Of Consuming Interest: Recent Episodes
Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses the special needs of military and the many frauds targeting other consumers. He describes how the debt relief promised may only increase the debt load, how promises to erase credit card debt may backfire and other scams that trap consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Alex Reinauer, a research fellow with the Center for Technology and Innovation at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to discuss concerns surrounding “right to repair” legislation that allows consumers to take their digital devices into third-party businesses for repair.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses negative and positive events that affect the ability of consumers to access affordable legal help.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mark Jamison of the American Enterprise Institute, who discusses the reasons government regulation of what we see on social media is a threat to democracy.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Hal Shelton, the author of Amazon best seller "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan,” about how entrepreneurs can start, grow and sell their businesses even during a period of inflation.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Alex Reinauer, a research fellow with the Center for Technology and Innovation at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to discuss concerns surrounding “right to repair” legislation that allows consumers to take their digital devices into third-party businesses for repair.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, a certified financial planner with Ameriprise, who discusses the reasons banks fail, what that means to investment strategies and how consumers can protect themselves.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses the special needs of military and the many frauds targeting other consumers. He describes how the debt relief promised may only increase the debt load, how promises to erase credit card debt may backfire and other scams that trap consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance to discuss car insurance and how important it is to contact your broker if you're using your vehicle for food delivery, ridesharing or any other “gig economy” activity.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Sarah Delphey, vice president of trust solutions at Numeracle, to discuss the importance of authenticating the origin of phone calls. Delphey talks about the way technology is being used to stop the people from receiving calls from scammers while allowing legitimate calls to get through to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks Daren Bakst of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling that defines the scope of the federal government's jurisdiction over the wetlands of the United States. The unanimous decision will protect landowners from broad and sometimes vague applications of the Clean Water Act..
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist Jill Robin Payne , who discusses the recent report by the Surgeon General about the ways our young people can be harmed by social media. Studies indicate the rates of teenage depression, sadness and hopelessness have increased dramatically over the last 10 years
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who points out the serious impact of federal, state and local regulations on the finances of small businesses, as well as the importance of keeping up to date on proposed regulations.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau, director of financial policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, about how the ways we bank and otherwise interact with the financial system are changing.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Hal Shelton, the author of Amazon best seller "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan,” about how entrepreneurs can start, grow and sell their businesses even during a period of inflation.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist Jill Robin Payne about how to deal with anxieties created by the seemingly relentless avalanche of turns for the worse in our society, from the increase in opioid deaths to the increases in consumer prices.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Membership and Communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, about how to alleviate credit card debt and keep your credit rating strong.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau, director of financial policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, about how the ways we bank and otherwise interact with the financial system are changing.
Host Shirley Rooker speak with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance about the safety concerns and potential liabilities that come with the advent of autumn in our area.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, president of Forward Together Wealth Planning, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise, on how to manage your investments in a time of economic uncertainty.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with economist Richard Rahn about how political decisions can lead to famine.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with WalletHub senior analyst Jill Gonzalez about handling credit card debt in the midst of inflation.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Hal Shelton, the author of Amazon best seller "The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan,” about how entrepreneurs can start, grow and sell their businesses even during a period of inflation.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mark Jamison of the American Enterprise Institute, who discusses the reasons government regulation of what we see on social media is a threat to democracy.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Gonzales, senior analyst with WalletHub, who reveals the best frequent flyer programs just in time for the busy summer travel season. The study describes the programs and how the right choices can save you money.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars, which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Kristi Thompson of the Federal Communications Commission, who discusses robocalls, where they originate, public and private sector Initiatives, and how consumers can fight back.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Myles Powell, entrepreneur, food enthusiast and small business owner, who describes how he used his love of food to start a company that makes mac and cheese and how his efforts paid off with 8 Myles products now being sold nationwide.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the difficulties facing homeowners trying to remodel their homes, including shortages of supplies and workers. He also talks about the importance of finding a good electrician.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who discusses how the use of electronic devices and the isolation from COVID has affected our ability to connect with others and offers techniques to cope with this loss.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Angela Logomasini, a senior fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who explains how plastics help improve environmental quality and preserve habitat for wildlife. She discusses a study that found plastic single-use bags to be more effective and environment-friendly that the use of paper or cloth bags.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the causes of inflation, how it differs from supply shock, steps the Fed can take to control inflation and the outlook for consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of Washington and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.
