Consumer News (cont'd)

2005 News Page 1 | 2

May 31, 2009

Kaiser Class Action Filed in California Alleges failure to refund copayments after collecting reimbursement.

Time Warner Cable Changes Contracts To Favor Bandwith Caps Agreements quietly updated to allow throttling of service.

Mortgage Rates Gone Wild With mortgage rates suddenly skyrocketing, what should potential homebuyers do?

8 Major Benefits of New Credit Card Law Here are the highlights of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 that benefit cardholders.

Obama Promises Support for Cybersecurity, Net Neutrality Advocates appointment of "cyber czar," increased funding and education.

Video: How to Save on Your Wedding There are ways to have a memorable celebration without carrying the debt for your wedded life.

Texas Charges Conn's Failed to Honor Warranties Suit charges appliance chain deceived customers, engaged in false advertising.

May 30, 2009

House Committee Moves Forward On Food Safety Legislation FDA would gain new enforcement powers; Some see problems.

California Sues Charities For Stealing Donations To Public Servants Multiple lawsuits agains telemarketers, donors for deceptive practices and fraud.

Oil Prices Shoot Higher, Gas Prices Follow National average climbs to $2.467 per gallon.

Lawmakers Target Bank Overdraft Fees Democrats want Fed to restrict "courtesy" program.

Mortgage Delinquencies At Record High Analyst finds increase 'sobering but not unexpected'.

GM Prepares For Bankruptcy Monday Stockholders to be wiped out, bondholders to take steep loss.

FCC'S Help Line Mobbed During DTV Soft Test 55,000 calls across major media markets on one day.

Court Rules Lawsuit Against AT&T/Cingular Can Proceed Customers allege poor service during buyout.

May 28, 2009

California Produce Company Recalls Pistachios on Salmonella Fears Los Angeles company received tainted goods from Setton Pistachios.

In Search Of Revenue, Feds May Look To Consumers National sales tax a possibility.

Many Consumers Pay "Hidden Health Tax," Group Charges Undisclosed insurance premium surcharges hammer insured.

Taxpayers Assume Circuit City Retirement Plan National pension insurer takes on liability after retailer bankruptcy.

New Jersey Sues Over Phony Springsteen Ticket Sales Investigators bust companies for deceptive practices.

Mortgage Rates Sky-Rocket The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 5.45 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey.

My House is Worth How Much? Appraisers have the last word on a home's value, but homeowners can provide some input.

Video: Reappraising Appraisers Proposed new rules may not solve the problem of appraisers being influenced by lenders.

Recalls ...

May 27, 2009

CDC: Swine Flu May Have Peaked Focus shifting to fall flu prevention.

Chrysler Sours on Lemon Law Obligations Chapter 11 bankruptcy leaves car owners out in the cold.

Wal-Mart Fined $7,000 for "Black Friday" Employee Death Store worker trampled and crushed by shoppers.

Court Rules Lawsuit Against AT&T/Cingular Can Proceed Customers allege poor service during buyout.

Existing Home Sales Rise in April Falling prices trigger new round of buyouts from deal seekers.

Will Good Cardholders Suffer Under New Law? The new credit card law may have negative impact on people who don't carry a balance.

Good Credit May Not Be Good Enough In the new lending environment, a good credit score is not good enough for today's homebuyers.

Progressive Settles Rate Quote Complaint Massachusetts consumers complained quotes were inaccurate.

Recalls ...

May 26, 2009

Consumers React to NUTRO Recalls; Zinc, Copper Levels Cited FDA investigators say agency's probe is 'high priority.'

Advanta Closes Customers' Credit Card Accounts Analysts: company under severe financial stress.

Consumers Increasingly Concerned About Online Transactions New survey indicates 85 percent of respondents worry about shopping or banking online.

California Files 79 Criminal Charges in $200 Million Ponzi Scheme Defendants accused of bilking investors out of retirement savings.

Consumer Confidence Surges In May Surprising jump in views of economy, job market.

U.S. Home Values Now 32 Percent Below Their Peak Steady declines continue across all metro regions.

Homeowners' Associations Face Tough Times Lack of payments leads to loss of shared services.

Systemax Buys Circuit City Name, Web Site No retail locations planned but name will survive online.

Video: Older Americans Becoming 'Prisoners Of Their Stuff' Downsizing requires some rigorous house-cleaning.

May 25, 2009

Bankruptcy Not Helping People Keep Their Homes New study finds even Chapter 13 doesn't stave off foreclosure.

Prevention Needed to Curb Foreclosure Rescue Scams Consumer group warns that more enforcement and education are necessary.

Two Illinois Banks Fail Cost to taxpayers is $173 million.

Video: Credit Cards for College Students Credit card offers abound on college campuses. Here's what students need to know.

Is Credit Card Protection Worth It? Credit card protection plans might help in the event of a job loss, but their cost can add up.

12 Tips to Buying a Home at Auction There are differences between large regional home auctions and those on the courthouse steps.

Recalls ...

May 24, 2009

Two Hydroxycut Class Actions Filed Suits follow recall of liver-damaging dietary supplement.

Obama Signs Credit Card Bill Measure bans some of issuers' least popular tactics.

May 21, 2009

Court Finds Tobacco Companies Lied About Smoking Dangers Rules that defendants violated racketeering laws.

Gas and Oil Prices Still Rising Memorial Day travelers will find higher pump prices.

Harvard Study Raises BPA Concerns Study finds chemical leeches from plastic water bottles.

Older People Appear More Resistant To Swine Flu Studies indicate young are most at risk.

Feds Shut Down Florida Bank Private equity firm takes control; Largest bank failure this year.

GE Microwaves Prone to Spontaneous Fire, Suit Claims Alleges failure of control panel and magnetron.

Another Chinese Drywall Suit Filed Senate ponders what to do next.

California Petitions Supreme Court To Enforce Video Game Law Sales of violent games to minors should be prohibited, Brown argues.

Is Organic Worth It? With money tight, organic foods may not be the best buy.

Recalls ...

May 20, 2009

NUTRO Recalls Dry Cat Food Sold in 11 Countries Company blames supplier for incorrect zinc, potassium levels

Craigslist CEO Sues South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster's threats violated federal law and the Constitution, suit argues.

UAW, GM Agree On New Contract Deal may protect pension obligations, avert bankruptcy.

Illinois Meat Packer Recalls 95,898 Pounds Of Beef Food inspectors report possible E.coli contamination.

TicketsNow Once Again in Hot Water Site sold Springsteen tickets that didn't exist.

New Jersey Investors Getting Refunds From Citigroup Attorney General brokers deal to settle nondisclosure charges.

Mortgage Rates Up Slightly The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.24 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey.

"Soft Tests" Conducted for DTV Transition Readiness Experiment simulates switch from analog to digital signals.

Competition Heats Up for Internships In lieu of entry-level jobs, many college graduates find internships are their best hope. Here's how to get the best one.

Feds, States Target Charity Scams Bogus telemarketers claim to help police, firefighters, veterans.

Recalls ...

May 20, 2009

Swine Flu Spreads to 48 States; NYC Hard-Hit 26 schools closed in NYC, attendance down citywide.

Emails Suggest Cozy FDA-BPA Industry Relationship Retailers drop products containing BPA despite FDA's position.

Obama Orders Rollback of Preemptions on State Laws Decision hailed as victory for consumer protections.

Video — Credit Card Law May Produce Unintended Consequences New restrictions may also tighten access to credit.

Consumer Groups Challenge Chrysler Bankruptcy Consumers shouldn't lose their lemon law, defective vehicle rights, groups argue.

Texas Attorney General Takes on Text Message Scammers "Smishing" uses fake mobile messages to harvest personal data.

Olive Garden Settles Credit Card Data Exposure Suit Claim alleged restaurant printed too many numbers on receipts.

Pension Agency Deficit Balloons Largest shortfall in 35-year history.

Bill in Congress Would Ban Substandard Drywall, Steel, Cement "Junk should be ... shipped back to China," Rep. Stupak declares.

Staying put? Stimulus Plans May Help Here's how the stimulus plans may help homeowners who are not planning to buy or sell.

What Will $400,000 Buy Today? Bankrate's annual interactive looks at how much home you can buy today for $400,000. In 2009? Quite a lot.

May 19, 2009

Consumer Site Appeals FDA's Refusal to Release NUTRO Records Agency claims there is no investigation, so records should be released, site argues.

Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Credit Card Reform Bill passes Senate 90-5; Obama wants complete legislation by weekend.

California Reinstates Tobacco Fraud Class Action Interprets state proposition in favor of consumers.

Eli Lily Pays $700 Million To States in Zyprexa Settlement Payment will fund state Medicaid programs in exchange for dropped charges.

Teflon Suit Slides Off DuPont Cookware contains likely carcinogen.

Obama Rolls Out Tougher MPG Rules New plan sets uniform national standard.

Pennsylvania Refinery Fire Spikes Gas Prices Gas futures hit a seven-month high, leading to retail increases.

New York City Closes 16 Schools as H1N1 Spreads New strain of flu targets the young.

Internet Job Scams On The Rise Jobs sound too good to be true.

Recalls ...

May 18, 2009

Swine Flu Claims Sixth U.S. Victim Assistant principal of NYC school dies.

Video: Getting Help With A Loan Modification Who should troubled homeowners turn to for help?

New Study Highlights Dangers in the Water Chemicals in pools injure over 5,000 people yearly.

Craigslist CEO, South Carolina AG Trade Potshots Over Erotic Ads Attorney General promises to prosecute over charges of sex trafficking, porn.

Video: What's Your Car Worth? Determining a used car's value is difficult in today's economy.

FTC Slams Fake Government Loan Rescue Operation Company falsely claimed to be official Web site.

Pros, Cons of Paying Car Loan with HELOC The interest on the HELOC is tax deductible, but your line of credit may outlive the car.

U.S. Energy Savings Corp. Agrees to Illinois Refunds State cracks down on false promises of big savings.

West Virginia Gets Injunction Against Texas Debt Firm Able Debt Settlement blocked from doing business in state.

May 16, 2009

Judge Orders Halt to Warranty Robocalls Senators spur FTC investigation against automated scammers.

Big & Tall, Middle Eastern Style Saudis a source of more than oil for some U.S. consumers.

How Secure is Life Insurance? Life insurers' losses make them seem vulnerable. Can they keep their promises to consumers?

Are Variable Annuities Safe? Investors bought annuities to protect against market declines, but now some insurers are suffering.

May 15, 2009

Chrysler Dealers Head for Court Spurned dealers say state laws protect their franchises.

GM Notifying 1,100 Dealers They're Being Dumped Franchises set to expire by 2010.

GMAC Changing Name to Ally Bank Auto financier hopes to escape GM stigma, adopts better business practices.

Swine Flu Closes Three New York City Schools U.S. records fourth death, 4,900 cases.

Consumer Prices Remain Flat In April Prices slipped 0.7%, biggest decline since 1955.

New York Cracks Down on Immigration Ripoff Scheme Attorney General charges woman with fraud and deceptive practices.

North Carolina Locks Down Phony Locksmith Scam Attorney General targets scammers for false pricing.

An Upside to Chrysler's Plight The government is guaranteeing warranties while incentives lock in a killer car deal for buyers.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

Top 5 Renovations To Sell That House With thousands of homes sitting on the market unsold, it's critical to understand which improvements really will help get that house sold.

May 14, 2009

Obama Presses Case For Credit Card Reform President wants bill on his desk by Memorial Day.

GM, Chrysler May Close 3,000 Dealers Auto industry estimates lost jobs at over 200,000.

Growing Number of Adults in ATV Accidents Seniors account for high percentage of injuries.

FTC Giving Financial Services Closer Scrutiny Agency promises to increase oversight of mortgage, lending sectors.

California Blocks Costly Property Tax Rip-Off Attorney General takes on reassessment scheme.

Feds Probe 'Car Warranty' Robo Calls Senators spur FTC investigation against automated scammers.

Dirt-Cheap Loans on New Homes Homebuilders are offering discounted interest rates to lure buyers back into the market.

Facing Foreclosure: Now What? With the bank foreclosing, you have more options than you think. Don't just give up.

Retire Student Loan Before You Retire School debt is forgiven in only some instances, so it's best to plan on repaying it instead.

Recalls ...

May 13, 2009

FDA Warns General Mills About Cheerios Claims "Heart-healthy" cholesterol-lowering claims challenged.

Gas Prices Jump 10 Cents Since Friday Traders go bullish on oil as recovery hopes increase.

Hiring Forecast Less Grim But Wages Fall Service sector is hardest hit by falling pay.

Craigslist Shuts Down "Erotic Services" Ads Pressure from Attorney Generals leads to revamp, more scrutiny.

Illinois Files "Cramming" Suit Against California Firm Chatsworth company accused of adding unwarranted charges to bills.

Digital TV Switch Less Than One Month Away Government pushes outreach to communities lagging in DTV readiness.

When's the Best Time to Pay Credit Card? To improve your credit score, it helps to pay before the closing date of the statement.

Time to Buy Real Estate? It's been a buyers market for some time now. But how will you know when it's the prime time to make your move?

Recalls ...

May 12, 2009

Home Values Plunge 14 Percent In First Quarter Distressed homes skewing median prices; sales picked up in some areas.

People to People Uses Dead Student's Name as Recruiting Tool Promise to remove Tayler Hill's name from database goes unfilled.

FTC Considers New Restrictions on 'Negative Option' Marketing Tricky sales tool often turns 'no' into 'yes'.

Senate Studies Soda Tax Tax on sugary drinks would help finance health care.

Buffalo Crash Hearing Focuses On Pilot Training Investigators examine whether crew reacted properly to conditions.

Medical Billers Network Settles with Feds Promoters sold deceptive work-at-home scheme.

Feds Destroy Body-Building Supplements Supplements may contain steroids, a possible health risk.

Europeans Buying U.S. Vacation Homes Foreigners take advantage of favorable euro-to-dollar exchange rate but face higher down payment.

Know Your Goals Before You Refinance Before refinancing, properly identify your financial goals so you chase the right solution.

May 11, 2009

GM Chief Calls Bankruptcy 'More Probable' GM more likely to follow Chrysler into bankruptcy, CEO concedes.

More than 2,500 Swine Flu Cases Confirmed in U.S. Virus continues its spread, hits younger people more than seniors.

Scammers Targeting Social Security Recipients Seniors should be suspicious of any offer of help with stimulus payment.

More Boomers Losing Health Coverage Older workers losing insurance when they need it most.

9 Secrets to Online Bargain Hunting The Internet can be a great place to find bargains. Ramp up your shopping skills to save even more.

Discretionary Spending at Lowest Level in 30 Years Consumers 'not even thinking about buying things'.

Feds Accuse California Lender of Charging Hispanics Higher Rates Golden Empire Mortgage accused of illegal discrimination.

Iowa Bans Get-Rich-Quick Scheme NYC promoter used Des Moines address to lure victims.

Late-Stage Cancer Risk Higher In City Than In Country But risk of late diagnosis also high in least-populated rural areas.

May 10, 2009

California Gets Judgment Against Calling Card Company Attorney General slams company for "hidden and deceptive" fees.

Lenders Won't Refi Upside-Down Auto Loans Don't expect lenders to offer a lower rate, but you might cut your payment by extending the loan.

'Redneck' Checking Promises Big Yield Redneck Bank is just one institution pledging big returns to consumers who open a checking account.

Doing the Student Loan Shuffle The credit crunch continues to hamper the student loan market, but there are signs of a thaw.

May 9, 2009

Obama Wants Credit Card Legislation This Month Asks Congress for fast action on Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights.

Do You Qualify for the Mortgage Refi Plan? The federal government, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac spell out the rules for the refinance program.

Video: 10 Dollar-Store Duds Comparison shopping and unit pricing will help you find deals and duds at the dollar store.

May 8, 2009

New York Subpoenas Debt Settlement Companies Attorney General Cuomo launches nationwide probe of companies' practices.

Gasoline Prices Rise On Economic Optimism Average price up 11 cents from last week.

All 19 Banks Pass Stress Tests But many require new capital infusions to stay solvent.

Congress Becoming More Pro-Senior, Study Finds Survey of voting records finds more support for senior issues.

Americans Turn Away From Credit Cards Consumers try to trim debt as economy sputters.

New Evidence Ties Gene to Alzheimer's Lower levels of neuroglobin may indicate disease risk.

New Jersey Broker Charged In $10 Million Ponzi Scheme Accused of defrauding elderly investors.

Consumers Reminded to Investigate Before Investing Explore the background of any brokerage before committing your money.

Saturn, Pontiac, Chrysler: Fire-Sale Time? With two major brands ending and one of the Big 3 in bankruptcy, dealers are offering great deals.

Don't Sweat the Stress Test Results Now that the government's test of the nation's banks is over, what have we learned?

May 7, 2009

U.S. Swine Flu Cases Approaching 1000 Evidence of virus in 43 states so far.

Gasoline Supplies Hit Lowest Level Since January Wholesale prices bump up, pump prices may follow.

Obama Seeks 19 Percent Budget Hike For FDA New proposal includes higher industry fees.

9 Cash-Saving Strategies That Pay Big Bucks Cutting expenses can pay huge dividends if you invest your savings and let them compound over time.

Poll Finds Americans Concerned About Swine Flu Cases documented in 23 countries so far.

Managing The Stress of Debt While grappling to pay your bills, you may find the darkest side of debt is the mounting stress.

Lawsuit Alleges Apple Power Adapters Are Faulty Second suit alleging negligent design.

Tips For Getting Your Rent Reduced In today's market, tenants are saving cash by successfully asking their landlords for a rent reduction

Magazine Salespeople Take to the Streets Consumers should be wary of door-to-door solicitations.

Video: Haggling For a Better Deal Bargaining for a better deal can save you money.

Recalls ...

May 6, 2009

Number Of U.S. Swine Flu Cases Jumps 642 documented cases of H1N1 in U.S.

States Turn Up Heat on Craigslist Sex Postings South Carolina threatens criminal prosecution of CEO Buckmaster.

Indiana Hit By Swine Flu Scams Attorney General targets solicitors selling "swine flu kits".

Constipation Drug Dangerous for Pregnant Women? Public Citizen: FDA should add 'black box' warning.

New Jersey Attorney General Blasts FDA in Medical Device Case Doctors not required to disclose financial conflicts of interest.

One in Five Homeowners Underwater Bad real estate news persists, despite signs of life in market.

Childhood Obesity Linked To Allergies Researchers caution that no definitive conclusions exist yet.

Illinois Sues Two Debt Settlement Firms SDS West, Debt Relief USA accused of deceptive practices.

Recalls ...

May 5, 2009

Obama Names New Consumer Product Safety Chair, Boosts Budget Embattled agency would get enhanced funding, more commissioners.

April Dismal For U.S. And Foreign Carmakers Sales dropped nearly 35 percent between April 2008 and April 2009.

Ohio Puts Heat on Foreclosure Rescue Operations One in 440 houses received a foreclosure filing.

Congress To Consider Legalizing Online Gambling Frank wants 2006 ban amendment overturned.

Consumer Reports: 20 Percent of Online Shoppers Are Cybercrime Victims Even in recession, business is booming for cybercrooks.

When to Opt Out of a Credit Card Rate Hike Credit cardholders are being hit with interest rate increases. Should you opt out or accept it?

Lower Mortgage Rate Not Always Best When deciding whether to refinance, weigh the costs against the savings from a lower rate.

Caffeine Withdrawal — It's Not Just In Your Head New study documents physical effects of cutting back on coffee.

Recalls ...

May 4, 2009

NUTRO Pulls Greenies Dental Chews from Supermarkets Snacks will be distributed only through veterinarians, specialty retailers.

CDC Sees 'Encouraging' Swine Flu Signs Strain is not particularly virulent yet, but that could change.

Pending Home Sales Turn Around In March Low interest rates, fire sale prices trump recession fears.

Texas Senate Places Limits On Tuition Hikes Increases would be limited to five percent.

Consumer Reports: Five Repairs Homeowners Shouldn't Ignore June issue offers tips to spot trouble areas and avoid costly repairs.

Consumer Reports: Best Gas Grills For Under $500 Manufacturers move away from stainless to maintain pricing; Advice on how to choose.

Drawbacks Hidden in Model Home Model homes are typically more spacious, but potential defects may be masked by lavish extras.

Today's Realty Reality The U.S. real estate market has changed and the true value of homes has been reset.

Defend Yourself Against Debt Collectors Even if you owe a company money, you have rights -- and it pays to know what they are.

California Foreclosure ‘Rescue’ Defendants Rounded Up Feds, state squash scams that preyed on troubled homeowners.

Artificial Hips Last Twice As Long As Predicted Study finds replacement hips surprisingly durable.

May 3, 2009

Swine Flu Spreads, But Relatively Few Deaths Reported Most reported deaths are in Mexico.

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms The flu's likely to be around for awhile; be ready for it.

Swine Flu a Potential Problem for Cruise Ships CDC offers guidance for crews and passengers.

May 2, 2009

Swine Flu Spreads, As Do Scams Flu now found in 15 countries, scams close behind.

CDC Offers Swine Flu Tips for Child Care Providers Parents' cooperation needed to minimize the spread of disease.

Defend Yourself Against Debt Collectors Even if you owe a company money, you have rights -- and it pays to know what they are.

Don't Waste Pennies on Premium Manufacturers require premium for some cars. But if it's just "recommended," don't bother.

Three More Banks Fail FDIC closes banks in Georgia, New Jersey, Utah

May 1, 2009

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Weight-Loss Products Dietary supplements linked to one death; risk of liver injury.

More Warnings Against Swine Flu Scams Agencies warn against promotions touting cures or treatments.

California Certifies Class Action Against Pella Alleges leaking windows, nonexistent service.

Gasoline Prices Remain Steady National average hovers around $2 a gallon.

Eating Healthy Costs More New study draws links between nutrition and economic status.

Don't Panic — It's Just Allergy Season What appears to be swine flu is probably just hay fever.

Senate Defeats Mortgage 'Cram Down' Bill Banking lobbyists prevail, bill's sponsor vows to keep trying.

Video: Shopping by Phone New tool for bargain hunters -- software turns your phone into a price checker.

Calculate Your Inflation Rate The way you spend money determines how dramatically inflation impacts your bank account.

April 30, 2009

Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy, GMAC Takes Over Financing Obama urges consumers to consider buying a new Chrysler product.

Clearwire Slapped With Class Action Complaint alleges shoddy service and illegal cancellation fees.

Credit Card Bill Passes House — Again Legislation that would restrict abusive lending practices passes for the second time.

Weight-Loss Products Illegally Spiked with Prescription Drugs Public Citizen: FDA Response 'Inadequate'.

Can the Right Mask Prevent Swine Flu? Consumer Reports experts say the answer may be yes.

Have Consumers Tightened Their Belts Permanently? Spending habits remain thrifty, signaling long-term trend.

Doctors' Group Slams Drug Company Freebies Conflicts of interest between physicians and Big Pharma questioned.

Consumers Finding Fewer New Products in Recession Food and beverage companies cut back on launching new items.

Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Cut premiums with pay-as-you-drive insurance, but watch out for surcharges.

How to Establish a Great Credit Score Consumers with limited credit histories can still build a good credit score.

Recalls ...

April 29, 2009

Feds Deny NUTRO Investigation; Witnesses Say Otherwise Consumers still hoping for action on their pets' deaths and illnesses.

No Reason To Panic Over Swine Flu Despite first U.S. death, officials call for calm.

Bank of America's Lewis Removed as Chairman Will remain as President and CEO; Walter Massey to succeed as chairman.

Watch Out For Swine Flu Scams Con artists quick to exploit new situation.

Gas Supplies Drop As Refineries Cut Production Prices remain at $2 a gallon, demand stays low.

Auto Sales Stagnant, But Hope Appears Signs of stabilization in second half of 2009.

FTC Charges Hoodia Claims Are Bogus Suppliers accused of deceptive claims.

Will Replacement Card Hurt Credit Score? How the card issuer reports the card to the credit bureaus determines the effect.

Green Insurance, the Eco-Alternative Insurance firms are offering eco-friendly options to lure consumers interested in energy efficiency.

Video: 5 Cheap Ways to Go Solar Don't have $50,000 to invest in solar? Here are ways that the rest of us can harness energy from the sun.

Recalls ...

April 28, 2009

Swine Flu: What You Need to Know Don't believe rumors; listen to the experts.

State of Emergency Declared in California Over Swine Flu Schwarzenegger ramps up "aggressive approach" to mitigating outbreak.

Ad Watch: Boniva's Misleading Ad Video commentary gives consumers the facts the commercials leave out.

Consumer Group Seeks End To Forced Arbitration Consumers forced to give away their legal rights.

Feds Charge Five in $70 Million "Dream Home" Scam Defendants accused of complex scheme that bilked homeowners out of thousands.

FDA Requires Additional Warning For OTC Pain Relievers More detail of potential side effects required on labels.

The Upside of the Down Economy Financial news is brutal lately, but the recession is teaching us the basics for a new economy.

Video: Frugal Mom Has Thrifty Tips Meet a mom whose daily money-saving methods got her national attention.

April 27, 2009

GM Moves Up Saturn Execution, Plans to Drop 2,600 Dealers Pontiac, Hummer also headed for the scrap heap as GM releases new strategy.

HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu 20 cases confirmed so far, no known deaths in U.S.

Previous Swine Flu Outbreak Offers Some Perspective 1976 Fort Dix outbreak may have clues to current crisis.

Credit Card Losses Spike in February More debt written off as uncollectable.

Rest In Peace, Countrywide Financial Bank of America officially "retires" brand name for its lending company.

Apple Said to Be in Talks with Verizon over iPhone Rumors persist despite denials from Apple, AT&T.

Costco Settles "Hot Gasoline" Suit Company to retrofit pumps to avoid shorting drivers.

Mortgage Rates Keep Falling This may be the time to refinance.

Weigh Costs Before Buying Down Loan The costs associated with buying down a loan may put the brakes on a mortgage refinance.

Time Matters to Your Credit Score More recent good news on your credit report will outweigh old news about bad debt.

April 26, 2009

Swine Flu Appears Spreading In U.S. New cases suspected in New York, Kansas.

Alfalfa Sprouts Linked to Salmonella Illnesses reported in six states.

Four More Banks Fail FDIC closes banks in California, Michigan, Georgia, Idaho.

April 25, 2009

CDC Deploys Teams To Sites Of Swine Flu Outbreaks Death toll in Mexico rises to 68.

Web Sites Offer Car-Lease Swapping Several Web sites arrange car-lease terminations but be careful of the fine print.

Prepare For the Inevitable Record-low interest rates won't last forever.

April 24, 2009

Scam Artists Profit from Chinese Drywall Fears Bogus tests, phony remedies being widely promoted, Florida warns.

GM Prepares to Scrap Pontiac White House pumps another $2 billion into ailing automaker.

Texas Sues Water4gas.com Devices don't work, tax breaks don't apply, state charges.

