As summer comes to a close, you may be thinking of fitting in some home improvements before the seasons change. Maybe you want to add a patio or deck, make over your kitchen or renovate a spare bedroom as a guestroom...

With school about to start, 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...

When summer storms and heavy rains inflict damage on vehicles, homes, businesses, and other property, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) warns consumers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous storm-chasing contractors seeking to cash in on the destruction...

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...

Summer is heating up, and so is the demand for tickets to major concerts, festivals and events – especially with COVID-19 restrictions relaxed in many places. But if that hot ticket sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is. Consumers across the U.S. have reported purchasing tickets for events that didn’t take place...

Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, especially if your budget is limited. However, with used car inventory still stretched to its limits in many parts of the country, failing to do your homework before you buy can put you in a disastrous or even dangerous situation...

With federal regulations changing and debt collectors’ tactics evolving, it’s important to learn what collection agencies legally can and cannot do and to stay vigilant against debt collection scams...

When you’re decluttering and organizing your home, you’re bound to find some items you might like to donate. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds consumers to do research before they make a donation...

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 tough financial times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeowners should fully understand all the costs, terms and conditions before applying for a reverse mortgage...

In this red-hot housing market, 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...

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...

One of the hardest and most important choices working parents can make is deciding who will care for their children while they’re at work. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic complicate the choice; in addition to continued staffing shortages among child care providers and early childhood educators, young children are not eligible to be vaccinated against the virus yet and safety considerations may vary widely among facilities. ...

With the Great Resignation showing no signs of slowing down, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) warns job seekers to use caution when job-hunting online. Employment scams are rampant online, and scammers’ tactics are evolving constantly...

Economic uncertainties have numerous consumers 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...

Demand for summer camps is surging as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. Parents should look beyond glossy brochures and pretty website pictures when searching for the right camp for their child. The safety, health and satisfaction of children should be the camp’s top priority...

Clogged gutters can cause a variety of problems in rainy weather, such as major water damage to a home, and spring is an ideal time to clear them. While some homeowners opt to clean their own gutters, many others hire a professional company to handle their gutters -- whether they need to be cleaned, covered, repaired or replaced...

April is Digital Spring Cleaning Month, making your computer a great place to jump-start any spring cleaning. Keeping your computer secure and free of unnecessary data is a great way to keep it safe from spyware and keep you safe from identity theft...

For many consumers, flowers and trees in spring bloom mean it’s time to hire lawn care and landscaping professionals. Although a lawn care and landscaping specialist may have an impressive green thumb, that talent may not translate into professionalism for some. Consumers can narrow the field and choose a lawn care and landscaping service that fits their needs and budget by consulting Better Business Bureau (BBB) Business Profiles...

Looking for your next apartment, condo or house rental can be a time-consuming process, and it may feel as though you’ll never find the right place at the right price. Scammers know this feeling and can use it to exploit consumers. Consumers need to take their time and do their homework before signing a lease...

Looking ahead to summer? Taking a dip in a backyard pool is a great way to cool off on a hot day in the Midwest. 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...