The recent wildfires in Australia caused widespread destruction and loss of both human and animal life across the continent, prompting high-profile calls for donations to help the victims. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds those who want to help to carefully check out charities before making donations...

If this is your year to take control of your weight and fitness, more power to you. Most likely, you’ll need a commitment to exercise regularly. Better Business Bureau has tips to help you determine which gym or health club is the best place to keep you on track...

Are you considering a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight or save money for retirement? What about resolving to be a savvy consumer as well?...

As the number of holiday shopping days ticks down, you may be considering gift cards for friends or relatives who have everything or those who live far away. Gift cards are an easy solution to people who are hard-to-please or already have everything. And they’re everywhere – at the drugstore, supermarket, quick shop and department stores...

When the weather outside is frightful, many people have visions of sunshine and crystal clear water in mind. Maybe you’ve been browsing travel websites for months, in search of the perfect destination. Or you may be tempted to check out a travel special from an email or mailer; however, finding the right accommodations, transportation and other vendors are key...

There may be nothing cuter than a puppy, but wait: Are you really going to try to train a new pet in the hustle and bustle of the holidays? How do you know you’re getting it from a reliable source?...

Cyber Monday – Dec. 2 this year – is poised to be among the biggest shopping days of the year. The National Retail Federation estimates total retail sales for the season to reach as high as $730.7 billion, and 56 percent of holiday shoppers plan on clicking to shop...

When the temperature drops, the last thing anyone wants is for the furnace to stop working. But when it does, you need a reliable contractor – and fast...

With retailers and shippers planning to hire hundreds of thousands of seasonal employees this holiday season, Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises job seekers to polish up their resumes, research potential employers and apply right away -- but to be smart about their job search...

Throughout November, Americans honor military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to be careful when donating to charities that emphasize heartbreaking stories of disabled veterans...

Layaway may feel like a thing of the past, but for consumers who don’t have access to a credit card, layaway can be a money-saving alternative to short-term installment loans...

Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, but shopping for decorations and costumes shouldn’t be a scary experience. Shoppers should rely on trusted merchants and research unfamiliar stores or websites before buying...

You may think that orange and black are the color scheme for October, but breast cancer charities would argue that it’s pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time for fun runs, pink-ribbon tie-ins and direct appeals to donate to a variety of charities that support research or breast cancer survivors...

With online security breaches becoming the new norm, Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be on the lookout for threatening emails. BBB is warning the public about sextortion emails from scammers trying to blackmail recipients into giving them money...

When cash runs short and bills are looming, some consumers look to payday loans, but they need to understand the risks before borrowing. 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...

Thanks to emerging technology, it’s never been easier for scammers to flood your phone with unwanted and often illegal phone calls, making it a challenge to answer your telephone...

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...