A Consumers' Checkbook podcast empowering consumers to save money and make smarter choices. Hosted by "The ConsumerMan" Herb Weisbaum. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support
…
continue reading
Whether it’s points, miles, or cash back, it’s nice to be rewarded for shopping. The lure of “getting something extra” can encourage you to apply for new credit cards and spend more to score those rewards. In recent years, many credit card reward programs have become more complex and confusing, and frustrated cardholders are complaining to federal …
…
continue reading
When it comes to buying corrective eyewear, the choices seem endless—from dozens of contacts to thousands of fashionable frames. Even so, shopping for new specs or contacts can be a major hassle, and it's an expensive purchase. In this episode: Which eyewear stores offer the best advice and service, where to find the best prices on glasses and cont…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
66 - Cutting Through the Nutritional Supplements Hype
24:08
24:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:08
Many Americans are sold on supplements. They’re convinced the “natural ingredients” in these non-prescription products have powerful health benefits that can prevent diseases, make us feel better, and slow down the effects of aging. But can you trust what’s in the bottle, and the marketing claims used to sell this stuff? In this episode, we focus o…
…
continue reading
Moving is always a hassle. But if you hire the wrong movers, it can be a nightmare. An alarming number of consumers tell Checkbook they're disgusted with movers who arrived hours or even days late, lost or broke their possessions, reneged on promises, and demanded more money than the quoted amount. In this episode: Tips on choosing a moving company…
…
continue reading
Americans bought a record 1.2 million electric vehicles last year, and EV sales continued to grow in the first quarter of 2024, although at a slightly slower pace than anticipated. Buyers have more choices than ever: More than 40 electric cars, trucks, and SUVs from both U.S. and foreign manufacturers. Battery range has improved, and some lower-pri…
…
continue reading
The car market has nearly recovered from the pandemic. Dealers have good supply of both new and used vehicles, and that’s pushing down prices: The average new car buyer paid $47,000 in March, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s a two-year low, but still nearly 16% higher than in March 2021. With more cars on the lot, some dealers and manufacturer…
…
continue reading
It's going to be a busy summer for travel, especially for those headed abroad. It's late in the booking season, but some deals may still be available. In this episode, we'll look at what you can expect to pay for airfare, hotel rooms, and rental cars. Plus, tips from travel experts Haley Berg of Hopper.com and Christopher Elliott of the "On Travel"…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
61 - Medical Data Breaches Hit Record High
27:58
27:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:58
Data breaches are now an annoyingly normal part of life: You change your stolen passwords, cancel your compromised credit cards. But it can be a significantly more serious problem when hackers get your medical data. Last year, about 1 in 3 Americans had their medical records breached, according to the federal government. In this episode, we’ll look…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
60 - Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad
26:37
26:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:37
Travel outside the U.S. and you’ll need to make sure yourcell phone works wherever you’re headed. With a little advance planning, you can also lower the cost of using your phone on that trip—in some cases, by $100 a line a week or more. In this episode, what the major mobile phone companies charge to use their roaming services when you’re in a fore…
…
continue reading
Feeding the family has never been more expensive. Supermarket prices have been going up for four years now, running well ahead of the overall inflation rate. And while increases are slowing, no one expects the cost of food to drop back to where it was before the pandemic. In this episode, why everything is so pricey, the tricks food manufacturers u…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
58 - Misleading Marketing That Gets You to Buy Now and Pay More
25:20
25:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:20
You can save a ton of money by comparison shopping. Checkbook’s surveys consistently find huge price differences—sometimes more than twice as much—from company to company for the exact same product or service. And businesses can get away with this because they know most customers won’t bother to shop around. Sometimes consumers don’t compare prices…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
57 - What Ever Happened to Customer Service?
