Consumerpedia

30/07/2026

"114 – How to Find a Good Dentist"

No one likes going to the dentist, but it’s something we all need to do. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is as important as monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol because what happens in your mouth can affect the rest of your body.
In this episode: How to find a dentist that’s right for you and manage the cost of good dental care. Plus: How often should you get your teeth cleaned? What about X-rays? When should you see a specialist? And is dental insurance worth buying?

Listen to the latest Consumerpedia episode wherever you get your podcasts or through the link below.

No one likes going to the dentist, but it’s something we all need to do. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is as important as monitoring your blood pressure

16/07/2026

"113 – GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs"

Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight-loss drugs, commonly called “GLP-1” medications. You’ve probably heard about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, even if you don’t want to lose weight.

In this episode: How do these drugs work? How to deal with the sometimes-unpleasant side effects? What has the GLP-1 family of drugs been proven to do, and what could they be used for in the future? Plus, details about a new Medicare program that now covers these drugs when prescribed for weight loss for those who qualify.

Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight-loss drugs, commonly called “GLP-1” medications. You’ve probably

02/07/2026

"112 – Outlet Malls: Do They Offer Real Savings?"

Consumers' Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains. So, what gives?

In this episode: What you can expect to find when you browse around outlet stores, factory stores, or clearance centers, how you can tell what’s a bargain and what’s not, plus money-saving shopping tips.

Consumers’ Checkbook investigated 40 brands operating off-price stores and found that many offer lower-quality merchandise rather than legitimate bargains.

18/06/2026

"111 – EV Update 2026"

It’s been two years since we talked about electric vehicles. A lot has changed since then; much of it, for the better.

In this episode: What’s happening in the EV market. We’ll discuss standout models, including some new, less expensive options. Plus, what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a used EV.

It’s been two years since we talked about electric vehicles. A lot has changed since then; much of it, for the better.

17/06/2026

Brands invest heavily in strategies designed to make resisting the urge to buy harder than it should be, and social media makes it even more effective.
On our latest Consumerpedia episode, we break down exactly how these tactics work and what you can do to protect yourself.
🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Know someone who needs to hear this? Send it their way.

17/06/2026

It’s not your imagination—resisting spending has gotten harder. Brands use sophisticated promotional strategies to keep you hooked and clicking “buy now.” On our latest Consumerpedia episode, learn how marketers manipulate you and why social media makes it worse, plus what you can do to protect yourself.

Businesses use a variety of marketing tactics to attract new customers and keep them. These tricks are designed to make you feel special, like you’re part of

03/06/2026

Our own Herb "The Consumerman" Weisbaum, Consumerpedia host and Checkbook contributing editor, moderated an important panel at the Consumer Federation of America's annual Consumer Assembly today: “Why Does Everything Feel Like a Ripoff?”

From dark patterns to outright scams, consumer manipulation is creating real anxiety for everyday Americans. The panelists, all experts from CFA, dove into how deception shapes what we buy, what we pay, and how much we trust the marketplace.

Have you felt like you were being manipulated or taken advantage of as a consumer recently? Tell us in the comments. 👇

🎧 Want an easy to way to protect yourself? Subscribe to our Consumerpedia podcast for practical consumer advice that will empower you to save money and make smarter choices.

21/05/2026

Episode 109 – Travel Troubles: New Hotel, Airline, & Rental Car ‘Gotcha Fees’
w/ Christopher Elliott - Travel Expert, author of the “On Travel” column

Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and increase revenue. New technologies are also being used to create new “gotchas” for travelers. In this episode, we discuss the new fees and how you can protect yourself.

Hotels, airlines, and rental car companies are using AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and increase revenue. New technologies are also being used to create

23/04/2026

Whether you've got a towering oak shading your porch or a scraggly pine that's seen better days, chances are your trees need more attention than you're giving them. Disease, pests, or extreme weather can damage even the sturdiest trees, and even healthy ones need a little branch management in the form of regular pruning or the occasional checkup.

To keep your trees in shape or to get rid of dying or dangerous ones, you’ll probably need professional advice and labor.

In this episode: How to tell if your trees need work, and if so, how to find the right company to do the job. Plus, some tips for you do-it-yourselfers. Listen now 👇

Whether you've got a towering oak shading your porch or a scraggly pine that's seen better days, chances are your trees need more attention than you're giving

09/04/2026

"106 – Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare"

A recent Consumers' 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.

Listen through the link below or wherever you get your podcasts.

A recent Checkbook investigation found widespread problems with vacation rentals, including fake listings and stolen deposits. Even worse, many victims get