Podcasts about checkbook

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing continues to grow in popularity. These short-term loans, which are typically 6 weeks and usually interest-free, appeal to consumers who want flexible payments and no credit card debt.Consumer advocates warn that BNPL services make it too easy for people to purchase items they can't afford, which can result in late fees and costly bank charges. Personal finance experts worry about the growing number of people who use BNPL to buy everyday items, such as groceries, gasoline, and food delivery services.In this episode, we discuss how BNPL works, the possible pitfalls, and the smart way to use these short-term loans.Related Consumerpedia Episodes:Episode 80: Debt Busters: Real-Life Success StoriesEpisode 50: Finding a Credit Card That's Right for YouAdditional Resources:Bankrate: About half of buy now, pay later users have experienced issues like overspending and missing paymentsNational Consumer Law Center: Risks and Advice for Buy Now, Pay Later BorrowersConsumer Financial Protection Bureau: CFPB Research Reveals Heavy Buy Now, Pay Later Use Among Borrowers with High Credit Balances and Multiple Pay-in-Four LoansNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this fast-moving, fraud-fighting episode of Talking Real Money, Tom Cock is joined by longtime consumer advocate Herb Weisbaum (aka The ConsumerMan) to expose two of the fastest-growing scams in the U.S.: predatory solar sales and the “pig butchering” crypto scam. Herb details the dangerous combination of shady sales reps and shadowy financing pushing overpriced, underperforming solar systems door-to-door. Then, the duo dives into long-con crypto scams, deepfake romance cons, and the weaponization of AI for fraud. Herb doesn't hold back—calling crypto “sheer stupidity” and buy-now-pay-later schemes a gateway to regret. It's a wild, enlightening ride full of practical advice and a few laughs at the crooks' expense. 0:44 The ConsumerMan joins the show—cape at the dry cleaner, fraud cape that is 1:30 Solar sales scams: door-to-door hustlers + shady financiers 2:37 Solar “deals” that aren't: pressure sales, fake savings, buried contract terms 5:35 Solar installations gone wrong—and sometimes never installed at all 6:55 Why good contractors don't knock on doors 8:20 Know the difference between credits and cash—solar isn't “free” 9:26 Pig butchering crypto scams explained 10:40 Fake trading platforms that “show” fake returns 11:50 AI-powered fraud: deepfake voices, faces, and video chats 13:26 Romance scams that clean people out—millions lost 14:15 Don't respond to unsolicited texts or calls—ever 15:11 Former SEC officials: crypto exists for crime and tax evasion 16:44 Crypto isn't investment—it's gambling with digital vapor 17:25 Insurance crisis: companies fleeing, premiums surging 18:41 Regulators letting insurers raise rates without scrutiny 19:29 Consumer quiz: what to do first if you're scammed 21:18 Why you should never pay with Zelle or a debit card 22:30 Getting teens a credit card the right way 23:43 Coming soon: Buy Now, Pay Later scams (Costco's in now too) 24:48 Where to find Herb's work—Checkbook, Consumerpedia, and ConsumerMan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Insurance Open Season isn't until November, but today is a great day to take inventory of your insurance coverage and start planning ahead. Here with practical tips and considerations is the Director of Marketing and Fundraising for Consumer's Checkbook, Kevin Moss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bad hotel room can ruin your vacation or business trip, so you need to be careful when making your reservations. Hotel websites and online booking sites have great photos andglowing descriptions, but what you see isn't always what you get.In this episode, tips for booking a room so you don't end up having a nightmarish experience. Plus, what to do if you wind up staying at the Bates Motel.More from Checkbook:Hotels: Tips for Finding a Sweeter StayRelated Consumerpedia Episodes:#41: Hotel Intel: Finding the Best Rates#86: Travel Tips from a Travel ExpertNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Hour 3 with Doc Walker: Nats ownership NEEDS to open up the checkbook

Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Consumers' Checkbook, joins Lisa Dent to share insights from his recent article “65 Things You Shouldn't Pay For.” His nonprofit, Checkbook.org, which does not accept advertising or business payments, focuses on helping consumers make smarter spending decisions. Brasler highlights commonly unnecessary purchases such as extended warranties, purchase protection, trip insurance, […]

