Consumerpedia

Consumers' Checkbook
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  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. 5d ago

    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? More from Checkbook: How to Find a Good Dentist How to Find the Best Doctors Save on Prescription Drugs: Why Paying Out-of-Pocket Might Be Cheaper Than Your Insurance Copay Opticians, Optometrists, & Buying Eyewear Nutritional Supplements Are Sold with Little Oversight Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Signup for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    114 – How to Find a Good Dentist

  2. Jul 16

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

    113 - GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

  3. Jul 2

    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. Read Checkbook's full investigation here. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    112 - Outlet Malls: Do They Offer Real Savings?

  4. Jun 18

    111 - EV Update 2026

    It's been two years since we talked about electric vehicles. A lot has changed since them; 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. More from Checkbook: Car Buying Strategies Auto Repair Shops How to Save Money on Car Repairs Vehicle Service Contracts Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    111 - EV Update 2026

  5. Jun 4

    110 - Marketers Often Use Cult-Like Tactics

    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 a group. The lure can be mighty powerful. In this episode, a conversation with digital media expert Mara Einstein about how promotional strategies and social media can be deceiving and addictive. In her book, Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults, Einstein explains why she believes marketers often use the same tactics as cult leaders to entice new customers. It’s an interesting half hour.

  6. May 21

    109 - Travel Troubles: New Hotel, Airline, & Rental Car 'Gotcha Fees'

    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. More from Checkbook: Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare Hotels: Tips for Finding a Sweeter Stay How to Avoid a Big Bill When Traveling Abroad Additional Resources: On Travel is a weekly consumer travel column that offers information and advice for people planning a business or leisure trip. ⁠ Elliott Advocacy⁠ is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    109 - Travel Troubles: New Hotel, Airline, & Rental Car 'Gotcha Fees'

  7. May 7

    108 - The Travel Show 2026

    Travel is always a challenge, but right now, the war with Iran has added a whole new layer of turbulence and uncertainty especially for those who plan to fly. Airlines around the globe are raising prices, adding fees, and cutting flights. Planning your trip now requires extra care because of travel scams fueled by AI. It’s also becoming more difficult to get the lowest prices for plane tickets, hotel rooms, and rental cars without choosing a non-refundable rate that requires an advance purchase. In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges facing travelers, possibly for the rest of the year, and how to deal with them. Other Consumerpedia travel episodes: 106 – Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare 89 – Avoid a Hotel Horror Show 60 – How to Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad⁠ 41 – Hotel Intel: Finding the Best Rates Additional Resources: On Travel is a weekly consumer travel column that offers information and advice for people planning a business or leisure trip. Elliott Advocacy⁠ is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    108 - The Travel Show 2026

  8. Apr 23

    107 - How to Choose a Tree Care Service

    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. More Info:You can find a certified arborist by checking with the American Society of Consulting Arborists or the International Society of Arboriculture. Both organizations require meaningful experience, education, and ongoing training to maintain certification. More from Checkbook: How to Choose a Tree Care Service Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    107 - How to Choose a Tree Care Service
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4.8
out of 5
54 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
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Consumers' Checkbook
  • Show Website
    Consumerpedia

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