Reports

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Getting the Longest Service Out of Your Vehicle Saves $$$

May 2008

Many people are keeping their cars longer. According to a recent report by the research company R. L. Polk & Co., the median age of operational passenger cars in 2007 was 9.2 years. Take good care of your car or truck and it will give you many years of service. Extra service years can save you money long-term. In the current economic climate, all of us are looking for ways to trim our spending. Here's how to stretch the good life for your wheels.

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Don’t Fall for Scams Related to the Credit Crisis

April 2008

The slow down in the economy, the housing bust, and the tightening of credit have forced many people into financial difficulties. Scammers are just waiting to take advantage of these situations. People who are worried about money or losing their homes make lucrative targets for these thieves. You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the facts and the scams profiled in this month’s report.

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Tax Time Tips

March 2008

It's that time again—time to file your income taxes. Nobody enjoys tax time, but being armed with the right information can help you accomplish this chore quickly and safely. This month's review provides information on free e-filing, an update on “quick refund” loans, and tips for finding a reliable tax preparer with expertise to match your needs.

E-file your taxes for free

The number of people who file their taxes electronically has increased each year. In 2007, 80 million people e-filed their taxes. While many people pay a fee to e-file—for example, through software programs or tax preparers—the IRS offers the Free File program. According to the IRS, most taxpayers—70% or 97 million—are eligible to use Free File.

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Choosing a Cell Phone Plan to Meet Your Needs and Budget

February 2008

Increasingly, cell phones have become a necessity for modern life. But most cell phone users aren’t happy about their service. In the latest Annual Survey of Cell Phone Service, Consumer Reports found that more than half of cell phone users were not satisfied with their service. Typical consumer complaints include poor coverage, dropped calls, early termination fees, mandatory contract extensions, locked phones, and unexpected fees. When cell phones offer many functions beyond phone calls—from text messaging to surfing the Internet to downloading videos—finding the right plan to meet your needs without breaking your budget can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you meet that challenge.