Be sure to check out any DNA testing firms that you’re considering buying a test kit from. CRI Genetics made false claims on its websites and social media that its ancestry reports were more accurate and detailed than other DNA testing companies, such as Ancestry DNA and 23andMe, according to a joint lawsuit by two agencies. Read more →

With an increase in the use of the internet for shopping, the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are blurring. However, my biggest Black Friday shopping recommendation, compare prices, also applies to Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday continues to be the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created. Read more →

In recent years, Black Friday sales have changed. They’re starting earlier and many are now online. That means fewer people are crowding to the malls. However, some people still love the rush and the doorbusters. In my weekly newsletter, sign up here, https://tinyurl.com/makeyourmoneywork, I’ve been saying for weeks to compare prices. Read more →

Influencers are required to let consumers clearly know that they’re being paid for their content. After the WHO classified artificial sweeteners such as aspartame as a possible carcinogens, influencers – including some dietitians – began posting content criticizing action. Aspartame is used in products such as diet soda, yogurt, and chewing gum. Read more →

World Against Toys Causing Harm announced its 51st annual nominees for the “10 Worst Toys” of the year. Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of harm. Making safe toys needs to be the top priority in the design, manufacture, and marketing of children’s playthings. Read more →

It's amazing that as we’re all suffering from inflation so little is said about corporate price gouging and the role it’s playing in price increases. Fortunately, there’s a watchdog group that keeps researching inflation. Here’s the latest from Accountable.US: The increase in basic prices having risen at the smallest rate since September 2021. Read more →

Although Black Friday is a few weeks away, you can find lots of deals available so you can start comparing prices now. Like last year, the 2023 holiday sale season started early, with major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target offering big sitewide events in early October. A difference is this year prices will remain steady through Black Friday. Read more →

It’s that time of year again. It’s getting colder and darker, the leaves are falling, and on Halloween, the ghosts and goblins will be coming out. With 73 percent of Americans planning to celebrate Halloween this year and the average person expected to spend $108, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays in the U.S. To save money, avoid buying new, single-use costumes. Read more →

Most consumers don’t know what they’re getting into when they sign up for “buy now, pay later” arrangements. “BNPL lenders are making it easier for borrowers to use high-cost loans for everyday purchases,” said Peter Smith of the Center for Responsible Lending. “At the same time, they are trying mightily to hide the true costs and risks of these loans.” Read more →

Do research if you’re considering buying silver coins. Precious metals dealer Safeguard Metals LLC and Jeffrey Ikahn have settled a lawsuit that alleged they engaged in a $68 million fraudulent scheme that targeted the seniors. Between October 2017 and July 2021, Safeguard and Ikahn deceived more than 450 customers nationwide. Read more →