Massachusetts Approves Settlement in Inflated Drug Price Lawsuit Companies inflated prices without economic justification.

What Would a Chrysler Bankruptcy Mean For You? Big 3 automaker bust could have far-reaching repercussions.

FDA Gains Insight to Bird Flu Virus Scientists analyze blood from patients infected with H5N1.

Gas Prices Stable as Demand Remains Weak What a difference a year makes.

Modest Exercise Can Reduce Negative Effects of Belly Fat Progress seen in overweight individuals even without diet changes.

Texas Sues 'GoogleMoneyTree' Promoter Scam uses high-profile name to deceive consumers, state charges.

'Gifting Clubs,' Pyramid Schemes Flourish on Web Scams target cash-strapped consumers looking to earn extra income.

Recalls ...

April 23, 2009

White House, Congress Cracking Down On Credit Cards Triple-threat attack on abusive lending practices.

Home Sales Fall in March Existing homes slow to move off market.

Mortgage Rates and Refis Up The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.23% in Bankrate's weekly survey.

California Sues Wells Fargo Affiliates for $1.5 Billion Attorney General wants money recovered for defrauded investors.

Stimulus Offers Modest Auto Savings The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers a tax break for people who buy a new car in 2009.

Trim -- Don't Lapse -- Life Insurance Trimming premiums is a better option than letting your policy lapse.

Eating Salmon Once A Week Reduces Heart Risks Researchers claim more evidence that omega-3 helps heart health.

Surviving Without Health Insurance It's tough, but not impossible, to get by without a group plan. Follow these tips.

Grapefruit Juice May Fight Cancer Researchers mix drink with drugs to increase potency.

Recalls ...

April 22, 2009

NUTRO Bites Back; Denies Probe of Pet Deaths, Illnesses Hundreds of pet owners say the company's food made their pets ill.

Home Prices Show Surprising Gain in February More signs of a turnaround?

Iowa Allows Consumers to Directly File Fraud Claims State does away with archaic lawsuit system.

Landmark Alzheimer's Drug Cleared For Clinical Trials. New treatment may improve as well as repair memory function.

Missouri Joins Mortgage Scam Smackdown Attorney General promises "zero tolerance" for fraudsters.

Researchers Link Grilling With Pancreatic Cancer Bad news for backyard chefs — back to the oven.

Mayo Clinic Provides Free Medical Record Storage Teams with Microsoft to expand online health information access.

NY Mandates Multi-Lingual Rx Labels, Counsel Chain pharmacies agree to accommodate non-English speakers.

Recalls ...

April 21, 2009

Telephone Industry Still Lacks Significant Competition 25 years after AT&T breakup, competition comes from wireless, VoIP.

U.S. Carmakers Getting More Federal Aid GM gets $5 billion while going through motions of bankruptcy.

TARP Ripe For Scams, Warns Inspector General Lack of oversight and sheer size means high abuse potential.

Study Suggests Video Games Are Addictive Researchers find 8% show signs of addiction.

Some Efforts To Control Eating May Backfire Addition of healthy options to menu spurs unhealthy eating.

Drug Costs Rise Less Quickly, Study Finds Increased use of generic drugs cuts costs without health risks.

Study Links Prostate Cancer to Single Rogue Cell 14-year research project tracks process of metastasis.

Urine Test May Predict Lung Cancer Study aims to identify why some become addicts and others do not.

April 20, 2009

FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses Menu Foods earlier revealed it was the target of a federal probe.

White House Pressuring Credit Card Companies Obama administration turns up heat for industry reform.

GM Cuts More Jobs, Eyes China 1,600 positions cut as auto giant struggles against looming bankruptcy.

Tax Credits On Ford Hybrids Phasing Out Credit will be slowly rolled back through April 2010.

Business Economists See Hopeful Signs Closing gaps in declines may indicate positive trend.

1040X to the Rescue Fouled up your tax return? Here's your second chance to get it right.

Video: Forestalling Foreclosure When you're in mortgage trouble, the best thing to do is make a phone call.

Foreclosures Not the Only Drag on Appraisals New, devalued homes and foreclosures are a double whammy on owners hoping to refinance.

Recalls ...

April 19, 2009

Senator: Florida Faces Chinese Drywall 'Hysteria' Pressure builds for quick action on complaints of contaminated drywall.

Grocery Coupons Offer an Easy Way to Save Consumers offer overlook an easy and risk-free way to cut grocery bills.

Banks in Missouri, Nevada Fail Both will reopen Monday under new owners.

Ask About 'Hard Pull' Before Opening a CD Before investing in a CD, ask the bank whether it will pull your credit report during the process.

Is Car Deposit Binding? If you put a deposit on a new car, can the dealer force you to take ownership?

April 18, 2009

What If Your Tax Refund is Wrong? You got a check from the IRS that's less, or more, than you expected. Find out why and what to do about it.

Should You Skip Your Mortgage Payment? Being delinquent on your mortgage won't necessarily improve your odds of a loan modification.

6 Ways to Sabotage Your Career You could kill your future opportunities in one negligent act or strangle them to death over time.

April 17, 2009

Gas Prices Remain Stable for Another Week Economy shaky but prices stable at the pump.

More Students Using Plastic to Pay for College Spikes in tuition, costs leaving more students cash-strapped.

Consumers to Spend Same or More on Entertainment in 2009 Recession doesn't slow down video games or music purchasing.

Don't Fear Automakers' Bankruptcies Car companies offer discounts and the government guarantees warranties to ease bankruptcy fears.

Canceling an Auto Service Contract If you're not getting the extended service you want, end the contract and get a refund.

Beware the 'Property Fraud' Scam Seniors are often targets of this fast-growing scam.

Energy Drinks Work, But Not The Way You Think Taste receptors improve athletic performance in unusual ways.

Massachusetts Tackles Timeshare Scam Owner collected $1.5 million for resort that was never used.

April 16, 2009

Federal Court Reinstates Credit Card Suit Merchants charged with violating identity theft law.

Time Warner Cable Backs Down On Bandwith Caps Company halts trials of "metered broadband" after negative publicity blitz.

Foreclosures Up 9% in First Quarter More Americans face loss of their home.

AT&T Looks To Extend iPhone Exclusivity Company profits nicely from phone's massive popularity.

Food Safety Results Level Off Report urges overhaul of disease outbreak prevention.

Mortgage Rates Edge Lower The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 5.18 percent in Bankrate's weekly survey.

State Insurance Commissioners Consider Dropping Consumer Protection Consumer advocates urge task force to reject proposal.

7 Ways to Trash Your Credit Score You can get blemishes on your credit report without even trying.

Recalls ...

April 15, 2009

Consumers Left to Sweep Up as Martha Stewart Tables Shatter Courts, feds, the press, Kmart and Martha turn their backs on consumers.

Floodgates Open in Pistachio Product Recall Nearly 20 manufacturers pull items from shelves due to Salmonella.

Southern California Home Sales Up Again in March Signs of life continue in real estate market.

No Sign of Inflation in March Food and fuel costs register big, surprising drops.

Toymaker Fined $1.1 Million For Consumer Violations Company accused of not providing data on products.

Coming Up with Tax Cash Can't pay your taxes? Don't panic. Here are some options.

Credit Scores Dropping? Credit scoring models haven't changed, but card issuers' practices may punish some scores.

Feds Predict Stable Gas Prices This Summer Higher consumption is being offset by a weakened economy.

West Virginia Sues Texas Debt Settlement Company Crackdown on deceptive marketing for debt relief continues.

Recalls ...

April 14, 2009

Minicars Perform Poorly in Insurance Institute Crash Tests Safety tests show safety trade-off when consumers choose the very smallest car.

GM Recalls 1.5 Million Cars For Fire Hazard Buick Regal; Chevy Lumina, Monte Carlo and Impala; Oldsmobile Intrigue; Pontiac Grand Prix included.

Tax Refunds Likely to Boost Consumer Spending Refunds higher this year, thanks to lower household incomes.

Last-Minute Tax Tips When all else fails, an automatic extension will buy you time.

Tax Tips & News for Procrastinators Everything you need to get your return ready.

Consumers Cut Spending in March Dismal retail sales reports undercut optimism about economy.

Pepsi Takes Coke To Court Over Energy Drink Claims Gatorade vs. Powerade at heart of "false advertising" dispute.

New York Sues Process Server for High-Volume Debt Collectors Company allegedly failed to serve legal notices on consumers; law firm also faces suit.

NJ Tax Prep Firm Ordered to Pay $1.64 Million to Clients Malqui Tax didn't disclose true cost of refund anticipation loans, court finds.

Gas Price Gougers Can Now Do Time in Mississippi New penalties include year in prison, $1,000 fine.

Texas Targets Hurricane Ike Scammers Attorney General charges roofers with deceptive practices.

April 13, 2009

More Pistachio Products Recalled Scores of items pulled from shelves due to possible Salmonella.

Vista Class Action Reaches End of the Road Judge denies amended class, prohibits additional filings.

Texas Charges JK Harris with Misrepresentation Firm overstates its ability to reduce tax debts, suit alleges.

Two More Banks Fail FDIC pays out $131 million to cover closings.

Key Corporate Earnings Due This Week Telltale signs of economic recovery or continuing meltdown.

Two Firms Stopped From Making Unapproved Drugs FDA takes action over untested pharmaceuticals.

Need More Time to File Your Taxes? Just Ask If you just can't finish your taxes by April 15, you can get six more months by just asking Uncle Sam.

Prepayment Fees Can Put Refinance on Hold It's tough to justify a refinance that will cost the homeowner $11,300 in prepayment fees.

No Company Can Erase Bad Debt Be careful of false claims. A credit repair firm can only advise you on ways to improve your credit.

April 11, 2009

Computer Scam Dampens Easter for African-American Churches 'Free' information kiosks cost churches $50,000 and up.

April 10, 2009

Texas Fines Peanut Plant $14.6 Million For Violations State charges PCA subsidiary with unsanitary conditions.

Sprouts Recalled Due To Possible Listeria Connecticut produce farm reports positive contamination tests.

Class Action Filed Against U.S. Fidelis Fraud, high-pressure sales tactics alleged in auto warranty sales.

Gas Prices Level Off Above $2 a Gallon Reduced global demand keeping prices in check.

Easter Bunny on a Budget This Year Fewer families buying gifts or candy for holiday.

Carmakers Aid Laid-Off Workers They'll make your car payment if you lose your job for 'economic reasons.'.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

Time Heals College Credit Card Mistakes Time is the best cure for a 20-something who made some foolish credit card mistakes in college.

April 9, 2009

Easter Surprise: Bank of America Raises Credit Card Interest Rates Latest increase hits about 4 million customers who carry a monthly balance.

Time Warner: Metered Broadband Will Prevent "Internet Brownouts" Chief operating officer reveals details of tiered pricing plans.

Consumers Change Shopping Lists To Cope With Recession Research firm tracks buying habits in tanking economy.

Physicians Question Asthma Treatment Heartburn medications may cause more problems than they solve.

Mortgage Rates Up Slightly The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 5.2 percent in Bankrate's weekly survey.

Mortgage Rate Trend Index Which way are rates headed? Bankrate surveys the experts.

Cut the Cable with IPTV By substituting Internet television for cable TV, you can save money and watch the programming whenever you want.

Recalls ...

April 8, 2009

Feds Search Peanut Product Distributor in Salmonella Investigation Company refused to provide information on tainted foods.

FCC Launches National Broadband Internet Plan Agency will coordinate stimulus money for nationwide Web access.

Coping With Costly Prescriptions Tips on how to save money while staying healthy.

Mortgage Applications Rise Sharply Low rates, refinancing spur big jumps.

Chronic Heart Failure Patients Benefit From Exercise New study shows that aerobics can lower risks.

Seeking a Safe Haven for Investments Do investment products that claim to protect principal and guarantee minimum returns deliver?

Staying Married to Save Cash The phrase "for richer or poorer" puts divorcing couples to the test during a recession.

New York Auto Lenders Face Jail Time Extended warranty scheme, loan irregularities draw prison sentences.

Recalls ...

April 7, 2009

Alleged Madoff Middleman Charged with Fraud Charities, non-profits lost billions invested with J. Ezra Merkin.

Texas Shuts Down 'Cheap Gas' Scheme 'Magnetic resonance' claims targeted Hispanics.

Time Warner Doubles Down on Metered Broadband Plans Company faces heavy criticism but insists plan is necessary.

FDA Warns About Listeria in Salmon Canadian import may be contaminated.

Lost Baggage Suit Against British Airways Moves Forward "Reckless conduct" exemption cited as backing for class action.

7-Day Tax Filing Plan Time's running out to complete your 1040. Don't panic. Our one-week, hour-a-day filing strategy will help you get your taxes done.

When It's OK to Tap Your IRA Sometimes, especially in this tough economy, you might need to take money out of your IRA. Here's when Uncle Sam says the withdrawal won't cost you extra.

Plant A Garden, Harvest Savings Gardening can save you money on fruits and vegetables — if you do it right.

21st Century Job-Hunting Techniques The Internet in general and social media in particular have changed the nature of the job-search game.

Recalls ...

Pistachio Recall Continues To Expand Testing indicated potential contamination as far back as 2007.

Obama Administration Targets Mortgage Fraud Multiple agencies coordinate efforts to stop scammers.

Wegmans, Trader Joe's, Publix Top Consumer Reports Supermarket Survey New tips to save big and avoid costly in-store mistakes.

Volkswagen May Pass GM for No. 3 Spot Toyota took top title away from GM in 2007.

Consumer Reports: Low-Cost Brokers Score High in Service Consumers find USAA, Vanguard and Edward Jones among the best firms.

Employers Trying To Avoid Further Job Cuts Companies focus on retaining, retrenching through recession.

Homeowners Still Behind On Modified Mortgages Many falling back into default even after aid.

Buying a Home That's Not For Sale An unsolicited offer may spook owners, and they're unlikely to negotiate an overly favorable deal.

FHA Loan Can Save Home Dream An FHA 203(k) loan can provide money to buy a home and rehabilitate it in one transaction.

Recalls ...

Virginia Funeral Home Allegedly Abuses Bodies of Arlington-Bound Veterans Service Corporation International facility accused of letting bodies rot in unrefrigerated storage.

April 3, 2009

More Pistachio Nut Products Recalled Company under FDA investigation as potential source of salmonella.

Two Million Jobs Lost So Far in 2009 More Americans on food stamps as economy crumbles.

Senators Call for Halt to Drywall Importation Additional suits filed as problem spreads to five states.

FCC Pressed To Defend Wireless Open Internet AT&T, T-Mobile accused of cutting services, blocking applications.

Consumers Fall Further Behind on Loan Payments Dismal news in fourth quarter of 2008.

Gas Prices Up Slightly Over Last Week Prices hover around half last year's levels.

Navigating the Changing World of Credit Cards Credit card issuers are imposing negative actions even on good customers. Here's what to watch for.

Banks Cut Off Mortgage Brokers The fallout from the war between brokers and bankers could result in fewer loan choices and higher fees.

April 2, 2009

eHarmony Faces New Lawsuits for "Separate But Equal" Policy Dating site accused of segregating same-sex dating partners.

FDA Investigating Salmonella-Tainted Pistachios Recall expands, calls for stronger testing grow.

Court Rules Against Lawsuits Over Vaccine Injuries Says federal law preempts claims of design defects.

Oil Prices Fall As U.S. Inventories Surge But domestic gas prices continue to rise.

House Votes to Give FDA Regulatory Power Over Tobacco Oversight legislation faces tougher battle in Senate.

Mortgage Rates Drop to Record Low The 30-year fixed mortgage is at 5.13 percent in Bankrate's weekly survey.

Mortgage Rate Trend Index Which way are rates headed? Bankrate.com surveys the experts.

Recalls ...

April 1, 2009

Frito-Lay, Kraft Recall More Foods Containing Pistachios Consumers warned to avoid all pistachios for now.

Time Warner Expands Metered Broadband Billing "Pay-by-byte" plan hitting more markets.

Senate Committee Approves Credit Card Accountability Act Measure would end some of the credit card industry's most abusive practices.

Pending Home Sales Show Some Life Realtors' report shows increase in contracts signed for February.

GMAC Sets Aside $5 Billion For New Car Loans Auto lender will lower finance charges for dealers to boost sales.

Does an Unactivated Credit Card Hurt Score? Many consumers have gotten cards but never activated them. What does this do to their credit scores?

The Latest Treasury Program is No Quick Fix The plan is to get banks lending again, but it could be a while before consumers see benefits.

Divorce Doesn't End Debt Even if a divorce decree divides debt, you're still liable to creditors for jointly held accounts.

Recalls ...

March 31, 2009

Judge Dismisses Amex Class Action Cardholders' travel insurance gripes don't hold up, judge finds.

Kraft Recalls Trail Mix Containing Pistachio Nuts California company recalls thousands of pounds of popular nuts.

Yamaha Agrees to Improve Rhino ATV Safety Yamaha temporarily halts sales of Rhino ATV and offers to repair existing models after nearly 50 deaths.

Congress Moving Toward National Cap On Payday Loans High-interest loans trap low-income consumers in 'spiral of debt'.

Home Prices Down To 2003 Levels in January Existing areas show double-digit declines, even with marginal improvements.

Internet Crime Hit Highest Levels Ever in 2008 New report documents massive jumps in fraud, complaints.

Chase to Refund $4.4 Million in Credit Card Fees Monthly fee was added to balance-transfer accounts.

Computer Worm Set To Evolve April 1 DownAd worm morphs, dives more deeply below the surface.

American Airlines Adding Wi-Fi To Domestic Flights 300 planes will get wireless Internet by 2011.

Recalls ...

March 30, 2009

Chinese Lawsuit Claims Toxins in American Soap, Shampoo U.S. report finds toxins in Johnson & Johnson products.

Federal Government Guarantees GM, Chrysler Warranties Auto task force shakes up Detroit, offers assurances to consumers.

California Payday Lenders Target Blacks, Latinos Report shows heavy concentration in minority communities.

U.S. Raises Vehicle Mileage Standards New industry average at 27.3 miles per gallon.

Banks Targeting Existing Customers To Boost Profits Increases in direct mail to squeeze additional revenue.

Can't Find Work? Look Abroad The foot-loose lifestyle offers employment options often overlooked.

Green Mortgages Offer Savings Make your home energy-efficient and get a break on your mortgage at the same time..

Video: Questions to Ask Before Refinancing With mortgage rates near record low, is it time to refinance?

West Virginia Sues Online Payday Lenders 'Loan sharks of today'.

Realtors Group Warns Of Rental Scam Victims instructed to send money to 'agent' in UK.

March 29, 2009

Cities Go Dark Across The World For Earth Hour Los Angeles event caps 24-hour call to action on climate change.

Auto Lenders Won't Add Old Balance to New Loan Don't expect today's lenders to add your current loan balance to your new vehicle loan.

Get Help Appealing Home Tax Assessment Think your home's assessed value is too high? A third party can handle the grievance process for you.

March 27, 2009

Bail Yourself Out – Here's How Seems like everyone has a bailout plan but you? Create your own in these six money areas.

Debt Settlement Comes With Hefty Fees Talk to credit counselors before signing up for expensive programs.

California Cancels "Big Bad Student Travel" For Student Ripoffs Agency pocketed money and didn't provide promised Spring Break trips.

Vehicle Leasing Costs Going Up Leasing may still be a good deal for some, but buying a vehicle might be a better option.

Mass Transit Riders More Fit Than Drivers Walking to and from bus, train stops helps increase fitness.

Tesla Motors Unveils All-Electric Sedan Model S can travel 300 miles on a single charge.

New Jersey Dodge Dealer Settles Fraud Charges Accused pays $50,000 over falsifying loan applications.

Don't Overlook These Itemized Deductions Tallying up all your expenses can help you cut your tax bill, especially if you claim every deduction the IRS allows.

March 26, 2009

Lawsuit Alleges Best Buy's "Price-Matching" Ignored, Violated Judge certifies New York consumer lawsuit as class action.

Average Gas Price Over $2 a Gallon Prices have been rising steadily since December.

Parties Settle Paxil "Split Pill" Class Action Alleged manufacturing defect in $28M settlement.

Groups Call For Food Safety Overhaul Report wants increased oversight and coordination among responsible agencies.

Pistachio Nuts Subject Of Latest Recall Georgia company says products may be tainted with Salmonella.

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Since the '50s The benchmark 30-year rate mortgage fell to 5.19 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey.

New Credit Card Rules Have Downside The credit card reforms may help consumers, but may also bring unintended consequences.

Walking Away from Mortgage is Costly Abandoning a mortgage simply to get a fresh financial start may hurt your credit and trigger taxes.

Feds, States Sue Dish Network Telemarketers violated Do Not Call rules, suits charge.

Recalls ...

March 25, 2009

Evidence Destroyed in Menu Foods Case May Hamper Other Lawsuits One case is settled but controversy over destroyed pet food continues.

Class Action Claims Petland Supports "Puppy Mills" Pet store chain accused of deceiving owners as to origin of puppies.

Digital Converter Box Program Vows to Replace Expired Coupons Feds claim program is back on track after multiple stumbles.

Credit Card Reform Comes Back To Congress Dual hearings emphasize need for changes to industry.

Fed Action Spurs Refinance Frenzy Interest rates drop after massive government buyout.

Omega-3 May Guard Against Advanced Prostate Cancer Fatty-acid heavy diet can slow or prevent disease.

Pilot Offers Advice For Surviving A Plane Crash Simple tips can maximize survival.

Physically Fit Women Less Likely To Die Of Breast Cancer New findings reinforce need for exercise to improve overall health.

Recalls ...

March 24, 2009

Consumers Want Opt-In Choice on Overdraft Coverage Customers irked by sky-high overdraft fees.

Peanut Recall Not Over Yet FDA warns against purchasing products due to possible Salmonella taint.

IIHS Adopts Its Own Roof Safety Standards Subaru and Honda brands among high scorers in new test.

Red Meat Consumption May Increase Death Risk New study shows greater likelihood of cancer occurrence.

Rising Health Premiums Growing Problem For Consumers Even privately insured families have trouble keeping up.

Florida Targets Fraudulent Foreclosure "Rescue" Company charged with deceptive marketing, victimizing Hispanic community.

Connecticut Probes Acai Berry Scams Bogus weight loss claims, unauthorized charges at issue.

Recalls ...

Existing Home Sales Jump Five Percent in One Month Uptick gives hope to sellers and agents alike.

Renters Get Foreclosure Relief Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's new programs let renters stay in homes that are foreclosed.

California Shuts Down Statewide "Home Repair" Scheme Attorney General, state licensing board target inadequate, overpriced jobs.

Will Readers Pay For Online News? Would you be willing to pay for something you can now get for free? A lot of people are.

Tier IV Pricing Challenges Doctors And Patients New insurance policies leave customers footing more of the bill.

QVC to Settle Deceptive Claims Charges Dietary supplements, anti-cellulite skin cream at issue.

Feds Seize Three More Banks, Two Credit Unions Latest seizures bring total to 20 this year.

Statins Could Prevent More Heart Attacks New study shows preventative benefit beyond that for recovering patients.

Best Times to Shop For Bargains Instead of trawling stores all the time, shop at the right time to get the best deals.

March 22, 2009

Babies, Bathtime, and Cancer? Researcher disputes 'toxic bubble bath' study.

Ten Genes Linked To Sudden Cardiac Death Finding may lead to safer drugs, help identify those most at risk.

March 21, 2009

Court Snuffs Vioxx Suit Individualized issues rule out class action, judge decides.

FDIC Deals with Mounting Bank Failures The FDIC is shutting banks every week, which has some consumers wondering how it will handle losses.

Tell Car Dealer: No "Do-Overs" A signed contract should stand in any new-car deal unless there was intentional misrepresentation.

Where's My Car-Payment Bailout? Bailing out on high car payments is tougher with a lease than with conventional financing.

10 Ways Uncle Sam Helps You Save Money Saving for the future is of paramount importance to all Americans. Luckily, we all have a rich uncle to turn to.

5 Ways to Beat a Ponzi Scheme There are several ways to recover money, but you'll first need good records to fight a Ponzi scheme.

Save Money on Reconditioned Items Big-name retailers offer great deals on reconditioned goods, many of them barely out of the box.

March 20, 2009

Jackie Joyner-Kersee: FDA "Insensitive" to Asthma Patients' Problems Sen. Grassley investigating federally-mandated "death machine" inhalers.

Lawmakers Chastise Food Executives Over Salmonella Outbreak Congress holds inquiry into food safety.

Credit Card Rates on the Rise Fear of delinquency has banks increasing APRs.

Recession Has Consumers Thinking Of Hanging Up Cell Phones Sagging economy has users dropping service, choosing prepaid.

How to Handle Those Impossible Medical Bills Aggressive negotiation works for DCInsider.com's Penny McCracken.

19 States To Probe AIG Bonuses Public outrage builds fire under Congress, state attorneys general.

FDA Expands Alert Over Tainted Weight Loss Products 72 new diet remedies added to list.

Oil Prices Rise but Gas Holds Steady National average remains under $2 a gallon.

Texas Takes on Scams Targeting Seniors Lead card and fake grandchild hoaxes investigated.

March 19, 2009

Massachusetts Okays Cigarette Class Action Against Philip Morris Supreme Court holds that federal laws don't preempt state consumer protections.

Pet Food Class Action Preemptively Thrown Out Judge rules individual inquiries preclude class certification.

California Authorities Arrest "Loan Modification" Scam Artists Defendants charged with bilking homeowners in trouble.

Buick, Jaguar Tops in Dependability in Survey Lexus, Toyota, Mercury round out J.D. Power rankings.

New Jersey Sues Verizon Over Deceptive FiOS Marketing State alleges telecom failed to live up to bargain promises.

Are Identity Theft Services Worth the Cost? "Protection" often does little that consumers can't do for selves.

Mortgage Rates at Near-Record Lows The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 5.29 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey.

Government Helps Homeowners Refinance Looking to refinance? The FHA and VA allow for little equity, and less-than-perfect credit.

Higher Rates Make Home-Equity Loans Less Appealing The large pricing spread on today's HELOCs makes them a potentially poor borrowing option.

10 Common Tax-Filing Mistakes to Avoid Tax law changes have created new tax-filing pitfalls to watch out for, as well as the usual ones we face every filing season.

Penalties for Late Tax Returns If you haven't filed a tax return since 2005, there's no time to waste. But expect to pay hefty penalties.

The Dangers of Debt Consolidation Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products.

Recalls ...

March 18, 2009

ChemNutra Trial Extended Until June Company responsible for importing melamine-tainted products seeks plea.

Microsoft "Vista Capable" Lawsuit Returns Plaintiffs try for narrower approach in second try.

Consumer Prices Rise More Than Forecast Costs of living continue to increase even as economy stagnates.

People Feeling Economic Stress At All Turns Work and home environments suffer as meltdown continues.

