Forum Post: Now filthy disgusting rich performers like Roger Waters, The Beastie Boys, and Katy Perry are using OWS to plug their own music and get even filthy disgusting richer.
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 6, 2011, 10:55 p.m. EST by ModestCapitalist
(2342)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Don't fall for the cheap plugs. And don't buy their overpriced crap.
The rich and famous do not want to be seen as 'pigs' or go down in history as 'villains'. They want to be seen as 'heros' and go down in history as 'humanitarians'. The market for their product has become global. The fan base has become global. Therefore, the 'humanitarian' effort and 'good will' PR machine has gone global. These 'humanitarian' efforts and 'good deeds' are not chosen to address the greatest need or injustice. They are chosen almost exclusively to appeal to the largest demographic for their respective commercial products. The largest fan base. Efficiency or effect is of little or no concern. Its all about PR, marketing, image, and fame.
This is why the rich and famous have all taken up 'philanthropy' or 'good will' around the world. This is why so many have 'schools' or 'foundations' in their name. This is why so many play golf or appear on a TV game show for 'charity'. This is why so many sign motorcycles, other merchandise, or auction off their own 'personal effects' for 'charity'. This is why so many have TV shows with a 'charitable' gimmick. This is why so many arrange photo ops with wounded veterans, firefighters, or sick children. This is why so many have adopted children from around the world (Which they always pay others to care for full time. The hired professionals are sworn by legal contract to confidentiality. Not allowed to discuss or appear in public with the children they care for. Those 'photo' and 'interview' opportunities are reserved exclusively for the rich and famous 'adoptive' parents.). This is why every 'humanitarian' effort and 'good deed' is plastered all over the media worldwide. Its not about 'humanity' or 'good will'. Its all about marketing, image, fame, and PROFIT. This is why we are so often reminded of their respective 'good deeds' or 'humanitarian' efforts shortly before or after the release of their latest commercial product.
Charitywatch.org and Charitynavigator.org are both non-profit charity watchdogs. Of all the well rated charities (about 1500) only three are closely affiliated with celebrities. Michael J Fox (not the primary donor), Tiger Woods (not the primary donor), and Bill Clinton (not the primary donor). That's three well rated celebrity foundations out of 1500. In general, celebrity foundations run like crap because they blow half the money on private jet rides, five star accommodations, and PR crews.
The fans have been terribly misled. For example:
Virtually every penny 'donated' by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to date has come from repeated sales of baby photos. With each sale, the baby money goes to the 'Jolie-Pitt' foundation. A foundation which has never done anything but shelter funds. The 'donation' is immediately publicized worldwide.
When Jolie or Pitt have a new movie to promote, a portion is then donated from their own 'foundation' to a legitimate charity. This leaves their ignorant fans under the impression that 'another' donation has been made. When in fact, its the same baby money being transferred again and again. Another portion is blown on private jet rides, super-exclusive accommodations, photo ops, and PR crap. This saves Jolie and Pitt millions in travel/stay expenses and their respective studios tens of millions in advertising. It's all very calculated.
Of course, Jolie and Pitt could simply endorse any of the 1500 most efficient and effective charities. Of course, the baby money would go much further and do far more good if it were donated to such charities to begin with.
But that would be too boring.
The 'Make it Right' Foundation took in over $12,000,000 the first year alone. Tens of millions overall. Brad Pitt has never been the primary donor, planner, or designer. He is a figurehead and salesman with a position on the board of advisors. Nothing more. Still, he has been showered with glorious praise by fellow celebrities and media outlets around the world. Again, the fans have been terribly misled.
In order to move into a 'green' home, the innocent victims of Katrina are required to provide a property deed, meet a number of financial requirements, and pay an average of $150,000 UP FRONT. The difference is offered in cheap loans or on occasion (according to the website) forgiven. To date, only a few dozen former home owners have qualified.
