The Massive Auto Refinancing Craze in Chicago Might Just Help the Economy

Refinancing your car loan isn’t just for those who are looking to save money. Over the past couple of years there has been an increase in the number of people in Chicago who have decided to pursue a refinancing. With this increase in the number of people who are seeking out auto refinancing loans it has made many people wonder exactly what are the benefits of an auto refinance.

The biggest benefit that comes from refinancing any type of auto loan is the ability to save money. Many people who purchased cars three to four years ago were forced to accept auto loans they had high interest rates. High interest rates mean higher car payments and more money being paid back to the lender in interest. When people refinance their auto loan they are able to essentially receive a new auto loan at a lower interest rate. Over the past few years, interest rates have plummeted, which caused many people to consider refinancing in order to get a better interest rate.

While it might seem as if a car loan refinance only benefits the loan holder it can actually benefit the whole economy. As these people are taking advantage of lower interest rates they have more money in their monthly budgets to spend, if they choose. This money can be used to purchase other items and can help jumpstart the economy. The economy has been lagging due to people not having money to spend. This income allows people to make purchases and shop when they otherwise might have cut back.

Despite the fact that the majority of the people of Chicago are refinancing for personal reasons, the increase in auto refinancing might just be able to help the surrounding economy and help pick up stores and businesses that might otherwise have shut their doors forever due to the bad current economy.

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An Armed Society is a Polite(r) Society

The United States Supreme Court voted to remove Chicago’s 28-year-old gun ban in June of 2010.  Chicago Police Department statistics reveal that after the ban was enacted, the handgun murder rate in the city actually increased and Chicago citizen faced one of highest murder rates in the country, four times that of the national average.

The good news?  Since lifting the ban, police report that they are starting to see a decline in the murder rate.  The homicide rate is at the lowest it’s been in 25 years.

Perhaps bolstered by this news, or in reflection of the shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and several others, nine bills relating to firearms have been filed with the Illinois House of Representatives.  Though they vary, they all have the common goal of making gun regulations less stringent.

Part of loosening regulations might mean making Wisconsin, the only state other than Illinois to prohibit concealed weapons, go solo.  There is legislation on the table to allow adults who complete a certification course to carry concealed firearms.

The idea is that the unknown might keep some would-be gangsters in check.  This philosophy says that if anyone could be carrying a weapon, then you might be a little less hasty to start a gunfight.  This is further supported by data that shows decreased crime rates where concealed weapons are allowed.

So is an armed society a more polite society?  Chicagoans will soon find out.

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Why Can’t I Have a Criminal Mind?

If only these criminals would do something other than, you know, be criminals.

These guys (and gals) are smart. Have you ever watched prison shows?  These guys make MacGyver look like a chump.  They can make a serious weapon out of a few discarded pieces of plastic, wires, tape, and rubber bands. I can barely work my coffee maker. Why aren’t they making the next IPhone, or better yet, finding a cure for cancer?  So what do we, as a society, decide to do with them?  Put them in prison.  With other, even smarter prisoners.  Is that really a good idea?  Consider the character Johnny Deep played in the movie Blow, which was based on a real character.  After his first stint in prison, he comments, “Danbury wasn’t a prison, it was a crime school.  I went in with a Bachelor or Marijuana, came out with a Doctorate of cocaine.”

That’s the least of our problems.  Unfortunately, not all techie people join the Geek Squad or work at Computer City.  Some of them use their powers for evil, as evidenced by the recent rash of brazen robberies in hotels off of Michigan Avenue in Chicago. No hold-ups, no threats, just a lot of know-how employed the wrong (or right) way, depending on your perspective.

Over $140,000 has been stolen since December of 2010 from private cash machines.  How did they do it? They used special codes to reprogram the machines to spit out more money than they should in a single transaction.  They would leave the machine as they found it, so there was nothing to indicate anything was wrong.

Authorities say that these robberies are most likely an inside job.  Does that make it better or worse?  On one hand, it’s disconcerting that someone on the outside could be that clever, but on the other, it’s alarming to think your friendly neighborhood teller could be taking you to the cleaners.

