Free at-home Covid test kits

 My husband and I discovered how expensive it is to get Covid when far away from home. We flew from Utah to Maryland to visit his 93-year-old mother on November 30. We ended up having to stay an extra week at $180/night (+ tax) plus extra days on the rental car, etc. Luckily neither of us got very sick and we were right next to a Walgreens where we could buy Covid tests for $24 for 2 tests which don't go far with two of us, especially with the need for multiple days of testing. So add another $100. We finally got home last night. Our car developed a windshield crack while parked at the airport. No idea why as there were no chips or other problems. Welcome home! 

This morning we found out via NPR that we can once again order 4 free home Covid tests from the government at https://www.covid.gov/tests in preparation for the holidays.... So I ordered and now we are prepared for the next occasion. 

How did we get Covid?  We are both fully vaxed and booster. We took extra precautions to avoid infection in the 10 days before we left to see his mother. The only way we could have gotten infected was on the airplanes (most likely) or in one of the airports. We were among the 5% wearing masks which we only took off to eat or drink on our 10 hour trip (long layover in Denver). My husband got infected and passed it along to me. 

Happy holidays! Pack your Covid test kits, thermometer, and extra credit cards. I can guarantee that if you are flying you will be exposed to Covid. 

 

Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

 

If COVID-19 has made it difficult for you to pay your mortgage, utilities, or other housing payments, financial assistance is on the way. The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) was established by the American Rescue Plan Act to help homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 with housing-related costs.

Find Homeowner Assistance Fund programs in your area.

If the program in your area is up and running, you may start your application process. Funds are limited. Some programs may not have enough funds for every applicant, so it is important to apply as soon as you’re able.

If your program is not yet available, check the program’s website which may allow you to sign up for timing updates and alerts.   

Learn more about the Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Thank you,

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

For Covid skeptics... Hard dollar proof from insurance insdustry

 

Mostly due to the pandemic, life-insurance payouts last year rose 15% to $90.43 billion, the sharpest rise since the 1918 influenza epidemic drove them up 41%, according to the American Council of Life Insurers. Meanwhile, sales of insurance policies took their biggest jump in 25 years, according to industry-funded research firm Limra. Combined with good returns on some investments, that lifted industry assets by 7.7% to $8.2 trillion, the ACLI’s figures show. 

Thanks to The Wall Street Journal writer Leslie Scism, December 9, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccine scams

As the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues, it’s important to be on the lookout for scams. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) recently issued a new warning about vaccine scams:

• Beware of scams offering early access to vaccines for a fee.
• Keep an eye out for phishing scams where scammers email or text you with phony vaccine information.
• Steer clear of scammers trying to sell fake versions of vaccines.

Here are the facts:

• You can't pay to get early access to the vaccine.
• Medicare covers the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are also free to others throughout the country, although providers may charge an administration fee.
• Don't share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising to get you the vaccine for a fee.

For the latest vaccine updates, check with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). To learn more about how to manage your finances during the pandemic, visit consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus. For tips on how to avoid common scams, check out the CFPB’s fraud prevention resources.