Dan Greenberg, deputy general counsel of the Competitive Enterprise Institute describes seizures and forfeitures, how to protect your assets and how difficult it is for consumers to retrieve their property once it is seized.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon of Responsive Law, who describes recent events that make the legal system more accessible to consumers and some that are very anti-consumer. Do you know what is happening in your community?
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Moura of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, who discusses NERC's recent news release predicting an increase in rolling blackouts this summer in many parts of our country.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, who discusses the many options for long-term care insurance, the types of policies and when to buy it. Only about 18% of consumers have this type of insurance.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses special hardship programs for people in debt, the scams that are surfacing and the protections for people who are behind on their rent.
Kristi Thompson, Federal Communications Commission, discusses robocalls, where they originate, public and private sector Initiatives, and how consumers can fight back.
Shirley Rooker talks with John Breyault, National Consumers League, about ways to protect against malware and ransomware as well as how COVID scams are evolving. He also discusses the scams involving gold and silver.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the difficulties facing homeowners trying to remodel their homes, including shortages of supplies and workers. He also talks about the importance of finding a good electrician.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mark Jamison of the American Enterprise Institute, who discusses the reasons government regulation of what we see on social media is a threat to democracy.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the causes of inflation, how it differs from supply shock, steps the Fed can take to control inflation and the outlook for consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Angela Logomasini, a senior fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who explains how plastics help improve environmental quality and preserve habitat for wildlife. She discusses a recent study that found plastic single-use bags to be more effective and environment-friendly that the use of paper or cloth bags.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Gonzales, senior analyst with WalletHub, who reveals the best frequent flyer programs just in time for the busy summer travel season. The study describes the programs and how the right choices can save you money.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the 1.1 million federal regulations, the need for sunset laws and the cost to business as well as consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars, which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses ways the legal system can help provide better access to consumers as well as some of the reforms that are being instituted in areas around the country.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of Washington and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, who discusses the signs of hearing loss, the causes and the many ways to find help as well as the new technology on the horizon.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who discusses how the use of electronic devices and the isolation from COVID has affected our ability to connect with others and offers techniques to cope with this loss.
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Debra Berlyn of Project GOAL, who describes how technology is designed to help seniors have better and healthier lives. She also talks about the technology introduced at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, including a car that can change colors.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the difficulties facing homeowners trying to remodel their homes, including shortages of supplies and workers. He also talks about the importance of finding a good electrician.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, who provides valuable information on types of insurance needed by a small business, how to cope with an emergency if you are traveling outside the U.S. as well as things to consider when you are having remodeling work done on your home.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the many ways you can reduce your energy bills without spending a lot of money. Sixty percent of utility bills go to heating your home.
Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, discusses how the use of electronic devices and the isolation from COVID has affected our ability to connect with others and offers techniques to cope with this loss.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Mike McCartin about travel insurance. For example, some travel insurance policies have COVID clauses and won’t pay if the trip is canceled because of the pandemic. He also discusses medical evacuation and other types of health insurance issues when travelling.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a recent study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.
Shirley Rooker talks with John Breyault, National Consumers League, about ways to protect against malware and ransomware as well as how COVID scams are evolving. He also discusses the scams involving gold and silver.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars, which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Richard W. Rahn of the Institute for Global Economic Growth, who describes the economic impact on Europe of efforts to go green, including blackouts, gas and food shortages and increasing unemployment and poverty. Will the same thing happen to the United States?
Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bobby Bhatia of Doyle, Schultz and Bhatia, who discusses changes to tax laws including the significant increase in standard deductions and what it means for taxpayers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, who discusses the many options for long-term care insurance, the types of policies and when to buy it. Only about 18% of consumers have this type of insurance.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Clarissa Carnero, director of credit and fraud risk with American Express, who discusses the origin of credit card fraud, the way new technology makes it easier to scam consumers and what steps are being taken to reduce fraud.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the many ways you can reduce your energy bills without spending a lot of money. Sixty percent of utility bills go to heating your home.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Joe Hemsley, a certified financial planner,. He describes the factors that may lead to short-term inflation, the strategies for protecting your assets and the areas that are likely to see the most growth.
Tom Gordon, Executive Director of Responsive Law, discusses ways the legal system can help provide better access to consumers as well as some of the reforms that are being instituted in areas around the country.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Richard W. Rahn of the Institute for Global Economic Growth, who describes the economic impact on Europe of efforts to go green, including blackouts, gas and food shortages and increasing unemployment and poverty. Will the same thing happen to the United States?
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a recent study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, who discusses the signs of hearing loss, the causes and the many ways to find help as well as the new technology on the horizon.
Angela Logomasini, a senior fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, explains how plastics help improve environmental quality and preserve habitat for wildlife. She discusses a recent study that found plastic single-use bags to be more effective and environment-friendly that the use of paper or cloth bags.
Shirley Rooker talks with Thomas Firey, senior fellow at Cato, who discusses the COVID-19 vaccine and how the delta variant affects the need for the vaccine. He details the vigorous process used by the Food and Drug Administration to test new vaccines.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Joe Hemsley, a certified financial planner,. He describes the factors that may lead to short-term inflation, the strategies for protecting your assets and the areas that are likely to see the most growth.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Clarissa Carnero, director of credit and fraud risk with American Express, who discusses the origin of credit card fraud, the way new technology makes it easier to scam consumers and what steps are being taken to reduce fraud.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the many ways you can reduce your energy bills without spending a lot of money. Sixty percent of utility bills go to heating your home.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the Fair Access Rule by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and whether it will impose layers of red tape on banks and raise costs to consumers.
Shirley Rooker talks with John Breyault, National Consumers League, about ways to protect against malware and ransomware as well as how COVID scams are evolving. He also discusses the scams involving gold and silver.
Host Shirley Rooker talks with Mike McCartin about travel insurance. For example, some travel insurance policies have COVID clauses and won’t pay if the trip is canceled because of the pandemic. He also discusses medical evacuation and other types of health insurance issues when travelling.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of Washington and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.
Chuck Muth, the president of Citizen Outreach, discusses the importance of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act of 2003 and the recent Federal Trade Commission regulation that provides additional protection to consumers including making sure consumers understand their rights.
Shirley Rooker speaks with Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, who discusses the signs of hearing loss, the causes and the many ways to find help as well as the new technology on the horizon.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a recent study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars, which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kelvin Coleman, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, who discusses the simple but effective methods of protecting your home and business from cyberthieves.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who describes changes that are being made in some states to make the law more accessible and affordable to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses special hardship programs for people in debt, the scams that are surfacing and the protections for people who are behind in their rent.
Shirley Rooker talks with John Breyault, National Consumers League, about ways to protect against malware and ransomware as well as how COVID scams are evolving. He also discusses the scams involving gold and silver.
