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.

If your 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.

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.

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?

Handicapped parking is supposed to give the handicapped and elderly a helping hand. But what do you do when your handicap is ignored?

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.

When sending an expensive or irreplaceable item through the mail, always get it insured.

There have been tons of reports of computers, electronics and expensive jewelry that have disappeared in the postal system. Once a package has gone missing, chances are it won't be recovered. Getting your package insured allows you to recover the cost of the missing item in the event that it gets lost. But remember, if you absolutely cannot risk losing it, don't send it through the mail.

Too often, puppies sold at pet stores carry diseases (both infectious and hereditary) as the result of being born and bred in puppy mills. These animals are usually raised in extremely poor and inhumane conditions. Reputable breeders typically do not supply pet stores with animals. So unless you're willing to foot the vet bill, check out your local SPCA or animal adoption center.

Always get a written estimate from a car repair shop before you hand your car over to them to make repairs. This will help avoid possible sticker shock when you get the bill, but remember that it is an estimate and costs could run higher.

First it's a good idea to find an auto repair shop before you actually need one. Ask friends and family for recommendations of shops they've used and trust.

Ask a repair technician in advance if their shop will honor your vehicle's warranty and make sure they're capable of working on your car's specific make, model and year.

If you're not comfortable with the technician's estimate, consider getting a second opinion to compare costs, but remember not all estimates are free.

Limit the amount you authorize for repairs, improvements or services, with a written estimate.

Finally, always ask for an itemized bill and you can also request (in advance) that your old car parts be saved for your examination.

When your 80-year old neighbor offers to sell you her car, what could possibly go wrong?

Be careful, sending chain emails could result in identity theft. Some people like chain emails, others find them annoying. Either way, you need to be aware that some chain emails (not all) are sent to gather your personal information and spread more SPAM.

A chain letter is created by one person and then sent to others, who then forward it on to their friends. But every time you forward a chain letter, there is a code in the e-mail that sends all of the e-mail addresses back to the creator of the chain letter. This consumes internet resources like bandwith and space and sends out more SPAM.

This doesn't mean that every single chain email is bad, but be aware that forwarding your personal email information or that of your friends back to the creator, whoever they are, could be sending all of you more SPAM and possibly making you a victim of identity theft down the road.

Just about every shopper relies on the idea of returns. If you don't like something, just bring it back! But what do you do when that return never makes it to the books?

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

First, start with a reliable insurance company from the very beginning, not some fly by night operation that’s been in business a short time.

The strongest claims have the most documents, so keep good records.

Give the adjuster a deadline for their response, a month is a good amount of time.

If you are not happy with their decision, you can go above the adjuster’s head by asking to talk to a supervisor.

If you’re still not happy with their decision, consider getting outside help. First, file a complaint against your insurer with your state’s Department of

Insurance. You may need a lawyer or public adjuster for help here. Try www.napia.com to find a public adjuster. NAPIA is the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Public Adjusters are experts on property loss adjustments who are retained by policy holders to assist in preparing, filing and adjusting insurance claims.

Finally, if the amount you receive is less then you were expecting, DO NOT CASH IT until you have exhausted all other avenues. Cashing the check means you have accepted the claim.

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

Thousands of lottery scam letters are sent out everyday. But don’t get too excited, the people who write these letters are only after your money and/or identity. They may claim to be lawyers, claims agents, bankers, law enforcement agents, people of high rank in the government, gaming officials, tax collectors, etc. They’ll usually ask you for money to offset bank fees, storage, shipping, etc. so that you may claim your winnings.

Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes NEVER ask for money. In fact, there are no fees of any kind. If you really win a sweepstakes contest, the only money you owe is the tax you personally pay directly to your government. This tax is NEVER paid through anyone else or by anyone else. This is true in every country.

Additionally, attempting to contact the sender may put your personal identification at risk – avoid it entirely. So remember, if you did not buy a lottery ticket, you cannot win the lottery. There are no exceptions!

Office secretaries, receptionists and nurses are not always up to speed on what insurance carriers doctors may or may not be accepting. I get a ton of complaints about patients who were told by the secretary that their visit would be covered, only to receive a bill later.

Consider getting preapproval (in writing, if possible) from your HMO to see a new doctor. This way, you won’t find yourself saddled with mounting bills that your insurance company refuses to pay.

What if you were accused of selling counterfeit merchandise and not allowed to defend yourself?

Now that temperatures are finally going up, you’re going to be turning on your air conditioner, more and more.

First if you’re buying a new AC, be sure to first measure the area you want cooled down, that will help you choose the right size air conditioner with enough power to do the job.

Also look for air conditioners that bear the “Energy Star” logo, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, they’ll save you more money.

1. When installing your AC, avoid a window that gets direct sunlight, if you can, choose a shady window. This can up your AC’s efficiency by as much as 10%.
2. If its an older model, remember to clean the filter before you out it in your window. A cloggged or dirty filter uses up more energy.
3. Trim all plants and shrubs to keep them from blocking airways. Keep them about two feet away.
4. Avoid using large appliances during the heat of the day, that way your AC won't have to work as hard.
5. If it's cooler outside than inside, use a fan to draw the cool air in, that also uses less power.

