Internet phone service advertising is coming

If you think popup ads on the Internet are annoying, wait until you hear an advertisement before your Internet phone service connects to the number you called.

The Internet service Jajah is one of the first. Instead of connecting to your party, it plays you a 15-second ad before dialing the number. The service promises discounts to customers who agree to the "opt-in" service.

Long-distance carrier IDT already plays short ads before it connects some international calling cards.

The "in-call advertising" industry is eager to take advantage of a few sellable seconds on your phone. Ad execs say the spots will be targeted to callers' interests, but they don't say how they know what your interests might be.

Term life insurance to cover a mortgage balance

Some homeowners whose mortgage is not covered by private mortgage insurance (PMI) take out a term life insurance policy to protect their families.

According to The New York Times Real Estate Q&A, laddering such policies could be a money-saving step.

For the first 10 years of a $300,000 mortgage, the policy would be for $300,000. For the second 10, a policy would be for $200,000, and for the last 10 years, it could be for $100,000.

Considering the low rates being offered on $500,000 term life policies, however, a young person in good health might do better with one of those.

Coupon fantasy

If you have been chiding yourself for not cutting coupons so you can save at the grocer's, the Food Network's Dave Lieberman has some comforting news for you. He says most coupons are used to promote new, more expensive items you wouldn't otherwise buy.

Decide if the coupon is for something you really need.