Who Pays the Clunkers Tax?
November 13, 2009: Do I need to pay taxes on the Cash for Clunkers incentive I received?

With Cash, You Feel the Pain
November 6, 2009: If I pay with cash more often, will I spend less?

Make a Plan to Virus Scan
October 23, 2009: How often should I scan my computer with antivirus software, and can I do it on the cheap?

Your ID Score and Credit
October 16, 2009: What is an identity score, and can it affect my credit?

Was This Car in a Flood?
October 9, 2009: How can I avoid buying a car that has been flood-damaged?

Selling Your Unwanted Jewelry
October 1, 2009
What’s the best way to sell valuable gold jewelry?

Click Your Way to Nonprofit Status
September 25, 2009
I’d like to start a nonprofit organization when I retire next year. Where do I begin?

Waving Goodbye to Travel Rewards
September 18, 2009
I have accumulated travel rewards I’ll never use, so what are my options to unload them?

The How-Tos of Haggling
September 11, 2009
I hear that haggling is becoming more acceptable these days, so why do I get dirty looks—and no discount—when I ask for a better deal?

Prepaid Cards vs. Credit Cards
September 1, 2009
Are prepaid cards better than credit cards?

Is It Really Organic?
August 28, 2009
How can I tell if "organic" foods are the real deal, and the sign hasn't just been placed their by the grocer? These foods are usually more expensive.

Resisting Mortgage Escrow Payment Hikes
August 21, 2009
A recent monthly mortgage escrow payment hike far exceeds the upcoming increase in my property taxes, so why should I pay it?

Hospice Costs
August 14, 2009
After my father was ruled eligible for hospice care by his doctor, the hospice agency arranged to have him moved from the hospital to an assisted living facility, which demanded an up-front payment. Isn’t hospice care covered by Medicare?

Pet Lemon Laws
August 7, 2009
Is the breeder responsible for vet bills if a new pet becomes sick shortly after purchase?

Tips and Myths on Saving Gas
July 31, 2009
Thanks for the information about wasting gas while idling the car. What else really saves fuel, and what are just hyped myths?

When Stores Refuse to Accept Returns
July 24, 2009
I bought a new toaster oven that didn't heat properly. The store said to return it to the manufacturer. Can stores do that?

Discounts Doctors
July 17, 2009
I read that you can get a discount on medical costs just by asking. I’ve tried, with no success. Any advice?

Stopping Telemarketing Calls
July 9, 2009
Is there a new way to stop telemarketing calls?

Caller ID Con
July 3, 2009
How does telephone spoofing work, and is it illegal?

Retiring South of the Border
June 26, 2009   
My wife and I are about to retire and are considering moving to Latin America. Is that a smart move financially?

Dealing With Debt
June 19, 2009
I need help getting my debts under control. What’s the difference among credit repair, debt settlement and credit counseling?

Rx Help for the Financially Strapped
June 12, 2009
I was recently laid off and lost my health insurance, and now I can’t afford my prescription medications. Any suggestions?

Choose Your Catalogs
June 5, 2009
I am getting way too many catalogs in the mail. They’re filling up the mailbox so that important mail gets lost in the clutter. Not to mention the waste of paper. How can I stop this barrage?

Protecting Your Identity by Shredding Old Paperwork
May 29, 2009
How do I dispose of decades' worth of old paperwork? My home shredder can't handle the amount and I’m concerned about protecting my identity.

‘ICE’ on Your Cellphone Could Save Your Life
May 15, 2009
I received an e-mail advising me to “ICE” my cellphone, but based on your past advice, I didn’t click on the link it contained. What is ICE?

Extra Travel Fees
May 8, 2009
I’ve heard about new airline charges for “extras,” but as I make my summer travel plans, what other surcharges should I know about?

New Passport Rules
May 1, 2009
Are there new passport rules for American citizens?

Car Idling
April 24, 2009
Does letting a car idle waste more gas than shutting off and restarting the engine? If so, at what point, time-wise?

To Fix or to Toss
April 17, 2009
How do I decide whether to replace or repair aging appliances?

Mercury in Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
April 10, 2009
Although they save money, I’ve heard that energy-efficient light bulbs are dangerous. True?

Hold On to Tax Paperwork
April 1, 2009
How long should I keep old tax paperwork?

Telemarketers and Cellphones
March 27, 2009   
I recently received an e-mail saying that cellphone numbers are being released to telemarketers. True?

Stopping Unwanted Faxes
March 20, 2009
I am registered on the Do Not Call list but have been getting a lot of annoying faxes. How do I stop them?

Fuel Prices Falling but Not Airline Charges
March 13, 2009
When airlines started charging extra for checked luggage, soft drinks and other items, we were told it was because of rising jet fuel costs. Now that jet fuel prices have dropped, why do these extra charges continue?

Keeping Your Car Warranty Valid
March 6, 2009
Is it true a car warranty becomes invalid if repairs and maintenance are not done at the dealership?

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon
Feb. 27, 2009
When car shopping, how can I ensure I’m not buying a lemon?

International Driver’s Licenses
Feb. 20, 2009
I received an e-mail to apply for an international driver’s license. Is it legitimate?

Holding On to Medical Records
Feb. 13, 2009
How long should I keep medical records?

Fixing Up Your House Before Selling
Feb. 6, 2009
I want to sell my house. But in a bad real estate market, how can I make my house more appealing to buyers without overspending on fix-ups?

High Charges for Car Tags
Jan. 30, 2009
I negotiated what I thought was a good price for a new car. But when the agreement was written, I was charged $359 for “tags.” I know my state charges only a fraction of that cost. Is this dealer charge legal?

Stuck on Hold
Jan. 23, 2009
Is there an easier way to reach a company’s customer service or other departments—and avoid being on hold for what seems forever?

Stop Text Message Spam
Jan. 16, 2009
How can I stop unsolicited text messages on my wireless phone?

The Mysterious Shrinking Credit Line
Jan. 6, 2009
My credit is good—why was my spending limit cut?

Protecting Your Credit Report—and Your Identity
Dec. 19, 2008
Will a credit freeze help protect me against theft, even if I never have been a victim?

Airlines Booking and Bumping
Dec. 5, 2008
I’ve heard that more passengers are being bumped from airline flights, even when they have tickets. What are my rights?

Reliable Car Mechanics
Dec. 2, 2008
My car needs repair, but I don’t need a fleecing. What’s the best way to find a reliable car mechanic?

Credit Card Rewards
Nov. 21, 2008
My new rewards credit card sounded great, but my cash back has been less than rewarding. How do I get the real scoop on these plastic promises?

License Plate Thieves
Nov. 1, 2008
Is there really an epidemic of license plate theft?

To Shred or Not to Shred?
Oct. 6, 2008
What documents should I shred?

Digital TV
July 1, 2008
Do I need to buy a new TV for the switch to digital?

Free Credit Report Advertisements
May, 8, 2008
Can I trust e-mails promising free credit reports?

Phone Technician Fraud
June 1, 2008
How are cheats able to charge calls to my phone?

Re-Registering for the Do Not Call List
March 27, 2008
Do people need to re-register for the do not call list?

The author of Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling), Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues.