I know it's tempting to automatically store your passwords so that you can log-in to your accounts more easily. But if your computer gets lost or stolen, access to your most crucial financial information is up for grabs to anybody. Computer and identify theft go hand in hand more than you might think. That's why it's best to write down your passwords in a private and safe location at home where they won't get lost.

And remember that when discarding an old computer, all of those stored passwords could get discarded with it and fall into the wrong hands. Never put a computer out with your regular trash without using a hammer to smash the hard drive first.

Chances are, your refrigerator door gets opened and closed all day long. But for one New Jersey family, repeated break-downs left them craving a reimbursement. So what do you do when negotiations start to spoil?

When speaking to a customer service rep on the phone regarding any sort of dispute, remember to remain calm and be polite. Nobody wants to be screamed at or insulted on the phone and these people are doing their job, despite what you may think of them.

Always ask for and write down your representative's name and your case number. Sorting out an ongoing issue with your bank, insurance or credit card company can be a headache. But if you can get back in contact with someone who's already looked into your problem, you may resolve it faster.

If things get really heated, documentation will help to support your claims.

Finally, be sure to follow through with a complaint if you feel you were treated badly or did not receive the service you were due. That doesn't mean you can scream at the rep on the phone or treat them badly, but ask politely how you can file a complaint and follow through with it.

Too many times people threaten to complain, but never do. Believe me companies really do pay attention to customer complaints, as long as they are reasonable. If they fail to let you file a complaint, go to the company's website and complain there. Remember to be clear, concise and reasonable.

If you're Mom needed your help, most of us wouldn't hesitate to step right up. It can be quite a sacrifice if it means actually leaving your own home to move into hers. That's what one man did. Now it means he may end up with nowhere to live.

Unfortunately after the death of a loved one, people are upset and not thinking clearly. But this is when someone needs to stay on top of details like this. If the death certificate has incorrect information, you must act as soon as possible before it goes into the public records where it is next to impossible to change.

In many cases, you have only days to make changes. Keep in mind that errors may include everything from name, sex, age to cause of death. It is not uncommon for the doctor who signs the death certificate to have little knowledge of your loved one’s medical history.

If you spot the error immediately, you must deal with the hospital's advocate office. They help families handle complicated issues or problems that can crop up in a hospital.

If the mistake is not noticed until the deceased has left the hospital, you will have to deal with your city's Health and Welfare office. The funeral home can help you at this stage as well. You will have to complete a form that explains the mistake or discrepancy. Remember to be clear and concise and have all the necessary information in order to fill this out.

You will be expected to turn in ALL copies of the incorrect death certificate in order to get the right one. DO NOT destroy any copies of the incorrect certificates. They have to be accounted for and handed in.

The news has been full of reports of Ponzi schemes in recent months as the economy has crumbled which has left many investories worried about falling victim to similar schemes

Before investing your money into the next "can't lose" deal, get a second opinion, maybe even a third opinion. Talk to your accountant, your attorney, your stockbroker, bounce it off of them first. Even talking to family and friends can help.

Don't be pressured into doing something before you've thought things through. A good investment will still be there tomorrow and remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Never make out a check addressed to a private citizen. You should always sign it to a third party organization.

Make sure you understand and receive a copy of the investment that includes the terms and conditions of the transaction.

Make sure the person doing the investment is licensed to do so. A legitimate broker will be registered in good standing with FINRA, The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. If they aren't, you should really re-think whether you want them handling your money.

Start with a "background check" first to see if the used car make/model you're considering is a problem car. Find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) and consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates (www.jdpower.com).

Consumer Reports is another place to check (www.consumerreports.org)and click on "autos". A Google or Yahoo! search also provides information Type in the make and model of the vehicle and "lemon."

Ask the seller to provide a service record. If available, it's a good sign the car was well cared-for and maybe, proof there were no unusual repairs or problems. If records are not available, be careful. It may not mean the car is a bad car, but wonder why the owner didn't maintain records that would make the car easier to sell.

Screen the car by having a third-party mechanic (not one working for the dealer) look the car over as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to permit this, you should consider yourself warned -- and walk away.

Be sure it passes both state safety and emissions tests. In most states, this is a legal requirement, but don't assume it is. It can cost hundreds of dollars to repair a used car that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases, you can't legally register or drive a used car until it does pass.

Finally jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN #) located on a stamped plate on the top of the car's dashboard. Run a CARFAX Vehicle History (www.carfax.com) report to check for used car deal-killers such as evidence of a prior accident, odometer fraud, manufacturer "buy back" (a lemon), etc. A CARFAX report costs less than $25, and is well worth the expense. Most car dealers will do this for you if you ask them to.

