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Consumer Focus Archive

Monthly in-depth news on an important consumer issue, product or service. Email us your questions or suggestions for new topics.

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Cold - Seasonal Flu - H1N1 Flu

Before You Buy

Tips to Get Ready for Back to School

Cars - Computers - Education - Employment - Family - Federal Programs - Food
Health - Housing - Money - Small Business - Travel - And more...

Cars

Buying a New Car - Cars take us to work, carry us to our social lives, and for many people cars reflect their identity. Unfortunately, buying a car can also be extremely stressful. Consider these tips before shopping for a new car.

Buying a Used Car - Sooner or later we all have to replace our old cars. This guide will give you some things to consider when you are shopping for your new "used" car.

Car Ownership: Ways to Save Cash, and Keep Your Car on the Road - These tips will put you "in the driver's seat" before you take your place behind the wheel.

Changing Insurance Needs - Insurance needs change over time and as your life changes -- from the teen and college years to your senior years and the stages in between. Here are three common life stages where insurance needs can differ significantly.

Winter Car Maintenance - Have you been too busy to get your car ready for the winter? Use these easy steps to "winterize" your vehicle and save money by performing some tasks yourself.

Winter Driving - Do you know the difference between snow tires and regular tires? How should you change your driving behavior in the event of ice or snow? Put yourself to the test by reading these tips on how to handle your car and yourself in winter weather.

Computers

Accessing Local Services and Information Using the Internet - Find out how to change your address, get a new driver’s license, and more all using the Internet.

How to Find Reliable Health Information - More and more consumers use the Internet to purchase prescription drugs and other health products. Many of these websites are lawful businesses and offer privacy, convenience, potential cost-savings, and other traditional safeguards. But, consumers need to be aware there are some who are using the Internet as an outlet for products or practices that may be illegal or whose practices may be questionable.

Medical Products On- Line - The volume of health information available is overwhelming, and searching for this information can be frustrating, confusing, and time consuming. These tips will help you get started in your search for reliable health information.

Online Holiday Shopping - Are you one of those folks hoping to avoid crowded malls during the holiday season? Use these tips to help ensure that you'll have a happy and safe online shopping experience.

Online Safety and Privacy - Cyber security, phishing, worms, firewalls, Trojan horses, hackers, and viruses seem to be in the news every day. But what does it all mean? Find out what can you do to safeguard access to your computer and to protect yourself and your family.

Surfing Safely: Buying Drugs Online - Even though you can compare prices and not wait hours for your prescription, how do you know if the site you are on is legitimate? Can you trust an online pharmacist?

Taking Steps to Protect Your Privacy - Annoyed by having your mailbox filled with unsolicited mail and credit card offers? Unfortunately, there's no sure-fire way to totally eliminate the unsolicited mailings, calls, and e-mails you receive, but follow these tips to help you cut down on the junk.

Web 2.0 in Plain English (Part 1) - Web 2.0 is people interacting with the web (and each other) to create sites and experiences that are meaningful to them. Learn more about it.

Web 2.0 in Plain English (Part 2) - We'll discuss two other major Web 2.0 developments - video-sharing sites such as YouTube and "Wikis" such as Wikipedia.

Education

ABC's of Financial Aid - This information will help guide you through the process of applying for financial aid and help prepare you for what happens after you graduate.

Back to School - Students are getting ready for the start of a new school year. As you prepare to send your child to school arm yourself with some health and safety information.

Dollars and Sense for Sending Your Child to College - As many parents learn, there are a lot of decisions that extend beyond the classroom and selecting a major. Here are some tips to help you make smart decisions that work for both you and your college student.

Helping Kids with Homework - Here are some more tips and tools to help you and your child get the most out of homework.

Safety for College Students - Heading off to college? These tips will help you stay safe on campus, as well as in the dorms. Also, learn how to protect yourself if you plan to study abroad.

The 529 Plan and How It Works - Anyone at any income level can put aside money tax-free for a child or even himself for college. States and colleges offer different plans, so read on and explore the 529 plan options available.

