Current Events in January 2016

Smartphones may soon be able to add one more entry to their rolodex of skills: the ability to act as a tool to measure blood glucose levels for those suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

After 20 years of research, University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers are in the final testing phases of a system that can automatically measure and monitor blood sugar levels. Early testing produced promising results. Now, researchers say actual patient testing is going well, and the system is circling the landing towards completion.

The app—called “InControl”—can control everything people with diabetes need, eliminating the need for finger pricks and manual insulin injections. This ease of the system could prove to be a game-changer in the lives of 1.25 million people who suffer from the disease.

Effortlessly manages levels

The so-called “artificial pancreas” has been in the works since 2006, says lead researcher Boris Kovatchev, director of the Centre for Diabetes Technology in the US. 

Kovatchev’s own father suffered from diabetes, so he saw firsthand the need for an easier way to live with the disease. “We show that it is not only possible, but it can run on a smartphone,” says Kovatchev.

Every five minutes, the system will report blood glucose level results to the app on a nearby android smartphone. It will analyze the data, and if necessary, adjust insulin levels on a small, wearable insulin pump.

Wirelessly controls pump

The app works by controlling an insulin pump: a device which is already used by approximately 350,000 diabetes sufferers in the US. The pump works by delivering user-adjusted doses of insulin to the bloodstream through a very fine needle; it can be worn discreetly under an article of clothing or hooked to a belt.

The wireless monitor, which talks to the pump, is as tiny as a flash drive and can be worn anywhere on the body. Together, the two devices create a digital treatment ecosystem of sorts that can handle the burden of the disease.

"It runs on a five-minute cycle and takes information from these devices and calculates the next best option for the patient pretty much any point in time,” said Chad Rogers, the CEO of TypeZero Technologies, which has licensed and refined the technology.

Final phases of testing 

The ultimate goal is to make managing Type 1 diabetes automatic and effortless.

“If it is working, you do not know that it is there,” says Francis Doyle III, dean of Harvard’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, who is collaborating with Kovatchev on the system

UVA researchers have brought the system to nine locations across the U.S. and Europe to try it on 240 patients. Researchers hope to have the trials complete and the system perfected in four years.

This is the time of year for New Years resolutions, which typically have to do with health and fitness. But financial advisors say consumers shouldn't overlook their financial fitness, especially when it comes to retirement planning.

Experts at Foresters Financial say a recent survey shows 70% of American workers believe financial stress is the most common cause of stress and are interested in ways to avoid it. Forester says there are many simple things consumers can do to improve fiscal fitness, such as saving more and spending less.

Easier said than done, right. After all, the bills keep coming and pay raises haven't been all that plentiful.

Pay yourself first

But one strategy to get ahead is setting aside a specific amount of money each month to pay yourself first, before you start paying your bills.

"There are many excellent strategies to improve your overall financial wellness," said Paul Prete, Vice President, for Retirement Programs at Foresters Financial. "To ensure thoroughness, one of the best strategies is to work with a financial representative who can help you achieve your financial goals based on your specific situation, risk tolerance and time frame—whether it be for making investments, retirement planning, funding a college education or providing life insurance protection for you and your family."

Prete says the key is to get empowered. You do that by taking an involved approach. Don't just leave it up to your advisor. Read the research and learn about investments. The important thing, he says, is to get active – just like you would do if you were trying to improve your physical health.

This advice may be especially timely for older Americans. Last year the General Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report showing a disturbing number of Americans are approaching their retirement years with no savings and few, if any, assets.

Their future may then depend on whatever income they can derive from continued employment and the increasingly fragile lifeline provided by Social Security.

52% have no savings

In a report produced as the request of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), now a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination, the GAO found that 52% of U.S. households age 55 and older have no retirement savings, such as in a 401(k) plan or an IRA.

Worse still, the agency found many older households without retirement savings have few other resources, such as a defined benefit pension, non-retirement savings, or other assets.

In November, the U.S. Treasury Department introduced a simple savings vehicle called myRA, after testing it with a small group of people.

The idea is indeed simple. Consumers can put a small amount of money away on a regular basis – whether it's taken from their paycheck or it comes directly out of a bank account.

It was designed for the millions of people who don't have access to employer–sponsored retirement accounts and those who have found it difficult to save anything.

