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Car Shopping? Consider the Cost to Insure and Drive That New Vehicle

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driving_costs.jpgApril 2004

If you're in the market for a new or used car, then you're probably spending a good bit of time trying to discover what vehicle's right for you. If you're shopping the StraightTalk way, then you've figured what you can afford to purchase and are previewing models and makes in your price range in the ads, on the Internet, and down at the dealerships. In the shopping excitement, however, many buyers overlook one crucial question: Can you afford to drive the vehicle after you bring it home?

Would it surprise you to know that even if you are looking at two vehicles in the same class—say two compact pickups, midsize sedans, or minivans—that the cost to own the two similar vehicles can vary widely. Smart buyers will check out the cost to own and operate that great set of wheels. You'll need to consider these factors.

Read more: Car Shopping? Consider the Cost to Insure and Drive That New Vehicle

Making an Effective Consumer Complaint

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March 2004

When you purchase a product that is defective or doesn't perform properly or perhaps you receive a service that is unsatisfactory, how do you make a consumer complaint that will get results? Experts recommend using the following steps and tips to resolve a problem.

Be prepared. For any purchase or service, keeping supporting documents is very important. Keep sales receipts, contracts, manuals, warranty information, and any other information that comes with the product or service. Users manuals, warranty paperwork and contracts may describe the process to be followed for complaints. If so, follow those steps. If not, these steps will work.

Act quickly. Some companies may limit their responsibility for responding to complaints to a certain time period.

Read more: Making an Effective Consumer Complaint

   

Are You Ready to Prepare Your Taxes?

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February 2004

Note that the tips in this report are useful no matter what year: just replace 2003 with 2007 and 2004 with 2008.

As certainly as winter brings cold weather, it also brings the signs (like W2 forms) that tax time is not far away. Rather than waiting until April 15 draws near, it is smart to pay some attention to 2003's taxes as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you prepare to do 2003's taxes and get a head start for planning 2004 taxes.

Gather Up Your Records

As tax time creeps nearer, most of us think first of gathering tax records. The basic records you need include:

Read more: Are You Ready to Prepare Your Taxes?

   

Preparing and Coping with Cold & Flu Season

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January 2004

Winter is upon us and that means cold and flu season. The news has been full of reports of flu outbreaks. Here are some tips from the experts on what you and your family can do to avoid getting sick and respond if the symptoms hit you.

Preventing Colds and Flu

Good health habits can help prevent the transmission of colds and flu. Here are tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Read more: Preparing and Coping with Cold & Flu Season

   

Holiday Travel and Safety Tips

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December 2003

The weeks from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day mark the holiday season for many traditions and cultures in the United States. Each year millions of individuals and families take to road, air, and rail to visit families and friends. Homes are decorated and great feasts prepared. Everyone looks forward to these days. But too often, what should be a time of joy and relaxation becomes a time with too much stress and hassle, or tragically for a few, a time saddened by injury or loss. For example, traffic safety predictions alert us to the potential for injury and death in traffic accidents. Emergency rooms annually treat about 11,000 persons for accidents and fires related to holiday lights and decorations, such as Christmas trees.

Read more: Holiday Travel and Safety Tips

   

Giving Charitable Gifts As an Informed Donor

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November 2003

When the calendar turns to November, 'tis the season for appeals for charitable gifts. Between November 1 and the end of the year, the typical American home will receive dozens of mail, phone, and even door-to-door solicitations for gifts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that more than 700,000 federally recognized charities exist. And each year individuals contribute more than 80% of all money raised by charitable causes. Wise donors want to make sure that their charitable gift dollars are used wisely and responsibly. They also want to avoid those scam artists and phony charities that prey on people's generosity.

Read more: Giving Charitable Gifts As an Informed Donor

   

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Web Links

January 2009

Did you recently get a new computer or other electronics and you don't know what to do with the old stuff. Then check out these sites:

Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronic Products? — This page from the Environmental Protection Agency can help you find a local program, manufacturer and retailer programs, and government-supported donation and recycling programs.

Electronics Reuse and Recycling Center from GreenerChoices.org — This site from Consumer Reports provides various information about what you can do with your old electronics including donating and recycling.

Federal Reserve Consumer Help
This site is loaded with information from the Federal Reserve Board. Learn more about checking accounts, credit reports, deposit insurance, electronic banking and more. Other sections include file a complaint, find an answer, and other resources.

Tax Tips for 2009
Beginning January 5th, the IRS will issue more than 70 tax tips through the April filing deadline. These easy-to-understand tips cover a wide range of topics.

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