Consumer Handbook

Each week Whitney Quick, with the Better Business Bureau in Cape Girardeau, brings you tips to help you be a better consumer and not be caught off guard by scams or the unexpected.

Consumer Handbook: Back To Work? Research Child Care Carefully To Assure Safety, Health Of Your Kids

By Whitney Quick • Aug 14, 2019

One of the hardest and most important choices working parents can make is deciding who will care for their children while they’re at work. Parents should take plenty of time to find safe, reliable child care that suits their children and schedules.

Consumer Handbook: Here Are The Top High Risk Scams For Military Personnel, And How To Avoid Them

By Whitney Quick • Aug 7, 2019

Scams can affect any consumer, but military personnel and their families are statistically more likely to fall victim to costly and embarrassing fraud. This is particularly true of active-duty servicemembers.

Better Business Bureau warns military families to be aware of common scams that target them, and take steps to guard their identity and finances. Employment, home improvement, and online purchase scams are high risk for the military community, according to the 2018 Scam Tracker Risk Report.

Consumer Handbook: What To Consider When Shopping For A Used Car

By Whitney Quick • Jul 31, 2019

Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, especially if your budget is limited. However, failing to do your homework before you buy can put you in a disastrous - or even dangerous - situation.

Consumer Handbook: Research Youth Sports Programs Before Signing Your Child Up

By Whitney Quick • Jul 24, 2019

Youth sports leagues are ubiquitous year-round, offering athletic opportunities outside of school teams. They can lead to opportunities on elite, competitive teams, including those that travel to various tournaments, which have multiplied in recent years.

Better Business Bureau reminds parents to do their homework, as with any opportunity offered to their child, before enrolling in a travel team or sports league.

Consumer Handbook: Hiring A Professional To Clean Your Gutters

By Whitney Quick • Jul 17, 2019

Clogged gutters can cause a variety of problems in rainy weather, such as major water damage to a home, and now is an ideal time to clear them. While some homeowners opt to clean their own gutters, many others hire a professional company to handle the job, whether they need to be cleaned, covered, repaired, or replaced.