Kayce T. Ataiyero -- chicagotribune.com

Kayce T. Ataiyero

Consumerland

Debt collectors calling? Know your rights

February 24, 2009

As a consumer, there are few things scarier than being contacted by a debt collector. The fear, intimidation and shame of owing the debt can set in before you even pick up the phone. But it's important to know that you have rights when it comes to debt collection. Just as you owe that debt, the debt collector owes you fairness and respect.

Recent columns

Consumer advocates urge against income tax return loans

February 17, 2009

With many eager to get extra cash fast these days, an income tax refund loan can be pretty tempting. Some tax preparers entice consumers with the promise of reducing refund wait times from weeks to days and, in some cases, the same day.
Pay your nanny tax —nominated or not

February 4, 2009

Nancy Killefer's decision Tuesday to withdraw her candidacy to join the Obama administration over her failure to pay taxes for household help puts the spotlight on a dirty little open secret in the home-help industry—nearly everybody does it. Or, in this case, doesn't do it.
Beware of credit score fixers

February 3, 2009

With lenders becoming stingy and setting the credit bar higher, having an attractive credit score is more important than ever. So, who could resist a pitch like this one from an online credit repair service: "See you in the 700 Club!"
Like fridge and pantry, medicine cabinets need annual once-over

January 20, 2009

When was the last time you took a good look inside your medicine cabinet? Do you know whether the medications and other products in there are still good?
No strings attached to IRS' offer to help taxpayers this year

January 13, 2009

If you're like me, "IRS" is one of the scariest abbreviations in the English language. I pay my taxes, file my returns on time and don't cheat. Did I just jinx myself?
Exercise your gym-membership options

January 6, 2009

By now, you're probably a few days into that resolution to lose weight, munching on celery sticks and low-fat yogurt, wondering how best to follow through on the exercise portion of your pledge to improve your health. But before you sign up for some pricey gym membership, ask yourself a question: Are you really going to go?
Diet aids may slim only your wallet

December 30, 2008

The new year is almost upon us and so are those annual resolutions to lose weight. But if you're thinking of using an over-the-counter diet aid in your battle of the bulge, many experts say you might want to think again. In many cases, they say, you can do just as well on your own.
Gift cards tagged with doubt

November 19, 2008

This story contains corrected material, published Nov. 19, 2008.