July 10, 2025
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
Read More : 90 – Buy Now, Pay Later»April 17, 2025
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
Read More : 84 – Free Perks You Didn’t Know You Had»February 20, 2025
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
Read More : 80 – Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories»January 23, 2025
Clothing rental has always been a way to dress for less when attending weddings, proms, or other formal events. But the rental market has zoomed beyond tuxes and gowns and turned into an easy way to keep your wardrobe fresh without spending much money. In this episode, we’ll share tips on navigating the clothing rental
Read More : 78 – Clothing Rental: Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh for Less»January 9, 2025
Amazon is convenient, but America’s second-largest retailer —and most dominant online merchant—too often steers customers toward items it gets paid extra to promote. Our researchers looked for 50 products on Amazon; half of what the retailer showed them were paid promos. In this episode: What’s the deal with all these ads? Can you trust Amazon
Read More : 77 – Amazon Floods Search Results with Ads»October 31, 2024
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
Read More : 73 – Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips 2024»October 17, 2024
The process has changed for anyone looking to hire a real estate agent; new rules took effect in August that are designed to bring transparency and competition to the marketplace. Consumer advocates hope agents will be more willing to negotiate their commissions, but the new process and unfamiliar paperwork could create confusion for a while.
Read More : 72 – Finding a Real Estate Agent That’s Right for You»October 3, 2024
Kitchen and bathroom renos are the most common home improvement projects—and they can be mighty expensive. If the layout of your kitchen or bath already works for you, and its cabinets and other features are in decent shape, you might be able to save a bunch of cash by doing what’s called a “light remodel.”
Read More : 71 – Redo Your Kitchen or Bath for Less»September 19, 2024
Prescription drug costs in the U.S. are “significantly higher” than in most other countries, according to a report earlier this year from the Rand Corporation. The average American spends more than $1,400 a year on prescription medications, research shows. For many, that expense is a budget buster. Because of the high cost, more than 9
Read More : 70 – How to Save on Prescription Drugs»July 25, 2024
Whether it’s points, miles, or cash back, it’s nice to be rewarded for shopping. The lure of “getting something extra” can encourage you to apply for new credit cards and spend more to score those rewards. In recent years, many credit card reward programs have become more complex and confusing, and frustrated cardholders are complaining
Read More : 68 – Rewards Cards»