One thing is certain.  Technology, for all its advantages, creates opportunity for crime.  Be careful when shopping or paying bills online and monitor your spending so you can alert your bank to fraudulent activity if they don’t catch it first. All you can do is be as vigilant as possible, because sadly, no matter what you do, the criminal is always one step and at least two brains ahead of you.

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Two Vacation Horror Stories You Can Avoid

While we’d all like to think that our vacation will go off without a hitch, the chances are highly improbable. Most of the time you may just deal with lost luggage or delayed flights, rude cab drivers, and maybe some terrible restaurant service, but there are some vacation horror stories that might make us all think twice about ever leaving home.

While these two-trip-ruining tempests might make your blood boil, you can try to be prepared.

Surprise Weather
On December 20, 2006 the area surrounding Denver, Colorado was hit by a blizzard that crippled travel of every kind, burying it in up to five feet of snow. Just before Christmas, Interstate Highways and U.S. Routes surrounding the city were closed. All the flights coming out of Denver were canceled, and they weren’t letting any flights come in. While many were stranded in the airport, the blizzard also caused hiccups in travel plans all across the nation, since many flights utilize Denver as a connecting stop.

Snow storms aren’t the only possible weather fiasco you may encounter. Your trip to the Bahamas may be cut short when a hurricane decides to head straight for those Atlantic waters. While you can’t always avoid something as unforeseen as five feet of snow or hurricane force winds, you can be a bit prepared for inclement weather on your vacation by following these tips:

●        Avoid trips on the Atlantic coast during hurricane season (June through November)

●        Steer clear of northern locations during peak winter months

●        Research your destination before you make reservations to find out what time of year provides the best weather

●        Check weather forecasts as your vacation approaches

Technical Difficulties
Problems on your vacation can also result from technical difficulties, such as overbooked flights or hotels giving you a full size bed when you requested a king. Many circumstances would hardly match what Comair did to 30,000 passengers by canceling flights on Christmas Day in 2004. Technical issues knocked down all of their flight-managing computers, and the airline grounded all flights in 118 cities. While they attempted to move passengers to Delta flights, most were unsuccessful.

There isn’t much you can do about a problem of this magnitude because you certainly can’t see it coming; however, it might be a good idea to be prepared as best as possible. In addition to keeping your response in check (losing your temper won’t make the situation better), take these precautionary steps:

●        Bring toiletries and extra under garments in your carry-on, just in case luggage is lost

●        If you’re driving, find mechanics along your route in case your car breaks down

●        Print reservation confirmations and take them with you to verify your hotel accommodations, flight plans, and more

●        Prepare a back-up plan, such as a car rental ahead of time just in case a flight is canceled – pick out a hotel just in case you can’t make it through the weather to your vacation rental, etc.

This is just a small portion of all the things that can go wrong on a vacation. Regardless of what happens, you’ll look back on it one day and laugh – hopefully. Do you have a vacation horror story? Share it below.

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Attention Book Lovers!

Any book nerd or individual involved in the publishing industry can attest that the literary scene is alive and well in Chicago.  With the snow piled high and no clear end in sight, it’s time to hunker down with a good book while we wait for spring.  So why not do it in a new venue and with a book written by a fellow Chicagoan?

Chicago’s Cultural Center houses the Chicago Publishers Gallery and Café, an institution that contains a collection of over 2,300 books and periodicals from over 100 book publishers and 75 periodical publishers.  What could be better than that?  How about the fact that all of them, as well as hundreds of authors, are based in Chicago or greater Illinois?

At the Chicago Publishers Gallery and Café, no genre of literature is excluded.  Comic book enthusiasts can peruse the shelves side-by-side with lovers of the classics.  You can find best-selling novels or just read the daily newspaper.  After you grab a snack from the café, you can pick your nook.  There are six different themes of nooks to choose from: general interest, small/university presses, Chicago writers, children’s, magazine and periodicals, and local interest.

Get comfortable because these materials are not for sale.  This makes the Gallery feel more library-like, despite the fact that checking out books is not permitted.  Don’t fret; patrons are encouraged to purchase books through the Gallery’s Amazon store or through one of Chicago’s independent booksellers.

