Consumers' Checkbook

"104 – Tips for Buying a New or Used Car" Car shopping today means sky-high prices and an SUV-dominated market. We talk with Consumer Reports editors about their Top Picks for 2026, how to choose a vehicle you love, and tips for buying used. Listen now 🎙️ hubs.li/Q046MwBV0

The average new car now costs $50,000, and used cars aren't the bargain they used to be either. We talked to 3 @ConsumerReports editors about what's changed, what to look for in 2026, and how to buy smart. Our latest @MyConsumerpedia episode is out now.🎙️ hubs.li/Q046wDMx0

It’s National Consumer Protection Week—a perfect time to tighten your scam defenses. Be skeptical of surprise messages, let unknown calls go to voicemail, and use credit cards for protection. Our full list of tips ↓ hubs.li/Q045P8C70

We went deep with Einstein on all of it—multisensory manipulation, social media addiction, scent machines in Disney parks, and more. Full interview: hubs.li/Q043FZYY0

Einstein's practical advice: Put air back in the space between awareness and purchase. Your phone is built to be a 24/7 mall. Put the phone down. Come back in an hour.

Marketers use the same psychological playbook as cult recruiters. Media scholar Mara Einstein (@drmeinstein) wrote the book on it. Here's what she found, and how to protect yourself. 🧵

Googling “debt help” can backfire—top results are often for-profit traps. We breaks down how to find legitimate help and what the process really looks like. Thanks to @NFCC, @moneymanagement, & the consumers who shared their stories. hubs.li/Q0453fz80

Consumers have reported unfair financing practices by shady home improvement companies when it comes to high value renovations too. Always talk to a trusted financial institution before financing home repairs.

Contractors may exploit HVAC emergencies to push bad financing, or trick you into leasing equipment you thought you were buying. Checkbook's Kevin Brasler shares what to know before you sign. Stream @MyConsumerpedia wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 hubs.li/Q044XKDm0

AI demand is squeezing memory-chip supply, pushing electronics prices up 10-20%. Thinking of buying a new computer? You may want to do it soon. Find out exactly what's driving the change below. hubs.li/Q045319y0

AI demand is squeezing memory-chip supply, pushing electronics prices up 10-20%. Thinking of buying a new computer? You may want to do it soon. Find out exactly what's driving the change below. hubs.li/Q0452WXd0

The latest episode of @CheckbookOrg's Consumerpedia podcast is out! Watch a sneak peek on Instagram: bit.ly/4tYjFme

New episode! 🎙️ Shady home improvement financing exposed. Some contractors are tricking stressed homeowners into LEASING their HVAC, not buying it. Checkbook's Kevin Brasler reveals how to protect yourself on @MyConsumerpedia. #ConsumerAlert hubs.li/Q044VDnP0

Great report from @IDTheftCenter. Consumers need real protections, not just breach notices after the damage is done.

Your grocery store loyalty card is a surveillance device — and they're making hundreds of millions selling YOUR data. Our contributing editor Herb Weisbaum (@TheConsumerman) joined @jeffrossen (formerly of the TODAY show) to break it down. hubs.li/Q043VdkR0

This year's tax season brings changes that could put more money in your pocket. Here's what's changed and how to maximize your refund this filing season. hubs.li/Q043TcjJ0