Consumer Issue

Should community associations get into rent collections?

Florida law allows community associations to demand tenants of owners behind in maintenance payments to hand over rent payments — or face eviction. But does that mean your community association should jump into the rent collection business? Craig...

Tags: Judges, Crime, Law and Justice, Condos and Houses, Florida, Rentals

Dine out and save, with social media and phone apps

Looking for a new burrito joint in Boca Raton or considering a recommended sushi restaurant in Orlando? Chances are you'll find your place fast - along with a possible meal deal, candid diner review or invitation to a private dinner - using the right...

Tags: Lifestyle and Leisure, Sushi and Sashimi, Sociology, Orlando Restaurants, Apple iPhone

Get a Black Friday game plan

Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving and one of the busiest shopping days of the year - is nearly upon us. Retailers across South Florida will offer special deals on everything from clothes to toys, from electronics to jewelry. But to nab a great...

Tags: Consumer Electronics Industry, Family, Black Friday (shopping), DVDs and Movies, Sales

Rules changing on gift cards

Five days and counting: If you still don't know what to buy for that last person on your shopping list, a holiday gift card may be looking pretty good. But whether you give or receive one, know what you're getting into before you pay for it or use it....

Tags: Crime, Law and Justice, Florida, Candy, Flowers and Gifts, Consumers, Gifts

Save and swap used books, DVDs and video games

Call Rob McGarry a serial book-trader, which is to say he joined the growing numbers of consumers who choose to save money by trading and bartering books, DVDs, CDs and video games with others online. McGarry, of Orlando, was tired of losing space in his...

Tags: Music, Stephen King, IBM, James Patterson , Entertainment

Apple support groups spread in South Florida

Ultimately technology is about connectivity and this Saturday dozens of South Floridians will prove it, gathering in a West Palm Beach firehouse for a free class and discussions on all things Apple Co., including Macs, iPhones and no doubt the newly-...

Tags: Palm Beach County, Retirement, Virginia, Gold Coast, Career and Workplace

Gadgets make great gifts for job-hunting grads

If a friend or family member is about to finally accept that well-earned or even barely-made-it diploma or degree, make sure you're ready with the perfect graduate gadget gift at hand. Previous generations of high school and college grads were just happy...

Tags: Apple iPhone, Palm Beach (Palm Beach, Florida), Computing and Information Technology Industry, Wii, Video Games

Spring cleaning is a great way to get rid of junk, pick up a few extra bucks

Spring is upon us and in South Florida that means Marlins baseball games, swarms of college kids on vacation break and - wait for it – a little household spring cleaning. Yes, get your mind off homeruns and beer runs and concentrate on one of...

Tags: Alcoholic Beverages, Palm Beach County, Intel Corp., Pompano Beach, Miami Marlins

Summer tech items for the beach, backyard

Like lots of fellow Floridians, Reginald Gaudette has plans to be away from his home this summer. For peace of mind on his travels to visit out-of-state family, he will rely mostly on one person to keep an eye on things back at home - himself. To...

Tags: Travel, Television, Apple iPhone, Family, Trips and Vacations

Discipline, smart strategies save cash at the grocery store

Want to save money at the grocery store? Shop less often. Want to save more? Shop alone. And leave the kids at home. Coupons and discounts aside, one of the best ways to cut grocery bills is to be as disciplined as a drill sergeant about how you shop...

Whirlpool's spin on today's Watchdog column about customer's washer problem