Pennsylvania Settles Miley Cyrus Fan Site Suit Fan club members were unable to buy tickets early.

CD Sales Decline, Downloads Rise in 2008 8 million more purchases of digital music in previous year.

Is Credit Card Protection Worth It? Credit card protection plans might help in the event of a job loss, but their cost can add up.

How Long Does Credit Check Affect Score? The impact of a credit check depends on whether it was a hard or soft inquiry, says Credit Card Adviser.

Video: The High Cost of Check-Cashing Services Check cashing services are convenient, but come with a very high price tag.

Recalls ...

March 17, 2009

Consumers Falling Farther Behind On Payments It's not just mortgages — car loans, credit card payments lag.

Southern California Home Sales Up Again Heavy foreclosures spur surprising gains.

5 Must-Haves in a Bankruptcy Lawyer Selecting the right person to handle your bankruptcy can mean the difference between an eventual rebound and long-term pain.

Food Industry Accused of Big Tobacco's Bad Habits Health specialists say two industries share disturbing similarities.

Feds Charge Seven Credit Repair Companies with Deceiving Consumers Companies claimed they could remove negative information from credit reports.

Tempting the Tax Auditor The IRS is coming after more filers. You might be a target if you fly these red flags on your tax return.

Second-Home Market Offers Bargains Careful shoppers may find that many popular U.S. second-home markets are on sale right now.

New Jersey Calls 'Time Out' On Prepaid Calling Cards Seven companies told that every second counts.

Recalls ...

March 16, 2009

Glass Tables an Overlooked Safety Threat Emergency room records document the danger; stricter standards needed.

AIG Behavior Unites Everyone in Outrage Across-the-board condemnation of bailouts used to pay bonuses.

Is Creditworthiness More Than Skin Deep? Lenders make judgments based on appearance when considering loans.

California Cracks Down on Internet Get-Rich-Quick Scams Sites promised consumers they could earn big bucks quickly.

Loan Modifications Can Reduce Foreclosures, Study Says Combining lower payments with write-downs significantly reduces defaults.

New Jersey Cracking Down On Mortgage Fraud Three lawsuits filed on accusations of deceptive lending practices.

Recession Unlikely To Discourage Smoking Tobacco seen as affordable pleasure in tough times.

American Seniors Alliance Settles Texas Charges Packaged and sold seniors' confidential information to telemarketers, solicitors.

Health Care Costs Put U.S. Workers at Significant Disadvantage American workers receive far less bang for their buck than foreign contemporaries.

March 15, 2009

Obama Tackles Food Safety Issues President names new officials to head and reform FDA.

Ski Towns See Hard Times On Slopes Recession's effects felt even in mountaintop resorts.

March 14, 2009

10 Often Overlooked Tax Breaks The tax code is full of ways to cut your taxes, but taxpayers too often miss these ten tax breaks.

Phishing Scams Hop on Banking Turmoil Phishing scams have increased recently, piggybanking on the financial crisis on Wall Street.

Struggling Car Dealers Delay Loan Payoffs Dealers that don't pay off the loan on your trade-in can leave you toting the note.

Rebates Can Bail Out Underwater Car Loans New-car buyers can rescue themselves from "upside-down" auto loans by using rebates to pay off their existing notes.

Want to Negotiate CD Rates? Good Luck Is it realistic to think you can negotiate with a bank for a better CD rate? Bankrate puts it to the test.

Recalls ...

March 13, 2009

Group Raps "Toxic" Bubble Bath Products tested for carcinogenic chemicals.

Gas Prices Holding Steady National average remains under $2 a gallon.

Los Angeles' Ozone Exposure Carries Disease Risks New study measures impact of ozone levels on cities' health.

Survey Shows Consumers Preparing For The Worst Americans hunker down, spend less, save more.

Scammers Use Forged Bank Letterhead to Con California Consumers Attorney General warns homeowners to not be fooled.

Health Experts Seek More Focus on Diagnostic Errors Systemic fixes could prevent many health problems, researchers argue.

FTC Settles With Atlanta Company Over Untimely Rebates Telecom accused of deceptive marketing.

March 12, 2009

Freebee Gas Members Still Waiting For Free Gas Consumers got fumes but little more.

Congress to Tackle Junk Food in Schools Legislation introduced would update nutritional standards, ban unhealthy foods.

Mortgage Rates Fall; Borrowers Wait The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate loan fell to 5.37%, according to Bankrate's weekly survey.

Foreclosure Activity Up Six Percent in February One in 440 houses received a foreclosure filing.

Keep The Faith and Lose The Weight? Church-based program may spur weight loss.

Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages Which way are the rates headed? Bankrate surveys the experts.

The Ins and Outs of Reverse Mortgages You can tap your home equity without having to repay it as long as you live in the house. But it's an expensive loan.

Blood Test May Diagnose Alzheimer's Presence of two specific proteins is key to severity.

New Jersey Funeral Homes Closed For Body Parts Harvesting Director allowed to retain ownership, but placed under restriction.

Can Kegel Exercises Stop Incontinence In Women? Simple exercises to prevent pelvic disorders.

Recalls ...

March 11, 2009

FDA Warns of Contaminated Cheese Mexican-style cheese may be contaminated with Listeria.

Bankrupt Fortunoff Will Fill Prepaid Orders on In-Stock Furniture Attorney General intervenes after flood of consumer complaints.

Honda To Sell Hybrid For Under $20,000 Hopes to cut Toyota's lead in the U.S. hybrid market.

Government Reveals First Steps For Broadband Plans Details remain scarce as agencies emphasize public comment.

California Acts Against Subprime Auto Lender Lobel Financial accused of harassing and intimidating borrowers.

DOT Warns Of Airport Safety Issues New report highlights problems on the runways.

IRS To Beef Up Ranks After Canceling Private Debt Collection Agency to look for more "in-house" options to collect back taxes.

Social Networks & Blogs Fastest-Growing Online Activity "Member communities" evolving into integral online experience.

Why Doesn't State Usury Law Protect Me? Federal law supersedes state law when it comes to credit card interest rates.

Recalls ...

March 10, 2009

Maytag Announces Massive Recall of Fire-Prone Refrigerators Multiple brands recalled following 41 reports of overheating.

Is Organized Crime Behind the Wall Street Meltdown? Commentator Ivan Fail's view is provocative if not widely shared.

Oil Prices Are Marching Higher Again But will the trend continue, and for how long?

Feds Spoof Bogus Credit Report Offers FTC composes its own catchy jingle to counter commercial offers.

States Battle Feds To Enforce Lending Laws Attorneys General want more power to stop predatory lending.

Mortgage Rates Stay Steady for Third Straight Week Massachusetts, Connecticut, California see big drops.

U.S. Employers Foresee Subdued Hiring Activity 14 percent of those surveyed see slow employee growth in second quarter.

Nurse Practitioners May Be Influenced by Drug Company Perks British researchers study influence of marketing on medical sector.

Are You Eligible for Mortgage Help? A Q&A clarifies the details surrounding the federal government's new Making Home Affordable Plan.

Others Not Liable for Card Owner's Debt When a credit card holder dies, authorized users are not responsible for the account's debt.

Video: How to Sell Your Gold Jewelry You might consider selling gold jewelry while gold prices are still high. Here's how.

March 9, 2009

Supreme Court Strikes Down Mandatory Credit Card Arbitration Decision is big victory for consumers.

FDA Closes Tortilla Plant Unsanitary conditions found at Chicago company's plant.

Consumer Fighting Mad at Banks The financial bailout is fueling consumers' anger towards banks that have abused them for years.

FBI Warns of Online Car-Sales Scam Scam artists pose as military personnel about to be deployed.

Identity Thieves Prowling for Job Seekers Fake job ads up 345% as recession creates opportunities for scam artists.

Taxpayers Filing Earlier This Year Early birds get bigger refunds.

Using A Cellphone? Make Sure to Stand Still More studies claim cell use causes traffic, foot accidents.

Online Tools Help Spot Financial Fraud "Meters" help investors gauge trustworthiness of potential buys.

Families That Eat Together Means Kids Eating Better New research shows healthier diets from regular family meals.

March 6, 2009

Extendicare Suit Tossed for Vagueness Judge says allegations are not specific enough.

Gas Prices Jump as Inventories Fall National average up a nickel in the last week.

Mortgage Delinquencies Continue to Climb Filings for foreclosure continue to break records.

Six Companies Stop Using Bisphenol-A In Bottles Mounting evidence that chemical is dangerous despite FDA claims.

DTV Coupon Program Back On Track Government promises to clear backlog of requests.

'Summer' Gas Pricier but More Efficient Removing additives from gasoline in warmer months for environmental reasons helps push up the price per gallon.

$1.3 Billion in Refunds Awaiting Owners The IRS wants to hand out $1.3 billion in refunds that were never claimed. Some of the money might be yours.

Knowing CPR Could Save Someone's Life What to do in case of emergency.

Older Drinkers Get Drunk Faster Study finds older adults become impaired without realizing it.

March 5, 2009

Government Giving Away Money? Don't Count On It Ads promising personal grants are scams ... at best.

One Of Five U.S. Mortgages Under Water Over 8 million homes had negative equity in December.

Doctors Gagging Patients Physicians insist patients aren't competent to criticize them.

Financial Fraud Hits 7.5 Percent Of Americans In 2008 Data breaches lead to big changes in buying practices.

Supreme Court Upholds Consumers' Right to Sue Drug Companies In State Court Court ruled in favor of musician who lost her arm.

Obama Begins Mortgage Rescue Program Mortgage rescue plan aims to help responsible, troubled homeowners.

Curled Up With the Kindle 2 Latest ebook can save you time and maybe even money.

House Bill Would Give FDA Tobacco-Regulating Power Legislation has many hurdles left before becoming law.

Medicare Fraud Risk Grows For Some Shady sales agents have put seniors at increased risk of falling victim to Medicare fraud.

Mortgage Rates Remain Unchanged A lousy week on Wall Street didn't have much effect on mortgage rates.

Recalls ...

March 4, 2009

America Betrayed: Report Blasts Wall Street, DC Corruption for Financial Disaster Legal bribes, influence peddling led to excessive deregulation.

FDIC Warns It's Running Out of Funds Flurry of bank failures could burn through FDIC's reserves.

NY to AT&T: Please Deposit $2.63 Million State charges rebate offers were "onerous and condition-laden."

FTC Warns Consumers About "Stimulus" Scams Don't fall for ads promising government payouts.

Illinois Charges Car Dealers' Stimulus Ads Are Scams Ads claim consumers won't pay sales tax on auto purchases.

FDA Falls Short in Regulating Dietary Supplements Government report finds agency behind the curve in oversight.

Alcohol Abuse May Cause Depression New study claims heavy drinking causes mood disorder.

Net Neutrality Advocate Tapped As FCC Head Genachowski expected to support Internet openness.

Mending the Cracked Nest Egg Lawmakers are talking to academics and industry experts about how to fix America's retirement system.

10 Ways to Land More Financial Aid During tight times, many will be asking for more college aid. Here are 10 tips to help get it.

Is a Credit Card Application by Phone Valid? Cardholder asks if he is liable for charges if the application was taken over the phone and never signed.

Recalls ...

March 3, 2009

Radio Shack, AT&T Face Class Action Suit $99 Acer notebook deal really was too good to be true, suit charges.

Peanut-Related Recalls Continue Granola, cookies among latest recalled products.

Taxpayer, Government Lose With Quickie Refund Loans High fees drain money and constrain spending power.

New Flu Bug Proves Resistant to Antiviral Drugs Tamiflu no longer effective against current strain.

Johnson & Johnson Fined $4.47 Million For Deceptive Marketing Pharmaceutical subsidiary allegedly made false statements about drugs.

New Jersey Steps Up Cell Phone Law Enforcement Police departments crack down on talking while driving.

Teens Who Wear Alcohol-Branded Gear More Likely To Drink Study claims that marketing is specially geared to teens.

Video: Paying Off Debt Bankrate talks to a credit counselor.

Coping With Debt When You're Laid Off Pink-slipped workers may benefit from posting their own "help wanted" appeal with creditors.

Big Break for Lower-Income Taxpayers If you don't make a lot, the earned income tax credit could help you get some cash back from Uncle Sam.

March 2, 2009

New Car Sales Plunge in February Purchases plummet 38 percent from one year ago.

FreeCreditReport.Com Is Far From "Free" Service lures buyers into paying for credit monitoring.

Teens Want To Learn More About Money Many young adults still pick up financial acumen the hard way.

Older Americans Have Nutrition Deficit Lack of healthy diet cuts across ethnic groups.

Virus Hits Cruise Ship On First Day At Sea Sick passengers deep-six voyage.

Secured Credit Cards Harder to Get Secured cards are becoming scarce. Here's what you need to know to get one.

Should You Always File a Joint Return? It usually makes sense to file jointly, but some circumstances warrant separate filings.

How Did Home Values Fare in Your Area? Get the 4th quarter results from the national survey of existing home sales.

Recalls today ...

March 1, 2009

Consumer Protection in Tough Times Annual event emphasizes coping skills in trying economic climate.

American Express Safe from Class Actions? Court Says No In big win for consumers, federal appeals court turns aside Amex claims.

GM Mastercard Rebate Points Remain Safe GM bankruptcy not likely to wipe out rebate points accumulated on GM Mastercards.

Your Taxes From A to Z Doing your taxes is not as easy as ABC, but these tips could make the process less difficult.

February 27, 2009

Prius Tops Consumer Reports Best New-Car Value List Other top picks include Mini Cooper, VW Rabbit, Honda Civic EX & Fit.

Senate Bill Would Rein in Payday Lenders Proposed legislation would cap interest rates.

Gas Prices Falling Again National average slides downward after approaching $2 a gallon.

Surface Water May Be Source Of Salmonella Researchers find high levels of contamination in fresh water.

Video: What's Your Car Worth?Determining a used car's value is difficult in today's economy.

Assurance Plans Attract Nervous Car Buyers Hyundai finds a way to attract new-car buyers who are worried about losing their jobs.

Video: Invest or Pay Off Credit Card? It's almost always better to pay off your credit cards debts than to put money in a savings account.

Lexus Dealers Win Top Marks in Survey Luxury automaker ranks highest in customer satisfaction.

Seniors More Vulnerable to Diarrhea Tips to handle this unpleasant condition.

Report Finds Many Cancers Can Be Prevented Healthier lifestyles can lead to lower risk.

February 26, 2009

Another Peanut Corp. Plant Tests Positive for Salmonella Texas plant sample tests positive for strain that caused nationwide outbreak.

GM Records Fourth Year Without a Profit Troubled auto giant burns through $5 billion in cash in one quarter.

Banks Lost $26 Billion in Fourth Quarter While many banks remain stable, big losses overshadow the rest.

Economic Concerns and Gas Prices Keep Consumers Driving Less Behavioral shift seen as long-term.

Congress Takes Up Boomer Retirement Woes Many boomers having second thoughts about retiring.

Virginia Considers Measure Aimed At Payday Lenders Lawmakers vote to close loophole enabling high-cost loans.

Florida Court Blocks Loan Modification Company's Fees Order prevents charging of up-front payments to help homeowners.

Anti-Aging Becomes Top Facial Skincare Seller in 2008 Times may be bad, but that doesn't mean you have to look bad.

Clever Argument, But New Jersey Court Rejects It Dodge dealer's defense in registration fee case is a non-starter.

Toshiba Settles TV Lamp Suit Bulbs failed much sooner than expected.

Recalls today ...

February 25, 2009

Fortunoff Liquidators Agree to Honor Gift Cards $8.5 million in gift cards, credit slips at stake.

Capital One Interest Rate Hikes Anger Customers Even those with high credit scores are affected.

Consumers Increasingly Worried About Recession Survey finds bleak sentiment about economy, future.

Existing Home Sales Fall 5.3 Percent In January Homebuyers still sit on the sidelines as prices drop.

Medtronic To Disclose Payments To Doctors Company gets ahead of proposed regulations.

Massachusetts Settles Charges Against Chubb Company was accused of $3 million deal to garner favorable business.

Mortgage Bankers Respond to Obama Plan While the Mortgage Bankers Association agrees with the housing plan, they've also got suggestions.

Selling Your Home in a Crowded Market Here are seven ways to boost the odds of selling a home amid multiple "for sale" signs on your block.

Newly Unemployed Get Stimulus Help Stimulus legislation helps the unemployed through a health care subsidy and weekly benefit increase.

Issuer May Help Jobless Cardholder A newly jobless cardholder with good credit may be eligible for hardship treatment.

Video: Bad Insurance Buys Understanding insurance is a good policy that helps insure you don't waste money.

February 24, 2009

Fortunoff Bankruptcy Wipes Out Gift Cards Little to no warning for New York-area shoppers.

Ticketmaster Settles Bruce Springsteen Ticket Dust-Up Ticketmaster agrees to "wall off" TicketsNow.com reseller.

Consumer Confidence At Record Low In February Employment, earnings fears drive sentiment down.

Experts Worry About Web's Impact On Teens Social networking sites seen as potential hazard.

Recession May Deal Green Movement A Setback Consumers trim spending on environmentally-friendly products.

Vitamins, Folic Acid May Slow Vision Loss B6 and B12 can help older women retain sight.

Kids May Benefit From Time With Grandparents Bonding with elders may improve social skills, behavior.

Choose Retirement Plan That Matches You Roth IRA or 401(k)? The right answer depends on your circumstances and retirement dreams.

Stimulus Offers Modest Auto Savings The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers a tax break for people who buy a new car in 2009.

Commuting Costs Got You Down? Some companies are making employees' treks to the office cheaper with tax-saving commuter accounts.

4 Ways Stimulus Helps Home Owners and Buyers The stimulus package offers four key financial breaks for new homebuyers and current homeowners.

Recalls today ...

February 23, 2009

More Pet Foods Added to Salmonella Recall Dog treats pulled from shelves on fears of contamination.

Asthma Patients Get Scant Response to Problems with New Inhalers Government agencies "sympathize" but offer little more than that.

Economists See Recession Continuing Through First Half of 2009 Bad data on jobs, markets makes business roundtable pessimistic.

Chinese Drywall a Threat to Homeowners? Drywall emits harmful sulfuric odors, homeowner lawsuits charge.

PSA Testing May Be Unnecessary for Some Older Men New study says some seniors may not be at risk for prostate cancer.

Mail and Electronic Reminders May Increase Colon Cancer Screening Reminders to physicians produce modest boost in tests.

Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Cut premiums with pay-as-you-drive, but watch out for surcharges.

4 Ways Stimulus Helps Homeowner, Buyer The stimulus package offers four key financial breaks for new homebuyers and current homeowners.

Old Debt Can Still Bite You With collection of an old debt still looming, negotiate payments over time and back up your plea.

Recalls today ...

February 22, 2009

Peanut Recall Expanded To "All Ingredients" Peanut Corp. advises customers not to use any products from its plants.

Non-Profits Can Help Solve Foreclosure Crisis If corporate mortgage holders won't help, they should get out of the way.

Some Cars Save More than Gas A vehicle that runs on alternative fuel could provide big tax breaks.

Video: How to Lower Your Property Taxes The only upside of declining real estate values may be lower property taxes.

Work History is Key to Refinance Approval Lenders scrutinize work history before deciding whether to approve new loans.

Oregon Bank Fails; No. 14 This Year Big banks in spotlight but many small banks in trouble too.

Psoriasis Drug Linked To Three Deaths Raptiva blamed for rare brain infection in four patients.

February 21, 2009

Stimulus Tax Payout Will Be Small A third of the stimulus package is tax relief, but it puts only a few more dollars in your paycheck.

5 Stupid Tax Mistakes Steve Bucci lists the top five ways to make your tax season bleak.

Myth: Aftermarket Gear Voids Car Warranty Buyers may soon be able to personalize their new cars without endangering the manufacturer's warranty.

February 20, 2009

Medicine Abroad: Cheap But At What Cost? The cost of a medical procedure can't always be measured in dollars.

Judge Nixes 'Vista Capable' Class Action Against Microsoft No proof of class-wide causation, judge rules.

Gas Prices Down for the Week Is downward trend temporary or long-term?

Inflation Jumps in January Gas prices increase, while food prices slump.

Video: Credit Card Changes Affect Almost Everyone Issuers adapting quickly to tough credit environment.

Hospital Stays Increase for Uninsured Americans Bills on the rise for various ailments.

Split Your Direct Deposit to Save More Money Automatic saving can help build nest egg with no effort.

Living Near Fast Food May Raise Stroke Risk 13% increase in risk for neighborhoods with lots of fast food outlets.

Drinker's Nose Not Just for Tipplers That red, bumpy nose comes from rosacea, not from over-imbibing.

February 19, 2009

China in Uproar Over Organ Transplants to Foreigners Wealthy Japanese got organs ahead of needy Chinese.

Obama's Foreclosure Plan Wins Early Support Mortgage rescue plan aims to help responsible, troubled homeowners.

Climbing the Roadway to Heaven Saturn sets off on the journey from which no car returns.

Mortgage Rates Approaching 5 Percent 30-year rates hit tempting levels for new buyers.

Derailed Boomers Changing Retirement Plans Stock market volatility stirs feelings of dread.

West Virginia Targets Debt Relief Scammers Texas company to pay nearly $36,000 for false charges.

Implant May Restore Eyesight New treatment prevents overcharged immune system from causing blindness.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

7 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You don't have to be a mechanic to make these simple checks.

Buy Stocks When They're Cheap When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping for stocks. Right now there's a fire sale, says PBS WealthTrack host Consuelo Mack.

Recalls today ...

February 18, 2009

Asthma Patients Outraged at Indifference to Problems with New Inhalers Lack of concern by government agencies "criminal," say patients who fear the new inhalers will kill them.

How Can You Benefit From The Obama Mortgage Plan? Mortgage rescue plan aims to help responsible, troubled homeowners.

Florida Seeks to Outlaw Cramming Proposal would prohibit billing of third-party charges by phone companies.

GM, Chrysler Say They Need More Money GM could run out of money next month, Chrysler warns of bankruptcy.

Video: Is A Secured Credit Card A Good Option? As credit shrinks, a secured card can work for some.

JetBlue To Offer Refunds If You Lose Your Job The latest trend? First Hyundai, now JetBlue.

Boost Your Credit Score After Bankruptcy Bankruptcy can taint your credit report for up to 10 years, but you can boost it much sooner.

Refinance May Be Worth Paying Penalty In some cases, it makes sense to refinance even if you have to pay a mortgage prepayment penalty.

Customer Satisfaction Improves Despite Economic Woes Stock brokers, banks, e-commerce dip, retail up slightly.

Researchers Cast Doubt on Role of Free Radicals in Aging So much for antioxidant therapies; studies find no significant effect.

Recalls today ...

February 17, 2009

CIGNA Bows to NY, Agrees to Clean Up Reimbursement Rates Company will donate $10 million to establish new nationwide database.

Retirees Targeted in Texas Investment Scam "Life Settlement" scheme promised guaranteed returns.

Keeping the Auto Repo Man at Bay Act quickly if you foresee trouble making your car payments. Here's what you can do.

Credit Cardholders Have Rights Many industry practices have become unfair, deceptive and anticompetitive, says Congresswoman Maloney.

Taxpayer Rights Just One Click Away IRS problems? There’s a Web site you can visit to check out your taxpayer rights.

Airline Traffic Descends as Economy Takes a Dive Fuel costs less but where are all the passengers?

Coffee May Cut Stroke Risk In Women But not for coffee-drinkers who smoke.

Good Dental Hygiene Linked to Heart Health Diseased gums can lead to endocarditis, other dangerous infections.

Recalls today ...

February 16, 2009

Asthma Sufferers Live in Fear of New Inhalers Do new rules pit human life against the ozone layer?

Credit Card Accountability Act Resurfaces in Senate Chris Dodd's bill would speed reforms set for 2010.

Text Phishing Scam Making the Rounds Again Scam artists try to capture ATM, credit card numbers.

FCC Greenlights Some-But Not All-DTV Broadcasts Stations must ensure public access channels are available.

How to Check Your Bank's FDIC Status It should be easy to determine if a bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Four More Banks Fail Regulators close 13 so far this year.

Top Ways to Trim College Costs There are several things students can do to help their parents trim college costs.

Bankrupt Builder Burns Buyers When a builder files for bankruptcy, it's only the beginning of bad news for buyers.

February 15, 2009

Retirees Get Money Break in 2009 Retirees won't have to take a required mandatory distribution from their accounts during 2009.

Auto Gap Insurance May Be a Good Idea Gap insurance has become a good idea for anyone who owes more on their car than it's worth.

Ignoring Bank Cutoff Can Be Costly Bank cutoff times determine when a transaction is official, so know your institution's rules.

February 14, 2009

Peanut Corporation Faces Damage Suits, Class Actions Company's bankruptcy won't necessarily derail litigation efforts.

Peanut Corporation of America Files for Bankruptcy Recalls push scandalized company into Chapter 7.

February 13, 2009

Gas Prices Keep Rising Despite Cheaper Oil Refineries trim production, pushing prices up.

Florida Sues Gas Redemption Coupon Promoters Freebeegas, Freegasredemption coupons not honored, suit charges.

Federal Court: MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism Ruling not likely to end debate over widely-diagnosed disorder.

Property Tax Reduction Scams Spreading, California Warns Scam targets homeowners with declining property values.

Homeowner Bailout May Be In The Works Stock market surges on report of mortgage workout plan.

Texas Launches Restitution Program for Countrywide Customers More than $7 million available to Texas foreclosure victims.

Rules of the Credit Card Game The credit card contract is so one-sided that only one party can change the deal at whim.

Starbucks Brews Up an Instant Blend New "Via" said to be a "breakthrough in soluble coffee".

Compound Can Identify Prostate Cancer Finding could make diagnosis more precise.

Get New Car Discount by Joining Credit Union Buyers of most GM and Chrysler products can get a significant discount simply by being a member of a credit union.

Lease Car Repo Can Be Costly If your leased car is repossessed you will be charged with all the remaining payments plus fees.

Last-Minute Weddings for Less There are still ways to tie the knot on the cheap.

February 12, 2009

Lawsuits On the Trail of Nutro, Canidae Pet Foods Pet owners' complaints of death, illness headed for court.

Mortgage Rates Fall in Uncertain Time Mortgage rates fell as investors wondered what the Obama administration will do to fix the broken banking system.

Despite Moratorium, Foreclosures Surge In January But numbers fall ten percent from December's high.

Video: When to Lock In a Mortgage Rate With mortgage rates moving up and down quickly, it pays to lock in a favorable rate.

Video: Coping With A Bad Economy You can't fix the economy but you can help yourself.

Don't Fall For Valentine's e-Card Scam It loves you not.

Spending Secrets Bad for Marriage Know your partner's spending habits in advance.

February 11, 2009

PCA Shuts Second Peanut Plant In Salmonella Scare Texas plant closed after tests find possible contamination.

Sirius XM Near Bankruptcy Recession, slumping auto sales contribute to satellite broadcaster's woes.

