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‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Often a Debt Trap
These offers seem like smart, responsible ways to pay. But these point-of-sale loans often result in costly fees, damaged credit, and debt problems.
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Hardware Stores
Do it yourself but don’t go it alone.
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Aging in Place
There’s no place like home: Advice and resources to help you get ready.
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Where Will Rover Sleep Over?
Doggone good boarding options.
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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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Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Spoiler: For most trips, probably not.
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Are You Protecting Your Kids from Identity Theft?
Identity thieves don’t just victimize adults; they also target children. Parents need to be aware of this very real threat and take steps to protect their kids.
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Managing Your Mess
Can a personal organizer help you clean up your act?
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Are ‘Certified’ Used Cars Worth Bigger Price Tags?
Dealers promise rigorously inspected rides and peace-of-mind warranties, but some consumers get rebuilt wrecks and even a former crash-test vehicle.
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Buying Cabinets & Countertops
How to get the kitchen you crave for the least amount of hassle and money.
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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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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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Saving Energy at Home
32 changes that will cut costs and help the planet.
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Electricians: 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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Used Cars Often Sold with 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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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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30 Tricks Sellers Use to Make You Pay Up
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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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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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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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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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Computer Repair: Surviving the Crash
Ratings of shops, plus advice on keeping your devices safe.
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Housecleaners
Need help 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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Painters
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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Hearing Centers
Where to shop for the right hearing aid.
Current Issue
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HVAC Contractors
Ratings of area heating and air-conditioning services so you’ll know who’s cool, who’s hot...and who’s not.
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Are Heat Pumps the Future of HVAC?
Improved technology, generous tax credits and rebates, and lower utility bills might have us reconsider how to heat and cool our homes.
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Checking Out Area Grocery Stores for Price and Quality
Where can you find the best produce and meat? Which stores offer the lowest prices? How much more will you pay for delivery?
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‘Sale’ Prices Are Rarely Real Deals
Our researchers tracked prices at 25 major retailers for 33 weeks and found most advertised discounts are bogus. Stores are increasingly using fake sales to mislead consumers.
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Safe at Home
Home security strategies, gadgets, and installers.
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Locks and Locksmiths
Battening down your hatches and latches.
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Don’t Hire Duct Cleaning Companies
Ignore deceptive ads and claims; you likely don’t need their services.
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Hardware Stores
Do it yourself but don’t go it alone.
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Can a Chiropractor Really Cure Your Back Pain?
Before taking a crack at chiropractic, talk to your doctor and try other treatment options.
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Closet Calls
Finding and installing closet systems.
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Auto Detailers
Restoring pride in your ride.
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Ready to Hit the Gym Again?
How COVID changed the fitness industry, possibly forever.
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