For more information about MyRA, click here.

The number of homes in foreclosure, as well as completed foreclosures, fell again in November.

Property information, analytics, and services provider CoreLogic reports the foreclosure inventory dropped by 21.8%, while completed foreclosures were down by 18.8% compared with November 2014.

In terms of numbers of homes, completed foreclosures nationwide decreased year-over-year from 41,000 in November 2014 to 33,000 in November 2015. The number of completed foreclosures in November 2015 was down 71.6% from the peak of 117,657 in September 2010.

The foreclosure inventory represents the number of homes at some stage of the foreclosure process; completed foreclosures reflect the total number of homes lost to foreclosure.

"Remarkable improvement"

Since the September 2008 beginning of the financial meltdown, there have been approximately 6 million completed foreclosures across the country. Since homeownership rates peaked in the second quarter of 2004, there have been about 8 million homes lost to foreclosure.

As of this past November, the national foreclosure inventory included approximately 448,000, or 1.2%, of all homes with a mortgage compared with 573,000 homes, or 1.5%, a year earlier. The November 2015 foreclosure inventory rate is the lowest for any month since November 2007.

“After peaking at 3.6% in January 2011, the foreclosure rate currently stands at 1.2% -- a remarkable improvement,” said Dr. Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic. “While there are still pockets of areas with high foreclosure activity, 30 states have foreclosure rates below the national average which is evidence of the solid improvement.”

The number of mortgages in serious delinquency (defined as 90 days or more past due, including loans in foreclosure or Real Estate Owned) declined by 21.7% from November 2014 to November 2015, with 1.3 million mortgages, or 3.3%, in this category. That's the lowest rate since December 2007.

Report highlights

• On a month-over-month basis, completed foreclosures decreased by 10.9% to 33,000 in November from the 38,000 reported in October. As a basis of comparison, before the decline in the housing market in 2007, completed foreclosures averaged 21,000 per month nationwide between 2000 and 2006.
• The five states with the highest number of completed foreclosures for the 12 months ending in November were Florida (83,000), Michigan (51,000), Texas (29,000), California (24,000), and Georgia (24,000). These five states accounted for almost half of all completed foreclosures nationally.
• Four states and the District of Columbia had the lowest number of completed foreclosures for the 12 months ending in November 2015: the District of Columbia (78), North Dakota (225), Wyoming (543), West Virginia (565), and Hawaii (686).
• Four states and the District of Columbia had the highest foreclosure inventory rate in November 2015: New Jersey (4.4%), New York (3.5%), Hawaii (2.5%), Florida (2.4%), and the District of Columbia (2.4%).
• The five states with the lowest foreclosure inventory rate in November 2015 were Alaska (0.3%), Minnesota (0.3%), Arizona (0.4%), Colorado (0.4%), and Utah (0.4%).

Mortgage applications shot up 21.3% in the week ending January 8, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, the second highest level since May 2010.

The Refinance Index jumped 24%, taking the refinance share of mortgage activity to 55.8% of total applications from 55.4% the previous week.

“Bolstered by strong fourth quarter growth in jobs and continuing low rates, the results are similar to levels we saw in early December, suggesting that the purchase market’s strong finish to 2015 may be continuing,” said MBA Vice President of Research and Economics Lynn Fisher. “While refinances also increased on a holiday-adjusted basis, refinance activity was down 38 percent relative to a year ago when rates dove below 4%.”

The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 5.1% of total applications, the FHA share of total applications was 14.4%, the VA share came in at 12.2%, and the USDA share of total applications was 0.8%.

Contract interest rates

• The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) with conforming loan balances ($417,000 or less) was down eight basis points -- to 4.12% from 4.20% -- with points decreasing to 0.38 from 0.42 (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.
• The average contract interest rate for 30-year FRMs with jumbo loan balances (greater than $417,000) dipped from 4.09% to 4.02%, with points decreasing to 0.30 from 0.35 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.
• The average contract interest rate for 30-year FRMs backed by the FHA fell five basis points to 3.90%, with points down to 0.34 from 0.41 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.
• The average contract interest rate for 15-year FRMs decreased to 3.42% from 3.47%, with points increasing to 0.39 from 0.31 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.
• The average contract interest rate for 5/1 ARMs dipped five basis points to 3.14%, with points increasing to 0.42 from 0.32 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.

