Choosing the Right Mortgage: Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable Rate

Choosing the Right Mortgage: Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable RateGinnie Mae discusses how to choose the Mortgage that is right for you and your family.Jun 26, 2005, 18:49Housing and Mortgage News Government Loan Programs
Ginnie Mae discusses the variety of government loans available to homebuyersJun 26, 2005, 18:46

What to do During an Earthquake

What to do During an Earthquake
There are actions you can take, even while an earthquake is happening, that will reduce your chances of being hurt. Lights may be out, and hallways, stairs, and room exits may be blocked by fallen furniture, ceiling tiles, and other debris. Planning for these situations will help you to take action quickly.

How to Respond to an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shock

How to Respond to an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shock
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has consistently demonstrated a life-saving benefit in patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Quality-of-life outcomes with the ICD may be directly related to coping successfully with ICD shocks. Although most people are able to tolerate a shock to some extent, the experience of shock is discomforting and can prompt feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear. The purpose of this article is to review patient and family preparations and responses to ICD shock to limit its impact on quality of life.

Consumer Alert: Spyware

Consumer Alert: Spyware
Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more privacy, security, and functionality issue crops up — spyware. Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to identity theft.

Back to School StatisticsThe

Back to School StatisticsThe sight of crossing guards and bright yellow buses mean the “dog days of summer” and the traditional summer break have come to a close — our nation’s schools have reopened! This edition of Facts for Features highlights the many interesting statistics evolving from students and teachers returning to the classroomsJun 17, 2005, 10:19

June is National Internet Safety Month

June is National Internet Safety MonthAs the Internet has become more and more a part of our lives, young people have become more vulnerable to Internet crime, such as sexual approaches from child predators, exposure to pornography, and cyberbullying. In recognition of this growing concern, the United States Senate declared June, 2005, National Internet Safety Month.

Consolidate Your Student Loans Now

Consolidate Your Student Loans Now
Attention: Borrowers who consolidate prior to July 1, 2005 will be able to lock in their loans at a lower interest rate.

DHS To Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers

DHS To Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced that Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to produce passports with digital photographs by October 26, 2005. On that date, all VWP countries must also present an acceptable plan to issue passports with integrated circuit chips, or e-passports, within one year.

Vessel Sanitation Program - Tips To Stay Healthy On Your Cruise Vacation

Vessel Sanitation Program - Tips To Stay Healthy On Your Cruise VacationEach year millions of U.S. citizens enjoy cruise vacations. In 2003, approximately 8.3 million passengers embarked from North American ports for their cruise vacation (from Cruise Lines International Association). Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. Although an infrequent occurrence, this exposure creates the risk for illness, either from contaminated food, water or more commonly through person to person contact.Jun 14, 2005, 12:21

FORMER STOCKTON INSURANCE AGENT PLEADS GUILTY TO TEN FELONY COUNTS, FACES SIX MONTHS IN JAIL AND RESTITUTION

FORMER STOCKTON INSURANCE AGENT PLEADS GUILTY TO TEN FELONY COUNTS, FACES SIX MONTHS IN JAIL AND RESTITUTION
SACRAMENTO – Cordell Bunton, 56, of Stockton has been sentenced to six months in the San Joaquin County jail after pleading guilty to ten felony and two misdemeanor counts that included grand theft, insurance fraud, forgery, and transacting insurance without a license. Bunton was also ordered to make full restitution to the 25 victims who were victimized by his scam, totaling over $29,000.Jun 14, 2005, 06:28Insurance Related Press Releases

Rates of Computer and Internet Use by Children in Nursery School and Students in Kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade

Rates of Computer and Internet Use by Children in Nursery School and Students in Kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade
This Issue Brief describes the percentage of students in grades 12 or below who used computers or the Internet in 2003. The Brief highlights the fact that computer and Internet use is commonplace and begins early. Even before kindergarten, a majority of children in nursery school use computers and, and 23 percent use the Internet.

First Time Homebuyers - Find out How Much Mortgage Can You Afford

First Time Homebuyers - Find out How Much Mortgage Can You Afford
You can save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning if you take a minute to figure out how much mortgage you can afford. Generally, a lender will want your monthly mortgage payment to total no more than 29% of your monthly gross income (that's your monthly income before taxes and other paycheck deductions are taken out.)Jun 9, 2005, 07:00

The FDA Celebrates 100 Years

The FDA Celebrates 100 Years!Over the past 100 years the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has contributed significantly to women's health through their regulation of food, drugs, and cosmetics. They have taken important strides to educate women about risks associated with the products they use. As a great benefit to women, the FDA regulates the multi-million dollar cosmetic industry to ensure its safety and protect the health of consumers. Jun 2, 2005, 13:56

inMotion's Third Annual Summer Party - New York, New York

By AnnounceYourEvent.com

inMotion's Third Annual Summer Party - New York, New York
Jun 2, 2005
Underwritten by American Express and sponsored by HBO, on Tuesday, June 7th, inMotion will host its third annual Summer Party at Crobar. More than 1,000 young professionals, many from New York's most prestigious law firms and investment banks, will come together for a spectacular evening of cocktails, gourmet food and dancing.

