Home Management Publications

These publications are available as PDF files. These files have the benefit of printing out to look almost exactly like the original publication. To use files in PDF format, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader., which is free to download from the Adobe web site by clicking on the "Get Acrobat!" icon.

Extension family resource management specialist, New Mexico State University

Susan Wright
(retired) Extension Consumer Education Specialist, New Mexico State University

Fraudulent and deceptive schemes come in many forms. Some are subtle and difficult for the consumer to detect. In less than six months, the New Mexico Attorney General's office helped to resolve over 300 consumer complaints about fraud regarding auto purchases and repairs, home repairs, catalog and telemarketing mail orders, retail sales, false advertisements, billing for goods and services, and credit card use.

Being an alert consumer is the first step in self-defense. Many problems can be avoided by recognizing fraudulent schemes and the tactics that are used to cheat consumers out of their money.

Jackie Martin
(retired) Extension Family Finance Specialist, New Mexico State University

There are few hard and fast rules on what records to dispose of or to keep. Circumstances occur that we cannot anticipate and they may require records. Newlyweds probably cannot imagine they may be involved in a contested divorce action, in which they must prove which property is separate and which is community. We never expect to be involved in a lawsuit or a fight over the inheritance of property.

In trying to decide what to keep and what to discard, think in terms of which items might be needed in the future for proof of value, payment, cost or ownership.