Consumer Handbook

Warmer weather and sunshine are finally here, and the tax filing deadline is – thankfully – behind us. Chances are that your seasonal chores include a spring cleaning.

The National Cyber Security Alliance and the Better Business Bureau have teamed up to remind everyone that when clearing out clutter, don’t forget about the critical need to take action and protect your volumes of valuable information.

In 2015, the St. Louis metropolitan area was ranked top in the nation for identity theft complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission. While the number of ID theft reports are not as high as they were that year, there’s still a need for consumers to safeguard personal information in as many ways possible.

Better Business Bureau’s “Shred Day” offers one easy way to safely dispose of outdated, sensitive materials. This year’s Shred Day is Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Cape Girardeau.

A recent College Board survey revealed that one year of college education can cost more than $45,000. With rates for higher education continuing to rise, high school students and their families often scramble to manage the financial responsibility.

For many consumers, flowers and trees in spring bloom mean it’s time to hire lawn care and landscaping professionals.