Identity Theft Secrets

Whether it’s the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter high energy bills may be causing you financial difficulties. Babies, children and seniors are especially susceptible to the illness, injury and death that can occur as a result of being exposed to extreme weather conditions.  Unfortunately extreme weather also means extreme energy bills, sometimes bills that you or someone you know can’t afford to pay. However this is help available for some families.  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available in all 50 states.  (more…)

“Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R. 4173) entitled ‘An Act to provide for financial regulatory reform, to protect consumers and investors, to enhance Federal understanding of insurance issues, to regulate the over-the-counter derivatives markets, and for other purposes,’ do pass with the following …”

That is how the bill known as H.R. 4173 begins. It was introduced into—and passed—the House last year as the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 and, in its latest incarnation in the Senate, is known as the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.

Designed to end predatory lending, close regulatory gaps, and overhaul questionable financial practices that ultimately led to a worldwide financial meltdown, the bill introduces sweeping new changes for both consumers and financial institutions. Passed in the House, and expected to pass in the Senate, what will it all mean to you, the consumer? (more…)

Did you know that some IRS collection practices are categorized as ‘unauthorized,’ that is, prohibited? This means you do have certain rights and options for repayment when it comes to the IRS attempting to collect your federal taxes from you.

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Most of us have already filed our federal income tax return, but a lot of us still have questions: namely, where’s my refund?

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While you may be waiting not so patiently for your income tax return this year and you may have even filed online, thieves know this and are eager to take advantage of an opportunity to scam unsuspecting taxpayers. Don’t be surprised if sophisticated phishing scams show up in your email inbox in the guise of an official communication from the IRS.

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The countdown clock of shopping days until Christmas is ticking away. For many, the option of shopping online helps keep the “merry” in Merry Christmas. What could be better than shopping at home, than being able to put off your payment until your Christmas bonus?

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