Consumerpedia

Just like humans, pets get hurt or sick and need routine healthcare. While most vets get high marks for competency and caring, Checkbook's undercover shoppers found huge differences in prices for the same procedures. In this episode we share tips to help you choose—and deal with—a veterinarian who will provide the care, service, and reasonable charges you want. We also discuss the pros and cons of...

Identity theft is a serious and growing crime—and we’re all at risk. The losses are staggering: By one estimate, identity theft victims in the U.S. lost $56 billion in 2020. Last year, the FTC received more reports about identity theft than any other type of complaint. Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center , explains how criminals get your personal inform...

Solar-energy technology continues to advance in ways that can greatly benefit homeowners. Solar panels sold today cost less than those available just five or six years ago, plus they produce more electricity. These efficiency gains mean most families can install fairly small projects to cover all their electricity needs. However, solar projects still come with hefty upfront price tags. In this epi...

Good credit is important. Bad credit can make it difficult—or more expensive—to get a loan or credit card, rent an apartment, or get cell phone service. Surveys show few people truly understand how the system works: What makes their credit scores go up, and what causes them to plunge. In this episode we’ll demystify the process, and separate credit facts from credit myths. Special Guest:...

Our homes rely more than ever on energy for heating, cooling, lighting, hot water, and to power all our gadgets. Most of our abodes still unnecessarily waste lots of energy, contributing to pollution and climate change while sucking away our money. In this episode, we look at some simple repairs and improvements that will yield big energy savings for most families, plus projects with bigger upfron...

We all spend money on stuff we don't need, from top-of-the-line appliances with features we'll never use to designer clothing we'll rarely wear. But there's a big difference between splurging on luxuries and throwing away money on products and services that are worthless or unnecessary—or that you could get for free. Here are some of them and why they're a waste of money. Read our complete list of...

No one looks forward to going to the dentist, but oral hygiene is an important part of your overall healthcare. Most dentists do a good job, but some are better than others at making their clients feel comfortable. Price may also be a consideration. Checkbook’s undercover shoppers found astounding price differences from practice to practice for the same procedure. Based on our subscriber surveys,...

Online fraud is a serious problem, and it keeps getting worse. Cyberthieves are getting better at stealing money and sensitive personal information, which is why it’s so important to understand the risk and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Special Guest: Brett Johnson, a cyber security consultant and former identity thief. Few people know more about cybercrime than Johnson, who was onc...

The pandemic has turned the car market upside-down: inventory is low, and prices for new cars keep going up. That means it's more important than ever to have a plan. Should you wait? Should you buy used? Is leasing something you should even consider? Get answers to those questions, plus learn about a sure-fire way to get the best price on any new vehicle. Special Guest: Jack Gillis, author of The...

Companies use an arsenal of marketing tricks to convince customers they’re scoring bargains, often duping them into spending more or paying right away without checking the competition. While many of these tactics have been used for centuries, we’ve found that the methods are increasingly sophisticated, and the dishonest claims are bolder.  Special Guest: Edgar Dworsky, founder and editor of C...

FAFSA is the gateway to your share of the nearly $150 billion in federal aid available from the U.S. Department of Education through loans, grants, need-based scholarships, and work-study. By filing the FAFSA, you are also applying for financial aid available from state governments, and most colleges and universities. The filing period for the 2022-2023 academic year is underway, and the sooner yo...

Hiring a contractor who can successfully build what you’re planning, at a favorable price, is the most important step in any remodeling project. You need to get bids and proposals from at least three companies, then take the time to check out any possible candidates. We’ll walk you through the process, explain what should be in the contract, and help you avoid fly-by-night contractors. Read Checkb...

Introducing Consumerpedia, a podcast by Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers find high-quality services, save money, and avoid rip-offs. Hosted by “The ConsumerMan” Herb Weisbaum, an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and one of America's top consumer experts, and Kevin Brasler, Checkbook’s executive editor. This episode discusses how Checkbook’s evaluations an...