KOMO - News - Consumer News http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer RSS Feed for KOMO - News - Consumer en-us Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:23:57 GMT Small SUVs improve in crash tests http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/27163159.html Four small sport utility vehicles received top scores in crash tests to be released Wednesday by the insurance industry, a sign of improvement compared with SUVs built earlier in the decade. When buying an international driving permit, skip the Internet http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/27157949.html Online shopping has been a boon to consumers looking for lower prices, but there are some things you're still better off buying in person. Timing is everything when buying appliances http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/26053369.html The editors at Consumer Reports say look for price breaks in September and October on cooking appliances. Refrigerators tend to go on sale in May. New sites offer privacy while looking for mortgages http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/27089964.html Where mortgage-scouting Web sites traditionally required users to enter a swath of personal information to generate rate estimates, the newest sites offer users a way to comparison shop for a loan under the cozy blanket of anonymity. Warranty scams continue to find victims http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/16695186.html We've warned you about the bogus telemarketing scheme that involves a shady extended car service contract. The Missouri state attorney general sued several of those companies, claiming they used "misrepresentation and deception" to generate sales. How does your bank handle overdraft fees? http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/27039254.html If you have a checking account or if you use a debit card, you might want to make a call to your bank and ask about overdraft fees. Major banks are under attack for what consumer advocates call hefty fees on unauthorized loans. New school year is good for organizing kids' bedrooms http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/27033904.html With a new school year right around the corner, it's a great time for moms and dads to get their kids' bedrooms organized. And the good part is - you don't need to spend a lot to do it. Most vulnerable time for ID theft? Your vacation http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/20599819.html You are especially vulnerable to identity theft when you go on vacation because more people have more access to your personal information. Neck and foot pain can be defeated http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/26980254.html Nagging neck or foot pain may not be serious, but it can sure put a damper on your summer. And neck pain can be caused by something as simple as keeping up with your e-mail. Tips to take the headaches out of migraines http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/19821969.html You can take drugs to stop the pain and throbbing, but they can have annoying side effects. A better approach is to figure out what causes the migraines.