Chances are that with today's skyrocketing fuel costs, you're one of the millions of Americans paying more for less and feeling the impact on your savings. Couple that with high rents and mortgages, and you may be struggling to make ends meet. As your County Consumer Services Department, we dug deep to find ways of saving you more at the pump, on home utility bills and at the store.

This ConsumerWise is dedicated to helping you cut back on expenses while contributing to a cleaner environment. There is also potentially life-saving information on hurricane safety and preparedness now that we're in the middle of the storm season. When you read the newsletter, you will find that your Consumer Services Department has been hard at work making sure businesses are in compliance with consumer protection laws, developing consumer educational materials and obtaining refunds for consumers. You will also learn about our on-going activities that have garnered us national consumer awards.

Thank you for taking the time to read up on these current marketplace issues. Check back with us frequently for more information on how we are continuing to advocate on your behalf. Visit our website www.miamidade.gov/csd or give us a call at 305-375-3677.

Cathy Grimes Peel is the Director of the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department. The Department functions as the consumer information and protection arm for Miami-Dade County residents and visitors.