THIS MATERIAL WILL EVENTUALLY BE ON A WEBSITE CALLED  INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

DEBT REDUCTION FIRMS Source. Sun-Sentinel (January 1, 2007, Business p 14).  Columnist. Michelle Singletary/Color of Money. Title of article. Be careful about relying on debt reduction firms. Comment. Many companies are trying to have debtors "sign up for a debt management plan" for which too much will be charged.   Recommendation. If you need debt advice, "find a plan that doesn't cost more than $50 to set up and $25 in monthly fees." Recommended website. "DebtAdvice.org is designed to help consumers understand the wise use of credit and locate a caring, certified counselor if" the consumer needs assistance

FRANCHISE Source. Sun-Sentinel (January 1, 2007, Business p 7).  Columnist. Joyce Lain Kennedy/Careers Now, Title of article. Few pots of gold in franchises. Opinions expressed by: "Robert Purvin, formerly a lawyer who helped companies set up franchise programs, switched sides after realizing that franchise agreements are one-sided favoring the franchise systems, not the franchisees." Comment. "The lure that franchising systems promote is that franchising supposedly dramatically increases the odds of business success and substantially decreases the odds of business failure. The industry positions franchising as a way to buy the golden dream, a way not to fail. But that seductive premise is only true under two conditions: If you buy a franchise that already demonstrated its value, and if the franchise system has adopted a culture that respects the interests of its franchise owner. Unfortunately, there are relatively few franchise systems that meet both conditions." Recommendation. "If you do choose the franchise way [and this is not recommended], choose wisely." Recommended website. American Association of Franchisees and Dealers.

ORGANIC FOOD

Source. Health (October. 2006, p 113)

Recommendation. When purchasing organic foods, "focus on the organic buys that count (the "dirty dozen": "bell peppers, apples, celery, grapes, nectarines, cherries, peaches, raspberries, spinach, potatoes, pears, and strawberries."

Source. Columnist. Title of article. Opinions expressed by. Comment. Recommendation. Recommended website.