Get consumer advice on product purchases, financial planning, recalls, scams, fraud and more. Take a look at our articles, blog posts, Q&As, videos and radio shows for consumer advice on a wide variety of topics.
Educating Kids About Money
You can't start money education too early. Helping kids to understand the world of work and basic concepts for managing their money can avoid the financial problems and stresses that affect so many adults. Believe it or not, there are some some creative ways that schools are using to teach kids about financial literacy.
Online Banking Makes Bills Easy
Online banking lets you do your banking anytime, anywhere you have Internet access. If you are tired of sitting down at the table and writing out checks to pay your bills, you might find online banking refreshing. A few clicks and you're done with bill paying. But, as Ilyce Glink points out below, online banking and online bill payment are not foolproof. You have to be careful.
Chicago Bungalows Qualify For Grant Money
Own a Chicago Bungalow? Homeowners can get bungalows certified -- for free -- by the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association. Then they qualify for a number of grants for home improvement and home repair.
Don’t Get Caught In Investment Scams
Be wary of investment scams. If you know about Ponzi schemes, unlicensed securities dealers, and other investing scams, you are less likely to join the ranks of the many unfortunate investment fraud victims out there, some of whom have lost their entire life's savings to these scams.
Housewares Show Features Design Tools and Color
At the 2005 International Housewares Show in Chicago, Kitchen Aid displayed mixers in every color of the rainbow. Other products you could find at the show included cleaners that would not streak and a book to help you with redecorating or home design. Learn about the 2005 International Housewares Show here.
Kitchen: Coffee Tools From 2005 Housewares Show
Each year Chicago hosts the International Housewares Show. Learn about the newest coffee tools that emerged at the 2005 housewares show. The coffee machines featured at the housewares show included espresso makers and a new take on the percolating coffee pot from Hamilton Beach. The 2005 International Housewares Show also had some silicone kitchen tools on display.
Avoid Late Charges By Paying Online
If you make a payment a few days late, will that trigger higher rates from other creditors? Late payments are not usually reported for less than 15 to 30 days. You should sign up for automatic payments to avoid all late payments. Late payments on credit cards, mortgages or any other bills can severely affect your credit rating and credit score.
Home Improvement Or Buy New Home
When deciding whether to do home improvement such as an extensive remodeling or to upgrade to a better home, you need to think about whether you can recapture the money you spend on the home improvements. The timing of the home improvement also plays a role - think about how close you are to retirement. If you decide that your home's value will increase over time and it's a worthwhile investment then you should think about how to finance the project. One way to finance home improvement is using a home equity loan.
Job Advice: Increase Net Worth With Franchise
Interested in starting your own business to increase your net worth? You are not alone. Every year millions of Americans enter the world of entrepreneurship. Here's some great job advice on franchises for would-be entrepreneurs.
Automobile Financing 101
Financing a car is easier than ever with the Internet. You can find great loans for new and used car purchases. Don't forget to read the fine print. You want to make sure that your auto financing loan is penalty free, as explained below.