Avoiding "Loan" Schemes and Other "Services" Risky to Your Financial Well-being (December 2008)

This report details some schemes and scams to avoid always and some services that may be helpful in certain circumstances but that you must choose wisely how to use.

Saving on Health Care Costs (November 2008)

This report looks at various ways to help you save on health care costs

Dollar-Saving Tips for Budget Stretching in Tough Times (October 2008)

This report provides lots of tips to help you save dollars.

What You Need to Know If You’re Thinking of Buying a Foreclosure House (September 2008)

This report provides tips and points to help you be better prepared, if you’re weighing the option of purchasing a foreclosed residence.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Car? It Depends! (August 2008)

This report offers tips to help you decide if now is the right time to buy a car.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? (July 2008)

This report looks at the basics of reverse mortgages and outlines some steps that may help you determine if one is right for you.

Getting the Most for Your Vacation and Travel Dollars (June 2008)

This report discusses ways to get the most for your travel dollars.

Getting the Longest Service Out of Your Vehicle Saves $$$ (May 2008)

This report looks at what you can do to stretch the good life of your wheels.

Don’t Fall for Scams Related to the Credit Crisis (April 2008)

This report describes several types of financial scams and how to recognize them.

Tax Time Tips (March 2008)

This report provides information on free e-filing, an update on “quick refund” loan schemes, and tips for finding a reliable tax preparer with expertise to match your needs.

Choosing a Cell Phone Plan to Meet Your Needs and Your Budget (February 2008)

This report provides some tips to help you find the right cell phone plan to meet your needs without breaking your budget

Choosing a Credit Card That's Right for You (January 2008)

This report looks at the factors you should consider when choosing a credit card.

Options for Managing Your Student Loans (December 2007)

This report looks at the options you have for managing repayment of your loans.

Save Dollars and Go Greener at Home (November 2007)

This report offers tips that can help you save money and go greener at home.

Using Social Networking Sites Wisely—It’s a Matter of Safety and Privacy for You and Your Children (October 2007)

This report provides tips for safely using social networking sites.

Don't Get Caught by the Newest Twists in E-Mail Scams (September 2007)

This report looks at the most recent e-mail scams.

Check, Credit Card or Debit Card? Choosing a Payment Method for Security and Convenience (August 2007)

This report offers a brief overview of the facts you need to make wise choices for your circumstances.

Payday Loans Revisited— Still the Most Expensive Way to Borrow (July 2007)

This report looks at payday loans and alternatives to their use.

Why Not Buy A Car On eBay Or Another Online Auction Site? (June 2007)

This report looks at the pros and cons of buying a vehicle online.

Thinking about Buying a First Home or Moving Up to a Larger Home? Lessons You Can Learn From Today’s Housing Market (May 2007)

This report looks at lessons smart consumers can learn from what's been happening in the housing and mortgage markets.

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score (April 2007)

This report provides some simple tips that can help you keep your credit score and overall credit in good shape.

Want a Quick Federal Tax Refund? Think E-File (March 2007)

This report describes how e-filing works.

Financing Higher Education—Checking Out Education Loans (February 2007)

This report takes a look at the most common loan opportunities available for higher education and provides information on how you can learn more.

Shopping Safely Online (January 2007)

This report provides some good pointers and tips for shopping safely on the Internet.

Thinking of Donating Your Used Vehicle to Charity? (December 2006)

This report provides tips for checking out a charity and technical details about vehicle donation.

Opting Out for Peace and Security (November 2006)

This report provides tips on how you can reduce the amount of junk mail and unsolicited offers that you receive.

Bankruptcy — A Fact Sheet (October 2006)

This report provides some basic information about bankruptcy and links to more extensive information.

Do You Know Where Your Financial and Important Papers Are? (September 2006)

This report profiles how to put your important records in order.

Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information (August 2006)

This report looks at some tips and tools to help you enhance your online privacy and security.

Take Five Steps to Save BEFORE You Shop for a New Vehicle (July 2006)

This report shows you five steps to help you find the right car for you and your family and save you money.

Using Home Equity to Consolidate Credit Card Debt (June 2006)

This report takes a brief look at what you need to consider before using your home equity to consolidate credit card debt.

Getting the Most for Your Travel Dollars (May 2006)

This report provides tips and insights for making travel arrangements that fit your comfort criteria and your budget.

Do You Have a Personal Savings Plan? Why saving is important and how to get started. (April 2006)

This report gives you some pointers on where and how to find some savings and where to stash it when you've found it.

Going Wireless? Protect Your Personal Information (March 2006)

This report looks at the risks using wireless Internet connections pose to your financial and personal information and the precautions you can take.