Individuals interested in the publishing industry would do well to utilize the Gallery’s computers and browse the extensive publishing resources available.   The Gallery is part of Department of Cultural Affairs, and thus makes building community among members of the industry a top priority.  Local publishers and writers can benefit from the events and programs that the Gallery organizes to support their endeavors.  It is worth checking out the calendar of events periodically, as you will certainly find a panel discussion or presentation that interests you.

Just like there is a nook for everyone, there is also a niche.  You will surely find yours at the Chicago Publishers Gallery and Café.

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Seeing the Windy City with Your Tax Refund

A vacation to the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois is a great way to do something fun with your tax refund. When tax season rolls around, it is no surprise that many individuals like to have fun with the money they receive back. Sure, investing or doing something financially-responsible is a good choice, but why not have some fun?

Before you start planning your vacation, take advantage of a quick and easy way to file your taxes. Utilize free online tax filing services that can get it done in a quick and efficient manner. The services can also help you along the way, should you be unsure of anything when you file your taxes. As always, consult a tax professional if you need personalized help.

Once you’ve completed that process, it’s time to plan your vacation to the fun and exciting city of Chicago. There are plenty of things to do in Chicago, boasting a number of fun activities. Even the food alone is worth the trip, from world-famous restaurants and steakhouses to Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza.

You may want to pinpoint some of the biggest attractions. There are plenty of free activities in Chicago that you shouldn’t miss, such as riding the giant Ferris wheel (that part isn’t free) at Navy Pier to Buckingham Fountain.

Don’t forget your camera. From the Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, and a number of other museums and architectural sites of interest, there is plenty that you will want to capture. Free admission is available for many of these attractions, such as at the Field Museum (you can see the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil in the world here) at certain points of the year.

Take a fun trip to enjoy your tax refund money. Surely the city of Chicago has a lot to offer, no matter what you’re looking to do or enjoy in a vacation.

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Steak Dinner on Your Vacation

The Windy City is a great destination for couples. There are so many romantic places to visit, you may not want to leave. Here few tips to make your visit as romantic as possible.

Restaurants

There are thousands of restaurants in Chicago. So, before venturing out for food, you may want to prepare yourself a little bit. Be sure to not only do research while you’re in Chicago, but before you leave as well. Sites and apps like Google Maps, Yelp.com, and Urbanspoon can help you narrow down your choices.

One thing you really can’t go wrong with is a romantic private dining experience at one of Chicago’s many steakhouses. With a steakhouse, you can enjoy some of the most delicious food available, no matter what city you’re in. It’s also a very versatile type of dining facility. You could show up in jeans and a t-shirt, or a suit and tie, and either way you’ll fit right in.

We all know that Chicago is famous for their pizzas, but it’s really not the most romantic option out there. Take your sweetheart out for a casual lunch to enjoy a famous Chicago-style pizza, but save the passion for a nice dinner together at a great Chicago steakhouse.

Steakhouses are a wonderful place to take your sweetheart. What better way to show her that you care than to get a private table at a premier steakhouse and enjoy a great meal together. Plus, the food is absolutely delicious. You really can’t go wrong with an expertly prepared steak.

The After Dinner Fun

After you’ve enjoyed your tasty meal, go ahead and spend the rest of your romantic night out on the town. One great destination is the Art Institute of Chicago. There you and your sweetheart can gaze upon some of the most wonderful pieces of art ever created. You could also enjoy a great play at one of Chicago’s many theaters.

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The Metro has something for everyone

Chicago hasn’t forsaken its alternative music fans; they have clearly found a home at the Metro, a place worth going to if for no other reason than to see the stage where bands like Nirvana and R.E.M. played in their early, most angst-filled years. As long as we’re name-dropping, let’s really go for it!  To give further testament to the Metro’s chops are musicians like Bob Dylan, Prince, and James Brown who have all delighted audiences at past Metro events.  More recent noteworthy acts include The White Stripes, The Yeah Yeahs, and the Foo Fighters.