The 'Make it Right' foundation was never intended to help the lower income residents of New Orleans reclaim anything lost in Katrina. In fact, 'Make it Right' is part of a calculated effort to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward without them. Part of a calculated effort to raise property values in the area by displacing the poor. They are by design, excluded. Unable to qualify. Of course, Brad Pitt could have simply endorsed 'Habitat For Humanity'. A well known, proven, and efficient home building operation. Of course, the tens of millions in funding would have gone MUCH further.
But that would be too boring. Big name celebrities have no desire to make the world a better place.
Their primary goal is to appear as if they do.
It's a sham. Good will has become big business.
Check out the Mariachi guy on the top of the limo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgLMslbDuY
Bono is no humanitarian. In fact, he made millions from a shady deal with Live Nation in which other investors were made to subsidize his multi-million dollar stock options regardless of market value. The stock tanked, Bono unloaded, and those 'other' investors did in fact take giant losses in part, so the filthy disgusting rich multi-hundred-millionaire 'humanitarian' Bono would not have to.
Ch'Ching!
Just another rotten immoral disgusting trick perpetrated in the name of greed.
Madonna secured a similar deal with Live Nation.
I've said it many times and I will say it many more.
There is no such thing as a multi-millionaire humanitarian.
Beastie Boys. Make SOme Noise!
Fight For Your Right to Party!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgLMslbDuY
I warned you 'oldfatrobby'. This is just the beginning:
Beastie Boys star Ad-rock is in trouble with U.S. officials after allegedly failing to hand over more than $2,000 (£1,250) in taxes. State authorities in Ohio filed a lien against Ad-Rock, real name Adam Keefe Horovitz, and his wife Kathleen Hanna in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas on 15 June (11). The papers, obtained by The Detroit News, state the couple owe $2,115 (£1,321) in unpaid taxes.
The ugly truth about the housing market, Countrywide, predatory lending, and the endorsements of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Dr Phil. Ch'Ching!
The first subprime loans were issued in 1994. It was a gimmick to sell more homes, artificially inflate the market, sell more homes at higher profits, foreclose on those who could not pay when the ARM rates readjusted, take their homes leaving them with nothing to show for their payments, resell the homes at a higher profit and so on. It was a cruel and calculated plan to sell more homes and artificially inflate the market. Those loans were incredibly profitable for well over a decade before the house of cards finally collapsed. In the meantime, bankers got richer along with the richest one percent who made off with higher dividends. It was a sham.
The biggest player in the game was Countrywide. Endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Dr Phil. If you have their shows from '04' to '06' on tape, watch them again. All three were paid millions specifically to endorse Countrywide by name. The biggest subprime player in the game. They issued more ARM loans than anyone else. Foreclosing on those who could not make their monthy payments when the rates suddenly went through the roof. It was a cruel and calculated plan to sell more homes, artificially inflate the market, foreclose, and resell for a higher profit. The sham worked like a charm for 12 years before the house of cards finally fell in.
At this approximate time the worthless paper was sold to unsuspecting investors.
Oprah, Ellen, and Dr Phil were paid millions for their endorsements. Ch'Ching!
The following entry was written almost two years ago. Since then, Madonna's 'Raising Malawi' has proven to be a complete and utter failure. In fact, she tried to prevent her own fired staff from divulging any details regarding the missing millions in RM funds.
I allege that although Raising Malawi appears to operate within the law as a 'non-profit' (Which means only that donations are not converted or payed directly to owners or shareholders.), there are ulterior motives, marketing gimmicks, and actual (real world) profits being made as a direct result. PROOF: There is a claim made on the Raising Malawi site that by purchasing the pendent shown on the homepage, you actually support the 'non-profit' foundation. However, the phrase "shop now", which is actually an active link, takes you directly to a specific page of an online 'for profit' entity where very expensive high-end jewelry is sold. The option is present to purchase not only the specific piece from which profits are donated, but also the entire line. You could literally spend $100,000 on that site with not a single dime going to charity of any kind. Simply by skipping the option to purchase the pendant shown and purchasing other items instead. These are the very same items sold at high end retail outlets around the world. Which just happen to be posted right there onsite. Also on the Raising Malawi site, there is an option to purchase the 'I am because we are' DVD. There have been claims made by Madonna that she produced the DVD in an attempt to make people 'aware' of Malawi. However, the price listed on the subsequent page is right around average for any Hollywood blockbuster. In fact, you could actually find a better deal elsewhere. Again, the devil is in the details (Which you are not expected to consider.). The active link takes you directly to another 'for profit' entity where DVDs are sold 'for profit'. No specific claim is made on either site that profits are donated anywhere. Not even for the 'I am because we are' DVD. In addition, Madonna actually founded Semtek Films. Another 'for profit' entity which has also mass produced several other projects, starring, directed, or written by Madonna. Finally, it is well known that profits for mass produced DVDs are in general, astronomical.
