With home sales through the roof during the COVID-19 pandemic, home inspectors are in high demand, since their work is a critical step in the purchase process. Only a thorough, professional inspection of the home’s physical structure and mechanical condition, from roof to foundation, can uncover the issues you’ll need to watch for as a homeowner and potentially discuss with the seller...

Senior citizens are a prime target for scammers. Many are on a fixed income, but they may have a lifetime of savings in the bank. While you may not be able to see your loved ones right now, please check on them and make sure they are not being taken advantage of by fraudsters...

If your basement is leaking or suffering from foundation issues, it can affect your whole house’s integrity, including structural decay, high humidity levels, and mold and mildew growth. It’s critical that you find a quality and trustworthy contractor to make these repairs -- particularly after a storm, when unscrupulous contractors sometimes prey on homeowners in need...

Unemployment, evictions, foreclosures: COVID-19's economic uncertainties have countless families on the move. Many may be looking for storage units to facilitate these changes in living situation. It’s important to find a trustworthy storage facility, especially for prized possessions or antiques. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises doing careful research before committing your items to a storage facility...

For college freshmen leaving home for the first time, summer can be a frenzied time of shopping for dorm room essentials, packing up clothes and saying goodbye to high school friends. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, parents need to make time to talk to their students about money and protecting themselves against identity theft while they’re on or off campus during the pandemic...

Reverse mortgages are widely advertised to seniors as a popular way to access the equity of their home, which may be attractive to consumers seeking a quick source for cash during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic slump. Homeowners should fully understand all the costs, terms and conditions before applying for a reverse mortgage...

Some consumers unemployed due to COVID-19 may be considering renting, rather than purchasing, furniture and appliances. While the monthly charges may be enticing, consumers should do their research in order to determine if they are really getting a good deal...

With state and local governments reducing restrictions on business operations and public gatherings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, their public health strategy often relies on robust contact tracing to help slow the spread of the disease by informing people who have had contact with someone who has tested positive. However, scammers can take advantage of this vital information tracking to prey on consumers...

Taking a dip in a backyard pool is a great way to cool off on a hot day in the Midwest – especially as families spend more time at home in the heat of summer. If you don’t have one and you aren’t the do-it-yourself type, you may need to find a contractor to install your pool – and it’s important to do your homework before you take the plunge...

After several months of self-isolating due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, consumers may be dreaming about summer vacations or weekend getaways. Do your homework, book smart, and travel safe when it comes to flights and accommodations...

Savvy consumers typically have good reason to look twice if they receive a piece of mail promising a debit card from the federal government. However, as the U.S. Treasury continues to issue economic impact payments, or “stimulus checks,” to Americans affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has begun mailing out prepaid debit cards for consumers whose banking information it doesn’t have. ...

Public health officials are rolling out COVID-19 contact tracing programs to help slow the spread of the disease by informing people who have had contact with someone who has tested positive. Of course, scammers are finding nefarious ways to use these efforts for their personal gain...

Home security systems often provide homeowners with peace of mind, and the sign in front of your residence provides a warning to would-be burglars. Unfortunately, door-to-door scammers or deceptive salespeople have been known to use alarm system sales and maintenance to take advantage of consumers...

When the heat index reaches the 100s, the last thing anyone wants is for the air conditioning to stop working – least of all when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has many consumers spending most of their time at home. But when the air conditioning does fail, you need a reliable contractor – and fast...

When cash runs short and bills are looming, some consumers look to payday loans. If not approached with caution, these loans can snowball into a significant debt obligation of their own, with high interest rates and high-pressure collection tactics...

With a vast variety of financial institutions at their fingertips, many consumers are choosing online-only banks or credit unions. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has closed many bank and credit union offices to person-to-person transactions, the appeal of an online-only bank has grown. However, financial institutions that operate only online aren’t without their pros and cons...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the global economy, disrupted countless companies’ operations and shaken many Americans’ personal finances. If the coronavirus crisis has affected your finances to the point that you’re having difficulty repaying a loan, you should reach out to the lender right away to discuss your options. ...

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stretches the limits of the health care system, demand for certain medical equipment is far outpacing the supply of these items. This shortage creates a ripe environment for scammers. Even businesses, medical providers and government agencies have fallen victim when trying to obtain ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, and more, according to a new warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s destructive impact on the U.S. economy has landed millions of workers in the unemployment line. Compounding the situation, social distancing has forced work online in many industries. Unfortunately, online employment scams are rampant, and job seekers must exercise caution in their hunt...

With most Americans under orders to stay at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many people are turning to social media for a fun distraction. Taking a Facebook quiz about how well you know a friend or what character from your favorite TV show best matches your personality may seem like a harmless way to pass the time while quarantined, but it could also give scammers your personal information for nefarious purposes...