Three Big Pickups Look Wimpy in Side Tests Silverado, Ram, Titan do poor job of protecting passengers.

Outpatient Surgeries on the Rise More Americans getting sent home the same day.

NBA Under Pressure on Alcohol Ads Coalition wants liquor promotions stopped.

Diet May Be Factor in Memory Retention Healthier eating can reduce risk of Alzheimer's.

FTC Busts 'Free' Sample Scams Weight-loss supplement makers settle deceptive marketing claims.

Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea? Companies that offer to lower your credit card debt make it sound so easy. Here's what you should know before you sign up.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Rules Buying from a relative doesn't necessarily disqualify you from claiming the homebuyer tax credit.

Slash Car Insurance Premiums Auto insurance is often thought of as a "fixed" expense, but there are plenty of ways you can cut your annual costs.

Recalls today ...

February 10, 2009

Bank Bailout Plan Has Provision For Consumers Wall Street distinctly unhappy with latest government proposal.

Organizing Your Health Records Waiting for the government to act isn't the solution.

Illinois Sues Credit Service for Cramming US Credit Find places unauthorized charges on phone bills, state charges.

Another Study Discounts Vitamin Benefits Daily vitamin pills show little effect in postmenopausal women.

Credit Card Changes May Hurt Consumers The credit card industry is changing fast, leaving cardholders at risk, says personal finance expert Emily Peters.

4 Key Expenses Not To Cut In a bad economy, don't be so quick with the scissors. Some budget cuts you make now will cost more later.

Marijuana Use Linked To Testicular Cancer Study finds 70% higher risk in marijuana users.

Florida Foreclosure "Rescue" Company Shut Down HomeKeeper USA violated fraud prevention law, state alleged.

Bayer Agrees to Correct Misleading Information about Yaz Oral contraceptive was promoted for non-approved uses.

Countrywide Settles Charges With West Virginia Lender to pay nearly $341,000 to homeowners facing foreclosure.

New Factor in Teen Obesity: Parents Study of California families finds bad examples set by adults.

Recalls today ...

February 9, 2009

FCC's Adelstein: DTV Transition "Not Ready for Prime Time" Commissioner urges quick action even with reset deadline.

How to Build a Great Credit Score In these days of not-so-easy credit, consumers with limited credit histories can still build a great credit score.

Trim — Don't Cancel — Life Insurance Life insurance is a tempting place to cut expenses, but trimming premiums is a better option than letting your policy lapse.

Unemployed? Hoard Cash If you're unemployed, use your credit card on essentials to save cash but don't take cash advances.

Hiring Could Hit Deep Freeze in February Manufacturing and service sectors both face steep declines.

Starbucks Tries a Downscale Approach Coffee giant offers "value meal" to compete in hard times.

Report Finds Bank Bailout Bad Deal For Taxpayers So Far Congressional Oversight Panel finds TARP overpaid for assets.

FDIC Closes Three More Banks Nine closed so far this year.

Video: Can Money Buy Happiness? Yes, if it's spent well, study suggests.

February 7, 2009

Wells Fargo Suit Charges Appraisal Price Gouging Hundreds of thousands of homebuyers may have been victimized.

10 Cheap Ways to Win Her Heart Enjoy Valentine's Day without spending too much.

Closing a Secured Card Account It may not hurt your FICO score, depending on your available-to-used credit ratio.

Video: Sell Big Car To Get a Small One? Here's how to determine if it's worth swapping a gas guzzler for a sipper.

Contract Negates Car Salesman's Oral Promises No matter what a dealer or salesman tells you the terms of the contract are all that matter.

February 6, 2009

Judge Orders Feds to Stop Sale of Toxin-Laden Toys Safety agency had looked the other way as phthalate-laden toys remained on shelves.

Key Senator Blasts FDA Over Food Safety Agency relies on states, companies to police themselves.

Gas Prices Creep Toward $2 A Gallon Price of gas climbs as oil prices drop; go figure.

Possible Drug Target Found for Obesity Treatment Mutant gene dampens energy-burning ability while leaving appetite intact.

Don't Stuff Every Dime Into Your 401K Plan While it's important to save for tomorrow, remember to create financial flexibility for today.

1 Million Xbox Users Getting Netflix Video rental giant thrives in down economy.

Credit Card Pitches Fall Sharply Businesses shift to wealthier customers as economy tanks.

NY Attorney General Seeks Jail Time for Accused Diploma Peddler Long Island man accused of selling fake study courses.

Highway Deaths Plunge in 2008 Fewer drivers on the road means fewer accidents.

Can Pacemakers Hinder Your Sex Life? Only if powerful magnets are involved.

February 5, 2009

Senate Bill Would Pay You To Buy a House Lawmakers hoping to revive housing industry.

Job Cuts Soar to Seven-Year High Retail downsizing pushes planned cuts to nearly 250,000.

Experian To Stop Selling Credit Scores To Consumers Dispute with Fair Isaac leads to cutoff after February 15th.

Mortgage Rates Remain Below 6 Percent The benchmark 30-year fixed rate rose this week to 5.70 percent.

How Much is Enough for Retirement? Many people are questioning if they can still afford to retire early, on time, or at all.

Store Credit Card a Good Deal? At a department store checkout, you're often asked if you want a store credit card. Is it worth the instant discount?

Easy Ways To Go Vegetarian A vegetarian diet is healthful and can help you stay slender.

Tobacco And Alcohol Worse in Combination Two bad tastes that taste bad together.

Weight Management Requires "Lifelong Commitment" Keeping weight off is as important as losing it.

Recalls today ...

February 4, 2009

How Miraculous is the Amish Fireplace? 'Free' 1500-watt made-in-China space heater costs $300.

House Votes To Delay DTV Transition New date set for June 12; Obama expected to sign.

Class Action Filed Over Chase Credit Card Fees Bank demands "monthly service fee," higher payments.

Countrywide Reaches $2.1 Million Settlement With Maryland Lender charged with deceptive lending practices.

Analysts Applaud Senate Effort to Cap Bailout Pay Measure is stronger than White House salary cap plan.

Insulin May Combat Alzheimer's New research points to potential in diabetics' medicine.

Kenmore Dryer Suit Hung Out to Dry Failed class action may dampen attorneys' enthusiasm for consumer cases.

Video: Do Women Really Hate Car Shopping? Car salesmen beware: women are in the driver's seat.

Car Buyers Seeking Higher Fuel Economy Consumers not lulled by current low gas prices.

Broken Bones May Hike Death Risk For Seniors Osteoporotic fracture data studied for signs of increased mortality.

Recalls today ...

February 3, 2009

Study: Americans Take Unnecessary Risks Even small changes in behavior can save lives.

Pending Home Sales Rise in December Light at the end of the housing market tunnel?

States Urge Large-Scale Loan Mortgage Modifications Attorneys General call on Feds to prevent foreclosures.

California, Feds Sue Over Generic Testosterone Companies accused of monopolizing supplement sales.

Pricey Pet Food Not Necessarily Better Consumer Reports advises consumers about what to look for on pet-food labels.

Study Questions Vitamin Benefits For Kids Varied diet provides plenty of nutrients for healthy children.

Soy May Guard Against Some Cancers Study finds reduction in colorectal cancers among women.

Job Hunters: Beware of Rebate-Processing Scams Tough economy raises interest in work-at-home jobs.

Auto Warranty Solicitations Plague Consumers Telemarketing calls may be bogus, BBB warns.

Deducting the Cost of an Education The owner of an S corporation won't be able to deduct the cost of her beautician's license, says CPA George Saenz.

10 Must-Know IRA Terms Here's the plain-English guide to some of the terms you'll likely encounter as you set up and manage your account.

Video: Haggling For a Better Deal Bargaining for a better deal can save you money.

February 2, 2009

Feds Delay New Product Safety Testing Rules One-year delay may not be popular with child safety advocates.

Aetna Agrees to Reimburse Students' Health Insurance Claims Settlement with New York covers more than 200 colleges nationwide.

Peanut Butter Recall Claims Still More Products More than 20 companies added to list.

Consumers Spending Less, Saving More Cash hoarding will help economy in long term, expert says.

Honda Fit Tops Consumer Reports' Subcompact Ratings Fit outscores Yaris, Versa, Aveo, other contenders.

Family Sedans May Be Good Car Choices Today Tough economic climate spurs buyers to reassess car needs.

Video: Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams Hard times breed new tricks.

New Credit Card Rules from the Fed Some consumer "unfriendly" credit card practices may soon be changed by the Federal Reserve.

10 New Tax Laws You Need To Know Tax laws change every year. Here are 10 that could affect your 2008 return and your 2009 tax planning.

Refinancing May Not Wipe Out PMI Refinancing will not be enough to help a homeowner eliminate her private mortgage insurance payments.

February 1, 2009

Feds Open Criminal Probe of Peanut Producer Massive recall continues; Obama promises tougher food safety oversight.

When to Refinance Your Mortgage As mortgage rates plunge, it becomes more tempting to refinance. Find out if such a move makes sense for you.

Cut The Cable With Internet Television By substituting Internet television for cable TV, you can save money and watch the programming whenever you want.

Qualifying For Unemployment In a recession, more jobless people claim unemployment, but whether you get it can depend on state rules.

January 31, 2009

Fannie, Freddie Put Off Evictions until March Moratorium applies to owners and renters in single-family homes.

FDA Urged to Ditch Darvon Old painkiller is a plain old killer, Public Citizen argues.

Gas Prices Hold Steady For The Week Most of the country still below the $2 point.

The Most Expensive Coffee Isn't Necessarily the Best Consumer Reports finds Eight O'Clock 100% Colombian coffee beats rivals.

Bank Of America Sued In Internet Ponzi Scheme Hundreds of millions of dollars collected in gigantic swindle.

Ice Cream, Cookies, Donuts Join the Massive Peanut Butter Recall List List of potentially contaminated food continues to grow.

Temporary Tag Snafu a Tip-Off A dealer unable or unwilling to provide a permanent license tag is hiding something.

Weigh Taxes Before Prepaying Mortgage It may or may not make good tax sense to prepay.

Former Congressman Named In Investment Scam Investors in Bidbay.com bilked, prosecutors charge.

Colonoscopy Is Nothing to Dread The preparation is not much fun, though.

January 29, 2009

Peanut Recall Expands as Feds Release Findings Peanut Corp. has long history of problems, FDA reports.

Congresswoman Demands Peanut Probe Peanut Corp.'s actions "criminal:" Rep. DeLauro.

New Home Sales Hit Record Low Sales down 45% from a year ago.

Foreclosure Tax Double-Whammy Eased Congress eases taxation on home lost to debt or forgiveness.

Mortgage Rates Fall Below 5.5% Rates are low but home inventories high. How come?

No-Penalty CDs: Good Deal or Not? They offer safety and access; be sure to shop for the best yield.

Interest Rate Roundup Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

Postal Service May Seek Service Cut Slump in revenue imperils Saturday deliveries.

Starbucks Closes More Stores, Lays Off 6,700 Economizing consumers cut caffeine intake, slurp cheaper brews.

Recalls today ...

January 28, 2009

Changing Signals on Digital TV Transition House fails to go along with Senate in delaying Feb. 17 deadline.

Feds: Peanut Corporation Knew of Salmonella Problem Company allegedly shipped its peanut butter knowing it could be contaminated.

Diet, Energy Bars Among Latest Peanut Butter Recalls List of potentially contaminated food continues to grow.

Fed To Modify Some Troubled Mortgages Bail-out funds trickle down to troubled homeowners.

The Fed's Toolbox In an attempt to jump-start the economy, the Fed has devised an array of tools.

What To Do When A Business Shuts Its Doors Customers can be left in the lurch when a business liquidates.

Video: 10 Dollar-Store Duds Comparison shopping and unit pricing will help you find deals and duds at the dollar store.

Zero-Coupon Bonds Can Be Good Investments Be sure you make decisions based on today's markets and rates.

Beware Of Super Bowl Scams Annual tradition includes scams aimed at excited fans.

Video: Choosing a Nursing Home It boils down to one question.

Recalls today ...

January 27, 2009

Senate Approves Delay In Digital TV Transition Millions of consumers unable to meet Feb. 17 deadline.

Consumer Confidence Sinks Even Lower Index inches down from December, remains at record low.

Peanut Butter Recalls Taper Off At least 7 deaths, 500 illnesses blamed on Salmonella-contaminated peanut products.

Tax Consequences of Defaulting on Your Mortgage The bank's actions will drive the tax consequences of walking away from a mortgage.

Appraisals Taking a Double Hit New, devalued homes and foreclosures are a double whammy on owners hoping to refinance.

Avoiding Work-at-Home Scams As the economy cools, work-at-home scams are heating up.

Talking While Walking May Put Kids At Risk Higher risk of injury among pedestrians who are on the phone.

Heart Association Touts Omega-6 Fatty Acids Recommends consumers get 5-10% of calories from omega-6.

Unemployed Workers Struggle To Pay Health Insurance Only 9% able to afford COBRA, report finds.

Recalls today ...

January 26, 2009

Tainted Peanut Butter Claims Seventh Victim More recalls of health bars, candies, cookies, other products.

Home Sales Rise As Prices Fall Prices plunged a record 15.3% in December.

Travel Sites Agree to Improve Service to Disabled Consumers Hotels.com, Expedia will add features for the disabled.

Home Depot to Close Expo Chain Company plans to cut 7,000 jobs as sales slump.

California Shuts Down 1st Centennial Bank First California Bank takes over deposits, branches.

Video: Getting Bang For The Buck In A Portable PC Netbook vs. notebook comparison involves more than price.

Video Games Blamed For Poor Family Relationships Researcher disappointed by his findings.

7 Ways to Trash Your Credit Score You can get blemishes on your credit report without even trying.

8 Ways to Save on College Visits There's no reason to spend too much on visiting schools ahead of time.

January 25, 2009

Flipping Homes Profitable But Can Be Risky Investing in real estate requires more capital and patience these days.

What Do Builder Warranties Cover? There's much to be wary of these days in the world of new-home warranties.

Off-Rental Cars Can Be Good Buys Looking for a used car? Don't overlooked used rentals.

Senior Mobility: Choosing a Cane Future columns will discuss scooters, wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

January 23, 2009

Dozens More Peanut Butter Products Recalled Suspect peanut paste spreads through the food chain.

NutriSystem Relents, Offers Refunds to Sickened Customers Peanut butter granola bars among hundreds of food products recalled.

Gas Prices Show Signs Of Leveling Off Nationwide average up 5 cents from last week.

'Vista Capable' Lawsuit Could Cost Microsoft $8.5 Billion Were consumers misled by 'Vista Capable' program?

Video: What's Your Car Worth? Determining a used car's value is difficult in today's economy.

Rewards Card Not Worth Credit Risk Rushing to open a new credit card account is not wise if you plan to refinance a mortgage soon.

Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home.

Supersize Social Security Here are three ways for seniors to perform financial do-overs later in retirement.

New Jersey Sues Four Auto Dealerships Sansone Auto Network charged with violating consumer protection laws.

Illinois Sues Florida Collection Agency Accuses it of using deception, abuse to collect debts.

January 22, 2009

Hundreds of Peanut Butter Products Recalled Candy, snacks, weight-loss meals, dog food on growing recall list.

Inflation Fears Send Mortgage Rates Up The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.59 percent in Bankrate's weekly survey.

Consumers Urged to Avoid Quickie Tax Refund Loans Advocates warn of high costs and hidden fees.

Study Finds Clean Air Extends Lifespan Life expectancy up three years in 51 cities.

Feds Charge Mortgage Broker In Potential Data Breach Broker allegedly left private data in public dumpsters.

Take Long View with Mother's Money Plan The big picture is important when planning for an older parent's financial future.

Help for Low-Income Taxpayers Special clinics can help eligible individuals who need help with tax filing.

Airlines Cut Capacity to Reduce Empty Seats Cuts to flights also in offing as carriers struggle.

Improved PSA Tests May Better Determine Prostate Cancer Risk New refinements better measure risk versus actual evidence of disease.

Recalls...

January 21, 2009

Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recalled Due to Salmonella More health bars also recalled as outbreak widens.

Video: Getting Out Of Debt It's not easy, but you can do it.

Millions of Credit Cards Exposed in Data Breach Processor hack already called "biggest ever".

Fiat to Take Stake in Chrysler Struggling US automaker eyes international sales as rescue.

NCAA Alcohol Ads Still High-Profile, Study Claims CSPI examines beer commercials during big games.

Second Mortgage May Derail Refinance A lender's refusal to subordinate a second mortgage may dash a homeowner's dreams of refinancing.

Talking Finances With Kids In today's troubling economic times, it's important to give need-to-know financial information to ease kids' stress.

Borrowers Look For Mortgage Modification Homeowners who can't pay their mortgage can get a better deal from the lender. But it's a complex process.

January 20, 2009

Consumers Hopeful of Better Times Under Obama Poll shows high hopes.

Foreclosures High On Obama Priority List Foreclosure prevention will stand near the top of Barack Obama's domestic priorities when he assumes the presidency.

Peanut Butter Health Bars Recalled Clif, ZonePerfect products may have salmonella.

New Credit Card Rules Have Downside The credit card reforms may help consumers, but may also bring unintended consequences.

Southern California Home Sales Rise in 2008 Price decreases and mounting foreclosures lure buyers back.

The Dangers of Debt Consolidation Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options.

Childhood Obesity Risk May Be Increased By Mutations Variants in genome can control appetite, weight loss.

9 Smart Personal Finance Moves in 2009 These nine smart personal finance strategies can keep you in the black during 2009.

FDA Warns of Skin Numbing Product Dangers Topical anesthetics can have life-threatening side effects.

January 19, 2009

Peanut Butter Recall List Grows Widespread salmonella contamination feared in products containing peanut butter.

Video: Is It Time to Refinance? Rates hit historic lows.

Circuit City Reassures Service Contract Holders Customers won't lose ability to get warranty repairs.

Inflation All But Disappears Price decreases are rare bright spot in bad economy.

Healthy Seniors May Benefit From Moderate Alcohol Consumption Some drinking may prevent physical disabilities.

Recalls...

January 18, 2009

Peanut Butter Recall Spreads To More Products Cookies, crackers, ice cream products included in expanded recall.

High-Tech Car Options Expensive to Repair Those high-end options are nice to have but expensive to repair.

Home Bargains on the Auction Block More homes are being sold at auction. Here's what to know before bidding.

January 17, 2009

Circuit City Will Liquidate, Putting 30,000 Out of Work Dismal holiday shopping season claims its first big victim.

January 16, 2009

Troubled Banks Back at Square One Obama obtains TARP money; Citigroup to break up.

Gas Prices Still Climbing Oil producers try to cut supply and raise demand.

Maryland Stores Stop Selling Toys With Lead Paint Businesses try to sell off potentially tainted items.

5 Smart Credit Card Moves In 2009 In the coming year, credit-card issuers are expected to raise standards, requiring higher credit scores, as well as making other changes. Here's what to do.

Solving 3 Big Money Challenges A good road map can lead you to success when facing three of the biggest and most common money challenges.

Seniors At Extra Risk of Hypothermia Tips to help older people stay warm this year.

Consumer Group Proposes Auto-Buying Stimulus CFA wants incentives to replace gas guzzlers.

Alcohol Taxes Have Clear Effect on Drinking Results of 112 studies find link between prices and imbibing.

West Virginia Settles with Arizona Telemarketer Company claimed overpriced goods would help handicapped veterans.

January 15, 2009

2008 Foreclosure Activity Jumps 81 Percent One in 54 homes received a foreclosure filing last year.

Kellogg Puts Peanut Butter Crackers "On Hold" Due to Salmonella Concerns Company supplier was responsible for tainted ingredients.

Recession Likely to Have Health Consequences Nearly 500,000 people may lose health coverage due to job losses.

"Green" Gasoline on the Horizon Research into biomass-made fuel shows promise.

CSPI Sues Coke Over VitaminWater Claims Beverage giant accused of inflating benefits.

Menthol Cigarettes May Be More Addictive New study finds lower quit rates among minority smokers.

Cosmetic Surgeons See Wrinkle in Economic Downturn Patients opting for less costly treatments.

Recalls...

January 14, 2009

Peanut Butter Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination 21 lots of King Nut and Parnell's Pride branks recalled.

Report: Nation Not Ready For Flu Pandemic Report finds 15 weaknesses in government's approach.

Older Drivers Involved In Fewer Fatal Crashes Crash deaths among senior drivers down 21% in last decade.

Not All Debtors are Deadbeats Most consumers in financial trouble got that way due to a job loss or health problems.

Getting Help from Credit Counselors Get your finances in order with this video advice from professional credit counselors.

Tax Refund Loan Alternatives These options can get you your tax cash fast at low or no cost.

Massachusetts Mortgage Officer Sentenced on Fraud Charges Will serve two years for forging credentials for buyers.

Peak Fitness Settles Charges in North Carolina Attorney General wanted "substantial changes" to gym's practices.

Recalls...

January 13, 2009

Chinese Experts Confirm Melamine-Kidney Stone Link Despite official denials, melamine suspected in U.S. illnesses.

CDC Says Salmonella May Have Killed Three People 410 people sick in 43 states.

Video: Tax Tips – New Tax Breaks For Your 2008 Return Take advantage of every deduction coming your way.

Estimated Tax Deadline Looms If you earned extra money on the side last year, you may have to file a final estimated tax voucher for 2008. It's due Jan. 15.

Dell to Pay $3.3 Million to Resolve Deceptive Practice Claims States charged Dell used deceptive warranty, financing practices.

Study: Cholesterol Risk Guidelines May Need Update New study analyzes connection between high cholesterol and heart damage.

Video: Is Your Bank Safe? Find out if your money is safe by checking out your bank's rating.

Researchers Say Vicks VapoRub is Not for Kids Study claims decongestant can actually cause mucus buildup.

Getting Tax Help to Care for Your Parents Millions of adult children find themselves looking after aging parents. If you qualify, tax laws offer some help.

Despite Penalty, CD Rivals Money Market Despite early withdrawal penalties, CDs can top money market accounts as a place to park short-term cash.

Recalls...

January 12, 2009

Getting Help From The IRS for Tax Season 2009 Agency more inclined to aid taxpayers in trouble.

American Views About Credit Cards: Negative Our relationship with credit cards is an uneasy one. We tend to regard them with antipathy.

Retailers Add Just 381,800 Holiday Workers Slow shopping season contributes to fewer hires, study finds.

529 Tax Exemption is Now Permanent If you're looking for a tax-smart way to save for college, a 529 plan is the way to go, says college savings plan expert Joe Hurley.

King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall Salmonella discovery reminds of ConAgra recall.

Phishing Scams Hop On Banking Turmoil Phishing scams have increased recently, piggybanking on the financial crisis on Wall Street.

GM Plans New Minicar, Electric Cadillac Automaker comes back swinging with new products, models.

Obama Urged to Tackle Obesity Health officials recommend quick action on epidemic.

January 11, 2009

Virginia Child's Kidney Problems May Be Due to Melamine-Tainted Candy Angry mother has many questions, few answers.

Toymakers, Craftspeople Up in Arms Over New Safety Law Will new testing requirements really put independent sellers out of work?

January 10, 2009

BBB's New Rating System Draws Fire Critic says BBB's "Pay for OK" scheme should get a failing grade.

Time Running Out for Circuit City Unemployment rate jumps to 7.2 percent.

Find End-of-Life Care to Fit Your Finances Now there's a way for patients to find the best hospital for end-of-life care.

9 Wise Car Strategies for 2009 These nine smart auto strategies can keep you on the road to sound finances during 2009.

Tax Scam Deal Really Is Too Good To Be True Most companies are selling an offer in compromise and the IRS will rarely approve them.

100 Tips to Help You Save in 2009 With the economy heading for the doldrums, here are 100 tips to help you save money in all areas of your life.

Horizon Blue Cross Settles Eating Disorders Suit Class action claimed insurer wrongfully denied payment for treatments.

January 9, 2009

More Than 500,000 Jobs Lost in December Unemployment rate jumps to 7.2 percent.

U.S. Retail Spending Tumbles to New Low Spending monitor tracks record drop as retail stays bleak.

Obama Calls for Delay in Digital TV Transition Millions of consumers unable to prepare for switchover by Feb. 17 deadline.

Consumer Credit Plunges Record Amount in November Borrowing drops by nearly $8 billion.

Gas Prices Up 11 Cents Since Monday Slow increase even as demand remains flat.

More Consumers Delaying New Car Purchases Weak economy means more buyers waiting longer to buy vehicles.

Antiviral Overuse Could Aid Deadly Flu Resistance could build up over time.

Knee Replacement Patients Need To Know Risks Study claims candidates for surgery lack good information.

January 8, 2009

Thrift Stores Protest Ban on Lead Toys Stores say they can't afford to guarantee the safety of their products.

Freddie Mac Extends Foreclosure Moratorium Reprieve to last through end of January.

Salmonella Outbreak Stretches Across 42 States 388 people stricken with poisoning, half hospitalized.

FDIC Study Finds Outrageous Overdraft Fees Bank automatic overdraft programs, also called courtesy overdraft, are not so polite to your wallet.

IRS Offers Help to Financially Stressed Taxpayers Agency makes policy changes to help those in trouble.

Hypermiling Can Slash Fuel Consumption Forget downsizing and riding a bike — just changing your driving habits can cut fuel costs 20 to 40 percent.

Small Car Market Faces Potentially Large Problems Drivers frustrated with lack of amenities.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

9 Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2009 With the mortgage crisis still in full swing, here are nine tips for homebuyers and nine tips for sellers to help them survive in 2009.

January 7, 2009

Countrywide Accused of Gouging Active-Duty Military Suit charges lender ignored federal law requiring lowered interest for active-duty servicemembers.

GMAC Closes Subprime Car Lending Unit Dealers left looking for new source of loans for customers with weak credit.

House Democrats Seek Bankruptcy Rule Changes Proposal would enable judges to save homes from foreclosure.

Consumers Fall Further Behind in Payments Third quarter delinquencies hit all-time highs.

2008 Data Breach Total Soars 47 percent increase in incidents from 2007.

Hiring a Home Health Aide It's a big step; plan and consider before you jump.

Best Buy To Sell Refurbished iPhones Retailer hopes discounted models will draw buyers.

San Francisco Nixes Alcohol Ad Contracts City bans booze advertisements on public property.

Company Recalls Makeup Remover Over Possible Contamination Product may contain bacteria that leads to eye infections.

Hyundai Genesis Outscores "Upscale Sedan" Competitors Outpaces Lexus, Acura, and Lincoln models in Consumer Reports ratings.

January 6, 2009

Flee, or Stay the Financial Course? Financial planners advise investors not to make hasty decisions in this turbulent and uncertain market.

Groups Claim Bank Uses Bailout Funds for Predatory Loans California bank accused of using TARP money for tax refund loans.

Staying Healthy in a Sick Economy How to find good health care in tough times.

