Only 40% of Americans know carrying a credit card balance hurt their credit score. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about ways to dig yourself out of debt.
Reported losses to government impersonation scammers hit $618 million last year, up from $487 million in 2022. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman has an exclusive interview with the FTC about how to spot a government imposter.
On average, moving customers lost around $836 to scams last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to HireAHelper about the pitfalls to avoid when hiring a mover and how to spot one of these scams.
More than 70% of Americans in a Bankrate survey said they chase credit card rewards. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to them about the pros and cons.
22% of parents with young children tell NerdWallet they are not planning on having any more kids because the cost of raising a child is too high. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to them to get more insight into the data and ways you can save some money.
The FBI has issued an alert after receiving thousands of complaints about fake road toll collection service texts. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks to the BBB on what to look out for in this scam.
An Empower survey shows that 62% of Americans do not talk about money with their family. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with Virginia Credit Union about how the benefits of discussing finances far outweigh the potential downsides.
78% of Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck, according to a 2023 study by Payroll.org. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares advice from @The Responsible Homegirl on how to break the cycle.
It’s an alluring concept, buy something now, pay for it later, but Bankrate reports that more than half of users have run into problems. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a look at how you can prevent the most common issues.
A new study finds 42% of millennials have purchased a home on their own. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with Bankrate about their study’s findings and has advice for first time home buyers.
More than a third of Americans think their parents will need financial assistance as they age. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about how to do just that.
Money can play a big role in the destruction of a relationship or even a friendship. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to a debt relief attorney about tips to help you navigate financial habits together.
A recent AARP survey finds 1 in 5 Americans over 50 have no retirement savings. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explores the ways you can start saving for retirement now, one dollar at a time.
You’ve likely received a seemingly legitimate call or text asking for your personal information, but should you trust it? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with Virginia Credit Union about ways to spot phishing and how you can avoid becoming a victim.
As the cost of living grows, more and more people are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets advice from MarketWatch about how to make a side hustle work for you.
Around 27% of men say their salary increased over the last year while just 21% of women said the same. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to NerdWallet about their study and ways more women can fight for pay increases.
Over 170,000 reports of imposter scams have been reported to the Federal Trade Commission so far this year, with a loss of more than $645 million. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman sits down with a state attorney general to find out what you need to know and why it’s so important you report this type of fraud.
Interest rates remain sky high, meaning if you carry any balance on a credit card, you’re paying a lot of extra money right now. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to the Tayne Law Group about how to negotiate lower interest rates.
Summer vacations with the family are as much fun as they are unpredictable. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Virginia Credit Union about building up your vacation fund and planning for the unexpected.
More and more Americans are getting denied car loans and car leases. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what's going on and gets some advice from Bankrate on how to turn that denial into a yes.
Getting scammed can lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame, but one advocacy group wants people to change their mindset if they fall victim to fraud. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with the National Center for Victims of Crime about mentally overcoming a scam and resources you can use right now in order to recover.
Many of us make financial goals at the start of the year but life often gets in the way of seeing those goals through. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to the The Responsible Homegirl about a summertime, financial reset.
Credit card rates are near record high yet a third of Americans say they are willing to go into debt to pay for summer travel. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to Bankrate about how to avoid putting everything on a credit card.
Around two thirds of Americans have a negative view of banks. Which is why Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a debt relief attorney about how to bank smarter.
US PIRG and EPIC say states are not doing enough to protect your data and privacy. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with advocates and state lawmakers about what they found, why they’re concerned, and what you can do to protect your information.
If you plan to travel this summer experts say there are still some ways to save money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa gets some ideas from Virginia Credit Union.
With the price of fun skyrocketing a new Bankrate survey finds a third of Americans are willing to go into debt for travel, dining out or live entertainment. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out more on how to prevent this.
The price of car insurance rose 22.6% in the last year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Virginia Credit Union about ways you can lower your bill.
The BBB is asking people to be extra vigilant if they get an urgent email from a business asking for payment information. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with them for tips you need to know so you don’t fall for a scam.
If you're in over your head in credit card debt, you may be considering a personal loan. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to MoneyTips about the pros and cons of a personal loan.
A balance transfer with a 0% APR can be a great way to pay off lingering debt. However, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talked to Leslie Tayne about why not all balance transfers are a great deal.
25% of pet owners say they would go into debt to pay for life-saving medical care for their furry friend. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa speaks to NerdWallet, the company behind this new survey, to discuss the pros and cons of pet insurance.
You can’t predict a serious illness or injury which is why one consumer advocacy group is fighting to make sure medical bills don’t appear on your credit reports. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explains what’s being done to eliminate medical debt from impacting your credit score.
Credit card rewards are great, but only if you pay your bills in full and avoid interest. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about the best way to use rewards credit cards.
36% of Americans have more credit card debt than they do emergency savings, according to a new study. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about how to prioritize debt while also saving for an emergency fund.
If you're lugging around credit card debt in 2024, it's time to plan to pay it off. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with a debt lawyer about the five biggest mistakes she sees clients making when they try to get rid of debt.
The BBB reported that online scams were the most common way consumers were defrauded last year, followed by employment scams. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talked to the BBB and shares how you can avoid becoming the next scam victim.
Whether it’s saving for an emergency fund or saving for retirement, there are different ways to look at how you grow that money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert from Agili about short and long-term savings goals.
This summer as your kids potentially spend more and more time online, make sure you are aware of the biggest risks online. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke to Kaspersky about the top five online threats to kids.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is banning excessive credit card late fees, lowering the typical fee from $32 to $8, but the move comes with some pushback from bank associations. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks to CFPB Director Rohit Chopra about the changes.
Wedding season is upon us and whether you're planning a wedding or are an invited guest, there are ways to budget and save and relieve yourself of the stress. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains.
Many of us use Bluetooth technology to connect our phones to other devices or to make it easier to send messages or photos. But leaving your Bluetooth open to the public can be dangerous. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa has a warning about a wave of smartphone attacks through "bluejacking".
According to a new study, more than half of workers think they’re behind where they should be with their emergency fund and retirement savings. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa spoke with Bankrate about the power of making every penny count.
The federal government has issued warnings about scammers trying to take advantage of student loan borrowers and people looking for debt relief. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with them about scams, what to look out for, and how to protect your information.
Do you have the right credit card for you? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with a financial coach from Virginia Credit Union to help pick out the best option for your financial situation.
Credit card debt was up nearly 16% last year from 2022. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about why you should let go of your shame around your debt.
Divorce is tough for many, not only emotionally but also financially. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares some important ways to protect your money through divorce proceedings.
Product recalls hit the highest level in seven years in 2023, according to a consumer watchdog report. Caresse Jackman spoke with PIRG about the push for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue more public warnings, as well as how you can protect yourself from dangerous products.