The survey covers over 75% of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 11,142 model year 2015 Genesis vehicles manufactured March 3, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 tires installed as original equipment.

The tires may develop cracks in the sidewall, resulting in a loss of air, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the factory tires with tires of another brand, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 19, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 138.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,590 model year 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 17, 2015.

The vehicles may be equipped with driver or front passenger seat belt anchorage assemblies whose pretensioner cable was not properly crimped. As a result, the seat belts may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies" and 210, " Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

An occupant not properly restrained is at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and/or front passenger side seat belt retractor(s) and pretensioner(s), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2016.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C17.

Pier 1 Imports of Fort Worth, Texas, is recalling about 276,000 Swingasan chairs and stands in the U.S. and Canada

The suspension hardware on the chair and stand can break, or the stand can become unstable during use, posing a fall hazard.

The company has received 101 reports of incidents with the chairs and stands. This includes 93 reports of the chair with stand becoming unstable during use and tipping over, resulting in 23 injuries. There have been eight reports of the suspension hardware failing, including four reports of injuries.

This recall involves the Pier 1 Imports Swingasan chairs and stands. The chairs and stands were sold separately. The chair hangs from a steel stand and is made of a wrought iron frame covered with woven plastic wicker. It was sold in various colors and designs. The stands are made of steel and were sold in four colors.

The product description and dimensions in inches included in this recall are:

The chairs and stands, manufactured in China, were sold exclusively at Pier 1 Imports stores nationwide and online at www.Pier1.com from January 2010, through August 2015, for between $200 and $400 for the hanging chair and stand.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and stands and contact Pier 1 Imports for a free repair kit, or return the chair and stand to a Pier 1 Imports store for a full refund. There is no repair kit for the Podasan Mocha and Orange Swingasan chairs. Consumers should stop using these chairs immediately and contact Pier 1 Imports for a full refund.

Consumers may contact Pier 1 Imports toll-free at 855-513-5140 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) Saturday or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CT) Sunday, or online at http://www.pier1.com/ and click on “Product Notes & Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Volkswagen's plan to clean up its 2.0-liter diesel-powered cars is "incomplete, substantially deficient and falls far short of meeting the legal requirements," the California Air Resources Board said today. CARB also said the plan would take too long to complete.

It's a serious setback for Volkswagen, which had admitted using stealth softare to fool emissions testing equipment, enabling its cars to emit 40 times the legal limit of pollutants. 

VW, trying to put the best face on the rejection, said it is still in talks with California. CARB put it another way -- saying it is continuing its investigation into Volkswagen's actions.

The rejection of VW's plan did not result in any immediate penalties.

More scrutiny

VW CEO Matthias Mueller meets tomorrow (Wednesday) with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy.

In advance of that meeting, EPA issued a statement saying it agrees with California "that Volkswagen has not submitted an approvable recall plan to bring the vehicles into compliance and reduce pollution."

Separately, VW is working on a plan to fix larger 3.0-liter diesel engines used in some VW, Audi, and Porsche vehicles.

Besides California and the feds, VW is facing scrutiny by state attorneys general. One of those AGs, Connecticut's George Jepsen, said he is disturbed by Mueller's comments to reporters at the Detroit Auto Show that seemed to downplay the seriousness of the matter.

"Volkswagen has failed consumers on multiple levels and should be taking steps – as it initially promised to do – to correct a culture that allowed such wide-scale deception to occur. In an apparent moment of candor in Detroit, we now learn that the company's newly appointed and most senior leader doesn't believe Volkswagen lied, which is undisputable, and cannot say when it plans to deliver its solution to a problem that is affecting millions of Americans, which is unacceptable," Jepsen said.

"The time for empty apologies and hollow pledges of cooperation is over. It's up to Volkswagen to live up to its promises and obligations to consumers – and that starts by being honest with the American public, providing regulators with requested documents and coming clean on how they intend to address the very real problems with their vehicles."

It is a good thing that technology continues to improve, but it also means that older programs and systems often need to be left behind. Many consumers will be reminded of that today when they go to update their web browser. Older versions of Internet Explorer (IE), the long-lived web browser used by millions, are finally being left behind by Microsoft.

