category than a recent college grad.

The length of your credit history is basically a straight measure of the number of years you’ve had credit. The trick here is to keep your first credit card open, even if it has a high interest rate or a low spending limit. Use it a few times a year so that the credit-card company doesn’t shut it down, Cunningham says.

Is Your Credit Still Expanding?

10% of your credit score

Applying for new credit is often a Catch-22. With new credit, you can prove your ability to handle several payments on a monthly basis. However, applying for too much credit in a few months can slightly harm your credit score, says Cunningham.

“It signals that you’re desperate for credit and don’t have cash available to pay for your needs,” she says.

Opening new accounts over time will raise your credit score in the long term, provided you pay your bills on time, says Craig Watts, spokesman for FICO, the company that calculates and issues the credit score that most lenders use. Requesting and checking your own credit report from FICO or one of the three credit bureaus won’t affect your score, he says.

Is Your Credit Diverse Enough?

10% of your credit score

To maintain credit diversity, opt for a variety of credit, including credit cards, a car loan or a mortgage – but make sure to pay each bill on time and keep the accounts active. Opening a wide variety of new accounts and not using them won’t raise your credit score, Watts says.

Should You Invest in Michael Jackson?

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Is it a smart time to invest in Michael Jackson?

Fans across the world are mourning the sudden death on Thursday of Michael Jackson who despite controversy over the years remained for many a music superstar whose talent will never be forgotten. But it’s a reality that with the death of any artist, their works may go up in value – and with any celebrity’s demise, practically any physical object associated with the star has the potential to rise in price too.

Take a look at 7 key MJ mementos

In recent years, the market for unique collectibles linked to Jackson has been strong. “His reach is global, collectably,” says Darren Julien, principal of Julien Auctions, which exhibited the Collections of the King of Pop in April. (Jackson had hired the company in 2008 to clear out Neverland and auction its contents but changed his mind at the end of the exhibit.) The collection drew more than 45,000 visitors at stops in New York, Los Angeles and Dublin, Julien says. The collection’s box set catalog sold thousands of copies.

Still, during Jackson’s life, some recent signs suggested relatively little interest from the broader consumer market in his memorabilia. Before Jackson’s death, sellers listed an average 200 to 400 memorabilia items daily on eBay (EBAY), only 50 to 100 of which sold, according to market researcher eSeller Street. Of course, some items offered on eBay may not have been of sufficient quality to attract buyers.

When a major celebrity dies suddenly, prices on the collectors’ market typically increase swiftly and remain elevated for up to a year before leveling off, says Noah Fleisher, a spokesman for Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas, which sold some of Jackson’s effects during his life. Just how high prices go – and whether that value endures – depends on the market supply of a given item and how kindly the public remembers the celebrity. “History will probably view Jackson kindly when it comes to his music and forget a little what a weirdo he was,” says Fleisher.

Only time will tell. “It is too early to ascertain the effect of yesterday's news on the value of Michael Jackson memorabilia; this will be felt over time and dictated by supply of items to the market,” says a spokesperson for Christie’s, which has auctioned several of Jackson’s items, including a triple-platinum award for the album, “Bad,” which nabbed about $295 at an auction in May 2006.

One big issue for those wanting to purchase a piece of Jackson’s legacy: fakes. “Anyone who has any talent with signing will fake Jackson’s signature,” says Timmy Wade Miller, a specialist in entertainment memorabilia for the International Society of Appraisers and chairman of rare bookseller FlatSigned.com. Even certificates of authenticity aren’t necessarily a guarantee -- those can be faked, too. For especially pricey items, buy through a reputable dealer who can trace the history of ownership back to Jackson and provide additional proof of an item’s legitimacy (photographs and other documentation), advises Miller. Have the item authenticated by a third party, and pay with a credit card so that you can get your money back if an item turns out to be a fake.

The news of Jackson’s death unfolded swiftly. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center on Thursday, after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest. His death was reported shortly thereafter. The case will be keenly watched in coming days for more details about what led to Jackson’s death.

