Unfortunately, it s also good news for con artists, the Better Business Bureau warns. Scam artists go where the money is. As disposable income rises, so too do the efforts of those who seek to defraud, said Ken Hunter, president of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The most important New Year s Resolution you can make would be to contact the BBB before making a major purchasing or investment decision, and before responding to any enticing, but unsolicited, offer. The BBB system assists close to 25 million consumers each year, with reports on businesses, consumer education literature, general counseling and complaint resolution.
Scam artists have a field day when the stock market is doing well.
Make a promise to avoid any investment pitch requiring you to act now, and those that guarantee unbelievable profits. Decide how much you need to bolster your financial cushion, and develop a plan to achieve your savings goal. If you are considering the services of a financial planner, check with the BBB for specific tips on finding a reliable one. When times are good, outstanding credit card balances tend to mushroom. Establish a debt repayment plan for 2000 and keep strict records.