The Best Moves in Mortgages in 2009 2008 was the year of foreclosures. 2009 will be the year of refinances and mortgage modifications.

Pending Home Sales Post Record Drop Sellers burdened with job losses, low confidence.

"Soft Inquiry" Won't Hurt Credit Score Creditors who look at your credit report do not see soft inquiries, which do not damage your FICO score.

LG Unveils Broadband-Enabled HDTVs Netflix partnership enables streaming movies.

Is Your High-Def TV an Energy Hog? California targets voracious big screens.

Recalls...

January 5, 2009

Consumer Poll Finds Risky Behavior is Common Consumer Reports survey reveals how often Americans take risks.

Fiber-Optic Providers Are Leading Choices for Broadband Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse lead latest Consumer Reports survey.

Too Much Retirement Planning May Be As Bad As Too Little Suggestions to rebuild the nest egg and secure the future.

Consumers Have Growing Leverage with Credit Card Companies Massive worldwide debt may actually help borrowers negotiate better terms.

Tips To Cope With the Economy in 2009 Bankrate's senior financial analyst explains the best way to approach your finances in the coming year.

Gas Prices Inch Up in New Year But average remains low as buyers begin stockpiling.

Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Can Lead to Dangerous Interactions WorstPills.org finds 56 medications that can cause problems.

Roth IRA Beats 401(k) in Key Ways A young worker may find a Roth IRA to be superior to a 401(k) when saving for retirement.

Indiana Puppy Breeder Shut Down Some animals put down as state seizes company assets.

6 Ways To Save on Continuing Education When it comes to applying for college scholarships, retirees have some advantages.

The Complex World of Washing Machines Picking the wrong brand can put you in the spin cycle.

13 Smart Insurance Moves for 2009 Insurers and employers will be trimming coverage in the coming year. Here's how to avoid gaps in insurance.

Don't Let Just Anyone Do Your Taxes Poor choices in preparers could lead to trouble.

Court Scolds Gerber Over Marketing Practices Company criticized for falsely advertising snacks.

Recalls...

Reader Poll: Surviving in the New Economy How will you adjust your spending habits in lean times?

Buyer Waiting for Car May Cancel Deal A dealer who has failed to deliver a car may be jeopardizing the sale.

Car Payments Can Help Rebuild Credit Making car payments on time will help rebuild a credit score.

Mortgage Rates Drop Way Down The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 20 basis points, to 5.64 percent.

How Important is Credit to You? Take this online quiz to see how your feelings about credit cards stack up against those of other Americans.

Understand Annuity Before You Sign The wrong time to learn more details about your annuity contract is after you sign on the dotted line.

The High Cost of High-Tech Teens For parents, drawing the line on being cool is a cost-cutting lesson for teenagers.

January 2, 2009

H&R Block to Stop Selling Refund Anticipation Loans in California Company settles suit charging it with deceptive practices.

How the Grinches Stole Christmas ... Again Flying bakeware, failed returns, bungled deliveries once more mar the holiday.

Sex In the Digital Age Internet changing sexual attitudes among the young.

Consumers Union Buys Consumerist.com Axes ads but says no other changes planned.

December 31, 2008

Consumer Confidence Sinks to Historic Low Survey reflects worries, fears about economy.

5 Tips for Eating Right in 2009 Best ways to stay healthy on a budget.

Make The Best of Lower Card Limits Credit card issuers seem to be cutting card limits arbitrarily. Here's what to do if this happens to you.

Burritos Recalled Due to Possible Listeria Contamination Colorado company recalls 172 pounds of products.

Home Prices Plunge in October Values drop to levels not seen since 2004.

Rules for Claiming Dependents A student with high medical bills can be claimed as a dependent if the criteria are met.

Moderate Drinking Can Reduce Risks of Alzheimer's Low consumption can prevent "mini-strokes" that lead to dementia.

What's $29,000 Worth After 18 Years? A bank deposit of $29,000 loses some of its purchasing power after 18 years.

December 30, 2008

Chinese Companies Pay $160 Million Over Melamine Scandal Dairy companies settle with families of sickened children.

Groups Warn Against Life Insurance Rule Change New proposals could massively cut reserves for payouts.

Managing Retirement Savings If you're feeling shakier than the stock market, take some time to re-evaluate your portfolio positions.

Ford Plans Car That Parks Itself New technology guides cars into parking spots.

Smart Moves for CDs, Checking and Savings Investors are hoping 2009 will provide respite from 2008's economic spiral. Three experts weigh in.

5 Digital Ways to Store Money Documents There are five key options for safely storing important financial records digitally.

Doctors' Groups Settle Price-Fixing Charges Physicians accused of gouging insurance providers to raise fees.

1918 Flu Virus Offers Clues to Prevent Pandemics Studies of historic strain yield genetic breakthroughs.

Recalls...

Tax Preparers Tighten Up on 'Instant Refund' Loans Refund anticipation loans almost always a bad idea.

Some Hybrid Tax Breaks Will Soon Disappear If you want a Honda hybrid and a tax break, you better head to your local dealership now.

High Credit Scores Get Top Loans Credit score has always been important. Now it must be even higher to get a low rate.

Tips to Cope with the Economy in 2009 Here's the best way to approach your finances in the coming year.

12 Steps to Credit Card Success Follow these rules to beat credit card issuers at their own game.

Oil Rises But Gas Keeps Sinking OPEC looks to cut production, buyers want to increase inventories.

Over-the-Counter Contraceptive Pill May Not Work British researchers claim irregular usage hinders effectiveness.

New GPS Navigators Earn High Marks Consumer Reports rates best brands.

Common Food Additive Linked to Lung Cancer Inorganic phosphates in processed foods may trigger disease.

Researchers Study Wii's Impact on Fitness "Whole body movement" games may help families get healthy.

December 28, 2008

Top 10 Scams Of 2008 Financial meltdown creates opportunities for scammers.

December 27, 2008

Mortgage Refis Surge Mortgage rates went up this week from near-record lows, as brokers scrambled to keep up with applications.

5 Great Used Cars for Bargain Hunters Five used-car gems that are easy on both fuel and your wallet.

Use Cash for Refinance or Debt Paydown? Should you apply extra cash to a refinancing, or use it to pay down debt?

Save On Home Improvements Habitat for Humanity offers home improvement bargains.

December 26, 2008

Navigating the Mortgage Modification Maze Getting a home loan altered is no easy task.

GMAC Becomes a Bank Automaker's financing arm could access bailout funds.

Wal-Mart to Sell iPhone Starting Sunday 3G model on sale in 2,500 locations.

Notebooks Outsell Desktops for First Time HP, Dell, Acer, top rankings.

Coke Gets FDA Warning Letter About Coke Plus Agency says soda label claims false nutritional value.

Not All Sports Drinks are Created Equal Protein alleged to make the difference in performance.

"Brain Starvation" May Trigger Alzheimer's Restricted blood flow in arteries may lead to degeneration.

December 25, 2008

Spirit of Christmas Thrives, Even in Hard Times In the bleak Midwestern mid-winter, we found some Christmas angels.

Mortgage Rates Surge Mortgage rates went up this week from near-record lows, as brokers scrambled to keep up with applications.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

5 Ways to Outlast Deflation Deflation can devastate the economy. Here are five ways to fight falling prices.

Elevated CRP Can be a Sign of Infection, Or Worse High levels can also indicate increased heart attack risk.

December 24, 2008

Consumers Resolve To Kick Credit Card Habit Tightening of limits spurs borrowers to turn their backs.

Boomers Facing Tough Social Security Choices Many stuck between reduced payouts now or gambling for later.

Credit Card Issuers Changing the Rules Lenders look to make money before new regulations take effect.

Mortgage Rates Reach 37-Year Low 30-year fixed mortgage hits 5.14 percent.

Credit "Repair" Company Agrees to Settle FTC Charges Agency handcuffs company for making deceptive claims.

December 23, 2008

Is It Safe to Buy a House? Foreclosures and sinking home prices may signal a new era for buyers.

Mortgage Modification Meltdown The bailout program still isn't reaching homeowners.

Video: Debt Consolidation May Make Things Worse Unscrupulous companies prey on struggling consumers.

Cheap Gas Prices Provide Holiday Cheer National average of $1.65 invokes ghosts of cheap fuel's past.

FDA Warns of Tainted Diet Pills 25 products could lead to heart problems, depression, and worse.

Fed Urged to Beef Up Overdraft Rules Loopholes could mean business as usual for banks.

Feds Developing Positive Train Control Regulations New rules could help prevent train collisions.

Got The Shakes? Botox Can Help! Cosmetic treatment can stabilize muscle spasms and tremors.

FDA Halts Illegally Medicated Animal Feed Missouri court claims company did not store feed properly.

Recalls...

December 22, 2008

Mortgage Defaults Still Rising But foreclosures decrease slightly through 2008.

New Jersey Man Arrested in Ponzi Scheme Investment broker accused of bilking clients out of $1.3 million.

6 Key Ways Car Shopping Has Changed The financial meltdown has changed car shopping in six key ways. Some of the shifts may be permanent.

Target Launches In-Store Recall System Retailer teams up with safety agency to notify shoppers.

All Credit Cards Not Created Equal There are still plenty of tricks card issuers can legally play on their customers.

Sour Economy May Affect Eating Habits Bigger emphasis on nutrition, value for dollars.

The Quest for Retirement Income Annuities are good for providing income in retirement. Companies looking for newer, better ways.

Online Technology Sales Surge Even in bad economy, e-commerce rakes in big bucks.

"All You Can Eat" A Ticket to Obesity Lower incomes, buffet-centric diets combine for bad health.

Media May Have Gotten Alcohol Study Wrong Claim that pregnant women can drink safely is erroneous, researchers say.

December 21, 2008

Topaz Wafer Rolls Recalled on Melamine Fears Industrial chemical contaminates more food products.

Melamine Triggers Recall of Cocoa from Canada Products were sold at Big Lots, Shopko stores.

Pet Owners Warned about Chicken Jerky Products Small dogs at particular risk from jerky strips.

What To Do About Unauthorized Charges It's a common problem and can be very frustrating.

6 Common Car-Shopping Mistakes Avoiding these six mistakes will keep you out of car-buying trouble.

Drivers Won't Give Up Extras to Save Fuel Fuel-sipping cars that skimp on extras won't capture a driver's heart.

Early Mortgage Payment Could Cut Tax Bill Make your January mortgage payment by Dec. 31 and you'll have extra interest to deduct on your upcoming tax return.

December 20, 2008

White House to Loan Carmakers $17.4 Billion Bush says letting Big 3 collapse is "not responsible".

Credit Card Rules Implemented Too Slowly, Groups Say 2010 deadline gives lenders plenty of time to gouge consumers.

Vietnam Company Recalls Biscuits Due to Melamine Latest product to be tainted with dangerous chemical.

Falling Gas Prices Finally Level Off But another slide may be coming soon.

FTC Proposes Ways to Reduce Identity Theft Five steps to protect Social Security numbers.

Fast Food May Have Fewer Calories Than Traditional Restaurant Meals New study claims fast food portions are smaller and more "energy dense".

Can a Monthly Shot Keep Holiday Drinkers on the Wagon? Injections of naltrexone may help reduce desire to drink.

December 19, 2008

Feds Crack Down on Credit Card Companies New rules ban unfair practices against consumers.

Foreclosures Rising Despite Prevention Programs Voluntary industry guidelines a failure, bankruptcy lawyers charge.

Mortgage Rates Take Another Sudden Drop 30-year fixed loan hits 5.94 percent.

Chrysler Closing Car Plants for 30 Days Ford, GM to follow suit while waiting for bailout.

Wal-Mart Dominates Christmas Shopping Retail giant dwarfs competition for wary consumers' dollars.

MillerCoors Dumps Sparks in Settlement Brewer shelves controversial teen-marketed energy drink.

End of Model Year Car-Buying Tips What's the better value: last-year's model discounted or this year's model?

States on High Alert for Investment Fraud Madoff Ponzi scheme rattles securities officials.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

Cash Today Hit with FTC Complaint Company did not properly disclose terms of its payday loans, feds charge.

Borrowing from Family, Friends, Strangers Borrowing money from people you know or complete strangers can be better, or worse, than dealing with institutions.

Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Decorating Safety agency urges caution for festive festooning.

Recalls...

December 17, 2008

Smart Moves to Make After the Fed Rate Cut Take advantage of the action by the Federal Reserve with these money moves.

New Jersey Finds Recalled Toys in Four Stores Investigators on the hunt for unsafe items.

Who Wins, Who Loses with the Fed's Decision? The Federal Reserve made its decision on the federal funds rate. How will this affect your bottom line?

Christmas Travel Expected to Decline First decline in holiday travel since 2002.

FDA Requires Suicide Warning on Epileptic Drugs Agency also mandates guides for proper medical use.

Drug Companies' Medical Information Not Useful FDA raps businesses for not providing good information.

Equifax Settles Consumer Protection Charges in Indiana Attorney General accuses credit bureau of not providing security freezes.

End-of-Year Auto Deals Auto manufacturers are offering great deals to move inventory off dealer lots.

Check Out Charities Before Opening Your Wallet Research organizations thoroughly before donating.

Recalls...

December 16, 2008

Fed Slashes Rates to Near Zero Rate cut is the lowest in history.

Consumer Prices Plunge in November Retail posts biggest 30-day decline in 61 years.

Supreme Court Clears Suits Over Light Cigarettes Majority says federal law does not block state litigation.

Airborne Agrees to Stop 'Cold Remedy' Claims Company will pay $7 million to 33 states.

Toyota Parks Plans For New Prius Plant Low gas prices and car sales means factory will sit vacant.

Cut Your Holiday Costs This Year Trim your gift-giving, yuletide travel and holiday party planning with these tips from Bankrate.

Ohio Settles with Companies over Student Credit Cards Attorney General accused firms of deceptive advertising.

Internet Explorer Has Serious Security Flaw Exploit enables hackers to steal users' passwords.

Video: Gift Cards for the Holiday Watch out for fees, expiration dates and bankruptcies when choosing a gift card.

Pool And Spa Safety Law Takes Effect This Week New law designed to better protect swimmers.

Condo vs. Co-op There are pros and cons to buying a condo or a co-op in the present real estate market.

December 15, 2008

Mattel Agrees to Lower Lead Paint Levels in Toys Toymaker settles with 39 Attorneys General, agrees to stricter standards.

Fed to Vote on Sweeping Credit Card Rule Changes Rules changes will ban retroactive rate hikes.

USDA Will Test Meat Products for Melamine Agency determines that testing is "prudent".

Survey Finds Americans Lacking Money Knowledge "Economic illiteracy" highlighted as reason for current crises.

Home Values May Fall More in 2009 Homes lost $2 trillion in value in 2008.

Massachusetts Company Recalls Cream Cheese Due to Listeria Possible contamination risk for specialty food products.

Software Offers Alternative to Direct Deposit Cutting-edge technology called "remote deposit capture" offers help for employees who don't have direct deposit.

FHA Loans: What You Need to Know FHA loans lagged during the boom but they're back skyrocketing now.

Video: The Cheapest Way to Mail Gifts Last-minute shoppers will find big differences in overnight shipping charges.

Recalls...

December 14, 2008

Devil Is In the Details of Foreclosure 'Bargains' Buying foreclosed properties isn't a game for beginners.

Comparing Loan Products for Pricey Items Bankrate helps take the guesswork out of borrowing money.

Hedging Your Retirement Bet These days retirees get few guarantees. But you can take steps to ensure your money lasts.

Video: Avoid Holiday Scams Holiday scammers are out in force, so watch out!

December 12, 2008

New York Financier Allegedly Ran 'Giant Ponzi Scheme' Losses may reach $50 billion; many prominent families affected.

How Retirees Can Survive the Bear Market Reorganize your life, not just your portfolio.

Americans Cut Driving by 100 Billion Miles Lower gas prices don't seem to be restoring driving habits.

Bankrupt KB Toys Closing All Stores Weak sales push venerable toy seller into the red.

Gas Prices Fall Nearly 12 Cents in a Week National average down to $1.65 a gallon.

Americans Passing Up Flu Shots Survey claims myths about immunization are causing low numbers.

Good Time to Buy a New Car? A shrinking domestic auto industry will bring about many changes in the next few years -- which could work for or against you.

Gene May Make You Crave Fast Food Variant gene may drive some to eat unhealthy meals.

Safe Places to Park Your Cash Fixed-income investments can provide a safe haven for cash and modest interest income during today's economic crisis.

Recalls...

December 11, 2008

Americans' Net Worth Plunges Nearly $3 Trillion Economics predict the recession will begin to ease in June 2009.

Foreclosures Rise 28 Percent in November Total actions slow from previous month, but still at record levels.

Mortgage Modification Help Need to modify your mortgage? Here are some valuable tips.

Mortgage Modification: Chase, WaMu, EMC Mortgage modification info for three big lenders.

Car Key Jams Teen Drivers' Cell Phones University of Utah licenses the device to private marketers.

4 Keys to Buying a Car Online Buying a car on the Internet involves challenges. Here are four ways to make the experience profitable.

Sony BMG to Pay $1 Million for Violating Children's Privacy Company illegally collected information on its Web sites, FTC charged.

Vitamins Don't Cut Prostate Cancer Risk Large trial casts doubt on earlier studies.

Alternative Medicine Use on the Rise Survey studies usage among adults, children.

Feds Quash 'Scareware' Scheme Bogus 'scans' tricked more than 1 million consumers.

Overweight Children at Increased Risk in Car Accidents Weaker bone strength may lead to more injuries.

Interest Rate Roundup Latest interest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey.

Video: Real estate Auction Rip-Off? Know all the rules before you bid on a foreclosure at auction.

Recalls today...

December 10, 2008

Australian Company Recalls Chicken Strips After Dogs Fall Ill Symptoms may be similar to those from Nutro Pet Foods.

Credit Unions Come to Aid of Troubled Automakers Buyers of U.S. vehicles could get low-cost loans, cash discounts.

Video: Credit Cards for College Students Credit card offers abound on college campuses. Here's what students need to know.

Are Men Hardwired to Overspend? Financial overconsumption may be designed to attract mates.

Feds, BMW Tussle Over Hot Mini Cooper Tailpipe BMW resists NHTSA's call for a recall.

7 Do-It-Yourself Car Maintenance Tips You don't have to be a mechanic to make these simple checks.

Surge in Mortgage Applications Doesn't Last But low interest rates may spur more loans.

7 Freaky Home Threats: Are You Covered? If your home is trampled by stampeding wildebeests will your homeowners insurance cover the repairs?

Shopping Poll Holds Bad News for Retailers Consumer sentiment continues to drop as economic concerns increase.

Fraudsters Masquerading as Well-Known Companies Kansas Attorney General takes on impersonators.

Avoiding Short-Term Gains on Investments You can get favorable capital gains treatment by rolling over profits in investment property.

Recalls...

December 9, 2008

Get Your Mortgage Rate Lock Ready Solidify your loan terms when you have the chance.

Pending Home Sales Slide in October Improvements in late summer give way to fears in fall.

House Committee Slams FCC Chairman for "Deception and Distrust" 110-page investigative report exposes "broken" agency culture, process.

Wal-Mart Reportedly To Sell iPhone Megastore remains mum as rumors swirl.

Banking Report Errors Can Be Harmful A consumer banking report may have errors that make it difficult to open a checking account.

Electronic Prescribing System Could Save Patients Money Doctors using e-prescribing tend to favor lower-cost medications.

Joan Claybrook Resigns as Head of Public Citizen Longtime president of consumer advocate agency fought for safer auto standards.

Shopping for a Student Loan When you search multiple loan options, you could be damaging your credit report.

New Tax Rules Could Cost Second-Home Owners If you hope to get the most tax savings on a second-home sale, you've only got a few weeks to act.

What to Expect from Medicare This primer on the government health plan for those 65 and up explains your options.

Recalls...

December 8, 2008

How To Have a Bailout Just for You The world crisis can show the way to personal growth.

Melamine Found in Walgreens Chocolate Bars Candy sold with teddy bears recalled after high levels of chemical detected.

Modifying Mortgages Isn't Slowing Default Rate Homeowners with modified loans fall back into delinquency, official says.

What Would a Washington-Designed Car Industry Look Like? As bailout takes shape, Congress, White House, Obama weigh in.

Obama Promises to "Renew Information Superhighway" Broadband expansion included as part of public works program.

Nine Ways to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Wrap up your holiday spending without overspending.

Jumbo Mortgage Deadline Looms Some mortgage borrowers are about to get squeezed by the shrinking of something called the jumbo conforming limit.

Bundle Up! 'Credit Winter' Is Coming You may not have recognized it yet, but "Credit Winter" is coming to your town.

Sodium Levels Still High in Processed Foods Advocacy group raps food industry for not reducing salt content.

"Mystery Shopper" Scammers Settle with FTC Defendants accused of luring job seekers with fake offers.

Recalls...

December 6, 2008

Put the Brakes on Holiday Spending Tips for reining in holiday expenses without losing your holiday spirit.

Tips for Online Coupon Clipping Coupons can help you save up to 30 percent off your shopping bill.

Know Your Needs to Choose the Right Laptop Not all laptops are alike, a veteran reviewer notes.

Answers to Six Key Refinance Questions Frequently asked questions about the mortgage refinancing process.

Four Things to Know Before You Refinance Take these steps to be sure a refi will be good for you.

Insurance Fight? Hire Your Own Appraiser An independent appraisal can often help settle disputes.

December 5, 2008

Toxic Toy Tests Show High Chemical Contamination Ecology Center's research show one in three toys are potential threats.

533,000 Jobs Lost in November Unemployment rate shoots to 6.7 percent.

Gas Prices at 2005 Levels National average drops to $1.77 a gallon.

7 Ways to Avoid Buying a Used Lemon Some 40 million used cars will change hands this year. How can you be sure the one you buy is not a lemon?

Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosures Surge Total rate highest recorded in bankers' survey.

Christmas Sales Forecast Gets More Grim Buyers expected to stay frugal through holiday season.

10 Year-End Tax Moves that Could Save You Money The year is quickly winding down, but you still have time to take tax action that could cut your IRS bill.

Payday Loans Can Lead to Bankruptcy Quick financial fix can cause more problems than it solves.

Saving With Online Coupons Today, you don't have to accept what's in the paper every week. There are plenty of online coupons that are a click away.

Caregivers Must Prepare for Doctor Visits Planning is key to successful health care for the elderly.

DOE Cracks Down on Energy Star Label Display LG settles with agency over misuse of certification.

December 4, 2008

Lawsuit Seeks Immediate Ban on Toxic Toys Safety agency looks other way as phthalate-laden toys remain on shelves.

$140 Million Settlement in Asbestos Insulation Class Action Zonolite installed in up to 35 million U.S. homes.

Capital One Buys Cash-Rich Chevy Chase Bank Deal gives Cap One branches, ATMs and hordes of cash.

Credit Card Cutbacks Hit Consumers Hard Business owners, responsible users get pinched as industry retrenches.

Interest Rate Roundup Here's the latest from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.

Tweeter Refuses to Honor Gift Cards for Some Customers Bankrupt retailer balks at redeeming purchases.

Do Online Colleges Make the Grade? For-profit online schools have certainly made money for investors, but tuition and fees run high. Are they worth it?

Bally Total Fitness Files for Chapter 11 Fitness center chain back in bankruptcy court.

Saving Online During the Holidays Consumers are using the Internet to shop for bargains and stay out of the mall.

7 Tips for Smooth Online Shopping If you're buying gifts online this holiday season, this checklist will help you through it.

Black Friday Victim's Family Sues Wal-Mart Lawsuit claims store recklessly endangered deceased employee.

Save Money on Prescription Drugs Careful investigation can protect your health and wallet alike.

What Happens to Your Account if the Bank Fails? A disruption in service can be more than a hassle.

Death Tax? What Death Tax? The beneficiary of a life insurance policy generally won't pay federal income taxes on a lump-sum death benefit.

December 3, 2008

Feds Withhold Cell Phone Safety Data, Suit Charges Government hides stats on cell-phone traffic deaths.

Class-Action Scam Threatens Consumers Supposed lawsuit settlement is bogus.

Giving Without Shopping: Make It a Priceless Holiday Here are some gifts that money just can't buy.

Low-Profile Water Heaters Can Cause High-Profile Problems Keep your eyes on this inconspicuous appliance.

GAO Calls for Better Bailout Oversight Watchdog wants more control and reporting over dispensing of money.

Single Women Struggle Financially Women earn less, save less according to report.

Cyber Monday Spending Jumps 15 Percent Shoppers flock to Internet in search of bargains.

FTC Stiffens Requirements For Telemarketers New rules give consumers more power to opt out.

Mortgage Applications Surged 112 Percent Last Week Lower rates equal more loans, refinancings.

Exercise Helps Prevent Age-Related Brain Changes Keeping fit helps blood flow to brain.

Recalls...

December 2, 2008

Homes Lose More Value in Third Quarter Largest annual fall in 39 years, according to Freddie Mac.

Chinese Infant Death Toll from Tainted Formula Rises Six infants dead, thousands sick from melamine.

7 Products with Falling Price Tags At a time when many prices are soaring, these seven goods and services are bucking the trend.

Delta Cuts Flights in Slowing Economy Airline struggling to fill passenger cabins.

Maximizing Your 401(k) Contribution Save income tax, and set your 401(k) contributions to maximize your employer's match, says CPA George Saenz.

6 Tips for Savvy Holiday Shipping Here's how to determine what shipping options will get your gifts to their destination safely, on time and without busting your budget.

Lower "Scorching" Winter Heat Bills Despite the recent drop in crude oil prices, keeping warm this winter is likely to have a chilling effect on your household budget.

29 Percent Shop Online at Work Half of employers monitor workers' online activities.

FBI Warns Holiday Shoppers to Avoid Online Crooks Keep yourself safe from scammers while hunting bargains.

Age-Related Hearing Loss May Be in the Genes Malfunctioning gene can cause damage in ears.

Grant Scheme Targets Iowa College Students Attorney General goes after counterfeit check scammers.

Recalls...

December 1, 2008

FDA Rolls Out Food Safety Plan Agency touts accomplishments, sidesteps criticism for melamine response.

OPEC Unable to Stop Gas Prices' Slide Oil down to $54 a barrel, gas trending well below $2.

Industry May Cut $2 Trillion in Credit Card Lines Bad economy, risk aversion causes banks to pull back.

Scientists Link Fast Food to Alzheimer's Diets high in fat and cholestrol may contribute to dementia.

Travel Operator Accused Of Selling Phony Trips Company sold $900,000 worth of trips never booked.

Cell Phone Conversations Distract Drivers, Study Finds Research indicates that phone chats are more dangerous than talking to friends in car.

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Buy Pet Turtles Yellow-bellied sliders, map turtles may contain Salmonella risk.

Researchers Seek Safer Obesity Drug Alternatives sought for dangerous diet pills.

