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 Nancy Paradis
Times Action Columnist
Her column appears regularly in the Times Floridian section
Recent columns
June 26, 2007: Don't forget the fiber
June 26, 2007: Read up before turning the page to retirement
May 29, 2007: June events
May 29, 2007: Adulthood, a second time around
April 24, 2007: Tailor your treatment
April 24, 2007: Putting vital information at caregivers' fingertips
February 27, 2007: Book helps adult children handle a tough role reversal
February 27, 2007: Play ball! Spring training is here
February 12, 2007: Recalls
February 8, 2007: Learn to be a smarter consumer
January 30, 2007: Forgo the fads
January 30, 2007: Retiring? Plan how to spend your time
January 30, 2007: Short month has no shortage of fun
January 23, 2007: Ask the Times
January 22, 2007: Recalls
December 19, 2006: Finding their way home
December 19, 2006: A boomer baby book
December 12, 2006: With cancer comes a lifetime of lessons
November 30, 2006: Ask the Times
November 28, 2006: Always behind? Put time on your side
November 23, 2006: Ask the Times
November 21, 2006: Ask the Times
October 31, 2006: Flurries of autumn fun
October 31, 2006: Lessons learned from experience
October 16, 2006: Recalls
October 10, 2006: Information for the next chapter of your life
October 10, 2006: Knowledge: the best defense
September 26, 2006: Toward a future enriched by elders' wisdom
September 14, 2006: A little knowledge goes a long way
September 5, 2006: Healing touches
August 29, 2006: How to live long - and love it
August 29, 2006: Something new for you?
July 25, 2006: Relax, keep your cool, and enjoy August's fun
July 25, 2006: Road trip routes connections for three generations
July 21, 2006: Some consumer advice bears repeating
July 13, 2006: Feel glad, not sad, after you spend
June 29, 2006: Consumers, let these 10 commandments be your guide
June 22, 2006: Buyers, beware when you see these warning flags wave
June 1, 2006: So you're moving: a survival guide
May 30, 2006: A new season of sexuality
May 13, 2006: Nailing down a dependable contractor
April 18, 2006: Don't let your disease control you
January 15, 2006: Seizing wisdom from an illness
December 4, 2005: For the best customer service, vote with your wallet
December 1, 2005: Recalls hit ladders, fans, cribs, toys
November 27, 2005: Turn voice-mail hell into a friendlier, more helpful place
November 25, 2005: Stop! Read this before shopping
November 24, 2005: Tips for Thanksgiving cooking and cleanup
November 23, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
November 20, 2005: Cell phone caller learns finer points of 'unlimited minutes'
November 18, 2005: Death ends taxes, but not junk mail
November 17, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
November 13, 2005: Cheaper, nonrefundable tickets may include a gamble
November 11, 2005: Military surplus fuels civilian shopping spree
November 10, 2005: Negotiate phone contract before you sign
November 7, 2005: Pillar candles start off list of recent recalls
November 6, 2005: Resolution reached in dispute over cell phone contract
November 4, 2005: $1,949.66 copayment leads to questions
November 3, 2005: Technology lesson came with high price tag
October 31, 2005: Scammer just wants money, not opinions
October 28, 2005: Unblemished cabinet ends furniture swaps
October 27, 2005: Be wary of e-mails that promise a fortune
October 23, 2005: Error during meter change runs up shocking water bill
October 21, 2005: Rebate issue resolved with an added gift
October 20, 2005: Disputes put brakes on driveway installation
October 17, 2005: Computer rental refund finally processed
October 16, 2005: Blame for broken skylight can't be laid at painter's feet
October 14, 2005: The wait for insurance refund continues
October 13, 2005: Act quickly to file insurance claim on time
October 10, 2005: Many companies use Social Security number
October 3, 2005: Delayed cell phone refund finally arrives
October 2, 2005: Work with company to get custom fence taken care of
September 30, 2005: Repairs completed, street light works again
September 29, 2005: Internet can be a source for work at home
September 26, 2005: Stetson forum to help seniors avoid scams
September 25, 2005: Pharmaceutical company's latest rebate is on its way
September 23, 2005: Popular sweepstakes operates aboveboard
September 22, 2005: Campus housing cancellation is appealed
September 19, 2005: Check your home for these recalled products
September 18, 2005: 'Prize' notification is a reminder of scams' prevalence
September 16, 2005: Search for work at home requires caution
September 15, 2005: Research details before making impulse buy
September 12, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
September 11, 2005: Action column for sharing information, not intimidation
September 9, 2005: He said/she said questions can't be proved
September 8, 2005: Electrician's bill involves more than time
September 5, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
September 2, 2005: Pay bank fees now to clear credit report
September 1, 2005: Allow time for new subscriptions to start
August 29, 2005: A range of recalls, from tiki torches to beef
August 28, 2005: No refund from firm not permitted to correct its work
August 26, 2005: Long wait for DirectTV test may be ending
August 25, 2005: Account credited for returned cell phones
August 22, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
August 21, 2005: Getting sprinkler system repaired is no simple chore
August 19, 2005: Order was overcharged and under-delivered
August 18, 2005: Don't let home sale open the door to crooks
August 15, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
August 14, 2005: TV razor offer turned into a close shave with deception
August 12, 2005: Refund harvested after plants don't arrive
August 11, 2005: Do homework before hiring tree trimmer
August 8, 2005: Check your home for these recalled products
August 7, 2005: Learn how to distinguish scams from legitimate business
August 5, 2005: A better gasket may lead to fewer flushes
August 4, 2005: Check credit card statements for refund
July 31, 2005: Search for missing relatives can attract scam artists
July 29, 2005: Company, not agency, cancelled home policy
July 28, 2005: Roadblocks hinder efforts to solve problems
July 25, 2005: These recalled products pose serious risks
July 24, 2005: Lots of late charges, no answers, then a resolution on bill
July 22, 2005: Air-conditioner tuneup deal may signal scam
July 21, 2005: Air-conditioner offer was full of hot air
July 18, 2005: Pokemon toys recalled for potential needles
July 17, 2005: Summer scourge returns: air-conditioner tuneup scam
July 15, 2005: There is still hope to claim appliance rebates
July 14, 2005: Squirrels might have been calling for help
July 11, 2005: Check your home for these recalled products
July 10, 2005: New scheme, same result: Don't expect to recover money
July 8, 2005: Mease apologizes, corrects billing errors
July 7, 2005: Student must apply for co-op's scholarship
July 4, 2005: Unforeseen snags slow pizza/movie rebate
July 3, 2005: Warning of coffeemaker recall probably averted a fire
July 1, 2005: Web site holds useful Social Security data
June 30, 2005: Couple finds small dog at SPCA of Pinellas
June 27, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
June 26, 2005: Company won't return money for uncanceled pickup
June 24, 2005: Wayward camera should be back at home
June 23, 2005: Go to the source for Social Security number
June 20, 2005: Check your home for these recalled products
June 19, 2005: Penny that morphs into 10 bucks is just another scam
June 17, 2005: Either way, warranty cost is about the same
June 16, 2005: Action
June 16, 2005: 2 magazines bring dueling renewal notices
June 13, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
June 12, 2005: Signals got mixed in attempt to add rural TV options
June 10, 2005: Persistence pays off in returning TV cable
June 9, 2005: If caller has emergency, tell him to dial 911
June 5, 2005: Canceled health care program finally results in refund
June 2, 2005: Income mistake creates drug card problem
May 30, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
May 29, 2005: The case of the bank account that refused to be closed
May 27, 2005: Probate affects return of security deposit
May 26, 2005: Offer's popularity slows rebate processing
May 23, 2005: Check your home for these recalled items
May 22, 2005: Readers weigh in on stampeding carts, checkout cheats
May 20, 2005: Customer, airline fail to come to agreement
May 19, 2005: Take complaint about carpet to the dealer
May 16, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
May 15, 2005: Promotional booklet wasn't designed to be purchased
May 13, 2005: Items disappear during couple's motel stay
May 12, 2005: Fabric warranty didn't cover vinyl couch
May 9, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
May 8, 2005: Repeated concerns about Tracfone long go unanswered
