(Image credit: Getty Images)

Car insurance companies are aggressive in boasting about their discounted rates, but which ones offer the most?

Bankrate.com put together a list of 17 discounts that car companies offer, such as a discount for having an anti-theft device for your car or being a member of the U.S. military. Of the 10 companies studied, Farmers offered the highest number of discounts at 16.

“The cost of car ownership isn’t getting any cheaper these days, and gas prices are stuck above $3 a gallon,” said Bankrate’s insurance analyst Doug Whiteman. ” It’s important to get whatever discount you can.”

Bankrate found that 10 major car insurance carriers provided a discount for having multiple policies with that carrier. Eight of the 10 major insurers charge less for paperless billing.

Not all the discounts are clearly advertised, some of which can be found in question-and-answer sections or blog posts, said Whiteman. Some discounts are particular to certain states or by location. For example, some carriers offer discounts to young drivers attending school at least 100 miles from home, which is known as a distant student discount.

“The idea is  if your kid is away from school, he or she is much less likely to be driving the family car, so you can get a break on your insurance,” Whiteman said.

And there are even more discounts that Bankrate did not track, Whiteman said. Some carriers might have discounts for new parents, or those who own a home.

“It’s a really good idea on a regular basis to review your car insurance policy, maybe at renewal time,” Whiteman said. “Some companies better at advertising discounts than others. In some case you have to talk to someone on the phone.”

Here’s Bankrate.com’s cheat sheet for car insurance discounts you may be missing:

(Image credit: Bankrate)

Apple has applied for the patent “iWatch” in Japan, as speculation grows about new kinds of hot tech products. In recent weeks there have been growing indications that Apple, Samsung and Sony are all working on wearable devices. Last week Sony announced the latest version of its SmartWatch, a water-resistant device with NFC, says PCWorld. Samsung said recently that it is working on a smart watch. The New York Times reported in February that Apple was experimenting with the design of a device similar to a wristwatch that would operate on the same iOS platform as its iPhone and iPad and would be made with curved glass.

Both Samsung and Apple are seeking to wow consumers who are looking for more than a larger screen or faster download speeds on their smartphones. A shocker for Samsung, as sales for its Galaxy S4 smartphone failed to live up to investor expectations. Bloomberg News says 15 analysts cut second-quarter net income estimates for Samsung in June. Samsung’s share price  dropped more than 12 percent last month.

It was a great first half of 2013, but a difficult month for the stock market. Both the Dow Jones Index and S&P 500 are up more than 13 percent since the beginning of the year. Stock market futures rose this morning. June was a turbulent month for the bond market, with the worst monthly losses in years. The sudden rise in interest rates was the reason for losses in most bond funds.

China has gone from being a driver to a drag on global economic growth. Two surveys show China’s manufacturing weakened again in June amid a credit crunch and slower orders from overseas businesses. HSBC says its monthly purchasing managers’ index declined to 48.2. Numbers below 50 show a contraction. A separate measure by an industry group, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, showed activity declined to 50.1. Manufacturers were hurt by falling orders and a shortage of credit in June as Chinese regulators are trying to cool a lending boom they worry could race out of control.

Another record high for unemployment in the eurozone. A report today puts the official rate up to 12.1 percent. The jobless rate is far higher in most of southern Europe.

A blockbuster merger in the publishing industry. Random House and Penguin group have completed an agreement that creates the world’s largest publisher of consumer books. Parent companies Bertelsmann and Pearson say they’ve signed the final contracts to combine the global activities of the two publishers and create Penguin Random House.

Richard Davies Business Correspondent ABC News Radio abcnews.com Twitter: daviesabc

(Image credit: GoBank)

The first bank that was designed for mobile use launched to the public this week, allowing users to pay what they want in fees.

GoBank, launched by publicly traded Green Dot Corp., has no overdraft or penalty fees. The company says that it “works for tips,” allowing users to pay up to $9 a month as a membership fee. But members can use the same account features even if they don’t pay a fee.

Customers get a free debit card, or they can create a custom debit card with a photo of their choice for $9. The company gets most of its money through debit card swipe fees from merchants. There’s a bill-pay feature and the accounts are FDIC-insured.