November 30, 2008

Some Melamine in Infant Formula is OK, FDA Says Agency reverses course after declaring chemical unsafe.

Get Your Home a Flood Insurance Checkup Reexamine your risk for flood damage.

"Underground Economy" for Crime Thrives, Report Says Black market for stolen data prospers even in bad times.

Holiday Turkeys: Pricing Disputes, Kitchen Conflagrations Early birds don't always get the worm, shoppers find.

Black Friday Spending Up 3% Consumers defy pundits' predictions.

Mortgage Rates Are Falling. Time to Refi? The Fed's promise to buy toxic mortgage debt is driving mortgage rates down. Is the time right to seek a refi?

4 Things to Know Before You Refinance Before you rush to refi, take these steps to determine if the move will be good for you.

5 Big Bills You Can Cut Fast Rising prices and a sinking economy are pushing families to the brink. Here are five ways to cut costs fast.

7 Big Holiday Budget Busters Retailers are pulling out all the stops to get you to overspend this holiday season. Here are seven surefire ways to make it easy for them.

Who's In Charge of Your Healthcare? Is it your doctor, the government, your insurer, or nobody?

November 29, 2008

Banks Set New Record for Fees in 2008 Bankrate.com study finds record-high fees on everything from ATMs to bounced checks.

Rethinking Retirement in Uncertain Times Traditional retirement is undergoing transformation. For many, it's likely to happen later, and it may involve work.

November 28, 2008

Wal-Mart Worker Killed In Black Friday Stampede Pregnant woman injured in bargain-hunters' frenzy.

Binge Drinking May Drive Heart Disease Study documents processes that can damage artery walls.

Mileage Claims Fall Apart in Real World Real-world driving can savage manufacturer fuel-efficiency claims.

Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products.

November 27, 2008

Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6 Percent The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate loan fell to 5.97 percent in Bankrate's weekly survey.

Americans Less Clueless about Mortgages More people know what kind of mortgage they have than last year, but more also worry about making home payments..

Top 10 Bargain Rides The most basic cars on the market today would have been considered mid-level a decade ago. These cars are the best bargains out there.

Recalls ...

November 26, 2008

Mars Extends Pet Food Recall; More Salmonella Found Expanded recall covers cat food sold in East Coast states.

Consumers Cautioned About Dangerous Toys Watchdog group warns of potential dangers for kids.

Give Thanks for Falling Gas Prices National average is at $1.86 a gallon.

Feds Report More Signs of Recession Government statistics show bad tidings in October.

Seven Reasons Not to Trade In Your Gas Guzzler Trading in a larger vehicle just to save money on gas is generally a losing proposition.

ID Thieves Target Home Equity Lines With identity theft on the rise, scammers are targeting homeowners with substantial equity in their homes.

More Evidence Consumers Plan to Reduce Holiday Spending Survey finds more shoppers tightening belts and staying home.

Mortgage Rates Plunge as Fed Buys Up Loans Fed buys billions in securitized home loans, driving rates down.

Bayer Pays $97 Million to Settle Kickback Charges Government accused company of paying suppliers to use their products.

Some Money Market Funds Now Insured For a short period of time, the U.S. government is granting insurance coverage to some money market funds.

November 25, 2008

FDA Finds Melamine in U.S. Infant Formula Agency insists amounts were "minute" and do not pose an immediate danger.

Warning Signs that You Need Help with Debt These 15 signals let you know you're drowning in debt and it's time to call in a financial fitness expert.

Builders Try to Spruce Up Buyers' Credit Some home builders are implementing credit-coaching programs to jump-start housing sales, says the Real Estate Adviser.

Fed Throws $800 Billion Lifeline to Consumers Government will purchase more mortgages, offer backing for loans.

Home Prices Post Record Decline Reduction in third quarter is largest on record.

Consumer Confidence Rebounds in November Low gas prices spur optimism.

Tips for Saving on Black Friday Experts recommend tips for getting the most bang for your buck on the busiest shopping day of the year.

IIHS Picks Safest Vehicles for 2009 Ford, Volvo, Honda lead winners' circle.

Store Credit Card a Good Deal? At a department store checkout, you're often asked if you want a store credit card. Is it worth the instant discount?

Banks Increase Direct Marketing Spending Budget cuts, bad economy haven't stopped flood of advertising mail.

Texas Sues Online Retailers Companies hoodwinked customers into expensive new deals.

Love Triumphs in Celebration Studios Case Brides get happy ending as wedding photos are released.

Colorado Tackles Mortgage Fraud Schemes Marketers barred from selling risky loans.

Recalls ...

November 24, 2008

Job Security Lacking This Holiday Season Increased debt loads have many Americans feeling pressure.

Retailers' "Desperation" to Mark Black Friday Shoppers can find good deals with a little investigation.

Cheap Oil May Be Economic Stimulus Ebb and flow of markets may provide relief people seek.

California Consumers to Get $3 Refunds from Wal-Mart State finds price-scanning errors result in overcharges at checkout.

Existing Home Sales Drop in October Realtors say housing stimulus is needed to stabilize market.

Thieves Steal Tools from Kansas Animal Shelter Bandits rob supplies to build new housing for pets.

Holiday Visit Can Be a Wake-Up Call It's challenging to keep tabs on elders who live alone and far away.

Mississippi Still Dealing with Katrina Repair Fraud Three years later, victims still being taken advantage of.

Massachusetts Challenges Auto Insurance Rate Structure Attorney General accuses company of discriminating against customers.

Recalls ...

November 23, 2008

Invest Now or Give Up Gains Forever If you fail to invest in a retirement account this year, the opportunity will be gone forever.

An Upside to the Down Market: A Lower Tax Bill Investors use tax loss harvesting to their advantage.

When in Doubt, Leave Nothing Out Disclose all issues when selling your home.

November 22, 2008

States Want Stronger Used Car Rule Buyers should be told if vehicles have been wrecked or flooded.

Stock Swoon Creates a Chance to 'Buy Low' The stock market's recent struggles may make now the perfect time to "buy low" and reap rewards later.

Weekly Interest Rate Roundup Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products.

Agencies Unlikely to Swap Car Loans Because car loans typically are not assumable, agencies are unlikely to offer a driver a swap.

November 21, 2008

Humane Society Accuses Petland of Supporting Puppy Mills Retail pet store denies claims, insists it treats animals well.

How Would GM Bankruptcy Affect You? What would a General Motors bankruptcy mean for car owners? Here are some possible answers.

Gas Prices Fall Below $2 a Gallon National average has dropped $1.10 from last year.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Suspend Foreclosures Mortgage giants will give homeowners a break for holiday season.

Medicare Fraud Risk Grows for Some Shady sales agents put seniors at increased risk of falling victim to Medicare fraud.

Industry Troubles Cloud LA Car Show Attendees burdened by failing economy, weak sales.

Gift Card Spending Drops Sales to fall six percent from last year, retailers say.

Holiday Shoppers Continue to Look Online Bargain hunting, convenience keep buyers surfing the Web.

ADHD Meds Seen as Safe for Kids New research refutes fears that medicines cause genetic damage.

Scientists on Trail of Fountain of Youth Chemical could improve cell life, slow aging, and defeat disease.

November 20, 2008

Carmakers Get Neither Love Nor Money From Congress Dems reject pleas for bailout funds, want specific spending plans.

Americans Tap Savings to Cope with Economy Experts advise other measures before depleting nest eggs.

Bankruptcy "Reform" Fails to Deliver Tough new laws don't prevent rich or poor from filing.

Researchers Suggest Fast Food Ad Ban to Attack Obesity Study suggests removing TV ads would cut down on bad messaging.

Marijuana Might Reduce Memory Impairment Researchers investigate THC as potential Alzheimer's treatment.

Hannah Montana Overtakes Bratz on Girls' Holiday List Boys still prefer video games as No.1 gift.

How Old Are You Really? Research may help determine better ways to use aging treatments.

Recalls today ...

November 19, 2008

Consumer Prices Plunge in October One-month decline is largest on record in sixty years.

U.S. Faces Shortage of Primary Care Physicians Doctors frustrated with paperwork, lack of time to see patients.

eHarmony Agrees to Launch Same-Sex Dating Site Online dating site promises to treat all match-seekers fairly.

Target Misses Price Target, Backs Out of Sale Britax car seats mispriced on Target site, store refuses to complete sales.

Oil and Gas Supplies Rise Stockpiling continues to push prices downward.

Nestle Recalls Lean Cuisine Meals Chicken dinners recalled due to plastic pieces.

Budget Holiday Shopping Without Being a "Scrooge" Tips for gift-buying without breaking the bank.

Illinois Sues Seven Companies for Mortgage Rescue Fraud Attorney General warns against scams targeting homeowners in trouble.

Bankrupt Tweeter Persuaded to Honor Gift Certificates State Attorneys General strong-arm retailer to make good on its deals.

Recalls today ...

November 18, 2008

Humane Society Warns Against Buying Puppies from Pet Stores Puppy mills mistreat animals and farm them out to retailers.

Poor Reception for XM-Sirius Shuffle Some listeners lose track of their favorite channels; stock tanks.

Another Glimmer of Hope in The Housing Market Home sales rise five percent in the Sunshine State.

Paulson Rejects Bailout Money for Detroit Treasury head says automakers should get help from other sources.

Democrats May Shelve Mandatory Arbitration New Congress, White House may clamp down on contract clauses.

Unhappy People Watch More TV Excessive tube viewing may indicate deeper problems.

Asthma May Be Overdiagnosed Canadian patients may be getting treatments they don't need.

Aspirin May Lower PSA Levels in Men But anti-inflammatory drugs may mask evidence of prostate cancer.

How Often Will You Use That Treadmill? Overly idealistic expectations lead to bad results.

Recalls today ...

November 17, 2008

Buyers' Beware Market Get to know yourself as a homebuyer before committing to any deal.

Economists' Panel Sees Prolonged Recession Roundtable predicts unemployment will rise to 7.5 percent

Keeping Your Health Insurance When You're Unemployed Recession also means many people will lack coverage.

As College Tuition Skyrockets, So Does Presidents' Pay Competition for prestigious faculty turns costly.

Poll Finds Lingering Confusion Around Digital TV Transition Many households will lose service after switchover without information.

Iowa Hangs Up on Charity Telemarketers Attorney General cuts off solicitors for abusive practices.

Adult Smoking Rates Show Slight Drop But more people need to quit for real progress to be made.

Consumers Warned of Extortion Scam by FDA Impersonators Fraudsters con victims into wiring money for nonexistent prescription drugs.

November 15, 2008

'Tis The Season For Stress & Depression Economic worries may add to stress this year.

Red Meat, Dairy Links to Cancer Studied Inflammation seen as the key to rapid tumor growth.

November 14, 2008

Housing 2009 Forecasts Mixed, But Mostly Grim Buyers will fare better than owners or sellers in months to come.

FDA Blocks Chinese Products Over Melamine Fears Agency issues import alert warning of possible contamination.

FDIC Backs More Aggressive Loan Modification Plan Agency breaks with Bush administration over helping homeowners.

Gas Prices Accelerate Their Decline Nationwide average down to $2.15.

Class Action Targets Classmates Surprise! Nobody's looking for you.

Time to Review Medicare Drug Plan Options for 2009 Consumers can appeal if their medications will no longer be covered.

More Than Half of Chronically Ill Scrimp on Health Care U.S. patients experience highest rates of medical errors, costs, and problems.

CPSC Offers Toy Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping Pick the best and safest toys for your kids this year.

Massachusetts Blocks H&R Block, Option One Foreclosures Attorney General wants relief for endangered homeowners.

Dealing with Disasters: Financial Preparation is Vital CPAs offer advice on how to be ready for the unexpected.

November 13, 2008

Getting A Small Business Loan in Bad Economic Times Alternatives are available, even with tight credit.

Foreclosures Up Five Percent in October One of every 452 homes received a foreclosure filing.

Analyst Sees Drop in Christmas Retail Sales "Perfect storm" for retailers this holiday season.

Airline Passengers Get Stranded Again Feds issue weak recommendations for flyers' rights.

Nearly Half of Adults Won't Get Flu Shots Lots of excuses offered to avoid vaccination.

Feds Offer Car Recall News Electronically Alerts available via cellphone, computer, and PDA.

Web Search "Optimizers" Sued Washington state accuses Redmond firm of consumer protection violations.

Reputed Spam Spewer Shut Down Hosting companies pull plug on McColo.

November 12, 2008

Feds Shift Gears On Bailout, Puts Focus On Consumers Treasury switches from buying toxic securities to helping credit markets.

Credit Card Offers Fall Sharply Financial crisis prompts cutbacks for mail solicitations.

More Homeowners Under Water in Third Quarter California hit hardest by continuing declines in value.

Obama Inaugural Attendees Targeted by Ticket Scammers Tickets only available in January 2009 from Congress.

IBM Promises Broadband for Rural America Power lines will be used to ferry high-speed access.

Vitamins May Mitigate Hearing Loss Multivitamin "cocktail" shows promise in animal trials.

High Blood Pressure Control More Elusive for Black Americans Differences attributable to lack of access to care.

Nestle Recalls Powdered Drink Due To Aluminum Fragments Products distributed in U.S. and Puerto Rico.

November 11, 2008

Feds Mount New Effort to Help Struggling Homeowners Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac will offer reduced payments, new terms.

Lenders Embrace Workouts for Struggling Homeowners Private actions supplement Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac streamlining.

Survey Finds State Insurance Websites Lacking Only 6 states have excellent sites, 18 inadequate.

Low Potassium May Equal High Sodium as Blood Pressure Risk A banana a day may keep the paramedics away.

Statin Cuts Heart Risk in the Healthy Study found benefits even in those with normal cholesterol levels.

iPhone Wins Over Both Consumers and Businesses Displaces Motorola's RAZR and the Blackberry from top spots.

FTC Resolves NorVergence's Unfinished Business Leasing company barred from trying to collect from NorVergence customers.

Study: Vision Checks Cut Fatal Accidents Florida study finds benefits in testing older drivers.

November 10, 2008

Circuit City Seeks Bankruptcy Troubled chain announced 155 store closings last week.

Taxpayers Headed For Automotive Bailout Struggling U.S. carmakers head for the soup line.

Consumer Addiction to Bigger Autos Resurfaces Dip in gas prices boosts interest in big cars, SUVs.

Too Little Sleep May Raise Heart Disease Risk Less than 7.5 hours per night may cause problems.

Headphones, Pacemakers May Not Mix Music lovers with pacemakers should think twice.

FDA Seizes More Contaminated Heparin Ohio doctors outraged after seizure in Cincinnati.

Bicycles Still a Major Source of Injury Nearly 400,000 injuries per year, study finds.

Obama Can't Quickly Raise Homebuyers' Hopes Prospective buyers unsure if this is their moment.

Upper-Income Taxpayers Seeking Shelter Obama eyes Bush tax cuts, likely to increase high-bracket tax rate and capital gains tax.

Car Dealers On the Brink Thousands of dealers may fail as credit dries up.

Recalls today ...

November 7, 2008

Obama Eyes Consumer Activists for Agency Posts FDA, EPA targeted as needing reformers to lead.

Jobless Rate Spikes in October 240,000 jobs lost; Unemployment at 6.5 percent.

States Strong-Arm Craigslist to Squelch Prostitutes' Ads Connecticut leads charge to "make Internet safer."

Gasoline Prices Down 19 Cents in a Week National average down to $2.31.

United Scraps Hike in Second Bag Fee Airline will offer discount on first checked-bag fee.

Racial Disparities Increasing For Cancers Unrelated to Smoking African-Americans at highest risk of cancer diagnosis and death.

Hackers Using Obama Speech to Commit Fraud Fake email lures readers into downloading keylogger.

No Magic Cures from Massaging Beds Washington State finds Ceragem's claims lumpy.

What Causes Gallstones? Painful digestive condition affects people across the board.

Recalls ...

November 6, 2008

Monthly Job Cuts Hit Five-Year High Businesses cut nearly 113,000 people from employment rolls.

Time May Be Running Short for U.S. Carmakers GM, Chrysler execs beg for bailout money to avoid bankruptcy.

Dell Introduces "White Spaces" Capable Laptops Broadcasters say more power is needed to make frequencies usable.

Charlotte Gas Stations Make Refunds to Consumers Attorney General slams stations for overcharging during Ike.

Mayo Clinic Cautions On Non-Prescription Diet Pills Over-the-counter remedies are no quick fix for dieters.

Missouri Says "Do Not Call" Means Do Not Call Texas clothing donor to pay $75,000 for unwanted phone solicits.

Finding The Best Digital Camera Lower prices, more choices means more selective shopping.

November 5, 2008

Consumer Issues Could Get Early Focus in Obama Administration Health care, energy conservation, food protection get spotlight.

Bankruptcy Filings Top 100,000 in October 20 percent increase from September.

Yahoo, Google Drop Ad Deal Under Pressure From Feds Threat of lawsuit scuttles bargain between search giants.

Drivers Wanted: MINI Developing Electric Model NY/NJ, California to get first 500 Mini E cars.

Delta Alters Fees to Conform to Northwest's Both carriers adopt fees for checked bags as part of merger.

California Busts Foreclosure Scam Ring Fake "mortgage rescuers" wanted upfront fees for nonexistent services.

Consumer Watchdog Exposes Google Privacy Problems Nonprofit group finds data collection in Chrome Web browser.

Feds Probe Yamaha Rhino ATV Thirty deaths, hundreds of lawsuits plague popular off-roader.

Today's Recalls...

November 4, 2008

FCC Votes to Open "White Spaces" for Use Unlicensed spectrum could power new Internet devices.

Oil Snaps Back As Markets Sense Post-Election Bounce Signs of recovery may also lead to spike in gas prices.

Circuit City Closing 155 Stores Last measure before possible bankruptcy, analysts say.

For 401(k) Investors, Fewer Choices May Be Better Too many options can lead to overinvestment in stock.

Researchers Claim Link Between Video Games and Violence Study tests kids in both America and Japan, finds higher aggression.

Amazon.com Promises to Eliminate "Wrap Rage" Online retailer introduces "frustration-free" packaging.

Shop Safely When You Shop Online Keep records of everything and read the fine print.

How to Tip During the Holidays Find ways to reward workers even in tough times.

Today's Recalls...

November 3, 2008

Business Economists See More Signs of Recession New survey tracks declining demand for goods and services.

Rewards Programs Snare the Unwary "Free trial" programs can lead to unauthorized charges.

Study Links Sexual Content on TV to Teen Pregnancy Racier shows allegedly lead to more sexual activity.

Ten Tips For Saving Money on Electronics Online retailers score big in new survey.

New Jersey Sues Credit Repair Agencies Restraining order filed over deceptive practices and failed promises.

FDA Approves New Overactive Bladder Drug Toviaz to be offered in 4 or 8 mg doses.

Many Pediatricians Want Better Training New doctors want more instruction in specialized areas of care.

November 2, 2008

At Last: Bailout Trickling Down to Struggling Homeowners FDIC chair's plan would rescue homeowners on the brink of default.

Free Money Is Often Neither 'Free' online searches may produce little and often aren't free.

October 31, 2008

Gas Prices Settle Still Lower for Weekend Average drops to $2.50 a gallon for regular unleaded.

Minnesota Extendicare Properties Face Class Action Vulnerable elderly patients misled, mistreated, suit charges.

Verizon, Alltel Merger Gets Green Light Justice Department sets conditions on mega-merger.

Toyota Land Cruiser Earns High Marks in Consumer Reports Tests SUV lauded for comfort, while other brands get low grades.

Email Breach Yields Nude Photos New Jersey man faces jail term.

New Jersey Indicts Alleged Online Scammers Consumers paid but didn't get the goods.

Educational Research Center Settles Privacy Suit Nonprofit sold data on students to commercial marketers.

Can Your Doctor Read a Critical Heart Test Correctly? Lack of uniform standards for EKGs can cause mistakes.

Mexican "Vanilla" May Be Anything But Plain Flavoring product contains toxic substance banned in U.S.

October 30, 2008

Advisory Panel Blasts FDA Over Bisphenol-A Stand Critics say agency is making decisions about chemical without enough data.

Public Citizen Seeks Avandia Ban Consumer group says diabetes drug is too dangerous for use.

Delta, Northwest Complete Merger $2.6 billion consolidation creates world's largest airline.

Going Out of Business Sales Not Always a Bargain Do your homework before putting cash down for clearance offers.

Hospitals Score Low in Patient Survey Patients prefer higher quality of care than what they receive.

Grapes Might Help Manage Blood Pressure Preliminary research shows fruit improves heart health.

Should Seniors Get Their Teeth Whitened? Procedure can be costly if preemptive steps aren't taken.

Today's Recalls...

October 29, 2008

What's Ahead For the Economy? Expert predicts tough year in 2009, but improvement soon to follow.

Gasoline Prices Keep Falling Nationwide average is below last year's level.

Chrysler Nixes Hybrid SUVs Two-month life span may set new record.

"Flawed" 401(k) Laws Putting Retirement at Risk Defined-contribution plans not meant to replace pensions.

Is Old Media a Thing Of the Past? Trends in newspaper cutbacks and Internet growth may not be obvious.

In Times of Tight Credit, Retailers Revive Layaway "Buy now, pay later" becomes "Pay a bit at a time."

Stress Affects Older Adults More than Young Adults Tests explore roots of decision-making under trying circumstances.

Green Neighborhoods May Reduce Childhood Obesity More natural environs encourage healthier development and behavior.

Today's Recalls...

More Pets Turned Over To Shelters in Ailing Economy Families give up cherished friends as costs rise and jobs disappear.

Feds Move Closer to Carmaker Bailout Government plans stock buy to goose GM/Chrysler merger.

Duke Researchers: B Cells Can Fight Nerve Disease But caution required, as treatment could cause problems in some patients.

Mars Recalls Cat Food Sold at Wal-Mart due to Salmonella 15 states see recall of "Special Kitty" product.

Consumer Confidence Plunges to Record Low Survey of 5,000 households shows bleak sentiments.

ATV Injuries and Deaths Continue to Rise Consumer groups say hazards from all-terrain vehicles "unabated."

FDA Warns Bayer on "Illegal" Drugs Agency raps company for selling unapproved over-the-counter aspirin products.

Is Arthritis A Warning of Heart Trouble? Researchers find evidence of link, but no conclusions.

Recalls today ...

October 27, 2008

Checking Account Fees Set Records in 2008 ATM surcharges, bounced check fees, monthly service charges all up.

New Home Sales Rise in September Another sign of a shifting market.

Americans Drove 15 Billion Fewer Miles Than One Year Ago 5.6 percent drop between August 2007 and August 2008.

States And FTC Crack Down On Credit Repair Scams 33 operations accused of deceiving consumers.

Not Enough Doctors Trained to Help Smokers Quit Lack of knowledgeable physicians may affect qutting rates.

Shopping Around Online Can Drive Down Prices Internet browsing can force more competition among retailers.

"Rotten Egg" Gas Linked to Blood Pressure Researchers explore hydrogen sulfide's role as "gastrotransmitter."

October 25, 2008

Is Bankruptcy Your Personal Bailout? Bankruptcy on the rise but the choice can have serious consequences.

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill Make sure you're not paying more than your house is worth.

Feds Issue New Identity Theft Recommendations But delay enforcement of "red flags" fraud program for businesses.

Does Your Car Sound Haunted? Scary noises may be due to any number of problems.

Scam Artists Target Missouri Citizens with "Grandparents" Scheme Con artists pose as grandkids to steal money.

October 24, 2008

Administration Considers More Help for Homeowners FDIC chair advocates standards for modifying endangered mortgages.

Soon-To-Be-Banned Plastic Toys Flooding the Market Toymakers mount 'fire sale' of phthalate-laden children's products.

Are Some Seniors Getting Too Much Health Care? More is not always better when it comes to medicine, surgery.

Gas Now Cheaper Than a Year Ago Average price hits $2.78 this week, dropped 26 cents in seven days.

Half of U.S. Doctors Prescribe Placebos 62 percent of surveyed physicians are okay with giving out fake meds.

Existing Home Sales Rise in September Lower prices and shrinking inventory lead to spike.

Gas-Saving Autos Lead in Reliability Ford gets high marks from survey.

Illnesses Afflicting Elderly Cost More to Treat Treatment for seniors hit $196 billion in 2007.

Brits Get Treats, Yanks Get Tricks From Food Companies American products use food dyes, while UK equivalents go all-natural.

Can Coffee Offset Liver Damage from Alcohol? Tips for avoiding cirrhosis.

October 23, 2008

3 Million U.S. Kids Have Food or Digestive Allergies New report tracks trends in childrens' reaction to food.

Foreclosure Activity Drops in September 12 percent decrease from last month may not signify bigger trend.

West Virginia Wipes Out Credit Card Debt for 1,451 Citizens Attorney General cleans the slate for victims of shady debt collector.

Medicare Penalizes Hospitals for Treating Disadvantaged Patients Ranking system does not factor in care for poor, needy, and elderly.

Hartz Recalls Rawhide Chips After Possible Salmonella Contamination 4,850 two-pound bags recalled.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Key to Survival Simply getting through a heart attack isn't enough.

Feds, 13 States Sue to Block Meat Packer Merger Authorities say consolidation will drive up prices and reduce competition.

October 22, 2008

Uninsured Aren't Primary Cause of Crowds in Emergency Rooms New study challenges assumptions about health care crisis.

Lack of Children's Health Insurance Increasing Across the Board Children of middle-class families as likely to go without as poor.

New Baby Names Take Over NYC Bassinets Isabella, Sophia, Daniel displace Ashley and Michael.

Bankers See Recovery in Second Half of 2009 Recession is underway, but signs show turnaround beginning next year.

BMW Owners Suffer Reversal of Fortune Certain models suddenly lose ability to back up.

Secondhand Smoke May Hurt Children More Than Adults Younger children at particular risk for long-term damage.

Florida Sues Foreclosure Rescue Company for Deceptive Practices "Debt mitigation" firm falsely claimed it could solve mortgage problems.

Is Technology Bringing Families Closer Together? New survey shows Internet, cell phones influencing families' daily lives.

'Western' Diet Increases Heart Attack Risk Globally Bad diet choices have repercussions across the world.

Today's Recalls...

October 21, 2008

Safety Agency Warns of Safety Hazards in Cribs Drop-side cribs prone to entrapment, strangulation accidents.

Southern California Home Sales Surge 65 Percent in September A blip on the radar or a sign of things to come?

Gas Below $3 Nationwide 36 states report price drop.

Suicide Rises Among Baby Boomers Middle-aged whites become newest at-risk group.

Chevy Volt Gets a Jolt with Mixed Review Car And Driver praises and buries electric car equally.

United Pilot Arrested for Alleged Drunkeness Fliers bound for London watch captain hauled off in handcuffs.

Budgeting to Play Big Role in Holiday Shopping Price is the chief factor in deciding where to spend.

Study Documents Safety Problems for Biological Medicines Insulin and other "homegrown" meds not as safe as you think.

