Top consumer tips of the year
In honor of the year that was, I decided to cull through Help Squad's previous 12 months to compile for a Help Squad “Best Of” list for 2016. Read on for eight solid tips.
This first recommendation is my most frequently provided piece of advice: Always make major purchases using a credit card. Don't use debit card, check or cash as none provide the same consumer protections. Should quality, delivery or service fall short, your credit card issuer can investigate on your behalf.
Per the Federal Trade Commission, when purchasing a new car, buying a service contract is rarely warranted, as it typically overlaps with the manufacturer's warranty — a benefit included with the purchase of every new vehicle.
With background app refresh enabled, if you are not diligent about closing out your smartphone apps, you could be unknowingly consuming data “in the background.” On an iPhone, click Settings > General > Background App Refresh, then turn off Background App Refresh in its entirety or by individual app.
With Wi-Fi assist turned on, your phone will automatically transition to data when Wi-Fi cuts in and out or drops altogether. If you don't want streaming to occur outside of Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist. Toggle the Wi-Fi Assist button off.
Diminished value is defined as a repaired vehicle's market value loss resulting from incurred property damage. According to Collision Claim Associates CEO Richard Hixenbaugh, “Diminished value is a valid and legal claim in all 50 states … Once [a claimant] is able to respond to an insurance company in an effective manner, the insurance company will usually start making reasonable offers.”
Though not a topic most like to discuss, there are some very important pre- and post-death steps individuals should take to make the logistics of losing a loved-one easier.
Everyone should make a secure list of their digital assets — smartphone, computer, email, social media accounts — and record the associated user IDs and passwords someplace retrievable by a family member.
Protect against post-mortem identity theft by canceling a deceased person's driver's license, notifying Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to flag an individual's file as deceased, and having a physical copy of the life insurance policy.
If someone calls offering to review your gas or electric bill for the purpose of locating previously unidentified savings, simply say “no thanks.” Once you provide your bill or account number, unscrupulous sales reps have all the information they need to sign you up for a (typically higher priced) supplier without your permission.
Should you wind up the unfortunate victim of identity theft, you as a consumer are entitled to any documentation submitted to banks or other institutions for the purpose of obtaining loans or other credit in your name.
Vehicles can be entered into service by dealers prior to the actual sale date. Reasons for this include use as a demo car or classification as “sold” in order that the dealer can benefit from a manufacturer's incentive. Review all mileage and end dates before signing any paperwork.
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