The singer’s career started at age 5 and took off in 1969 with “I Want You Back” a year after Motown Records signed The Jackson 5. Jackson began recording solo performances soon after, landing a string of hits, including 1982’s “Thriller,” which the Recording Industry Association of America pegs as 28-times platinum. In 2003, his reputation was tarnished by allegations of child molestation of which he was acquitted. In recent weeks, Jackson was preparing to launch a new tour -- which was being eagerly awaited by fans who snapped up tickets.

So, are collectibles experts bullish on Michael Jackson? We reviewed a variety of Jackson memorabilia -- some extremely rare, some less so -- to get their views on how various items may appreciate. They told us the most valuable stuff is likely to be items linked to historically important Jackson performances. “Anything that’s pierced the cultural zeitgeist enough that everyone knows it, like the red jacket in ‘Beat It,’” says David Reeder, vice president of GreenLight, which handles intellectual property rights for celebrity estates. Other items, like some old concert tickets or signed photos, won’t hold much value because there are a lot on the market.

Here's a look at some Jackson memorabilia and how its value might change:

Costumes

Jackson was known for his distinct and ornate wardrobe on stage and in his videos. “Something he wore in an iconic performance that there’s only one of [would be valuable],” says Reeder. In April 2007, Heritage sold a long, black “backwards” tuxedo jacket Jackson wore on stage in 1993 for $956 at auction. Today, that jacket could fetch as much as $2,500, Fleisher says.

Photos: Getty Images, Christie's, eBay.

Gloves

That iconic right-hand glove isn’t as rare as you might think. Many were made for tours and videos, and they vary in their decoration, Julien says. Prices have fluctuated over the years with Jackson’s popularity. (Julien’s Auctions sold one in 2002 for $30,000; another in 2004 -- after Jackson’s child molestation trial -- fetched just $6,600.) Today, a glove from a memorable performance could go for $50,000 to $80,000, he says.

Autographed items

Anything Jackson signed should rise in value, but the thousands of autographed “Thriller” albums are less interesting to collectors than signed clothing, personal photos or drawings, says Miller, of the International Society of Appraisers. In 2007, Christie’s sold a signed sketch Jackson doodled of Elvis for $250. (At the time, it was valued at $400 to $600.) Also at issue: the signature’s legitimacy. Fakes are rampant -- even official signed photos or letters may have been written by an assistant, Reeder says.

First press “Thriller” albums

Owners of an already-rare first-press (or first-run) copy, especially one that’s unopened or signed, could expect it to continue to appreciate in value over time. On eBay, sellers are currently asking $150 to $200 for an opened first-press while sealed copies carry asking prices as high as $2,000.

Music career memorabilia

Many of Jackson’s personal effects are enticing to collectors, but items pertaining to his career are more sought after, Reeder says. Henry Vaccaro, owner of Vintage Pop LLC in Asbury Park, N.J., anticipates he’ll get $150,000 for a platinum record of “I’ll Be There,” one of just two issued to Motown Records. Just last week, he unsuccessfully tried to auction it for $20,000. (As of 2 p.m. ET on June 26, there were no bidders.) In October 2008, Heritage auctioned a signed Thriller RIAA Platinum Award for $1,195. Today, it would likely bring in at least $5,000, Fleisher says.

Items from the Neverland Ranch

“Jackson was a collector himself,” Miller says. Many of his old home’s items -- including an extensive fine art collection and antique furniture -- now carry additional value by dint of his ownership. Anything specific to Neverland, like souvenirs or fixtures, would also be alluring to collectors. In the cancelled April auction, the wrought iron Neverland gates were expected to sell for $20,000 to $30,000; a wooden Neverland welcome sign, $400 to $600.