The following entry was written almost two years ago. Since then, Madonna's 'Raising Malawi' has proven to be a complete and utter failure. In fact, she tried to prevent her own fired staff from divulging any details regarding the missing millions in RM funds.
I have just posted solid evidence to support several of the most serious allegations I have made against Madonna and the Raising Malawi foundation. In addition, I allege that like many other big celebrity/big business foundations, Raising Malawi to date has been inefficient and riddled with corruption. Actually charging private jet rides, super exclusive 5 star accomodations, and other unnecessary perks directly to the 'non-profit' foundation itself. I fully expect Success for Kids and any other 'charity' closely affiliated with Madonna to operate the same way. Effectively giving Madonna and others the privelage to travel this mostly poor, but beautiful world free of charge. Flying, dining, bathing, and sleeping 'First Class' in some of the most exotic locations and exclusive resorts in the world. Which in another example of profound injustice, just happen to exist and operate in some of the poorest. Even Africa. Even Brazil. In most cases, the vast overwhelming majority of locals can't even hope to afford such accomodations for a single day. They find it difficult enough just to survive. But Madonna (Currently worth over $325,000,000 and counting.), not only can, but does take full advantage of such injustice. Not only concentrating even more of the world's wealth and thereby causing more poverty, but fully exploiting the non-profit laws more for her own good than anything else. Although I admit making some of these later allegations by reading between the lines, I feel strongly that they will be proven in time. Mark my words: The Raising Malawi foundation has been operating much like any established government for over three years. Basically within the law but riddled with corruption. Of course, I don't have their books. I can't tell you what specific accomodations were made for Madonna in Malawi when she flew in to plant a tree (photo-op) in October. I can't tell you where she stayed for that week, what exotic food she ate, what karat of gold she sat on to expel her waste, or what exclusive brand of tissue was flown in for her to wipe with. I can not tell you how much any of it cost. But I can assure you that it was all covered in the name of 'humanity'. There will be many more private jet rides and super exclusive accomodations for Madonna provided in some of the most exotic locations in the world. Not noble, necessary, or efficient by any stretch of the imagination. Still, these incredibly expensive perks will be demanded by Madonna and payed for by those foolish enough to support her 'good will'. Of course, there will be more free publicity and further profits made with each and every 'humanitarian' effort. Which as usual, will be publicized at critical (commercial) moments in time. Which again, is the very motive to begin with. This is what 'charity' has become all too often in this world of Earth shattering greed, vanity, and hypocrisy. Good Will has become Big Business.
The following entry was written almost two years ago. Since then, Madonna's 'Raising Malawi' has proven to be a complete and utter failure. In fact, she tried to prevent her own fired staff from divulging any details regarding the missing millions in RM funds.