The ticket prices range as widely as the artists, so expect to pay more for the bigger names, though you can sometimes save money by ordering tickets in advance.  You can often see local acts for less than $5.  If you’re under 21 and love music, you should definitely keep an eye on the Metro’s calendar of events. Most shows are all ages, with the exception of some late-night weekend shows that require concert goers to be 18 or over.  For the 21 and over crowd, the Metro offers access to its Smart Bar, a dance club where some of the best DJs in Chicago spin dance music until the wee hours.

For those who enjoy the literary arts, the Metro offers a special event this March.  Come to “Literary Rock and Roll: Class Acts” on the 16th for this event presented by the Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department’s Story Week.  The evening will include readings and signings by authors Irvine Welsh (Crime), Preston L. Allen (Jesus Boy), and Gina Frangello (Slut Lullabies).  There will also be comedy and music.  What could make having your copy of Trainspotting signed by Mr. Welsh himself and gathering with fellow eggheads better?  Free admission!  Story Week is free and open to the public, so come join the celebration of the written word.

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Greetings From….

When you take a vacation, be sure to think about the friends and relatives who didn’t get a chance to travel with you. You can give them a small piece of your vacation experience by sending them souvenirs. Most cities have numerous types of souvenirs that you can purchase for your loved ones. Just be sure to choose an option that they will enjoy.

Types of Vacation Souvenirs

Some of the most common souvenirs include shirts and postcards. Most people will appreciate receiving one of these souvenirs from you.

Many tourist destinations have their own shirts to let people know that you have been there. The shirts might feature popular landmarks, hotels and restaurants. Sending one of these souvenirs to your friends and family members not only gives them a new piece of clothing to wear, it also gives them a tiny fragment of your experience at the popular tourist destination.

Even simple postcards that feature landscapes or skylines can make your loved ones feel special. They don’t have to be elaborate. A scene of the city’s landscape, for instance, can let your loved ones know where you have been and that you were thinking of them. It’s a way to share some of the scenery that you have experienced. Writing a note on the postcard makes the souvenir even more meaningful.

Choosing Vacation Souvenirs

Whether you decide to purchase shirts, postcards or other types of souvenirs, make sure you consider the preferences of each person. There is no sense in purchasing an item that the recipient won’t care about or want to use. Instead, think through each purchase to help ensure that you choose a souvenir that will make your loved ones feel special. After all, you are sharing an important part of your life with them. You might as well share it in a way that will appeal to them.

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Why Chicago Will Be Your Kind of Town

The Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago Ri...
Image via Wikipedia

The well-known song about the Windy City says it best, and it’s not hard to see why Chicago can be your kind of town. With a variety of attractions, different cuisines, and diverse neighborhoods, this city is among the most livable places in the U.S. and is a top tourist spot. Whether you’re planning to visit for a few days or are planning a permanent move, there are some things you’ll want to know.

Getting Around

One of the best ways to traverse the city is by riding the “L,” which is short for the elevated train. This transportation system can quickly move you through some of the busiest parts of town. There are also city buses and plenty of taxis. When the weather is right, Chicago is a walk-able city with wide sidewalks that are easy to navigate.

Where to Stay

If you’re in town for a short visit, choose a hotel in a district you like. Shoppers will prefer staying near Michigan Avenue (aka The Magnificent Mile), while those who want to see multiple shows should book a room in the Theatre District. Quieter lodging with convenient access to the popular areas is found in and around north Lakeshore Drive. The Loop is a more eclectic neighborhood with some fun shops and eateries. For those who are moving to the area, Chicago apartments are available in these and other parts of the city. Be safe during your time in the city by avoiding areas that aren’t well lit and make you feel uncomfortable.

What to Eat

Deep dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago and one of the best places to go for mouthwatering pie is Lou Malnati’s. Stop in a Portillo’s Restaurant to sample a hot-dog prepared the way Chicagoans like it–with relish, mustard, onions, tomatoes, and other delicious goodies. Chicago Restaurant Week makes the cold of February more tolerable, as 200 of the city’s best restaurants serve up discounted meals.

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