Main | Next page »
 

Entry bubble Free Publications for You!

By: Joanne | January 27, 2009 | Category: General

protect your move

Times are tough, and we’ve got some great, free, consumer publications to help you get along and make smart choices in your life. Check out the free packages below, and don’t forget that we have many, many more free or low cost publications on a variety of consumer topics.

  • Guide to Taking Medicine – Anyone who regularly takes prescription drugs can tell you that it’s hard to keep all the side effects and drug interactions straight. This free package can help you make sure your medications are working their best.
  • Money Tips for All Ages – You might be going through difficult financial times, but now is the perfect time to start practicing financial habits that will serve you well no matter your age or the state of the economy.
  • Fraud Protection for Seniors – As much as I hate to even think it’s true, there are fraudsters out there that prey on the elderly. It’s tough to recognize an investment that sounds reasonable and legitimate but is actually a con. This free package will help you learn to make sound investment decision.
  • Caring for Sports Injuries – Spring is on it’s way and soon we’ll be spending more active time outside.  Learn how to recognize injuries and how to heal faster once they happen.
  • Menopause and Your Bones – Just yesterday I was lamenting to a friend that I don’t do enough weight-bearing exercise to keep my (aging) bones healthy and hopefully avoid osteoporosis down the road.  Learn how to take care of your bones during menopause, as well as how to manage osteoporosis and back pain.
  • Investing Basics – Whether you’re 25 or 55, you should be saving money for your future. Get started saving and set financial goals with this free kit.
  • Moving 101 – Moving? Order this free package to get tips on finding and choosing the right mover.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: consumer   free   joanne   pamphlet   publications   pueblo  

 

Entry bubble Car Repair Problems

By: Joanne | December 09, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

overheating car

Last week I told you the sad story about my car trouble. It’s going to take some effort to reach the happy ending.

The good news is that the Ford is happily rolling down the road with a shiny new water pump. The Subaru has not been so lucky. I mentioned last week that we mistakenly took the Subaru to an unfamiliar garage, and now we’re paying the price. We racked up $500 in charges for parts and labor and it appears that in the course of the repair (and I use the term loosely) the mechanic actually damaged the engine.

The Subaru was towed to a dealer. I didn’t think that I should have to pay for the ($200!) tow and calmly and politely told the garage the same. They said no.

This garage just doesn’t know that I work for the people that wrote the Consumer Action Handbook.

I let them know that I had already been in touch with the state Attorney General’s office and would file a consumer complaint. They immediately backed down and took care of the tow. One minor victory for the informed consumer.

The Subaru is with the dealer. I’ve given the service manager instructions to figure out what’s wrong with the car and if it’s the result of normal wear and tear or if it was damaged by the previous mechanic.

I’m prepared for the worst. If it was damaged by the mechanic, I’ll talk to the shop manager and ask them to pay for the repair. If that doesn’t work, I’m going to write a complaint letter to document the problem, and fill out the consumer complaint form that the Attorney General’s office sent me so we can begin mediation. Any other advice?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: car   complaint   consumer   garage   joanne   mechanic   repair   tow  

 

Entry bubble Read the Fine Print

By: Nicole | August 29, 2008 | Category: General

Mouse DetectiveHave you ever wondered about the full page of microscopic text that flashes for .02 seconds at the end of a car commercial? Well, the folks behind MousePrint.org certainly have. In fact, they have taken the time to review lots of ads to see what information is hidden in the fine print, and they’re willing to share their discoveries.

The website doesn’t just cover car ads either. Their retail section can keep you up-to-date on which companies are downsizing their products to hide rising costs, and their sweepstakes section can give you the skinny on unlikely giveaways.

If you have a complaint about a misleading advertisement, you should contact the company first. If that doesn’t work, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.