30:17
30:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:17
Are you frustrated with the way companies treat you? If so, you’re not alone: Surveys find that many consumers are fed up with long waits on the phone, customer service agents who can’t solve their problems, unintelligible billing statements, poorly designed websites, and inexperienced or indifferent sales staff. In this episode: Why do so many com…
…
continue reading
Most drivers find a policy, pay the premium, and never think about it again. Big mistake! Checkbook shoppers find huge price differences from company to company. Most drivers will save $500 to $1,000 a year by shopping around and switching if they find a better deal. In this episode: Which insurance companies have the best prices? Which ones provid…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
55 - Your Right to Repair Products You Buy
24:56
24:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:56
Manufacturers often make it difficult or impossible to fix their products when they break, or even take them to an independent repair shop of your choosing. Consumer advocates say these repair restrictions limit competition, drive up the cost of repairs, and add to the growing problem of e-waste. In this episode, a look at the broken repair system …
…
continue reading
You don’t necessarily have to join a gym to get more exercise there are scads of other workout options, many of which are free. If you decide that joining a club is the best choice for you, shop around and avoid making any long-term financial commitments. The fitness industry thrives on good intentions, but most consumers who join gyms stop using t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
53 - Smart Toys: The Privacy & Security Risks
17:52
17:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:52
Smart toys are cool. With their onboard cameras, microphones, and sensors… plus the ability to pair with other devices or connect to the internet, they can do some amazing things. They can also collect data on your child—including pictures and what they say—and send that information back to the toy company. So, parents need to think carefully about…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
52 - Shop Safely Online This Holiday Season
27:58
27:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:58
While convenient, online shopping can be risky. E-commerce creates all sorts of new opportunities for cyber criminals to do their dirty work, so you need to be careful. U.S. consumers reported losing $358 million to online scams last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In this episode, we talk to John Breyault, a vice president at the …
…
continue reading
Roofing work is expensive. If you hire the wrong contractor, you can overspend by thousands of dollars and still get terrible work done. It takes time to find a good roofer who will do the job for the best price—you don’t just hire the first company that gives you an estimate. In this episode, we’ll explain how to find a reliable roofing company, h…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
50 - Finding a Credit Card That's Right for You
29:18
29:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:18
The market is flooded with credit card offers, and some of the signup bonuses are mighty appealing. But slow down—applying for a credit card is something that shouldn’t be rushed. You need to cut through the marketing hype and understand all the terms, conditions, and fees. If you’re not careful, you could choose a card that hurts your financial we…
…
continue reading
Whether you enjoy shopping or just grin and bear it, there are things you can do to score the best prices and make the process easier. In this episode, we explain how to ignore the flood of marketing hype and avoid the fake sales designed to mislead you. Also, where to find hidden discounts and cash-back offers, and the potential downsides of using…
…
continue reading
Artificial intelligence has been around for decades, but the world changed in November with the introduction of ChatGPT, the AI app that lets anyone harness the power of this amazing supercomputing technology—including criminals. In this episode, a look at how fraudsters might be able to use AI to their benefit. Will it change the types of scams th…
…
continue reading
Today’s windows are technological marvels. They provide better insulation, reduce drafts, are easier to clean, and help lower home energy bills. But all these benefits come with very high price tags. Window companies generate numerous complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and substandard installation. Checkbook cautions that some companies g…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
46 - Health Apps & Websites Often Share Your Data
28:01
28:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:01
Wearable devices, health apps, and online medical resources can help us stay fit and healthy. They also collect highly personal information that you might assume is confidential. In most cases, this data can be—and often is—shared and sold without your knowledge or permission. In this episode, how to tell if your health information is protected by …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
45 - Even 'Good' Companies Often Treat Their Customers Poorly
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15
“Buyer beware!” It’s more important than ever for you to heed this warning when buying goods and services. Consumers’ Checkbook regularly reports on scams and shameful selling practices that continue to become more rampant. Unfortunately, even “reputable” businesses treat consumers unfairly, often by using new technologies. In this episode, we disc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
44 - Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance?