I allege that the 3.7 million Raising Malawi claimed to have raised along with Gucci from a single event in early '08' (The grand opening of their new flagship store in New York.) has never been accounted for. I also allege that the Raising Malawi foundation didn't even register as a 'non-profit' until early '09'. PROOF: This has been reported several times by the mainstream media. Fox News did at least one segment on the story making reference to both allegations. The Insider made reference as well. Others have been made by lesser known media outlets. All of which could have been held liable if the specific claims were proven to be false. They were not. In fact, there were calls throughout '08' and '09' for some response on the part of Raising Malawi. There has been no answer. Not even to refute the claims. In August of '09' there was finally a report that Gucci had filed a 'timely' claim to have donated "just over" $3,000,000 to Raising Malawi but no 'net gain' has been reported or confirmed. There has been no report of related expenditures on the part of Raising Malawi and no indication of how any 'net gain' may have been spent. Not even on the Raising Malawi website. I also allege that no itemized progress/efficiency report has been posted by Raising Malawi for any time frame after three full years of fundraising and that they have still failed to earn a decent (or any) rating from any independent charity watchdog. PROOF: Again, Madonna herself claims to have founded Raising Malawi with Michael Berg in '06'. The 'impact' page makes vague references to 'progress' made to date with 'invaluble partners' operating in Malawi including over 20 seperate entities. Each of which have their own sources of funding. However, no indication is made what portion of that 'progress' was actually funded by Raising Malawi. Not one single cost is accounted for. There is no 'dollar in dollar out' report posted for any time frame. CharityWatch.org, CharityNavigator.org, and BBB.org (Better Business Bereau) are the most well known and thorough charity watchdogs evaluating and rating literally hundreds of non-profits (Although CharityNavigator.org is more forgiving in general. They also have a conflict of interest. They sell commercial ad space.). As of 12.27.09, no rating has been given for Raising Malawi. I realize that Raising Malawi didn't even register as a 'non-profit' until early '09' but they were founded in '06'. They started raising funds from day one. They have never explained why it took so long to register as a 'non profit'. They have still failed to open their books for review. Not for any charity watchdog anywhere and not even for their potential donors. There is no independent rating posted anywhere, no accreditation of any kind on the Raising Malawi site, and none given by phone (888-72-DONOR).
The following entry was written almost two years ago. Since then, Madonna's 'Raising Malawi' has proven to be a complete and utter failure. In fact, she tried to prevent her own fired staff from divulging any details regarding the missing millions in RM funds.
I allege that Madonna is not the primary donor for the Raising Malawi foundation, the Success for Kids foundation, or any other. I allege that she is not even paying for the 'school' or the 'electricity' that she has already promised for Malawi. I allege that her claims of generosity are terribly misleading. PROOF: The Raising Malawi foundation was founded in '06' by Madonna and Michael Berg. This according to Madonna herself. In early '08', the Raising Malawi foundation issued a statement claiming to have raised 3.7 million along with Gucci from a single event. The money (net gain) was never accounted for however, the event itself was promoted and praised in the name of 'humanity'. Specifically, the Raising Malawi foundation. Around the same time, Madonna released a statement along with Raising Malawi promising to build a $15,000,000 'all girls' school in the impoverished country. In October of '09', Madonna released a video pleading with her fans worldwide to support the Raising Malawi foundation along with a promise to 'match' any contributions made. There was no catch of any kind mentioned in that video. However, there have already been two disclaimers posted on the Raising Malawi website, which limit Madonna's total 'match' liability to $100,000 and $150,000 (Less than 1/10 of one percent of her own multi-hundred-million dollar fortune. Less than 2% of the total reported cost to complete the school in Malawi.). It was reported in November of '09', that Madonna secured a $7,000,000 donation from Brazil's richest man, multi-billionaire Eike Batista. This in order to meet a 'goal' of $10,000,000 for a new Success for Kids foundation. Which by the way, hasn't even been registered yet. Its also been reported that Madonna has 'raised' (Thats raised, not donated.) 5.5 million 'yearly' for the Raising Malawi foundation and that assets held were already in excess of $23,000,000 as of August. This was before the latest video in which Madonna pleads with her fans worldwide for more. Finally, Forbes has been publicizing an annual list of the 'most generous' or 'top giving' celebrities for at least several years that I know of (All greedy, over-demanding, over-paid, filthy-rich, obscene wealth concentrating hypocrites.). Even Rush Limbaugh made the list with contributions of just over $4,000,000. Madonna has never made the list. Not even once. Not even close.
Bono is no humanitarian. In fact, he made millions from a shady deal with Live Nation in which other investors were made to subsidize his multi-million dollar stock options regardless of market value. The stock tanked, Bono unloaded, and those 'other' investors did in fact take giant losses in part, so the filthy disgusting rich multi-hundred-millionaire 'humanitarian' Bono would not have to.
Ch'Ching!
Just another rotten immoral disgusting trick perpetrated in the name of greed.
Madonna secured a similar deal with Live Nation.
I've said it many times and I will say it many more.
There is no such thing as a multi-millionaire humanitarian.
This is a really really funny video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vYMOTdvtdQ
Whatever it is, don't buy anything promoted by name on this site. 'oldfatrobby' has been using OWS to promote the Beastie Boys. When I called him out for it, and posted a page informing others of the shameless plugs, he tried to divert my attention by posting miscellaneous crap which has nothing to do with OWS.
Others have been using this site for marketing as well. Don't fall for it and don't buy anything promoted by name.
It is a chimpanzee video. Seriously. I'm not trying to sell anything. Check it out everyone. You'll wet your pants.
You can't fool me with a diversion. You posted a half dozen plugs for the Beastie Boys in one hour. When I called you out for it, you started posting all this other crap to divert my attention.
It cant hurt to look.
Unless it's on Broadway.
This is a translation of a Korean show in which a street walker and a chimp have a conversation.
It's completely free.
Don't see the Broadway show. Or any Broadway show for a while.
I agree. It is a waste of money. Buy Elan pharmuaceutical stock instead. Its risen from $7 to almost $12 this year. You can make a nice rate of return. The chimp video is completely free though.
Everything the OWSer needs!
On sale!
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/saleSilo.jhtml?itemId=cat205700
Big business is fine on occasion depending on their product, ethics, employment, profit margins, and profit sharing. Do your homework. If they are screwing up our economy or society, then don't pay them for it. If you want to support any legitimate charity, then do so directly. Never support any celebrity foundation. Don't be fooled by the sale of baby photos, lies about percentage of income donated, or praise from other well known public figures. Celebrity foundations are CRAP. They spend most of their funding on PR campaigns, exotic travel, and super high end accomodations for themselves. Thats right. Filthy rich public figures have been jet-setting the world in the name of 'humanity' for years. Riding in personal jets, staying in super-exclusive resorts, and living it up in exotic locations around the world the likes of which most people could never afford even if their lives depended on it. They bring along agents, advisors, publicists, hair, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, and photo crews who are also in it for themselves. They are paid six or seven figures for their part to schedule, manage, document, showcase, praise, and publicize the 'good will' of said public figures and their respective industries. Every possible expense is passed of as 'incidental' or 'necessary' and billed right back to some 'foundation' named after said public figure and/or respective industry. Every possible tax deduction is claimed. Which are incredibly vague and diverse thanks to our sold-out government. Deals are cut with major networks who agree to praise the 'good will' or 'humanitarian' effort of said public figures and plug their latest commercial project around the same time. Others from around the world pick up the story and save these industries billions in advertising every year. Resulting in higher profits and paychecks for the 1% club. When its all said and done more wealth is transfered from poor to rich. NOT the other way around. So don't support any charity named after a living celebrity. Don't be fooled or inspired by any photo you see in a magazine, any clip on TV, any affiliation, or any short term short sighted progress report. Instead, go to Charitywatch.org and look up a top rated charity to support your favorite cause. Its all there. For example: 'Habitat For Humanity' is a top rated charity. They have been for many years. They operate with a low overhead, volunteer workforce, and donated materials. They have built homes for the less fortunate in nearly every city nationwide. Including New Orleans. They do so as we speak. No similar effort can match their progress hour for hour or dollar for dollar. So there is no legitimate reason to support a slower, less efficient effort represented by a filthy rich Hollywood actor who flies in on a personal jet, takes most of the credit, and makes a deal with a major network for plugs just days before the premier of his latest film or DVD release. By doing so, you support not only the inefficient effort, but also the filthy rich actor. Concentrating more wealth and dumbing down our society further in the process. Instead, support 'Habitat For Humanity'. Its not perfect. It is affiliated with some big business. However, it is MUCH more efficient, effective, and less corrupt than 'Make It Right'. The difference is profound. In general, support the little guy as much as possible and the big guy as little as possible.
