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07/30/2008
Between packing for college, buying school supplies and recovering from sticker shock, parents may be too bogged down to remember to pass on some financial words of wisdom as their child leaves the nest. To help college bound students build a foundation of sound financial habits, Better Business Bureau offers the following advice for parents to bestow on their freshman.
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05/01/2008
With the National Association of Realtors' reporting current pending home sales down 21.4 percent from the first quarter of 2007, and Standard & Poor’s citing the steepest decline in home values in the 20-year history of its housing index, many homeowners are now choosing to remodel their current home rather than selling in an effort to hold home values in the turbulent U.S. housing market. To execute the strategy successfully, most projects require professional help and Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering advice and guidance on finding trustworthy contractors who can help make the strategy pay off.
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05/01/2008
Spring is the season of warmer weather, budding flowers and home improvements. Whether it’s hanging new wallpaper or adding an addition to the house, many homeowners are faced with the decision to either hire a professional or do it themselves. Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice for determining whether a home improvement project is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or a get-a-professional job.
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05/01/2008
The U.S. average cost per gallon of gasoline is at an all-time high of more than $3.60 per gallon, and headed toward $4.00 by summer. Increased energy costs are taking a toll on the nation not only at the pump, but also in homes. Even natural gas, long seen as the cheap alternative to petroleum products is creeping toward $11.00 per thousand cubic feet (MCF) – in a $4.00 gasoline environment, consumers are likely to see natural gas selling for the equivalent of about $2.00 per gallon. For people wanting to cut energy costs around the house, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has advice on home improvements that can take a bite out of the energy bill.
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10/03/2007
With the college football season underway, the National Football League (NFL) kicking off this week and Major League Baseball (MLB) pennant races and playoffs filling fall calendars, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning sports fans to be on the lookout for fraudulent sellers when shopping for hard-to-get tickets online.
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09/05/2007
Every year hurricanes, tornados, violent thunderstorms, flooding and fires wreak havoc across the country. In 2006 alone, there were 33 major catastrophes affecting hundreds of communities across the U.S., which resulted in 2.3 million claims for losses totaling $9.2 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
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07/21/2007
The headlines are discouraging. Rising mortgage interest rates are taking a toll on many homeowners, just as the market value of their home is flattening or declining. Mortgage delinquency rates are up and home foreclosures are at a record high in many parts of the country.
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06/11/2007
As the technology improves, we increasingly rely on our cell phones for more than just making calls; we’re using them to send emails, schedule meetings, and surf the internet. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that the downside of having a little computer in your pocket is that, just like with the computer on your desk, there are people out there ready, willing, and able to exploit it.
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05/15/2007
With Memorial Day approaching and summer not far behind, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising consumers on how to spot and avoid the threat of vacation and travel-related fraud.
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05/02/2007
If you have unwanted possessions and simply don’t have the time or know-how to sell or auction them on your own, a reputable consignment business might be just what you need. The consignment operation will handle the marketing and sale of your merchandise, and hopefully you will make some money in the process.
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12/14/2006
Take a simple test. Without peeking at your credit card statements, what is the total amount you owe on all of your cards? What interest rate(s) are you paying? How often do you incur extra fees because your payment was late or become you've gone over your credit limit? Do you typically make only the minimum payment?
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11/09/2006
Toys have changed over the years and the assortment can be astounding, particularly to those who haven’t toy-shopped in awhile. Child safety, however, never goes out of style. It is something grandparents and other family members should always keep in mind when selecting gifts for youngsters.
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10/30/2006
Excessive debt can be troubling. It may weigh heavily on your mind, cause tension in the family and dampen your quality of life.
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09/14/2006
Developing a family or household budget probably does not rank very high on the list of activities folks would choose to engage in during their spare time. In fact, many people might consider this task to be a chore, not a choice. That mindset can lead to financial chaos, at best, and to financial ruin, in a worst-case scenario.
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09/06/2006
Self-storage facilities dot the landscapes of new and older communities. Folks rent units to empty overflowing basements; to stash furnishings while moving or remodeling; or to store business supplies for future use.
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