May 6, 2005: Billing mixup shows due dates' importance
May 2, 2005: Gas fireplaces, children's products recalled
May 1, 2005: Hudson property's owner responsible for trash cleanup
April 29, 2005: Consent issue slows action on complaints
April 28, 2005: Saving addresses when you order pays off
April 26, 2005: Pinching your pennies
April 25, 2005: Check your home for these recalled products
April 24, 2005: Readers respond to discussion of rogue shopping carts
April 22, 2005: Change in management slows rental refund
April 21, 2005: Seniors being exploited? Call now for help
April 18, 2005: These recalled products pose serious risks
April 17, 2005: Not responding to lottery scam makes reader a winner
April 15, 2005: Help available for pornography addiction
April 14, 2005: The check really should be in the mail soon
April 11, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
April 10, 2005: Proving how water got into vehicle's gas tank is unlikely
April 8, 2005: Know when to conceal private information
April 7, 2005: Shopping cart's attack wasn't store's fault
April 4, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
April 3, 2005: Action alert: The instant tax refund may include a fee
April 1, 2005: Large car-rental bill shouldn't be surprising
March 31, 2005: Despite missteps, floor store makes good
March 28, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
March 27, 2005: Offer wasn't a scam, but the 'secret' it sold was free
March 25, 2005: Fence company offers to close gate on job
March 24, 2005: Medical claims can be prescription for fraud
March 21, 2005: Flammable Bernat Fur Out yarn is recalled
March 20, 2005: Play it cool: Don't fall prey to an air conditioning scam
March 18, 2005: Ignoring monthly statements can be costly
March 17, 2005: Be attuned to product's specs before buying
March 14, 2005: Check your home for these recalled items
March 13, 2005: Company issues credit despite cancellation dispute
March 13, 2005: Pops concert packs theater with energy, fun
March 11, 2005: Recourse for repair that seems unnecessary
March 10, 2005: Serving a new recourse for unpalatable meal
March 7, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
March 6, 2005: Medicare confuses separate claims and refuses to pay
March 4, 2005: Tickets bought for show that didn't go on
March 3, 2005: Watering new tree is buyer's responsibility
February 28, 2005: Dive equipment included in recent recalls
February 27, 2005: Monthly renter brushes up on the rules for giving notice
February 25, 2005: Damaged refrigerator door replaced at last
February 24, 2005: Inflexible phone company raises user's ire
February 21, 2005: Forum for seniors features crime-prevention
February 20, 2005: With effort, vehicle ID numbers can be used for theft
February 18, 2005: Call to user explains cable provider's bill
February 17, 2005: Hurricane season gets the better of lanai roof
February 14, 2005: These recalled products pose serious threats
February 13, 2005: Cell phone incident leads to refund - and a better plan
February 11, 2005: What to do if you suspect identity theft
February 10, 2005: Now for the results of the identity theft quiz
February 7, 2005: With warranty expired, options are scarce
February 6, 2005: See how smart you are about identity theft protection
February 4, 2005: Another twist in tough-to-get rebate story
February 3, 2005: Failure to cancel motel room led to charge
January 31, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
January 30, 2005: Long wait for camera repair ends when new one arrives
January 28, 2005: Lifetime warranty won't cover fence damage
January 27, 2005: Attorneys draw close to resolving fraud case
January 23, 2005: Though reason isn't clear, expect service-call refund
January 21, 2005: Late fees swallowed up monthly payments
January 20, 2005: Tour operator won't offer a cash refund
January 17, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
January 16, 2005: Information blitz aims to end toilet-rebate confusion
January 14, 2005: Product complaints never reached company
January 13, 2005: Making rebate requests less of a hassle
January 10, 2005: Products recalled for their hazard potential
January 9, 2005: Diet Patch dispute is reminder of weight-loss realities
January 7, 2005: New digital piano is striking a sour chord
January 6, 2005: A wait for specially compiled books is usual
January 3, 2005: New Year's resolutions for smart consumers
January 2, 2005: Start the year on an organized note; not everyone does