23:45
23:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:45
Sooner or later all appliances will need to be repaired or replaced. But when the fridge is on the fritz or the oven is burnt out, how do you decide what to do? New home appliances are expensive, but it’s not always easy to know how much repair work will cost. In this episode, how to decide whether to fix what you have or buy something new. When it…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
43 - The CFPB: Protecting Consumers in the Financial Marketplace
25:22
25:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:22
The Consumer Financial Bureau (CFPB) is one of the newest federal regulatory agencies. Its prime directive is to ensure that financial products offered to you are fair, transparent, and competitive. The CFPB’s jurisdiction includes mortgages, auto loans, student loans, credit cards, credit reporting, and debt collection. In this episode, a look at …
…
continue reading
In the last year or so, we’re finally beginning to see a robust market for electric vehicles. More manufacturers are now in the game, which provides buyers with more choices. So, should you go electric now, or wait, or maybe split the difference and go hybrid? In this episode, find out about the latest EV options, how federal tax credits might help…
…
continue reading
There’s a lot to consider when booking a hotel room: location, amenities, and quality. But for most of us, the deciding factor is price. In many cases, your room will cost significantly more than your flights. So, how do you find the best deal? Consumers’ Checkbook did nearly 2,000 searches looking for the best hotel rates. In this episode, find ou…
…
continue reading
Most homeowners pay too much to insure their houses. They waste money on worthless optional coverage—or worse—stick with the same insurers year after year without checking if lower premiums are available from other companies. The potential savings from making a switch are dramatic, and you don’t have to sign up with a poorly rated company or get a …
…
continue reading
Companies always say their top priority is customer service, but all too often they fall short of that goal. What bugs you as a consumer? Is it the fine print in advertisements? Fake discounts? Maybe problems making returns or repair people who can't make the fix? Something a little different in this episode. We’ll hear from a few members of the Ch…
…
continue reading
Demand for plane tickets, hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and other travel services is up—way up. If your summer getaway involves flights, brace yourself for problems; like last year, planes will be packed, and the system will be stretched to its limits. In this episode, advice from someone who loves to travel—and makes his living doing it. Christop…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
37 - Why You Shouldn't Buy a Home Warranty
22:07
22:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:07
Home warranty companies promise to save you thousands of dollars if you need an expensive repair. But Checkbook found these plans are terrible deals for most homeowners. Warranty companies are the subject of thousands of complaints to consumer agencies. After paying $400 to $1,000 for the coverage, consumers find that home warranty contracts often …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
36 - Dark Patterns: Sales Tactics Designed to Deceive
25:16
25:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:16
Some companies try to boost business by doing things that are meant to mislead and manipulate customers. These include pre-checked boxes that obligate you to more than you bargained for, hard-to-find disclosures, and confusing cancellation policies. These practices are called “dark patterns,” and as more commerce moves online, they’re growing in sc…
…
continue reading
For most aging adults, there really is no place like home. Surveys done by AAPR consistently find that nearly 80% of those 50 and older prefer to age in place rather than move in with relatives or into senior communities. The aging-in-place movement can help you stay safe and comfortable in your home as you grow older. But it’s something you’ll nee…
…
continue reading
It takes some extra effort to be a good consumer; to make sure you’re getting a good price on quality merchandise, to find top-notch service providers, and to protect yourself from liars and cheats who want to rip you off or steal your identity. But the time it takes to do it right is nothing compared to the hassles of dealing with problems that ca…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
33 - Auto Insurance Based on How You Drive in Real Time. Good Choice or Not?
