Consumerpedia

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

29/05/2025

"87 – Don’t Get Burned by Solar Scammers" ☀️
with special guests Anneliese Lederer of Center for Responsible Lending and
Consumers' Checkbook Executive Editor, Kevin Brasler!

Shady contractors are going door-to-door, pitching “free” solar energy systems that promise to eliminate costly electric bills. Most of these fraudsters do shoddy work; some take the money and run. By using high-pressure sales tactics, they get homeowners to sign high-interest contracts that leave them with massive debt.

In this episode: The tricks door-to-door con artists use to sell high-priced solar systems, the facts about solar incentives and tax credits, plus tips on how to find a good solar contractor.

Available wherever you get your podcasts. Listen now!
🔗https://hubs.li/Q03pHQ8R0

15/05/2025

"86 – Travel Tips: How to Find Deals and Avoid Scams"
with special guest Christopher Elliott of Elliott Advocacy!

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.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts!
🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03mNYD30

01/05/2025

"85 - Too Much: How We’re Encouraged to Buy, Buy, Buy"🛍️

Author Emily Mester joins us to unpack why we can’t stop accumulating stuff—and how the retail machine keeps us spending. Personal stories, insider tricks, and a peek into American Bulk: Essays on Excess.

🎧 Listen now. Declutter later.

🔗https://hubs.li/Q03jN56k0

17/04/2025

"84 - Free Perks You Didn't Know You Have"

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. Listen now! 🎧
🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03hQnHD0

03/04/2025

"83 - Tips for Buying a New, Used, or Electric Car"

🚗Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used vehicle, be prepared 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 reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, advice for anyone considering an electric vehicle, and why used cars will cost more this year.

🔗https://hubs.li/Q03fHkFz0

20/03/2025

"82 - Getting Rid of Bugs & Other Critters"

🐜 DIY solutions for some of the most common household pest problems and what to look for if you hire a pest control company. Listen now! 🎧

🔗https://hubs.li/Q03ckPb-0

06/03/2025

"81 - Algorithms Secretly Control Your Financial Fate"

🤖AI isn’t just picking your next movie—it’s deciding who gets loans, jobs, and insurance. But is it always fair?

In this episode, we explore how companies use AI, the risks to consumers, and why advocates want stronger protections. Listen now! 🎧

🔗 https://hubs.li/Q039xQq70 or wherever you get your podcasts!

20/02/2025

"80 - Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories"

Americans pile on credit card debt at an alarming pace, but with hard work and proper guidance, you can get out from under it. Hear two inspiring stories from consumers who got their finances back in order, plus learn the dangers of for-profit debt settlement companies. Listen now at https://hubs.li/Q036B8cm0 or wherever you find podcasts.

06/02/2025

"79 - Tips for Buying & Sending Flowers"

Buying a bouquet this Valentine's Day? Learn how to find the best prices on flowers, choose a good florist, send blooms to someone out of town, and more on our latest episode. Listen now at https://hubs.li/Q034Mvn50 or wherever you find podcasts.