The company is officially ending support for IE versions 8, 9, and 10 after its most recent update, though support for Internet Explorer 11 will continue. Additionally, Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 8, with users being asked to upgrade to a newer operating system.

Security risks

The web browser change will not affect everyone; for consumers who use alternative web browsers, like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and others, this change may not mean a whole lot. However, if you have not made the switch to another browser yet, you are strongly urged to do so. Users will be prompted to upgrade to IE 11 or Microsoft Edge, IE’s successor, in the latest update.

There are undoubtedly many consumers out there who will resist this change. Just because there’s no more support for the program, that doesn’t mean you have to stop using it, right? Technically, yes – but you may be putting yourself at risk by doing so.

The latest update comes with the very last security updates for the aforementioned IE versions and Windows 8, so after this point your software will become increasingly more vulnerable to hacking attempts if you continue to use them. So, as Tom Petty said, it’s time to move on.  

When you’re immersed in a virtual world behind a glowing screen, it becomes nearly impossible to connect to the real world around you. Smartphones are useful tools, but more people are absentmindedly scrolling through feeds and emails out of habit rather than necessity these days.

If taking stock of 2015 included the realization that you might’ve spent too much time staring at your smartphone, a digital detox may be in order.

As with most other problems, understanding the root of the behavior is key to correcting it. So why exactly have smartphones become the drug of choice for so many?

Primitive instinct?

According to Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains, instinct may be driving the compulsion to constantly check smartphones.

"One thing my research made clear is that human beings have a deep, primitive desire to know everything that's going on around them," said Carr. This instinct, he adds, was probably a useful survival tool for cavemen and cavewomen—but in this digital age, we’re faced with an endless stream of information. For many, that’s where the obsession begins.

“I'm sure one of the main reasons people tend to be so compulsive in their use of smartphones is that they can't stand the idea that there may be a new bit of information out there that they haven't seen,” says Carr.

To prevent smartphones from stealing your ability to engage in contemplation, reflection or even just be alone with our thoughts, experts suggest ocassionally taking some time off from them.

Disconnecting

The most important aspect of detoxing, according to Holland Haiis, author of Consciously Connecting, is to stop putting it off.

“Leave your phone at home so you can connect to the activity you’re doing, even if it’s errands,” said Haiis. When it’s time for bed, Haiis suggests removing your phone from your bedside table. Checking it immediately in the morning, “catapults you onto the merry-go-round.”

The allure of a vacation, Haiis reminds readers, is that it's a time to truly disconnect and start doing instead of being. "After all," she says, “the world looks completely different when you’re not looking down all the time.”

Managing smartphone use

If you’re looking to cut back on your smartphone time but not willing to go as far as a digital detox retreat, experts suggest these steps to control usage:

• Be conscious of the situations and emotions that make you want to check your phone. Is it boredom? Loneliness? Anxiety? Maybe something else would soothe you.

• Be strong when your phone beeps or rings. You don't always have to answer it. In fact, you can avoid temptation by turning off the alert signals.

• Be disciplined about not using your device in certain situations (such as when you're with children, driving, or in a meeting) or at certain hours (for instance, between 9 PM and 7 AM). "You'll be surprised and pleased to rediscover the pleasures of being in control of your attention," Carr says.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are an object of intense focus by health researchers who worry that not enough is known about their health effects.

But what is known is worrisome enough. They might – might, because the research isn't there yet – be less harmful than cigarettes, and help heavy smokers ween themselves off tobacco.

On the other hand, they are nicotine delivery systems. If you aren't already hooked on nicotine through cigarettes, why in the world would you start using e-cigarettes and develop a dependence or addiction?

Researchers at the University at Buffalo asked that very question to a group of college-aged young adults, one of the product's biggest markets.

30% have tried it

More than 1,400 college students from four upstate New York universities were in the study group. Of that sample, 429 students -- about 30% – had tried e-cigarettes at least once.

Of those young adults, about 79% said they used e-cigarettes to “try something new,” and nearly 58% reported using them for enjoyment.

“Our findings suggest that college students and young adults may be more interested in using e-cigarettes for affective reasons, such as enjoyment or the pleasure they get from using these products, compared with use for cognitive reasons such as quitting smoking or because they perceive e-cigarettes to be a safer alternative to cigarette smoking,” said Megan Saddleson, PhD, who led the study.

