The hectic holiday shopping season is underway, and for many, that will put a strain on the family budget. Checkbook wants to make this stressful time a little easier.Our annual holiday helper is packed with timely advice: Super shoppers share tips about how they find the best prices and avoid fake sales. Plus, how are you going to pay for all the items on your gift-giving list? We have some money-saving ideas.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Despite lingering concerns about volatility, scams, andlax regulatory oversight, cryptocurrency has evolved from a digital curiosity into a mainstream financial asset. About 28% of U.S. adults now hold some form of digital currency. Major financial firms and banks are increasingly offering crypto to their clients, and a growing number of merchants now accept crypto payments.Consumer advocates worry about the “gold rush” mentality that’s taking place as millions try to cash in on the boom, seemingly unconcerned about the potential bust.In this episode: We talk to Amanda Fisher, policy director and COO of Better Markets and former Chief of Staff at the SEC, and Corey Frayer, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America and former senior advisor at the SEC. We'll cover what crypto is, how it works, and why people are buying a currency that’s virtually unregulated. Plus, we’ll explain “meme coins” and “stable coins.” And, is crypto as secure as we’re led to believe? (Spoiler alert: It’s not!)Additional Resources: NerdWallet: Cryptocurrency Basics: Pros, Cons, and How It WorksBankrate: About 78% of Americans say they’re uncomfortable investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Here’s whyRelated Consumerpedia Episode:Episode 81: Algorithms Secretly Control Your Financial FateNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Checkbook's editors and researchers love to save you time and money, and they use a broad range of consumer-oriented websites and apps to do so.In this episode, we'll highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools.More from Checkbook: Our Editors' Favorite Websites and AppsNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket, far exceeding the rate of inflation, especially in high-risk areas. This crisis is fueled by a combination of climate-related disasters, increasing costs for materials and labor, as well as insurance company withdrawals from certain markets. Consumer advocates, including our guests, also blame a lack of strong regulation and corporate greed. In this episode: A look at the insurance market – where we are and why, possible solutions, and what you can do to avoid making bad decisions when trying to lower your premiums. You’ll also meet a homeowner in California, a victim of the Eaton wildfires, who cannot get her insurance company to fully pay for the necessary repairs.Read Checkbook’s full report on homeowners, renters, and condo insurance, including what is and isn’t covered, how rates are determined, what to do after damage to your home, and which companies offer the best service and prices.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Shopping at thrift stores can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun, since you never know what you’ll find. Plus, many thrift stores support local charities, meaning you’re helping others while picking up a vintage dress or a like-new dresser. In this episode, you’ll find tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on where to find great deals and hidden treasures. All this, plus some wonderful stories from these veteran thrift-store shoppers.Virginia Chamlee has spent more than a decade collecting and selling vintage wares. She’s the author of the best-selling book Big Thrift Energy and the popular newsletter What’sLeft. More from Checkbook: Thrift Store AdviceNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Saving you time. Saving you money. Helping youscore great deals—and steer clear of rip-offs and scams. That’s what we’re all about at the Consumerpedia podcast. In this episode, Checkbook staffers share their favorite life hacks—simple tricks and workarounds they’ve used and swear by—that will help you shop smarter, spend wiser, and stay one step ahead. Related Consumerpedia Episodes:#84: Free Perks You Didn't Know You Had#49: Shop Like a Pro: Checkbook's Top Shopping Tips#26: Sale Prices Are Rarely Real DealsNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing continues to grow in popularity. These short-term loans, which are typically 6 weeks and usually interest-free, appeal to consumers who want flexible payments and no credit card debt.Consumer advocates warn that BNPL services make it too easy for people to purchase items they can’t afford, which can result in late fees and costly bank charges. Personal finance experts worry about the growing number of people who use BNPL to buy everyday items, such as groceries, gasoline, and food delivery services.In this episode, we discuss how BNPL works, the possible pitfalls, and the smart way to use these short-term loans.Related Consumerpedia Episodes:Episode 80: Debt Busters: Real-Life Success StoriesEpisode 50: Finding a Credit Card That's Right for YouAdditional Resources:Consumers' Checkbook: The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay LaterBankrate: About half of buy now, pay later users have experienced issues like overspending and missing paymentsNational Consumer Law Center: Risks and Advice for Buy Now, Pay Later BorrowersConsumer Financial Protection Bureau: CFPB Research Reveals Heavy Buy Now, Pay Later Use Among Borrowers with High Credit Balances and Multiple Pay-in-Four LoansNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
