My newsletter this week has a lot of helpful information so I’m posting a copy here. You have until May 8 to use Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards and rewards and until May 4 to file a claim for an IKEA settlement. You’ll also find tips on how to save money on gas and a list of some store brands that are better than name brands. Read more →

When I was over by Fred Meyer, I stopped to see if the Canon ink I use was cheaper than what I’ve been paying at Office Depot. I looked at Office Depot’s website to compare its price. Fred Meyer wasn’t cheaper. So, when I went over to Office Depot, I was surprised to see that the store price was more than the online price by $3. Read more →

Things will be looking better for sales in May with Mothers’ Day and Memorial coming up. Stores will be stocking up on summer clothing, patio furniture, and outdoor cooking items, so spring inventories will start going on sale in May. Look for deals on appliances and mattresses for Memorial Day sales and for Mother’s Day compare prices on flowers and clothing. Read more →

It’s helpful for consumers to take a look at complaints that are received by agencies and organization to know what to watch out for in their financial lives. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau monitors consumer complaints to determine risks in consumer financial markets and to prioritize agency action. In 2022, the CFPB found: Read more →

Luxor Workspaces is recalling about 84,700 Luxor A/V carts in the United States and about 1,650 in Canada. The carts can be unstable when loaded with heavy objects, such as cathode-ray tube televisions. They pose a tip-over hazard to children, which can result in serious injury or death. Read more →

It’s been the second coldest April in history here in the Seattle area. And, then, there’s the rain, rain, rain. Even hail at times. Since I’m a photojournalist, I like to take photos of our state Capitol when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Many years it’s tricky to get a blue sky with the iconic building. Read more →

Earth Day is a good reminder of what to do every day and throughout the year for the health of the planet. I spend a lot of time on it. I know many people do, too. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Invest in Our Planet. Three-quarters of Americans say that they’re particularly concerned with helping the environment as they go about their daily lives. Read more →

A settlement shows that another huge, well-known corporation has engaged in deceptive practices in how it treats its customers. Prudential Financial denied more than 200 life insurance claims although the company collected life insurance premiums from participants for extended periods, the U.S. Department of Labor said Wednesday. Read more →

Did you get your taxes done on time? I expected to get mine completed at H&R Block on Sunday, but due to a glitch, they weren't completed until Monday. Read all about my experience at "H&R Block Doing Better About Disclosing Prices, But Price Still High." I paid $488. At least I was able to get an estimate this year. Read more →

For decades, the U.S. regulators have lagged behind other countries in banning dangerous chemicals. Last week, the California Assembly’s Health Committee approved a bill to ban five harmful chemicals from candy, cereals, and other processed food. If passed, California would be the first state to regulate food additives. Read more →