For more information, visit:
- www.AmericanStandardAir.com
- SearsHomeImprovements.com
- AirConditioners.InfoDingo.com
- www.AJMadison.com/authorizeddealer

A woman in the Bronx has a tree between her sidewalk and the street. The roots from the tree are pushing the sidewalk up. It's causing a hazard. Should she have to pay to get that fixed? It's not even her tree.

The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) is an independent agency of the US government that protects you against the loss of your money, if a bank or savings association fails. FDIC insurance is backed by the the US government. Since the FDIC's creation in 1933, no depositor has lost their money out of FDIC-insured funds.

The FDIC insures deposits in most, but NOT ALL, banks and savings associations. Deposits in separate branches of an insured bank are not separately insured. Deposits in one insured bank are insured separately from deposits in another insured bank. All insured institutions must display an official FDIC sign at each teller window or teller station.

If you and your family have $250,000 or less in all of your deposit accounts at the same insured bank or savings association, your deposits are fully insured. A depositor can have more than $250,000 at one insured bank or savings association and still be fully insured, provided the accounts meet certain requirements. In addition, federal law provides insurance coverage of up to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts.

The FDIC does not insure the money you invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities.

To make sure your bank or savings association is FDIC-insured call their toll-free number 1-877-ASK-FDIC or go to www.fdic.gov/edie/index.html.

Today's economy has small business owners struggling to stay afloat. But when a national salmonella outbreak swept New York last January, one Brooklyn snack distributor took an even harder hit.

What would you do if Channel 11 gave you $1,000 in cash?

When it comes to a new apartment or condo complex, make sure you receive a letter IN WRITING that the building allows animals prior to signing your lease.

Some real estate agents may tell you just what you want to hear, without actually knowing the details of a building's pet policy. Remember, real estate agents may not know the individual rules of that particular building.

Even if you see dogs or cats in other apartment units, never assume you'll be granted the same pet privileges. Rules of pet ownership are subject to change. Tenants and their pets already living in the building may be protected under a grandfather clause, while you as a new tenant are not.

Obtaining permission in writing beforehand helps you avoid having to make a choice between your apartment and your furry friend.

If you have to re-write a check, remember to first cancel the original one!

I've received plenty of complaints from people who wrote a check to their school, handyman, dry cleaner, real estate agent, whoever, only to find out that they lost it.

If you do re-write a check, remember to CANCEL THE ORIGINAL!

This way, you avoid having someone find the check and cash it weeks later. You don't want to find yourself out double the amount you owe.

How Long Should It Take to Repair A Computer?

You may have to take on your insurance company someday, if you’re initially denied coverage for a procedure, but there are several ways to help your case.

Remember, even if you are denied the first time, you can appeal and most insurance companies give you one or two chances to appeal your case:

• Understand your policy. Review it on a regular basis, make sure you understand exactly what is covered and what is not. If you have questions call your insurance company and have them explain, especially before you schedule any kind of procedure.

• Be organized--have all your paperwork in order, take detailed notes of your interactions during the process.

• Save everything; receipts, reports, etc. Keep a detailed folder with all of your medical paperwork.

• If you still need help, contact your state's Department of Insurance (in some states known as the Department of Managed Care).

Every state has different ways of assisting consumers with health insurance appeals. The Kaiser Family Foundation provides information on every state's health care rules.

What Do You Do When An Airline Loses Your Luggage?

When transferring credits from college to college, make sure that you receive IN WRITING which credits are transferable to your new school.

This can be a huge problem among college students. Spring rolls around, you're ready to graduate, and then you find out you're a few credits short of getting your degree. Getting a verbal confirmation from an advisor is not good enough when you're dealing with class credits that may cost thousands of dollars each.

After going through the trouble of transferring, make sure you have written confirmation outlining the details of your credit transfer. When you're finally handed that diploma, your trouble will be well worth it.

How do you put a price on a treasured piece of memorabilia? And if you decide to sell it, who can you trust to help you?

Mystery Shoppers do exist and it is a way to make some extra cash, but there are probably more scammers out there promising such jobs, just to get their hands on your cash. These are some warning signs:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails. Legitimate mystery shopper companies generally do not advertise in this manner.

• If they charge a fee to access mystery shopping job opportunities. You should not pay any fee to apply or to obtain job information.

• A company should have an established office that you can visit in person. Be wary of companies that only have post office boxes.

Check with the Better Business Bureau and investigate any business offering this sort of employment.

Real Mystery Shopping companies are out there. A good site to check out is the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. Companies affiliated with this site have to go through an approval process and agree to uphold certain ethical standards. You can learn which companies are members at the MSPA website -- www.mysteryshop.org.

Do NOT assume that a company is illegitimate just because they don't belong to the MSPA, but it is a good barometer that it's a company you can trust.

