Wise Advice

From shattered smart phones to auto repairs, why the feds want to put the kibosh on manufacturers’ product repair restrictions — and why extended warranties are almost always a bad idea.

You sued. You won. The check’s in the mail, right? WRONG.

Due to COVID-19, the three credit bureaus are offering free credit reports weekly instead of annually.

Never considered it? You will after you hear about how it saved someone very close to me from disaster (photo art courtesy Nick Youngson, Alpha Stock Images, NY Photographic).

I rarely share a video that’s not one of mine. This one’s too helpful, too important. It’s a must-watch.

We’re shopping online more than ever, some for the first time. Many of you are doing it wrong. WAY wrong.

When a loved one dies, his or her debt doesn’t disappear. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re responsible for it, either.

Before the bank takes your keys, you should know that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act offers two types of protection for home loans, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

A Facebook follower’s struggle illustrates why these gimmicks are trap doors in times like these.

Businesses are confused. Bankers are confused. It’s going to take some time before the Small Business Administration (SBA) can guarantee what it can do for struggling Mid-South companies.

Wave away the fog of fake news and scams. This #WiseAdvice is where to start for legitimate loans and relief for small businesses.

The recent demise of Sports Authority and its going out of business sales mean it’s time to remind you of the rules — and your consumer rights.

I’ll believe it when I see it. That’s why I’m asking those of you who signed up for an AT&T unlimited data plan before 2011 to let me know if you receive either a check or an account credit over the next few months.

When the tech support expires, so do the security updates. It’s time to make some #WiseChoices about your Windows operating system.

The good, the bad…and what your rights are when board members abuse their power.

Fake photos. Fake invoices. Fake sellers. Here’s how to ferret them out on CraigsList, eBay and other buy/sell/trade sites.

They’re vulnerable. Their intuition’s weakened. Join #WiseChoice Home Instead Senior Care and me in protecting our elderly loved ones on this Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15.

You have every right to write positive or negative reviews about service companies. But with that right comes responsibility.

Sheila Renee Land’s fall from grace is a lesson in making a #WiseChoice for an in-home caregiver (photo courtesy WLBT).

Ignore signs and ads for credit repair services. They can’t do what they claim.

Here’s how to make sure you’re buying the REAL tickets to the show.

Besides selecting my #WiseChoices in contractors, here’s how you should go about choosing any contractor.

Let’s run down the do’s and don’ts of using public Wi-Fi.

The Federal Trade Commission and #WiseChoice ActiveTracks, LLC help both property managers and consumers learn how to avoid incompetent background screenings.

With flu season creeping up, The Shot Nurse, your #WiseChoice for immunizations and wellness services, helps answer the most frequently asked questions about flu vaccinations.

The president of your #WiseChoice for background screening solutions and I team up to warn landlords about the risks of not professionally screening their tenants. I know. I just experienced them.

Even as state officials in the Carolinas and the Better Business Bureau issue alerts about Hurricane Florence price-gouging, consumers need to understand what defines ‘price-gouging.’

A new federal law means new FREE protections from identity theft.

Yes, you can refinance your car loan like you’d refinance your mortgage — under certain conditions.

Auto dealers cannot void your warranty due to routine maintenance. That’s against the law.

Tennessee regulators and your #WiseChoice for a moving company want to make sure you don’t get ripped off like Kimberly Miles did (photo courtesy of Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier). 

The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance joined federal and state regulators to expose six bogus veterans charities and to help you make a #WiseChoice in charity donations.

Consumer Reports has the key to unlock the best approaches in renting a car.

Most are fake. Some are real. I’ll help you tell the difference.

You think you’re doing them a favor. You’re really locking yourself into trouble.

You better have this conversation with your agent before you insure your teen driver.

Your #WiseChoice for electricians joins forces with industry and government sources to remind you: be careful out there!

ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, your #WiseChoice for home and business restoration, guides you step-by-step through the catastrophes of fire and water damage.

All those notices. All the threats. If you don’t owe the debt, this format letter will help you shut them down once and for all.

Salary history bans, the opioid crisis, government regulation — now, more than ever, businesses can’t just “check the box” on background screenings.

Three-quarters of a century. Four generations. When you hire #WiseChoice All-State Pest And Lawn, you hire a legacy.

Cooper Systems, your #WiseChoice for computer sales and repairs, can come to your home or business for your computer needs. Read further for its on-location services.

Have your own mechanic inspect the vehicle and know your legal rights before you buy “as is.”

Your #WiseChoice for plumbing services explains why a sewer camera inspection is a must if you’re in the market for an old home.

27 Mid-South service and sales businesses dedicated to consumer protection and customer service in nearly two years, and I couldn’t have done it without Amy Sullivan and AdVentures Media Solutions.

You should consider a digital membership to Consumer Reports. Here’s why.

Most consumers have a fundamental misunderstanding of buyer’s remorse. Let’s clear that up.

There is no law – federal, state or local – that requires retailers to have return policies.