December 30, 2004: Learn to spot the red flags that signal fraud
December 27, 2004: Couple face costs that exceed robbery loss
December 24, 2004: Action takes a break for a visit from St. Nick
December 24, 2004: Action takes a break for a visit from St. Nick
December 23, 2004: Workmanship unlikely cause of loose tiles
December 20, 2004: These recalled products pose serious threats
December 17, 2004: Radio signal no longer blocking TV channel
December 16, 2004: Damage to rental car wasn't the sole issue
December 13, 2004: Fuel leaks a problem in several recent recalls
December 12, 2004: Gift giver was credited when recipient returned sweater
December 10, 2004: Knowing rental laws can prevent disputes
December 9, 2004: Nonrefundable airline tickets prove costly
December 5, 2004: Warranty, or lack thereof, leaves little for discussion
December 4, 2004: Orchestra provides an enjoyable coffee break
December 3, 2004: Next time, look before you leave the cleaners
December 2, 2004: Internet users just cannot be too careful
November 29, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
November 28, 2004: Hospital charge is for drugs Medicare doesn't cover
November 26, 2004: Keep crime from tarnishing your holiday
November 25, 2004: Turkey Day help is just a phone call away
November 22, 2004: These recalled products pose serious risks
November 21, 2004: Tighter credit card security complicates return of gift
November 19, 2004: Broom's arrival sweeps away buyer's doubts
November 18, 2004: Check company return policy before you buy
November 15, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
November 14, 2004: Alert the manufacturer to problem with water heater
November 12, 2004: Business cannot be responsible for lost items
November 11, 2004: Nature of claim may have lengthened wait
November 8, 2004: Light fixtures lead listing of recent recalls
November 7, 2004: Unexplained refund is made after tile order is canceled
November 5, 2004: It's time to stop pursuit of free pedometer
November 4, 2004: Company closes the book on club enrollment
November 2, 2004: Decoding the doctor's orders
November 1, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
October 31, 2004: Tips help shoppers avoid the grinches when gift buying
October 29, 2004: Missing paperwork, storms slowed refund
October 28, 2004: Expected gift card was part of another offer
October 25, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
October 24, 2004: Advice to reader brewed a tempest in a coffee maker
October 22, 2004: Don't get hooked by a 'phishing' expedition
October 21, 2004: Contractor, owner at odds over flooring
October 18, 2004: Missing paper? Call the delivery department
October 17, 2004: Checking unexplained cancellations reduces confusion
October 15, 2004: Persistence on rebates hasn't paid off yet
October 14, 2004: Expensive purchases require forethought
October 11, 2004: Shipping back defective item costs buyer
October 10, 2004: Warranty confirms company isn't responsible for cracks
October 8, 2004: Seeking a bank that returns canceled checks
October 7, 2004: Red tape, not fraud, may be delaying refund
October 4, 2004: These recalled items pose serious threats
October 3, 2004: Cancellation provisions make deposit refund unlikely
October 1, 2004: Effective use of funds shaped clinic's focus
September 30, 2004: Coverage date change pays off for couple
September 27, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
September 27, 2004: Use common sense, caution with repairs
September 26, 2004: Uncovered balance on walker is buyer's responsibility
September 24, 2004: Refund covers repairs to damaged pool deck
September 23, 2004: It's difficult to pay bills that never arrive
September 20, 2004: Smoking in restricted room raised motel bill
September 19, 2004: Medical statements reflect amounts owed from insurer
September 17, 2004: Order error slowed storm-shutter delivery
September 16, 2004: Car part replaced before warranty extension
September 13, 2004: These recalled products pose serious threats
September 12, 2004: Child's savings account decreases in value at the bank
September 10, 2004: Refund applied to service, not cell phone
September 9, 2004: Contract binds phone customer, company
September 6, 2004: Reminders, cautions for storm's aftermath
September 5, 2004: Sometimes, going to court may be the best answer
September 3, 2004: Carpet cleaners' extra work got approval
September 2, 2004: Return car engine to receive your refund
August 30, 2004: Photos arrive at last, without an explanation
