Did you read any helpful or inspiring consumer books during 2009? Below are my choices for the best consumer books of the year. You can order them through my blog by clicking on the Amazon.com ad in the right column. 1. "2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound"... Read more →
Once again, no newspapers, television stations, or organizations are writing about the most important stories of the year for consumers. Like last year, Time magazine’s "The Top 10 Everything of 2009" issue doesn’t include a list of consumer stories. Here’s my list of the top consumer stories of 2009: 1.... Read more →
Finally, the Senate has passed its health care measure, HR 3590. In my opinion, this country needs a much stronger and effective plan and strategy. However, after a year of agonizing debate, at least the Senate has passed a bill. And the House of Representatives, too. AARP CEO A. Barry... Read more →
It could take until the middle of the decade or longer for the nation to generate enough jobs to drive down the unemployment rate to a normal 5 or 6 percent and keep it there. That’s the prediction in the Forbes.com article "Even as Economy Mends, a Jobless Decade May... Read more →
About 204,000 Tool Bench utility knives are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Commission. Made in China for Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va., the utility knife’s blade can slide past the blade support during use, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. The black or gray utility knives... Read more →
Which consumer happenings cheered you recently and which ones made you want to scream or weep? Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week: My best consumer experience: Being ready for Christmas By Christmas Eve, I had all but one of my Christmas packages mailed and some of... Read more →
To those of you who observe and celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May your heart be filled with joy and happiness on this remarkable day. Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Read more →
My first memory is of Christmastime. I remember looking out the window of our home in Cashmere, Wash. I saw snow and a winter wonderland. Inside, we had a decorated tree and presents, I think. I remember a warm glow about the holiday and being part of a family. I... Read more →
Christmas is coming and so is New Years. Here are tips to help you enjoy healthy eating this holiday season: Use half the butter, shortening, or oil for baked goods and replace the other half with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or prune puree. Try replacing sugar with the natural sweetener... Read more →
What should baby boomers do during the holidays when things spin out of our control, and we’re hit with disappointment, loss, and heightened levels of anxiety and pressure? In the article "The Baby Boomer Holiday Ritual: Wishing You a Merry Resilience," Carol Orsborn, boomer writer, gives this advice: It's often... Read more →