NerdWallet’s senior analyst John Gower had positive reviews, saying, “GoBank’s concept and ease-of-use resonates well with younger, tech-savvy consumers but isn’t beyond the grasp of newer mobile users either.  The app, website, and various features are quite easy to navigate and understand, which is something many banks still struggle with.”

Gower said offering customers the chance to pay what they feel is fair “is a unique and refreshing strategy among banks.”

Starting next week, the company will offer free custom debit cards as part of a promotion with store partners, like Rite Aid and Barnes & Noble College bookstores.

Members can use fee-free ATMs from more than 42,000 locations around the country and add cash at over 3,900 ATMs.

The number of ATM locations is a very competitive option for people who don’t want to deposit checks to their GoBank account by snapping a photo on their smart phones, or enroll in GoBank’s direct deposit. (Bank of America, for example, has 5,400 retail banking offices and approximately 16,300 ATMs. Chase says it has 19,500 ATMs and 5,500 branches.)

GoBank is available in the iTunes App store. Android phone users can download the app for free via Google Play and MetroPCS will distribute the mobile application across its compatible Android device portfolio.

One of the coolest features of GoBank is that users can view their balance on the login screen, which the company says is the primary reason why a person logs into their bank account.

GoBank also allows users to send money with no charge through text or email. If you want to send money to someone not using GoBank, they can move the money with PayPal.

GoBank says its product offers a “high tech/low price proposition.”

“I think we’re going to see more innovation with regard to financial products and services, both mobile and online, and whatever the next big thing is,” said Michael Schreiber, editor-in-chief of Credit.com. “As issuers innovate in this space, data security will be of  paramount importance.”

Bonhams/Simon Clay

John Lennon’s 1965 Ferrari can be yours.

The blue Ferrari 330GT coupe with a matching interior will be auctioned off in July by the London-based auction house Bonhams.

The fully restored car is expected to be sold for $340,000.

See Photos of the Coolest and Most Expensive Cars

Lennon bought the car in 1965 right after he got his driver’s license. He personally handpicked it from a selection of Maseratis, Aston Martins, and Jaguars luxury car dealers sent him, according to  Bonhams’ website.

That same year the Beatles coincidentally debuted their single “Ticket to Ride” which reached No. 1 in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Bonhams.

According to a driver’s log book, which comes with the car, Lennon drove 20,000 miles in the Ferrari between 1965 and 1968.

Businesses, local governments, and home buyers may all feel the pinch of higher interest rates. With the recent rise of long-term bond yields, some economists worry about the negative impact on the US economy. Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages have gone up almost a full percentage point since they reached record lows during the winter. Higher rates will also raise the cost of financing roads, bridges and other public projects. During the past few days, says The New York Times, “Georgia, Philadelphia, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York and others have delayed sales of new bonds, citing the precipitous plunge in prices that is driving up interest rates.”

This might sound strange. Bad news for the US economy may be good news for the stock market. The official first quarter estimate of US economic growth was cut yesterday from an annual rate of 2.4 percent to 1.8 percent. That raised hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep in place its bond-buying program, which has been a boon to stock and commodity markets. Stock futures rose this morning after a second strong day in a row for the Dow, S&P 500 and other averages.

Are you working as effectively as you should? A new survey of the US workplace says only one in four employees is in an optimal environment. According to the findings from Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, the rest are struggling to work effectively, resulting in lost productivity, innovation and worker engagement. The report suggests that in many cases open-plan offices are hampering workers’ ability to concentrate.

Satellite TV operator Dish Network is pulling out of its bid for Clearwire – the wireless network operator. Last week Sprint raised its offer to buy the part of Clearwire it doesn’t already own.

The European Union has struck a deal on who will pay for future bank bailouts after the EU’s 27 finance ministers held seven hours of negotiations. Their agreement is seen as an important step toward setting up a banking union with the goal of restoring financial and economic stability to the region.

The biggest city in the country is requiring business owners to give their workers paid sick time. New York’s city council overrode a veto by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to give about 1 million workers up to five paid sick days a year.

Richard Davies Business Correspondent ABC News Radio abcnews.com Twitter: daviesabc

(Image Credit: ABC News)

Feng shui, simplified, is the ancient Chinese art that aims to improve your life by rearranging your home. Feng shui means wind and water,  and for centuries Chinese practitioners have believed that how a building is oriented, what you have in it and where you place those things can change the balance and flow of energy through your house. Below five experts share their tips to a happy home.