Tips to Get Ready for Back to School - It always seems like the summer has flown by and a new school year is just around the corner. Take some time to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead.

Employment

Being Your Own Boss - If you’re exploring the idea of starting your own business, here’s some helpful information to get started.

Federal Jobs-How to Find Them and Apply Online - Looking for a government job? The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal government's human resources manager, uses the Web to provide information on jobs available worldwide. You can search for a job according to your education, where you live, the agencies you're interested in, and more.

Finding a Job in Tough Times - Sadly, the prospect of being unemployed or getting laid off these days is higher than it's been in decades. If you are out of work, or know someone who is, these tips can help.

Retirement Decisions—More than Just Money - Financial planning is what most people think about when planning retirement. But, have you considered what your lifestyle will be like after you retire? Here are some ideas and resources to help you think about some ways to fill your time during one of the biggest transitions of your life.

Family

Autism Spectrum Disorders - Chances are you know of an autistic child, or a family adapting to an autism diagnosis. Since the mid-1990s, parent advocacy groups, personal reports from family members, and the autistic themselves have spoken out to put a public face on what has been a baffling condition.

Beat the Heat: Tips for Summer Survival - Tips, strategies, and loads of information that will help you survive those energy-related challenges and keep you safe in the summer heat.

Caring for Your Pet - Every animal requires proper care and pet owners should be aware of any issues that relate to their specific animal. Keep in mind that a little preventive care can go a long way to maintaining your pet’s health.

Creating Your Home Filing System - You've gotten your papers together in one place and shredded those you no longer need. Now what? We've assembled some tips and with just a little planning on your part, will make it all come together easily.

Final Arrangements - What would happen to your family if something should happen to you? For the peace of mind of your loved ones, and maybe your own, right now is the right time to start making some decisions about your final wishes in case you're seriously incapacitated or should die suddenly. Here are a few resources that can help you get started.

Final Wishes - Death is a natural a part of life. Most of us find that the sorrow of saying goodbye to loved ones prevents us from discussing our final wishes. Here are some items to consider before you sit down with your loved ones. In part 2 find out how survivors can prepare to take part in the decision making and what they’ll face after the passing.

Fiscal Fitness And Your Financial Records - Resolve to get your financial health in order. Here are some tips to tone up your record keeping skills and your bottom line.

Gardening-Getting Your Green Thumb in Shape - Do you want beautiful tulips or daisies to line the border of your home in the spring? Before you grab your wallet and make that trip to the nursery read these tips to get you started.

Get Help From A Professional - Hiring a financial planner, attorney or home contractor can be daunting. Be prepared to do some research before you make a decision. A little time up front can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.

Going Green: What Can You Do? - Did you know, for most items it takes less energy to process the recycled materials than it does to use new materials? Read on to learn what you can do to Go Green.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Many older Americans approaching or in retirement find themselves caring for or raising their grandchildren. Even if you're not the full-time caregiver, be prepared by learning more about health, safety, and other important topics. Find out about the physical, emotional, and financial adjustments you might need to make to support your grandchildren.

Holiday Safety - Use these holiday safety tips to help you enjoy winter sports, prevent toy-related injuries, and keep your pets safe.

Managing Household Records - These general guidelines will help you work out an efficient system to manage your household records. From creating an efficient home filing system, performing an annual financial check-up and putting together that essential emergency financial records kit you'll be sure to tone up your record keeping skills and your bottom line.

Moving from Analog to Digital TV - Why is industry flipping the switch from analog to digital TV? Get the answers to the important questions you need to ask today, so you can make the best choices for yourself or your family before February, 2009.

Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared? - Natural disasters come in many different forms and with different intensities. Technology can predict some events and increase our warning time, but everyone needs to do his or her part by preparing in advance. Preparing will also decrease your recovery time if a disaster strikes where you live.

Preventing Holiday Shopping Headaches - Many of us will spend more money than we intended during the holidays. We’ve all felt panic standing in the middle of a crowded mall with only a few days (or hours) left to find just the right gift. By using these tips and with a little care, planning, and budgeting, you’ll have a less stressful holiday season.

