106 – Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare A recent Checkbook investigation found widespread problems with vacation rentals, including fake listings and stolen deposits. Even worse, many victims get little or no help from Booking.com or Vrbo to recover their lost money. In this episode: We share results of our investigation and provide tips on how to protect yourself when booking a vacation rental. One key: Your best move to avoid losing money to scams or bad actors is to book with a credit card.

"106 – Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare"

@checkbook.org found widespread problems with vacation rentals—fake listings, stolen deposits, & little help from bookingcom or Vrbo. Get a look inside our investigation & learn how to protect yourself. Listen now!

50 Years of Protecting Consumers Celebrating Consumers' Checkbook's 50th anniversary.

We didn't join the consumer information space—we invented it. 50 years of unbiased ratings and price research, no ads, and always being in your corner. Here's our story. 🎉 spot.checkbook.org/50th-anniver... #Checkbook50

105 – 10 Tips to Fight Fraud Fraud is on the rise. Scammers stole more than $12 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The number of Americans who are victimized is also skyrocketing. Investment scams, romance scams, crypto scams, and imposter scams are driving much of the increase.

"105 – 10 Tips to Fight Fraud"
Scammers stole $12B in 2024 and AI is making cons more dangerous than ever. Two fraud experts share 10 ways to protect yourself. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

104 - Tips for Buying a New or Used Car - Consumerpedia Podcast If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, expect to find a market dominated by SUVs. And be prepared for sticker shock: The average price for a new vehicle is at an all-time high, around $50,000! Unfortunately, used cars aren’t the bargain they used to be.

"104 – Tips for Buying a New or Used Car"

Car shopping today means sky-high prices and an SUV-dominated market. We talk with Consumer Reports editors about their Top Picks for 2026, how to choose a vehicle you love, and tips for buying used. Listen now 🎙️

103 - Shady Home Improvement Financing - Consumerpedia Podcast A new furnace or air conditioner costs thousands of dollars. Many homeowners don’t have that much cash on hand, which can create a financial crisis. A loan

"103 - Shady home improvement financing"

Contractors use high-pressure tactics to steer homeowners into bad financing deals—sometimes leasing equipment without customers realizing it. Listen now to learn how to protect yourself!
#ConsumerAlert
consumerpedia.org/103-shady-ho...

The latest episode of @checkbook.org's Consumerpedia podcast is out! Watch a sneak peek on Instagram: bit.ly/4tYjFme

102 - Laundry Day Tips - Consumerpedia Podcast Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the best way to do our laundry. We sort the dirty clothes, toss them in the washer, and move on to something

"102 – Laundry Day Tips"

Most of us don't think twice about laundry—but there are steps to get your clothes cleaner and make them last longer. Expert advice on detergents, stain removers, and more. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. consumerpedia.org/102-laundry-...

102 - Laundry Day Tips - Consumerpedia Podcast Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the best way to do our laundry. We sort the dirty clothes, toss them in the washer, and move on to something

Our new @consumerpedia.org episode: Rich Handel from @consumerreports.org spent nearly a decade testing washers, dryers, and detergents. He's sharing tips that could save you time, money, and your favorite shirt. Stream it now. consumerpedia.org/102-laundry-...
@consumerman.bsky.social

101 - Dealing with Debt #2 - Consumerpedia Podcast Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent

Drowning in debt? You're not alone. This @consumerpedia.org episode breaks down why so many Americans feel financially trapped, and shares real stories of people who escaped massive credit card debt. Plus: practical tips to regain control. Listen now 🎧 consumerpedia.org/101-dealing-...

101 - Dealing with Debt #2 - Consumerpedia Podcast Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent

"101 – Dealing with Debt #2"

Many Americans have given up on clearing their debt. But there's hope. Hear from two people who conquered enormous credit card debt + get actionable tips to take control of your finances. New episode out now! 🎙️ consumerpedia.org/101-dealing-...

Consumer Quizzes Test your knowledge of consumer rights by taking quizzes from the nonprofit Consumers' Checkbook.

Take the online quiz! Whether you're a savvy shopper or just starting, Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge can help sharpen your consumer skills. It's fun & designed to help you become a more informed, confident consumer. Earn your degree in smart shopping↓ www.checkbook.org/a/0/OTH7925/...

100 - Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge #2 - Consumerpedia Podcast To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteran Chicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Lisa Dent is the popular

We're celebrating our 100th episode milestone by having two veteran Chicago broadcasters (@lisadent.bsky.social & Steve Bertrand) take Checkbook’s College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and see how your consumer IQ measures up! consumerpedia.org/100-checkboo...

