Moen introduces kitchen faucet that operates by sensor
May 1, 2012—Moen introduced a kitchen faucet that activates with a wave of the hand.
CFPB proposes clearer mortgage-servicing rules
April 12, 2012—Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rules that would require mortgage servicers to be more transparent when they work with homeowners.
Bank of America program gives underwater homeowners rental option
March 28, 2012—Bank of America introduced a pilot program that allows struggling homeowners to convert their mortgage to a 3-year lease agreement if they transfer the title to the bank.
CFPB database provides answers to consumers’ financial inquiries
March 26, 2012—Consumers who have questions about credit cards and mortgages can find answers at an online database that Consumer Financial Protection Bureau established on March 22.
Meijer’s role is questioned in resale of recalled products
March 19, 2012—Within the past year, an increasing number of recalled products that originally were sold at Meijer stores have turned up at discount retail stores
Fiesta to roll out cookware line in summer 2012
March 13, 2012—If you like to eat your meal on Fiesta plates, you soon will be able to prepare your meal by using Fiesta pots and pans.
Eligibility limits will dilute impact of foreclosure settlement
Feb. 10, 2012—Although the unprecedented $25 billion mortgage-fraud settlement is a step toward lender accountability, it doesn’t come close to repairing the damage that homeowners suffered in recent years, consumer advocates tell Consumers Digest.
Foreclosure fraud settlement will provide relief to current and former homeowners
Feb. 9, 2012—Five of the nation’s largest banks agreed to pay a $25 billion settlement to the federal government that will help to compensate former and current homeowners impacted by mortgage and foreclosure abuses.
Allstate’s latest program ties driving records to homeowners rates
Feb. 8, 2012—Insurance watchdog groups are crying foul over a new program by Allstate Insurance that uses your driving records and vehicle-claims history to determine how much that you’ll pay for a particular homeowner’s policy.
New York files lawsuit against major banks, citing misuse of mortgage database
Feb. 3, 2012—Fallout from the foreclosure crisis continued today when New York filed a lawsuit against three of the largest banks in the United States.
HAMP revamp continues to ignore program’s biggest flaws
Feb. 1, 2012—President Barack Obama’s plan to expand a much-maligned program that’s designed to help distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure still fails to fix two of the biggest problems for consumers when it comes to getting a government-run loan modification.
CES Live: Philips Exec says LED light bulbs won’t drop below $10 for years
Jan. 13, 2012, Consumer Electronics Show—Light-emitting diode light bulbs came under scrutiny at a panel discussion Thursday at the Consumer Electronics Show.
CO alarm “burns” residue for more accurate read
Dec. 23, 2011—Universal Security Instruments will introduce a plug-in carbon-monoxide alarm that can sense both CO and natural gas.
Countrywide in $335 million settlement over discriminatory lending
Dec. 22, 2011—Bank of America agreed to a $335 million settlement with Department of Justice to resolve allegations that the bank’s Countrywide subsidiary engaged in discriminatory lending practices.
Accuracy of long-term winter forecast questionable
Dec. 16, 2011—According to some long-range forecast predictions, large sections of the Midwest, Northeast and Rocky Mountains will face chilling temperatures and large snow accumulations this winter.
Homeowners can get independent foreclosure review
Nov. 2, 2011—An independent foreclosure review now is available to homeowners whose primary residence was in foreclosure between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010.
Garage-door openers become smartphone-friendly
Oct. 14, 2011—Garage-door openers are becoming more high-tech, enabling some consumers to open their garage doors via a smartphone application.
Forecast mixed for 2012 individual home-insurance rates
Oct. 7, 2011—This year has shaped up to be one of the most volatile storm years on record, and the insurance industry has taken notice.
Despite Solyndra bankruptcy, solar energy still viable for consumers
Sept. 20, 2011—Solyndra, which the Obama administration once deemed to be a model clean-energy innovator, declared bankruptcy on Sept. 13.
Debate bubbles over indoor fryers
July 1, 2011—Consumers who want to deep-fry a 20-pound turkey without the hassle of a propane tank and the dangers of an open flame have an alternative.
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