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The AFLAC duck has quacked through major league sports broadcasts and seems to be everywhere. It would be hard to find someone in America who hasn't heard the name AFLAC and can associate it with the duck and the words "supplemental insurance." But what does supplemental insurance mean and just what products does AFLAC offer?

AFLAC stands for American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Georgia). AFLAC offers supplemental insurance products and this means that these are insurance policies that are above and beyond traditional policies. The supplemental policies can help fill in the gaps during a medical crisis. They can also cover areas that aren't offered by your employer healthcare such as dental insurance or long-term care insurance.

What insurance products does AFLAC offer?

Accident Indemnity
Disability Income Protection
Cancer Indemnity
Hospital Protection
Life Insurance
Dental
Long Term Care

Paid Directly to You:

AFLAC supplemental insurance policies pay above and beyond traditional insurance policies and they pay directly to you. Policyholders can request a payment be made directly to a medical provider, but otherwise all payments will come directly to the customer.

Here's an example of how a cancer indemnity policy may work.

If you purchase a policy for cancer indemnity that offers a $10,000 benefit and you are diagnosed with cancer, AFLAC will pay you $10,000 directly. This is your money that you can use however you choose. It may be used of course to pay for medical bills not covered by traditional insurance but it is yours and that is your decision.

One costumer we talked with had an AFLAC cancer indemnity policy when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He used the insurance money helped to cover:

-Medical bill balances not paid by insurance
- Soaring phone bills due to making appointments and keeping in touch with family
-Gas money for the extra travel to and from treatments
-Meals when traveling
-To pay off debt which relieved some stress during his time of illness


Of course AFLAC offers many products in addition to cancer indemnity products.

Portable:

Another way that AFLAC is different is that it is portable. Even though you may enroll in AFLAC through an employer (or not) you pay your own premiums, or you can have them deducted from your paycheck and your insurance can go with you if you lose your job, change jobs or move. In today's mobile world and in such a volatile employment climate, the portability of AFLAC insurance is a big plus.

Price:

AFLAC is well-liked for these good points, as well as others such as easy claim forms that are available online and the fact that AFLAC plans also pay for some preventative services that many traditional plans don't pay for, but what about price? AFLAC is generally considered to have higher premiums than competitors but many feel that the ease, such as insurance without an exam, makes the cost worth it for an AFLAC supplemental policy.

Point of Purchase:

Some people point out the frustration that you cannot buy an AFLAC supplemental insurance plan online which is common with many insurance companies but this may really be a plus since meeting with a representative can insure that you understand all of the details on the insurance products that you are purchasing.

Customer Service:

Most customers report positive experiences with sales representatives and customer service reps although company administrators that oversee insurance benefits have privately said that customer service can be inconsistent which seems to be on par in the insurance industry.

Positive points about AFLAC:

-Pays you directly
-Portable
-Many products
-Simple claim forms available online
-Pays for some preventative care

Complaints about AFLAC:

-Higher premiums
-Inconsistent costumer service
-Can't be purchased online

AFLAC products are unique and they have proven that they deliver on their positive points such as keeping claims easy and paying directly to you the customer. In the end, if you are in the market for supplemental insurance, you'll have to weigh the higher premiums against the conveniences and well-known name of AFLAC.

Creating a family budget may seem overwhelming at first, but with these suggestions and helpful hints hopefully families will see how and where their money is spent and what they can do about it.

Are you in need of a family budget? Having a family budget is imperative for not only for making your money last all month but also for getting out of debt and saving for the future. A budget won't create new funds but having a budget will help your family see what is available and where it needs to go first. (And hopefully how much will be left over.)

Creating a family budget may seem overwhelming at first if you've never been on a budget before but really the first step is just to gather all of your financial information and create a folder for each of the following:

Step 1

Installment Debts: These are monthly payments such as credit cards payments, mortgages, installment loans, and car payments. Find your outstanding balances, minimum monthly payments and interest rates.

Step 2

Fixed Monthly Expenses: This would include monthly, routine bills like utilities, phone, insurance, cable, and rent. It doesn't include expenses like food, clothes or gas. We'll cover those later. Some of these items will vary a little from month to month, so you will need to estimate as best that you can.

Step 3

Income: Add not only your check from you main occupation, but also other sources like child support or alimony. You will need this information in order to create an accurate budget.

Step 4

Net Pay: Now, add up your monthly net "pay," from all sources of income. Add up your installment debt and fixed monthly expenses. Subtract the expenses from the income and the difference is your net margin.