Oh sorry:
Here is the official video. She is so hot, although she is mentally ill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzU9OrZlKb8
Be on the lookout for commercial brainwash plots on TV. They are written into nearly every scene of nearly every show. Most cater to network sponsors, coorporate partners, and parent companies. Especially commercial health care. In particular, high profit pharmaceuticals and excessive medical testing. These plugs are countless, calculated, and VERY well written. They have commercial brainwashing down to a science. DON'T FALL FOR IT. Get off the couch and take care of your own body the way nature intended. There is no substitute. If you must see a doctor, then DEMAND that he/she give you more than 5 minutes of their undivided attention. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Be prepared with written questions about your condition and get them answered one at a time. If they refuse, then dispute their unreasonable charges. If they prescribe excessive medical testing, then ask if they personally own the equipment or if they are paid a commission for each test. If they find nothing new or signifigant, then dispute their unreasonable charges. If they prescribe a pharmaceutical, then ask for a generic. Better yet, concider a change in lifestyle or simple tolerance. If they still recommend the name brand pharmaceutical, then ask about any financial ties or conflict of interest. If they get offended, then dispute their unreasonable charges and consider a new doctor. If you must drug away your sniffles, worries, jitters, aches, and pains, then at least do your homework. Be aware of the possible side-effects ahead of time. Don't be surprised to find yourself back a week or two later feeling worse. In which case, you should dispute their unreasonable charges. If you are diagnosed with another medical condition, then ask your doctor what he/she has done to rule out those possible side-effects. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Don't let any greedy doctor treat you like a number, make you wait an hour, or rush you out of their office. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Don't fall for this CRAP that doctors have no choice but to over-book their time or over-charge their patients because of a high overhead. ITS A LIE. YOUR DOCTOR IS MOST LIKELY A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE. The same goes for their bogus claim to over-test so many of their patients because they are afraid of missing something and being sued for it. THAT IS ANOTHER FLAT-OUT LIE. Afterall, if this were true, then it would only explain some of the unnecessary testing. NOT THE OBSCENE CHARGES. It also wouldn't explain their own financial ties directly to the manufacturers of said testing equipment. Thats right. Most doctors hold stock in the very same companies that produce that equipment. Its another conflict of interest. So don't fall for their CRAP. Demand their undivided attention and respect. Afterall, they took an oath. If you have the opportunity before being admitted, then check the record of your hospital. Check to see if they have been investigated or sued for providing unnecessary treatment, excessive medical testing, or fraudulent billing. Dozens have already been caught doing so. Do all of the above regardless of your coverage. Don't force your employer to cover the obscene and often fraudulent charges of a corrupt health care industry. By doing so, you make the problem worse. Keep your guard up when watching ANY talk show. These people are not your friends. They are not your advocates. They are paid actors hired to get your attention and your money. Some of them are also executive producers (Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Dr Phil.). Nearly every word, smile, and stupid joke is rehearsed ahead of time. Including those which take place so often during what appear to be 'technical oversights' (Today Show. Even their stage hands are mixed in behind the scenes so that you can hear them laugh at every stupid joke.). Its all fake. Its all calculated. These people are not trying to make the world a happy place. They are trying to entertain you only because their marketing studies have shown that you are more likely to drop your guard and support their sponsors. Nearly every segment is about marketing some over-priced product or service. They will use any excuse to plug a gadget, fashion item, travel destonation, credit card, university, drug, medical test, surgical procedure, movie, TV show, book, magazine, song, website, ect. Almost all of it over-priced. Almost all of it resulting in higher profits for their sponsors, partners, and parent companies. DON'T FALL FOR IT.
ALthough the Beastie Boys have their merits, I would suggest Britney Spear's fine music and videos as alternative purchases. They are best viewed on humongous 73 inch black edge LED TVs with Blue Ray disc player.