Fandom items

If you have an old concert ticket or a copy of The New York Times from June 26, now’s the time to put it up on eBay, Fleisher says. With few exceptions, fandom memorabilia won’t hold its value in the long run. For example, newspaper copies from President Obama’s election fetched $50 shortly after his victory but quickly plummeted back to near face value. Tickets from Jackson’s upcoming tour -- what would have been his last performance -- might be slightly more valuable, Reeder says.

9 Ways to Save on Movie Tickets

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Don't resign yourself to a summer of TV reruns and microwave popcorn. A night at the movies is more affordable than you might think.

Theaters have kept price increases minimal amid the slowing economy, says Richard McKenzie, a University of California, Irvine economist and author of "Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies, and Other Pricing Puzzles." For example, AMC and Regal Entertainment Group (RCG) pushed up ticket prices in some areas by just 50 cents each.

The concession stand is where moviegoers are most likely to see price increases, although those are relatively small, as well. "Theaters want to keep the margin on concession items as high as possible, and on tickets, as low as possible," says Wesley Hartmann, associate professor of marketing at Stanford University. If $7 for a bag of popcorn shocks consumers, they'll most likely go without. But if ticket prices are too high, they may decide to skip the movie altogether and wait to see “The Proposal” when it comes out on DVD.

On other hand, discount opportunities are just as plentiful as they were last summer, and they can help you cut costs by as much as 70%. Here are nine ways to spend less on a trip to the movies:

Seek out freebies

Many theaters offer free showings of family movies during the summer. Regal hosts a Free Family Film Festival every Tuesday and Wednesday morning through the end of August, showing flicks like "The Tale Of Despereaux" and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Clearview Cinemas' Kid's Club kicks off an eight-week series of free movies starting July 2.

Clip coupons

Your local Entertainment Book typically offers reduced-price movie tickets for as little as $6 apiece. Also, keep your eyes peeled for special promotions. Marriott (MAR) is offering four free movie passes when you spend a weekend at a participating hotel or resort before Sept. 7.

Head to the drive-in

If there's a drive-in in your town, then get behind the wheel. Moviegoers accustomed to state-of-the-art theaters may see these venues as old-fashioned novelties, but most drive-ins show new releases — and at the bargain price of about $7 a person for a double feature, says Jennifer Sherer Janisch, co-creator of Drive-ins.com, an online directory. (The Laurel Drive-In in Hazelton, Pa., for example, is currently showing "The Hangover" and "Taking of Pelham 123" for $7 per adult and $3 per kid.) Some drive-ins don't even charge for kids, while others offer bargain per-car pricing. Concession fare is often cheaper, too, Janisch says.

Check out independent theaters

Wait a month or so for new movies to show up at a local independently-owned theater, and you can save more than 70%. The Kleeburg Marketplace Cinemas in Winston-Salem, N.C., is showing features like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Sunshine Cleaning" for just $2.50. Prices at Cinemark Movies 10 in Plano, Texas, range from $1 (early-bird first matinee, which can start as early as noon) to $2 (Friday and Saturday evening showings).

Buy in bulk

At AMC Theatres, avid moviegoers can buy tickets in increments of 50 for $6 to $7.50 each. The tickets don't expire. There is one catch, though: the cheaper tickets cannot be used for special engagements (i.e., the first two weeks of a movie's release). You can also purchase bulk tickets at warehouse clubs. For example, Costco (COST) sells a five-pack of Regal tickets that can be used at any showing for $37.50. At a Regal theater in Chicago, that could translate to a savings of up to $12.50.

Avoid reservation sites

Go online and you'll end up paying more for your ticket. Movietickets.com charges a $1 surcharge; Fandango.com tacks on 75 cents to $2, depending on the area.

Trade up on snacks

If you're going to buy popcorn or soda, go big. "Per ounce, the smallest size of popcorn is twice the price of filet mignon," says McKenzie. Trade up for the larger size and you're paying less per ounce — plus, many theaters still offer free refills. Although that's not much of a deal for a solo viewer, larger groups will find it more cost effective than buying snacks individually.

