At the cash register this holiday season, you have more options than ever to pay—cash, credit, or a "buy now, pay later" loan. But be warned: your choice could end up costing you more in the long run. In this episode of the Talking Carts podcast, hosts Tanya Christian (Senior Home and Appliances Writer) and Brian Vines (Marketplace Equity Reporter) are joined by Investigative Reporter Lisa Gill. They help listeners navigate the complex landscape of payment options, including popular pay-in-four installment loans like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm, and provide guidance on when a traditional credit card is the better choice. We also delve into interest rates, buyer protections, and those "apply now" credit offers at the register. Plus, did you get a head start on your holiday haul? We run down the holiday return deadlines for major retailers, from Nordstrom to Costco and beyond.
In this episode of Talking Carts: Entertain With Ease, hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines serve up the ultimate recipe for stress-free holiday hosting! @royaleeats : Social media's king of the kitchen drops in to chop it up on his debut cookbook, shares his definitive soul food side dishes (yes, we're talking about that mac & cheese!), and gives his top tips for timing all the moving parts of your feast just right. James Rogers, PhD, CR's Director of Product & Food Testing, drops essential knowledge on keeping food prep, presentation, and leftover storage safe and sanitary. Hear why our expert says not to wash your turkey and why that old "take-out tupperware" needs to go! Plus, we dish on CR recommended food storage containers and uncover retailers offering turkey-day family meal plans for as low as $4 per person! Get your best on the table without doing the absolute most. LINKS & RESOURCES: Foodborne Illness Prevention https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/keep-food-poisoning-off-the-menu-a1017881198/ Best Food Storage Containers https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/food-storage/best-food-storage-containers-of-the-year-a7678521903/ Royale Eats https://royaleeats.com/ #Thanksgiving #HolidayHosting #FoodSafety #RoyaleEats #ConsumerReports #TalkingCarts #MealDeals #GrocerySavings #Turkey #MacAndCheese
Consumer Reports' "Talking Carts" is your guide to navigating the holiday shopping season and maximizing your budget. This podcast packs the smart tips and practical tricks you need to save money and shop with complete confidence. Hosts Tanya Christian and Brian Vines, joined by CR Deals Editor Samantha B. Gordon, dive into your biggest shopping questions, including how much shoppers plan to spend, are those doorbuster and other holiday sales really good deals, and just when is the best time to snag those new Apple AirPods. Saving you time and money is a year-round pursuit at Consumer Reports. Tap-in to stay updated on everything shop worthy. Amazon's Best Early Black Friday Deals: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/sales-promotions/best-amazon-black-friday-deals-a3838431416/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Walmart's Best Black Friday Deals: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/discounts-rebates/walmart-black-friday-deals-a1567966266/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 33 Holiday Gifts For Every Budget https://www.consumerreports.org/money/gift-giving/holiday-gift-ideas-for-every-budget-a1018953600/ How to Get the Best Deals During Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2025 https://www.consumerreports.org/money/sales-promotions/how-to-get-the-best-amazon-prime-day-deals-a7887972313/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT