Generally speaking, automotive manufacturer warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The warranty will transfer even if the vehicle is sold to another owner. Of course, you should check the written warranty terms for some components. the warranty period may be reduced when the vehicle is sold. Always check the small print if you are buying a car with a manufacturer’s warranty. Another Read More
Home Warranties
Home warranties are intended to be insurance policies to protect against home system breakdowns. Prior to purchasing a home warranty, obtain a copy of the warranty to review and ask questions about coverage. Consider the following: Just like every insurance policy, warranties have exclusions. Determine what exclusions apply. For example, bathroom plumbing may be warranted, but the steam room or jacuzzi may be Read More
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Warranties
Prior to buying a new system, read the warranty, so there are no surprises when you need to use it! As with any warranty, ask questions about coverage of specific parts and the labor associated with repairing or replacing parts/components. An HVAC warranty should clearly explain coverage for labor and all service call charges included and excluded, including any minimum charges for labor to replace a Read More
Emergency Planning
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now”. - Read More
“Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange…”*
A few months ago (July 24, 2019) an editorial in the Arizona Daily Star caught my attention. Kelly Griffith executive director of the Southwest Center for Economic Integrity wrote about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(CFPB)’s proposed changes to their rule regulating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA was passed in 1977 to curtail abusive debt collection practices and to encourage Read More
Understanding Taxes
Taxes! Even smarty pants Albert Einstein recognized the challenge of income tax when he claimed they were “the hardest thing in the world to understand.” Life events like marriage, retirement, selling and inheriting property whether foreseen or not, can make tax obligations more complicated and create a large financial burden that was avoidable with proper guidance. That said, changes in the federal and state tax Read More
6 Important Vehicle Purchase Tips
Vehicle Repair History: Always, Always, Always ask for repair history documents of the vehicle you are considering to purchase. Ask even when the vehicle is new, it can be damaged during transport. Though advertised as a Certified Pre-Owned, it may have been in an accident, and if you do not ask specifically you will not likely receive the repair and accident history. A manufacturer's dealership should be able Read More
A Brief Introduction to the ACFA
Consumers and Businesses are protected by various laws at different levels of government. The Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA) is a law that protects consumers and businesses at the state level. Let’s take a look at the Act to find out how it works. What is the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act? Enacted in 1967, the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act governs transactions. The Act is designed to uncover “unlawful practices” in Read More
5 Important Business Profitability Tips
As a business owner, you have to wear a variety of hats to keep your processes running smoothly. These tips can help your bottom line. 1) Document everything and know how to find the document. Contracts mitigate risk and build trust in partnerships, so make sure to document all of your agreements. If you make verbal business decisions or agreements, always follow up with an email to confirm. Policies and Read More
