Welcome to Consumers’ Notebook, where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read the latest pieces in our Notebook.
Credit Score Myths vs. Reality: Don’t Let These Common Misconceptions Hold You Back
Although good credit is important for so many reasons, many people don’t understand how the system works and instead make decisions based on misinformation. Checkbook asked Liz Weston, a personal finance columnist and author, to separate myths from facts.
Saving on Gas: Which Rewards Credit Cards Offer the Best Deals at the Pump?
Gas prices in the U.S. are soaring to record levels. One way to reduce pain at the pump is to use a rewards credit card. While you might think the best choice of plastic when filling up are those partnered with big oil companies, general-purpose rewards cards tend to offer better deals.
How to Save Money at the Pump and Boost Your Car’s Gas Mileage
Unless you can park your car and drive less, there are three ways to deal with soaring gasoline prices: Hunt for the lowest price; chose the best way to pay; and then squeeze the most miles out of every gallon you buy.
3G Wireless Service Will End in 2022, Stranding Millions of Mobile Devices
This year, U.S. wireless carriers will turn off their old 3G (third-generation wireless) networks to make room for 4G and 5G traffic. The first shutdown starts next week, when AT&T throws its switch on Feb. 22.
Data Breaches Soar to New Record in 2021, Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Cyber criminals compromised 1,862 databases in the U.S. last year, according to the annual data breach report from the non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center. That’s a 68 percent jump from 2020, and a 23 percent increase from the previous record of 1,506, set in 2017.
Five Ways to Save Money on Valentine’s Day Flowers
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get beautiful blooms for less green.
New Report Warns of Bad Actors in the Interstate Moving Industry
During a move, you’re trusting a company to get your possessions from here to there on time, without damage, and at the agreed upon price. All too often that doesn’t happen, especially for long-distance interstate relocations.
Is This a Good Time to Buy a New or Used Car?
People are buying cars again. To regain lost business, car manufacturers and dealers are promoting steep discounts and special financing.
My Gym Is Closed and Still Billing Me. Can It Do That?
What happens when your gym is forced to close because of a pandemic? Should you get a refund for the time you were locked out? And what can you do if the company wants to keep your money and credit your membership account, instead of processing a refund?...
Update: Advice from a Patient Advocate for Families with Vulnerable Loved Ones
During the coronavirus pandemic, patient advocates can offer vital assistance to the families of those who are hospitalized or locked down in senior communities.
Air Passenger Rights During Coronavirus Crisis
An airline must give you a refund if it cancels your flight. Many carriers finally are granting more flexibility for flyers who wish to change their travel plans due to the coronavirus crisis.
Headlight Ratings Encourage Automakers to Improve Safety; These 2021 Models Scored Best
To encourage automakers to improve inferior headlights, in 2016 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began rating vehicles for this important safety issue. Here are the 2021 models that scored best.
Social Media Scams Are Skyrocketing. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.
Social media websites and apps are increasingly magnets for crooks looking for victims. About one quarter of all fraud losses reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last year resulted from scams that started with social media ads, posts, or messages.
Court Approves Equifax Breach Settlement: Money for Some, Free Credit Monitoring for All
Equifax will pay up to $425 million in restitution to those directly impacted by the massive data breach of the credit bureau in 2017. Settlement notices are now being sent to those who previously filed claims for monetary compensation or free credit monitoring.
New Government Report: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion Rarely Act on Complaints About Credit File Errors
If you spot a mistake on your credit report and contact the credit bureau, there’s a good chance nothing will happen. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion together provided relief when alerted to errors less than two percent of the time last year, according to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Automakers Rev Up Subscription Services
When you buy or lease your next car, you might be required to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to activate some of its features.
New Federal Rules Spell Out What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do
New debt collection regulations took effect at the end of November. The new rules focus on communications and disclosures from debt collectors, including what a collector can say, how often they can contact the consumer, what information must be provided, and what qualifies as harassment.
Marriott Settles Lawsuit and Agrees to Include ‘Resort Fees’ in Advertised Room Rates
In a major victory for travelers, last week Marriott International settled a consumer protection lawsuit brought by the Pennsylvania attorney general and agreed to begin disclosing upfront any mandatory fees, including resort fees.
Attention Holiday Shoppers: The Pros and Cons of Retail Credit Cards
While having a store’s card may make sense for you, applying for credit can impact your credit score and overall finances, so it should never be done without careful consideration. You need to understand the terms, fees, and interest rate. Most retail credit cards have higher interest rates than traditional credit cards.
Attending College Next Year? It’s Time to File Your FAFSA to Find Out About Financial Assistance
FAFSA is the gateway to your share of the nearly $150 billion in federal aid available from the U.S. Department of Education, plus assistance from state governments and most colleges and universities.