Halloween Can Be Dangerous to Your Pet Treats and decorations could be hazardous to animals' health.

Today's Recalls...

October 20, 2008

Baby Boomers Scramble to Reassess Future What to do when your retirement disappears before your eyes.

Finding a Job Takes Longer in Slow Economy But long-term predictions say things will turn around.

Pfizer Pays $894 Million to Settle NSAID Claims Allegations involve Bextra and Celebrex.

Autumn Has Long History as Financial Disaster Season 2008's crisis is only the latest in long line.

Internet Gaming Addiction May Be Growing Health Problem Can online virtual worlds cause loss of grip on reality?

New Prostate Surgical Techniques Often "Over-Promoted" Many treatments have not been adequately evaluated before use.

Fructose Sets Table For Obesity, Study Suggests Combination with bad diet can easily lead to weight gain.

October 19, 2008

HOEPA: New Hope for Outlawing Abusive Mortgages Another new law that may do more to help homeowners in trouble.

Vermont Firm Recalls Possibly-Tainted Ground Beef 2,758 pounds of meat may be contaminated with E. coli.

October 17, 2008

What's Your Recession Game Plan? Economists offer tips for consumers and businesses to weather the storm.

Study Finds Racial Disparity in Retirement Savings Blacks save less overall than whites, contribute less to plans.

Average Gas Price Down to Nearly $3 a Gallon Price of oil drops to below $70 a barrel, leading to OPEC panic.

States Act On BPA in Baby Bottles Regulators take harder stance on chemical than Federal counterparts.

New-Vehicle Buyers Turn to the Web in Record Numbers Changes in driving habits, high gas prices mean more research.

Scammers Pose as FTC Officials to Defraud Consumers Promises of prize money are made, but there's a catch.

Spotting Signs of Cocaine Abuse Still one of the most dangerous drugs around.

Improper Use of Decorative Contacts May Haunt You Halloween costuming may be harmful if improperly used.

October 16, 2008

FDIC Chief: Not Enough Help for Homeowners Bailout plan props up institutions but not consumers.

Retirement Postponed for More Americans What older workers can do to find employment in uncertain times.

Consumers Getting Frustrated with DTV Coupon Program FCC member says transition will be "messy".

New York Threatens to Prosecute AIG for Fraud Attorney General lambasts insurer for extravagant expenses.

Inflation Not a Factor in September Lower gas prices ease burden on consumers.

Timeshare Promoters Face Deceptive Marketing Charges Companies used fake prizes to lure consumers into seminars.

Indiana, North Carolina Lean on Telemarketers Attorneys General say companies are breaking the law.

Better Treatment Identified for Childhood Vision Disorder New technique aims to help children read more easily.

Today's Recalls...

October 15, 2008

Credit Freeze Leaves Car Dealers Shivering GMAC tightens lending standards for new cars.

Pet Owners Eligible For $24 Million in Landmark Melamine Settlement But many say money is no replacement for loss of beloved animals.

Gas Prices Drop, Along With Oil National average for unleaded drops to $3.12 a gallon.

Study Blames Lenders, Not Borrowers for Mortgage Mess Homeowners more likely to default with subprime loans.

Tests Find Bottled Water No Cleaner Than Tap Water 10 popular brands contain mixtures of bacteria, fertilizer, and chemicals.

Feds Issue Travel Alert for Mexico State Department warns of increased violence along border.

Court Stops International Spam Network World's largest "spam gang" has assets frozen.

No Link Found Between Caffeine and Breast Cancer Risk But researchers say more study is needed.

Drinking Alcohol Associated with Smaller Brain Volume But moderate consumption may help offset age-related shrinkage.

Today's Recalls...

October 14, 2008

Hots For Housing Boosted The Bust Consumers' compulsive behavior over housing market contributed to crisis.

Bailout Plan Tweaked for Banks Paulson reworks efforts to inject funds directly into markets.

Economic Worry Supplants Terrorism Fear Presidential candidates and business leaders get low marks from survey.

Identity Theft: One Woman's Story, Eight Months Later Many questions, few answers in wake of unsolved data breach.

FDA Slammed on Food Label Oversight New report finds agency is failing to track accuracy of product claims.

Internet Rumor Claims Cocoa Mulch Causes Dog Deaths ASPCA says mulch can be dangerous, but not fatal.

Jeep Cherokee Stalling Problem Persists Complaints continue even after vehicle recall.

Fed Approves Wells Fargo Acquisition of Wachovia Citigroup kicked to the curb as merger greenlit in record time.

Statins May Help Prevent Miscarriages Drugs can help reduce complications brought on by APS.

October 13, 2008

Are Credit Cards The Next Credit Crunch? As banks pull back, consumers may be pushed into default.

Wall Street Leaders Missing In Action Government must take the lead to get economy back on track.

The States Take On the Housing Crisis "Think globally, act locally" may be key to helping homeowners out of foreclosure.

Mortgage Rescue Fraud Schemes On The Rise Scam artists charge large upfront fees, often strip homeowners' equity.

GM, Chrysler Talking Merger Ford spurned early overture from GM.

Scientists Solve Mystery of Male Pattern Baldness White males' risk of baldness seven times higher than other groups.

Feds Approve Drug for Enlarged Prostate Once-daily pill said to relieve common problem in older men.

October 11, 2008

Beef Sent to Puerto Rico May Be Contaminated with E. coli Feds find contaminated beef patties during routine inspections.

October 10, 2008

Chinese Ginseng Blamed for Three Deaths No immediate link to melamine contamination seen.

Gas Prices Head Lower as Economy Slows Nationwide average drops 30 cents a gallon in last month.

Doctors Worry About These Stressful Times Multiple crises converge to drive people to breaking point.

Long-Term Mortgage Rates Drop 30-year fixed loan hits 5.94 percent.

West Virginia Sues CashCall Attorney General slams Internet lender for predatory interest rates.

Global Auto Market Faces "Outright Collapse" in 2009 Sales recovery not expected until at least 2010.

Shopping Mall Traffic Down Sharply Presidential election, financial meltdown keep buyers at home.

Financial Meltdown Takes Toll on Consumer Confidence Major drop comes after equally dramatic upswing.

Do Seniors Get Bad Breath More Often? Dentures can collect bacteria which lead to halitosis.

October 9, 2008

Economic Turnaround Will Take Time Major stimulus measures won't take effect overnight, analysts say.

Shell Agrees To Curb Underage Tobacco Sales 47 Attorneys General forge new agreement to police gas stations.

Indiana Charges Mortgage Broker With Scamming Homeowners Attorney General files suit over false advertising and predatory tactics.

Feds Release Physical Activity Guidelines New recommended exercise regimens for all ages.

Pending Home Sales Perk Up in August Falling prices, distress sales may be cause of uptick.

General Mills Pulling MSG From Progresso Soups Move comes as competitor Campbell touts its MSG-free soups.

Sales of Beauty Products on the Rise Prestige products show surprisingly healthy growth in 2008.

Early Mobility Better than Bed Rest for ICU Patients New research promotes regular activity over sedation and rest as better for health.

Today's Recalls...

October 8, 2008

Melamine Scandal Continues to Expand More tainted food found in markets around the world.

Kids' Cough Medicine Gets Warning Labels; Critics Not Impressed 'Will do little to protect children,' Public Citizen charges.

Mini Cooper Recalls Some Models to Fix Brake Problem Company says no accidents or injuries reported.

Retirement Plans Hammered in Credit Squeeze $2 trillion in wealth lost as stocks continue to plummet.

Researchers Tackle Bad Breath New studies review common and recent cures for halitosis.

Children Often Misdiagnosed in ER Doctors often confuse regular stomach problems with appendictis symptoms.

Ford Flex, Mazda Cx-9 Rank Among Best Three-Row SUVs Toyota Highlander models still take top marks; Honda Pilot slips.

Microwave Ovens Need Added Safety Controls Study recommends new features to protect children from injury.

Mayo Clinic Researchers Tout Alzheimer's Progress Areas of study combine new drugs with healthier living.

Today's Recalls...

October 7, 2008

eBay Buys Bill Me Later Troubled auction site seeks growth through acquisitions.

Consumers Face Higher Heating Bills Forecast predicts 15 percent increase in heating costs from last year.

Eli Lilly to Pay $62 Million in Zyprexa Settlement States charged the company promoted off-label use.

Fed Takes Another Step to Bolster Credit Market New facility will buy commercial bonds to boost businesses.

Fan May Reduce SIDS Risk Study finds room ventilation an overlooked factor.

Kevin Trudeau Banned from Infomercials--Again Must pay $5 million for falsely advertising his weight loss "cure."

Study Finds Electronic Payments Top Use of Checks Card-based payments eclipse paper as top means to pay bills.

Bank Data Breach Threatens 248,000 in North Carolina Mellon data breach affects 12 million consumers overall.

Older Women at Greater Risk of Breast Cancer Screenings recommended for women through their 70s.

Some Breakfast Cereals Marketed to Children Are High in Sugar U.S. brands have more sugar content than overseas versions.

Today's Recalls...

October 6, 2008

Countrywide Settles Predatory Lending Charges for $8.68 Billion Landmark settlement reached with Attorneys General in eleven states.

Auto Loan Delinquencies Rise Nearly $25 billion in car loans are past due.

FDA's Melamine Decision Scares Consumers But experts see it as a positive sign.

DeLauro Raps FDA On Melamine Risk Guidelines Congresswoman says agency condones contamination of food.

FDA Issues Report On Melamine and Food Safety Assessment indicates that any trace of chemical is a health concern, but only in infant formula.

New Twist in 'Vista Capable' Class Action Lawsuit Lawyers want to use Windows Update to notify eligible consumers.

Scams Sprout from Financial Crisis Consumers vulnerable to scams growing out of Wall Street meltdown.

Survey: Concerns About Economy May Increase Incidence of Home Fires Nearly half of Americans planning to use alternative heating sources this winter.

October 5, 2008

Judge Blocks Wachovia Sale To Wells Fargo Citigroup promises to fight deal.

October 4, 2008

'Hope for Homeowners' Program Offers Faster Relief than Wall Street Bailout Rescue plan gives Uncle Sam an equity stake in troubled mortgages.

Economists Offer Plan for Stabilizing House Prices Success of bailout plan rests on revitalizing housing market.

Lawyer’s Threats, Intimidation Shut Down Web Site Lawyer objected to CyberTrialLawyer-Sucks.com.

October 3, 2008

House Passes Bailout Bill; Bush Signs Into Law Stocks drop in response.

Payrolls Plunge in September Nine months straight of job losses.

Wells Fargo To Buy Wachovia Instead of Citigroup Deal scuttled when bank offered to buy without government help.

States Fault Foreclosure Prevention Efforts Lenders not doing enough to help borrowers stay afloat.

Tips For Surviving Flu Season Simple advice for staying healthy this year.

Unstable Furniture Poses Deadly Danger To Children Large items can often tip over and cause injury if placed incorrectly.

Campaign Launched to Protect Tweens' Hearing Promotes awareness on exposure to noise sources that harm youth.

October 2, 2008

Melamine-Tainted Chinese Candy Shows Up in U.S. Suspect White Rabbit Creamy Candy found in at least two states.

Betting on the Bailout How much you want to bet the sky's not really falling?

The Bailout's Back; Senate Revives Measure Congress torn between angry voters and financiers' pleas.

Change Coming at Breakneck Speed Nothing can be taken for granted in new climate.

Not All Banks Need a Bailout Some financiers doing well even in face of economic crisis.

Wall Street Turmoil Has Little Impact on Sept. Job Cuts Computer, automotive sectors hit the most; Financial sector surprisingly strong.

Congress Passes Broadband Data Improvement Act Bill would improve data collection on high-speed Internet in U.S.

Study Finds Medical Research News Lacking Reports often omit mention of funding by pharmaceutical companies.

Experts Tackle Hot Laptop Problem Researchers explore innovative theories to create cooler, faster notebooks.

Dietary Supplements Show Same Cartilage Loss Results as Placebos Osteoarthritis sufferers show no change in tests.

Today's Recalls...

October 1, 2008

FDIC Seeks Increase in Deposit Coverage Agency wants increase to $250,000.

Many Booster Seats Aren't Up to the Job 13 of 41 seats tested don't make the grade.

FDA Recommends No Change In Use Of Statins Agency says little evidence of usage leading to ALS.

Mortgagees Who Live In Home Less Likely To Default Highest losses from housing slump come from speculators.

Home Prices Suffer Double Digit Declines No evidence of bottom in housing market slump.

California First State to Pass Menu Labeling Law Chain restaurant menus must include calorie counts.

September 30, 2008

Financial Crisis May Be Lengthy But stronger system may emerge from chaos, experts say.

Feds Propose New Safety Rules for Motorcycle Helmets DOT requires labels for certified helmets, certification for novelty helmets.

Hershey's Says Chocolates Are Safe from Chinese Melamine Scandal Candy-maker says U.S.-made products are untainted.

Economic Turmoil Can Take Emotional Toll Stress from credit crisis can hinder smart decision-making.

Consumers Trust Online Payment Providers More Than Traditional Banks New survey shows convenience, speed favor Internet experience.

GPS Not Foolproof "Spoofing" signals can lead to disastrous results for travelers.

Green Consumers Don't Always Practice What They Preach Some eco-conscious buyers prefer fads over real changes.

September 29, 2008

Voter Anger Rattles Congress; Bailout Fails Stock market plunges on news, world reaction may be swift.

Dealer-Related Issues Affect Car Buying Decisions Sales performance can make or break a potential purchase.

"Light" Cigarettes May Have Just as Much Nicotine Even low levels can trigger receptors, leading to addiction.

It's Flu Season Again Understanding the most common of seasonal ailments.

Vaccines Ready for Flu Season Six new additions to approved list.

CitiGroup Acquires Wachovia's Banking Business FDIC brokers the deal but sees little risk for taxpayers.

House Passes New Internet Radio Legislation Bill would enable negotiations on royalties to continue after Congressional recess.

Cadbury Recalls Chinese-Made Chocolates Due to Melamine Tainted products were exported to many countries.

September 28, 2008

Congress Agrees On Compromise Bailout Bill Democrats insert executive pay limits, help for homeowners.

Some Consumers React Angrily to Bailout Plan Lobbyists threw taxpayers "to the wolves," complains one consumer activist.

Melamine Scare Spreads to Mr. Brown Coffee Chemical blamed for deaths of infants, pets found in instant coffee, tea milk products.

Wachovia Looks for Buyers of Troubled Assets Like WaMu, Wachovia's exposure to subprime mortgages weakens its position.

WaMu Seized, JPMorgan Chase Buys the Remains Deal creates the largest U.S. bank; business as usual today.

Somber Washington Prepares for Bailout Partisan bickering crumbles talks.

Gas Price Declines for 9 Days Gulf recovers from Hurricane Ike; Shortages persist in South.

New York Recommends Replacing Tappan Zee Bridge New $6.4 billion bridge, rapid transit bus system offered as replacements.

CSPI Raps Nickelodeon Food Ads Nonprofit says kids' channel supports advertising for unhealthy snacks.

Nemet Chevrolet Plans Appeal in Consumer Site Suit NYC auto dealer claims judge wrongfully dismissed its defamation complaint.

Technology Offers Revolution in Food Safety Testing New approach drills down to detect specific bacteria.

Home Improvement Contractor Arrested for Scamming Senior Elderly widow paid $80,000 for improvements that were never made.

Headaches Need to Be Watched Many different types of migraines, even more causes.

Today's Recalls...

September 25, 2008

World's Top Chevrolet Dealership Closing Bill Heard closing its 13 stores as car sales slump.

Deal Or No Deal: What The Bailout Means To You Following the $700 billion money trail.

FDIC May Need Additional Funds if Banks Keep Failing Remaining pool to cover insured deposits may go quickly.

Chinese Gorillas Fall Ill as Melamine Scandal Widens More exported foods test positive for dangerous chemicals.

New Study Links Inactivity to Desire for More Food Even low-level physical activity blunts appetite.

GM Invests In Electric Car Engine Plant New Michigan plant will support eco-friendly Volt, Cruze models.

Which Type of Money Market Account Is Right for You? Mutual funds vs. deposit accounts.

NIH Director Steps Down Zerhouni responsible for banning private moonlighting at agency.

Today's Recalls...

September 24, 2008

California Sues Baby Furniture Manufacturers Dangerous levels of formaldehyde in cribs, changing tables, state charges.

Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend Ike price spike has ended, but bad signs remain.

1.6 Million Ford Windstars Investigated for Fire Hazard Complaints charge minivan burns without warning.

Home Sales Continue Their Slide in August Tightened lending standards blamed for fewer mortgages.

Wall Street Becomes Main Street: Is It 1929 Again? Rules changes could have prevented financial crisis.

Is Your Vehicle Child-Proof? Top tips for keeping your car and your kids safe.

Caffeine Experts Want Warning Labels for Energy Drinks More information on amounts of caffeine would help buyers.

GM Increasingly Viewed As "Green" By Online Consumers Big Three automaker polishes its image as environmentally friendly.

Today's Recalls...

September 23, 2008

Feds Probe Food Prices Skyrocketing prices of eggs, tomatoes, milk studied.

House Passes Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights Decisive majority endorses consumer protections.

Duke Study Not Sweet on Splenda Study finds Splenda contributes to weight gain, may cause other health problems.

Morgan Stanley Sells Stake to Japanese Bank Wall Street trembles as bailout package is debated in Washington.

FTC Targets Foreclosure Scams Con artists prey on desperate homeowners.

Chrysler Begins Production on Electric Car New plug-in hybrid versions of conventional vehicles coming soon.

Proposed Settlement Could Lower Prescription Drug Prices Massachusetts court could approve class action agreement against wholesalers.

Advance Fee Card Scheme Fined $1 Million FTC says company charged people to use fake credit cards for its own Web site.

Today's Recalls...

September 22, 2008

FDA Updates Chinese Infant Formula Warning Agency warns Chinese communities of potential risks.

Gas Prices Drop for 5 Days Shortages remain in Southeast.

Oil Prices Surge By Record $25 a Barrel Bailout makes investors dump dollars for commodities.

Indiana Targets "Foreclosure Consultant" Attorney General wants deceptive claims stopped.

Hispanic-Americans Pay More For Used Car Loans Interest rates 1.5 percent higher than national average.

Sinus Pains Similar to Arthritis, Depression Effects Symptoms resemble afflictions of the elderly.

New Malware Targets Careerbuilder.com Users "Security certificate" email is a hoax.

New Virtual Reality Technology Can Screen for Colon Cancer Results are comparable to standard physical colonoscopies.

September 21, 2008

Seniors Hit Hard by Financial Crisis Collapsing home prices, tight credit, dwindling investment income a lethal brew.

FDIC Seizes West Virginia Bank, More Likely to Follow More than 100 banks on agency's troubled list.

Lawn Mower Horsepower Overstated, Class Action Claims Mower manufacturers clipped Texas consumers, plaintiffs charge.

Beware of Email Scams Tied to Financial Crisis Scammers use Wall Street meltdown to fool consumers.

September 20, 2008

More Impurities Showing Up In Ground Water, USGS Says Study shows increase in nitrate contamination.

Texas Investigates Price Gouging, Scams in Wake of Ike Attorney General warns residents to watch out for hucksters and con men.

Texting Behind The Wheel Like Driving Drunk Or High British study confirms texting reduces reaction time.

Price-Gouging Probes Spread to 6 States Gas prices drops 5 cents in 2 days.

FTC Cracks Down On Bogus Cancer "Cures" "No credible evidence" that products can cure or treat anything.

Mortgage Rates Fall for Fifth Straight Week Fixed-rate loans nearly double that of adjustable mortgages.

Bank Stopped From Enabling Online Tobacco Sales Attorneys General crack down on Web sites illegally selling cigarettes.

Today's Recalls...

September 18, 2008

Saturn Aura Gets a 5,000-Mile Road Test Coast-to-coast dash and back tests Aura's mettle.

Asian Baby Death Toll From Infant Formula Rises FDA claims U.S. formula is safe, despite pet deaths last year.

Buying A Computer With Poor Credit Financing companies offer low-quality alternatives at higher prices.

Investigations of $5 Gas in North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia Price gouging, shortages at the pump probed.

Lenders Offering Homeowners Little Aid, Congress Told States testify that rescue efforts are minimal.

How Does The Banking Crisis Affect You? Advice for everyday people on how to keep their money safe.

Back-to-School 2008: Retail Nightmare Consumers cut spending, leave many stores struggling.

Seat Belt Use Hits Record Level in 2008 Every region of the country shows increase or consistent usage.

Today's Recalls...

September 17, 2008

August Housing Starts Near 18-Year Low Reducing inventory may lead to end of housing slump.

GM Unveils Chevy Volt Automaker introduced electric car on 100th anniversary.

House Holds Hearing on Digital Television Transition Congress, Bush officials spar over funding for converter coupons.

Remembering Diet Failures May Help Curb Overeating Impulsive and non-impulsive people react differently to thoughts of binging.

FDA Web Site on Drug Ads Developed by Drug Industry PR Firm Clunky advice fails to properly educate consumers.

Surgeon General Urges More Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment Condition can lead to pulmonary embolism, blocking arteries.

Today's Recalls...

September 16, 2008

Shortages, Price Hikes Follow Ike in Southeast Consumers fill up as supplies run short.

States Investigate Gasoline Price Gouging Claims Gas prices soar as oil prices fall.

Study Links BPA with Various Diseases Chemical compound may contribute to diabetes and heart conditions.

Seven Web Sites that can Save You Thousands New roundup of bargains, freebies, and prices.

Researchers Suppress "Hunger Hormone" New developments could lead to alternative for gastric surgery.

FTC Backs Crackdown on Pre-Paid Phone Card Abuses Agency wants legislation against deceptive marketing tactics.

Best Buy Acquiring Napster Former file-sharing service will stay mostly independent.

September 15, 2008

Lehman Files Largest Bankruptcy in U.S. History Feds refuse to bail bank out; Long-term effects unknown.

Oil Prices Fall, Gas Prices Surge Accusations of gouging in wake of Ike's wrath.

United Doubles Second Bag Fee To $50 First bag check fee remains $15.

Dex-Cool Class Action Deadline Nears Complaints must be filed by October 27.

FDA Approves Expanded Uses for Gardasil Agency approves use for vulvar and vaginal cancers.

Pumping More U.S. Oil Won't Lower Prices, Consumer Group Says Alternative energy investment will be more help.

Can Broccoli Help Treat Chronic Lung Disease? Veggie helps maintain antioxidants that prevent pulmonary problems.

September 14, 2008

Mars Recalls More Pet Food; Possible Salmonella Contamination Recalled dog, cat food was made at Mars plant in Pennsylvania.

Why Individual Investors Shouldn't Buy Individual Stocks Hedge fund managers are controlling the market.

September 12, 2008

Dog Owner Claims Swiffer Cleaner Cost Pet's Life But the product owners and experts disagree.

FDA Issues Warning on Chinese-Made Infant Formula Melamine contamination may cause kidney stones in babies.

Mortgage Rates Plunge Fannie, Freddie bailout sends fixed rates tumbling.

AmeriDebt Founder Settles FTC Charges Consumers will receive just under $20 million in settlement.

Do Seniors Get More Cavities? Plaque buildup, gum disease increase with age.

Foreclosure Activity Increases At Double-Digit Pace But new laws may slow down defaults and help homeowners.

The Pepperoni Pizza Hypothesis Spicy food can cause pelvic pain in many women.

September 11, 2008

Recalled Simplicity Bassinets May Carry Graco, Winnie the Pooh Brands CPSC warns consumers to check their bassinets carefully following two infant deaths.

Countrywide Warns Millions of Data Breach Former employee sold customer records for two years.

NHTSA Issues Second Fire Warning for Ford Cars, Trucks, and SUVs 5 million vehicles at risk of burning according to Feds.

Pay Raises To Remain Stagnant Despite Rising Costs Savvy employees can get salary bumps even in tough times.

NHTSA Posts "Early Warning" Safety Data on the Web Victory for consumer advocates.

Air Pollution can Hinder Heart's Electrical Functioning Microscopic particles can interfere with operations.

Follow-Up Care Lacking for Many Colorectal Cancer Survivors 6 in 10 patients don't receive enough testing.

Today's Recalls...

September 10, 2008

Cars that Pass National Rollover Standard May Still be Deadly Manufacturers designing vehicles to pass tests rather than save lives.

Bear Stearns to Pay $28 Million to FTC for Abusive Lending Practices Failed investment firm allegedly gouged borrowers for extra money.

RFID Eyed as Anti-Shoplifting Tool Tags used to identify stolen items within bags.

CDC Steps Up Efforts to Fight MRSA Infections Drug-resistant germ can harm even those outside of hospitals.

Wegmans Recalls Store-Made Bagels Bagels may contain pieces of metal.

Iowa Accuses Meat Packer Of Child Labor Violations State alleges company encouraged applicants to use fake information.

Spammers Pushing Work-at-Home Schemes Old favorite of fraudsters comes back with new twist.

Today's Recalls...

September 9, 2008

iTunes Version 7.7.1 Erases Music Libraries Apple provides fix and five free downloads; iTunes 8 launched Sept. 9.

Pending Home Sales Drop in July Long-term trends remain flat despite June sales spike.

Prius Vandalism On the Rise in California Hybrids damaged in night attacks.

MillerCoors Sued Over "Sparks" Alcoholic Energy Drink CSPI claims drink is too dangerous for teens.

Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled in Salmonella Outbreak New incident reported in Washington state.

Safety Agency Renews Investigation of Taurus and Sable Suspension Broken springs plague Ford owners.

Parents Urged To Shun OTC Cough Medicine Pediatricians say remedies are still too dangerous for kids.

Texas Targets Unauthorized Charges for Weight-Loss Products Company debited funds whether users wanted the products or not.

September 8, 2008

Feds Take Over Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Taxpayers on the hook for billions in loans.

Children and Prescription Drug Abuse: The Threat at Home Better safeguards needed to keep teens from "readily available" meds.

Wilmington Goes Digital In DTV Transition Test FCC test market for digital switchover watched anxiously.

Atlantic Lottery Scam Still Making The Rounds Hucksters try to trick victims into wiring funds from false checks.

U.S. Children Heavily Exposed to Flame-Retardant Chemicals High concentration of banned retardant found in infants and toddlers.

CDC Counts 2.4 Million Tobacco-Linked Cancer Cases in Five Years Lung and bronchial cancers top the list.

September 7, 2008

Dog Toys Pulled from Market after Tongue Amputation Feds offer no help in recall of Four Paws rubber balls blamed in at least one death.

September 5, 2008

Lenders See Foreclosure Situation Worsening Bad economic situation can lead to emotional problems as well.

Gas Prices Trickle Down Consumers cut summer driving.

Virginia Consumers Warned About Post-Storm Scams Hanna damage may open floodgates to thieves and fraudsters.

