Ask Betsy! March 2013
Dear Betsy,
I see ads on TV for vitamins that claim they can fix my every woe. Are there any that truly do what they claim?
Old Bones
Dear Old Bones,
As with anything, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is always important to do your homework and check the ingredients and, if possible, read independent studies. The main thing that you should understand is that vitamins are not regulated, so there is no guarantee that what the manufacturers claim to be in them is really in them. An independent study that was conducted on Glucosamine and Chondrotin products, for example found that less than 5% of the products tested actually had what the label claimed was in them. Some of the most expensive ones had none, so price doesn’t always mean that it’s a better product. If you don’t have the time to invest in research, ask the professionals, the people selling the vitamins. Health food stores, Chiropractors and Holistic Practitioners are a good place to find out what they recommend.
Dear Betsy,
I have had terrible luck selecting quality tenants for an apartment that I rent. The neighbors complain and the house is trashed. Any suggestions on getting a good tenant?
Luckless
Dear Luckless,
I have found a way to get good tenants; at least it has worked so far. I go to the neighbors that I know and ask them if they know of anyone who is looking for an apartment and who they would like as a neighbor. This only works if the apartment is desirable and you are willing to negotiate the rent. In the long run, the lower rent pays off with no aggravation and an untrashed apartment.
