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01/03/2012

New Year’s Resolution: Avoid Holiday Debt by Starting a Christmas Club Today

Now is the time to plan ahead so the 2012 holidays are not overshadowed by looming debt. Starting a Christmas Club account might be the perfect way to get your finances off to the right start this new year.

12/02/2011

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.

09/21/2011

BBB Advises Caution When Rebuilding After a Fire

Victims of the historic Central Texas fires spent days camped out in shelters, waiting. Now they are returning to the ashes and starting to rebuild. Better Business Bureau advises those residents to take measures to prevent unscrupulous businesses and scammers from victimizing them a second time.

08/26/2011

BBB Advises Homeowners to be on the Lookout for Fly-By-Night “Storm Chasers”

Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of fly-by-night “storm chasers,” as well as fraudulent charities promising to provide relief.

08/18/2010

Your Vacant Home May Not Be Insured

If you moved and were unable to sell or rent out your house, you may be surprised to find that your homeowner’s insurance could stop covering it if it sits vacant for too long.

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.

06/01/2007

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.