Black Friday deals have already begun, and as shoppers are looking to stretch their budget while checking names off their Christmas gift list, they might consider “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) plans, like Klarna or Afterpay.
Preparing for your child to go to college can be a daunting, particularly when you think about the price tag. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with The College Investor to get tips and tricks to save money.
College is expensive in more ways than just tuition. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Agili about why it is important to teach college students budgeting and money management skills.
Looming debt can seem like a more urgent issue than your retirement. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Tayne Law Group about why you should find a balance between the two.
Reported losses to government impersonation scammers hit $618 million last year, up from $487 million in 2022. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman has an exclusive interview with the FTC about how to spot a government imposter.
On average, moving customers lost around $836 to scams last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to HireAHelper about the pitfalls to avoid when hiring a mover and how to spot one of these scams.
More than 70% of Americans in a Bankrate survey said they chase credit card rewards. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to them about the pros and cons.
A recent AARP survey finds 1 in 5 Americans over 50 have no retirement savings. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explores the ways you can start saving for retirement now, one dollar at a time.
Summer vacations with the family are as much fun as they are unpredictable. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Virginia Credit Union about building up your vacation fund and planning for the unexpected.
More and more Americans are getting denied car loans and car leases. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what's going on and gets some advice from Bankrate on how to turn that denial into a yes.
Many of us make financial goals at the start of the year but life often gets in the way of seeing those goals through. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to the The Responsible Homegirl about a summertime, financial reset.
Credit card rates are near record high yet a third of Americans say they are willing to go into debt to pay for summer travel. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to Bankrate about how to avoid putting everything on a credit card.
Around two thirds of Americans have a negative view of banks. Which is why Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a debt relief attorney about how to bank smarter.
US PIRG and EPIC say states are not doing enough to protect your data and privacy. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with advocates and state lawmakers about what they found, why they’re concerned, and what you can do to protect your information.
If you plan to travel this summer experts say there are still some ways to save money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets some ideas from Virginia Credit Union.
The BBB is asking people to be extra vigilant if they get an urgent email from a business asking for payment information. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with them for tips you need to know so you don’t fall for a scam.
25% of pet owners say they would go into debt to pay for life-saving medical care for their furry friend. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to NerdWallet, the company behind this new survey, to discuss the pros and cons of pet insurance.
You can’t predict a serious illness or injury which is why one consumer advocacy group is fighting to make sure medical bills don’t appear on your credit reports. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explains what’s being done to eliminate medical debt from impacting your credit score.
Credit card rewards are great, but only if you pay your bills in full and avoid interest. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about the best way to use rewards credit cards.
Credit card debt was up nearly 16% last year from 2022. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about why you should let go of your shame around your debt.
It can be easy to fall into the trap of not wanting to deal with your debt. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with Leslie Tayne about why you shouldn't ignore your debt.
New data finds roughly 2.1 million vehicles on the road have had their odometer rolled back, a scam used to hide a vehicle’s age. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares tips on how you can protect yourself and avoid fraud.
There are many factors that go into a good credit score, but some are more important than others. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with a money expert about what matters most about your credit score and how to raise it.
If you're newer to building credit or don’t have an established credit history, secured credit cards may be a way to get started. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about how they work.
The CFPB is sending millions in financial relief to consumers harmed by illegal lending practices targeting veterans. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with them about their push to protect veterans and what you need to know if you think you’re a victim.
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking a lot of state and federal grants and scholarships, but delays have made this year tough for families. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa caught up with an expert to go over places you can find scholarships.
One benefit of higher interest rates has been the rates on many types of savings accounts have increased. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks with a financial expert about the different types of accounts that help you earn more interest.
The DOT is considering new rules to require airlines to reimburse things like hotels, meals and rebooking when the airline’s responsible for cancellations or significant delays. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with PIRG about consumer rights and what to know before you fly.
A new study found the fees people are paying on cash advance apps are skyrocketing. In this Watching Your Wallet, Rachel DePompa talked with the folks behind the study to find out what you need to know before you borrow money through an app.
Total bankruptcy filings rose 13 percent last year, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why experts say to do best to avoid filing for bankruptcy.
The SAT test has gone digital. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with the founder of Prep Expert to help parents and students understand the changes and how they can better prepare for the test.
Have you ever signed up for a free trial of something only to forget to cancel it when the trial ends? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a good reminder from Virginia Credit Union that even little amounts can add up quickly.
It's a major milestone for mom and dad when a child turns 18. Experts tell Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa there’s one thing you should have them do, not only for peace of mind, but for financial security moving forward.
If you don’t know how many credit cards you have or how much you owe, you may have what’s called uncontrollable debt. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa caught up with debt relief attorney for tips to help you get back on track.
If you're drowning in credit card debt, especially because the interest rate is high, it never hurts to ask to lower it. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about ways you can get help reigning in your credit card debt.
AARP says more than 1 in 5 adults have no retirement savings. It’s why the organization is trying to get the word about the importance of saving now. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman sat down with AARP about ways to build a retirement fund.
Over half of consumers use digital wallets, per Forbes. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to MoneyTips about the convenience and safety concerns of paying with your phone.
FAFSA delays caused many colleges to extend enrollment periods, moving the deadline for students to review financial aid offers for the fall. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to an expert about the impact and what you can do to be prepared.
About one in five Americans are behind on both oil changes and tire rotations, according to a new CarFax study. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why delaying this routine maintenance can lead to bigger problems.
According to AARP, nearly 3 in 4 Americans ages 50 and over carry some form of debt, especially when it comes to credit cards. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explores different ways you can not only shrink your debt but avoid it all together.
Scammers are jumping on the weight loss craze. The Better Business Bureau and FDA are warning consumers to watch out for phony medications. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out more, to help protect your health and your wallet.
Nearly 75% of Americans qualify to file their federal income taxes for free but only 2% actually do. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from NerdWallet about what you need to know to file your taxes for FREE.
More than 80% of homeowners have at least one issue in their home that needs to be addressed but 60% can’t afford the repair. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to Today's Homeowner for advice.
The President announced new actions to tackle hidden fees by proposing a rule that would end excessive overdraft fees. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with the CFPB and has tips on what you can do to avoid these unwanted charges.
Credit card debt is up nearly 16% compared with last year. Americans have racked up a collective $1.2 trillion in credit card debt as of September 2023. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from NerdWallet about strategies to tackle those balances.
Have your spending habits changed because of inflation? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares tips from NerdWallet to make sure you’re still getting the most out of your credit card.
Love is likely on most people’s mind this Valentine’s Day but experts warn fake lovers will look to take advantage of a hopeless romantic any day of the year. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman shares ways to avoid being blinded by love and how to spot a romance scammer.