Daimler Chrysler Presents California with Keys to the Future Three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Provided to State of California

Daimler Chrysler Presents California with Keys to the Future Three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Provided to State of California
Sacramento - Daimler Chrysler today handed the keys to three advanced technology hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles to the state's Air Resources Board, the Department of General Services, and Energy Commission.

U.S. Government Auto Auctions- A Buyer's

U.S. Government Auto Auctions- A Buyer's Guide
Experience the convenience and value of purchasing a quality American-made car, truck, van or SUV at one of our auctions. Purchase wholesale, and save hundreds or thousands of dollars!

Am I Covered? A Homeowner’s Guide To Homeowner's Insurance.

Am I Covered? A Homeowner’s Guide To Homeowner's Insurance.
If a fire, flood, earthquake, or some other natural disaster were to destroy or damage your home, would you have the right insurance coverage to rebuild your house?

Community Dispatch

Community Dispatch

Top 20 Downloads form the California Public Utilities Commission

Top 20 Downloads form the California Public Utilities CommissionBy May 30, 2005, 00:08
List of top 20 downloads from the past week from the California Public Utilities Commission Website. This list is updated every Monday.
http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_1088.shtml

Appliances

Purchasing Appliances
Purchasing home appliances can be mind boggling. With all the different manufacturers, models, and features offered, it’s hard to know where to start. And since appliances account for 20% of your home’s gas or electric bill, you have to consider energy efficiency as well. Before purchasing water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, or cooking appliances, read these tips from FCIC.
Selecting Appliances
Energy Efficiency
Safety
Other Resources
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Selecting Appliances
First of all, decide if you really need a new appliance. You can expect a water heater to last 10 to 15 years, a refrigerator 20 years, a dishwasher 10 years, and a clothes washer 14 years. Repair may be a better option than replacement.
Before you visit a store, you can do a lot of research on the web. For example, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers provides tips and consumer bulletins from the experts.
You can also visit the websites of various manufacturers to view their products. See the Consumer Action Handbook’s alphabetical listing of corporations for contact information and links to most appliance makers.
For information about reliability, check out Consumer Reports and other buying guides at your local library.
Check and double check the space available for the appliance to make sure you select the right size unit. Halls and doorways also need to be big enough to allow clearance for entry and installation. Don’t forget to allow space for appliance doors to open.
Don’t rely on your memory for the details. Bring a pen, paper, and checklist with you when you start to visit stores. Some items that should be on your checklist include:
manufacturers, model numbers, and features
the delivery and installation fees, and the fee to haul away your old appliance.
Decide if extra features, like ice dispensers on the outside of a refrigerator, are worth the increase in price.
Buy appliances that suit your needs. For example, a smaller refrigerator might be better for you if you live alone. Don’t give in to pressure to get the “great deal” the salesperson is pitching. He or she may be trying to get rid of overstock, instead of matching an appliance to your needs.
In addition to a conventional oven and stove top, you may want to consider purchasing a microwave or toaster oven. Using the microwave or toaster oven for small portions saves energy.
Government consumer protection offices receive a lot of complaints about appliance retailers and manufacturers. So when you buy, know the merchant’s return and refund policies. Know what is covered under warranty and for how long.
If you have a problem with an appliance you purchase, send a letter to the merchant. If you do not get satisfaction, you may have to escalate your complaint to the manufacturer, the Better Business Bureau, or your state consumer protection office.
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Energy Efficiency
Even though they are generally more expensive to purchase, consider investing in high efficiency appliances. They pay for themselves in decreased energy bills, as well as emit less air pollution. Energy efficient appliances are also attractive when selling a home.
All appliances must have an energy label. Read it carefully to make sure you buy the most efficient appliance.
Appliances with an Energy Star label are your best choice. They exceed federal government efficiency standards.
The Department of Energy has a wealth of information about how to shop for appliances, as well as how to compare energy labels.
You may not need to replace an appliance that doesn’t seem to be running efficiently. Take advantage of home energy audits offered by gas and electric companies. They may be able to suggest free or low cost fixes, such as insulating your water heater tank and pipes to increase your supply of hot water.
To further save energy, consider purchasing a clothes dryer that has a moisture sensor. The unit turns off when clothes are dry! And front loading washing machines that fill only halfway will reduce the amount of hot water used.
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Safety
Over 4,000 children are scalded each year by water that is too hot. Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
Every year, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from oil, gas, and wood heating systems, water heaters, ranges and ovens kills about 200 people in the U.S. Don’t become a statistic - have a professional check these appliances annually for proper operation and CO leaks.
Avoid the possibility of fire from overloaded circuits by making sure your house has adequate electrical service for the appliance. Check for adequately grounded, three-hole receptacles.
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Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:
Read these publications online or order them from FCIC:
Elements of An Energy Efficient House
Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
Indoor Electrical Safety Check
PowerSmart: Easy Tips to Save Money and the Planet
Publications available for ordering from our Housing Page
Websites*:
Alliance to Save Energy
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
ConsumerAction.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Energy
Electrical Safety Foundation International
Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
* Names of resources and organizations included in this online article