Of the many consumer laws I’ve reported on over the years, weak laws on personal care products such as cosmetics are among the most frustrating. The United States has lagged behind the rest of the world in regulating the contaminants and ingredients in personal care products. More than 80 other countries have taken action to protect their citizens. Read more →

Have you been frustrated because you’ve wanted to repair your electronics or appliances or find a less expensive place for repairs to be made other than through the manufacturer? Eighty-four percent of Americans said they agreed with a policy to require manufacturers to make repair information and parts available either to independent repair professionals or to product owners.. Read more →

Every year I write about children’s toys to avoid, according to W.A.T.C.H., World Against Toys Causing Harm, a group that helps raise awareness about the dangers in toys, children’s products, and recreational activities. W.A.T.C.H.’s list of nominees for the “10 Worst Toys” of 2022 includes: Read more →

Wells Fargo is at it again. It shows why consumers should be skeptical about trusting big banks. The repeat offender has agreed to a settlement that requires it to return more than $2 billion to consumers and pay a $1.7 billion civil penalty for legal violations across several of its largest product lines, the CFPB said Tuesday. Read more →

Did you know alcohol is a carcinogen? Only half of Americans are aware of it. For years, the alcohol beverage industry has been successful in keeping the government from requiring the type of labeling on alcohol that’s found. However, three consumer organizations sued the TTB in October and won. Read more →

Comcast is one of the companies that I dislike the most. I’m using polite language here because it’s best thing for bloggers to do. I’ve had poor customer service many, many times, and one customer service manager used abusive language, calling me derogatory names. Another thing that irks me about Comcast is mandatory fees. Read more →

It’s important for parents, grandparents, and child care providers to keep up on the latest about infant loungers. Just because a product, especially one for baby sleep, is being sold doesn’t mean it’s safe. Dock-A-Tot recently received a violation notice from the CPSC for importing an infant sleeper that didn’t meet the agency’s new rule. Read more →

Buying a car is such a complicated process. I always appreciate information from Consumer Reports on the topic. Each year Consumer Reports issues a report on car reliability. It’s latest report showed hybrid vehicles and midsized or large sedans are among the most reliable, while electric vehicles and full-size pickup trucks are the two most problematic categories. Read more →

On Thursday, I put my ballot in a nearby drop box. Fortunately, there weren’t any Right-wing election deniers with guns standing nearby as has been reported in some areas of the country. It’s really important for people to vote in the upcoming election. Right-wing fanatics are on the ballot in every state. Read more →

Being a consumer and personal finance journalist has many rewards. However, the consumer safety part of it can be gut wrenching. Reading about how the intestines of kids can be sucked out by spa and swimming pool drains, how kids who slump over in an inclined sleeper can die from suffocation, and how kids can be crushed by dressers and TV is sickening. Read more →