Step 5

Essentials and Entertainment: Keeping this net margin number in mind, figure out what you need to cover essentials such as food, gasoline and clothing as well as what you can allow for entertainment and recreation.

Don't bind yourself by making this figure too low. You should always allow some extra money for family fun like an anniversary dinner party or unexpected expenses like a new tire. Subtract this from your net margin. What's left is excess money.

Here's a sample family budget:

Monthly Net Income:.....................3,000
Monthly Installment Debt:...............-1,100

Fixed Expenses:.............................-900

Net Margin:......................................2,000
Essentials, Recreation:................-1,100

Excess Funds:.................................900

Now you can budget how you will handle the excess funds.

In this example, the family budget shows an excess of $900 per month.

Step Five: Excess Funds

Extra money can be used in one of three different categories or a combination:

Savings or investing
Spending
Applying it toward debt

Obviously once you pay your bills, the choice is yours but a balanced approach can be most successful. You probably don't want to spend it all or save it all or pay off debt with it all.

What should be the priorities with excess funds?

Paying off high interest credit cards, especially any debt with a rate over 15% annually should be at the top of the list.

The good news is that as you eliminate debt your excess funds will increase and you will get to make new decisions about what to do with excess funds. Once high interest debt is paid off, the next priority can be saving. The more you have saved or invested, the more money you can be comfortable spending each month on your wish list. Is it a flat screen TV or some new landscaping?

Review of Priorities for Excess Funds:

High interest debt
Savings or investing
Wish


Tips for Creating a Family Budget:

Budgeting is not as overwhelming once all of your information is on hand, organized and recorded.

Just be careful to leave yourself some breathing room and don't set yourself up for failure by budgeting too little for spending or too much for savings or investments. Like a diet or exercise plan, if you choose reasonable numbers you'll be more likely to stick to your plan.

The countdown clock of shopping days until Christmas is ticking away. For many, the option of shopping online helps keep the "merry" in Merry Christmas. What could be better than shopping at home, than being able to put off your payment until your Christmas bonus?

The countdown clock of shopping days until Christmas is ticking away. For many, the option of shopping online helps keep the "merry" in Merry Christmas. No searching for a parking space, standing in long lines or dealing with untrained seasonal employees. Without fear of running into long-winded acquaintances when you're down to your last shopping nerve, you can simply log on and click away. As online shopping as become more and more popular, it has also become more and more convenient. There are often big savings, PayPal payments options and sometimes even free shipping so what could make online shopping any better?

Well, there is one new and noteworthy idea. Could you just "bill me later?"

Bill Me Later is an online finance company found at billmelater.com.

What can you find and do at Bill Me Later (billmelater.com)?

Online Shopping
Exclusive offers
Directory of Online Store Affiliates
Shopping Blog

Bill Me Later is a finance company that offers credit much like a credit card company but with more flexible payment options.

After setting up an account with Bill Me Later, you can shop and get a 90-day grace period of charges without interests, penalties or late fees as long as your bill is paid within 90 days.

You will receive a statement monthly after each purchase. The first two will show a minimum balance of zero, which means you don't have to pay anything now. It will also show you accruing interest but that will only be applied (retroactively) should you not pay within 90 days.

Customer Service:

Bill Me Later customer service offers e-mail, regular mail and a toll-free number for contacting them. There's also a special phone number for Merchants.

Payments:

Payments to Bill Me Later can be made online and there is an option for deducting payments from a checking or savings account. You can also phone in payments and there is no added fee for the call in payment service.

What if I don't pay within 90 days?

Our recent statement from billmelater.com showed an interest rate of 19.99%. This is higher than most MasterCard, Visa and American Express accounts and on par with or lower than many store credit cards.

What stores have the Bill Me Later option?

Over 1,000 stores have the Bill Me Later payment option. You've probably heard of or even shopped at a few of these:

Apple Store
American Girl
Disney Store
Drugstore.com
Dick's Sporting Goods
ESPN shop
Calvin Klein
Coldwater Creek
Hotwire.com

What users of Bill Me Later like:

The 90-day grace period
Special money saving deals through the site
Simple, uncluttered web page that is easy to follow
Your Bill Me Later account can be accessed from the web site of any affiliate
Saving money on travel

If used properly and balances are paid off within 90 days, Bill Me Later can help shoppers get their shopping done now, without incurring any interest on their purchases. Bill Me Later is a helpful, money saving service for discipline shoppers.

