Have you ever received a telephone call or an email from what appears to be a legitimate company or government agency like Verizon, Netflix, Bank of America or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? They say they are calling to inform you that you are in BIG TROUBLE because there is a problem with your account…

April 15 – the final date for filing taxes will be here before you know it! As with anything these days, there is an opportunity for unscrupulous people to scam you out of your hard-earned money. There are two common scams to look out, particularly around this time of year. First, whether you are current…

You want a puppy. You tell everyone that it’s your son who wants it – and it’s true, little Timmy does want one – but, really, it’s you who can’t wait to bring that dog home. Anyone thinking that they are ready to have a pet should check out local dog shelters, humane societies and…

ro·bo·call   noun: an automated telephone call that delivers a recorded message, typically on behalf of a political party or telemarketing company.   That is the official definition, but we all know what they are – annoying and persistent calls that either want to sell us something we don’t need or solicit support for someone…

I was having coffee with a friend this week and she said, “My adult children make fun of me because I still write checks!!” So do I, but it turns out that we are in the minority. According to a recent study, nearly 50 percent of those surveyed pay their bills online. The study reveals…

It’s fall, and time to enjoy these last few weeks of warmth. And now that Halloween has passed, we can begin to get ready for the upcoming holiday season! Unfortunately, these days, Thanksgiving brings, along with family and friends and food, Black Friday shopping frenzy. However, as more and more people try to avoid going…

As our favorite stores are going out of business, some of us are left with unused gift cards – wondering what we should do! The best thing to do is use them as quickly as you can! However, consumers worried about what will happen to their Sears gift cards as the retailer goes through bankruptcy…

It’s hard to imagine that winter will ever come when it’s ninety degrees outside – but it will be here sooner than you think and now is the time to make arrangements for all those cold-weather repairs and general maintenance! That means locking down home heating fuel contracts, weatherproofing windows and doors, cleaning chimneys, cleaning…

Have you noticed something new on the counters at your local gas station, bodega or convenience store – innocent-looking little foil packages, no bigger than a teabag, often with bright colors and cartoon characters? Often marketed as “incense,” they have names like K2, Spice, Pep Spice, Spice Silver, Sence, Skunk, Yucatan, Fire, Bliss, Black Mambo,…

Moving can be exciting, especially if you are moving into a new house or apartment, a new neighborhood or starting a new chapter of your life! Moving can also be stressful, so when you hire a moving company, you want to make sure that they pack and move your belongings with care and professionalism. According…

If you’re just starting out and need furniture, or you find yourself suddenly needing to replace a broken stove, refrigerator, television or other electronics, you may be tempted by headlines that say – “No Credit Check!” or “Take it Home Today!” At many of the Rent to Own stores in the state, that’s exactly what…

As the summer heats up, you notice things about your house that need repair. Especially if you own an old house, the maintenance seems never-ending! Driveways are one of those major investments that need attention every ten years or so. As the summer advances, you may notice scammers targeting older homeowners in your neighborhood. Every…

America is getting older. It is projected that the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double from 46 million to over 98 million by 2060. People aged 65 and older will become 24 percent of the population by then. Along with that aging population, there will be an increase in companies…

The weather has been getting warmer and summer is upon us! As we begin to think about cookouts and family picnics and days at the beach, we might find ourselves at the supermarket buying some chicken for the family. That night on the news, you hear that there has been a national recall on a…

This early summer has brought early-blooming flowers, warm weather, longer days and, unfortunately, door-to-door scammers who try to take advantage of homeowners in a variety of ways. It seems like there are more every year – chimney repairs, magazine subscriptions, alternative energy contracts, lawn mowing and landscaping, house painting, roofers and gutter installers and the…

Buying a new car is a major investment, and most of us take a long time to make that decision. And after we compare prices, safety features, options, warranties and guarantees, we agree to pay a considerable amount of money for a vehicle we hope will last years and years. With so much to consider,…

In this column, we usually discuss ways to avoid scams and make smart choices for ourselves and our families regarding day-to-day decisions. But it’s important to talk about things that are difficult too, and nothing is more difficult that losing a loved one. Most of us would rather not think about funerals, and as a…

Many of us are caring for, or helping to care for, older members of our extended families. There are over 47 million people over 65 in America today. In 2060, that number will likely double to 98 million. The responsibility can be challenging and difficult for family members caring for several generations at the same…