California often has among the most beneficial laws for consumers. On July 1, these four bills will become law in the state: Capping security deposits -- Until now, landlords have been allowed to require a security deposit equal to as much as three months’ rent. Instead of landlords being allowed to require a security deposit equal to as much as three months’ rent. Read more →

Consumers are in a poor position in the economy, because corporations spend so much on advertising and they donate billions of dollars to influence government to do their bidding making products and services more expensive and less safe. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court has made another decision that will reduce consumer “power” even more. Read more →

As with most holidays, you’ll find worthwhile deals around July Fourth. Sales have already begun, so start comparing prices. As always, you’ll avoid “marked way up and marked way down” if you check out prices. July Fourth sales usually continue until about a week after the holiday. Here are some items that are likely to be marked down: Read more →

Another huge recall deserves your attention. MM Products is recalling about 580,000 JoyJolt brand glass coffee mugs. The glass mugs, which are clear with a handle, can break and crack when filled with hot liquids, posing burn and laceration hazards. There have been 103 incidents of the coffee glasses breaking at the base, resulting in 56 injuries. Read more →

Consumers are used to depositing their money in banks and savings associations, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission. However, some consumers are opening accounts these days with nonbank financial companies, usually online or through mobile apps, such as technology companies providing financial services. Read more →

For some reason, the people I bought my house from planted 40 rhododendrons and 12 azaleas. Did they like them? Were they trying to make their yard look good for the sale? When I moved in during the 1990s, they were small, like when you buy them in pots at the garden or hardware store. About 15 years later, they were giants. Read more →

It seems today that writing about extreme heat is strange. This weekend, I was so cold when I did yard work here in the Seattle area that I wore my extra-sweater-and-leggings outfit I wear for winter gardening. And, although everyone is warning about not to avoid heat exhaustion and even death, I’m going to write about it, too. Read more →

It made me happy this morning so see so many loving stories about fathers on Facebook today, when Americans gather to celebrate Father’s Day or remember their dads who have passed away. Not everyone has positive memories of their dad and today may be a challenging day for them. Here are facts and figures for Father’s Day this year. Read more →

As a supporter of government and a fan of red, white, and blue, I’ve written many times about the importance of participating in the political process and government so we can have the most effective governments possible. However, today on Flag Day, it’s difficult to be optimistic. The U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn a ban on bump stocks. Read more →

Here’s another huge recall that you and consumers throughout the nation need to be know about. Good Earth Lighting is recalling more than 1.2 million rechargeable integrated lights in the United States and about 37,800 in Canada. The light’s battery can overheat and ignite the light’s plastic housing, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Read more →