Many Could Lose Unemployment Benefits

(CBS)  It's becoming a painful routine for the millions of Americans out of work - lining up first outside job fairs, then asking for help at unemployment offices.

"It's very humbling," said Donald Mayes, now unemployed after a 19-year job. "I've never had to do this."

What's more, unless Congress acts to extend unemployment benefits, an estimated half million people will see their unemployment checks run out by the end of next month - almost a million and a half by the end of the year, reports CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers.

More than half a million more workers joined the line for unemployment benefits last week, falling in behind more than 6 million already collecting.

Joe Thurman of Chicago, a married father of two, lost his job in January and is one of 9.3 million Americans getting a check. But his benefits run out in October.

"To me it is doomsday, it really is," Thurman said. "I don't know where we're going to come up with the money to make our bills."

Let alone tuition for daughter Melanie and son Matthew.

A new study finds Illinois is one of 17 states borrowing federal dollars to keep its unemployment checks from bouncing. As the demand for benefits continues, it's estimated another 14 states could need a bailout by next year.

Typically the unemployed could count on just 26 weeks of benefits. Congress approved money for an additional 53 weeks, which now extends benefits to a year and a half - the longest stretch in the program's history.

"This is the biggest test of the unemployment system since it was started 75 years ago," said Andrew Stettner with the National Employment Law Project.

But even extended benefits, which only amount to half his pay, Joe Thurman worries he will not be able to keep his family afloat much longer.

"We'll probably lose the house," Thurman said. "The American dream is dead. It's over."

Now at age 51 he tries to start over, competing with more people for fewer jobs. July's unemployment figures are out Friday, are expected to hit 9.6 percent - a 26 year high.

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Auto Insurance-3 Signs that Your Car Insurance Company is Overcharging You

 When you receive a bill from your auto insurance company, does it ever leave you scratching your head wondering why it's so expensive? Car insurance is a set cost for everyone that owns a vehicle, but it doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive. There are three major signs that your insurance company is charging you too much. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to compare auto insurance rates and reduce your premiums up to 40%.

Sign #1: Your driving record has improved and your rates are the same.
If you had tickets or accidents on your record when you signed up for your insurance policy, they may have since been taken off your driving record. If this is the case, you deserve better rates. Typically, an infraction will stay on your record for three years. Just like drivers with a checkered past should find a forgiving insurer, those with perfect records should seek out an insurance company rewards good drivers with better rates.

Sign #2: Your bill has charges or fees on top of your premium.
Some companies tack on a "convenience charge" or similar fee to each payment you make other than the first. These can be as much as $10 or more depending on which method you use to pay your bill. Over the course of a policy, the so-called convenience of paying in installments can cost you $100 or more. If you want to pay in installments, don't buy insurance from a company that punishes you for doing so.

Sign #3: You're a typical driver paying well over the national average.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average auto insurance expenditure in the United States is currently $817 a year. That's about $70 a month. If you're premium is more than this, it's time to shop for a new auto insurance rate. There are numerous factors like your age, marital status, location, and gender that drive your rates up or down. This is merely a ballpark figure to serve as a jumping-off point for your expectations.

If you're serious about saving money on your car insurance, there's probably a way to significantly cut your costs. These three signs are instant red flags that you're being overcharged. If this is the case, it's time to take action. Don't keeping paying for an overpriced policy—switch providers and save today.

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