A bad hotel room can ruin your vacation or business trip, so you need to be careful when making your reservations. Hotel websites and online booking sites have great photos andglowing descriptions, but what you see isn't always what you get.In this episode, tips for booking a room so you don't end up having a nightmarish experience. Plus, what to do if you wind up staying at the Bates Motel.More from Checkbook:Hotels: Tips for Finding a Sweeter StayRelated Consumerpedia Episodes:#41: Hotel Intel: Finding the Best Rates#86: Travel Tips from a Travel ExpertNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Criminals in the U.S. and around the globe are weaponizing artificial intelligence to create scams that are more convincing and more harmful than ever. As AI technology advances, it’s becoming difficult or nearly impossible for the average consumer to tell what’s real from what’s fake.AI is being used to create bogus celebrity endorsements, fake images, and even write books by non-existent authors. The technology is so easy to use that scammers can pose as someone else and have video conversations with their targets. In this episode, we’ll explain how fraudsters are using AI to supercharge their deceptions and share tips on how you can protect yourself. Additional Resources:Scamplified: How Unregulated AI Continues to Help Facilitate the Rise in ScamsDon’t Get Scammed! Tips For Spotting AI-Generated Fake Products Online More from Checkbook:Identity Theft and Fraud: How to Protect Yourself Fraud Alert: Criminals Pitch Bogus Cryptocurrency InvestmentsSocial Media Scams Are Skyrocketing. Here’s How to Protect YourselfNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Shady contractors are going door-to-door pitching “free” solar energy systems that will eliminate costly electric bills. Most of these fraudsters do shoddy work; some take the money and run. By using high-pressure sales tactics, they get homeowners to sign high-interest contracts that leave them with massive debt. In this episode: The tricks door-to-door con artists use to sell high-priced solar systems, the facts about solar incentives and tax credits, plus tips on how to find a good solar contractor.Read Checkbook's full report on solar scams.Related Consumerpedia Episodes:#1: How to Hire a Good Contractor#8: Saving Energy at Home#10: Here Comes the Sun? Now May Be the Best Time to Go SolarMore from Checkbook:Thinking About Going Solar?Small Steps, Big Impact: Save Energy by Making These Free or Inexpensive ChangesWorth the Money: Energy Saving Upgrades that Quickly Pay for ThemselvesResources, Rebates, and Tax Credits to Help You Go Green at HomeAdditional Resources: Center for Responsible Lending: The Shady Side of Solar FinancingNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Travel is always a hassle, but this year, it comes with some added twists. There's growing uncertainty about the economy, and concerns about being an American tourist in a foreign country. Will you be welcome?In this episode: What to expect when booking flights, hotel rooms, or vacation rentals; how to spot travel scams that can ruin your vacation and cost you a bundle; and tips on how to be a respectful and responsible tourist when visiting other countries.Other Consumerpedia travel episodes:#60: Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad#41: Finding the Best Hotel Rates#17: How to Find the Best Deals on AirfareAdditional Resources:60 Strategies for Finding the Best Travel Deals and Avoiding TroubleDo You Need Travel Insurance? (Spoiler: For Most Trips, Probably Not)Hotel Intel: How to Find the Best Rates for RoomsCell Phone Services: How to Avoid a Big Bill When Traveling AbroadTips for Traveling with a PetVisit The Elliott Report to read Christopher Elliott's travel reports and advice. His nonprofit Elliott Advocacy empowers consumers to solve their own problems and helps those who can't.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Americans are drowning in stuff: clothing, electronics, toys and games, collectibles, and appliances.Some of us have so much that they need to rent storage units to hold it. Why do so many have the need to buy, buy, buy?In this episode, author Emily Mester shares personal stories from her new book American Bulk: Essays on Excess about her father’s obsession with shopping and her own tendency to overbuy. Plus, she reveals the tricks she used as a salesperson to encourage customers to make purchases.