As several Ebola cases have hit the Untied States, many people have began to worry about being exposed to the scary disease and what actions they can take to avoid contracting it. Additionally, many kind-hearted people out there want to make a difference by donating to a charity that helps fund Ebola research or aid Ebola victims. Unfortunately, there are those who see this as a great business opportunity. The increasing Ebola cases in the United States has lead some con artists to start fake fundraisers in order to rip people with good intentions off. One article from USA Today points out that exposing yourself to some of these online Ebola scams can make you fall victim to hackers or identity thieves by handing out your personal information to these scammers. Here are five tips in order to avoid Ebola charity scams.
Donate to Trustworthy Charities
It is recommended that you donate to an Ebola aid charity that you know and trust. In order to do this you must find one that has a proven track record. This means avoiding charities that have seemingly been created overnight. You can check to make sure that the charity is legitimate by looking at give.org, which is the charity reporting website of the Better Business Bureau. Keep in mind that charities that have gotten the tax-exempt status give you more opportunities to verify that they are not a scam.
Be Skeptical
It’s better to be safe than sorry. This means being very skeptical about any charity that asks for you to donate money for the Ebola cause. It’s a savvy move to ask a caller of a charity if they are paid, what percent of the total donation is given to the actual charity and who exactly they work for. If you aren’t given a clear answer or the answer you get isn’t satisfactory then it’s recommended that you look elsewhere in order to make your donation.
Don’t Give Out Personal Information
Be very careful as to who you give your personal information to, as many times the fake Ebola charities are set up to steal your identity. This means making sure that the charity is legitimate before handing out your bank account or credit card number, name, address, etc.
Be Wary When Donating Online
You should never click on any open attachment or links in an email unless you know the charity that sent it is reputable, and you know what it contains. Opening any sort of attachment from an email can cause you to get malware on your computer. Make sure that you verify the origins of an email or even text message from a charity that is soliciting money to go towards Ebola aid efforts. It is also important that you don’t just assume that a charity that posts on social media is a legitimate establishment. Make sure that you research the charity yourself before proceeding to donate money.
How Does the Charity Use Your Money?
Decide on how exactly you want your donations to be used, and ensure that your chosen charity does those specific activities. For instance, do you want to give money to patient aid, support Ebola research, aid in a certain affected country, help orphans, or provide medical supplies to doctors? It’s important to know where exactly you want your money to go. If the charity that you choose donates to multiple Ebola causes then you should consider specifying where exactly you want your gift to go. By doing this you’ll ensure that your money is used as you intended.
Finances - 30 Oct, 2014 -
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When moving, one can spend a lot of money on doing so. The costs can add up quickly as a person will have to pay for supplies, a truck and the labor to make the move. When making a big move to another city or state, a person can often get help from his or her employer. However, for an employee who doesn’t get help, there are options. Here are four ways to pay for a move without a relocation allowance.
Selling Belongings
Before moving, it’s wise for a person to go through his or her house and find any items they won’t need. For example, if you are making a move from a larger to a much smaller home, you probably won’t need to take larger furniture items along. At the same time, a person who is relocating to a warmer climate may want to think about ditching some items such as heavy jackets and other warm weather clothing. Bringing things along you know you probably will never use, can be a big waste of money and time. Selling these items will make you some cash that can help furnish your new home or apartment or help you purchase a new wardrobe. Selling your unwanted items should be pretty easy to do in most major cities if a person is comfortable using Craigslist and other classifieds sites.
Get a Loan
When making a long-distance move, it can be very expensive and can run a mover thousands of dollars. To make the move and bring everything along, another option would be to consider a loan. By borrowing the money you need to move you can take every item with you, safely and securely. This will help a person save time and avoid the cost of storing items or the the cost of making multiple trips to retrieve items left behind. At the same time, when getting a loan, an individual can ensure that he or she hires the best services, gets insurance and finds a company that does things right the first time. Remember, with a small loan, you can receive the help you need when moving expensive and irreplaceable items that need to arrive on time and undamaged.
Utilize All Possible Sources
When moving to the new location, you should utilize every bit of space possible. Since some airlines allow two carry-on bags and two checked bags, one should put as much as possible in their luggage. Obviously, you can’t take heavy items or furniture, but, when utilizing as much space in your suitcases and carry-on bags, one can take most of your clothes and a lot of personal items. When bringing children or a spouse along, one should also take advantage of baggage limits and fill their suitcases to the brim. If you plan on driving to your new home, it is a good idea to stuff your entire car or truck full of items. This may allow you to use a smaller moving truck, which will save you some additional money.
Store Items with Family and Friends
If you have items that you absolutely can do without for awhile, for example, an additional couch or an extra bed, it can be a good idea to store some of these items with friends or family. This way you will have time to save some money to come back and retrieve your items at a later time. Another option would be to have friends or family members that come to visit you in the future to bring these items along if possible. This is a great way to keep your relocation expenses down and in control.
When moving for a new job, relocation assistance comes in very handy but is not always available. If you do not have that luxury it is still possible to move on your own and keep your cost down.
Finances - 15 Oct, 2014 -
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