Champ Money

While there is no doubt about the important role of doctors in our lives, but advancements in over the counter medicines – combined with many great online information resources – make it much easier to treat simple ailments.

For example, body acne treatment used to require a trip to the doctor or dermatologist, followed by a trip the pharmacy. Today, however, medicines of similar strength can be purchased without the involvement of a doctor, and much more affordable prices than in years past.

Autumn is now in full gear throughout North America and many are busy watching the colorful leaves fall to the ground. That means winter can’t be far behind.

This is a great time to get an early start on cold weather preparations. Seek out the best deals for that new electric blanket, the firewood, snow shovels and other winter needs. Don’t wait until the bitter cold sets in, or you’ll be stuck in the shopping frenzy with everyone else.

There has been no shortage of turmoil in the American banking industry this year, with several mergers of some of the largest institutions, as well as more than a few complete failures of others. During these tumultuous times, banking customers should remember one key rule: Don’t panic.

There have been some cases where a troubled bank, which may have otherwise been able to survive, actually was forced to close because customers sensing trouble closed their accounts and withdrew all of their funds in large numbers.

Avoiding panic, when it comes to money, is not always easy. But consumers should keep in mind that their deposits are insured and they will not lose money (up to the limits of the FDIC).

If you bank does fail, or is sold, it could mean some amount of inconvenience until the dust settles. For this reason it’s a great idea to have accounts at more than one financial institution. Many consumers already do this. Free checking and savings accounts are easy to come by, and work perfectly as a backup.