August 29, 2004: Surprise check leads to uncovering a consumer scam
August 27, 2004: Check warranty before repairs are made
August 26, 2004: Refund was due, but the bills kept coming
August 23, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
August 22, 2004: Rebate offers sound great, but can be tough to track
August 20, 2004: Filing landscape claim with an auto insurer
August 19, 2004: Is Pinellas hurricane-proof? Don't believe it
August 15, 2004: Company will return to ensure an end to siding leaks
August 13, 2004: Sometimes company delays are inevitable
August 12, 2004: Unordered merchandise is recipient's to keep
August 10, 2004: A search for breathing room
August 10, 2004: A search for breathing room
August 9, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
August 8, 2004: Patient's bill much reduced after claim is resubmitted
August 6, 2004: Mobile home to be repaired by moving day
August 5, 2004: Heavy rains rearranged roofer's priorities
August 1, 2004: Fees paid to tax collector cover separate transactions
July 30, 2004: Dissatisfied computer customers get refund
July 29, 2004: Workers' compensation complicates move
July 26, 2004: Products recalled for their hazard potential
July 25, 2004: Playing a foreign lottery can make for an unlucky day
July 22, 2004: Reticent collection agent has wrong number
July 19, 2004: Baby and playground swings recalled
July 18, 2004: Newspaper delivers apology along with Sunday edition
July 16, 2004: Company's free sample has strings attached
July 15, 2004: Good customer service not a thankless task
July 12, 2004: Refund granted as cooler heads prevail
July 11, 2004: Offers to locate unclaimed property may be legitimate
July 9, 2004: An incorrect address slows utility's refund
July 8, 2004: He's not smiling about his tooth whitener
July 5, 2004: Take these recalled items off your shelves
July 4, 2004: Knife refund offers a chance to review mail-order rule
July 2, 2004: Join the line to complain about this company
July 1, 2004: Food-poisoning claims must be investigated
June 28, 2004: Tree return leaves gardener without refund
June 27, 2004: Veterinary emergency care is generally more expensive
June 25, 2004: Toothbrush literally explodes into action
June 24, 2004: Problem with prescription tough to swallow
June 21, 2004: Note: These products have been recalled
June 20, 2004: Extra services needed during move added to the cost
June 18, 2004: Offers in writing build in time to reflect
June 17, 2004: Car parked in Florida gets ticket in New York
June 14, 2004: Oooops: These products are being recalled
June 13, 2004: Please, no coins in the pool at the World War II Memorial
June 11, 2004: Sick of waiting for flu shot reimbursement
June 10, 2004: Foreign lotteries are always a losing gamble
June 7, 2004: Products recalled for endangering their users
June 6, 2004: Lawn care company not liable for former firm's work
June 6, 2004: Lawn care company not liable for former firm's work
June 4, 2004: Insurer's billing practice led to high copay
June 3, 2004: Auto lease complaint resolved, somehow
May 31, 2004: Recalled candleholders could catch fire
May 30, 2004: Be skeptical of 'miracle' product's weight loss claims
May 28, 2004: Before movers leave, verify any damage
May 27, 2004: Customer wants rebate, not reward choice
May 25, 2004: Check before you choose
May 25, 2004: Questions and answers
May 25, 2004: Learn the system, but beware glitches
May 25, 2004: To learn more
May 24, 2004: Allow enough time to receive rebate
May 23, 2004: Status of medical bills should make reader feel better
May 21, 2004: Letter's design may obscure its main point
May 20, 2004: Perseverance pays off with cable refund
May 17, 2004: Check your home for these recalled items
May 16, 2004: Take your time before you sign on the dotted line
May 14, 2004: Locating special candy shop would be sweet
May 13, 2004: Cable company thinks it has helped enough
May 10, 2004: Trash collectors left her holding the bag
May 9, 2004: Getting a credit card needn't rely on a third party's aid
May 7, 2004: Bird could be an extra in a Hitchcock film
May 6, 2004: Cruise to Bermuda took more northerly tack
May 3, 2004: Waiting for this rebate check appears useless
May 2, 2004: Water-softener sale legal despite high-pressure tactics
April 30, 2004: Cost of unreceived book will be refunded
April 29, 2004: Policy surrendered, but billing continues
April 26, 2004: Do a number on credit card ads by mail
