Ellen Phillips

Ellen Phillips

Contact Ellen via e-mail

Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business.

Latest stories by Ellen Phillips

Consumer Watch: Do a background check on people cleaning house

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009

Even though money is tight, my health is poor and I need to hire a monthly cleaning service. I’ve always done my own housework so I’m not sure what to do when deciding on a particular company. — Hilda Housework

Consumer Watch: Looking for new friends? Consider community groups

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008

I’ve just moved to town and, aside from church and work, don’t have a lot of time to make new friends. Since I can’t get a fast response from Dear Abby, do you have any ideas? — Sarah Social

Consumer Watch: Deceivers want you to be their star

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008

Q: I was contacted recently by an astronomy organization to buy a previously undiscovered star. I paid $75 to purchase a star in memory of my deceased parents, but several colleagues now tell me I was scammed. I know dishonest people try to cheat the public, but even at Christmas? — Susanna Swindled

Consumer Watch

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008

With an awful lot of us spending “extra” money on gifts for loved ones this holiday season in an already-distressed economy, it’s key to save even a few cents whenever possible.

Consumer Watch: Hints about gift receipts, coupons to save face, cash

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008

I’m postponing what would have been this week’s column in favor of some great holiday shopping advice, compliments of the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency.

Consumer Watch: Self-analysis gives you better control

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008

Mary Hunt, a plain-talking financial adviser, author and an old colleague of mine, offers some of the best guidance around, particularly in these troubled economic times.

Consumer Watch

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

I live in Oregon but my sister in Chattanooga sends me some of your columns that have been very helpful in various situations.

Consumer Watch

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008

Today’s column centers upon Part 2 of Henrietta Hysterical’s question concerning insurance company appeals.

Consumer Watch

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008

Recently I went through surgery. I couldn’t believe it when the hospital billed me for way too large a sum

Consumer Watch: Law places limits on debt collectors

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008

Q: While I’ve recently had a problem paying the minimum due on a couple of accounts, up until this point my payment history has been excellent.