Summer Camp - This handy dandy guide will help you choose a summer camp for your child. And, since summer camps aren't for every child, here are some other activities to keep children busy and help them grow as individuals.

Surviving the Holidays - There’s so much to do during the winter holidays – shopping, mailing cards and gifts, cooking, baking, decorating, and more. Check out these quick tips to help you during the holiday season.

Taking the Bite Out of Summer - Warm weather brings ticks and mosquitoes. Reduce your risk with these common sense approaches.

Talking to Your Kids About Money - If you’d rather talk to your kids about the birds and the bees than about money, here’s some information and tips that may make it easier for you.

Water Safety For Swimmers - Swimming can be a great way to have fun while getting full body exercise. But, you always have to remember that each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States. Since tragic water accidents happen quickly, the following information can help everyone have a safe and fun summer.

Water Safety For Water Craft - For some people, water-craft is where the action’s at! If you love the feeling of wind grabbing your sails or propellers shooting you across the waves use the following information to stay safe.

Federal Programs

Are Your Health Records an Open Book? - Did you know that currently, the health information you provide your doctor doesn't necessarily stay in the office. It may be shared for many reasons and with many people (other doctors and hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies, schools, employers, data clearinghouses, pharmaceutical companies, and even marketers). Learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how to protect your health records from inappropriate disclosure.

Democracy in America - These easy facts and useful information are great to use to talk to children about our country. Also, review the branches of the government and our election process.

Medicare for Busy People (Part 1) - While Medicare provides more than 43 million Americans with health care assistance, the numerous benefits it offers can be a bewildering process to sort through. We'd like to shed some light on how you or your loved ones can benefit from this program.

Medicare for Busy People (Part 2) Medicare Part D - More than 31 million Americans use Medicare Part D to cut down on medication costs, but there is a good deal of fine print to sort through. Here is a guide to understanding prescription drug coverage.

The Facts on Government Grants and Loans - We're all familiar with ads offering free money from the government. The federal government does offer grants and loans, but the information you pay for may be misleading. For complete and up-to-date information on these programs, go right to the source--the government.

Food

Food Allergies - Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers or a dog can make people itch, sneeze and scratch. But what about that peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of food allergens.

Food Safety - An estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States. The majority of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day or two. Foodborne illness can be prevented with proper food care – and this starts as soon as you select an item at the store. Then the food must be carefully handled and stored at home. Here are some basic food handling tips and storage information charts to help guide you.

Product Safety Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous, even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important notices.

Sensible Eating Over the Holidays - Eating perfectly is really difficult any time of the year, but especially over the holidays. The key is not to overeat at parties, and to exercise restraint throughout the rest of the week.

What You Need to Know About Cholesterol - High blood cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease – the number one killer in Americans. About 50% of American adults aged 20 years and older have cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable.

Health

Back to School - Students are getting ready for the start of a new school year. As you prepare to send your child to school arm yourself with some health and safety information.

Beat the Heat: Tips for Summer Survival - Tips, strategies, and loads of information that will help you survive those energy-related challenges and keep you safe in the summer heat.

Breast Cancer Awareness - After lung cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have brought together some resources surrounding this health issue.

Cold - Seasonal Flu - H1N1 Flu - Any flu season is unpredictable. There are even more uncertainties because of the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus.

Diabetes - Diabetes is a serious disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production or insulin action. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Diabetes affects over 18 million people.

Extreme Cold - Preparing for Winter - With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents a number of safety and health challenges both indoors and out. Being prepared and following simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.

Is It a Cold or the Flu? - Colds and flu (also called "influenza") can occur anytime but appear mostly in the fall and winter. How can you tell the difference? A cold tends to come on gradually but the flu hits very fast and lasts longer. The symptoms for colds and flu can be similar; both can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fever, but the flu can also leave you with a "wiped-out" feeling, a headache, chills and body aches.