April 25, 2004: It's unlikely child will ever use returned baby carrier
April 23, 2004: Better design may avert future plate troubles
April 22, 2004: Law firm hands over needed paperwork
April 19, 2004: Check your home for these recalled products
April 18, 2004: Inquiry helps shed some light on missing merchandise
April 16, 2004: Error in dental plan's listing leads to refund
April 12, 2004: Model toy refund likely won't be in the mail
April 11, 2004: Coffeepot promotion doesn't work out, but refund does
April 9, 2004: Water heater dispute has parties steamed
April 8, 2004: Incomplete application produces no results
April 5, 2004: Allow company ample time to ship product
April 4, 2004: Have magazine subscription trouble? You're not alone
April 2, 2004: Complaint finally clicks, and refund arrives
April 1, 2004: Inspection needed to resolve carpet dispute
March 29, 2004: Cribs, lawn mowers among recalled items
March 28, 2004: More clues to a mysterious number on telephone bill
March 26, 2004: Legal complications slow clinic's refund
March 25, 2004: After error, airline extends voucher validity
March 22, 2004: Products can be hazardous to your safety
March 21, 2004: Insurance can be confusing in a car-bicycle accident
March 19, 2004: Washer repair stymied by phone hangups
March 18, 2004: Shopper has store credit that can't be used
March 15, 2004: Dealer paid standard value for used car
March 14, 2004: Borrower disputes disbursement of refinancing funds
March 12, 2004: Tax on cell phone cancellation fee is legal
March 11, 2004: Credit check not linked to receiving catalog
March 8, 2004: Goodwill gesture offered in lieu of rebate
March 7, 2004: Cashing in on this restaurant's gift certificate is unlikely
March 5, 2004: Landscaping service vanishes, with deposit
March 4, 2004: 'Ands' and 'ors' don't affect car ownership
March 1, 2004: Tardy rebate comes with company apology
February 29, 2004: Pay attention to dialing to avoid long-distance trouble
February 27, 2004: Hospital bill overpayment refunded at last
February 26, 2004: A goodwill gesture ends car-repair dispute
February 24, 2004: Tax-Aide help is available
February 23, 2004: No charges for trying breathing machine
February 22, 2004: Read the fine print (which isn't always on the back)
February 20, 2004: Owners, company disagree over RV repairs
February 19, 2004: Another obstacle pops up on rebate course
February 16, 2004: Potential fire hazards dominate recall list
February 15, 2004: Long after storm, damaged tree limbs still not removed
February 13, 2004: Reading fine print for rebate didn't help
February 12, 2004: A timely reminder about mail-order rules
February 9, 2004: Moccasin order arrives, but it's a bit late
February 8, 2004: Part of security deposit kept because of carpet damage
February 6, 2004: Comparison shop before making purchase
February 5, 2004: Homeowner can save on property tax bill
February 2, 2004: Bowflex, pool filters, more on recall list
February 1, 2004: Are you financially literate? Test your consumer savvy
January 30, 2004: Bank lowered credit line for good reasons
January 29, 2004: Fateful attraction to a magnetic mattress
January 26, 2004: Restaurant apologizes with gift certificate
January 25, 2004: A reminder on the importance of examining warranties
January 23, 2004: Communication dispels car lease confusion
January 22, 2004: She's all frowns about her different smile
January 19, 2004: Subscription problems? Tell them about it
January 18, 2004: Credit company seeks to avoid discredit for its mistake
January 16, 2004: Tale of two hospital bills has happy ending
January 15, 2004: Confusion led to gap in insurance coverage
January 12, 2004: A basic disagreement over free cable service
January 11, 2004: Buyer not happy with computer or company's service
January 9, 2004: Read the fine print on credit card offers
January 8, 2004: Lack of communication breeds trouble
January 5, 2004: Recalls of holiday products top list
January 4, 2004: Dealer's offer is reader's best bet to keep SUV covered
January 2, 2004: Insurer helps straighten out billing problem
January 1, 2004: Wild goose chases and other odd requests
December 29, 2003: Go by what contract - not salesman - says
December 28, 2003: Be suspicious of weight loss 'miracles'; they don't exist
December 26, 2003: Here's wishing you many happy returns
December 25, 2003: Keep this holiday help close at hand
December 22, 2003: Recalls run from vacuums to cheesecakes
December 21, 2003: A tangled medical triangle: insurer, hospital, patient
