April 2010
1 post
April 23, 2010 - Ford Recall
If you drive a new Ford you should be aware that certain models have recently been recalled. The company announced today that problems with the seat back and head restraint mean that several of its 2010 models do not meet federal safety requirements. Car owners should expect letters in May and the company has made a commitment to fix the problem in over 30,000 manufactured vehicles
Keeping up...
February 2010
1 post
Feb. 15, 2010 - Wacky Weather
If there is one thing that people everywhere can discuss, it’s the weather. From mudslides in California, to blizzards in DC, conditions in February have been far from normal in many parts of the country. Even Canada has been having abnormal weather, with higher temperatures in Vancouver putting some of the winter games on hold. So what can you do when the weather takes a turn for the...
January 2010
1 post
Jan. 8, 2010 - Good News For Grads
With one semester remaining in the school year, many college students are already looking ahead to life after dorm rooms and lecture halls. For these students, some good news is being reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
For the first time in more than a year more employers are interested in increasing (instead of decreasing) the number of college graduates that they...
December 2009
1 post
Dec. 18, 2009 - Have You Heard of the CFPA?
A proposed bill in the House was recently amended in committee. While many consumer groups are cheering the intent of the bill, which would establish a new Federal regulator called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, some are worried that recent exemptions have watered down the bill dangerously.
The big debate at issue is whether car dealers should be subject to the same type of regulation...
November 2009
1 post
November 23, 2009 - Housing Market Looks Up,...
This October saw a surprising rise in sales of existing homes, giving economic forecasters reasons to be cautiously optimistic. The overall decline in home prices, combined with an extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, has helped to fuel the highest number of sales since February 2007.
Sales of foreclosed homes have risen slightly, but some are cautioning that this “sales...
October 2009
1 post
October 9, 2009 - Flu Season Comes Early
Is your family ready for flu season? Studies of flu vaccines delivered in 2008 show that children, having the greatest risk for infection, are the least likely to actually receive flu shots. This year however, fears about the H1N1 strain are causing greater concern about flu season in general.
In some areas of the country traditional flu vaccines have been running short, but officials and...
September 2009
1 post
Sept 25, 2009 - "Healthy" Houses
Yesterday The National Center for Healthy Housing released a report on the “State of Healthy Housing.”
The non-profit’s study found that over the last ten years housing conditions may actually be on the decline due to the recent housing bubble and crash. The study also confirmed the troubling divide in housing quality across the US. Metropolitan rental properties consistently...
August 2009
2 posts
August 20, 2009 - New Rules for Credit Card...
The Credit CARD Act signed into law this May is going into effect today. What does this mean for consumers?
The new law offers some protection to consumers by requiring a 45 day advance notice of any changes in interest rates or fees. Payments won’t count as late unless a bill was sent 21 days prior to the due date.
Still, experts warn that consumers need to be wary of changes in their...
August 10, 2009 - Health Officials Test H1N1...
Being aware of a health problem before it occurs is usually a good idea, for individuals and communities.
That’s why the US government is hard at work testing out vaccines for the H1N1 virus (aka the “swine flu”) and hopes to have them ready by mid-October. The vaccine is built and tested like a traditional flu vaccine.
The current testing will help to determine the safety of...
July 2009
2 posts
June 27, 2009 - Home Sales on the Rise
Economic experts and investors have been encouraged recently by a report that indicates a sharp rise in home sales. While this may not be good news for those shopping for homes in certain areas, it is a sign that things are starting to turn around.
The Commerce Department is reporting that home sales in June were up 11% from May, continuing a three-month trend of rising home sales....
July 7, 2009 - Operation Short Change
The next time you see an ad on the internet or your television that promises big bucks fast, think twice. Many consumers have discovered too late that “money back guarantee” only applies to companies that play by the rules.
In response to an increase in business opportunity and “free grant” scams the Federal Trade Commission has launched a new enforcement and education...
June 2009
3 posts
June 29, 2009 - Tuition Increases Hit Record Low
If you plan to support a young college student, you know the importance of rising tuition costs. A recent nationwide survey has found that tuition, while on the rise, will see less of an increase this year than any year since the 1972-73 school year.
Tough times have forced veteran instititions to enact hiring freezes, halt new construction, and rely more heavily on endowments. However, analysts...
June 10, 2009 - Auto Loans Put on the Brakes
Auto Dealers have few problems finding customers willing to buy. Banks willing to lend to those customers are another story. In reaction to the credit crisis many lenders like GMAC tightened up their practices, trying to exclude risky borrowers. Now, that reaction has gone so far that even buyers with good credit scores are having trouble getting financing.
The numbers aren’t the same...
June 4, 2009 - Summer Safety Tips
Sidewalks across the country are heating up, as kids rush from the shade of classrooms to beaches and outdoor games. Summer can be a fun time, but changing weather and habits can also mean the potential for common problems like heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and accidents.
As your insurance agent, we recommend practicing good summer safety. You don’t need to buy fancy gadgets to tell you...
May 2009
2 posts
May 28, 2009 - Credit Card Changes
Congress recently passed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (see bill). The title may seem friendly, but analysts are warning that consumers still have a lot to worry about in the next several months as the law goes into effect.
Interest rates are likely to increase, and some consumers will see reductions in credit limits. Check your statements carefully to make...
May 15, 2009 - Flaming Laptop Batteries
This message will not self destruct in 5 seconds, but your laptop may. HP and Compaq (now the same company) have joined the ranks of laptop manufacturers who have been surprised by flaming batteries. And two very startled consumers are living proof that you must always plan for the unexpected. We will hope they had good insurance, and we hope you have reviewed your insurance recently. If not…...
May 1, 2009 - Cribs Recalled
There is an urgent recall of 96,000 Jardine cribs sold at Toys “R” Us. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued the recal due to faulty slats that have broken and trapped some children.
These cribs were sold at other stores as well between September 2005 and April 2009, including KidsWorld and Geoffrey and online at babiesrus.com. Please contact Jardine at 800-646-4106 for a full...