Most people are doing all they can to bring in as much money as possible, and with these 5ive tips to help you get more "bang" for your buck you can find ways to make your paycheck go just a little bit further and pay off debt.

It's true that money can't buy happiness but on the other hand, too little money sure can buy lots of stress. Financial troubles are the number one marriage buster in America. Since the financial crisis that began in 2008, there are more home foreclosures than ever since the Depression.

Most people are doing all they can to bring in as much money as possible. Some people are working hard to keep their job, working as many hours as possible, although many workers' hours have been cut and working part time at a second job. Most Americans feel they are bringing in as money as they possibly can right now. On the other hand, most people also feel that there is nowhere left to cut expenses. From coupons, to meatless meals, to packed lunches, many people feel that there is simply nothing left to cut.

If you're at this point, or trying to avoid getting there, here are some suggestions for increasing your cash flow each month.

Reduce Federal and State Withholding:

Most people use the maximum withholding, almost as a savings plan, in hopes of getting a tax refund each year. While a refund is nice, if what you really need is more money each month, then reduce your withholding.

With the maximum withholding you are offering the federal government an interest-free loan. Instead of letting them "hold" your money for you all year, you could use the difference to pay off high interest debt each month. If you don't have high interest debt, then invest it and get a return on your money. Pretend it's a refund.

-Increasing federal exemptions can make a big difference.
-The impact with a state withholding will be much more modest.

Refinance Your Mortgage at a Lower Rate:

You've heard it before and it seems like a hassle, yes, but now are the best time to refinance your mortgage for a lower rate. Interest rates are really low and possibly several points lower than when you original took out your mortgage loan.

-You'll need up to 20% equity in the home to refinance.
-There are usually closing cost.

Still, refinancing can free up money for cash flow each month, saving you money immediately and in the long term too.

Consolidate Debt using a Home Equity Loan

Lots of people of (not always well-meaning) folks offer to consolidate your debt all the time. You've no doubt seen them on television. We're talking about a home equity debt consolidation. You can get cash up front to pay off high interest debt with monthly loan payments spread out over years and at a much better rate.

-You'll need significant equity in your home.
-The interest is tax-deductible just like your original mortgage.

Transfer Credit Card Debt to a New Card with a Low Introductory Interest Rate:

Credit cards can literally eat you out of house and home and most financial experts agree that credit cards should be paid off as soon as possible. Temporary relief can often be found by transferring to another credit card with lower rates.

It is imperative to realize that often these lower interests are only temporary, with six months being a common term.

-The interest rate with a "sweetener" may be as low as zero percent.
-Monthly payments are often lower too.
-Be careful to make changes BEFORE the end of the low interest timetable and read about all only exclusions and qualifications.
-Watch out for fees that can offset savings.

Many people have also obtained a lower interest rate by calling customer service and asking. Speak to a supervisor if you must and let them know that without a better interest that you will have to transfer this balance.

Even if it is for six months, transferring credit card debt to a lower interest rate card can free up some cash flow for those months.

If you're ready to get started freeing up some reserve cash flow each month, you'll want to spend some time researching financial planning. Here are some online resources to help you get started today.

-Bankrate.com
-Moneycentral.msn.com
-Interest.com:
-Creditcards.com

It may sound like "work" but using even one of these tips can save you money and increase your cash flow each month. Using more or all of these tips can make a huge difference in your financial outlook each month.

A bank or mortgage lender will help you determine a number for your loan affordability. Many are hoping for that number to as high as possible. But really, is this number a safe and comfortable amount of mortgage loan debt for you?

Real estate has traditionally been a fairly safe investment. Generally, a real estate investment will hold value and even accrue small increases from year to year. The value usually increases at a rate close to the annual rate of inflation.

Last year when the financial crisis of 2008 hit; real estate investments became less of a sure thing. There have been drops in some real estate market areas up to double digits of percentages. Additionally, increased job loss has made it difficult for many to keep up with their mortgage payments. Foreclosures have hit record highs in some communities.

Still, there are many who desire to take advantage of lower home price sales and many who interested in buying their first home, upgrading to a larger home or newer neighborhood or even downsizing as they reach new seasons in life.

A bank or mortgage lender will help you determine a number for your loan affordability. Many are hoping for that number to as high as possible. But really, is this number a safe and comfortable amount of mortgage loan debt for you? A new home is exciting and it's easy to be tempted to take on a mortgage loan to get just the house you wanted. First it is important to understand how lenders come up with a number for mortgage loan debt for you and second to consider, even if you qualify, is how comfortably can you live while paying this mortgage?