December 19, 2003: BellSouth says check really is in the mail
December 18, 2003: Orthodontia may take longer than expected
December 15, 2003: Resident says leak undermined sidewalk
December 14, 2003: Story of Dodge van's repair goes in two directions
December 12, 2003: Use caution with offers from 'Maria Duval'
December 11, 2003: Call IRS to find out what happened to check
December 8, 2003: J.D. Marvel comes through - eventually
December 7, 2003: International calls rocket phone bill into the hundreds
December 5, 2003: Relocating? Ensure a moving experience
December 4, 2003: Rebate offer was for a specific product
December 1, 2003: Safety is always an issue when buying toys
November 30, 2003: Most car thieves look for less complicated way to steal
November 28, 2003: Travel insurance policy serves its purpose
November 27, 2003: Hotlines, Web sites help with meal crises
November 24, 2003: Seam seems worse to owner than inspector
November 23, 2003: Hot on the trail of boxes shipped separately
November 21, 2003: Kids can get 'Karate' tapes with gift card Kids can get 'Karate' tapes with gift card
November 20, 2003: Read rebate offers carefully for instructions
November 17, 2003: Home invasion by wasps creates quite a buzz
November 16, 2003: Refund sought too long after order received
November 14, 2003: Fruitful job search cannot be guaranteed
November 13, 2003: No reimbursement coming for short shelf life
November 10, 2003: Error disconnects customer, phone number
November 10, 2003: Error disconnects customer, phone number
November 9, 2003: Failing to recommend a company is the best revenge
November 7, 2003: Mystery of late medical bill is cleared up
November 6, 2003: Insurance tangle unwinds without a hitch
November 3, 2003: Package-tracking confusion slowed order
November 2, 2003: Ready for some holiday shopping? Check this list twice
October 31, 2003: Turned-off phone didn't disconnect problems
October 30, 2003: Pony Express was slowed by office changes
October 27, 2003: Airline is on the case to find lost luggage
October 26, 2003: Redeeming a rebate? First make copies of all paperwork
October 24, 2003: Another lesson in the dangers of assuming
October 23, 2003: Compromise reached on television's scratch
October 20, 2003: Credits awarded despite eligibility confusion
October 19, 2003: Answer isn't music to stereo receiver owner's ears
October 17, 2003: Who should pay for cemetery vandalism?
October 16, 2003: Beware of free offers that can trigger bills
October 13, 2003: Ticket restrictions increased vacation cost
October 12, 2003: As courtesy, FedEx delivers refund of disputed charges
October 10, 2003: Tree removal followed contract's specifics
October 9, 2003: How to determine a vehicle's taxable price
October 6, 2003: Pasco County will clean problem ditches
October 5, 2003: To avoid confusion, read the fine print on car warranties
October 3, 2003: Long distance slows code enforcement
October 2, 2003: Membership adds up to unexpected debit
September 29, 2003: Check your home for these recalled items
September 28, 2003: No third-party help needed to recover unclaimed funds
September 26, 2003: Two applications, but one upset customer
September 25, 2003: Returned check, fabric signal project's end
September 22, 2003: Closing the books on book-club membership
September 21, 2003: Delays with countertop rankle kitchen remodeler
September 19, 2003: Some terms to define before home design
September 18, 2003: Viewing demonstration garners gift at last
September 15, 2003: Priority tickets bought perks at home show
September 14, 2003: Funds languish at credit union, muddle truck purchase
September 12, 2003: Canadian firm takes its own sweet time
September 11, 2003: Wrong forms complicate housing search
September 8, 2003: Software business performs vanishing act
September 5, 2003: Guide to consumer services
September 5, 2003: Miscommunication hangs up phone account
September 4, 2003: Drug charge justified under Medicare rules
September 1, 2003: Business with spotty history sends clocks
August 31, 2003: Refund of subscription to 'Rosie' may take some time
August 29, 2003: Mailed acceptance activated hosiery offer
August 28, 2003: Better to fix the gate than remove the fence
August 25, 2003: Blue Cross Blue Shield settles lab bill trouble
August 22, 2003: Corrected error should end collection notices
August 21, 2003: Bedding firm regrets being such a soft touch
August 17, 2003: Company viewed cosmetic flaw as low-priority repair
