Consumerpedia

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...

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...

<p>It's been two years since we talked about electric vehicles. A lot has changed since them; much of it, for the better.</p><p>In this episode: What's happening in the EV market. We'll discuss standout models...

<p>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. </p><p>In this...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>A recent 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...

<p>Fraud is on the rise. Scammers stole more than $12 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The number of Americans who are victimized is also skyrocketing. Investment scams, romance scams, crypto...

<p>If you haven’t purchased a car in a few years, expect to find a market dominated by SUVs. And be prepared for sticker shock: The average price for a new vehicle is at an all-time high, around $50,000! Unfortunately...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>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...

<p>To celebrate our 100th episode, we've asked two veteranChicago broadcasters to take Checkbook's College of Consumer Knowledge quiz.</p><p>Lisa Dent is the popular afternoon host at WGN Radio. Steve Bertrand, her...

<p>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...