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.
Minute By Minute On Cell Phone Plans
Cell phones used to be an extravagance, but now they're almost a necessity. The only problem is the bills can be real shockers. If you want to get rid of those month-end cell phone bill surprises, you've got to let your secret cell phone self out of the box and take a serious look at how you use your phone. Because if you're not honest about how long you talk, it'll really cost you.
High Cost Loan Act
According to one report, U.S. borrowers lose more than $9 billion each year because of predatory lenders. But new legislation could help stop many homeowners from losing their homes.
Beating The Heat: Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System
Do you know how to keep cool this summer? The thermometer’s climbing and tempers are rising. But if you take care of your air conditioning system, you can beat the heat without breaking a sweat.
Trends In Kitchen and Home Office Design
Kitchens and baths are always at the top of any homeowner's renovation list. However, turning a spare bedroom or open loft space into a home office is a renovation project that is growing in popularity as more people work from home. But designers are watching these renovation trends and trying to accommodate them with products that meet the ever-changing needs of the American homeowner.
Appliances: Buying A New A/C System
When purchasing new appliances like an A/C system, research ahead of time can save you money on maintenance and replacing the unit. First check the energy efficiency rating of the A/C unit you are considering. Consider upgrading your central air system appliance to include an electronic air cleaner or a zoned system.
Earn And Use Frequent Flyer Miles
Millions of people around the world are enrolled in plans to earn frequent flyer miles. Most programs to earn frequent flyer miles are not part of the airline industry. The best thing to do with earned frequent flyer miles is to use them when you're retired and travel the world for free.
Transfer Cash Globally Without Losing Money
You can send global cash transfers without losing money. Most of the time, it can get both time consuming and expensive to transfer cash globally without losing money in the wire transfer. Currency exchanges charge large amounts of money when people transfer cash, but there's a fast way to send money abroad without losing money.
Hispanic Financial Literacy
When you come from a country that doesn't have a sound banking system, putting your money in a mattress might seem to make good financial sense. As the largest minority group in the US, accounting for nearly $600 billion in purchasing power each year, a movement is afoot to raise Hispanic financial literacy.
Planning Your Summer Home Improvement Project
As the weather gets warmer, more homeowners are thinking about starting summer home improvement or landscaping projects. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), there are a few simple things to keep in mind when planning your summer home improvement project. First, take as much time as you need to plan out the home improvement.
Evaluate Your Personal Finances Before Renovation
Before you start on a home renovation project, take stock of your personal finances. Figure out how much you have to spend and then set the budget accordingly. Make sure you know what your renovation dollars will bring back to you in home value appreciation.