Consumer Tips and Reports
Save money, make better financial decisions and get out of debt with the help of our consumer tips and reports.

• More Scary News About MRSA
  

  As If Having MRSA in Hospitals Wasn't Enough...

  Not too long ago we wrote an article about MRSA, also known as the Super Bug. The article focused on the fact that MRSA has infected some hospitals, putting patients at risk. It seems, however, that hospitals being infected with the bug is just the tip of the iceberg. Some doctors aren't even diagnosing it when it does it, and that can cost children their lives. If you know someone who has an "infected bug bite" that just won't go away, you absolutely must read this...

• Is a Reverse Mortgage Really a Bad Thing?
  

  What You Should Know About a Reverse Mortgage

  The words "reverse mortgage" stir up lots of emotions. Anger, fear – even loathing. But are reverse mortgages really a bad thing? The answer to that question is a resounding "No!" If you've been led to believe that all reverse mortgage products are a nightmare waiting to happen, here are a few things you need to know.

• Camcorders: The Mini-DV vs. Mini-DVD Mystery
  

  When It Comes to Camcorders, Do You Want Mini-DV or Mini-DVD?

  Christmas is right around the corner and my wife wants a new camcorder to catch all of those glorious Christmas morning memories. While I think still shots are much better for this occasion (can't hear one child screaming that the other's gift is better if there's no sound) she's insisting on motion picture. I relented and agreed, but little did I know that I was about to get a crash course in mini-DV vs. mini-DVD. Wondering what the difference is? Let me share the fruits of my quick education.

• Do You Have What It Takes to Make It Through the Winter Storms?
  

  Getting Through the Winter Storms

  If you live in an area where the winter storms are hitting hard, there are some things you need to know to get through the blustery months ahead. How do you find salt when everyone is sold out? What do you need to survive a power outage? These are the issues winter storms bring to the forefront and here are some practical solutions to get you through.
  

• Four Money Saving Websites That You Just Can't Miss
  

  The Four Money Saving Websites My Wife is Addicted To

  You've heard me say it before -- my wife is a money saving fiend. She is what some consider frugal and others consider cheap. Still others call her a bargain hound. I will be the first to admit, however, that at this time of year when money is tight and everyone needs a bargain my wife is the first person they run to when they want something nice for the lowest price possible. How can she know so much? Where does she find all of these deals? I'm about to spill the money-saving beans. Here are the four websites that my wife visits each and every day and I know for a fact they can save you a ton of cash...

• Now's the Time to Get a GPS Unit For Your Car
  

  Big Drop in GPS Prices

  If you've yet to get a TomTom, Magellan, Garmin or other GPS unit, you should have hit the stores on Black Friday. Some stores were selling GPS devices for as little as $99. However, if you didn't get in on the Black Friday madness (due to lack of time or a bit of sanity on your part) it's still not too late. There are deals to be had if you know where to look.

• Is Being a Stay At Home Mom Financially Feasible?
  

  How To Decide Whether or Not to Be a Stay At Home Mom

  If you're wondering whether or not you can make it as a stay at home mom, you're not alone. Many parents spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not they can get by on one income. Unfortunately, there's no cut and dry answer. Here are some things to keep in mind when weighing this monumental decision...

• Smart Consumers Know How to Save Big by Making Small Changes
  

  Learn the Tricks of Smart Consumers Nationwide

  Sometimes it's the littlest things that we do that can translate into big savings over the long term, and smart consumers know this. Is you're looking for ways to save money so you can make your dollars stretch further, you're in the right place. Here are some of my best suggestions for saving money.

• Casino Credit Explained
  

  Navigating Casino Credit

  There are many types of loans out there -- student loans, personal loans, boat loans, and home loans. And just when you thought you’d heard about every loan imaginable, there’s one more to consider... Casino loans, otherwise known as casino credit. If you’ve never heard of casino credit, we've got the scoop.

• The MRSA Super Bug: Will Your Hospital Visit Make You Sicker?
  

  What You Need To Know About the MRSA Super Bug and Hospital Stays

  In an ideal world a hospital would be a place of healing -- a safe refuge where you could go for treatment of illness, injury and disease. In the real world, however, the world where the MRSA super bug exists, hospitals are not that safe place. In fact, they can make you sicker than you were the day you checked in.
  

• A Few Words About The National Do Not Call Registry:
  

  Do You Know What You Should About The National Do Not Call Registry?

  Even though the National Do Not Call Registry has been in existence for several years, many consumers, unfortunately, still do not fully understand how it works. If you're not up to speed on what this registry is or what it can do for you, here are some things you need to know...

• Out-of-State Travel and Unfamiliar Laws
  

  If You Travel to These Two States, You’re in for a Surprise...

  When you plan to travel to another state, you'd think you have enough to worry about without familiarizing yourself with the local laws. Unfortunately, what you don't know can hurt you when you charter into unfamiliar territory. For example, the way you pump gas might get you in trouble in some states. Here are some things you need to know...

• How to Travel Without Airport Nightmares
  

  Helpful Hints for the Airport

  Ever since 9-11 our society and experience with air travel has changed. Security at the airports has been heightened, and in many ways it’s much more difficult to be a travel than it was just a decade ago. Below is some important information to consider when traveling at the airport.

• Are Electronic Toll Passes Right for You?
  

  The Scoop on Electronic Toll Passes

  If you know what a tollway is, you know the true definition of highway robbery and you may be wondering if electronic toll passes are a good idea or just another way for the toll authority to rob you blind. Here's some info to keep in mind...

• Is Your Home Office Ready for Telecommuting?
  

  What Do You Need for Your Home Office?

  Many consumers have contemplated leaving their day jobs and working at home. While there are many considerations to take into account when making such as big decision, there’s one practical area that these consumers are faced with, and that is what technology to purchase. Before you go on a shopping spree, read our advice about what products you’ll need for a home office (and which ones you won't).