Watch ABC’s “The Lookout” on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET

Pun-Yin is the daughter of feng shui grand master Tin Sun. She was equipped with 15 years of apprenticeship experience with the grand master before taking on clients independently. She recommends:

1. DO NOT have more than one pair of shoes near the entryway of your foyer.
2. DO allow sunlight and fresh air into the bedroom daily.
3. DO NOT have any electrical elements near your bedside, aside from a light. If it operates by an outlet, move it.
4. DO have stones that have a Zen feel in a small container on your nightstand to feel a sense of tranquility from nature.
5. DO NOT place headboard underneath a window or a beam
6. Avoid using the computer in your bedroom, especially on your bed since that will add fire energy and compromise your sleep quality.

Tisha Morris is the author of two feng shui books, “Feng Shui Your Life: The Quick Guide to Decluttering Your Home” andRenewing Your Life” and “27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home” and is a certified life coach and feng shui consultant. Her advice:

1. Is there a piece of furniture that you keep bumping into? If so, it is out of the flow. Energy should be able to meander through your home to avoid stagnation.
2. Take an objective look at the pictures on your wall. Make sure that when you look at each picture, it makes you feel good. Does it evoke good or bad memories, positive or negative meanings? This also applies to photographs around your home. Are they energy enhancers or drainers?
3. Clutter is stagnant energy and taking up valuable space for new energy. If your love life is stagnant, then clear out stuff from past relationships. If your career is stagnant, clear out your office. If it’s your body that’s cluttered, then clean out your cupboards, fridge and clothing closet.

Benjamin Huntington is the owner of Veritate Design firm in New York City that specializes in feng shui design. His advice:

1. Make sure that the front door opens easily, the knob is secure and check that nothing is stored behind stopping it being opened fully.
2. Place a welcoming picture, mirror or table with a bowl on it  on the right as you enter.
3. Place a small area carpet, any size, inside the front door to define an entrance space.
4. Try to arrange the seating so that most people can see the entry door from their seat.
5. Provide a single focal point for the seating group, for example, a picture, sculpture, fireplace.

Ken Lauher graduated from the three-year BTB Feng Shui Master’s Training program, and is a feng shui consultant, making appearances on TLC, NBC  and ABC. His advice:

In feng shui terms, the stove is extremely important in the influence on our public life, our career, recognition  and wealth. Keep your stove clean and well appointed. Make sure all the burners work.

1. Make sure you use your stove frequently, cooking at home whenever you can. This has several practical and feng shui benefits: You’ll save money on expensive restaurant meals or take out, you’ll eat healthier as a result of preparing your own, fresh cooked food, and you’ll energize this important area of your home for greater success in your career, fame  and reputation.
2. Make use of each burner on your stove as often as possible, rotating their use if you only cook one or two dishes at a time.
3. The burners of your stove represent money. Add mirrors behind and also to the side of the stove to symbolically double your wealth.

Anna Maria Kinberg, owner of Interiors By Anna Maria, LLC. and an International Tely Award winner, combines her  nowledge of feng shui and interior design to help her clients lives. Her advice:

1. For love: The relationship corner is in the southwest of the space, the element is wood and the colors are pink, red and white. Enhance this area of your space by adding two candles, love birds, pictures of a couple along with round framed mirrors that will bounce the good energy around the room.
2. For fame and recognition: The south corner of your space governs fame, this corner attracts opportunity for becoming well known and widely respected. The color red and the fire element sets the energy moving in this sector. Use the No. 9, which is associated with the south corner, if you have pictures of awards, famous people you know or want to have in your circle of influencem a grouping of nine will activate the chi in this sector. This is also a perfect place to put a fireplace when redesigning a room. Be careful not to use too much red, this could lead to restlessness and agitation.
3.  For money cures and wealth:  The wealth corner is in the southeast area of your space. Printers, fax, computers  and TVs, which use  energy,  will activate your money sector. Water symbolizes money, the colors are blue and black. Add water features, such as fountains and fish tanks. If this is not possible, use rounded framed mirrors, which also represent the water element.