E-Statements and Managing Your Financial Accounts Online Can Offer Big Benefits (February 2006)

This review profiles some of the potential benefits of managing most of your financial business online, including using e-statements, and provides tips for doing it safely.

Energy Conservation Moves that Could Save You Money at Tax Time (January 2006)

This review provides a brief overview of potential tax savings related to energy conservation moves and where to find more complete information.

This Scam Will Hit You This Week! But You Don't Have to Be "Phished" (December 2005)

This report describes the types of "phishing" email, what you can do about it, and example "phish."

Fuel Economy Tips for Beating the Gas Pump Blues (November 2005)

This report rounds up tips on how you can beat the gas pump blues.

How to Review Your Credit Report...and correct it when necessary (October 2005)

This report show you how to read your credit report, interpret the information in it, and take steps to correct errors.

Do You Need a Credit Monitoring Service? (September 2005)

This report looks at the basics of credit report monitoring, the potential benefits and limitations of services, and tips for making the choice that's right for you.

Considering Consolidating Credit Card Debt? Promises and Best Options (August 2005)

This report describes the many consumer traps lurking within the tiny print of credit card agreements and best options for consolidating credit card debt.

Interest-Only Mortgages — Are They a Good Deal? (July 2005)

This report provides a brief overview of interest-only mortgages and profiles the potential pitfalls and pluses.

Work-at-Home Schemes Target Your Hard-Earned Dollars (June 2005)

This report describes how you can protect yourself from questionable offers by knowing the most common schemes and knowing what questions to ask of any business opportunity and what cautionary flags to look for.

What Is a “Credit Score”? And How Can It Affect Your Credit? (May 2005)

This report describes why lenders use credit scores, what contributes to creating credit scores, and how you can get yours.

Fake Check Scams Are Targeting Your Wallet—Learn the Warning Signs and Avoid the Traps (April 2005)

This report shows you how to spot counterfeit check scams so you won't get burned.

How to Say NO to Investment Scams and Fraud (March 2005)

This report provides tips for protecting yourself from investment scams.

“Free Services” for Your Computer May Cost More Than You Realize (February 2005)

This report looks at the potential dangers of clicking on ads that look like error or security messages.

Can an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Save You Money? (January 2005)

This report looks at adjustable-rate mortgages to help you decide if they are right for you.

Flexible Spending Accounts—Used Right They Can Save You Money (December 2004)

This report looks at flexible spending accounts and how they can reduce your taxable income and provide money to use on health care and/or day care expenses

Payday Loans—the Most Expensive Way to Borrow (November 2004)

This report looks at what payday loans are and how to avoid using them. This report has been replaced by an updated report.

Free Email Services – Revisited (October 2004)

This review looks at 4 free email services to see if "free" email is worth the price.

Online Marketing—You’re a Target, and in Ways You Can’t See (September 2004)

This report describes online marketing and gives you tips on how to better control the online marketing machine.

Is Your Checking Account Saving You $$$$ or Costing You? (August 2004)

This report helps you take a look at your current bank or credit union checking account to make sure its not costing you.

What Insurance Coverage Do I Need for My Vehicle? (July 2004)

This report provides reviews of the various types of coverage available and describes which ones you should have.

Is It Time to Update Your Phone Service to Get the Best Value for Your Dollar? (June 2004)

Read this brief review of your wireless, wired, long distance, and international long distance options.

Making an Effective Consumer Complaint (May 2004)

Use these steps and tips to resolve a problem.

Managing Your Personal Finances on the Internet—An Introduction to Electronic Financial Transactions (April 2004)

This brief introduction provides basic information and some tips on using these services.

Keeping Your Computer Secure and Your Personal Information Safe (March 2004)

Read an overview of what steps you can take to secure your computer and the personal information on it.

"Quick Tax Refunds" What's Real? What's Really a Loan? (February 2004, updated March 2008)

Read about these loans and the alternatives.

Getting Ready for Taxes (January 2004)

Use these tips to help you reduce 2003's taxes or, at least, pay no more than you have to and get a headstart for planning 2004 taxes.

Giving As an Informed Donor (December 2003)

The resources in this report can help you check out a nonprofit organization or charitable cause before you give as well as educate yourself more fully as a donor.

Money-Saving Tips to Lower Your Auto and Gas Costs (November 2003)

Read tips for buying gas, maintaining your vehicle, driving efficiently, and more.

Beware of Consumer Traps in Credit Card Offers (October 2003)

Read about the consumer traps lurking within the tiny print of most credit card offers.

Stay Alert for E-Mail Scams (September 2003)

Read about several popular email scams to be alert for.

Get the Most from Your Long Distance Dollars (August 2003)

Learn about various ways to save money on your long distance calls.