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05/02/2012

BBB Advice for Hiring a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out persons who choose to take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve damage done to roofs.

03/05/2012

Storm and Disaster Damage Tips

The Better Business Bureau reminds those who experience storm damage to take certain precautions when cleaning up and making repair decisions.

01/04/2012

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.

09/15/2010

Foreclosure Rescue Scams Are Going Strong

The housing market in the United States may not be thriving, but business is booming for foreclosure rescue and loan modification scammers.

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.

07/30/2010

Beware of Deceptive Auto Loan Modification Offers

Better Business Bureau recommends that consumers try to work out a deal with the lender directly before paying out hundreds in upfront fees to a loan modification company.

07/22/2010

New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards

On July 1st, new rules went into effect concerning overdrafts on debit or ATM cards. The change gives consumers the ability to choose what happens when you make a charge and don’t have enough money in the account.

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.

06/01/2010

BBB Advice to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Small Business Loan

While the economy improves, banks are still reticent about lending to small business owners and Better Business Bureau recommends developing a solid business plan to earn the bank’s trust and increase your chances of landing a loan.

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.