Criminals in the U.S. and around the globe are weaponizing artificial intelligence to create scams that are more convincing and more harmful than ever. As AI technology advances, it's becoming difficult or nearly 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. Additional Resources:Scamplified: How Unregulated AI Continues to Help Facilitate the Rise in ScamsDon't Get Scammed! Tips For Spotting AI-Generated Fake Products Online More from Checkbook:Identity Theft and Fraud: How to Protect Yourself Fraud Alert: Criminals Pitch Bogus Cryptocurrency InvestmentsSocial Media Scams Are Skyrocketing. Here's How to Protect Yourself⁠Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan and Contributing Editor at Checkbook.org, joins John Landecker to share summer travels tips to know and more!

Do you have your eyes on some new tech, a new grill, or some summer clothes, but don’t have the money today? People in the Seattle region are increasingly buying now, but paying later. Unlike the very popular layaway systems of the past, where you’d take the item home once you made all the payments, under pay later you do just that. People, especially younger people, are doing it in droves. The ConsumerMan, Herb Weisbaum of Checkbook.org talks us through the increasing popularity and dangers of the Buy Now Pay Later model. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shady contractors are going door-to-door pitching “free” solar energy systems that will 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.Read Checkbook's full report on solar scams.Related Consumerpedia Episodes:#1: How to Hire a Good Contractor#8: Saving Energy at Home#10: Here Comes the Sun? Now May Be the Best Time to Go SolarMore from Checkbook:Thinking About Going Solar?Small Steps, Big Impact: Save Energy by Making These Free or Inexpensive ChangesWorth the Money: Energy Saving Upgrades that Quickly Pay for ThemselvesResources, Rebates, and Tax Credits to Help You Go Green at HomeAdditional Resources: Center for Responsible Lending: The Shady Side of Solar FinancingNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Schedule a Meeting with Joshua TODAY!Are you treating your clients like transactions instead of real human beings—and wondering why referrals are drying up?In this episode, Joshua Gillow challenges the outdated "business-to-consumer" (B2C) model that most landscape and outdoor living businesses operate under. He introduces a transformative "human-to-human" (H2H) approach that focuses on connection, empathy, and delivering emotional value—something your competitors aren't even thinking about.You will:Discover how the H2H mindset can unlock effortless referrals and repeat business.Learn why most contractors never get “raving fans” and how to create them.Hear the exact mindset shift that creates deeper customer relationships—and more profitability—without spending a dime on extra marketing.Press play now to learn how humanizing your business can help you stand out, charge more, and create clients who sell for you.Connect with Joshua at:The WebsiteThe Facebook GroupSales Master ClassesHow to work with Joshua - https://yes.express/apply/Tune into this podcast where a seasoned craftsman shares expert communication skills, strategies for overcoming stress and overwhelm, and insights on building a profitable business in landscaping and hardscaping, with tips on how to sell, close more deals, and achieve financial freedom to retire early as a successful business owner in the design/build and outdoor living industry.

5/16/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: We Receive as We Give Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 5/16/2025 Bible: Matthew 5:7 Length: 1 min.

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.Other Consumerpedia travel episodes:#60: Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad#41: Finding the Best Hotel Rates#17: How to Find the Best Deals on AirfareAdditional Resources:60 Strategies for Finding the Best Travel Deals and Avoiding TroubleDo You Need Travel Insurance? (Spoiler: For Most Trips, Probably Not)Hotel Intel: How to Find the Best Rates for RoomsCell Phone Services: How to Avoid a Big Bill When Traveling AbroadTips for Traveling with a PetVisit The Elliott Report to read Christopher Elliott's travel reports and advice. His nonprofit Elliott Advocacy empowers consumers to solve their own 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.

5/11/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Wait for the Finals Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 5/11/2025 Bible: Genesis 49:19 Length: 1 min.

Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how the Mets have turned the corner as a franchise.