LASIK Eye Surgery - Is it Right for You? - Tired of squinting at the alarm clock when you wake up in the morning? Are your contacts a hassle to deal with everyday? Well, maybe Lasik eye surgery is for you. Click here to find out great tips.

Men's Health - Affecting nearly 30% of the population, heart disease is the leading cause of death of American males. Cancer accounts for about an additional 25 percent. Here are some helpful tips and resources to inspire and inform you. We’ll talk about heart disease in this edition.

Osteoporosis - The Silent Thief - Osteoporosis is a major health risk for 28 million Americans. It is characterized by low bone mass resulting in weakening of the skeleton and an increased susceptibility to fractures. Read on to find out risk factors, screening, and treatment options.

Personal Health Records - Keeping your own complete, updated, and easily accessible health record means you play a more active role in your healthcare.

Product Safety Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous, even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important notices.

Seasonal - Avian - Pandemic: Isn't the Flu Just the Flu? - When is the flu just the flu? Learn the causes and differences between seasonal, Avian and pandemic flu, and precautions you can take.

Sports Health and Safety - Sports are a good way to exercise and stay healthy and fit. To make sure you can enjoy sports for a long time, you need to take care of yourself – and that means you need to play it safe.

Summer Health Tips - No matter what summertime activity you choose to participate in - those hot and humid days can take a toll on you physically, as well as present some hidden dangers. Here are some tips on how you can manage the heat and keep cool during the dog days of summer.

Taking the Bite Out of Summer - Warm weather brings ticks and mosquitoes. Reduce your risk with these common sense approaches.

Vaccinations: Not Just for Kids - Scientists use vaccines to "trick" the human immune system into producing antibodies or immune cells that protect against disease-causing organisms. But keeping up with your child's vaccinations can be confusing. To add to the confusion, medical developments have made changes over time. Read on for more information.

What Men Should Know About Cancer - What are the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and other cancers that have high mortality rates among American males?

Women’s Health - When it comes to health, there are many crucial differences between men and women. Yet many women do not know that they are more vulnerable to some diseases and may have different symptoms. Learn more about some of these health concerns.

Housing

Being a Landlord - There are particular considerations to be aware of if you're considering purchasing investment property or renting out a property that you currently own. The following information should help make the decision a little easier.

Buying a Foreclosed Home - Before you go out to the next courthouse auction to buy your next home or dream of flipping that house for major profits, be sure to do your homework. We’ve compiled valuable tips on navigating your options when buying a foreclosed home.

Choosing Home Mortgage Products - Today's buyers increasingly turn to more non-traditional financing options to make the dream of home ownership a reality. Reviewing the options can be a daunting and confusing task. And, even though it may be tempting to decide quickly, consumers must consider all aspects of these loans very carefully.

Heating Your Home - Read these tips to learn how insulation, weatherization, and use of Energy Star products can save you money. We also have advice what to do if you are having trouble paying your energy bill.

Hiring A Mover - Research tells us that moving is usually one of the most stressful events in a person's life. But with planning and care, you can make your move a lot less stressful. Here are some great tips for hiring a moving company.

Home Buying Basics - Although it may seem overwhelming at first, buying a home is a process you’ll negotiate successfully as long as you know the steps to take and are informed about the choices you face along the way.

Home Maintenance - Homeowners decide to do home maintenance and repair projects for various reasons. While some home repairs are quick and easy; others require extensive time, tools, and talent. Whether you plan to do it yourself or get outside help, we’ve assembled some tips to help prevent problems.

Indoor Home Improvement - In addition to a standard "spring cleaning," here are some other maintenance tasks you may wish to perform in your home.

Mortgage Difficulties - If you bought or refinanced a home in the last few years, you may be facing a major increase in your mortgage’s interest rate and monthly payments. Here are tips to help you manage your payments and maintain ownership of your home.

Moving - There are so many things to do when you are moving. You need to let everyone know your new address, gather boxes, get rid of items - just to name a few. Here are lots of helpful tips to make your move easier.

