In the wake of widespread economic woes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s “season of giving” comes at an especially crucial point for those who are in need. To help you make the most of your charitable giving in this needful time, we’ve reposted (and updated) the following article from 2017. Read more

Debtors, know your rights! In this video, Savvy Consumer Chris Bjorklund explains the rules and guidelines debt collectors must follow when they try to collect a debt. Read more

When planning to sell your home, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find a Realtor. However, you don’t want just any Realtor—you want one who’s dependable and proactive. After all, nothing stifles a home’s chances of being sold like an agent who doesn’t put forth the effort. In addition to getting references, a good way to evaluate a Realtor is to ask a lot of questions and gauge their responses. Here are five good questions to ask: Read more

Delivering feedback to a company is like landing an airplane on an old runway—it can be bumpy or smooth depending on how much work has been put into maintaining the area. Without the proper approach, asking a company if you can give some feedback can prompt a defensiveness that redirects your desired change into the weeds.

Unfortunately, some people’s definition of “feedback” is simply venting without consideration of the receiver’s good intentions. On the other hand, accurate and timely consumer feedback can be a company’s free ticket to a competitive advantage in the market. Read more

When was the last time you took the time to write a hardcopy letter of commendation after receiving outstanding service? I always respond to consumer surveys and offer feedback. I’ve written reviews on TripAdvisor and Airbnb. Recently, I received such good service over the phone that I asked to talk to the representative’s supervisor so I could share my appreciation for the employee’s patience and professionalism. But writing an actual letter and mailing it? It’s been a long, long time.

When my husband told me about his interaction with one of the California State Automobile Association’s (CSAA) field offices over dinner one night, we both agreed that the employee should be recognized for her effort. Read more

Today, we’re revisiting a subject important to anyone embarking on a home improvement project: how you can help streamline the process by being a good customer. Below, Greg Louie, CEO of American Ratings Corporation, discusses what you can do to help foster the success of any project.

How to Be Their Favorite Customer
When you work with a local company, it’s ultimately their responsibility to perform a thorough and complete job, but you play a big part in the success of your project, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be their favorite customer:

• Be clear and upfront with the company representative.
• Outline the problem,

Read more

Your credit report and your credit score are two different things, and it’s helpful to know about both of them.

A credit report is based on a consumer’s credit history and compiled by credit reporting agencies. One expert referred to it as your “borrowing rap sheet.” Lenders use this information to determine credit-worthiness. You’re entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com. It’s best to look at all three reports because they sometimes contain different information. You also don’t know which credit bureau a lender might use. Read more