Vaping for enjoyment

A small number of people – 15 students – reported “vaping,” the practice of inhaling nicotine vapor from an e-cigarette, daily. All daily vapers said they use e-cigarettes because they enjoy the product.

“The availability of flavors could be related to the enjoyment factor of e-cigarettes, especially among young people,” Saddleson said.

But 77% of the participants said they used e-cigarettes as a substitute for cigarettes, believing the vapor is less harmful than tobacco.

“Using e-cigs because they are less toxic could appeal to users and make the product more enjoyable for the user,” Saddleson said.

At the moment, e-cigarettes are not regulated at the federal level, though that is likely to change later this year. The Food and Drug Administration is in the final phase of readying regulations.

If you’re a dog parent, you want the best of everything for your pooch – especially their health. With flu season in full swing, it’s important to remember that humans aren’t the only ones at risk for the virus. Dogs can come down with the flu, too.

One type of canine influenza virus – CIV H3N8 – has been around for years. But a new, harder to diagnose type (CIV H3N2) was identified in Chicago in March 2015. Since then, the virus has spread to more than 25 states, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

Knowing how it’s spread and what can be done to prevent the virus are crucial to keeping your pup healthy. 

How it spreads

CIV H3N2 is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs and from contact with contaminated objects, such as toys, clothing, and water bowls.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs frequently in contact with other dogs are at high risk of infection. This includes dogs that are boarded or enrolled in daycare, as well as those who visit groomers or dog parks.

Since dogs can't tell you what's ailing them, be sure to take stock of your dog's behavior. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards diagnosing and treating the canine flu.  

Symptoms

In the initial phase of infection, the dog appears healthy but can spread the virus to other dogs. Symptoms include: coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Most dogs recover in two to three weeks. However, because CIV H3N2 can be difficult to diagnose and in severe instances may be fatal, effective prevention is critical.

If you take your dog to dog parks or other areas where he is in contact with other potentially infected dogs, it’s important to take precautions in order to prevent the virus.

Preventive measures

Vaccinations are one way to get ahead of the virus. In November 2015, Zoetis, the world's largest animal health company, was the first to be granted a conditional license for a vaccine for CIV H3N2.

"I'll be telling clients I recommend the vaccination," said Dr. Scott Rovner, a Chicago veterinarian. "I'll be vaccinating my own two dogs who go to daycare. I think it's going to be a great product to help slow down and lessen the clinical signs that we see with our patients."

Other preventive measures to help protect your dog include:

• Washing toys, bowls, and bedding regularly.

• Washing your hands thoroughly before handling your own pet if it has had contact with other dogs.

• Consulting with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate vaccination protocol for your dog.

Some of the tech companies attending last week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas competed for honors in the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), an innovation and entrepreneurial competition sponsored by businessman and entrepreneur Richard Branson.

In fact, 10 finalists were on hand to present their ideas to a panel of judges at CES.

“In the beginning, about 3,000 start-up companies applied and we selected the semi-finalists at CES. The finals will be next month, at Richard Branson's private island,” competition partner Karl Mehta, founder and CEO of EdCast, told ConsumerAffairs.

The final three in the competition were elected by a panel of judges that included Gary Shapiro, founding partner of Pacific Investments, and venture capitalist Tim Draper.

Impressive innovators

Mehta says all of the finalists are impressive innovators. One of the 10 companies named as semi-finalists is Kick Farther, which Mehta describes as a fundraising platform.

“It is not like Kickstarter, where you give money but you get nothing,” Mehta said. “Here, you actually get shares.”

The three that emerged from the pack – winning a February 11 date at Necker Island, are Bloom Technologies, GIROPTIC, and Sphero.

Bloom Technologies has designed wearable powered analytics to better predict and manage pre-term birth. Its technology combines physiological monitoring with data analytics to reassure expecting moms and provide doctors with better information to improve clinical decision making and birth outcomes.

GIROPTIC is in the virtual reality (VR) market, offering a native hardware technology to instantly produce fully immersive photos and videos. After six years of research and development and four generations of products, GIROPTIC says it has developed and patented a unique real-time image fusion process from multiple sensors: the 360 Virtual Sensor Technology.

