You go to the local health store or vitamin aisle looking for the latest natural supplements. There's supplements to help promote liver function, supplements to help weight loss, sleep problems and almost every single health concern you can name. The problem is, some of these health supplements aren't just ineffective - they're downright dangerous. Before you buy any health supplements on the market, there are some things you need to know...

Fifi and Fido are part of the family, right? So shouldn't you have pet insurance for your furry friend just like you would have health insurance for any other member of your family? Not necessarily. Before you run out and buy a pet insurance policy, there are some things you need to consider.

Tornado season has arrived, and with it the need for preparation. What would you do if a tornado were to hit your area? Would you be ready? Would you survive? Whether you live in tornado alley or not, you need to be prepared should a tornado hit. Here are some things that can ensure your survival.

If you think that "FDA Approved" wording means something in today's day and age, you might be in for a surprise. Many consumers are beginning to wonder if they can really trust the agency that is responsible for keeping our food, supplements and medications safe. Why the concern and is it warranted? The answers may surprise you.

They seem to be in every neighborhood and their commercials invade our TV, but are payday loans really the great idea they make themselves out to be? The industry has come under fire from many consumer advocates, claiming these companies are nothing more than predatory lenders at their worst. Others insist they offer a much-needed service. Who's right? They both are.

Many consumers are wondering whether or not now is the right time to invest in real estate. After all, it's definitely a buyer's market and in some areas real estate prices are at an all-time low. But is now really the right time to invest? Before you jump into the real estate market, there are some things you need to consider.

I can't count the number of times I've been asked if timeshares are a good idea. The honest answer is "sometimes" and that actually surprises many of my readers. Most people think that "timeshares" is a dirty word and should be avoided at all costs. What they don't know is that there's a resale market that can really benefit the consumer. If you like to travel but have been avoiding timeshares like the plague, there are some things you should know.

You get a call from a fund raising group that is to raise money for your local police department. It's a noble cause, right? These are the men and women who risk their lives to keep our neighborhoods safe. Why not donate to the cause? Before you give in to this type of charity donations request, there are some things you need to know.

Remember how excited we all were when they made all-inclusive long-distance land line packages available? Those of us who were paying hundreds of dollars each month in long distance charges were now able to get all the long distance calling we could handle for $30 or $40 a month. It was incredible. Well my friends, cell phones have taken the same direction. If you're paying a few hundred each month on cell phone charges, there's good news for you.

You pay your bills on time, keep a decent balance in your checking account and never bounce a check. One day you're shocked to find the local store won't accept your check. Why? Because their computer system tells them they can't. See my friends, what you don't know about companies like Telecheck and Certegy can indeed hurt you.

Those of us who have canine companions often turn to dog boarding to meet our pets' needs when we must travel. The problem is, many pet owners assume that all boarding facilities are on the up and up. They don't understand that just because a dog boarding kennel has its license and is in business, it doesn't mean it's a good place to leave your dog. Before your next trip, make sure you know these fundamental dog boarding tips.

If the recession happens and/or gets worse, as many predict it will, there are things we need to think about. How will we pay our bills? Are our jobs at risk? How can we recession-proof our finances? While I can't fix everything for you, I can give you some tips to help you prepare for the worse. Here's some sound advice, whether the recession hits or doesn't.

Many of us love designer brands, but we don't love the prices. Rolex, Cartier, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Fendi, D&G -- the list goes on. The brands are beautiful, no doubt about it. The prices, however, can get rather ugly for the budget-minded consumer. That's why many of us turn to the Internet for designer brand deals. The problem is, some deals are indeed too good to be true. Before you consider buying designer brands online, learn how to protect yourself (and your wallet).