April 2011

Shopping for an Identity Theft Monitoring Service? Read this first.
This article from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse provides tips for determining if you should use a service and tips for choosing a service.

WirelessED: Wireless Education and Empowerment
This site from Consumer Action provides lots of information to help you get the best value from wireless services including voice and data plans, devices, service, and more.

Guide to Home Energy Assessments
This guide from the U.S. Department of Energy provides tips for doing a home energy assessment yourself or choosing a professional.

Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scams
This consumer alert from the FTC provides tips to help you protect yourself from these scams.

March 2011

Consumer's Guide to Financial Self-Defense (pdf)
This guide prepared by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards describes "red flags" warning signs of financial fraud or financial abuse.

IRS Holds Saturday Open Houses on Feb. 26 and March 26 to Help Taxpayers
The IRS offices will be open from 9am to 2pm local time to help taxpayers who may not be able to come in during the work week.

Wise Up about Wi-Fi: Tips for Using Public Wireless Networks
These tips from the FTC will help you protect your personal information when using public wireless networks such as those in coffee shops, airports, hotels, and other locations.

You Can Organize and Simplify Your Financial Life: A How-to Guide
These tips from the FDIC can help you save time, reduce stress, and cut costs.

February 2011

IRS to Start Processing Delayed Returns on Feb 14; Most People Unaffected and Can File Now
The mid-December passage of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, caused the IRS to delay acceptance of some taxpayers returns such as those itemizing deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A.

Tax Season Tips to Protect Your Privacy
These tips from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse will help you protect your identity and your privacy.

Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must?
These tips from the FTC can help you get the most out of your car's warranty.

January 2011

New TV Guide - EnergyGuide, That Is
This post from the Energy Savers blog discusses EnergyGuide labels for TV sets.

Top 11 Tips for 2011 from Investor.gov (pdf)
Check out these financial tips from the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.

Strategies for savings: How to amass cash for emergencies and future purchases
This article from Consumer Reports describes setting a goal, getting to the goal and where to stash it.

Credit Reports and Credit Scores
This article from the Federal Reserve Board provides answers to some of the most common questions about credit reports and credit scores.

December 2010

Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards
If you're thinking of giving gift cards this holiday season, read these tips first.

safeshopping.org
This site from the American Bar Association is loaded with tips to help you shop safely online.

National Traffic and Road Closure Information
This site from the Federal Highway Administration is a good site for accessing traffic and road information for all 50 states.

Consumer Reports and Specialty Reports
There are reports other than your credit report that you need to be concerned about. There are reports that can help or hurt you getting a job or insurance, renting an apartment, and more. To find out more, read this report from Consumer Action.