Contents by
Section: February 1998

Front Page
Lead Story
They're talking on campus...
On the Road
ActionLine NEA
In the Know
From Capital to Campus
NEA Affilitates in Action
Higher Education News
Money Savvy
The Dialogue
Thriving in Academe

Current Issue

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Money Savvy

Consumer Watchdogs If you've had it with a store or business that's trying to stiff you, you can complain online to the Better Business Bureau. Business reliability reports are now available from the Boston BBB, which covers Maine, eastern Massachusetts, and Vermont, and will be online for 130 bureaus nationwide by the end of this year. You can complain online about problems with charitable solicitations, too. The site also features BBB consumer alerts on recently discovered fraudulent business scams. Building Value The NEA Valuebuilder Mutual Fund Program features 56 portfolios and a free, personalized asset allocation profile. For information about the program available through NEA's MBC Investor Services Company, an affiliate of NEA's Member Benefits Corporation---call Member Benefits at 800/637-4636, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., ET. You can also call to request a free questionnaire that will be computer scored and used to help develop your personal investment plan.

Credit Counseling If you've gotten behind in your bills and need help negotiating with lenders to lower your monthly payments, contact the nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. The service is free for general budgeting advice and typically charges a low fee for debt repayment counseling---about $9 a month. If you can't afford to pay, CCCS says it won't turn you away. To locate an office near you, call 800/388-2227. Pension Advice One of the toughest challenges facing women today is a lack of adequate retirement income. If you have questions and concerns about your pension, you can call the Department of Labor's toll-free pension information line 800/998-7542 and request a variety of helpful brochures. Titles include Women and Pensions: What Women Need to Know and Do; Protect Your Pension: A Quick Reference Guide; and Top Ten Ways to Beat the Clock and Prepare for Retirement.