When the temperature drops, the last thing anyone wants is for their furnace to stop working. But when it does, you need a reliable contractor – and fast. Good heating contractors are in high demand during the colder months, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you can’t get it fixed immediately. Rather than get overheated, you need to research companies before you sign a contract for repairs or replacement...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters have found various ways to perpetrate scams. With many people working remotely, the chance of scammers taking advantage of companies through fake invoice scams is high...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings with it a wave of appeals to donate to breast cancer charities. advises consumers to research charities and cause-related products carefully before making a donation or buying a pink-ribbon product...

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time for consumers and businesses to look at their online security measures. Promoted by the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, the month is designed to raise the awareness about the importance of cybersecurity...

With many school districts turning to virtual learning this year due to COVID-19, parents might be thinking about their children’s tutoring needs...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many areas of society this year, but it hasn’t put an end to scammers trying to contact you through the telephone...

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...