In this "For The People" special, Nick kicks things off with Consumerman Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, covering the return of student loan collections, the recent congressional moves on overdraft and credit card late fees, and some fresh credit card perks you might've missed. Herb also shares important health insurance updates and a few eye-opening AAA stories. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive hops on to chat about tariffs (so many tariffs!), Jeff Bezos jumping into the electric vehicle game, and nostalgic memories of Drive-Ins and the notorious film "Ishtar." Plus, they take a fun ride down memory lane with some forgotten car brands, celebrate the unforgettable 1974 Dodge Ramcharger ad campaign, and wrap things up with new rounds of #Starspotter and #MysteryShow. [Ep 347]

5/4/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Victory in Reverses Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 5/4/2025 Bible: Micah 7:8 Length: 1 min.

Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan and Contributing Editor at Checkbook.org, joins John Landecker to share free perks that you may not know you have. Check out the free perks at checkbook.org/chicago-area/free-perks/

Americans are drowning in stuff: clothing, electronics, toys and games, collectibles, and appliances.Some of us have so much that they need to rent storage units to hold it. Why do so many have the need to buy, buy, buy?In this episode, author Emily Mester shares personal stories from her new book American Bulk: Essays on Excess about her father's obsession with shopping and her own tendency to overbuy. Plus, she reveals the tricks she used as a salesperson to encourage customers to make purchases.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

5/1/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Full of Song Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 5/1/2025 Bible: Isaiah 55:12 Length: 1 min.

4/29/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Forget and Forgive Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 4/29/2025 Length: 1 min.

This will be less news/factual and more of your assessment of how the plans have evolved, in good ways and bad, over the years. Improvements in the plans and the program itself you'd like to see. And we'll do a little review of Federal News Network's coverage of this issue and the partnership we've had with Checkbook. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Food, mortgage, and insurance are just a few of the priorities we'll find in most people's checkbooks. But what we see when we examine the national “checkbook” is something very different. As the saying goes, 'If you want to know what is important to someone, look at their checkbook.' If you want to understand why people do things, it helps to take the time to...

The Constitution Study with Host Paul Engel – Food, mortgage, and insurance are just a few of the priorities we'll find in most people's checkbooks. But what we see when we examine the national “checkbook” is something very different. As the saying goes, 'If you want to know what is important to someone, look at their checkbook.' If you want to understand why people do things, it helps to take the time to...

Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan and Contributing Editor at Checkbook.org, joins Jon Hansen to discuss the latest banking news regarding overdraft fees and late credit card fees.

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

4/15/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Desires of Righteous Granted Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 4/15/2025 Bible: Proverbs 10:24 Length: 1 min.

Whether you're planning to buy a new or used vehicle, beprepared 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 reliabilityratings from Consumer Reports, advice for anyone considering an electric vehicle, and why used cars are going to cost more this year.Guests: Mike Quincy, Consumer Reports AutosIvan Drury, Director of Insights at EdmundsNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

CBS Correspondent Willie James Inman on the fallout of Liberation Day // Chris Sullivan Chokepoint: Do you have a Real ID? // News Nation Correspondent Tom Dempsey on the legality of the Venezuelan deportations // Kevin Brassler with Checkbook.org on what to do when you lose your phone // Rob McKenna on due process and whether the Venezuelan deportations were legal // Gee Scott on Bellingham ICE raid

4/2/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: True Heart-Energy Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 4/2/2025 Bible: 1 Timothy 4:15 Length: 1 min.

CBS Correspondent Weijia Jiang on what Liberation Day means for the U.S. economy // News Nation Correspondent Kellie Meyer on the long-term fallout of Liberation Day tariffs // Treehouse CEO Dawn Rains on how cuts to federal funding could endanger WA's foster care system // Kevin Brassler from Checkbook.org breaks down free spending perks you might not know about // Journalist Jerry Cornfield on WA's record - breaking budget proposal // Rep. Chipalo Street on the most recent WA budget proposal // Gee Scott on which traffic violations are serious enough to get pulled over for?

3/29/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Dauntless Faith Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/29/2025 Bible: Acts 18:10 Length: 1 min.

Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Consumers' Checkbook, joins Lisa Dent to discuss tips for the upcoming tax season, free perks from insurance plans or credit cards that might not be utilized, grocery discounts and more. Consumer’ Checkbook offers WGN listeners a chance to use their service for free here.

When you have a pest problem, your first move may be to grab the phone and call an exterminator. That makes sense if you have termites or bedbugs, but if it's some ants or cockroaches in the kitchen or maybe a few mice in the garage, you may be able to do it yourself.In this episode: DIY solutions for some of the most common household pest problems and what to look for if you hire a pest control company. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

3/18/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Continue Upright Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/18/2025 Bible: Proverbs 15:8 Length: 1 min.

3/17/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Fear to Fear Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/17/2025 Bible: Jeremiah 1:8 Length: 1 min.

Herb Weisbaum, The ConsumerMan and Contributing Editor at Checkbook.org, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Jon Hansen, to talk about how to save money on prescription drugs. Herb talks about paying cash, using coupons, and more!

3/9/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Prayer for Peace Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/9/2025 Bible: Jeremiah 29:7 Length: 1 min.

God writes us a check: and Jesus delivers it.

An increasing number of important decisions about yourlife are now made by computer algorithms and artificial intelligence. They do more than suggest movies or music you might like—they're making lending decisions for banks and screening job applicants for employers.Consumer advocates acknowledge the benefits of AI, but they're also concerned about the potential harm. They want lawmakers and regulators to put guardrails in place to protect consumers.In this episode, the many ways companies are now using algorithms and AI, how these powerful computer programs make the marketplace less transparent—and, in some cases, less fair—and how the massive amount of data being collected and used to make decisions about lending, employment, housing, and insurance coverage can infringe on privacy rights.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

3/5/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Home Blessings Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/5/2025 Bible: Proverbs 3:33 Length: 1 min.

3/2/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Giving Without a Whisper Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 3/2/2025 Bible: Matthew 6:3-4 Length: 1 min.

2/27/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Unstaggering Trustfulness Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 2/27/2025 Bible: Psalm 112:7 Length: 1 min.

2/21/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Blessing on Littleness Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 2/21/2025 Bible: Psalm 115:13 Length: 1 min.

Americans are piling on credit card debt at an alarming pace, and the unprecedented interest rates on these unpaid balances can be as much as 30% to 35%. No wonder it seems impossible to get out from under it.But with hard work and proper guidance, you can do it. In this episode: Meet two people who were drowning in credit card debt and got their finances back in order. Also, a certified nonprofit credit counselor explains how debt consolidation works and the dangers of using a for-profit debt settlement company.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

2/19/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Better Farther On Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 2/19/2025 Bible: Nahum 1:12 Length: 1 min.

On today's show, join Andy Herman as he reviews the tape of Asante Samuel Jr. & Charvarius Ward to see which corner could fix the Packers' secondary issues in 2025. Don't miss it! Brought to you by Prize Picks. PrizePicks.com/PackADay.  Promo Code: PACKADAY  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2/15/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Ever Mindful Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 2/15/2025 Bible: Psalm 115:12 Length: 1 min.

Whether it's a few long-stem roses or a beautiful bouquet, it's hard to go wrong with flowers. Sometimes you can find what you want at the supermarket. For special occasions, you might want to visit a florist. In this episode: Where to find the lowest prices on flowers, how to choose a good florist, and the best way to send flowers out of town. Plus, tips on how to keep those flowers looking fresher for longer. Read Checkbook's full report on how to find a florist. Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this "For The People" episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum from Checkbook.org, to answer consumer questions and discuss important updates, including changes for Tax Time, new breach data affecting credit freezes, MFA, and Pass Keys, and tips on how to get great Valentine's Day flowers without overspending. Then, Car Guy Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive joins Nick to talk about why the Cybertruck is already a flop, revisit a classic ad for the 1981 Ford LTD, and uncover why Nissan is keeping one of its 2025 models under wraps. Plus, another round of Starspotter and Mystery Show! [Ep 321]