Story Published:
Aug 22, 2008
Story Updated:
Mar 1, 2010
The Consumer Tip of the Day with Herb Weisbaum
Herb is a respected consumer advocate, with features heard for decades on Seattle media. You have probably heard his reports on KOMO 1000 Newsradio, or seen them on KOMO-4 News (especially every afternoon at 4pm on FIRST NEWS AT 4). Now his most helpful information appears on STAR 101.5!
CHECK OUT HERB's CONSUMER TIPS FOR THIS WEEK!
IT’S NOW HARDER FOR MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS TO GET A CREDIT CARD
The new credit card law that took effect February 22 makes it harder for credit college students to get a card. The law says students under the age of 21 can only get a card if they can prove they are able to pay the bills.
"Students will either have to show recent pay stubs or they will have to show brokerage statements showing that they have interest-earning investments or show bank statements showing that they have enough savings that can be a cushion to pay for credit card bills,” says AnnaMaria Andriotis, a reporter with Smart Money.
She says under-age students who can't meet the income requirement will need to find a cosigner who is at least age 21. “It can be a parent or a guardian. It does not need to be though. It can even be a friend,” Andriotis notes.
That co-signer is on the hook if the student doesn't pay. "They are 100 percent responsible for paying those credit card bills. If the student cannot make a payment or misses a payment, not only does it affect the student's credit, but it will affect negatively the cosigner's credit,” she explains.
So think carefully before saying yes, if you are ask to be a cosigner on that card.
Listen to Herb's consumer tip HERE.
MEDICAL: PREPARING YOUR KIDS TO GO TO THE DOCTOR
Let’s be honest, nobody really likes to go to the doctor, especially kids. For them it can be an unpleasant or frightening experience. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Philip Fishcer. MD suggests parents give their child a sense that doctor visits are normal and routine, and certainly not a punishment.
“Parents can also put a positive spin on it. Explain how the doctor is helping get them ready for something, like going to school. as opposed to being a necessary evil. Doctor visits are a necessary good that’s valuable,” he says.
One thing you should not do is to try and hide the possible discomfort: “Yes there will be some parts of an exam that don’t feel completely modest and can be embarrassing,” he says. “There will be immunizations for some of the children. Those aren’t comfortable.”
If your child is especially anxious, Dr. Fischer says a simple gimmick - a funny look or a special way to hold their hand – is all it takes to make the tough times easier.
Listen to Herb's consumer tip HERE.
