So you're a couple weeks into 2014, how are those resolutions going? If
you're on your way or just getting started, the ABC News Fixer wants to
wish you luck with your goal, but not without a little advice on how to
keep your resolutions from turning into financial frustration later.
Here are five tips for some of the most popular resolutions.
And as always, if you have any consumer problems, the ABC News Fixer loves to hear them! CLICK HERE to send them to me.
Don't get soaked on a health club contract. You want to
work out -- not get the runaround -- so make good decisions about
joining a gym. Try to get a short-term, trial membership so you can
check out the club and classes at the times you'll be using them. Before
signing a contract, make sure it includes all services and fees and any
promises made by the sales person. Does the contract automatically
renew each year, and what's the specific process to stop that from
happening? What happens if you move away or get sick?
Beware not-so-free "free" diet products. Is losing
weight on your new year's list? Don't lose money with dubious free
trials of fat-burning pills, teas or other products. Typically, the
consumer must provide a credit or debit card to pay for shipping and
handling of the free sample. But they may be unwittingly signing up for a
subscription service that will keep sending products – and billing for
them – each month. Make sure you read through all the terms and
conditions of any "free" online offer.
Know thy credit. Before you make a big purchase like a
car or home, make sure there's nothing hinky on your credit report. You
can get a free copy of your report from each of the three credit
reporting bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com,
the official site set up by the federal government for consumers. You
won't get your score – you'd have to purchase that – but you can use the
report to make sure there is no incorrect, damaging information on your
record.
Get a real job. Job hunters in the new year: Beware of
scam job listings that ask for money for job placement, a background
check or training. And watch out for identity theft scams that prey upon
people who have resumes posted online. In one typical version of the
scam, a "recruiter" directs job hunters to a realistic-looking website
where they are asked to provide personal information such as birthdates
and Social Security numbers. Be wary of any work-at-home job offers that
are simply too good to be true.
Make sure you love your dating service. If your
resolution is to finally join a matchmaking service, do your research
with your head and not your heart. Resist high-pressure or emotional
sales tactics and ask: How many referrals will they give you and within
what time period? Does the contract specify the distance you'll have to
travel for a date? What's the total cost of the contract? Can you
cancel? If you join an online dating site, never give your personal or
financial information to a potential suitor and be especially wary of
people who quickly ask you to communicate with them off-site using a
private email address.
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