How Many Times Were You Screwed In 2015?

     For starters, it's always better to give ulcers than to get them. My first screwing was with LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE. They have quietly doubled the rates for insuring our house and automobile over the past three years. Other companies have been bombarding us to switch for a lower rate. But when I gave GEICO that opportunity, they wanted $500 more a year than we were paying!
    So, folks, a little screwing doesn't mean it's the end of the world. After all, banks are still only paying 1% interest on savings, the stock market has been plunging like rats on a sinking ship and Social Security for 2016 remains the same as it was in 2015; no 3% cost of living increase. So we'll eat out three times a month instead of four.
     Before continuing this rant, I was thinking about the ad on TV for renting a NATIONAL car. You can pick out any car and just get in and drive off to your destination. But wait. I recall that after the 9/11 attack on the USA, the jazz duo, Mitchell/Ruff, wanted to rent a NATIONAL car in Chicago and drive it to New York City for their next concent. All air flights were grounded. NATIONAL immediately raised rental rates three times the normal amount. They paid the price.
     The Internet is a mecca for corporate scammers. They open a bank account in Delaware, where the tax bite is low, set up a P.O. Box address in Las Vegas and design a web site that grabs your credit or debit card and every month they deduct a small amount you aren't supposed to be aware of. It's in the small print following an offer to send  you a free sample for just shipping and handling costs.
     I've fallen for that sucker trap. But  not any longer. No matter how enticing the offer is. Nor should you be screwed. Just be firm. Don't be intimidated. If the phone caller wants a donation for the lepers of Basoutoland in South Africa, hang up. If the caller says IRS will take away your house, car and bank account "for what you owe," hang up. It's the latest national scam.
     There are no more free lunches. The year 2016 is going to be a historic mess with all the political ads and conventions to boot. I'll leave you with my photo below. Thanks for reading!