How Do Lenders Determine Mortgage Loan Affordability?

There are tweaks from lender to lender but most mortgage lenders apply a 28/36 rule.

The 28% means that your mortgage payments as well as property taxes and insurance shouldn't total more than 28% of your gross pay. Yes, that's gross pay, as opposed to net pay.

The 36% means that the monthly outflow that includes the items listed above plus installment debts cannot equal more that 36% of your gross pay.

What would this look like? Let's look at an example:

Household income: $84,000

Monthly installments: $500.00 (may include car payments, personal loans, or credit cards)

In this case a qualifying mortgage would be around $1,960.00.

Of course this would also be subject to a credit rating of average of better.

In the midst of this economic crisis, some lenders are adjusting this 28/36 rule by a few points or even requiring more money down. Some may want to know about portfolios that can be used as collateral.

Regardless of what a bank or mortgage lender will approve, where should you personally draw the mortgage payment line?

Do you really want to take on the maximum loan you qualify?

Points to Ponder:

A higher mortgage payment will also mean higher taxes, higher homeowner's insurance, higher monthly maintenance and last but not least, less remaining cash each month.

Questions to Consider:

Will this mortgage loan leave any room for paying off other debts?

Will this mortgage leave any cash for saving for retirement?

Will this mortgage leave enough money left over to save for college?

Will this mortgage leave any money for traveling and vacations?

Often by choosing a mortgage loan below the one you qualify for you will leave more flexibility for emergencies, for savings and to enjoy your lifestyle.

While the economy is in a downturn, college tuitions and fees continue to grow. So what are your college savings options? Are Coverdell Education Savings Accounts a good one?

While most parents are dealing daily battles from finding matching shoes to investigating the sugar content in juices, thoughts of long term challenges like college tuition and fees continue aren't out of mind either. While the economy is in a downturn, college tuitions and fees continue to grow. So what are your college savings options? Are Coverdell Education Savings Accounts a good one?

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts were formerly known as the Education IRA. It was created in 2002 as an improved version. It is named after the late U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell and was designed to help parents achieve higher education savings.

The Basics of Coverdell Education Savings Accounts:

It offers a tax shelter for education dollars.

Contributions are not tax deductible but are withdrawn tax-free when used for education.

Regardless of how large the balance grows, there is no tax owed on the capital gains provided it is used for education.

Like 529 college savings plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, are not considered the ownership of the young adult when he or she applies for financial aid so a Coverdell account won't work against financial aid.

What are the limitations of the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts?

One of the limitations of the Coverdell Education Savings Account, compared to the
Section 529 is an annual limit of $2,000 based on current tax laws, which of course could change at any time. This is lower than the contributions allowed in a Section 529 and other college savings plans.

Another important point is on the withdrawal requirements, although it really may not apply to most students. With a Coverdell Education Savings Account, the money has to be withdrawn before a student's 30th birthday to avoid taxes. If a student is beyond the age of 30, the money will become taxable when withdrawn and it could be subject to a penalty. The good news is that there is a way to avoid this. The money can be transferred to another family member below the age of 30. As long as the money is transferred to another for educational purposes, the taxes and penalties are waived.

What are the advantages of a Coverdell Education Savings Account?

A Coverdell Education Savings Account offers greater investment flexibility. Parents or guardians can invest Coverdell Education Savings Account funds in practically any investment such as common stock of a start up company, preferred stock in a large, Blue Chip business, a mutual fund or even a money market account. Most brokerage companies and mutual fund companies offer Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. It is simply a matter of contacting a company, setting up a Coverdell plan, and choosing investments.

Another advantage is in the way Coverdell Education Savings Account and other education savings plans is the way the funds can be used. Many college savings accounts are limited to higher education expenses. But a Coverdell Education Savings Account can be used for any educational expense at any level including funds for elementary school or high school tuition at a private institution in addition to tuition and fees at a college or university.

A third advantage is that Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can be set up at most financial institutions including banks, brokerage houses and mutual fund companies.

Is a Coverdell Education Saving Account a good option?

A Coverdell Education Savings Account can certainly be a big help. It is one of several different educational savings tools offered and it has many qualities that make it a worthwhile education savings option for parents saving for college.

It's ideal for parents who may be considering and need help paying for private school before college.

By taking advantage of the Coverdell Education Savings Account, parents can set aside a small amount of money each year to help pay for educational expenses as they become due.