Sphero makes connected entertainment robots. The company says it takes the best of what kids and adults love about their smart devices and and fuse it with its robots that exist in the real world.

Chance to raise their profiles

These are companies most consumers have never heard of. The point of the competition, Mehta says, is to change that.

“For a semi-finalists, it's huge visibility,” Mehta said. “It brings you to the attention of some of today's most active venture capitalists.”

And if you're lucky, it just might make you a household name.

The foreclosure crisis is in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean there aren't stressed homeowners and consumers with massive credit card debt. There are also still some questionable enterprises that promise to help them.

In Florida, Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the filing of a stipulated consent judgment against Bobby R. Blackmon, Financial Help Services, Inc., and Nation Wide Consumer Debt Relief, Inc. based on alleged unfair and deceptive business practices.

The complaint says both companies, with Blackmon as principal, provided credit counseling and debt management services to consumers in 48 states.

Pattern of grievances

Bondi's staff pored over stacks of consumer grievances claiming the defendants withdrew customers’ funds to pay creditors on a monthly basis, but did not pay the creditors within 30 days as required by law, and in some cases, never paid the creditors at all.

The agreement gets the defendants out of the business, banning them from engaging in or assisting others in any consumer debt-related services. The judgment will also cost the defendants at least a million dollars, including full consumer restitution of more than $600,000 before the remainder of the $7 million judgment can be suspended.

The full $7 million will be reinstated if any of the material terms contained in the judgment are violated. Additionally, Blackmon is prohibited from trying to collect any funds owed from consumers.

Illinois suit

In December, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued a Cicero company for running an alleged mortgage rescue and consumer fraud scheme. Madigan said it illegally charged consumers approximately $20,000 in upfront fees that resulted in little, if any, help to stay in their homes.

The suit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court against Carrey Services, Inc. and its president Reynaldo Rojas, seeking to shut down the business and obtain restitution for consumers.

"Financially strapped homeowners are the most vulnerable to mortgage 'rescue' schemes," Madigan said. "In most cases, the only thing these so-called businesses accomplish is taking money from already struggling homeowners."

Madigan alleges the defendants advertised in Spanish-language newspapers and primarily targeted the Latino community with loan modification services.

Where to get advice

While getting financial advice is a good idea if you are struggling with debt, consumers should be very selective about where they get it. A company that charges large, upfront fees is not likely to have your interests at heart.

There are a number of non-profit credit counselors who can offer helpful advice for a small fee, usually less than $50. To find one, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a good place to start.

Neto’s Sausage Co., of Santa Clara, Calif. is recalling approximately 7,687 pounds of beef, pork, and chicken products.

Although the products were produced and labeled with the federal mark of inspection, they were not inspected by the Food Safety and Inspection Service

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

The following sausage items, produced from December 28, 2014, to December 28, 2015, are being recalled:

• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Hot Italian Sausage”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Herb-N-Cheese Coil”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Linguiça Coil”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Smoked Bratwurst”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Bratwurst with Cheddar and Jalapeno”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Holiday Sausage Coil”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Pork Links”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Pork Links with Apples and Cinnamon”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Brazilian Smoked Calabreza”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Italian Sausage with Herbs”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Italian Linguiça”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Linguiça Hot”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Polish Kielbasa”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Italian Sausage with Herbs”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of “Neto’s Sausage Calabrese Brand Italian Sausage”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Andouille Sausage ”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Spanish Chorizo Sausage”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Calabrese Italian Sausage ”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Linguiça Sausage”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Garlic & Basil Chicken Sausage”
• Approximately 10 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Jalapeño-Cilantro Chicken Sausage ”
• Approximately 1-lb. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Spanish Chorzo Sausage”
• Approximately 12 oz. packages containing pieces of vacuumed packed “Neto’s Sausage Morcella”

The recalled products bear establishment number “EST. 9027” and “EST 6086” inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were distributed in house, to a local distributor and online nationwide.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-commerce surveillance activities.

Customers who have purchased these products should not consume them, but throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Neto’s Sausage at (408) 296-0818.

Good Earth Egg Company of Bonne Terre, Mo., is recalling its shell eggs.