August 15, 2003: Tree removal service took money, left a mess
August 14, 2003: Company can end unprofitable agreement
August 11, 2003: Driveway's messy surface will get a facelift
August 10, 2003: Even overwhelmed dollmakers must follow FTC rules
August 8, 2003: Time is of the essence when seeking refunds
August 7, 2003: One missed step brought added ticket charges
August 3, 2003: When it comes to shipping, don't skimp on bubble wrap
July 31, 2003: Pool resurfacer won't take the blame for leaks
July 29, 2003: Planning trumps luck when taking a trip
July 28, 2003: Reader's persistence about gift card pays off
July 27, 2003: Repair warranty doesn't cover new, unrelated problem
July 24, 2003: Water bills estimated, so adjustments needed
July 21, 2003: Amid complaints, J.D. Marvel Products is silent
July 20, 2003: Refund on Alaska cruise left out air-travel expenses
July 18, 2003: Letter explaining debt resolution only confuses
July 17, 2003: Long-distance phone calls don't have to take toll
July 14, 2003: Charity didn't give receipt for donated furniture
July 13, 2003: Company changes stall refunds, not shipping
July 11, 2003: Nail down satisfaction with a home project
July 10, 2003: Bankruptcy proceedings are affecting refund
July 7, 2003: Check your home for these recalled products
July 6, 2003: Debunking the e-mail warning about credit bureaus
July 4, 2003: Driver's test steers a reader to seek answers
July 3, 2003: Indecent broadcasts restricted, not banned
June 30, 2003: Reduce the flow of junk mail to your home
June 29, 2003: An e-mail 'investigating' fraud is probably fraudulent
June 27, 2003: Effectiveness of roach treatment questioned
June 26, 2003: Firm's record poor on canceling memberships
June 24, 2003: A little digging may save you money
June 23, 2003: Refund review aids additional customers, too
June 22, 2003: Company says pressure was applied only in cleaning
June 20, 2003: Extra credit card digit leads to billing mixup
June 19, 2003: Check should cover damage from leaky roof
June 16, 2003: Cypress Gardens' policy on season passes
June 15, 2003: Difficulty scheduling dental work is crowned by refund
June 13, 2003: Promotion company authorizes cruise refund
June 12, 2003: 'Replacement' and 'refund' mixup is settled
June 9, 2003: Order from Deer Creek Products is on the way
June 8, 2003: Healthcare discount not the same as insurance
June 6, 2003: Talking dictionary had its buyer muttering
June 5, 2003: Fee for A/C checkup did not include repairs
June 2, 2003: Refund of overpayment to dentist takes a year
June 1, 2003: Personally monitoring medical coverage reduces errors
May 30, 2003: Slippers ordered for Christmas finally arrive
May 29, 2003: Publisher doesn't seem to understand 'no'
May 27, 2003: Don't let intimacy put health at risk
May 26, 2003: Walgreens rebate debate resolved once again
May 25, 2003: Shipping center delay slows refund for damaged package
May 23, 2003: Query sparks a brush up on security deposits
May 22, 2003: Smoke Away refunds have customers fuming
May 19, 2003: Water utility's bills don't represent a soaking
May 18, 2003: Flying faxes finally land a promise to repay overcharge
May 16, 2003: No refund, or much else, from Internet service
May 15, 2003: Mysterious circles mar laminate countertop
May 12, 2003: Warranty replaces squashed sunglasses
May 11, 2003: Paying medical bills after fall is deemed unwarranted
May 8, 2003: Renter signed lease while 'under the influence'
May 5, 2003: Phone customer battles to get deposit back
May 4, 2003: Gym gave full refund; check the credit card statement
May 2, 2003: Hospital bill takes on a life of its own
May 1, 2003: For customer, awning replacement up in smoke
April 29, 2003: Ensure domestic bliss before problems arise
April 28, 2003: Sewing machine dealer needed for service
April 27, 2003: What the Action column can - and cannot - do for you
April 25, 2003: Family reaches dead end with car dealer
April 21, 2003: Refund arrives for canceled pasta pots order
April 18, 2003: Gift certificates unused at restaurant's closing
April 17, 2003: Allow enough time for mail order deliveries
April 11, 2003: No refund being offered for separating carpet
April 10, 2003: Home owner said "roof'; roofer meant "roofs'
April 7, 2003: Customers not satisfied with adjustable beds
April 6, 2003: Security company decides not to enforce contract
April 4, 2003: Mailing payment earlier may eliminate late fee
April 3, 2003: Rise and fall of water bill causes concerns
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