With the 2020 U.S. Census approaching, consumers should guard their identity against fraudulent requests for their personal information by phone, by email or in person while complying with official government requests for information...

When you’re about to buy a home, having that home inspected 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...

With school starting, now is a great time to consider what tutoring needs your child might have during the year ahead, whether it’s catching up in a subject area or preparing for a standardized test. Your child’s academic needs are paramount, but many different options can meet those needs. Consumers should think about many factors before hiring a tutor...

No matter where you turn these days, you’re bound to read or hear about extended auto service contracts. If you’re not hearing about them on television or radio ads, you’re coming home to mailers telling you to have your contract activated immediately...

For working parents, finding reliable care for their children can be a tall order. Better Business Bureau advises parents to take plenty of time interviewing caregivers and visiting child care centers before settling on one...

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 before they head off to school...

Better Business Bureau has some suggestions for consumers concerned that their credit or debit cards may have been compromised by a data breach. Stay calm. Consumers are not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers...

Scams can affect any consumer, but military personnel and their families are statistically more likely to fall victim to costly and embarrassing fraud. This is particularly true of active-duty servicemembers...

Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, especially if your budget is limited. However, failing to do your homework before you buy can put you in a disastrous or even dangerous situation...

Finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility is critical for pet owners who travel. Besides entrusting the care of your furry, scaly or feathered friend to another person or business, using a sitter means that person will have access to your home...

In the heat of summer, air conditioning isn’t just a matter of comfort – it’s often a matter of health, especially for people who are elderly or have medical conditions. This makes air conditioning a crucial home repair. It’s also a costly repair, and it’s important to hire a contractor you trust...

With summer officially underway, consumers may be dreaming about vacations or weekend getaways. Travelers should do their homework and book smart when it comes to flights and accommodations...

Spring and summer are often accompanied by the threat of river flooding in the Midwest, and this year, that threat has translated into historic high river levels. In the wake of water damage done to homes, businesses and other property, consumers must be on the lookout for unscrupulous storm-chasing contractors seeking to cash in on the destruction...

Online classified ads continue to be a popular way to buy and sell items of all kinds, from baby clothing to cars. Still, some deals on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are too good to be true, opening up shoppers to disappointment or even danger. It’s important for consumers to research deals carefully and take some common-sense steps to protect themselves and their money when purchasing from classified sites...

Given the popularity of genealogy websites that promise to trace your ancestry with a DNA testing swab, it can be tempting to gain insight into your medical condition – including diseases you didn’t know you had – with a DNA swab. However, consumers should use extreme caution when asked to undergo genetic DNA screening...