Consumerpedia

Consumers' Checkbook
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A Consumers' Checkbook podcast empowering consumers to save money and make smarter choices. Hosted by "The ConsumerMan" Herb Weisbaum.

  1. 103 - Shady Home Improvement Financing

    FEB 26

    103 - Shady Home Improvement Financing

    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 may be an option, or the contractor may offer financing, usually through a third-party lender. But beware: A recent Consumers’ Checkbook investigation found that many contractors use these emergencies to push bad financing plans on their stressed out customers. In this episode, Checkbook’s Executive Editor Kevin Brasler explains how some homeowners are being tricked into leasing their HVAC equipment when they thought they were buying it. More from Checkbook: Home Improvement Financing: Watch Out for Shady Deals Related Consumerpedia Episodes: #30 – HVAC: Finding Good Contractors & Choosing New Equipment #44 – Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Appliance? #87 – Don’t Get Burned by Solar Scammers Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    26 min
  2. 102 - Laundry Day Tips

    FEB 12

    102 - Laundry Day Tips

    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 else. But there are steps you can take to get your clothes extra clean and make them last longer. In this episode: Expert advice on detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, washers, dryers, and almost anything else laundry-related. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    27 min
  3. 101 - Dealing with Debt #2

    JAN 29

    101 - Dealing with Debt #2

    Americans are struggling to pay their bills and falling behind on their loan payments, fueling widespread financial stress, anxiety, and despair. Recent surveys show many feel they’ll never get ahead—and some have stopped worrying about debt altogether. In this episode, we break down those survey results and share practical tips for regaining control of your finances. You’ll also meet two consumers who’d accumulated enormous credit card debt, realized they needed help with debt, and, with hard work and proper guidance, are now debt-free. Additional Resources: To find a nonprofit credit counseling agency, visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or call 800-388-2227. Related Consumerpedia Episode: 25 - Dealing with Debt Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    26 min

  4. JAN 15

    100 - Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge #2

    To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteranChicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz. Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her longtime news anchor, came out of retirement to challenge her. Play along with our celebrity contestants to test your consumer IQ. The questions are difficult! You might also want to play the online version of Checkbook's College of Knowledge. Topics include auto, food, and your money. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    25 min
  5. 99 - How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids

    12/18/2025

    99 - How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids

    America’s children have enormous spending power. Most have cash or access to their parents’ credit cards—and plenty of influence over what the family buys through their “pester power.” Marketers know this, which is why they spend billions of dollars a year targeting minors. Advertising can easily exploit a child’s limited ability to distinguish between entertainment and selling. AI and digital animation make it easier than ever for advertisers to cross the line. The growth of online marketing to children raises serious concerns about privacy and data collection. In this episode, what’s being done to protect our children from the pervasive and persuasive marketing? What are the rules regarding marketing to minors, and is anyone enforcing them? And most importantly, how parents can talk to their kids about advertising. Additional Resources: Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) BBB National Programs – Children’s Initiatives TINA.org: Monetizing Minors More from Checkbook: Unsafe Toys: How to Spot the Hidden Risks That Could Harm Your Child Are Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them? Buying Toys on Overseas Websites Can Be Risky Related Consumerpedia Episode: 20- Whatever Happened to Truth in Advertising? Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-daytrial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    27 min
  6. 98 - The Benefits of Shopping Locally

    12/04/2025

    98 - The Benefits of Shopping Locally

    The “Shop Local” movement encourages consumers to buy goods and services from independent, locally owned businesses rather than national chains or online giants. It’s both an economic strategy and a social campaign aimed at strengthening your own community’s businesses, fostering regional identity, and promoting sustainability. In this episode: The challenge of shopping locally, ways to spend more in your community, and whether it costs more to avoid the big chain stores. Find out more about Stacey Price at Shop Made in DC. Related Consumerpedia episodes:#96: Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2025 #92: Thrift Store Shopping Advice

    24 min
  7. 97 - Checkbook Investigation: Sale Prices Are Usually Fake Discounts

    11/20/2025

    97 - Checkbook Investigation: Sale Prices Are Usually Fake Discounts

    Researchers at Consumers’ Checkbook tracked prices at 25 major retailers for six months and found that most of the advertised markdowns were bogus. It’s now common practice for retailers to deceive theircustomers by displaying crossed-out “regular” or “list” prices, with lower sale prices featured nearby. But the higher “regular” prices are rarely, if ever, what customers pay. Our study found that at most of the stores we surveyed, the products tracked were offered at questionable discounts more than half of the time. And, at many retailers, the fake sales never end. In this episode, we’ll tell you which retailers were the worst offenders, as well as the few that seem to offer legitimate discounts. Read Checkbook's full analysis. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    22 min
  8. 96 - Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2025

    11/06/2025

    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. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    29 min
See All (104)

4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

A Consumers' Checkbook podcast empowering consumers to save money and make smarter choices. Hosted by "The ConsumerMan" Herb Weisbaum.

Information

  • Creator
    Consumers' Checkbook
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Consumers' Checkbook
  • Show Website
    Consumerpedia

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