Most of us have things in the house that can be used for something other than their intended purpose.
Consumer News
Help finding a reliable tree service (Video)
Broken boughs and tree trunks through your roof present a tough challenge, even for the pros. If it happens to you, do not just call the first company you can think of or find online.
Second-hand smoke linked to Alzheimer's disease
Here's another reason to avoid second-hand smoke. Some new research indicates it could increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease or other types of severe dementia.
Experts: Get 3 bids before hiring a contractor
You've heard the advice: Before you hire a contractor get at least three bids.
Address change causes delivery aggravation (Video)
A change of address is one thing when you move to a new location, but people in a neighborhood near Renton say their addresses were changed without their knowledge and, more importantly, without them moving.
Bluetooth car kits put to the test (Video)
Now there are lots of Bluetooth devices made for older cars. Consumer Reports just checked out four inexpensive ones that cost $60 or less.
Redirect your dog to the right things to chew
Your dog's constant need to chew might bother you, but it's normal behavior for them. This is how they explore their world and relieve boredom.
Nations agree to new chemical ban, export controls
Officials in charge of three key international treaties said delegates agreed by consensus to a gradual phase out of the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane, or HBCD, which is used in building insulation, furniture, vehicles and electronics.
Credit card checks may be convenient - but they cost
You open your credit card statement and find checks inside. They're called convenience checks or credit card checks and they can be used to buy things or get a cash advance. But remember to read the fine print.
'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps (Video)
From cookware to clothing, supplements to skin care, direct sales can be a great way to boost your income. Just be careful about your clients because some of them may actually be scammers.
Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges
When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.
Can new product really keep produce fresh longer? (Video)
Tossing out fresh fruit and vegetables that have gone bad feels like throwing money down the drain. A new product called FreshPaper claims to keep produce fresh for two to four times longer.
New rule makes it easier for stay-at-home partners to qualify for credit cards (Video)
The last few years have been difficult for stay-at-home spouses to get a credit card, as spouses are penalized for not having their own income. Three years ago the Federal Reserve Board required credit card companies to consider a person's independent ability to pay, based on his or her individual income or assets, when evaluating their application.
Find the perfect painter's tape (Video)
Painting a room with bold stripes can make for a splashy makeover. But even if you're just painting a room with lots of windows or trim, Consumer Reports says the right painter's tape can deliver results like the pros. A good tape keeps the paint from bleeding underneath it, it's easy to remove, and it doesn't take off paint with it.
Auto insurance 'robocalls' target local drivers (Video)
A new round of robocalls is targeting local car owners. The recordings give no company name, but claim they can save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance. Failure to identify the company is only one of the red flags.