The biggest disadvantage of the Coverdell Education Savings Account is, of course, the $2,000 annual limit on contributions. This means that for most parents, a Coverdell can't be their only college savings plan if they don't want to borrow money for higher education expenses.

You'll need to assess current laws, based on tax laws Coverdell Education Savings Account have limits which vary each year and designate caps prohibiting participation based on income for single filers and married filers.

While a Coverdell Education Savings Account may not cover all expenses alone, it is a good starting place for saving up to $2,000 a year for college.

Upromise participation is unlikely to pay for four years of college but many consumers want to know, is it worth my time at all? How much will it help me save? How hard is it to do?

Even before the current economic downturn, many families were already concerned about how they could save enough money for college.

Whether online ads or ads by the gas tanks, many parents have heard of Upromise and wondered, does Upromise deliver on saving for college? Upromise participation is unlikely to pay for four years of college but many consumers want to know, is it worth my time at all? How much will it help me save? How hard is it to do?

What is Upromise?

Upromise is an online site that can help put some money away for college. Upromise provides a savings tool for the expenses of higher learning. This service takes part of the money you spend on ordinary purchases and deposits it into your Upromise.com account. In other words, you're not depositing money for college. Ideally, you are just shopping as you normally would, and hopefully some of the items you're already purchasing qualify for a rebate into your Upromise college savings account.

Setting up a Upromise account takes about 15 minutes. You can add a child or more than one. Next you will add your accounts through which the purchases are verified. For example, you may add your debit card, credit card, grocery store card or drug store card.

What types of purchases qualify for Upromise funds?

Groceries: You'll see Upromise blue and tan labels on select groceries in many grocery store chains. Kroger, Piggly Wiggly and Albertson's are just a few of the participating grocery store chains.

Drug Stores: Purchases at Upromise affiliated stores like CVS, Eckerd and others will earn money toward your savings.

Retail Stores: Some retail stores such as GNC, Bed Bath & Beyond and other stores also participate in helping Upromise members reach their savings goals.

Restaurants: Participating restaurants are spotty, with many more participating in metropolitan areas. McDonald's does add money to your Upromise account when you purchase gift certificates.

Services and other Special Programs: Allied Van Lines, Terminix, American Airlines and Coldwell Banker are among the many services that contribute money to Upromise when you make purchases.

On- Line Shopping: A very large and growing number of on- line retailers participate in this program with a fixed percentage of each purchase going into your savings. The Upromise web site always has deals on many on-line purchases. Avon.com, Magazines.com, Blockbuster.com and Target.com are examples of participating on-line retailers that will offer a kick back to your Upromise college savings fund. It's important to remember to go to the Upromise website and link to the retailer through their site to make sure you get Upromise credit for your purchases.

Hassle-free college savings?

Since your cards are already registered, the percentage kick backs, which can range form 1 to 25 percent, are automatically deposited into your account within a few days when you use a registered credit, debit, or shopping card at check out. So really this part takes no extra work once you've registered. You can just check in to view your account balance.

How can I save more through Upromise?

For most families the Upromise account will only accrue cents or dollars per month unless parents take advantage of some of the other ways to save.

Other options:

The Upromise Credit Card: The Upromise Credit Card has no annual fee and donates back a portion of purchases regardless of whether the store is listed or not.

Add Family Members: Another way to increase the saving is to get family members to let you add their grocery or drug store cards to your account and every time they shop you'll get more added to your account. Don't be surprised if family members are happy to give you their CVS card number but not their debit or credit card number!

529 Savings Plan: There is also a college "529 savings plan" offered through Upromise.com, in conjunction with Vanguard mutual funds. Through this 529 savings plan, you can elect to have your Upromise.com money automatically transferred each month into the 529 plan and you can help the money grow faster by establishing a savings plan whereby Vanguard debits your checking account automatically each month for a fixed amount of money. 529 Savings plans offer federal income tax deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals, as long as the money is used for higher education.

Complaints about Upromise?

Users say that while there are lots of grocery stores affiliated with Upromise that they wish the big guy, was an affiliate as many Wal-Mart shoppers now buy their groceries there as well.


You have to be realistic:

There are many popular name brands associated with Upromise like Kleenex, Duncan Hines and Coke.

Here's an example of an UPromise Coke offer:

One example of an offer a one percent return on 3 two-liter bottles of Coke. That means that a purchase of three two- liter bottles of Coke, costing about $3.00 total, will add only three cents to your account. Even if you made it a point to buy three bottles of pop every week, you would still have only $1.56 in accumulated funds each year from Coke purchases.