You'll Love her "Till the End of the World" an apocalytic, provovative anthem calling for international economic change!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krRLumN_JLo
Spend your money as wisely as possible. Especially in middle and lower class communities. Check the Fortune 500 list and limit your support of high profit/low labor industries (Hollywood, pro sports, energy, credit, pharmaceutical, cable, satelite, internet advertising, video, and music, cell phone, high fashion, jewelry, ect.). Cancel all but one credit card for emergencies only. Call the provider and demand a lower rate. Be persistent. You may get it. (By the way. I gave this piece of advice long before NBC. I'm not looking for kudos. I'm telling you that NBC is directly affiliated with the credit industry. They could have given you this piece of advice years ago. Instead, they stood by and allowed their parent company, sister companies, and network sponsors to RIP YOU OFF. Even now, they give the occasional 'good guy' financial advice only because they are pressured to do so. They carefully balance every piece of 'good guy' advice with their primary goal to GET YOUR MONEY. Which is why their 'good guy' advice is so often followed by a plug for one of their sister companies, sister channels, network sponsors, or coorporate partners. For example: They tell you to pay down your credit card debt. Good advice. They should have given it years ago. Then, they tell you to GET MORE CREDIT CARDS and use them. Bad advice. One week Jean Chatzky tells you to avoid the 'free credit report' scam because it is always followed by a monthly service charge. Good advice. They should have given it years ago. The following week she stands by as her paid fellow advisor Carmen Wong strongly implies for you to have your credit monitered on a monthly basis and praises a caller for doing so. Bad advice. This is actually a plug for one of their network sponsors, coorporate partners, or parent company. The praise is nothing but a psychological trick. DON'T FALL FOR IT. Don't take ANYTHING they say at face value. Instead, read between the lines. Carefully weigh every piece of 'good guy' advice given against their primary goal. THEY WANT YOUR MONEY.). If you need a cell phone, then do your homework and find the best deal on a local pre-pay. You may be able to get one for as little as $10 a month. Don't text. The charge may seem low at the time but their profit margins are obscene. If you want home internet access, then check for a locally based provider. They can be found in nearly every city nationwide. Otherwise, use the least expensive big name provider, and share accounts whenever possible. If you need to search, then use the less popular search engines. They usually produce about same results anyway. Don't pay for any internet download. Their profit margins for such data transfers are obscene. Don’t pay to see any blockbuster movie. Instead, wait a few months and rent the DVD from a local store, borrow it, or buy it USED. Then loan it to a friend or family member. If you prefer the outing, then choose a film produced by the lesser known studeos with lower paid actors. If you want to see a big name game or event, then watch it in a local bar, club, or at home on network TV. Don’t buy any high end official merchandise and don’t support the high end sponsors. If its endorsed by a big name celebrity, then don’t buy it. If you can afford a new car, then make an exception for GM, Ford, and Dodge. If they don’t increase their market share soon, then a lot more people are going to get screwed out of their pensions and/or benefits. Of course, you must know by now to avoid those big trucks and SUVs unless you truly need one for its utility. Don’t be ashamed to buy a foreign car if you prefer it. Afterall, those with the most fuel efficient vehicles consume a lot less foreign oil. Which accounts for a pretty big chunk of our trade deficit. Its a reasonable trade-off. Anyway, the global economy is worth supporting to some extent. Its the obscene profit margins, trade deficits, and BS from OPEC that get us into trouble. Otherwise, the global economy would be a good thing for everyone. Just keep in mind that the big 3 are struggling and they do produce a few smaller reliable cars. Don’t frequent any high end department store, mall, or any business in a newly developed center or upper class community. By doing so, you encourage greedy developers, make them richer, and draw vital support away from industrial areas and away from the middle and lower class communities. Instead, support the local retailer and the less popular shopping centers. Especially in lower or middle class communities. If you can afford to buy a home, then do so. But go smaller and less expensive. Don’t get yourself in too deep and don’t buy into the newly developed condos or gated communities. Instead, find a modest home in a building or neighborhood at least 20 years old. If you live in one of the poorer states, then try to support its economy first and foremost.