It’s not surprising what last year’s top consumer complaint was. I’ve seen it many times as No. 1 on annual consumer complaint lists. It’s auto sales and repair. “Consumers rely on cars to get to work, school, doctors’ appointments and more,” said Erin Witte, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. Read more →

Memorial Day is a day to honor Americans who have died in service to their country. Many people attend a memorial day event, visit a cemetery where a loved one is buried, or spend time remembering a service member. In addition, for others, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer. So, it brings barbecues, picnics, swimming, and other outdoor activities. Read more →

Research has shown that eating packaged products – such as breakfast cereals, snack bars, frozen meals, and packaged sweets, along with other items – is linked to poor health outcomes, like an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Also, recent studies shown eating highly processed foods are linked to depression and anxiety. Read more →

Today’s my birthday. Yes, I do get a lot of “May the Fourth be with you” comments. I just shrug it off that my birthday, to some, is an unofficial Star Wars holiday. Since I’m an older adult, I’m thinking a lot today about friends and relatives that I’ve celebrated birthdays with in the past who are gone. My favorite birthdays? Read more →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

As a researcher, I was surprised several years ago when I ran across a study on pets that are allowed to sleep in their owners’ beds. It found E.coli, a bacteria that can cause illness, on the pillows, sheets, and blankets. The CDC recommends taking precautions to help reduce the risk of getting sick from germs pet can carry. Read more →

Happy Easter if Easter is a day you celebrate. For me, I’m trying to concentrate today on the wonders of spring and the yearly renewal of the earth. Here are some recent photos: In late February, we have a snow storm, but fortunately, the power didn’t go out at my house. In early April, I head to the capital grounds because I read that the cherry blossoms are at full bloom. Read more →