Consumerpedia

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 InitiativesTINA.org: Monetizing MinorsMore from Checkbook:Unsafe Toys: How to Spot the Hidden Risks That Could Harm Your ChildAre Your Kids’ Smart Toys Spying on Them?Buying Toys on Overseas Websites Can Be RiskyRelated 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.

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

Kevin Brassler, Executive Editor at Checkbook.org, dives into deceptive retail pricing practices. He reveals the startling findings from a six-month study tracking prices at 25 major retailers, uncovering that most advertised discounts are fabrications. Brassler highlights notorious offenders and shares gems like Apple and Costco that offer genuine savings. He also discusses the legal gray areas around fake sales, noting the lack of enforcement against such misleading tactics. Tune in for an eye-opening look at shopping realities!

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.

Despite lingering concerns about volatility, scams, andlax regulatory oversight, cryptocurrency has evolved from a digital curiosity into a mainstream financial asset. About 28% of U.S. adults now hold some form of digital currency. Major financial firms and banks are increasingly offering crypto to their clients, and a growing number of merchants now accept crypto payments.Consumer advocates worry about the “gold rush” mentality that’s taking place as millions try to cash in on the boom, seemingly unconcerned about the potential bust.In this episode: We talk to Amanda Fisher, policy director and COO of Better Markets and former Chief of Staff at the SEC, and Corey Frayer, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America and former senior advisor at the SEC. We'll cover what crypto is, how it works, and why people are buying a currency that’s virtually unregulated. Plus, we’ll explain “meme coins” and “stable coins.” And, is crypto as secure as we’re led to believe? (Spoiler alert: It’s not!)Additional Resources: NerdWallet: ⁠Cryptocurrency Basics: Pros, Cons, and How It WorksBankrate: About 78% of Americans say they’re uncomfortable investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Here’s whyRelated Consumerpedia Episode:Episode 81: Algorithms Secretly Control Your Financial FateNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Checkbook's editors and researchers love to save you time and money, and they use a broad range of consumer-oriented websites and apps to do so.In this episode, we'll highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools.More from Checkbook: Our Editors' Favorite Websites and AppsNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket, far exceeding the rate of inflation, especially in high-risk areas. This crisis is fueled by a combination of climate-related disasters, increasing costs for materials and labor, as well as insurance company withdrawals from certain markets. Consumer advocates, including our guests, also blame a lack of strong regulation and corporate greed. In this episode: A look at the insurance market – where we are and why, possible solutions, and what you can do to avoid making bad decisions when trying to lower your premiums. You’ll also meet a homeowner in California, a victim of the Eaton wildfires, who cannot get her insurance company to fully pay for the necessary repairs.Read Checkbook’s full report on homeowners, renters, and condo insurance, including what is and isn’t covered, how rates are determined, what to do after damage to your home, and which companies offer the best service and prices.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Shopping at thrift stores can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun, since you never know what you’ll find. Plus, many thrift stores support local charities, meaning you’re helping others while picking up a vintage dress or a like-new dresser. In this episode, you’ll find tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on where to find great deals and hidden treasures. All this, plus some wonderful stories from these veteran thrift-store shoppers.Virginia Chamlee has spent more than a decade collecting and selling vintage wares. She’s the author of the best-selling book Big Thrift Energy and the popular newsletter What’sLeft. More from Checkbook: Thrift Store AdviceNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Saving you time. Saving you money. Helping youscore great deals—and steer clear of rip-offs and scams. That’s what we’re all about at the Consumerpedia podcast. In this episode, Checkbook staffers share their favorite life hacks—simple tricks and workarounds they’ve used and swear by—that will help you shop smarter, spend wiser, and stay one step ahead. Related Consumerpedia Episodes:#84: Free Perks You Didn't Know You Had#49: Shop Like a Pro: Checkbook's Top Shopping Tips#26: Sale Prices Are Rarely Real DealsNot a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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:Consumers' Checkbook: The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay LaterBankrate: 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.