Owning a Second Home or Investment Property - The idea of owning a second home or investing in property is on many people's minds nowadays. If you're interested in the idea, but not sure how to get started, we've assembled some helpful information.

Purchasing Appliances - With all the different home appliance manufacturers, models, and features offered, it's hard to know where to start. And since appliances account for 20% of your home's gas or electric bill, you have to consider energy efficiency as well. Read these tips before purchasing water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, or cooking appliances.

Spring Home Maintenance - Every spring, daylight savings time gives us an extra hour of light in the evening. Here are some home maintenance tips that you can use while enjoying that extra spring sunshine.

Money

Before You Buy - The Consumer Action Handbook is here to make the purchasing process easier and help you get the most for your money.

Consumers in Control: A New Privacy Right - There is a law that requires financial institutions to tell their customers about the kinds of information they collect about their customers and the types of businesses that may be given the information. Read here to find out how to keep your personal information, well ... personal.

Don't Put Off a Personal Files Check Up - Procrastinating too long, especially when it involves financial matters, can lead to unpleasant consequences. Here are some tips to help you tame your financial paper tiger.

Fiscal Fitness And Your Financial Records - Resolve to get your financial health in order. Here are some tips to tone up your record keeping skills and your bottom line.

How to File A Consumer Complaint - When you have a problem with something you purchased, it is often a daunting task to find out whom to contact to report and resolve the problem. But, filing a complaint doesn't have to be intimidating; you simply need to know where to go. This guide will direct you to the resources for dealing with consumer complaints, and give you some helpful tips to help you along the way.

Identity Crisis? Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft - Get the latest information on how to protect yourself and your good name. Learn what steps to take if someone has assumed your financial identity.

Money and Credit 101 - Young people often find themselves in over their heads with credit card debt, or in situations where they’ve been scammed out of money. Avoid these traps by following this advice when you “shop” for credit cards, apartments, financial aid, and travel opportunities.

Preparing An Emergency Financial Records Kit - Disasters can affect anyone. Your number one priority is making sure your family is safe, not finding your most recent copies of policies or bank statements. Read on to learn how to prepare an emergency financial records kit.

Reducing Unsolicited Mailings, Telemarketing Calls, and Junk E-mail - Complaints of telemarketing calls during dinner or mailboxes full of catalogs and credit card offers were a favorite topic of late night talk show comedians. These days advances in technology make us concerned about protecting our privacy.

Retirement Saving Strategies for Late Starters - If you think it’s too late to start saving for retirement, think again. By setting some realistic goals and creating a plan, you can create a nest egg that can help you live a more comfortable retirement.

Talking to Your Kids About Money - If you’d rather talk to your kids about the birds and the bees than about money, here’s some information and tips that may make it easier for you.

Tax Filing Year 2009 - The 2009 tax filing season is already gearing up. Here’s how to keep on top of important updates, especially in this difficult financial period.

What’s a Trust? - Trusts can be appropriate for people with minor children or those who want to avoid having their estate go through probate upon death. Here are some basic facts about trusts – but, be sure to consult a licensed attorney experienced with trust matters before making any decisions.

Small Business

Being Your Own Boss - If you’re exploring the idea of starting your own business, here’s some helpful information to get started.

Travel

Planning a Trip Abroad - If you haven’t traveled since early 2006, changes in transportation airline safety regulations make it important to refresh yourself on what to pack, and what to leave behind. You'll find information on passports, what to pack, important papers to take with you, and planning for emergencies.

Safety for College Students - Heading off to college? These tips will help you stay safe on campus, as well as in the dorms. Also, learn how to protect yourself if you plan to study abroad.

And more…

Going Green: What Can You Do? - Did you know, for most items it takes less energy to process the recycled materials than it does to use new materials? Read on to learn what you can do to Go Green.

Holiday Safety - Use these holiday safety tips to help you enjoy winter sports, prevent toy-related injuries, and keep your pets safe.

Product Safety Recalls - Not hearing about a product recall can have dangerous, even deadly consequences. Learn what you can do so you don't miss these important notices.


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