My top 10 lessons as a consumer
Savvy Consumer: A big part of being a savvy consumer is managing your career well. Seldom do we tie the two together, but they are intricately intertwined.
As banks fail, credit unions deserve a look
Typically, people prefer to put their money in large banks. Most like the extra sense of security and the variety of features and services they offer.
Take a bite out of your tax filing
The turbulent financial market is causing people to shake up their portfolios, dump underperforming stocks, adjust retirement funds and sell homes and investment properties. The moves have tax consequences. Here's some advice.
Is your insurance adequate?
Many Wake and Durham counties homeowners were stunned by the property tax bills they recently opened.
Just like that, home equity line cut in half
Carolyn and Joe Mottola signed a contract for a new house Aug. 14. They deposited a $5,000 check written on their home equity line of credit at Wachovia. That same evening, they opened a letter from Wachovia dated Aug. 11 saying that their $100,000 line of credit had been suspended.
So why are readers scolding me?
Parker:Apparently, last week's column touched a nerve. A number of readers took me to task for even thinking that a friend should help pay to repair my $400 stereo, which he accidentally broke.
What if a friend owes me money?
When I feel that a business owes me, I don't hesitate to let the appropriate people know about it.
Time to pay the doctor -- right away
Savvy consumer:As health care costs get higher and workers are asked to carry more of the costs, high-deductible insurance plans are getting more popular.
Easier way to fight corporate abuses
Savvy Consumer:Consumers often tell me that they feel powerless against big corporations. It's hard to know which companies have a reputation for treating customers well and which ones are doing things that respect the environment, for instance.
Rushed car buy is bad idea
In March, Krystal Lester was desperate. The Knightdale single mother needed transportation to get back and forth to work or she might lose her job.
How to move it without losing it
Few of us move often enough to become proficient at it.
Dangling from your key chain, unlocking deals
My key chain and my wallet are bursting with cards for frequent flier programs and retailers' loyalty clubs.
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