Here's some advice straight off the bat: do not begin any construction or painting project without a written contract that both parties have agreed upon. Verbal agreements between acquaintances usually end badly... and in the case of a painter in Terrytown, one major stomach ache.

What would you do if Channel 11 gave you $1,000 in cash?

Shipping packages can get expensive, but it's a good idea to stick to reputable companies that have a responsible history.

• First make sure the company has a license. Check with the Federal Maritime Commission, the Air Transport Association (IATA) and the US Department of Transportation.

• Shop around and get estimates. Get EVERYTHING in writing so you can evaluate which company fits your needs and budget. Especially, their insurance policy and any other fees.

• Always get a tracking number upfront.

• Make an itemized list of goods with a dollar value for each (a copy for the company and a copy for your records).

• And insurance can protect you if an item breaks or disappears in transit, making replacement less painful.

Believe it or not, I've gotten more than more complaint about a tenant who resumes a former tenants utility bill. The formality of who the bill is addressed to is more important than you might think... especially when the new tenant stops paying the bill.

Bill collectors will go after the name on the envelope, which may not necessarily be the new tenant.

To ensure that you're not haunted by your former address, make sure you close out all your utility accounts with your former address and get written or e-mail confirmations from all utility companies that the accounts are truly closed.

What happens when your wedding hall closes it's doors and disappears?

Summer time is usually when property owners address outdoor repairs, but be careful when it comes to fixing your pavement. Avoid falling for the "left-over materials" line. That's when someone knocks on your door, saying they have some left-over material from a previous job and offer you a great deal on the spot. Extra materials could be the sign of a bad contractor, because reputable contractors carefully calculate all their materials and rarely have leftovers.

A good contractor gives firm bids with a "total" price for the completed job. Look out for someone quoting you prices by a unit. What that means is they quote you a bid by "gallons, tons, square feet, etc." These are probably rip-offs in the works, because they're counting on you not knowing these industry measurements well enough to know the difference. One shady ploy is to charge per gallon for seal-coating or to charge for asphalt work by the ton. How is the average homeowner doesn't know the difference and should never hire someone based on measurements of materials.

Also remember to take a look at their license plates. It doesn't make sense for a contractor with out-of-state license plates or from many miles away to be knocking at your door. Ask to see their driver's license and contractor's license. There's no reason for them not to show you that and their certificates of insurance. Remember the farther away they come from, the less likely you'll ever see them again if something goes wrong.

And if they don't have a contractor's license, you should NEVER do business with them.

Finally, use common sense. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never decide on a job, under pressure or if you didn't contact the company yourself

One woman saved up enough money for a down payment on a co-op apartment. The deal never went through. She could lose all that money. And it's legal.

With airport security tighter than ever these days, airport workers are paying close attention to every detail.

Believe it or not, if your passport reads "Christopher Smith," your airline ticket and photo ID must read exactly the same. "Chris Smith" doesn't cut it.

Though it may seem obvious to many that "Christopher Smith" and "Chris Smith" are the same person, airport security can never be too careful and have the right to refuse that person entry to their flight, if there is any doubt.

Being mindful of these kinds of details will ensure a smoother travel experience.

Bronx couple pays big bucks to real estate broker, who disappears with their money and apartment.

In most states, stores are required to post signs stating they do NOT accept returns or refunds, but consumer laws differ from state to state.

So it's better to be safe, then sorry. Before buying something in a store, check to see what their policy is on returns, exchanges, warranties and repairs. Read all documents carefully, ask questions and if necessary, get all their terms and promises in writing.

Be sure to get a copy of what you signed before leaving the store and keep all your receipts and sales slips.

Being a model can be a terrific career. It's no wonder so many people aspire to it.
But there are a whole lot of scams out there that only encourage you. They don't actually get you anywhere. Don't fall into a scam when you're looking to break into the modeling business.

What would you do if Channel 11 gave you $1,000 in cash?

Registeration is free, easy, and your number will stay on the list until you remove it yourself. You can register two different ways.

Register online at www.ag.nd.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. Telemarketers cannot call you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM, they cannot call your cellphone and they are required to tell you which company they represent and why they are calling you.

To report telemarketers who do not folo these rules, write down the date and time of the call, the name of the telemarketing company and the phone number. Then, file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at 1-800-472-2600 or go online at www.ag.nd.gov.

After this week's Feel Good Friday, Howard caught up with the mushroom man who was desperately trying to get his money back after purchasing a bag a mushrooms that weren't to his liking. But did he ever get his refund?

Apparently, the merchant explained to the customer that store policy only entitles him to a credit. Due to their language barrier, the mushroom man didn't quite understand. That's when Howard stepped in.

Because the store merchant was operating within his legal rights, he was entitled to give this customer a store credit, rather than a refund. Then, Howard checked out the receipt.

"It's eleven dollars! Go give this guy eleven dollars," said Howard. "This is your store. What's wrong with you?"

Thanks to Howard, the merchant refunded the customer his eleven dollars.

"You got your money back, are you happy?" Howard asked. "Invite me over for dinner. Ciao, ciao. Make some chow with those mushrooms!"