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.
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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.
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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.
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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!"
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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Gift cards tagged with doubt
November 19, 2008
This story contains corrected material, published Nov. 19, 2008.
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