This one comes up all the time. The other driver is in a hurry. They promise to contact you. They seem honest enough. And you are so shook up you don’t even get their license plate. Basically, without a police report getting any reimbursement from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs becomes more difficult.

So here is what you must do. Assuming no one needs medical assistance, the first call should be to the police. Then all vehicle information should be exchanged including license plate number and policy numbers off the insurance cards. Contact information should also be exchanged and it is often best to give a cell phone number rather than your home or work number.

If you have a digital camera or cell phone camera phone take photos of the damage before any of the cars are moved. Also document any damage you see on the other car(s) that is not related to your accident. Then wait for the police to take your report especially if both of you are blaming the other for the accident.

Sometimes the other driver says they have to go and tries to leave before police arrive. Inform them that you will be forced to tell the police that they left the scene of an accident.

New York residents can file a claim with "The Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection of the State of New York." Call 1-800-442-FUND or go to www.nylawfund.org.

People can also file a complaint with their State's Grievance Committee.

The State Grievance Committee's primary function is the review and adjudication of complaints alleging attorney misconduct.

New York residents can contact their State Grievance Committee at www.courts.state.ny.us/ip/attorneygrievance/complaints_attorney.shtml

New Jersey residents can contact their State Grievance Committee at www.judiciary.state.nj.us/oae/index.htm

Connecticut residents can contact their State Grievance Committee at www.jud.state.ct.us/SGC

It's an age old question: "Should I take the warranty?" I wish I had a simple answer, but that all depends on the buyer and the product.

It's usually a good idea to get a long-term warranty on big ticket items like big-screen TV's and computers. You don't want to risk having to make a repair that costs almost as much as the item itself. But it's also important to consider the lifespan of the product. An iPod, for example, is only expected to last four to five years.

Most products come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, which usually gives you the protection you need to avoid getting a lemon at the time of purchase. Also be sure to read the warranty carefully to make sure WHO is responsible for repairing your item.

Sometimes it's the store, sometimes it's the manufacturer and sometimes it's a third party which can become more of a nuisance than its worth.

People having trouble with their mortgages can get help and advice from the government without paying a dime.

Find a housing counselor through the U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Human Development (HUD).

Call HUD at 1-800-569-4287 or visit the NYS Banking Department's website at www.banking.state.ny.us.

Homeowners need to be careful before handing over their money to a contractor. Before hiring, always check with your Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure he or she is reputable and has a license. People should also get one or two past referrals and speak to those people about how happy they were with the contractor's work. This goes for plumbers, roofers, builders and anyone else claiming to do professional home repairs.

I can't even begin to tell you how many calls I get from people who paid a first installment on a new roof, a new kitchen, or a home extension only to find out that their contractor went M.I.A. Contractors are notorious for leaving jobs unfinished. That's why it's also wise to obtain at least two references to confirm your contractor has a good track record of starting and completing work in a professional and timely manner. Click here to see if your contractor has the proper license.

It is also important that any contract you sign stipulates that you will pay for the services in increments as the work is done. The final payment should never be made until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

OK, folks. You’re in Dubai or Mozambique or Slovenia ready to head to the airport for your trip home when you discover your passport is missing.

This can be the beginning of a nightmare. It can seriously delay your departure while you battle layers of bureaucracy trying to prove your identity.

But having a photocopy of your passport will at least help move the process along and get you home faster.

What would you do if Channel 11 gave you $1000 in cash?

How one viewer's attempt to stay connected came up short

It happens more than you think. A wallet is left behind. A suitcase is forgotten in the trunk. A cell phone or Blackberry slips out of your purse.

If you are very lucky the cab driver figures out a way to find you and return it. More likely, you have a serious problem. But, with a receipt, you can trace the exact cab you were in and locate the driver from the ID number.

Of course, there is no guarantee the driver has your wallet since the rider after you might have walked off with it. But your chances of getting your property back go up dramatically if you can find the cab you were in.

For more information, visit NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Nobody wants to pay extra fees but let’s face it, things happen. Things like earthquakes, swine flu outbreaks, hurricanes, heart attacks and all other emergencies involving you or a member of your family could disrupt your plans. For a few dollars extra the insurance buys you peace of mind in the event you are forced to cancel your trip. This is your best bet to avoid hassles with hotels, airlines and travel agents. When asking yourself if getting the insurance is a wise move, think about whether you can afford to lose the entire price of your trip. If the answer is yes, then skip the insurance. For most of us, the answer is no.

What would you do if you water bill shot up to $ 800 ?

This is important, folks. Once you drive away, any damage you discover will be hard to blame on the valet attendants.

If you spot the damage when getting into the car, you need to file a report not just with the attendants but with management at the location (restaurant, hotel, catering hall, mall).

Get names and a copy of whatever they document before leaving.

How long is TOO long to wait for your wedding memories?