Trent Hamm of TheSimpleDollar.com breaks down the September issue of Consumer Reports. Some interesting findings include:  

Sixteen fruits and vegetables worth buying organic. These selections are ones that tend to build up pesticide residues the most, so if you’re going to dip into organic fruits and vegetables, start with cranberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, cherries, cantaloupe, green beans, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and lettuce. (p. 9)

Don’t bet the farm on just your FICO score. Consumer Reports tried out eleven different credit score packages and came up with a range of scores that varied as much as 72 points, enough of a variation to swing from very good credit to fair credit. Although most lenders use the FICO score, not all do, so don’t just learn about how to game the FICO score - practice good financial health all around. Pay your bills on time and don’t rack up a bunch of credit card debt. (p. 51)

I'm particularly struck by the FICO store thing. My husband and I watch our credit more than my grandparents watch birds. If the whole credit thing is something you are in the dark about I'd highly recommend you do some research and find out where you stand.

I pay Equifax $15 a month to monitor my credit score and alert me via email about any score changes or credit inquiries that come through.