Go at off-times

Heading to the theater on a Friday or Saturday night is the most expensive time to go. In San Francisco, Cinemark (CNK) charges an extra 50 cents per ticket on those nights. Theaters are also restricting matinee hours. New York's AMC Theaters offer matinee pricing ($6 instead of $12.50 for an adult ticket) only before noon.

Be loyal

Joining the loyalty club at your favorite theater can pay off, even if you don't go to the movies that often. AMC Theaters' AMC MovieWatcher Rewards offers coupons for a free small popcorn each week, plus two points per ticket purchased. After you've earned 30, you'll get a free ticket. The Regal Crown Club awards one point per $1 spent. Rack up 150 points and redeem them for a free ticket.

Moving on the Cheap: 6 Tips for Cutting Costs

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As if packing all your possessions, forwarding the mail and cleaning out decades of junk wasn't stressful enough, just wait until you see the mover's bill.

Of course, the damage will depend on the amount of stuff you have and where you're moving. Transporting the contents of a one-bedroom apartment from New York to Milwaukee next month, for example, generated mover bids of $3,500 to $4,500 on moving-jobs marketplace CityMove.com. Estimates for packing and moving items in a two-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Cherry Hill, N.J., in March, meanwhile, ranged from $2,420 to $15,000.

And as many consumers find out at some point in their lives, moving isn't without its potential pitfalls, no matter how much you pay. Complaints about moving companies were up nearly 6% last year, according to the Better Business Bureau. Problems ranged from no-shows and damaged furniture to so-called rogue moving companies who waited until every last bit of clients' possessions were on the truck to demand double or triple the original estimate.

Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, here are six ways to cut moving costs and protect yourself and your belongings:

Shop around

Moving costs can vary wildly so be sure to get estimates from at least three moving companies before you hire someone. Free site CityMove.com lets consumers put out a call for bids, which registered movers can then respond to. (Make sure estimates include how long the job will take so you can effectively compare flat-fee and hourly bids.)

Also ask the mover to inspect your home and goods in person ahead of time to make sure there aren't any surprise charges come moving day, says Jon Katz, chief marketing officer for Flat Rate Moving. And inquire about any other fees that could come into play, and under what circumstances. Some movers, for example, pay any parking or traffic tickets incurred during the move, while others pass them along to the customer.

Conduct a background check

Picking a mover based solely on price is a big mistake, warns Allison Southwick, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the company you pick doesn't have a reputation for showing up late, damaging items in transit or — worst of all — demanding more money while your stuff is held hostage on the moving truck. Check BBB.org and Yelp.com for consumer reviews, and ask the moving company for three recent customers to call. Your state's public service commission should also be able to tell you if a mover is licensed and in good standing.

Pare back on belongings

Whether a moving estimate is based on weight or a per-hour rate, more stuff almost always results in a bigger bill. As you pack, weed out items to sell at a yard sale, donate to charity or throw out, says John Buckles, president of Caring Transitions, a company that helps seniors with moving and downsizing. Not only will you save money on the move itself, but you'll also get some cash back in the form of yard-sale proceeds or tax deductions.

Reduce the mover's workload

"Every time a mover has to go into the house, that's more time [you're paying for]," says Jon Sorber, executive vice president of Two Men and a Truck. Move un-packable items like lamps and houseplants on your own — or at least carry them out to the moving van. Also, disassemble items like bed frames before movers arrive so you don't have to pay for the time it takes them to do it, he says.

Know what's covered

Some homeowners insurance policies cover belongings in transit, so check before paying for coverage from your mover, says Sorber. Moving company policies typically pay out by pound, rather than by the item's value. For example, coverage at the common rate of 60 cents per pound would reduce the value of a $900, 51-pound Sony flat-screen TV to $31. Such policies are also pricey, costing up to 1.5% of your possessions' declared value. Someone moving $25,000 worth of stuff could save $375 with a quick call to their insurer. Of course, if your belongings aren't covered by a homeowner's policy then getting coverage from your mover is better than nothing, says Sorber.

