Video Archives
LAST-MINUTE TAX TIPS 2026 - Important information for everyone racing to the finish line to get their tax returns filed by April 15.
JOB SCAMS SOAR - Fraudsters are increasingly luring job seekers to apply for fake jobs – positions that don’t exist – using online ads, job boards, social media, and newspapers. Victims are losing thousands of dollars. Here’s how to spot bogus employment offers.
TIPS FOR BUYING A CAR, TRUCK, OR SUV IN 2026 - With hundreds of new vehicles to choose from and sky-high prices, how do you decide what to buy? Herb shares advice from Consumer Reports' auto experts.
WATER BEAD DANGERS - New federal safety regulations should protect children from the hazards of water beads sold as toys.
FRAUD PREVENTION: 10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF - Herb’s 10 Tips to Fight Fraud – Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. You need to protect yourself from the con artists who want to steal your money and identity.
LAUNDRY TIPS - Expert advice from Consumer Reports about detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, and even the best way to sort the wash.
DATA BREACHES - There’s a good chance you’ve received a data breach notice recently – perhaps several. Don't ignore them! Here’s what to do to protect yourself.
DEALING WITH DEBT - Digging out from a mountain of credit card debt might seem impossible. But with hard work, discipline, and guidance from a certified credit counselor, it can be done.
2026 TAX TIPS - Congress made several major changes to the tax code that will affect most taxpayers’ returns – especially compared to last year, when the IRS made only routine inflation adjustments.
CHECKBOOK'S COLLEGE OF CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE - When it comes to being a smart consumer, knowledge is power. Watch this consumer quiz and test your Consumer IQ.
TOY SAFETY – COUNTERFEIT TOYS AND AI CHATBOTS POSE NEW THREATS TO CHILDREN - The annual "Trouble in Toyland" report from U.S. PIRG highlights hidden dangers ranging from toxic chemicals to artificial intelligence that can engage in “disturbing conversations” with kids. A must-read before you go toy shopping.
FAKE SALES - A 6-month investigation by Checkbook.org into 25 major retailers found that "sale" prices are usually fake discounts; the advertised markdowns are bogus.
HOLIDAY DEBT TRAPS - Holiday debt can be a burden for a long time after the decorations come down. Here are some money-waving suggestions.
CHECKBOOK'S HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS 2025 - We spoke to shopping experts to help you find the best deals, and avoid the fake sales and online scams.
CRYPTOCURRENCY GAINS MAINSTREAM ACCEPTANCE DESPITE ONGOING RISKS AND REGULATORY CONCERNS - It’s a modern-day gold rush where some people (mostly insiders) are getting incredibly rich, while many others have lost money. Consumer advocates warn that buying cryptocurrency is more akin to sports betting than investing.
CHECKBOOK'S EDITORS' FAVORITE WEBSITES & APPS - The editors and researchers at Checkbook use a variety of consumer-oriented websites and apps to get accurate and unbiased information. In this episode, we’ll highlight some of our favorites and why we find them to be valuable tools.
SCAM ALERT: FAKE LOAN APPROVAL ROBOCALLS - Identity thieves have found a new way to steal our personal financial information: By calling with an “update” on a loan you never applied for. They sound legit, but they’re not!
HOME INSURANCE CRISIS - Soaring premiums and inadequate claims payouts are prompting many homeowners to reduce their coverage or forgo it altogether, putting their most valuable financial asset at risk.
CLICK-TO-CANCEL RULE CANCELLED - A federal appeals court has blocked the Federal Trade Commission from enforcing its new consumer-friendly rule that prohibited companies from making it more difficult to cancel a subscription or membership than it was to sign up.
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES COMING TO AN END - If you've been thinking about buying an electric vehicle, you might want to act soon. Congress eliminated the federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for a new EV and $4,000 for a used one as of September 30.
AVOID A HOTEL HORROR SHOW - Tips for booking a hotel room or vacation rental, so you don’t end up having a nightmarish experience. Plus, what to do if you wind up staying at the Bates Motel.
BUY NOW, PAY LATER - You see the offers everywhere, from companies such as Klarna and Affirm. BNPL financing is quick and convenient, but it can become a debt trap. Herb explains the smart way to use pay-later financing.
HIRING PAINTING PROS, STORE DIGITAL COUPON CHANGES - Tips on how to hire a painting professional who will do great work at a fair price. Also, Kroger makes it easier for customers to use digital coupons at some of its stores.
WHY PASSKEYS PROVIDE BETTER SECURITY THAN PASSWORDS - Even the best passwords are no match for today's international crime rings. Passkeys are encrypted digital keys that cannot be lost, stolen, or hacked.