Are you cheating your future?  If you're not socking your money away into a retirement nest egg, you probably are.

"When you retire, you're going to need about 7% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living.  In calculating this number, include income from Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and other savings and investments."

That's William Kent Brunette, an author who specializes in money matters for the sandwich generation, people whose own financial needs are further stressed by those of their aging parents and children.  Brunette's advice?

"To develop a retirement savings plan, you need to know what you can expect from Social Security benefits.  This information is available to you free by contacting the Social Security Administration."

Also, your choice of savings vehicles can be just as important as the amount.  For a free copy of a "Money Matters For The Sandwich Generation" booklet, call 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week messages is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.

Protecting Yourself When Making Purchases With Steven Sanders

We've all experienced it -- buying something we later regret.

"Most purchases are returnable, so don't feel as though you have to live with a costly mistake.  If a merchant's return policy is limited, it must be disclosed in writing when the purchase was made."

That's Steven Sanders, a financial advisor who specializes in money matters for young adults.  His advice for returning merchandise?

"You have a right to return items without being hassled.  If you run into a problem, complain to the manager.  If that doesn't work, consumer protection agencies, like the Better Business Bureau, can help."

Returning an item is easier if it is done quickly, includes the original packaging, and is accompanied by a receipt.  For a free copy of a "Money Matters For Young Adults" booklet, call 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week message is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.

Developing Your Own Credit Identity With Ann Diamond

Susan paid her family's bills like clockwork for years.  Her efforts created a great history -- for her husband!

"Both men and women need to develop individual financial identities that are distinct from their spouses.  Establishing credit in your own name protects your financial security in case of divorce, death, or incapacity."

Ann Diamond is an author who specializes in money matters for women.  Her advice?

"If you don't have credit in your own name, get it now.  Start simply by opening a checking account and applying for a charge card from a store.  Also, make sure your name is on any credit obligation to which you are jointly making payments."

Contact your local credit bureaus to get your credit reports and make sure they're accurate.  To request a free copy of a "Money Matters For Women" brochure, call 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week message is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.

Resolving Billing Disputes With Becky Cutler

Ever find a charge on your monthly credit card bill for an item you didn't purchase?  Maybe a payment wasn't credited?

"You should carefully scrutinize your monthly credit card billing statements, comparing your receipts against the transactions listed."

Credit consultant Becky Cutler helps people cope with credit problems.  Her advice for correcting billing errors?

"A telephone call just isn't enough.  Mail the creditor a letter identifying the disputed transactions.  While your claim is being investigated, you don't have to pay the disputed amount or any interest on that charge.  But, you must pay charges not in dispute."

The creditor is required to investigate your claim and either correct your account or send you a letter of explanation.  For a free copy of a "Coping With Credit Crisis" booklet, call 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week message is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.

Learning More About Employee Benefits Packages With Kathleen Stepp

We all need to build a solid financial base to help us enjoy life, respond to emergencies, and realize our dreams.  But, many often overlook a convenient financial resource.

"Keep in mind, many employers provide supplemental benefits such as dependent care reimbursement.  Couples should try to mix-and-match their benefits to increase their coverage and save money."

That's Kathleen Stepp, a financial planner who specializes in money matters for newlyweds.  Her advice?

"Look at retirement savings incentives, such as 401(k) plans.  They're offered by many employers, some of whom will even contribute to your plan.  An added benefit -- income contributed to these plans is often tax-deferred."

The bottom line?  Make sure your employer has advised you of all available benefits.  To request a free copy of a "Money Matters For Newlyweds" booklet, call 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week message is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.

Protecting Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud With Charlie Petersen

Financial fraud costs the credit card industry alone an estimated 2 to 3 billion dollars a year.  Some kinds of card fraud are obvious -- a thief grabs your wallet or purse, makes a quick getaway, and puts charges on your credit cards.  Other types are harder to detect.  Someone finds a discarded credit card sales receipt and uses the account number to quickly run your card up to its limit.  Or, someone telephones with an enticing offer you can't refuse.  The catch?  It's a ploy to get you to provide your credit card number.

"Be careful with your credit cards.  Since they're a substitute for cash, treat them the same as money.  Exercise discretion when using them and promptly put them away.  Periodically check your wallet or purse to make sure all your cards are still there.  And, just as with money, you might consider limiting the credit cards you routinely carry around."

Charlie Petersen knows about credit card fraud.  He's Citibank MasterCard and VISA's Vice President of the anti-fraud division and an expert on credit card fraud.  Petersen's advice for protecting yourself when shopping or dining out?

"Keep an eye on your credit card when you give it to a salesperson.  Make sure it is only used for your transaction and that the card you get back is yours.  Also, don't leave your card or sales slip on the counter while the clerk is packaging your purchase or the waiter is clearing the table.  All someone needs is your credit card number and you could be a victim of fraud."

Petersen urges you to be cautious with credit card receipts once you get them home as well.

"Don't leave credit card receipts lying around or just toss them in the trash.  Tear them up before you discard them.  You also need to be careful when throwing away old credit cards, pre-approved offers, credit card statements, and other confidential financial information."

Here's some good advice.  Never give your credit card number to anyone over the phone unless you initiate the call.  Should you be enticed by a caller's offering, ask that it be put in writing and for an address and phone number where you can contact them.  If a caller refuses to provide this information, hang up!

"Don't be tempted by a telephone caller who says you've won a free trip or prize, and all you have to do is provide your credit card number to claim it.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

This message is being brought to you as a part of National Consumers Week, which has been designated by the U. S. Office Of Consumer Affairs to help all of us understand how to be smarter consumers.  Corporations, non-profit organizations, businesses, government and educational institutions across the country are supporting this year's them "Know Your Consumer Rights."  The goal of activities such as this public service message from Citibank MasterCard and VISA is to educate individuals in today's ever-changing marketplace.

Charlie Petersen has other useful tips.  He cautions that automatic teller machine (of ATM) cards and telephone calling cards must also be handled with care.

"Stand as close to the ATM or telephone as possible.  That prevents anyone from reading or overhearing your card number or seeing you enter your personal identification number or PIN.  Memorize your PIN.  Don't write your PIN number on your card or on anything else in your wallet or pocketbook."

It's a good idea to select a PIN or calling card access code that is different from other numbers you may carry around with you, like phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, and social security numbers.

Petersen says one of the best ways to determine if you've been a victim of credit card fraud is to open your billing statements promptly and carefully scrutinize them.  Compare these statements against your transaction receipts.  If you see suspicious charges, call the credit card issuer immediately.  To protect yourself, follow-up your phone call with a letter.

"Remember, these days a thief doesn't need to pick your pocket to get your money.  But, whether a crook is searching through trash or eavesdropping on a telephone conversation to get your credit card numbers, you're not helpless against such tactics.  You just need to take some simple precautions to protect yourself."

Why should you be concerned about credit card fraud?  There are several reasons.  Use of your card illegally, without your knowledge, can have a short-term impact upon your credit rating.  Your credit limit may also be temporarily used up and unavailable to you.  And, it may also take a considerable amount of time to clear up fraud-related problems.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself, order the free brochure "Facing Credit Card Fraud" by calling 1 (800) 669-2635.  That's 1 (800) 669-2635.  This National Consumers Week message is brought to you as a public service by Citibank MasterCard/VISA and this station.