Archive for February, 2010
Debt Settlement Complaints On The Rise
It comes as no surprise that consumer complaints regarding the debt settlement industry have spiked in recent years. Hundreds of new companies offering debt relief have sprouted up, seemingly overnight, to provide services to the millions of Americans who are struggling with debt. Many consumers, desperate to eliminate debt, jump at any opportunity to finally [...]
Studies Show Marijuana May Increase Psychosis
In numerous studies around the world, the use of cannabis has been shown to increase the risk for schizophrenia and psychosis. Researchers in New Zealand found that individuals using cannabis before the age of 15 were more than 300% more likely to develop mental illnesses like schizophrenia, while professor Robin Murray of the London Institute [...]
How to Get a Free Audio Book from Audible.com
Audio books are becoming an increasing popular way to read as consumers find themselves with increasingly long commutes and less time to read at home. Up until a few years ago, you would have to carry around dozens of CDs or tapes to listen to the content that you want, but with the widespread of [...]
Smart Phone Users Dodging Viral Attacks
Malware that can destroy a computer system in a click of a mouse is also being turned loose in the phone world. Cyber attacks that wreak havoc on your personal computers are similar to those being thrust at smart phone users and in many cases, the attacks are worse. Assaults on phones can bring on [...]
Price Check on Gallbladder Surgery, Aisle 3
Many Americans are now faced with paying cash from their own pockets when it comes to health care procedures. Oftentimes it is because they can not afford the insurance or because their insurance will not cover certain medical costs. As the prices of healthcare continue to skyrocket, patients are often left at a disadvantage because [...]
Ear Candling Brings Warnings from FDA
Natural medicines and procedures are a big market and many consumers are buying into the results being promised by advertisers and practitioners. However, the Food and Drug Administration is stepping up to warn consumers that claims may not be what they seem. Of particular concern is the popularity and promotion of ‘ear candling’. Ear candling [...]
Gas Prices Again On the Rise – Again
As the nation continues to struggle with the rising cost of everything, gas prices are once again sneaking back up. In just the last week, prices have risen nearly 8 cents a gallon, after having been on the decline early in the month. Diesel fuel is up more than 5 cents a gallon in a [...]
Cash for Clunking Refrigerator Program? It’s On the Way
Not long ago, the government came up with a way to encourage consumers to buy a new car. The Cash for Clunkers program got mixed reviews but it hasn’t stopped the onslaught of similar ideas. Coming to a state near you, the Cash for Clunkers Appliance program will be working to push Americans to spend [...]
Toyota Loyalty De-accelerating
As Toyota recalls continues to place intense scrutiny on the brand, loyal followers are backing off in bigger numbers. Toyota fell behind Honda in consumer popularity with many claiming the bad publicity and large recalls have changed their minds. Chevy and Ford are surveyed to be the next best choice for consumers no longer interested [...]
Pediatricians Issue Warning About Hot Dogs
Parents of small children, specifically those age three and under, are constantly on the lookout for common choking hazards. There has been a lot of effort put forth to educate parents on what items pose a risk to their children, however pediatricians are now targeting certain manufacturers to encourage changes which can prevent choking in [...]
Budgeting For Travel
For many individuals today, the desire to travel is strong, but the availability of funds for traveling is just not there. There are many choices for people who want to budget for their next holiday without sacrificing other areas of their life. The key for many of us today is using available options such as [...]
Are Social Networking Sites Hurting Your Credit?
Banks may be using social networking sites to determine whether to extend, take or deny you credit. If you have these social networking sites you use often, you may actually be doing more damage to your credit. Managers and coworkers may also be using these sites to determine “problem” workers. In these hard economic times [...]
Some States Looking to Ban BPA in Baby and Toddler Products
Recent health concerns for BPA, an estrogen-like chemical found in plastics, have prompted some states to consider banning use of the chemical. The chemical can be found in numerous plastics on the market today including food and drink containers, most notably those that are used by infants and toddlers. Last month the Food and Drug [...]
