Today on the Clark Howard Show, we discussed the following:

Recalls: Simplicity Cribs and Aqua Leisure baby floats were recalled this week. You can find out the latest recalls at Recalls.gov.

Jobs and Unemployment: We’re at a 26-year high and the numbers aren’t getting any better. National unemployment is at 9.5 percent. But what about the millions of people who have just given up? By some estimates, unemployment is actually at 18 percent.

Dismal new construction and home sales numbers (we’re at an annual sales rate lower than even in 1965 for new construction sales). Why do I think we did a little better this spring? Super-low interest rates.

What you can learn from Michael Jackson’s financial life. You need a will. You need to spend less than you earn. And, you need to be really clear about guardianships for your kids.

New 125% refinancing rules announced Wednesday from the FHFA and Fed. Now you can refinance – except with higher fees and a super-high interest rate you may not want to.

We’re also discussing when and how to decide to refinance.

I’ll be online during the show, posting updates to today’s show notes. Above all, I hope you have a happy fourth of July weekend.

Listen live at wsbradio.com.

Opt Out Information – DoNotCall.gov

DoNotCall.gov to opt out of having companies call your home or cell phone number.

Opt Out of Having Your Credit Information Sold

www.optoutprescreen.com

Through this website, you may request to:

Opt-Out from receiving firm offers for 5 years
Opt-Out from receiving firm offers permanently
Opt-In and begin receiving firm offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed a request to Opt-Out.
If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies.

If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

Opt Out of Junk Mail

Are you sick and tired of all the junk mail and telephone solicitations?
Here’s what you can do to cut down on both.
You may register with the name removal file by mailing your name(s) and home address and signature in a letter or on a postcard to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P. O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
www.e-mps.org

You may register with this DO-NOT-CALL file by sending your name(s), home address, and home telephone number (including area code) and signature in a letter or on a postcard to:
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P. O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

Also, call 1 888 5OPT-OUT to opt out of having credit bureaus sell your personal information, which means you’ll receive fewer pre-approved credit cards in the mail.

Opt Out of Pop Up Ads

Are pop up ads driving you bananas? According to ThinkGlink.com visitors, these sites will help get rid of a majority of pop up ads, though not all of them. Still, it’s great to do what you can to unclog your screen while online.
opt-out.cdt.org – opt out of pop-ups
networkadvertising.org – opt out of pop-ups