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Whether it's a complimentary dessert, an unexpected upgrade to a better hotel room, or you find a $20 bill in your coat pocket, we all like freebies.The staff at Checkbook sifted through member benefits for credit cards, warehouse clubs, health plans, and AAA. We discovered dozens of perks that are often overlooked. If you don't know about them, you may be missing out on significant savings.Read Checkbook's full report on free perks.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used vehicle, beprepared for sticker shock. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new car sold for $48,600 in February. The average used car buyer paid $25,100. With so much money on the line, you really need to do your homework before driving off with a new set of wheels. In this episode: The 10 top picks and the latest reliabilityratings from Consumer Reports, advice for anyone considering an electric vehicle, and why used cars are going to cost more this year.Guests: Mike Quincy, Consumer Reports AutosIvan Drury, Director of Insights at EdmundsNot a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
When you have a pest problem, your first move may be to grab the phone and call an exterminator. That makes sense if you have termites or bedbugs, but if it’s some ants or cockroaches in the kitchen or maybe a few mice in the garage, you may be able to do it yourself.In this episode: DIY solutions for some of the most common household pest problems and what to look for if you hire a pest control company. Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
An increasing number of important decisions about yourlife are now made by computer algorithms and artificial intelligence. They do more than suggest movies or music you might like—they're making lending decisions for banks and screening job applicants for employers.Consumer advocates acknowledge the benefits of AI, but they're also concerned about the potential harm. They want lawmakers and regulators to put guardrails in place to protect consumers.In this episode, the many ways companies are now using algorithms and AI, how these powerful computer programs make the marketplace less transparent—and, in some cases, less fair—and how the massive amount of data being collected and used to make decisions about lending, employment, housing, and insurance coverage can infringe on privacy rights.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Americans are piling on credit card debt at an alarming pace, and the unprecedented interest rates on these unpaid balances can be as much as 30% to 35%. No wonder it seems impossible to get out from under it.But with hard work and proper guidance, you can do it. In this episode: Meet two people who were drowning in credit card debt and got their finances back in order. Also, a certified nonprofit credit counselor explains how debt consolidation works and the dangers of using a for-profit debt settlement company.Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Whether it’s a few long-stem roses or a beautiful bouquet, it’s hard to go wrong with flowers. Sometimes you can find what you want at the supermarket. For special occasions, you might want to visit a florist. In this episode: Where to find the lowest prices on flowers, how to choose a good florist, and the best way to send flowers out of town. Plus, tips on how to keep those flowers looking fresher for longer. Read Checkbook's full report on how to find a florist. Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Clothing rental has always been a way to dress for less when attending weddings, proms, or other formal events. But the rental market has zoomed beyond tuxes and gowns and turned into an easy way to keep your wardrobe fresh without spending much money. In this episode, we'll share tips on navigating the clothing rental world, including when and how to use fashion-for-hire sites. Plus, what's the environmental impact of renting rather than buying? Read Checkbook's full report on how to take advantage of clothing rental sites. Additional Consumerpedia Episodes: #3: Tricks Sellers Use to Make You Buy Now and Pay Too Much #7: 65 Things You (Probably) Shouldn’t Pay For #26: Sale Prices Are Rarely Real Deals #49: Shop Like a Pro: Checkbook's Top Shopping Tips #57: What Ever Happened to Customer Service? Additional Resources: Alden Wicker’s website and her book: To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick—and How We Fight Back. Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.
Amazon is convenient, but America's second-largest retailer —and most dominant online merchant—too often steers customers toward items it gets paid extra to promote. Our researchers looked for 50 products on Amazon; half of what the retailer showed them were paid promos. In this episode: What's the deal with all these ads? Can you trust Amazon to show you the best products and prices? And is there a way to get rid of these paid promos when shopping? Read Checkbook's full report about ads on Amazon. Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.