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.
Why It’s Safer to Use a Credit Card, Not a Debit Card
Some people find using debit cards, rather than credit cards, help them stick to their budgets and avoid going into debt. But credit cards offer stronger consumer protections.
Holiday Shopping: The Pros & Cons of Traditional Layaway and New Buy Now, Pay Later Services
The holiday shopping season is underway and for people without savings or credit, or who have credit cards maxed out because of the pandemic, layaway or buy now, pay later plans may be the only way to buy everything on their gift-giving lists.
Why Did I Get a Small, Unexpected Payment From the IRS?
By law, the IRS owes interest on refunds that accrued between the original April 15th filing deadline and whenever the refund was actually paid.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: Know the Rules, Your Rights, and How to Spot a Scammer
If you get a call from someone claiming to be a debt collector, it’s not always easy to tell if the caller is a real debt collector or a scammer. That’s why it’s important to go slowly and know your rights.
Many Consumers Enrolled in COVID-19 Payment Modification Programs Find Their Credit Files Erroneously Tarnished
Many lenders let their customers make reduced payments or skip payments altogether, without damaging their credit histories. But, in many cases, companies haven’t held up their end of the deal.
The Well-Known Brands Criminals Most Often Spoof in Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most popular techniques used by cyber criminals because it’s simple and effective. The typical phishing attack involves creating an email that appears to be from a reputable company or organization and encourages potential victims to click on a link.
Amid a Troubled Economy, Credit Cards Cut Credit Limits and Cancel Cards
As the unemployment rate continues to climb due to the coronavirus outbreak, the banks that issue credit cards are taking defensive action by closing accounts and reducing credit limits.
Scammers Cash-In on COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself
The coronavirus pandemic is a dream come true for con artists across the globe: Millions of people are afraid of getting sick and struggling to make ends meet, just as trillions of dollars in stimulus funds make their way into the economy.
Stimulus Payment Glitches: Why Millions of Taxpayers Will Get Their Payments Late
Millions of Americans who filed their tax returns via tax preparation services haven’t received their stimulus payments yet.
How to Create and Easily Store Secure Passwords
Password management software helps you create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
Is Your Auto Insurer Offering Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Most of the largest U.S. insurance companies have announced plans to give their auto policyholders some form of relief. Some insurers are offering a lot more help than others.
Is It Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?
Electric vehicle sales are still a tiny part of the U.S. auto market. But surging gas prices are driving up demand and automakers are racing to get new plug-in hybrids and all-electric models to market.
Higher Interest Rates Are on the Way; Here’s How to Prepare
To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve is expected to increase the federal funds rate three times during 2022, and possibly more in 2023. Here’s a quick look at how these increases are likely to affect consumer borrowing and saving.
WA Cares Long-Term Care Program Delayed Until Summer of 2023
Washington state’s first-of-a-kind long-term care program has been put on hold until 2023 while lawmakers figure out a host of problems.
Holiday Shopping Tips: Gift Yourself Less Stress and Lower Spending
For the 2021 holiday shopping season, brace yourself for shortages, shipping delays, changes to retailers’ traditional discounting practices, and more. But there are still plenty of ways to save money and make sure you cover everyone on your “nice” list. Here are our top tips for holiday shopping.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed to Stop WA Cares Program
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of three businesses and six individuals, asks the court to block the mandatory premium payroll deductions and declare the program illegal.
New Mortgage Underwriting Program Could Help More Renters Become Homeowners
As of September 18, Fannie Mae will consider rental payment history as part of its risk assessment for loan approval.
New Federal Rule Targets Fraudulent ‘Made in USA’ Claims
“Made in USA” claims are often meaningless and sometimes outright deceptive. This month the Federal Trade Commission finalized a new rule to crack down on marketers using false labeling about where their products were made.
Complaints Against P2P Payment Apps Soar
It’s easy to make mistakes when paying on your phone and difficult to get help if something goes wrong.
The Pros and Cons of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Financing for Travel
The travel industry has a solution for those who want to book a vacation but have limited budgets: Buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing. These plans can help with cash flow, and they are easy work-arounds for those who don’t have credit cards. But as with all financing options, it’s important to read the fine print.