Consumerpedia

20/11/2025

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

Researchers at Consumers' Checkbook tracked prices at 25 major retailers for six months and found most markdowns were bogus. In this episode, we’ll tell you which retailers were the worst offenders, as well as the few that seem to offer legitimate discounts.

06/11/2025

"96 – Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2025"

The hectic holiday shopping season is underway, and for many, that will put a strain on the family budget. Checkbook wants to make this stressful time a little easier.

Our annual holiday helper is packed with timely advice: Super shoppers share tips about how they find the best prices and avoid fake sales. Plus, how are you going to pay for all the items on your gift-giving list? We have some money-saving ideas.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on our website: https://hubs.li/Q03S5BqH0

31/10/2025

23/10/2025

"95 – Cryptocurrency: Coins, Cons, & Chaos"
Crypto’s popularity is soaring, but it’s not without risks.
This episode breaks down what digital currency is, how it works, and why so many are investing despite concerns about volatility and oversight.
Featuring:
🔹 Amanda Fisher, Better Markets and former Chief of Staff at the SEC
🔹 Corey Frayer, Consumer Federation of America and former senior advisor at the SEC

They share expert insights to help you navigate crypto safely.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on our website: https://hubs.li/Q03PYslQ0

09/10/2025

"94 – Our Editors’ Favorite Websites & Apps"

Consumers' Checkbook editors and researchers rely on a variety of consumer-focused websites and apps to save time and money. In our latest Consumerpedia episode, we highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗https://hubs.li/Q03MWC-F0

25/09/2025

"93 – The Home Insurance Crisis"

The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket, far exceeding the rate of inflation. Consumer advocates break down what’s driving the crisis, what needs fixing, and how to avoid getting burned when shopping for coverage.
Plus: A California homeowner’s uphill battle after wildfire damage.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or on our website 🎙️ https://hubs.li/Q03KZ_S70

22/09/2025

18/09/2025

“92 – Thrift Store Shopping Advice”

The Consumerpedia Podcast is back after a short break! In our latest episode, we explore how thrift shopping can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun, since you never know what you’ll find. Also, many thrift stores support local charities, meaning you’re helping others while picking up a vintage dress or a like-new dresser.
We’re joined by thrifting expert Virginia Chamlee, author of Big Thrift Energy, who shares stories and secrets from years of vintage hunting. Plus, the scoop on where to find great deals and hidden treasures.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here: 🔗https://hubs.li/Q03JX0zZ0

25/07/2025

"91 – Checkbook’s Life Hacks"

Saving you time. Saving you money. Helping you score great deals—and steer clear of rip-offs and scams. That’s what we’re all about at the Consumerpedia podcast.

In this episode, Consumers' Checkbook staffers share their favorite life hacks—simple tricks and workarounds they’ve used and swear by—that will help you shop smarter, spend wiser, and stay one step ahead.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗https://hubs.li/Q03yWHG00

10/07/2025

"90 – Buy Now, Pay Later"
with special guests Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst, Bankrate & Lauren Saunders, Associate Director, National Consumer Law Center.

Out now! Listen at www.consumerpedia.org or wherever you get podcasts.

Buy Now, Pay Later: A convenient way to break up a big purchase—or a fast track to fees and financial stress? 💳😬

In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the rise of BNPL services with Ted Rossman from Bankrate and Lauren Saunders from National Consumer Law Center. These short-term, usually interest-free loans are everywhere—from checkout pages to gas stations—and they're changing how we shop.

We cover how BNPL works, the red flags to watch for, and how to use it without getting burned. Listen on Consumerpedia before you click “Pay in 4.” 🎧👇
https://hubs.li/Q03wHcxG0

27/06/2025

"89 – Avoid a Hotel Horror Show"
with special guests Jenn Barger from Consumers' Checkbook & Conscious Travel Collective's founder, Tara Busch.

Don't let a sketchy hotel room ruin your vacation or business trip! Those picture-perfect photos online don't always match reality.

Get the insider tips for:
✅ Booking smart to avoid disasters
✅ Spotting red flags before you arrive
✅ What to do when you're stuck at the "Bates Motel"

Because nobody wants their getaway to turn into a nightmare!

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts 🎧
🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03v4NRr0

13/06/2025

"88 – Cyberthieves Weaponize AI to Perfect Online Scams"
with special guests Ben Winters from Consumer Federation of America & Kolina Koltai from Bellingcat.

Criminals in the U.S. and around the globe are weaponizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create scams that are more convincing and more harmful than ever. As AI technology advances, it’s becoming difficult or impossible for the average consumer to tell what’s real from what’s fake.

AI is being used to create bogus celebrity endorsements, fake images, and even write books by non-existent authors. The technology is so easy to use that scammers can pose as someone else and have video conversations with their targets.

In this episode, we’ll explain how fraudsters are using AI to supercharge their deceptions and share tips on how you can protect yourself.

Listen here: 🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03s2TZP0