Grab the tax break

The IRS allows consumers to deduct all the costs of a job-related move, provided you meet certain criteria. You must move within a year of starting the new job and remain employed for at least 39 weeks after the move. The new job must also be at least 50 miles further away from home than your old job.

5 Insurance Policies for Summertime

letters@smartmoney.com (AnnaMaria Andriotis) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Anyone who has ever forgotten to apply sunscreen knows it’s a good idea to take precautions during the summer even while at play. But for those who wade into the season unprepared, a nasty sunburn can be the least of their problems.

Many summer-related activities pose risks of injuries or damages that can be expensive for those without an adequate insurance policy. For example, traveling abroad without health coverage and getting into a medical emergency may cost the traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for health-care services. Even those who stay home during the summer face seasonal risks like flooding from hurricane damage, which isn’t covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

“There are certainly events and activities that occur during the summer where having an insurance policy would be helpful,” says Sheryl Garrett, a fee-only certified financial planner.

The trick is to make sure these policies are necessary and that you’re not overpaying for them. As insurance companies devise more products, it can be difficult to separate your true risk from the nightmare scenarios invented by clever marketers. They know that in the tough economy, many people fear getting hit with a big bill out of nowhere and may be more open to pitches for insurance.

So here’s how to size up five types of safety nets that are particularly relevant this time of year.

Travel

Travelers’ checklists often include little more than a camera, passport and sunblock. But before boarding the plane, make sure you have health coverage in case an emergency occurs while you’re away.

U.S.-based health-insurance providers rarely extend substantial benefits while you’re outside the country, says Garrett. Contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage abroad. To fill in any gaps, consider purchasing travel insurance.

Some 300 types of travel insurance exist, and most are sold by travel agents or online travel booking sites, says Scott Simmonds, an independent insurance consultant based in Saco, Maine. Policies can cover a wide array of health services, from hospital visits to medical evacuations from foreign countries. Without it, travelers may have to pay out-of-pocket for treatment, or risk being denied care.

Travel insurance typically costs 10% of the total trip, including flights and hotels, says Garrett. Before signing up, read the fine print to confirm your coverage, which will vary by policy and agent.

Rental Car

Whether you’re planning a weeklong road trip or driving to the nearest beach, check on your auto insurance before renting a car.

Drivers who own a car can contact their insurance provider to find out if they’ll be covered if they get into an accident or damage a rental vehicle, says Sam Belden, a vice president at Insurance.com, a policy comparison site. They also should consider whether they can afford to pay their policy’s deductible, says Belden.

Another option without additional cost is to use a credit card that provides a collision damage waiver. Most gold MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express credit cards offer this coverage to cardholders. Hold onto any receipts from the rental-car company citing damage to the rental car and send them to the credit-card company. Today, roughly 80% of all gold cards provide this benefit, but consumers should contact their credit-card company to confirm coverage before they rent the vehicle, says Simmonds.

If neither of those options pans out, consider purchasing a collision damage waiver from the rental company, which costs $12 a day on average, says Simmonds. Without coverage, in case of an accident, the rental-car company will usually determine how much you owe and charge your credit card -- even if it’s not your fault, he says.

Liability

Of course, accidents don’t always happen on the road. On the golf course, you can swing your nine-iron and mistakenly hit your opponent in the head. At a barbecue, your potato salad might make someone sick. In your own backyard, a guest might slip on the edge of your pool.

Most homeowner and renter insurance policies are sold with around $100,000 of liability coverage per occurrence, which kicks in when you’re held responsible for bodily or property damage on or off your property, says Simmonds.

“If you have any personal assets to protect you’ll need to have an umbrella policy,” says Garrett. “Otherwise, they could be at risk if you get sued.” To determine how much umbrella liability you need, round up your net worth, including your home and retirement savings, to the nearest million dollars, she says. Someone with a net worth of $1.3 million should get a $2 million umbrella policy, which costs an average $250 per year in premiums, she says.