And while we’re on the topic, I have some fine print to share about myself. I’ve accepted a new position at the Federal Trade Commission. Don’t worry. I will still be hard at work empowering consumers, and I will be leaving you in very capable hands. Our new Friday blogger, Ginger, is sure to keep you on your toes.*


*Nicole cannot be held accountable for Ginger's ability to keep you on your toes. All previous claims from Nicole expire as of August 29, 2008. Sorry, no refunds.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: ads   advertisements   cars   claims   complaints   consumer   nicole   retail   shopping   sweepstakes  

 

Entry bubble Think Local

By: Nancy | June 05, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

As much as the national and world news get splashed across our TV screens, when it comes down to it, what seems to matter most in our lives is what's going on at home, in the neighborhood and around town. We honor our local heroes, passionately discuss local politics and are rediscovering that some of the best food we can get may be right in our own backyard or around the corner.

Keeping it local, USA.gov has a wonderful section to help you locate in-person services near you.

couple walking through neighborhoodIf you're the kind of person, like my mom, who prefers to do business with the government face to face, you can find links to locate local offices of federal agencies like Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and passport offices.

Have a consumer complaint? Find your local consumer protection office or check out contractors with your local Better Business Bureau before you hire them.

Looking for a doctor or dentist nearby you can trust? Search the National Institutes of Health's online directory. You can also find other health resources, like mammography facilities, nursing homes and your nearest Red Cross chapter, so you can help counteract the summertime donation shortfall and give blood.

Save time and gas by doing a little research online before you run errands. You can find out which service station in your town has the cheapest gas prices and check the hours of places like your local post office or division of motor vehicles.

From finding the nearest pet rescue and adoption center to locating the closest place to get the installation of your child's car seat checked, you can find some really unexpected and extremely helpful local links in USA.gov's "Locate In-Person Services Near You" section.

Now...what are we missing? What other kinds of local services or resources would you like to see us list and link to on USA.gov?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: consumer   doctor   gas   local   nancy   services  

 

Entry bubble ConsumerAction.gov to the Rescue!

By: Colleen | February 20, 2008 | Category: Money

Valentine's Day has a bad rep. for a reason. And despite my best efforts to remain positive this year, the day is now permanently tainted.

Being uncharacteristically nice, I ordered my mom flowers. I specifically indicated that they were being delivered to her office, and paid a few extra bucks to ensure they would be delivered ON Valentine's Day.

By 2:30 p.m. I'd yet to receive a jubilant phone call from Mom. I decided to consult my older, wiser, and much more reliable sister to get her thoughts. She let me know that Mom hadn't mentioned anything to her either, and that I better call the florist.

3 phone calls to the florist later, I was assured the flowers were en route, and due to arrive at Mom's office within 15 minutes. A half hour later (and around the time my mom leaves work) I had to bite the bullet and see if they'd arrived yet.

No dice. I spoiled the surprise by asking if any flowers had come from me that day. I spilled the whole story—Mom decided to take matters into her own hands and call the florist herself. While my Mom was taking care of business (and trust me, you do NOT want to mess with my mother) I called my sister to fill her in on the saga.

"Well, from what you're telling me, it sounds like you didn't get the flowers I sent to you, either."

Double whammy.

My poor sister had spent a good deal of the afternoon trying to contact the customer service representative at the nationally-known flower delivery service she'd paid good money to get my flowers. Turns out, they'd TURNED OFF their customer service lines due to high volumes of calls, on what they are well aware of being their busiest day of the year!

Ticked off and bitter I send both my mom and sister the online link to consumeraction.gov's sample complaint e-mail. It provides a template to be sure you include all necessary info, like:

  • Date of conflict
  • What happened
  • The action you want taken (money back, exchange, repair...)
  • Your contact information

After making our grievances known, we were both (rightfully) refunded our money—but I'm still not sure if that makes up for missing out on what was intended to be a heartfelt surprise.

Cupid better get his act together.

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   complaint   consumer   flowers   valentine's  

Main | Next page »