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.
Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American Home
Sarah Susanka's The Not So Big House spoke to millions of disenchanted homeowners who want to downsize their dream home without diminishing the dream....
Health Insurance: Rising Costs Affects Employees
As the cost of health care rises, so does the cost of health insurance. As health insurance costs rise, employers are putting more of that extra cost on employees. Employees are facing higher health insurance costs because doctor and hospital fees are going up, as are the prices for prescription drugs.
Dealer Lied About Used Car
If you buy a used car, it's your job as a consumer to find out the facts. Dealers may not be honest when it comes to used car purchases. Here's how to do the research on your next used car purchase.
Save Money By Booking Travel Online
Save money by searching online travel sites for the best deals. All this is possible because planes to Europe are empty and airline and hotel operators are getting desperate. Check the Web sites listed below for other good deals that may be available today.
Spend Money This Holiday Season
According to one study, the average American family will spend nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and entertainment this holiday season - and expect to pay off that bill in February, March, and April. If paying for your winter holidays through next year's tax day sounds unappealing, consider rethinking what you're going give and how much you're going to spend. There are easy inexpensive or free gifts you can get for the people on your list and still save a little money too.
Holiday Shopping Through A Catalog
Although catalog and internet sales dipped big time after September 11th, they have rebounded and for consumers who don't want to face a crowded mall, using the phone or your fingers could be the way to go.
Consumer Advice: Save Money During Holidays
When the holidays come around many people spend a lot of money on gifts. How can you save money during the holidays? Consumer advice includes cutting back on alcohol purchases and staying out of your favorite store. Find out creative ways to spend the holidays that may not cost a lot of money and will save you money instead.
College Savings Plans: UPromise.com and BabyMint.com
If you're saving for college, 529 College Savings Plans offer easy options for stocking away cash. Upromise and BabyMint offer 529 plan credit cards that give you a small percentage of cash back as a contribution to a specified 529 plan if you buy from an affiliated company. 529 plans permit you to transfer the funds to other children, if the named child doesn't go to college.
New Construction Will Need Home Repair Too
When you buy a new construction home and move in, everything is like new. After a while your new construction home will need home repairs or home improvement just as any other home. If you're not diligent about maintaining your home it could have water damage. What kind of home improvement does a neglected home need?
Check On Your Charity Before Giving
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Americans opened up their wallets like never before. More than half a billion dollars has been given to hundreds of different relief efforts. Before you write a check, you'll want to check out the charity to make sure that what you give goes to the people you're trying to help. Money and real estate expert Ilyce Glink is here with the details.