25:31
25:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:31
Auto insurance companies base their premiums on a host of factors, such as the vehicle, driving record, and, in most states, your age, gender, marital status, and credit history. Some also offer discounts if you agree to install telematic technology on your car, which monitors when and where you drive—and how safe or reckless you drive to get there…
…
continue reading
If you find going to the grocery store a hassle, having your avocados, Doritos, and whatnot delivered is a convenient and time-saving option. And these services are a great help to those who can’t get to local markets due to physical impairments or a lack of transportation. But you’re going to pay to have someone gather your groceries and bring the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
31 - Watch Out for These Common Fraud Tricks & Traps
24:47
24:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:47
Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. Anyone, even a savvy consumer, can get swindled by professional con artists. The best way to fight back is to understand the tricks fraudsters use to manipulate you. In this episode, Sam Levine, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, explains how dishonest bus…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
30 - HVAC: Finding Good Contractors & Choosing New Equipment
25:29
25:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:29
Keeping your house comfortable requires the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to be properly installed and maintained. And when they need repairs or new equipment, you want a company you can trust to do quality work at a fair price. In this episode, we’ll go over the things you should know about your HVAC before having work …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
29 - Home Security: Installers, Equipment, & DIY
22:14
22:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:14
It seems like every big company—from Google and Amazon to telephone and cable TV operators—now sells home security services and equipment. Rather than spend thousands of dollars to have a security company install a system, you can do it yourself for a couple of hundred dollars and monitor things on your smartphone. But does any of this tech do any …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
28 - Being a Better Consumer of Social Media
27:06
27:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:06
Social media was designed to bring us together, but it often fosters scams, spreads misinformation, and amplifies hate. The problem isn’t going to go away, so we need to become better consumers of what shows up on our feeds. In this episode, Emmy-award winning sportscaster and journalist Bob Costas talks about social media responsibility. Bob tackl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
27 - Checkbook's Top Holiday Shopping Tips
26:58
26:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:58
The holiday shopping season is in full swing—and you need a plan. The super shoppers at Checkbook.org are here to help. With inflation driving up prices, it’s more important than ever to be a savvy holiday shopper. The National Retail Federation expects the average shopper to spend about $833 on gifts and other holiday items this year, up a few dol…
…
continue reading
Consumers' Checkbook’s researchers spent 33 weeks tracking sale prices at 25 major retailers and found that most stores’ discount claims aren’t really discounts at all. And the shady sales practice is worse than ever before. Checkbook discovered that most stores’ sale prices—even those that advertise big savings—are bogus discounts, with retailers …
…
continue reading
To deal with record inflation, many Americans are making ends meet by piling up record amounts of credit card debt. A trained credit counselor can help you pay down that debt, even if it seems insurmountable, and learn how to have a successful financial future. In this episode, you’ll hear a real-life success story. Cara, who lives near Boston, was…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
24 - Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47
The best body shops not only do great work but employ staff who can explain and justify exactly what needs to be done. An articulate representative at the body shop will be the key to getting all the work you need performed and paid for by your insurance company. In this episode, we’ll walk you through the collision repair process from the estimate…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
23 - Frequently Frustrated Flyers: How to Fix a Broken Airline Industry
27:06
27:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:06
U.S. airlines are failing their customers by prioritizing profits over realistic schedules, resulting in too many cancellations and long delays, according to consumer advocates. They say more could and should be done to protect passengers. In this episode, we explain what domestic airlines are required to do when your flight is delayed or canceled …
…
continue reading
Physicians are at the center of your healthcare experiences. They set up diagnostic procedures, devise treatment plans, guide you through care decisions, prescribe medications, authorize hospital admissions, refer to other physicians and other providers…and much more. In this episode, we talk about how to find good doctors and the best medical faci…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
21 - Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and Replacements
17:11
17:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:11
You're driving along when a pebble kicked up by the vehicle in front of you hits your windshield... and cracks it. Chances are that little rock just cost you $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on your ride. These days, a windshield is more than a big piece of glass; there's a lot of technology embedded in it or located behind it. These sensors feed …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
20 - Whatever Happened to Truth in Advertising?
25:15
25:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:15
False or deceptive advertising costs American consumer billions of dollars a year. Companies big and small now use blatant lies, clever wording, and fine print to confuse or mislead us. Truth in Advertising (TINA.org), a consumer advocacy group based in Connecticut, points the finger at bad actors and calls them out for their deception. It also wor…
…
continue reading
Most American don't even have simple wills, and even fewer have living wills or designated healthcare surrogates. While doing this work might seem sobering, once you've made an estate plan, you'll find it calming and reassuring to you and your family. The goal is to communicate your end-of-life healthcare wishes, document what you have and who gets…
…
continue reading