Flood

When it comes to bad summer weather, homeowners’ policies cover most damage caused by hurricanes, but it doesn’t cover flood damage.

Typically, homes that require flood insurance are in low-lying areas near the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi River or a smaller river that can overflow. Home buyers will be alerted if they need flood insurance by the bank underwriting their mortgage. They can also contact their local city hall, which should keep track of flood zones.

Flood insurance, which is sold through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, can range from $300 a year for a house with a minimal chance of a flood – say, one sitting on a mountaintop – or up to $10,000 a year if you’re living near a coast in a flood zone, says Simmonds. Read the fine print before signing up to make sure there aren’t any loopholes in your policy, like coverage restrictions based on the location of the damage or the cost of the repair.

Wedding Weather

There’s a reason why June is such a popular month for weddings, and it isn’t the rain, sleet or snow. Still, the weather doesn’t always cooperate.

Some couples try to guarantee the storybook setting by buying weather insurance, which covers costs related to changing your wedding plans in the event of rain, says Simmonds. The price of this insurance is based on historical weather data at your location and date, and it can often cost $2,000 or more, he says. A free alternative: Have a backup plan with your wedding venue to move the reception indoors in case of rain, says Garrett.

Keep the Miles: Why Airline Cards Aren't Worth It

letters@smartmoney.com (Kelli B. Grant) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

That miles-earning card that earned you a free flight to Bermuda on your honeymoon five years ago isn't going to offer you such valuable perks anymore. In fact, it is probably costing you more to earn less.

“Airfare cards are great for the sign-up bonuses, but for most travelers, that’s where it ends,” says George Hobica, founder of fare-tracking site AirFareWatchdog.com.

At the same time that struggling card issuers have jacked up interest rates and made it more difficult to earn rewards, their partner airlines have introduced tiered redemptions and fees that make those miles less valuable. “It’s a double whammy for consumers,” says Curtis Arnold, founder of card-comparison site CardRatings.com.

Nevertheless, card issuers are aggressively marketing miles cards, primarily because they tend to be incredibly profitable. In the first four months of 2009, 30% of mailed credit-card offers were for miles-based programs, compared with less than 20% last year, according to research by Mintel Comperemedia, a financial services research and consulting firm. And as Delta (DAL) and Northwest prepare to merge this fall, American Express (AXP) (which issues the Delta SkyMiles card) and U.S. Bancorp (USB) (which handled Northwest’s card and now offers the broader FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa (V) card) have bombarded some one million frequent fliers with materials touting the benefits of each.

While it can't hurt to become a frequent flier in an airlines’ free miles program, consumers should probably send those miles-earning credit card offers through the shredder. Here are four reasons why:

Annual fees

Airline credit cards tend to carry an annual fee, which means frequent fliers must also be big spenders to come out ahead, says Avi Karnani, founder of financial management program Thrive. While these fees have been around for years, issuers may be less willing to waive them in the tight economy. The Continental (CAL) Airlines World MasterCard (MC), for example, carries an annual fee of $85, and earns one mile per $1 spent. One mile is worth about a penny at redemption, so you'll have to spend $8,500 just to offset the fee.

Constantly-changing redemption values

Odds are good that your miles will be worth less by the time you’re able to redeem them. Both credit-card issuers and airlines can make changes that affect the value of your miles -- and they are, says Arnold.

Earlier this year, Citibank (C) changed its system, which offered flights valued at $400 or less for 20,000 points, to one charging 100 points per dollar, meaning that $400 ticket will now cost you twice as much. (For more issuer reward-program tweaks, see our story.) On the airline side of things, Delta changed its reward structure in September so that consumers can get reward tickets on more flights -- but they’ll pay dearly for the privilege. At one point, a round-trip domestic fare would cost you a flat rate of 25,000 miles. Now, there's a new tiered system which offers redemption options at 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles -- and makes it that much more difficult to snag a 25,000 seat. And, in many cases, travelers will have to spend more miles for the higher redemption option to snag a seat on the flight they want.

