Post-Holiday Returns? December 30, 2008

My family and friends read this blog, so just for the record… I’m not returning any gifts this year… I love all of them!
But for those of you who plan to make a trade you might have more time than you think, or it might already be too late. The changing economy is causing retailers to [...]

Identity Theft December 26, 2008

Holidays provide a real safe spot for identity thieves. Check out this site to avoid Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft: www.OnGuardOnline.gov
Junk Mail???  To opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit in the mail, call: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov  and to the company, [...]

What’s Up With Contractor Complaints? December 18, 2008

Across the country people are saying “enough already” about Katrina victims. Why are  homes still empty more than 3 years after the storm?  There are a multitude of answers, but many say one reason is contractors. For the past 3 weeks I’ve been following the details surrounding separate complaints pointing to the same contractor, curious to see [...]

Are You Happy With Your Cell Phone? December 12, 2008

If you’re frustrated with your cell phone provider than you might not agree with the results of a recent survey that say service has gotten better this past year.
Consumer Reports’ annual survey says  connections have gotten better, with fewer dropped calls.  Last year 71 percent had major complaints- this year that number dropped to 58 [...]

Are Your Child’s Toys Safe? December 9, 2008

Last year around this time the massive toy recall seemed to get worse every day. National headlines read about toxic amounts of lead and other dangers facing our children. Restrictions haven’t all been implimented on the toy shelves (not until next year) and although big retailers like Toys-R-Us and WalMart say they have already taken action in [...]

Looking at real estate? Want rebuild or renovate? December 4, 2008

Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landreiu is expected to announce the naming of 23 “cultural districts” in the New Orleans Metro area later today.  That status is expected to mean state historic preservation tax credits to promote home renovations.
Details will come, but here’s the list of areas:
Midtown Cultural District of Abita Springs
Fontainebleau Cultural District
Covington Cultural District
Old Algiers
Bayou [...]