Got a consumer problem? The ABC News Fixer may be able to help. Click here to submit your problem online. Letters are edited for length and clarity.

Here, DBA Neighbors Moving & Storage of Pompano Beach, Fla., and American Relocation & Logistics of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., respond to our findings.

Response from American Relocation & Logistics Interstate Fleet/Technology Systems Manager Joseph Netzel:

“Thank you for contacting me by phone and email on Friday June 21, 2013 regarding the incident involving Mr. Jay Harp on March 15, 2013. I am unable to provide you with any information on this incident, because Mr. Harp’s contract with our company, American Relocation & Logistics Inc., was terminated approximately 9 months prior to this incident in June 2012. Prior to June 2012, Mr. Harp was an independent owner operator driving for our company and Mayflower Transit LLC.

Mr. Harp, the family whose belongings were transported from New Jersey to Arizona, and the company, Moving Express, are not affiliated with American Relocation & Logistics, Inc, nor Mayflower Transit, for whom we are an agent.

I suspect that the erroneous information you have stems from the IRP license plate which Mr. Harp kept in his possession after his termination. IRP plates are assigned under the company name and not the individual, though he may be the registered owner of the vehicle. To my knowledge, it is illegal for a driver to display an IRP plate belonging to a company fleet for which he is no longer a fleet member.

Because my requests to Mr. Harp after his termination to have the IRP plate returned went unheeded, in early 2013 I requested the state of California, Dept. of Motor Vehicles terminate the plate.”

Response From DBA Neighbors Moving & Storage Office Manager Kathryn Bradbury:

“I am writing in response to your email dated Friday, June 21, 2013, 7:37 p.m.

We spoke with a representative from Moving Express & Storage concerning the issues you have expressed in your email.  We were told by the representative that on the day of pick up, Moving Express offered Mrs. Rammell the opportunity to see her truck weighed.  At that time, the area was experiencing severe weather.  The local weigh stations were closed.  Moving Express explained the issue to Mrs. Rammell and offered her to follow them to the nearest station that was open, to get the truck weighed.  Due to the severe weather Mrs. Rammell expressed that she did not want to drive anywhere at that time.  The representative further explained that they gave the customer a revised estimated weight of 13,500 lbs. based on their visual inspection and the final revised written estimate was 10,500 lbs.

You stated that Moving Express & Storage had a history of complaints.

Upon joining our network of carriers on July 6, 2012, Moving Express & Storage had a BBB rating of A- with no complaints.  The DOT had 3 complaints in 2011 and 1 for 2012 listed for Moving Express & Storage at that time and as of 5/24/2013 still has the same numbers listed.

You stated that the Rammells were under the impression that Neighbors Moving would be carrying their household goods to Arizona.

All of our moving consultants are trained to explain that we are a broker and it is also stated on our website at http://www.neighborsmoving.com/longdistance. Our broker information is also shown in two places on the front of our estimates and it is outlined in Article 8 of our Company Terms and Conditions (see Exhibit A).

You asked if we would provide an explanation to the Rammells and other customers who could be potentially confused, the exact nature of services provided by Neighbors Moving.

Our service as a moving broker is to coordinate and arrange for the interstate transportation of a consumer’s household goods by a licensed FMCSA authorized motor carrier.  The broker does not take possession of the items or move them.  Our role as the broker is to take the inventory from the consumer by phone and using an industry accepted shipping chart, converts the items to weight/cubic feet to create a cost estimate based on the weight/cubic feet and distance of the move.

I trust the above information and attached exhibit answer your questions.  Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions.”

(Image Credit: ABC News)

ABC News’ Spencer Wilking reports:

Even under the best of circumstances, moving is a stressful experience made no easier by mile-long to-do lists. However, if you are planning on hiring someone to help you move your things it is important to do your homework to ensure all your belongings will be handled with care.

ABC’s “The Lookout” went undercover to help a family worried that their possessions wouldn’t be delivered.  Here are some tips we got from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make sure your future moves are protected.

Watch ABC’s “The Lookout” on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Moving Tips Before You Move: 

1.  Know your mover. Avoid brokers and make sure the company you’ve contacted is actually carrying out your move.
2.  Make sure your mover is licensed with the proper authority and insured. You can double-check a mover’s registration at protectyourmove.gov.
3. Check your mover’s complaint history online with the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
4. Get a written estimate from several companies. The estimate should be based on an actual “on-site” inspection of your household goods and not a phone estimate.

