If It's Broke, It May Be Fixable - For FREE

What if you do have a problem with your small appliance/electronic device? Call the place you purchased the item and describe the problem. Ask if a service technician will come to your home to make repairs or if you need to bring your appliance back to them. Usually, you'll have to bring the item in or take it to a manufacturer's service center.
If you're having a problem with a television, however, a service technician may come to your house. If the retailer tells you they will send a service technician to your home, find out if there is any charge for the service call.

If you have to bring the item to the retailer for replacement or servicing, put the item in its original packaging, if possible. Bring copies with you of all your related paperwork, including warranty, receipt and any user's manual. When you leave the item for servicing, ask these questions:

  1. How long will the repair take? If the repair will take more than a week, ask if a temporary loaner is available.
  2. How much will the repair cost? Ask for a written estimate of any charges that aren't covered by the warranty.

If you bought the appliance or electronic item through the mail, call the manufacturer before you mail the item to them. The manufacturer will direct you to the nearest service center. Ask if there is any specific routing information you should include when you address the package to them. Ask to be reimbursed for any shipping charges. Ship the package by insured certified mail, return receipt requested.

Always save the original packaging for your appliance or electronic device. We recommend folding up the boxes and getting rid of the packing material if storage space is at a premium. (If you need to ship the product back to the manufacturer, for repair or replacement, you can use newspapers or popcorn as packing material.) But make sure you keep all receipts, warranties, instruction booklets, spare parts, etc. that came with the item.

Click here to learn how to get the most out of your appliances!

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Child Savings Accounts

When opening a savings account for your child, make sure their Social Security number is used as the account's tax identification number. That way, as long as your child is under age 14, interest earned will be taxed at your child's lower tax rate, not at your tax rate. This rule holds true as long as your child earns less than $1,300 a year in interest.

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