Miles still aren’t easy -- or cheap -- to redeem

“Once you’ve got enough, it’s harder to spend the miles,” says Hobica. Travelers almost always have to book 330 days out when airlines first release seats for any hope of snagging a reward seat at the cheapest redemption levels. But now some airlines also charge fees for booking reward travel on a partner airline ($25 on Alaska Airlines), for last-minute redemption ($75 to $100 on United (UAUA)) or for upgrading a seat ($50 to $350 on American (AMR)).

Tickets are cheaper through other means

Most airlines require at least 25,000 miles for a domestic, round-trip reward ticket, no matter whether you would have paid $200 or $2,000 for the same airfare on your own, says Karnani. Folks trading miles for domestic, economy-class tickets are less likely to come out ahead of road warriors booking international fares or business-class seats. Most travelers will be better served with a cash-back card, whose proceeds can be used for any ticket or any other purchase you want to make. (You’ll also knock out the hassle of attempting to book a reward seat.)

8 Father's Day Gifts for Financially-Savvy Dads

letters@smartmoney.com (Lisa Scherzer) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Forget the old Father's Day standby. Your dad already has plenty of ties. And even though what he really wants is probably something along the lines of the BMW 650i Coupe (price tag: $78,000), your budget may be a little limited.

One gift that your father may appreciate – perhaps not as much as a Beemer, but probably more than a tie – is a gift that caters to, or bolsters, his financial prowess.

See 8 financially-savvy gifts for dad

Whether he’s a casual stock market observer or considers himself the next Warren Buffett, here are eight gifts that could help him better manage his money – and, at the very least, keep him entertained.

StockCast Wireless Stock Market Tracker by Brookstone

Price: $49.99

Even if your father's investments are restricted to his fantasy portfolio, this device will let him keep tabs on the market while at work (without turning on CNBC). Made by Brookstone, this wireless desktop gadget updates the numbers of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 every 15 minutes. And for a monthly fee, Dad can create and track a customized portfolio. The add-on service costs either $6.95 a month or $19.95 every three months. (Brookstone gives customers three free months to try the service.)

A session with a financial advisor

Price: $150-$400 per hour

After the tumultuous year the stock market has had, chances are Dad has plenty of questions about rebalancing his portfolio, refinancing the mortgage or how to revive his beaten-down 401(k). Expect a one-hour session with a planner to set you back anywhere from $150 to $400, with the rate depending on the planner’s background and where they're located, says Rick Kahler, president of Kahler Financial Group in Rapid City, S.D.

To help you find an accredited advisor within driving distance of your father's home, check web sites that list fee-only planners by zip code, including the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors (NAPFA.org) and the Garrett Planning Network.

Kindle DX by Amazon.com, with Wall Street Journal subscription

Kindle: $489; download of monthly Journal subscription: $14.99

At nearly $500 this gift may be a little pricey, but just think how nice it would be if Dad didn't have to recycle all those financial newspapers and magazines. With a Kindle, he can read almost all of them – plus thousands of books. Spend a little extra ($14.99 a month) to get Dad a subscription to The Wall Street Journal that will automatically be "delivered" to the device each day. (SmartMoney is part owned by Dow Jones, which also owns The Wall Street Journal.)

If he already has a Kindle, think: upgrade. The new Kindle DX is just over one-third of an inch thick, about the width of a typical magazine, making it easy to carry on the morning commute. And at 9.7 inches, the screen is bigger than the last iteration, so it’s easier on the eyes. It also sports a built-in PDF reader and more memory – it stores 2,000 more books than the previous model. Note: The new Kindle is set for a June 22 release, the day after Father’s Day. If you don’t think Dad needs those extras or the price tag is too steep, you can buy an older version, for $359.

