Dec 18, 2017

The New Tax Bill's Winners and Losers. Merry Christmas if you take standard deduction

 Consumer Reports:

Among the winners: Taxpayers who take the standard deduction. About 70 percent of Americans fall into this category. A near doubling of that deduction to $12,000 for individuals, $18,000 for heads of household, and $24,000 for joint filers—combined with some more generous tax brackets and rates—would mean less tax taken from most individuals’ and families’ paychecks, according to multiple analyses.

Mother rabbit battles hungry crows on banks of the Rock River

Here's a timeless video I made a number of years ago about a life and nearly death battle in my own backyard in Janesville. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did making it.

U.S. Gets 2.5 Billion Robocalls A Month, FCC Starts Crackdown

CBS Boston

Gift Card Scam: Crooks Can Drain the Money

Consumer Reports:

Social networking sites, chat rooms, virtual worlds, and blogs are how teens and tweens socialize online; it's important to help your child learn how to navigate these spaces safely.

FTC

4 Easy Fixes for Interior Painting Mistakes

Consumer Reports:

2017 RETURN POLICIES: SOME STORES NAUGHTY, MOST NICE

Consumer World: Return Policies, Return Policy

If you lost money to a scammer who had you pay using Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017, you can now file a claim to get your money back

Western Union Refunds | Federal Trade Commission:

Veterans Charity Raises Millions to Help Those Who’ve Served. But Telemarketers Are Pocketing Most of It.

POLITICO Magazine:

Nov 27, 2017

Richest Women: Janesville's Diane Hendrick second on list

Richest Women: Oprah, Sheryl Sandberg on Billionaires List | Money: "There are now 18 self-made American women who are billionaires, up from 16 last year. The top 10 are all worth $2 billion or more. Janesville's Diane Hendricks ($4.9 billion), the cofounder and chair of the wholesale building supplies distributor ABC Supply, is second on the list"

Bling in the Holidays

FTC Consumer Information: " If you’re looking for that special little something, jewelry might do the trick. But do you know whether you’re buying a trinket or a treasure? If you’re on the hunt for holiday glitz, keep in mind these pearls of wisdom:"

10 Car Dealer Scams That Should Be on Every Consumer’s Radar

 Cheat Sheet

Even Easy Exercise Is Linked to a Longer Life

Consumer Reports:

Top Gifts for Teens and Tweens

Consumer Reports:

101 Ways to Make $1,000 in 2018

Money

My Health Insurance Premiums Are Soaring. What Can I Do? -

Consumer Reports:

The Dangers of Driving While Distracted

Consumer Reports:

Expert tips to help you keep your purchases private

 Consumer Reports:

Truebill Review: App Promise to Track, Cancel Subscriptions | Money

Truebill Review: App Promise to Track, Cancel Subscriptions | Money:

How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel

Consumer Reports:

Nov 21, 2017

Wisconsin's amazing dancing turkeys

50 Stores With the Best and Worst Return Policies

Money:

The easiest way to clean a microwave

Clark Howard:

Hacking risk: Saving online passwords and credit information

ABC15 Arizona:

Scam Alert: Beware of unfamiliar callers with these area codes

 KFOR.com:

How to avoid air duct cleaning scam

How to avoid air duct cleaning scam:

If you're planning to shop this Thanksgiving Week, don't let scammers take away your holiday cheer.

Consumer Information:

Christmas gift ideas - 2017 holiday presents

Washington Post:

Here's How To Get Your Luggage First at Baggage Claim

 Money:

Car Care Tips: Myths vs. Reality

Consumer Reports:

FCC Approves New Rules to Block Robocalls

 Consumer Reports: "FCC Approves New Rules to Block Robocalls
The move might stop some robocalls, but consumers still need to take precautions

Google Pixel Buds review: the future shouldn't be this awkward

The Verge:

1 Out of Every 20 Americans Is Now a Millionaire

 Money:

Nov 6, 2017

Swans, horses and nature on fire

Here's How Much Money I Saved Not Owning an iPhone for 10 Years

Brad Tuttle

Got student loan debt? Don’t be scammed.

FTC

2018 Land Rover Velar First Drive

Consumer Report:

Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall

Consumer Reports:

Best Hearing Aid Buying Guide

Consumer Reports:

10 Car Repair Red Flags in Older Vehicles

Consumer Reports:

Buying a car before the $7,500 credit is killed might be a smart move. Here are the vehicles to consider

Consumer Reports:

Shopping for a coffee lover? They'll like today's featured gift

Daily Gift Guide 2017 - Consumer Reports:

How Homeowners Lose Out In The Republican Tax Plan

Bankrate.com

The Pros and Cons of Wall-Mounted Toilets

Consumer Reports:

The next time you find yourself shopping for a car, these financing tips will help you to get the best car loan

Consumer Reports