Zinc To Be Removed From Denture Cream Formula
According to a press release issued by GlaxoSmithKline three major products are being pulled as the company works on a new zinc-free formula. Super PoliGrip Free, Super PoliGrip Comfort Seal Strips, and Super PoliGrip Powder are popular brands that have been under scrutiny by consumer groups and consumers who have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer. [...]
Credit Card Changes Go Into Effect Today
For years consumers have complained about some underhanded tactics used by credit card companies which make it almost impossible to pay off high debt balances. Prior to the enactment of The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, credit card companies operated in a largely unregulated industry. In addition to the changes [...]
From a Few Treats to Childhood Obesity in Two Generations
Childhood obesity is an issue that was first raised as a possible concern in the eighties, a definite concern in the nineties, and now in 2010, an epidemic. Approximately 40% of American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. In the seventies, this percentage was approximately around 5%. If these statistics seem [...]
Employment Scams Target Desperate Job Seekers
Despite the fact that fewer people are losing their jobs in the recovering economy, there are still many individuals who have yet to find employment in the this post recession time period. Taking advantage of this group, are certain companies using employment scams that only add to the problems of job seekers who are short [...]
Avoid Tax Season Scams
Tax season is a time when many consumers are more concerned with whether or not they will be paying in to the IRS or receiving a tax refund. With their mind on the end result, many consumers fail to pay close attention to those who are actually preparing their tax return. Texas authorities have issued [...]
Are You Worried Your Bank Will Fail?
Last year more than 702 banks across the nation were in trouble. The FDIC keeps the list and does not reveal the name of the banks experiencing problems. As many bank customers have seen the fallout from other banks that have folded, many continue to worry they will soon be in the same position. Experts [...]
New Simple Test Checks for Concussion
A concussion is an injury to the brain that can result in a bad headache, altered level of alertness meaning the person is drowsy or hard to arouse, loss of memory and even unconsciousness. Concussions occur in individuals who have taken a serious blow to the head. Most people who suffer from a concussion, without [...]
FTC Clarifies the ‘Free’ In Free Credit Report
With so many people working to recover from the recession and restore their good financial reputation, credit reports are being ordered more often. Along with that, more commercials promise consumers free credit reports that in actuality are not free at all. The FTC is working to make sure people are no longer being misled by [...]
Homeowners Frustrated With Bank Of American Loan Modifications
President Obama initiated the Home Affordable Modification Program with guidelines that went into effect on March 4, 2009 to help American homeowners remain in their homes. As a result of the recession and declining economy it became clear that homeowners were in desperate need of assistance to stay in homes that would otherwise go into [...]
Troublesome Tax Myths
The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that falling for common tax season myths could land you in hot water. Due to just about everyone having access to the Internet many of these popular myths are more commonly used as excuses for not paying taxes or filing a tax return. Unfortunately if you mistakenly believe [...]
Penny Gets an Overhaul
The 2010 Lincoln Cent, also known as the penny has a new look on the ‘tails’ side. As of February 11th, the new penny started circulation in the United States. Representatives from the US Mint said it may take some time to see a new penny as it begins to circulate. The old version featured [...]
Things to Consider When Rejoining the Workforce
The economy has everyone on edge. Perhaps you are one of those unfortunate Americans who have recently lost their job and are looking for a new one. Or maybe you’re a stay at home parent who needs to earn an income to help ease the pressure of rising costs in the household by rejoining the [...]
Internet Dating Popular Among All Age Groups
Looking for love? You are not alone in this age old quest for romance. Over the years, the method of finding love has changed and people of all age groups are taking advantage of the latest trend in match making. Internet dating sites are hugely popular among young people looking for that special someone, but [...]
Consumer Reviews and How to Use ‘Em
These days technology allows for a faster look at how people really feel about products and services because consumers are posting more and more of their own reviews online. Prior to the Internet, most people could only rely on the testimonials advertised by the product manufacturer. Nowadays, not only are consumer reviews apparent on retailer [...]
This was a great article. I was just trying to figure out how my family could set up a budget ...
I find that I can nickle and dime myself to death! 
The other benefits of carpet cleaning are closely related with
aesthetics. Cleaning the carpet regularly maintains its form and beauty. Dirt,
sand ...