Reports

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Using Credit Cards Wisely During Today’s Tough Economy

July 2009

Used wisely, credit cards enable consumers to manage cash flow and leverage their overall buying power. Today’s tough economic times, however, have put pressures on financial institutions, businesses, and individual consumers. These pressures have given rise to ongoing changes in credit card account terms and rates being made by a number of card issuers. Such changes may in turn increase financial pressures on many card holders. Cash-strapped consumers squeezed by higher costs or employment woes may be tempted to bridge cash shortfalls by charging expenditures, even for necessities such as food and gasoline. The resulting cycle of increased debt can be down right dangerous to personal financial stability. This report provides some strategies for using credit cards wisely in today’s tough economic circumstances.

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Cell Phone Scams!

We’re cruising along in the car listening to music. My buddy gets a phone call:

“Last warning: your car insurance warranty is about to expire! Press ‘1’ to talk to a representative,” the voice says. Without thinking, my buddy presses “1” and looks lost while listening to what the person on the phone has got to say.

Wait a minute; he suddenly remembers he doesn’t even have a car!

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June 2009

New Credit Card Law: What does it mean for you?

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Go Green at Home – and Save

June 2009

Saving money is a top priority for most people these days. Yet, most of us also want to do our best for the environment. Taking steps that help you go greener at home and also save money is a win–win goal. So in this report, my team and I have pulled together a variety of easy, practical tips. Add at least one new green, money-saving practice each week, and over time your wallet and the planet will say thank you!

Lighting. Incandescent light bulbs lose about 90% of the electricity they use as heat. Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LED bulbs can reduce your electricity bill. Even though CFL and LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they are more efficient and last longer. To avoid problems, however, you must choose the correct bulb for an application because CFLs and LED lights can burn out quickly when used in the wrong place. For example, a regular CFL “coil” light placed in a can light or an enclosed fixture typically will burn out rather quickly—a waste of your money. Excessive heat can also cause LED lights to burn out. Learn more about CFL and LED lighting at the energystar.gov site.