The product may be contaminated with Salmonella

The recall includes various sizes of shell eggs packaged in 6-count cartons, 10-count cartons, 12-count cartons, 18-count cartons, 15-dozen cases and 30-dozen cases.

The dates and codes on the cartons and cases will include everything prior to and including date code 006 - Sell By 02/05/2016, under the brand name Good Earth Egg Company, license number D-01124.

The recalled products were distributed throughout the Midwest, including Missouri and Illinois, at the retail and wholesale level, institutions, and to walk-in customers.

Good Earth eggs are sold at Dierbergs, Shop n' Save, Straubs, Midtowne Market and Price Chopper in the metropolitan St. Louis area.

Customers do not need to return the product to the store where it was purchased. Instead, they should discard any product and its container. Good Earth Egg Company will work directly with each customer to manage replacement of the product.

Consumers with questions may contact Good Earth Egg Company at goodeartheggco@hotmail.com.

Gas prices are plummeting around the country, falling below $2 in many areas. Expert observers say the price could sink to $1 a gallon in some areas for the first time since 1999.

AAA and GasBuddy follow gas prices on a daily basis and both say they see no reason to think that prices below $2 won't soon be common in many states. Prices could even hit $1 in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, where prices already average around $1.75.

The collapse in pump prices is driven largely by Saudi Arabia's decision to keep its oil exports high, effectively destroying OPEC, which has for decades kept a tight lid on exports to keep prices sky-high. 

Refineries and taxes

Another major factor is that refineries have been running well in most of the country. Refinery problems can cause major spikes in gas prices, as California drivers know only too well. Refinery problems are being blamed for keeping prices high in California, where AAA reports the average price of $2.87 is the highest in the nation -- 19 cents higher than second-place Hawaii, which is usually the market leader. 

Gas taxes also play into the price at the pump. The national average state gas tax is about 49 cents per gallon, according to the American Petroleum Institute, but many states are well below that, including those that currently are enjoying the lowest gas prices. South Carolina, Missouri, and Oklahoma all charge around 35 cents per gallon, a 15-cent discount that can mean savings of $3 or more on a typical fill-up.

Of course, it's always necessary to remember that averages are just that and prices can vary widely in either direction based on a number of factors including how much consumers are willing to pay.

Highway robbery?

This irks many consumers, like Winslow of Smyrna, Ga., who thinks a local Chevron station must be a front for the Mob.

"Their gas station has always had much higher gas prices then any of the stations within 5 to 10 miles. What's going on? How can they survive charging so much more than any other gas station? Does anyone know? Are they just upfront for the Mafia?" Winslow asked in a review recently submitted to ConsumerAffairs.

Sorry, Winslow. It's more likely the station is in a convenient location, perhaps one where drivers value their time more than their money and are willing to pay more for the convenience of buying gas at that particular station.

The first rule of consumerism, after all, is that it pays to shop around. Retailers can charge whatever they please, and if consumers don't like it, they can go somewhere else. Drivers looking for the best price can find it at sites like AAA's Fuel Gauge and GasBuddy.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) enterprises DraftKings and FanDuel are celebrating a New York appellate court ruling, granting them a stay and allowing them to accept players from New York.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman had secured a court order, requiring both companies to stop accepting players from New York, claiming the games constitute illegal gambling. The companies won a stay Monday, allowing them to continue operating in the state until the court can make a final ruling.

“We are pleased with the Court’s ruling today,” said David Boies, counsel to DraftKings, in a statement emailed to ConsumerAffairs. “Daily fantasy sports contests are as legal now as they have been for the past seven years that New Yorkers have been playing them. As our litigation continues, we expect an appellate court to see what we have known since the outset: DFS is a game of knowledge and skill, one that builds community and whose competitive spirit has become important to the lives of millions of people.”

Upping the ante

Schneiderman strongly disagrees. In his most recent action in the case, he amended his complaint to require both DraftKings and FanDuel to repay all money spent by New Yorkers to play the games. He also asked the court for a $5,000 fine per case – a fine that would run into the billions of dollars.

In his complaint to the court, Schneiderman said the games are not games of skill, as the companies claim, but simply games of chance. Boies says he's confident the court will see it differently.

“Our ongoing appeal will make clear that daily fantasy contests require just as much skill as season-long contests, which the attorney general recognizes as perfectly legal under state law,” Boies said.