Consumer News

Problem Solvers What you don't know about your credit score can hurt you

By Herb Weisbaum, NBCNews.com Published: May 17, 2013 at 8:28 AM PDT Last Updated: May 20, 2013 at 2:48 PM PDT

Everyone wants a good credit score. We know it's important, but a lot of people don't understand how these numbers are created and how their actions affect them.

Problem Solvers Second-hand smoke linked to Alzheimer's disease

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT Last Updated: May 20, 2013 at 2:48 PM PDT

Here's another reason to avoid second-hand smoke. Some new research indicates it could increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease or other types of severe dementia.

Problem Solvers Address change causes delivery aggravation (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 15, 2013 at 9:29 AM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 9:29 AM PDT

A change of address is one thing when you move to a new location, but people in a neighborhood near Renton say their addresses were changed without their knowledge and, more importantly, without them moving.

Problem Solvers Redirect your dog to the right things to chew

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT

Your dog's constant need to chew might bother you, but it's normal behavior for them. This is how they explore their world and relieve boredom.

Problem Solvers Credit card checks may be convenient - but they cost

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT

You open your credit card statement and find checks inside. They're called convenience checks or credit card checks and they can be used to buy things or get a cash advance. But remember to read the fine print.

Problem Solvers 'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT

From cookware to clothing, supplements to skin care, direct sales can be a great way to boost your income. Just be careful about your clients because some of them may actually be scammers.

Problem Solvers Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges

By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT

When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.

Problem Solvers Auto insurance 'robocalls' target local drivers (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT

A new round of robocalls is targeting local car owners. The recordings give no company name, but claim they can save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance. Failure to identify the company is only one of the red flags.

Problem Solvers Make your home offer irresistible to sellers

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT

It's a seller’s market again in many parts of the country. With houses in short supply, we're seeing bidding wars on some properties.

Problem Solvers Do you have a separate flood insurance policy?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT

Flooding, the most common natural disaster in this country is not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. You need to buy a separate policy for that.

Problem Solvers Manufacturers disclose toxic chemicals in kids products (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM PDT Last Updated: May 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM PDT

New reports filed with the state Department of Ecology show manufacturers continue to use toxic materials in products intended for kids.

Problem Solvers Preventing ladder injuries one step at a time

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 2, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT Last Updated: May 2, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT

There are all sorts of ways to hurt yourself on a ladder.

"The thing to remember with ladders is one step at a time, two hands at a time," says John Drengenberg, consumer safety director at Underwriters Labs.

Problem Solvers Are generic drugs as safe and effective as brand name drugs?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 1, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT Last Updated: May 1, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT

You've heard it many times before: Generics are as safe and effective as the original brand name drugs they copy.

Problem Solvers Watch out for carpet cleaning bait and switch

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 8:39 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 30, 2013 at 8:39 AM PDT

Everyone wants to save money, but if you hire someone to do the job, make sure you go with a reputable company that knows what it's doing and will guarantee its work.

Problem Solvers Expert: Parents need to talk to their kids about money

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Apr 29, 2013 at 8:13 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 8:13 AM PDT

Most parents regularly talk to their kids about money issues – and that’s good. It’s what they’re talking about that concerns T. Rowe Price senior financial planner Stuart Ritter.