100 - Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge #2 - Consumerpedia Podcast To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteran Chicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Lisa Dent is the popular

🎉 Ep. 100! @wgnradio.bsky.social hosts Lisa Dent & Steve Bertrand face off in a consumer knowledge quiz covering food labels, credit cards & more. These questions are tough—follow along and test your consumer IQ wherever you get your podcasts. consumerpedia.org/100-checkboo...

Sign Up for the Weekly Checklist Newsletter Get weekly advice designed to make you a smarter consumer with this free resource from the nonprofit Consumers' Checkbook.

New Years Resolution: Become a smarter consumer.

Get free, expert advice delivered to your inbox every Wednesday when you sign up for the Weekly Checklist newsletter. 🔗 spot.checkbook.org/social_newsl...

We’re working toward a marketplace that works for you. End the year strong and support our mission to protect consumers and save you money: hubs.ly/Q03ZgTLW0

Kids have big spending power—and marketers spend billions to target them. In our latest @consumerpedia.org episode, we cover protections, rules, enforcement, and how parents can talk to kids about ads. Listen to 'How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids' here: hubs.li/Q03YDZL80

"99–How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids"

From AI-driven ads to data-hungry apps, marketers are spending billions targeting minors. We dig into the rules (and who enforces them), what’s being done to protect kids, & how parents can talk about ads.
Listen now 👉 hubs.li/Q03YD5n_0

"98 – The Benefits of Shopping Locally"

“Shop Local” means buying from independent businesses instead of big chains. It’s about community and sustainability. In this episode: why it’s hard, tips to spend local, and if avoiding chains costs more. t.co/VLtzy7hx0g

NEW @consumerpedia.org podcast episode: The Benefits of Shopping Locally. In this episode: The benefits and challenges of shopping at small, independent stores, ways to spend more in your community, and whether it costs more to avoid the big chain stores. bit.ly/4oFqEwz

"97 – Checkbook Investigation: Sale Prices Are Usually Fake Discounts"

Researchers at @checkbook.org tracked prices at 25 major retailers for six months and found most markdowns were bogus. In this episode, we reveal the worst offenders and the few offering real deals. t.co/JbHb3k5vNr

Tariffs, higher prices, and fake discounts make holiday shopping tough this year. Get expert advice on saving money and avoiding costly mistakes in Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips, the latest @consumerpedia.org episode. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
🔗 t.co/W5VbOxPrjk

“96 – Checkbook's Holiday Shopping Tips 2025”

Prices are up, inventories are tight, and fake sales are everywhere. Our annual holiday helper is packed with advice and money-saving ideas. Listen now: t.co/mfuLsfckFw
@checkbook.org

"95 – Cryptocurrency: Coins, Cons, & Chaos"

Crypto’s booming—but is it safe? Experts @amandalfischer.bsky.social (@bettermarkets.bsky.social) & @csfrayer.bsky.social (@consumerfed.bsky.social) break down the risks, coins, and what consumers should know before diving in. 🔗 t.co/VQhfgUNXVS

Consumerpedia Podcast graphic. Listen to episode 94 – Our Editors’ Favorite Websites & Apps

Our editors and researchers rely on a variety of consumer-focused websites and apps to save time and money. In the latest @consumerpedia.org episode, we’ll highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: t.co/7NbKBcwqyM

10 Home Renovation Projects Under $1,000 That Add Lasting Value Discover budget-friendly home renovation projects under $1,000 that not only enhance your space but will increase your home’s value.

🏡Think home upgrades have to break the bank? Think again. These 10 under-$1,000 projects boost value, comfort, and curb appeal—without wrecking your budget. Plus, smart tips to avoid contractor chaos. We teamed up with Redfin to deliver the info you need to get the job done. t.co/6Ac2d99xRr

Consumerpedia podcast logo with an image of a house protected by a shield for Episode 93 – The Home Insurance Crisis. 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.

"93 – The Home Insurance Crisis"

The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket. Consumer advocates break down what’s driving the crisis, what needs fixing, and how to avoid getting burned when shopping for coverage. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen now: hubs.li/Q03KYVVk0

Here's my latest Instagram Reel about the latest @consumerpedia.org podcast. www.instagram.com/reel/DO64G14...

“92 – Thrift Store Shopping Advice”

Want to save money, shop sustainably, and find one-of-a-kind treasures? In our latest episode, we talk with thrifting expert @vchamlee.bsky.social and @checkbook.org's Jenn Barger about how to shop secondhand like a pro.
🔗: hubs.li/Q03JWSl-0

The Consumerpedia podcast is back with a NEW episode: Thrift Store Shopping Advice. Veteran thrift store shoppers share tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on how to find hidden treasures. bit.ly/46FOl1S