On the other hand, there are sometimes deals that give you back five dollars for purchasing 5 out of 10 listed items. Of course you're not really "saving" any money if you don't normally buy those items but if you do, then that is an easy five-dollar return.

With a combination of using the Upromise website links for online shopping and getting relatives or friends to register their cards with your Upromise account it can slowly but steadily grow.

In the end, users agree that Upromise can't replace a disciplined college savings plan but most feel that as a supplement for saving for higher education, that it is relatively easy and worthwhile.

If your email message offering a free laptop or any other product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Find out how you can tell the fakes from the real thing in emails and giveaways.

If you've had an e-mail account for more than 5 days and have e-mailed more than five friends, you've probably received an e-mail promising you that there is a free promotion for a free cell phone, free computer or free gift card such as a free Apple's gift certificate or a free Gap gift card. Oh, if only you'll forward this e-mail to seven or nine or some random number of e-mail buddies.

As is usually the case, if it sounds too good to be true it is probably a fake. How can you know for sure that e-mail is a fake? Does is really hurt anything to pass this e-mail on just in case it is legit?

Here's an example: A Free Laptop computer from Ericsson to those who send this message to 8 or more people

"Example:(Submitted March 2007 and received by one reader just the other day)
Subject: Free Laptop

Hi, everyone

The Ericsson Company is distributing free computer laptops in an attempt to match Nokia that has already done so. Ericsson hopes to increase its popularity this way. For this reason, they are giving away the new WAP Laptops. All you need to qualify is to send this mail to 8 people you know. Within 2 weeks, you will receive Ericcson T18. But if you can send it to 20 people or more, you will receive Ericsson R320.

Make sure to send a copy to: anna.swelung@ericcson.com"

It's fake. We repeat. It is a fake. It's been around a long time and changed a bit, but it isn't and it never has been true. So it the one that promises a Gap gift card or an Applebee's gift certificate.

Here are five tips for determining if an offer is legit:


1. Think about the viral nature of that kind of email and use common sense.

What do we mean by viral nature?

Well, with within 24 hours, one email sent to just two people, those two send it to 2 more and so on, an e-mail can reach 150 Million plus in boxes. If even 1% of people claimed their computer, Sony would be giving out 1.5 MILLION computers, and would be filing for bankruptcy the next day. They do give out free computers, but a computer, even barebones, has some real cost. Let's say it's a crappy laptop for $90, and they send it to you for $10. Those are conservative numbers. That means that tomorrow, Sony has spent 150 MILLION dollars to give out their main product, computers, for free, so that they can compete with Nokia? Not likely.

2. Respectable companies wouldn't notify you by an e-mail address.

The second way you know it's a fake for sure is that it tells you to notify someone at their personal email address. If Sony was honestly trying to give away computers, don't you think they would be able to set up computergiveaway@SonyEricson.com?

3. The tracking mechanisms are unrealistic.

How is it really possible for a company to track the millions of e-mails that bounce from Comcast, Hotmail, Gmail and other e-mail providers?

4. You have to check the source, personally.

Most people are aware of the ability to check out scams at websites such as snopes.com but many fake e-mails try to override this by having someone or even more than one person claim that they have checked it out personally and that it is legit. It's not.

There are many sources for checking out suspicious e-mails including:

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/ericsson.asp
http://www.hoax-slayer.com/ericsson-free-lap-top.shtml
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/internet/a/ericsson_hoax.htm
http://www.laptops-drivers.com/laptop-news/ericsson-t18-and-ericsson-r320-there-is-no-free-laptop.html
http://netbook-nettop.blogspot.com/2009/06/ericsson-r320-laptop.html
http://www.migsmobile.net/2009/05/08/free-laptop-from-sony-ericsson/

5. Check the company website.

If a company is actually doing a free giveaway promotion, they'll tell you on their very own website. Many companies that have been named in fake e-mails such as Ericsson and Applebee's have statements on their websites warning customers about the fake e-mails.

I must admit that over a decade ago when I first became an e-mail user, I got the fake e-mail from a relative about a free Applebee's gift certificate. She said she didn't know if it was true but as the mother of three, she's was willing to give it a try for a free dinner. Of course with all of these fake e-mails, you won't know that you'll never get your prize until to actually do send it to seven other people and never heard a word. In the mean time, you've wasted your time, wasted other people's time, possibly gotten or passed on a computer and for a fake e-mail that was too good to be true. Use these five tips to avoid being scammed by fake free offer e-mails.