Consumer Wise

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.

How to Save at the Grocery Store
 

Consumers are experiencing hard economic times and looking for ways to save a little extra cash -- some to cover basic necessities, such as food. The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department offers simple tips on racking up savings at the grocery store.

 
Going the Extra Mile on Less $$$
 

As summer rolls around and millions of Americans gear up to hit the road for planned family vacations, gas prices will be a determining factor as to how far people travel. The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department gives you the tools you need to beat the prices at the pump.

 
Saving Energy & Money at Home
 

Are you looking at your home utility bill and wondering why you're paying so much? To jump on the energy-efficiency bandwagon and begin benefiting from the savings, follow these few simple tips compiled by the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department.


 
Preparing for Hurricane Season
 

The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook is expected to be an active one, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Departments has taken steps to let you know how to prepare so that you're not caught off guard.

 
Consumer Services Wins Two National Consumer Awards
 

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department won awards in two categories during the 2008 Achievement in Consumer Education (ACE) Awards held in Dallas this month. The recognitions are given by the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators for developing creative programs of value to the community.


 
 

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