What the experts say

Buying into mobile services; Stocks even Gisele could love; Appealing your property tax.

What the experts say

Buying into mobile services

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Stocks even Gisele could love

The U.S. dollar has dropped so low that Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen reportedly announced she wants her paychecks in any currency but the greenback, said Thomas M. Anderson in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “Hard to blame her.” The dollar is trading near record lows against the euro, the Canadian dollar, and the British pound, and currency experts don’t foresee a bounce anytime soon. “But what is bad for Gisele is good for a number of U.S. companies,” including DuPont, IBM, and Johnson & Johnson. All three companies generate a large share of their revenue overseas. In countries where the currency is strong relatively to the dollar, a weak dollar translates to lower prices, which in turn helps boost sales. Investing in these companies is one way to hedge against a falling dollar.

Appealing your property tax

Home prices may be down, but in many markets property tax values are based on prices from the market’s peak, said Anne Tergesen in BusinessWeek. This tax whammy has prompted homeowners to appeal their taxes in record numbers—and created a new business niche. “A miniindustry of consultants, attorneys, and real estate agents has emerged to assist homeowners in preparing appeals.” In fact, though, you may be better off going it alone. You’ll save the fee, which can amount to as much as half of your first year’s tax savings. You may also have more success than a pro. Some appeals boards are more sympathetic to homeowners who represent themselves, according to James Lumley, author of Challenge Your Taxes. Hiring outside help, Lumley says, can “raise the hackles of local officials.”