Mover Warning Signs

1. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
2. When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving company,” rather than the company’s name.
3. On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck.
4. They ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents.
5. The company’s website has no local address and no information about its registration or insurance.

What Sellers Need to Know

Curb Appeal

A home’s exterior presents a great opportunity to attract potential buyers, but an unkempt lawn not only could possibly devalue the property, it could also deter future buyers. Dottie’s advice: “spiff up the outside or expect potential buyers to zoom by.”

Invest in a New Coat

A fresh coat of paint can transform any room. Dottie recommends sticking with “neutral colors to make rooms [look] clean and bright.”

Invest in a Photographer

A good photographer can help you present your space in the best of light, without any Photoshop tricks.

If you’re interested in becoming a pro at spotting real estate “Photoshop fails,” check out Curbed National’s site.

Dress It Up

With a little investment, staging a home can help future buyers see the potential of any location. Here is the 24-hour transformation that designer Leslie Young and the rest of the Cliff Young Ltd. team were able to accomplish for a suburban home on the market for eight months.

Before Cliff Young Ltd. gave the suburban living room a makeover. (Image Credit: ABC News)

After Cliff Young Ltd. gave the suburban living room a makeover. (Image Credit: Cliff Young Ltd)

Advice for Buyers

See Through the Exterior

You might walk away from your dream house if you don’t look past peeling paint and old carpets. Houses that are unkempt tend to sit on the market, so if you feel like that is the property’s sole disadvantage, use it as an opportunity to bargain the price down.

Don’t Fall in Love Too Fast

Just because the house you are eyeing and everything inside of it looks beautiful doesn’t mean you should ignore the basics. Be sure to check all plumbing and roofing.

Watch ABC’s “The Lookout” on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Got a consumer problem? The ABC News Fixer may be able to help. Click here to submit your problem online. Letters are edited for length and clarity.

Barnes & Noble is pulling back on its big bet to compete against Apple and Amazon in the tablet wars. The country’s largest bookseller, which spent heavily on the Nook, says it will stop making its own color touch screen tablets, farming out the manufacturing to a third party. Barnes & Noble will continue to make the less-expensive black-and-white Nook e-readers.

After announcing dismal quarterly results Tuesday, the firm’s stock price plunged more than 17 percent. Sales plunged at Barnes & Noble bookstores and losses more than doubled compared with a year ago. According to research firm IDC, Barnes & Noble’s tablet shipments fell to 1 million in the fourth quarter, down from 1.4 million a year earlier. At the same time, sales of Amazon’s Kindle e-readers have kept growing.

More than ever job candidates’ social media profiles are being used by employers to decide if they should be hired. The jobs firm CareerBuilder says more than two in five employers found information on social media that caused them not to hire job applicants. “Provocative or inappropriate photos or information: that was the number one thing that employers found,” says Career Builder’s Michael Erwin. “I think that your social media pages do say a lot about you and unfortunately it shows we may not be the best communicators.”  On the plus side the survey finds a positive social media profile and professional image can help you get hired. In a highly competitive job market, Erwin says if employers “look you up on social media and they see this great portfolio, you’ve just bounced ahead of your competition.”

For the first time in 12 years the US has been rated the best country for foreign direct investment. The findings come as more overseas companies boost their US investment plans. Cheaper sources of energy are one of the factors driving the change. The annual survey by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney polled executives at more than 300 firms worldwide. China had occupied the top spot since 2001. Emerging nations continued to move up in the rankings, accounting for 16 out of the top 25 countries in the index.

President Obama’s new plan to fight climate change could have a big impact on the energy industry. Manufacturers are concerned the crackdown on carbon emissions could lead to higher electricity costs. Nuclear and renewable energy companies may benefit if greenhouse gas emissions are restricted.

After the recent declines, stock market sentiment might be improving. The Dow Jones Industrial index rose 100 points yesterday as investors reacted to reports suggesting improvements for housing, durable goods orders, and consumer confidence. Stock futures rose again this morning.

Richard Davies Business Correspondent ABC News Radio abcnews.com Twitter: daviesabc