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More from Checkbook
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The Fight for Your Right to Repair
Manufacturers of vehicles, electronics, appliances, and more are making it tough for independent shops and DIYers to make repairs. Shouldn’t you be able to get stuff you own fixed where and how you want?
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Beware 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Spending Traps
These offers seem like smart, responsible ways to pay. While using these plans can improve your cash flow, these point-of-sale loans can lure you into buying things you can’t afford.
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These Ratings May Shock You
Need to install a new light fixture or do some other wiring around your home? Pull the plug on DIY electrical work—our ratings will help you find a pro.
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Saving Energy at Home
32 changes that will cut costs and help the planet.
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On the Road Again, Despite Dangerous Defects
Our investigation found that used-car dealers often sell vehicles without addressing known life-threatening problems.
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Read Before Remodeling
How to hire and work with a contractor to score a hit home makeover.
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Buying Diamonds
Ready to rock? Here’s how to get a sparkling deal.
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How to Get the Best Price on a New Car
Websites like TrueCar promise low, upfront vehicle pricing. But these companies don’t deliver. Here’s how to force dealers to compete for your business.
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Home Maintenance School
Here’s a yearlong plan on how to keep your home from falling apart.
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How to Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff
Decluttering strategies plus ideas for how to jettison extra belongings, from books to electronics to sporting goods to toys.
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Vehicle Service Contracts
Don't buy these plans. They are big hassles and bad deals for most drivers.
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Buyers Beware
Think you’re getting a deal? 30 tricks sellers use to make you pay up and pay too much.
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Planning a Funeral
When grieving for a loved one, you’re vulnerable to making hasty, costly decisions. Funeral homes provide important services, but they are businesses with a goal of maximizing each sale.
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A Smart Guide to Estate Planning
Here are some basic dos and definite don’ts that will save you hassles and money—and avoid common mistakes.
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Do You Need Coverage for Water and Sewer Line Repairs?
Warranty companies, with help from their public utility partners, pitch nightmare scenarios. But these programs stink.
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Acupuncture
Should you try the gift of jab? Here’s a roundup of what we do and don’t know about acupuncture.
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Trouble with Timeshare Exit Companies
We found many timeshare exit operations provide little, if any, service for their high fees.
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Best Bets for Buying Secondhand Stuff
Our team went secondhand shopping for everything from electronics to armchairs and saved a bundle. A bonus: buying used stuff helps the environment. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) consider buying used.
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Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job
Collision-avoidance auto technology doesn’t change one vital factor: Humans still get behind the wheel, so accidents still happen. Fortunately, our ratings have you covered.
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Appliance Repair: Get Your Fix
Your fridge or washer goes on the fritz, you need help fast. Our ratings evaluate local fixers for quality and price.
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How to Protect Your Computers & Devices
15 steps to take to keep your digital devices safe.
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Guard Your Online Privacy
These tips from experts are easy and effective.
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Surviving the Crash
Ratings of computer repair shops, plus advice on keeping your devices safe.
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Planning a Home Security System
Because most burglars enter homes by simply opening unlocked doors or windows—or pushing and kicking locked ones until they open—even the most basic protective measures will improve your security.
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Managing Your Mess
How to find a great housecleaner.
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Life Insurance for Less
Shop around to save thousands of dollars.
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Primer Time
How to paint your house or hire someone to do it for you.
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Free Perks You Don't Know You Have
We sifted through member benefits that come with credit cards, warehouse clubs, health insurance plans, and more, they discovered dozens of free, often little-known perks.
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Hear Here
Where to shop for the right hearing aid.
Current Issue
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A Message from Our Founding President
After more than 45 wonderful years, I am retiring as president of Consumers’ Checkbook. I want to thank you for your support and for helping to create a marketplace that works for all.
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Dentists to Smile About
If you’re in the market for a new dentist, our ratings will help you find a top tooth doc.
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Best Vet Bets
Ratings of area practices for quality and price to keep your furry friends’ tails wagging—and your finances from sagging.
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Read Before Remodeling
How to hire and work with a contractor to score a hit home makeover.
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Solar Energy Systems
Here’s a rundown of options, how to pay for your project, how to find an installer, and energy savings you can expect.
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Electricians
These ratings may shock you!
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Made in the Shade
Use our ratings of local tree care services to find a great branch manager.
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The Fight for Your Right to Repair
Manufacturers of vehicles, electronics, appliances, and more are making it tough for independent shops and DIYers to make repairs.
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Help with Planning a Funeral
This article reviews the many choices you have when a loved one dies, plus ratings of funeral homes and advice on how to deal with one.
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A Smart Guide to Estate Planning
Here are some basic dos and definite don’ts that will save you hassles and money—and avoid common mistakes.
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Buying Diamonds
Ready to rock? Here’s how to get a sparkling deal.
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Driving the Best Tire Bargain
If it’s time to replace your treads, we’ve got the score on how to buy the best replacements at the lowest cost, including price comparisons of suppliers.
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