Consumerpedia

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. 

Kevin Brassler, Checkbook's executive editor and researcher, dives into the world of Amazon's advertising practices. He reveals that many products shown to shoppers are actually paid promotions, confusing the shopping experience. The discussion raises questions about trusting Amazon's 'Overall Pick' feature amid rampant ads that obscure genuine recommendations. Brassler also explores the implications of this advertising landscape for consumers and highlights personal strategies to navigate the clutter of ads while shopping.