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More from Checkbook
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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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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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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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Saving Energy at Home
32 changes that will cut costs and help the planet.
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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 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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Vehicle Service Contracts
Don't buy these plans. They are big hassles and bad deals for most drivers.
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Read Before Remodeling
Your closest ally in a remodeling project is your general contractor. Hiring the right one can be the difference between getting what you want (within your budget), and disaster.
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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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Do Your Trees Need TLC?
Here is advice on how to tell if your trees need help, and ratings of local branch managers if they do.
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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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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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Shockingly Good Electricians
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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Many Medical Alert Devices Delay Emergency Response
We hit the panic button—290 times—to test the value of medical alert devices, and many of them came up short. Here’s what we found, and what we recommend if you’re interested in buying one.
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What to Do About Defective Products
You bought something that broke, or that never worked right. Here are strategies for how to get a refund, free repair, or replacement.
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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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Drain Trust
Ratings of area plumbers for quality and price.
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65 Things You (Probably) Shouldn’t Pay For
Stop wasting money on services and products that might seem useful but are actually bad buys.
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Acupuncture
Should you try the gift of jab?
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Primer Time
How to paint your house or hire someone to do it for you.
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On a Roll
Wallpaper is back. Here's what to do if you want it.
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How to Get the Best Price on a New Car
Websites like TrueCar promise low, upfront pricing. But these companies don't deliver. Here's how to force dealers to compete for your business.
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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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Managing Your Mess
How to find a great housecleaner.
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Lawn & Order
How to hire a service (or hire yourself) to make your grass greener.
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Guard Your Online Privacy
These tips from experts are easy and effective.
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Life Insurance for Less
Shop around to save thousands of dollars.
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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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Clothing Resale Options
Ready to sell your past fashions? Here’s how to get the most for your stuff, your time, and your effort.
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This Whole House
Estate sales can help you offload a ton of stuff.
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Window Washers
Find clear winners for quality and price.
Latest Newsletter
- Switch Cell Phone Services to Save a Bundle
- Beware ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Spending Traps
- Floor Refinishing
- Computer Chip Shortage Means Fewer Choices and Higher Prices for New Cars
- Why You Should Delete Old Online Accounts
- Wipe Your Data Before Ditching Old Devices
- Save Money and Stay Comfy with This Airport Parking Hack
