IN 2007: RESOLVE TO SAVE MORE

We all aim to save, but many of us just don’t follow through on our good intentions. I encourage Floridians to make 2007 the year that they resolve to thoroughly review their finances and find ways to save more money. Small measures can make a big difference in your finances.

• Lower the cost of your outstanding liabilities.
  Review interest rates on all of your credit cards and loans. Do research to see if you are paying a higher rate than the current average. If you are, contact your creditors and negotiate a new rate.

• Make additional monthly payments.
  If you decide to keep your current credit card debts or mortgage loan, consider making affordable pre-payments. Using a mortgage loan as an example, sending in $25 extra a month can save you thousands of dollars in interest and shave years off of the term of your loan.

• Review your bank account to determine if it is the best product for you.
  Review your monthly bank statement to see exactly what fees you paid during the last billing cycle. You may find you can save money by simply changing from one type of account to another or by consolidating multiple accounts into one.

• Pay bills on-line.
  Today, most major businesses and service providers, including utilities and phone companies, have websites for their customers. With the cost of a postage stamp now at 37 cents, it may be worth your while to pay recurring debts over the net.

• Change your computer passwords.
  With identity theft now the number-one fraud in the country, you can’t be too careful when it comes to safeguarding computer passwords and personal information. Most of us don’t change our passwords frequently enough. Take the time to change all of your passwords.

• Check Your Credit Report.
  Make it a New Year’s resolution to check your credit reports on a frequent basis and address any discrepancies or errors. By correcting any errors, you may save money on loans and other types of credit.

Wishing you the best for the New Year,

CFO-elect Alex Sink

CFO-ELECT ALEX SINK ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS, FOCUS ON ACCOUNTABILITY

Chief Financial Officer-elect Alex Sink announced the appointments of Eric Miller and Karen Chandler as deputy chief financial officers, Dr. Karen Stanford as research and planning administrator and Tara Klimek as communications director.  

“I’m pleased to welcome experienced and talented professionals to my administration,” said Sink.  “Their history of public service, commitment to accountability and leadership skills will be an asset to the Department of Financial Services and the people of Florida.” 

Eric Miller, Deputy Chief Financial Officer-- To increase the Department of Financial Services’ focus on fraud prevention and investigation, Eric Miller has been promoted to the position of deputy chief financial officer.  As deputy CFO, Miller will oversee the Divisions of State Fire Marshal, Insurance Fraud and Workers’ Compensation.  Miller is currently the director of insurance fraud and has served as a sworn Florida law enforcement officer for over 24 years.  CONTINUED

MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME
SURVEY RESULTS

GALLagher SAYS HOMEOWNERS ARE PLEASED WITH SERVICE THROUGH MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

More Than 83 Percent of Survey Respondents Rate Service as Good or Excellent

Tom Gallagher, Florida’s chief financial officer, said that based on the results of an electronic survey of 5,500 homeowners who have received inspections through the My Safe Florida Home program, an overwhelming majority of homeowners are pleased with the service they received through the program.  More than 35 percent of homeowners surveyed, or 1,940, responded.  When asked about the application process, over 95 percent stated that it was easy (79 percent) or somewhat easy (16 percent).  When asked how they would rate their experience with their free inspections, over 87 percent of homeowners who have received inspections stated that they were completely satisfied (62 percent) or somewhat satisfied (26 percent) with their experience. 

More than 83 percent of respondents indicated their overall experience with the My Safe Florida Home program to be excellent (45 percent) or good (39 percent).

“Homeowners are our number one customers and we are striving to provide the best service possible,” said Gallagher, who oversees the Department of Financial Services which administers the My Safe Florida Home program.  “We are pleased with the initial responses to our survey and will incorporate suggestions from our customers as we move forward in the program.”  CONTINUED