Consumers' Guide


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The Smart Consumer's Guide to Good Credit


Book Description

Most credit books promise quick fixes and easy solutions to bad credit, but the truth is there is no quick fix when it comes to credit. Your best strategy as a smart consumer is to understand your credit inside and out. Credit expert John Ulzheimer can give you all the tools you need to master the world of credit, before or after you get into trouble, and take the power back into your own hands. Topics covered include: • The difference between a credit score and a credit report • The best way to deal with collection agencies • How to monitor your credit report • Protecting yourself from identity theft • The impact of student loans on your credit score • How to opt out of unwanted credit card offers The Smart Consumer’s Guide to Good Credit answers all of your questions about credit (including the ones you didn’t even know you should be asking!) and yes, even explains the best ways to work toward improving a bad credit score.




Shopping Smart


Book Description

Abstract: Since product information is frequently unavailable in press and media reports which protect the needs of advertisers over consumers, advice concerning the advantages and disadvantages of all sorts of products is presented in a guide for shoppers. Based on the premise that consumers need to be informed whenever making a purchase, guidelines for buying items ranging from a Christmas tree to baby foods are suggested. The how-to's of buying a car, a house, furniture, appliances, foods, cosmetics, drugs, vacation trips, shoes, furs, bicycles, watches, pets, etc., are discussed. Tips concerning home, health and life insurance, funerals, taxes, retirement plans and other aspects of financial planning are described. Miscellaneous topics cover buying by mail, shipping items, and summer camp. Since consumer advice is not always heeded, a chapter on where to complain is included.




The Smart Consumer


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Home Buying 101


Book Description

"Buying a first home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Will you qualify for a mortgage? Is your dream home achievable? How do you make sure your offer will beat others? Don't worry-now you can arm yourself with the information you need to know before you begin the hunt! In Home Buying 101, you will learn all the skills you need to find the right house at the right price, with financing that fits your budget. Full of nuts-and-bolts advice and organized in an easy-to-read format, this book will teach you all the basics of: deciding the right time to buy; getting your finances in order; deciphering the MLS/reading the listings for clues; types of mortgage loans; and much more! With the help of this guide, you'll learn how to find the house of your dreams at a price you can afford!"--




Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings


Book Description

The updated 5th edition of Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings identifies the most energy-efficient home appliances by brand name and model number. Reader-friendly and packed with illustrations, this handbook helps any homeowner save energy and money. Chapters include: -- energy use and the environment -- insulating and sealing air leaks -- new window options -- space heating -- cooling and air conditioning -- water heating -- refrigeration -- lighting...and much more This book is as compact and efficient as its subject matter. Its 274 pages are crammed with money-saving information. A directory of manufacturers helps the reader access purchase information on recommended appliances.







Affordable Homes and Apartments Presents Achieving the Dream of Homeownership Early in Your Life A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home


Book Description

Certain things need to be done to prepare yourself for homeownership unless you are already prepared. When you locate that dream home you want to be sure this is the one for you and your family. Know when to sign papers and what papers you are signing. Be prepared for the responsibility. This book will help you prepare you. Understand the financial rewards of owning a home. Decide, is homeownership right for you? Learn how to prepare yourself financially. Learn how to curb your spending and know how to monitor your credit. Understand the importance of good credit. Know your rights as a homebuyer. Know what is prohibited and know what is covered. Know how to file a complaint . Learn how not to be a victim of a Scam or Loan Fraud. And beware of Predatory and Abusive Lending Practices. Learn how to shop for a home and get introduced to your Home Buying Team. Learn about Section 8 Homeownership Vouchers. Learn about down payment and closing cost assistance. Grants, low interest rate loans, low down payment loans, government backed loans, mortgages for seniors and more. Be prepared for a successful closing. Know what closing costs and settlement procedures are. Know what to expect at the closing table. Know when you will get your keys to your new home. Learn how to make an offer and a counter-offer if necessary. Know the difference between an Earnest Money Deposit and a Down Payment. All in my book “Affordable Homes and Apartments presents “Achieving the Dream of Homeownership Early in Your Life - A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home” by Sylvia Black on sale at www.HousingAndEmergencyServicesForLowIncomePeople.Com




Smart Homes For Dummies


Book Description

Do you long to listen to your favorite CD from anywhere in your house? To set up a wireless network so you can access the Internet in any room? To install an iron-clad security system? To fire up the coffee pot while you’re still asleep and wake up with automated lighting? Smart home technology can help you do just that! Smart Homes For Dummies, Third Edition, shows you how easy it can be to create and live in a cutting-edge, fully connected home—without breaking your bank account. With this user-friendly guide, you’ll discover all the latest trends and gadgets in home networking, automation, and control that will help you make life more enjoyable and comfortable for your entire family. We help you plan for things such as flat-screen TVs, intercom systems, whole-home audio systems, gaming consoles, and satellite systems. We talk about your wiring (and wireless) options and introduce you to the latest technologies, such as VoIP and Bluetooth. You’ll see how to: Build your home network on a budget Turn your home into an entertainment center Access the Internet from any room Get VoIP on your phone network Boost in-home wireless and cell phone signals Connect your computer to your TV Secure your home and property Increase your home’s resale value Avoid common networking pitfalls And much, much more Complete with a resource list for more information and neat toys of the future, Smart Homes For Dummies is your plain-English, twenty-first century guide to a fully wired home!