This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and more. The information and resources you'll need are arranged as follows: PART I-BE A SAVVY CONSUMER; PART II-FILING A COMPLAINT; PART III-KEY INFORMATION RESOURCES; PART IV-CONSUMER ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY. As a savvy consumer, you should always be on the alert for shady deals and scams. To avoid becoming a victim, keep these things in mind: 1) A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is Be wary of promises to fix you credit problems, low-interest credit card offers, deals that let you skip credit card payments, work-at-home job opportunities, risk-free investments, and free travel; 2) Don't share personal information with someone you don't trust. Learn how to recognize fraud; 3) Beware of payday and tax refund loans. Interest rates on these loans are usually excessive. A cash advance on a credit card may be a better option; 4) Read and understand any contract or legal document you are asked to sign. Do not sign a contract with blank spaces or where the terms are incomplete. Some contracts include a clause that prohibits you from taking legal action and require you to engage in mandatory arbitration with a company in the case of a dispute; 5) Get estimates from several contractors for home or car repairs. Make sure the estimates are for the exact same repairs for a fair comparison; 6) Before you buy, make sure you understand and accept the store's refund and return policies, especially for services and facilities that charge monthly fees; 7) When paying for your purchases, double-check the final price. If you think the price that has been charged is incorrect, speak up. Remember, when shopping online, your purchase may include additional fees, such as shipping, handling, and convenience fees that are not calculated until you check out; 8) When shopping online, look for the padlock icon in the bottom corner of your screen or a URL that begins with "https" to ensure that your payment information is transmitted securely; 9) Don't buy under stress. Avoid making big-ticket purchases during times of duress (e.g., coping with a death or debt); 10) If you are having difficulty making payments on loans, notify your lender immediately so that you can work out a payment plan.

Involving the grape funs, fox mother and the cub, this comprehensive guide in viticulture transforms the foxes from the Aesop's fable to the vineyards of France (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Rhone), Italy (Campania, Piedmont, Trentino, South Tyrol, Ottavianello), Sicily island (Noto, Pachino), Germany (Bavaria, Thuringia, Wurttemberg), Austria (Styria), China (Shandong), East Europe, Australia, South America, and the valleys of the USA, to classify the world's most reputable wines based on the vintage (grape variance) and appellation (estates). This mini-bible meticulously explains the brewing nuances and pitfalls for each wine. If you have a passing knowledge of wine and wish to go for the next level, there is no better place to proceed than this book. On comparative examples, it teaches how to evaluate the wines based on the sight (angle view, side view, tilted view, swirl, ullage, cork), sniff (flaws, aromas), and taste (balance, body, complexity, harmony, completeness). It describes the perfect wine-food pairs for each inclusive wine, from simple recipes to delicatessen. Written and illustrated in a pourquoi tale genre, this guidebook is an elating journey and has something for everyone.

If you're tired of paying your cable television bills and ready to embrace the future of home entertainment, then you're a perfect match for the brand new Fire TV. Amazon's premier streaming media device (also known as a set-top) combines the freedom and variety of streaming online media with the comfortable viewing experience of your home television. Imagine browsing Amazon's streaming videos, Hulu's catalog of television shows, movies on Netflix, or your Pandora radio stations as effortlessly as you might flip through the channels. Except with Fire TV, there's always something good on Fire TV doesn't stop there, though. It's also poised to become a full-fledged gaming system. There are some old favorites currently available, like Minecraft: Pocket Edition and Asphalt 8: Airborne. Amazon has also premiered its very own original game, Sev Zero, along with the Fire TV launch. If Amazon's track record of success is any indication, we think that casual and mobile gamers can expect great things to come. If you're thinking about purchasing a Fire TV, or if you're wondering how to get the most out of one, read on for lots of tips, recommendations and hacks to optimize your experience. Fire TV is a great choice for anyone hoping to jump into the streaming media revolution, and we know that you're going to love the ride

Consumer Guide for people who need to learn about Medicare.

2013 Consumer Guide to answer questions about Medicare benefits, coverage options, rights and more