Ambient Orb by Ambient Devices

Price: $99.99

The Ambient Orb is like a mood ring for the stock market. The sphere changes colors to mirror the direction of the stock market: green for gains, red for losses and yellow when the market is flat. It’s preset to track the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and similar to the Stock Market Tracker, you also have the option to track a personal portfolio for $6.95 a month.

Books

Price: From $10 to $18 each

Add to your Dad's summer reading list by giving him some well-loved business titles – both old and new. A few suggestions:

If your father loved Michael Lewis's “Liar's Poker” or “Moneyball," he'll probably like the author's latest, “Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood." Adapted from a series of essays he wrote for Slate.com, Lewis offers his (sometimes ugly) experiences of being a father to his three kids.

“The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide” by New York Times best-selling author Martin D. Weiss is a comprehensive investing and personal finance guide. Weiss, president of investment information firm Weiss Research, offers strategies for coping with the credit crisis and housing bust, and explains to readers just how safe their investments, insurance policies and bank accounts really are. Weiss also gives specific investment recommendations, including his picks for ETFs and Treasury money-market funds.

In “Discover Your Inner Economist,” George Mason University economics professor Tyler Cowen instructs readers on how to use economic reasoning to improve everyday experiences, offering strategies on everything from eating better meals to getting your kids to do chores.

Check out more SmartMoney book picks here and here.

HP 12C Financial Calculator by Hewlett-Packard

Price: $79.99

For sophisticated investors who aren’t afraid of complicated equations or financial terms, H-P's financial calculator might be right up their alley. The device, which sits on the desks of many financial pros, comes with more than 130 built-in functions such as loan amortization and the time value of money of a retirement fund.

“It’s a very, very powerful tool – as long as you know how to use it,” says Kevin Brosious, a certified financial planner and CPA at Wealth Management, Inc. in Allentown, Pa. For instance, he says, you can use it to calculate yields and interest rates on bonds or your monthly mortgage payments and payoff schedule. Just make sure Dad reads the user's manual.

Movie marathon

Price: $30.47 for all three DVDs

Is Dad a movie buff? The Wall Street genre can be as gripping as any Will Smith action flick.

Start with “Wall Street,” the 1987 story of a young stockbroker desperate to succeed and the ruthless corporate raider whom he venerates ($11.49 on Amazon).

For a look back at the sometimes questionable dealings of the 1980s get “Barbarians at the Gate” ($6.99 on Amazon). This 1993 film based on the book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar about the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. James Garner plays CEO F. Ross Johnson, who decides to take his company private after getting word of the probable market failure of Nabisco’s smokeless cigarette.

And of course, you can't forget the movie about the biggest business scandal in American history: “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” 2006 ($11.99). The documentary chronicles the stunning 2001 collapse of energy firm Enron. Let’s just hope Dad didn't have any Enron stock in his portfolio.

Investing/personal finance apps

Price for downloads: $4.99 to $12.95 each

For the gadget geek dad hooked on his iPhone or BlackBerry, a few new apps can help him manage his money while he’s on the go.

iXpenseIt ($4.99) by FYI Mobileware is the most popular (paid) app in the finance category this week in Apple’s iTunes store. Available for the iPhone, this app tracks daily expenses, stores digital photo receipts and can manage the family’s budget. It also tracks recurring expenses, like utility bills, rent and mortgage payments.

For road warriors, Gas Cubby ($10) by AppCubby tracks gas mileage and vehicle maintenance. The app lets you track multiple vehicles, export the data to a spreadsheet and will even remind Dad to change his oil.

If Dad has a BlackBerry, Mobile Checkbook ($12.95) by Mobatech will let him record transactions, check account balances and compare deposits and withdrawals. He won’t have to balance his checkbook or keep track of his receipts.

Check out more personal finance applications here, including an app with Intuit’s Quicken and a budgeting app from Mint.com.