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12/01/2011

Save on Heating Costs with Seven Ways to Winterize Your Home

Better Business Bureau is offering a checklist for homeowners to safely prepare their homes for the cold winter months, and perhaps save a few dollars in the process.

11/01/2011

Don’t Get Smoked Out of a Chimney Sweep Scam

With winter approaching, many consumers are looking to have their chimneys cleaned in preparation. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to know which businesses to trust and which to avoid to prevent their hard earned dollars from going up in smoke.

10/12/2011

BBB Alerts Consumers To Potential New Bank Fees After Fed Orders Cut In Debit Card 'Swipe Fee'

The Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to be alert to potential new bank fees in the wake of a government-ordered cut in the fees banks charge merchants to process debit card transactions.

06/30/2010

Don’t Get Sucked in By Deceptive Air Duct Cleaners

Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of air duct cleaning businesses that employ bait and switch tactics or try to scare the homeowner into thinking they have a serious health-threatening mold problem.

06/15/2010

Flood Insurance: Is It for You?

Recent and the prediction of an active 2010 hurricane season may have you wondering if you should have flood insurance. Here are some facts that may help answer your questions.

06/01/2010

How to Spot the Red Flags of an Investment Seminar Scam

Better Business Bureau recommends researching the investment company first, rather than run the risk of falling for a financial siren song over a free lunch.

06/01/2007

FTC - Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here's What to Do

The possibility of losing your home because you can't make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you are one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed rate for the first two or three years and then had an adjustable rate. Or maybe you're anticipating an adjustment, and want to know what your payments will be and whether you'll be able to make them. Or maybe you're having trouble making ends meet because of an unrelated financial crisis.

05/01/2007

FTC - Buying a Home: It’s a Big Deal

Whether you’re shopping for appliances or automobiles, groceries or gadgets, travel services or tax preparers, the Internet has changed the way most people gather information about products and services.

03/01/2007

FTC - Understanding Vehicle Financing

With prices averaging more than $28,000 for a new vehicle and $15,000 for a used vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract to purchase a vehicle, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Consumers also may arrange for a vehicle loan over the Internet.

02/01/2007

FTC - Home Equity Credit Lines

Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. And lenders are offering these home equity credit lines in a variety of ways.

01/01/2007

FTC - High-Rate, High-Fee Loans (HOEPA/Section 32 Mortgages)

If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA).

12/01/2006

FTC - Electronic Banking

For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions.

10/01/2006

FTC - Selling Your Home? Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Professional

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may be considering using the services of a real estate broker or agent. But before you sign a listing agreement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency that works for a competitive marketplace, wants you to be informed about your choices.

12/01/2005

FTC - Knee Deep in Debt

Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?

07/01/2005

FTC - Warranties for Newly Built Homes: Know Your Options

Warranties for Newly Built Homes: Know Your Options For many people, a home is the most expensive purchase they ever make. It’s no wonder, then, that buyers of newly built homes are interested in warranties, which promise to repair or replace certain elements of the home, if necessary, within a certain time. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, if you’re considering a home warranty it’s important to understand what it covers, how to make a claim, and the process for resolving disputes that may arise between you and the builder or warranty company.