A native of Washington, D.C., Ivan Penn joined the St. Petersburg Times in July 2006, after more than 12 years with the Baltimore Sun. Penn covers consumer issues as part of the Times' Business team and writes a column, called The Consumer's Edge.
Consumer's Edge Consumer's Edge will be on vacation through Jan. 4. Feel free to send your questions. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas!
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: How can I avoid holiday pounds?
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You can avoid picking up extra holiday pounds by with some simple strategies at parties and gatherings. Healthy eating is always important to avoid weight gain and having to enter a weight loss program. Taking care during the holidays is key.
Consumer's Edge Don't miss today's column about how I got an Armani suit for $39.99!
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Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: Buying cellphones for kids... Do YOU THE CONSUMER think this is a good idea?
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New technology can pose a variety of concerns for parents when considering cell phones for their children. But nowadays cell phones and packages for cell phones come with spending and parental controls that help protect your child and your budget.
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: Tipping during the holidays, what should I give?
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Tips for those who provide service during the year is a good way to spread some cheer during the holidays. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how much to give for tips. Emily Post makes some recommendations in its holiday tips guide.
Consumer's Edge My latest column: Candles for are great for the holidays, just don't get burned...
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A recent study suggests that soy-based candles are safer for burning than the traditional paraffin or perhaps beeswax for health reasons. But the biggest issue is to make sure candles are handled properly to avoid a fire. ...
Consumer's Edge My report on independent contractors suing cable company over employment status.
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Bright House is the latest company to be sued for relying on contractors, who aren't offered benefits. Independent contractor or full-time employee?
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: Avoiding viruses, bacteria sicknesses during the holidays.
Daily Q&A: Half of holiday travelers get sick — how can I tip the odds in my favor? - St. Petersburg
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You can find bacteria and a virus or viruses lurking on the ATM buttons, the remote control in hotels, water fountains and airplane bathrooms. So take care while traveling to avoid illness while traveling during the holidays.
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: credit card v. debit cards...
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Consumers should carefully choose whether to use a credit card or a debit card when making purchases. Credit cards and debit cards each have advantages and disadvantages.
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: Dealing with robocalls...
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The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on violators of the Do Not Call Registry, targeting companies using robocall messages to entice consumers into credit card rate reduction schemes.
Consumer's Edge Don't forget: you can send in your consumer questions via e-mail, FB, twitter and the Consumer's Edge will research it for you.
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: Checking out nonprofits before making year-end donations...
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If you want to give to charity for the holidays and to help with your taxes, there are Web sites that will help you research the background of the organization before you give. The research can help as you look at tax deductions.
Consumer's Edge Still following the free gas voucher program: State appointed lawyer says it was fraud from beginning to end.
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A fresh lawsuit accuses Largo-based Tidewater Marketing Global Consultants of fraudulently manufacturing and distributing free gas vouchers across the nation and in Canada. Money generated by sales of the gas vouchers sold by Crystal Clark was used for her own personal purchases.
Consumer's Edge Latest Column: A stop payment on a check can keep going.
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Stop payments on checks don't last forever. After six months, the stop payment on checks expires, and the checks can be cashed. The American Banker's Association suggest consumers might consider another stop payment on large checks.
Consumer's Edge Daily Q&A: what's the oyster warning from San Antonio Bay about?
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control issued a warning Dec. 6 about oysters harvested from San Antonio Bay. Federal authorities suggested those with AIDS, diabetes and ...