Small Car Bumpers Fail to Prevent Expensive Damage Prius, Elantra, Rabbit cost most to repair.

Seniors Tend to Bruise More Easily Aging leads to thinner skin.

New York Reaches $35 Million Settlement With Managed Care Provider Senior executive gets indicted.

Measles Outbreaks Highlight Importance of Immunization 131 children affected by outbreak so far in 2008.

Today's Recalls...

September 4, 2008

Gulf States Post Scam Alert in Wake of Gustav Evacuees warned to watch out for price gouging and fraud.

Why Are Oil Prices Falling? Many explanations, no clear answers.

Truck and SUV Sales Plunge in August Consumers seek small and fuel efficient cars.

Getting Fair Claims Payment for Damage from Gustav Consumers must be ready as insurers saddle them with more costs.

Too Much Calcium May Increase Risk of Fatal Prostate Cancer Research may lead to new method of early detection.

Massachusetts Arraigns Five for Telemarketing Fraud Accused of using fraudulent charity drives to scam victims.

Washington Improves Credit Freeze Law State adds provisions to "thaw" freeze in 15 minutes, free freezes for seniors.

Today's Recalls...

September 3, 2008

Hy Cite Settles California Consumer Charges ... Again Discriminatory sales practices, false advertising in sale of Royal Prestige Cookware.

More Consumers Living Paycheck To Paycheck High prices cut into savings across the board.

Late-Model Used Car can Save Thousands Over First Five Years "Sweet spot" of auto deals.

Google Hopes to Strike Gold with "Chrome" Web Browser Aimed at challenging Microsoft's dominance in market.

Exercise May Help Improve Memory Problems Physical activity stimulates mental processes.

NHTSA Ends Toyota Tacoma Investigation Decision a win for Toyota lobbying effort.

Knee Problems Facing Aging Baby Boomers Obese also at risk of developing osteoporosis.

Today's Recalls...

September 2, 2008

Getting a Reverse Mortgage: Smart Move or Something to Avoid? Seniors face big risks and costs.

New Trend In Drug Ads Gets Around FDA Rule Pharma uses Web to get around revealing side effects of drugs.

Consumers Avoid Extremes in Soft Drink Sizes Preferences tend to midrange options in beverages.

Kids Burn More Calories Playing Active Video Games All video games are not created equal.

Lab Tests Point to Problems with New Sweetener Consumer group says product can increase cancer risk.

Mississippi Wants Answers on Excessive Energy Costs Attorney General charges energy provider withheld information.

Today's Recalls...

September 1, 2008

Low Levels of Brain Chemical Tied to Obesity Findings may lead to new treatments to regulate appetite.

August 29, 2008

Retail Chains Agree to Stop Selling Recalled Bassinets Death of two infants blamed on Simplicity models.

New Orleans: Three Years Later A Katrina refugee pays a return visit.

Labor Day Gas Prices Up a Penny Gustav brings concern about supply, prices.

Comcast to Cap Internet Usage for Customers Residential users top out at 250 gigabytes per month under new policy.

Bank Data Breach Affects 12.5 Million Consumers Biggest data breach in 2008.

CDC Gives "All Clear" On Salmonella Outbreak Origin of outbreak still unidentified.

California Tobacco Control Program Saved Billions in Medical Costs Program prevented 3.6 billion packs of cigarettes from being smoked.

DUI Fatalities Down Nationwide Feds and states will step up enforcement over Labor Day.

August 28, 2008

One Death Reported in Oklahoma E. coli Outbreak 41 others hospitalized; Restaurant at center of investigation.

California Legislature Passes Mortgage Reform Bill Removal of key elements weakens protection for consumers.

Feds Urged to Reduce Salt Levels in Food Local health officials push for removing safe status of sodium.

Consumers' Trust in Business Plunges New survey shows decline in respect for many industries.

States Fail to Protect Residents from Predatory Loans Efforts against abusive lending practices fall short.

Feds Step Up Rusting Hyundai Investigation Recall possible as Sonata and Santa Fe scrutinized.

College Students Prefer Simple Cell Phones Practicality reigns over high tech on campuses.

Today's Recalls...

August 27, 2008

Wal-Mart Selling Bassinets Blamed for Killing Two Babies Simplicity products still at stores and for sale online.

When Should You Sell Exchange Traded Funds? Even less volatile investments have a "sell by" date.

117 Banks On FDIC's "Problem List" Agency trying to rehire retired staff.

"Fixing" Health Care: What Does That Mean? Presidential candidates' plans vague on specifics, costs.

Traffic Deaths Fall as Gas Prices Rise Fewer unnecessary trips means fewer potential accidents.

New College Students Face Money Management Challenges Counselor urges discipline, budgeting, and using cash.

U.S. Reports Most Measles Cases Since 1996 Fewer vaccinations may be leading to greater infection risk.

Today's Recalls...

August 26, 2008

California: Citibank Stole $14 Million from its Customers Bank agrees to stop illegal 'sweeps,' make refunds.

Average Airfare Rises 10 Percent In Second Quarter Fuel costs push carriers to raise fees.

Home Reports Offer Signs Of Hopeful Trend Slight gains in sales of homes spark optimism.

GM SUVs, Crossovers Win IIHS Safety Label Join list of 50 vehicles.

West Virginia Attorney General Hails Assertive Consumers Individuals prompt investigations, lawsuits against scammers.

Illinois Man Convicted for Scamming Seniors Accused of taking investment money and spending it on himself.

BMW Plans Price Hike Steel prices, weak dollar cited.

New Identity Theft Scam Targets State Debit Card Users Texas Attorney General warns against giving out information.

Today's Recalls...

August 25, 2008

Data Breaches Exceed 2007 Record Higher numbers include breaches reported by Attorneys General.

Are Your Tax Dollars Paying for Excessive CEO Salaries? Groups charge tax code loopholes subsidize corporate heads.

Housing Market Still Favors Buyers Over Sellers Condo market remains glutted, while single-family homes sell faster.

Indiana Sues Countrywide Financial Attorney General alleges lender misled and deceived customers.

Car Insurance Can Help with Medical Bills Being underinsured can be costly.

Adverse Life Events Linked To Breast Cancer Psychological outlook can impact potential risk.

Small Snack Packages can Lead to Overeating Larger snack bags trigger guilt and second thoughts.

Amazon.com Tops Small-Appliance Shopping Poll Online retailer gets high marks for price and selection.

August 24, 2008

Feds to Toughen Rules for Over-the-Counter Kids' Cold Medicines A bitter pill for drug companies.

A Gloom and Doom Week Ends On a High Note Gentle Ben, Wise Warren talk about hope and eventual prosperity.

Feds Approve Irradiation of Spinach, Lettuce Opponents say irradiation no substitute for careful handling of food.

GM Aims High-Mileage Cruze At U.S. Market Automaker hopes to cruise to profitability with fuel-stingy compact.

NHTSA Acting Administrator Named Major decisions remain.

Teen Sleuths Find Something Fishy in New York Sushi Store, restaurant labels tell a real whopper of a fish story.

Gas Prices Fall for 37 Days Average price under $4 in California.

West Virginia Warns About Phony Debt Collectors Scammers claiming to be authorities demand money transfers.

August 22, 2008

Report Links Tobacco Marketing and Movies With Youth Smoking Even brief exposure to tobacco ads can hook kids for life, study finds.

Government Policy Helps Big Business Hide as Small Businesses Companies no longer have to disclose revenue or employees.

Color Blindness Isn't Black and White How color vision deficiency really works.

Today's Recalls...

August 21, 2008

CPSC Offers Tips for Back to School Safety Agency urges parents to teach helmet safety, playground smarts, and avoid unsafe clothes.

Work-at-Home Scammers Settle With FTC Agency imposes $4.9 million judgment for misleading consumers.

Can Your Heart be Hacked? New research explores possibility of remotely controlling pacemakers.

American Begins Wi-Fi Service on Some Flights Customers can surf the Web using airborne Internet provider.

Comcast to Slow Internet Speeds for Heaviest Users File-sharers will get throttled to prevent congestion.

August 20, 2008

Three Years Later: Pyrex Dishes Still Go Boom Government safety agency mum, company blames victims for cuts, burns.

79 Million Americans Struggle to Pay Medical Expenses Even the insured have difficulty with bills, study finds.

University Presidents Support Lower Drinking Age Claim that lower age would curtail binge drinking; Experts disagree.

Signal Problems Plague iPhone 3G Apple issues firmware upgrade but analysts are skeptical.

Seniors Increasingly Subject to Abuse 13 percent of elders mistreated, according to study.

Insurance Group Adds 6 Small SUVs to Safety List Jeep Wrangler given low marks in test.

New Research Uncovers Key to Consumer Preferences Study claims answers to why people buy one brand over another.

Indiana Sues New Jersey Fax Blaster EZPMG alleged to send unsolicited mortgage service faxes.

August 19, 2008

Are Structured Products Really For You? Wealthy investors use alternatives to minimize risk.

Inflation Rising, Home Construction Falling Highest price growth since 1981.

Air Travel Expected To Fall Over Labor Day High prices, service cuts take toll on vacationers.

GM Offers Employee Prices to Spur Slow Sales Similar deals offered in June 2005.

FDA Cracks Down on Illegal Botox Scammers 210 investigations of doctors selling counterfeit injections.

U.S. Consumers Favor Japanese and German Automakers Lexus and BMW top satisfaction survey.

Researchers Claim Vioxx Safety Study Was Actually Marketing Plan Merck challenges researchers' assertions regarding painkiller.

FTC Bans Pre-Recorded Telemarketer Calls New rules said to protect consumer privacy.

Today's Recalls...

August 18, 2008

Internet Providers Admit to Monitoring Customers' Web Surfing Congress demands more information from companies.

Mrs. Fields Cookies to File Chapter 11 Company will continue baking during reorganization.

FCC Announces Major Publicity Push for DTV Transition Commission members will travel to critical markets to spread the word.

Netflix Says Service Restored After Outage Customers who didn't get movies will credit on next bill.

New Prostate Cancer Treatment Shows Promise Continuous low doses of medicine is more tolerable, shows better results.

Luxury Sedan, SUV Win Insurance Industry Safety Award Acura RL and Audi Q7 added to top safety pick list.

FDA Issues Warning About Frozen Seafood Bantry Bay products may be contaminated with dangerous toxins.

Hershey's Announces Candy Price Hike Rising food costs make sweet tooth satisfaction more expensive.

August 17, 2008

FDA Again Finds BPA Safe Despite Critics' Concerns Widespread use of potent chemical in infant products riles parents.

August 15, 2008

Disappointment Awaits Men Seeking Foreign Brides Online Sites promising exotic Asian, Russian women are often scams ... or worse.

Has the Bear Market Hit Bottom Yet? As usual, it depends who you ask.

Gas Prices Slide 8 Percent from Record Summer driving down as well.

Rise in Mortgage Rates Linked to Falling House Prices Combination puts housing market in "downward spiral".

FAA Fines American $7.1 Million For Safety Violations Agency alleges defective planes were flown 58 times after warnings.

Airborne Health to Pay FTC $30 Million for False Claims Company settles charges that it falsely advertised its cold remedies.

Proliferation of Online Job Sites Overwhelms Job Seekers Clutter for employers and lost opportunities for job hunters.

Teen Misjudgment Major Factor in Highway Accidents Risk prevention programs need better teen education.

August 14, 2008

Bush Signs Consumer Safety Bill Sweeping new law aims to make toys, household products safer.

Sales of Existing Homes Hit 10-Year-Low Housing recession deepens in second quarter.

Inflation Surges in July Broad-based price increases continue.

Foreclosure Activity Up 55 Percent In July Nevada, California, Florida continue to top state foreclosures.

Honda Plans New Hybrid for Earth Day 2009 Automaker promises "affordable price".

Mortgage Businesses Sued For Violating "Do Not Call" Law Pennsylvania alleges companies aggressively marketed mortgages.

August 13, 2008

One-Third Of Recent Home Buyers "Underwater" Increasing numbers owe more than their home is worth.

Should You Place A Freeze On Your Credit Report? Credit freezes provide new protection against identity theft.

33,000 Sign Up for Battery-Powered Car Volt model not available till 2010, will cost nearly $40,000.

BMW Recalls 200,000 Vehicles for Airbag Failures Extends airbag warranty for some models.

Whole Foods Extends Beef Recall Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Utah included.

West Virginia Sues Countrywide Financial Attorney General alleges "unaffordable and unconscionable" loans were made.

Parents Can Shape Childrens' Eating Habits Bad examples can lead to lifetime of junk food, obesity.

August 12, 2008

What Exactly is a "Charley Horse?" How to avoid painful muscle cramps.

California Considers Limiting Chemicals in Baby Items Restrictions sought on potentially harmful hormone used in bottles.

Run For Your Life--and Live Longer Jogging boosts overall fitness and life expectancy, report finds.

GM To Offer More Fuel-Efficient Pickups New models will get increased fuel economy.

Do-It-Yourself Botox Not a Good Idea Counterfeit injectables could lead to serious harm.

Consumers Slow to React to DTV Transition Many still unaware of benefits, problems as deadline draws closer.

FDA: Baltimore Pharmacies Selling Expired and Counterfeit Drugs Fake prescriptions could have bad effects on users' health.

Today's Recalls...

August 11, 2008

Don't Let a Bad Economy Ruin Your Marriage How to prevent financial problems from causing marital stress.

Report: Millions of Fire-Prone Fords Still on the Roads 40 percent of vehicles have been repaired, reports automaker.

United Pilots Want CEO Fired Union launches Web site detailing exec's bad performance.

Overweight Doesn't Always Mean Unhealthy Looks can be deceiving when it comes to your health.

Texas Debt Collection Firm Hit for Harassing Consumers Attorney General slams firm for misconduct and violations of law.

Some Drug Prices Surging 100 Percent Or More Congress wants investigation into skyrocketing prescription costs.

Consumers Cautioned About Voter Registration Scams Fraudsters use phone calls to steal personal information.

New Twist On Phishing Scam Surfaces In Kentucky Criminals call claiming to be from credit union.

August 10, 2008

Whole Foods Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Meat came from troubled Nebraska Beef plant.

Mars Petcare Recalls Some Pedigree Dog Food Company also makes Nutro, blamed for problems by scores of pet owners.

August 8, 2008

Graphic Card Problem May Affect Millions of Computers Nvidia admits problem but doesn't alert consumers.

Pending Home Sales Rise In June Buyers take advantage of foreclosures to get bargains.

Big Brother Hitching A Ride in California? New legislation may charge higher fees for drivers opposing "black boxes" in cars.

82 Percent of Americans Think Health Care System Needs Overhaul Respondents want central primary care and better electronic health records.

Gas Prices Creep Down Drop 27 cents in last month.

Report: Metered Broadband Bad For Consumers, Businesses Study debunks "false choice" of content blocking or pay-as-you-go Internet.

Citigroup Agrees To Securities Settlement Will pay $50 million civil penalty to New York for deceptive marketing.

Don't Overdo or Underuse Antibiotics Misuse can lead to increase in drug-resistant "superbugs."

Frequent Flier Trip Rules Change At American Airlines heap backdoor cost increases on fliers to pay for fuel.

August 7, 2008

Overdraft Loan Fees Increase at Nation's Ten Largest Banks New survey details increasing costs without customer consent.

Connecticut Sues Countrywide Over Deceptive Loans Attorney General alleges lender gouged customers for "excessive" fees.

Internet Buzzing About iPhone Case Cracks Overproduction may be leading to defects in new phones.

Cablevision to Block Online Child Pornography Covad also complies with anti-child porn initiative.

Researchers Find New Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Chemoprevention gene therapy may be best solution yet discovered.

Brake Noise #1 Consumer Complaint in J.D. Power Study Lexus tops the field in dependability.

Latest Spam Scam Rips Off News Headlines Fraudsters trick victims into clicking on virus-laden Web sites.

Today's Recalls...

August 6, 2008

Expert Finds Unexplained Pet Deaths 'Not Consistent' But S.C. police dogs taken off Nutro food; pet owners still suspicious.

How Are You at Managing Your Credit Score? Know your scores and how to improve them.

Worst Foreclosure Activity Limited To Four States Housing "depression" concentrated in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Florida.

Texas Attorney General Sues Olympic Ticket Scammers Company accused of taking money and not providing tickets.

Oil Price Trend May Be Good News For Consumers Analysts changing tune on the cost of gas.

Ring Charged with Hacking Major U.S. Retailers Scheme believed to be the largest identity theft case ever prosecuted.

Complementary Methods Used to Deal With Cancer Most patients don't use techniques to handle emotional aspects.

FDA Approves 2008-2009 Flu Vaccines HHS urges more vaccinations for health care workers.

Today's Recalls...

August 5, 2008

TSA Suspends "Clear" Program After Laptop Theft Computer containing passenger data stolen from airport.

Six New E. coli Cases Reported In Massachusetts Investigators have not identified source.

Fed Votes To Keep Interest Rates Steady Inflation concerns outweighed by weak economy fears.

Delta Adding Wi-Fi to All Flights JetBlue charges for pillows, blankets.

Hybrid Technology a Presidential Campaign Issue Obama promises $4 billion in support for plug-in cars.

JetBlue To Sell Pillow and Blanket "Kits" Passengers can keep high-quality bedding materials after flight.

Bogus Websites Selling Beijing Olympics Tickets Scammers fool buyers into paying for nonexistent passes to Games.

Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Tiguan Earn Kudos in Consumer Reports' Tests Grand Cherokee and Touareg score poorly in ratings.

Diving Injuries On The Increase 10-to-14-year-olds are group at highest risk.

August 4, 2008

Companies Agree To Cut Cancer-Causing Chemicals In Potato Chips Fast food makers pay thousands in settlement with California.

Most Kids' Meals Exceed Suggested Daily Intake Restaurants lobby to keep nutritional facts secret.

Blood Sugar Monitor Can Detect Early Diabetes Old monitoring test is an effective screening tool.

Spending Rises, Along With Consumer Prices Modest wage gains, rebate checks power consumer buying.

North Carolina Sues Women's Gym for Going Co-Ed Gymgoers were not let out of contracts after club closed.

Credit Card Scam Resurfaces In Kansas Fraudsters trick victims into giving out information over the phone.

Two Canadians Plead Guilty in Telemarketing Scheme Scheme raked in nearly $10.5 million from 37,000 Americans.

August 3, 2008

Judge Nixes Peanut Butter Class Action Poisoned consumers can't combine their salmonella claims.

MIT Researcher Reports Solar Power Breakthrough Discovery could mean a cheap new energy source.

Dog Days a Threat to Seniors' Health The elderly are more prone to heat-related illnesses.

August 1, 2008

Congress Passes Consumer Safety Bill, Bush Promises to Sign It Bill provides for safer toys, more effective recalls, stronger enforcement.

Is Your Job Safe? Are You Sure? Two out of three workers think their job is in jeopardy.

Automakers Report Huge Drop in Sales Consumers turn away from trucks and SUVs.

Gasoline Drops Below $3.90 a Gallon 15 days of price declines.

FCC Votes to Punish Comcast for Content Blocking Majority of commissioners say cable giant violated federal policy.

EPPICard Scam Pops Up In Indiana Payment system used to trick cardholders into revealing information.

Know Your Medical Scans Different types of medical imaging can have very different results.

Getting Top Dollar For Jewelry Requires Knowledge, Patience Sellers should appraise value objectively and protect their assets.

Exercise in a Pill? New drug transforms test subject mice into super-athletes.

July 31, 2008

Judge Rules Sprint Termination Fees are Illegal Telecom must pay millions in class action suit.

Missouri Attorney General Takes on Foreclosure Scams New operation designed to protect vulnerable homeowners.

Baby Trend Child Safety Seat Recall NHTSA warns seats could fail in a crash.

Attendants: US Airways Jets are "Flying Vending Machines" Unions criticize policy of charging for soft drinks in flight.

Fake Check Scams Rise in Falling Economy Secret shopper offers can lead to wire fraud and lost money.

Medical Tourism Impacting U.S. Health Care Billions in losses forecast as citizens flock overseas for surgery.

Feds Seize More Than $24 Million in Unapproved New Drugs St. Louis manufacturer raided for selling timed-release drugs without permission.

FDA Says It Found Salmonella Source In Mexico Agency warns consumers to continue avoiding Mexican Serrano peppers.

Consumer Advocates Release Top 10 Consumer Gripes Auto sale misrepresentations top the list.

July 30, 2008

Survey: Americans Cut Back On Credit Cards All ages, income groups are using plastic less.

Daily Pill Said To Stop Alzheimer's British scientists claim treatment destroys "tangles" in brain.

Bush Signs Housing Bailout Into Law Measure criticized for not helping enough homeowners.

Gas, Credit Crunch Put Dent in Lease Deals Major companies announce leasing cut-backs, cost increases.

Canadian Gets 23 Years in Credit Card Scam Telemarketing scheme took $8.2 million from 40,000 Americans.

Delta Raises Second Checked Bag Fee to $50 New fee will go into effect beginning August 5.

House Committee to Consider Landmark Credit Card Legislation Bill would curb predatory interest rates and lending practices.

Plastic Grass Gets Green Light from Feds Consumer safety agency finds no lead exposure risk in synthetic turf.

Web Site Dishes Up Dirt, Exposes 'Greenwashing' Responsibleshopper.org strives to 'connect the dots'.

July 29, 2008

Study Finds Big Tobacco Exploiting Ad Ban Loophole Research suggests children are in advertising crosshairs.

Home Prices Take Record Dip, Consumers Stay Confident Contradictory findings point to unpredictable market.

Hood Latch Failures Smash Dodge Truck Windshields Nearly 700,000 vehicles part of NHTSA investigation.

Maryland Developer Seeks Names of Web Complainants Public Citizen argues consumers should be able to remain anonymous.

Delta Passengers Stranded 7 Hours on Plane Bad weather left plane stuck on tarmac until cancellation of flight.

Study: 86 Percent of Americans Could Be Obese by 2030 More exercise recommended for weight loss.

Pennsylvania to Require Licenses For Internet Payday Lenders State banking office would credential online lenders.

Americans Drive 10 Billion Fewer Miles in Last Year Record drop in driving leads to losses in highway funds.

Today's Recalls...

December 18, 2007

Safety Agency Bill Gets Fast-Track Treatment But will Bush sign a bill that increases fines and oversight?

Chronic Sinus Problems Require Treatment JAMA study got it wrong and patients could be the losers.

Beware of Lead in Holiday Decorations Christmas lights sold at Target, Wal-Mart may contain lead; Feds defend industry, put blame on parents.

Lead Poisoning Hazard in Sesame Street Toy Medical Kits Illinois tests once again find high lead levels in Fisher-Price toys.

Fed Endorses Lending Protections New rules include better disclosures, income verification.

FCC Votes To Relax Media Ownership Rules Congressional opposition likely; White House supports measure.

Poultry Workers Face Higher Risk Of Exposure To 'Super' E. coli Antibiotics used on chickens put workers at risk of infection.

Video Professor Drops Subpoena, Goes After Wikipedia Users Comcast protects its customers, Wikipedia surrenders.

Sara Lee Accused of Whole Grain Whitewash 'Soft & Smooth' white bread isn't whole grain, group charges.

Recalls today ...

• Gorilla Full-Body Safety Harnesses
• Specialized Bicycle Helmets
• Acura RL Sedans

December 17, 2007

Nintendo Wii: The Buzz Goes On Wii still a most-wanted but hard-to-find gift.

Sprint Removes Three Fees, Adds Two New Ones Company claims new charges will "defray costs."

Phone Pretexters Get Off Cheap FTC settles with company that sold consumer calling records.

Time to Have an Important Talk with Elderly Parents Holiday togetherness offers a chance to catch up on vital matters.

December 16, 2007

Obama Pledges Doubled Funding for Product Safety Agency Feds say 22 children died in toy-related accidents in 2006.

December 14, 2007

Senate Passes Home Loan Reform Bill Legislation would help borrowers refinance into government loans.

Senate Passes New Mileage Standards Bill House expected to act next week, Bush on board with bill.

Nationwide Average Gas Price Just Under $3 Unleaded regular was $2.29 last year at this time.

Sleuths Find Asbestos in CSI Toy CBS doesn't respond to consumer groups' warning.

Survey Finds At-Risk Consumers Interested in OTC Statin FDA committee considers making lovastatin OTC.

Car Warranty Scams Target Seniors High-pressure tactics used to sign up unwary seniors.

Recalls today ...

• Toyota Recalls Some 2007 Tundra Pickups

December 13, 2007

House Kills Thrill Ride Safety Measure Amusement parks successfully resist federal safety standards.

Merck Recalls Children's Vaccines Possible sterilization problems with 1.2 million doses.

Vermont Sues Canadian Importer Of Lead Jewelry Some tested jewelry had 556 times the 'safe' level of lead.

Consumer Groups Want One-Stop Complaint Center for Banks Consumers must now sort through five federal agencies.

Study: Shingles Virus Common among Healthy Adults More adults should get shingles vaccine, researchers conclude.

Recalls today ...

• Dollar Tree Baby Toys
• AutoZone Booster Cables
• Hooker Bunk Beds
• Infantino Teethers
• Codeena Princess Children's Jewelry
• Robbie Ducky Water Globes

December 12, 2007

Menu Foods Denies Acetaminophen Found in its Cat Food But company won't disclose results of UC-Davis tests.

A Bleak Holiday for Computer Layaway Victims Restitution for Financing Alternatives victims is in doubt.

Crash Tests Predict Fatalities In Cars, Not Trucks Results similar for both government and privately-funded tests.

Student Loan Company Agrees to End Kickbacks to Schools New code of conduct bars false, misleading marketing.

Connecticut Derails Title Insurance Kickback Scheme Companies agree to pay $700,000, customers to be reimbursed.

Court Ruling Protects Anonymous Bloggers Texas appeals court upholds rights of Internet bloggers.

Gene Mutation Spreads Breast Cancer Researchers find mutations knock our tumor supressors.

Recalls today ...

• Fishing Games Sold at Grocery Stores
• Billy Goat Outdoor Vacuum
• Thomas Built School Buses
• United Scientific Horseshoe Magnets Used in Schools
• ROMI SCUBA Regulators

December 11, 2007

Study: Avandia May Do More Harm than Good Use of diabetes medications in older adults carries risks.

Texas Sues Drug Manufacturer Blamed for West Coast Deaths Apothecure Inc. sold injectable pain killer meant for treatment of gout.

Too Much Sugar May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk Exact mechanism unknown but research highlights risk.

Payday Lenders Trumpet False Claims, Critics Charge Lenders claims working families worse off in states that ban payday loans.

Recalls today ...

• Fitness Quest Eclipse Elliptical Trainers
• QVC Recalls Cook's Essential Electric Toasters
• Sauder TV Stand Sold at Wal-Mart
• AtHome America 4-Wick Candles
• Gamenamics Air-Powered Hockey Tables
• Farouk Recalls WEE CHI Hairstyling Irons