Shirley Rooker talks with John Berlau, senior fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He discusses reforms to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that were recommended by a task force’s analysis of its data. He also discusses the history of the bureau.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of Washington and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Joe Hemsley, a certified financial planner,. He describes the factors that may lead to short-term inflation, the strategies for protecting your assets and the areas that are likely to see the most growth.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a recent study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars, which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, who discusses the impact of COVID-19 on insurance and what changes consumers and businesses may need to make to insurance coverage.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kelvin Coleman, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, who discusses the simple but effective methods of protecting your home and business from cyberthieves.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the Fair Access Rule by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and whether it will impose layers of red tape on banks and raise costs to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses special hardship programs for people in debt, the scams that are surfacing and the protections for people who are behind in their rent.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Clarissa Carnero, director of credit and fraud risk with American Express, who discusses the origin of credit card fraud, the way new technology makes it easier to scam consumers and what steps are being taken to reduce fraud.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Nick Loris, energy expert with the Heritage Foundation, who discusses the move by the federal government to convert its fleet to electric or hybrid and the push for more electric cars in general. In addition, he addresses ways to deal with the huge energy bills Texans are facing due to the awful winter freeze.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau, author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur," who explores the greatness and intellect of Washington and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who describes changes that are being made in some states to make the law more accessible and affordable to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who describes changes that are being made in some states to make the law more accessible and affordable to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler of Checkbook Magazine, who discusses the many ways you can reduce your energy bills without spending a lot of money. Sixty percent of utility bills go to heating your home.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Breyault of the National Consumers League, who talks about ways you can protect your phones and computers from fraudsters and hackers.
John Berlau, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses the Fair Access Rule by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and whether it will impose layers of red tape on banks and raise costs to consumers.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Doug Badger, with the Heritage Foundation, who discusses why there is a need for fast, inexpensive self-testing for COVID-19. He also talks about a recent study that looked at the effectiveness of lockdowns, social distancing, masks and other measure for avoiding the virus.
Jill Gonzales, a senior analyst with WalletHub.com, discusses a recent survey of consumer spending and ways to save on interest payments for revolving credit card debt.
Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kelvin Coleman, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, who discusses the simple but effective methods of protecting your home and business from cyberthieves.
Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute describes the problems associated with the push for electric cars which will result in an increased demand for electricity and problems with recycling the batteries which contain highly dangerous materials.
Elizabeth Casey of the Fox Corp. discusses the TV ratings system, how it was developed, the amount of time and effort put into making sure the system is accurate and the high utilization by parents.
Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute discusses the 1.1 million federal regulations, the need for sunset laws and the cost to business as well as consumers.
Lauren Hall with Consumer Action discusses the latest issue of ScamGram and the scams that plague consumers, including fake COVID-19 cures, how crooks use names of major online retailers to scams consumers and much more.
Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling discusses special hardship programs for people in debt, the scams that are surfacing and the protections for people who are behind in their rent.
Jill Gonzalez, an analyst with Wallet Hub, discusses smart phones, the different service providers and a study that indicates consumers can save thousands of dollars by choosing the best plan.
Jim Quiggle of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud discusses the latest trends in insurance fraud, including telemedicine and COVID-19, and talks about the Hall of Shame, which is a collection of the most notorious insurance fraudsters.
Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, describes changes that are being made in some states to make the law more accessible and affordable to consumers.
Doug Badger, visiting fellow in domestic policy studies with the Heritage Foundation, discusses the ways COVID-19 spreads and which mitigation efforts make the most sense.
John Breyault of the National Consumers League discusses how hackers are targeting school systems, the effect, and the cost. He also provides guidance for parents and students on the issue.
Debra Berlyn, executive director, Project GOAL, describes the exciting technologies introduced at the CES consumer electronics show and how they affect the senior population, as well as the many devices being developed to keep all of us healthy.
Jim Quiggle, Communications Director, Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, reveals the new Insurance Fraud Hall of Shame. He discusses some of the most astonishing frauds of the past year as well as the cost in money and lives.
Ben Lieberman, senior fellow, Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses changes in regulations that govern many household appliances as well as the move to require a new, more expensive refrigerant for air conditioners and refrigerators.
Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, reports on the ways the legal system is being made more accessible to consumers without having to hire a lawyer.
Kristi Thompson, Federal Communications Commission, discusses robocalls, where they originate, public and private sector Initiatives, and how consumers can fight back.
Susan Diegelman, director of public affairs, AT&T, discusses 5G and what the new technology means for consumers.
Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling discusses debt elimination scams and how they can drive consumers into more debt.
On this week's "Of Consuming Interest", Patrick Webre of the Federal Communications Commission discusses the agency’s initiatives to stop illegal robocalls
Jill Gonzales, an analyst with WalletHub.com discusses gift cards and credit cards. A study by the company lists the best gift cards as well as credit cards. In addition she reveals that many credit cards are reducing the perks they provide to consumers including, in some cases, dropping insurance coverage for rental cars.
Twila Brase, President of the Citizens' Council for Health Freedom discusses the proposed National Health ID number and its impact on medical privacy, medical care and the concerns about the security of sensitive information.
Aaron Foss, developer of Nomorobo, discusses how his free app blocked 1.2 billion robocalls and what consumers can do to protect themselves from being victims of these scammers.
Kelvin Coleman, Executive Director, the National Cyber Security Alliance, discusses the steps individuals and businesses should take to protect their data as well as the dangers of using unsecured W-Fi connections.
Bruce McClary, vice president of marketing for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, talks about the realities of getting relief from your debts to credit cards or the IRS.
HOST SHIRLEY ROOKER TALKS TO ELIZABETH CASEY ABOUT A VERY VALUABLE, BUT OFTEN UNDERUTILIZED TOOL...THE V CHIP
John Breyault, vice-president, public policy, telecommunications and fraud, at the National Consumers League, talks about ways you can protect your phones and computers from fraudsters and hackers.
Susan Diegelman, Director Public Affairs, ATT, discusses 5G, what it means for consumers, when it will be available and its role in the concept of “smart cities."
Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling discusses debt elimination scams, credit scores, and ways consumers can find help to deal with financial problems.
Antonio Doss, Small Business Administration, discusses the ways the agency helps new businesses as well as the many scams that target business owners, including cyberattacks and telemarketing frauds.
Jim Quiggle of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud reveals the newest insurance scams, including fake DNA tests and the use of phone and video calls to sell unnecessary devices such as back and knee braces and wheelchairs.
Kevin Brasler, executive editor, Washington Consumer’s Checkbook, reveals how to find the best lawn care, tree repair services and garden centers. Checkbook also does ratings of the service providers based on quality and cost.
Owen Donley of the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals the latest high tech scams as well as how old scams have new packaging. He also advises consumers to check out your broker before you write a check.
Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub.com talks about the rising cost of automobile insurance, what companies offer the cheapest policies, and describes the types of vehicle insurance.
Krisztina Pusok, director of policy and research, American Consumer Institute, discusses how data collection works, what happens to the data, what rights consumers have to control what is available to companies,and how to improve privacy laws without hurting development.
Rich Stang, a CPA of DeLeon and Stang, explains the new tax laws and how they help consumers and small businesses
Debra Berlyn of Consumer Policy Solutions discusses innovations such as smart homes and self-driving cars that can help seniors remain in their homes as they age.
Hal Shelton, author of the bestselling “Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan,” provides advice on steps to take before, during and after the start-up of a new business.
Matthew Smith, general counsel with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, describes the actions states are taking to prevent insurance fraud, identity theft and other consumer issues.
Jim Quiggle of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud reveals the newest members of the nonprofit’s Hall of Shame which profiles the most outrageous and deadly insurance scams of the last year.
Lauren Hall of Consumer Action profiles common frauds, including deceptive health claims about some celebrity-endorsed products, and how a number of cancer treatment centers don’t deliver on their promises.
Owen Donley of the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals the high cost of investment schemes that use natural disasters to defraud consumers.
Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub.com discusses a recent study of gift cards, the different types, the most popular and the ones that are the best deal for consumers.
Debra Berlyn, executive director, Project GOAL, discusses the ways new technology will enables consumers to stay in their homes as they age. A recent survey of older adults found this was their number one concern.
Rosario Mendez, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, discusses the actions taken by the agency to inform and protect small businesses from scams
John Berlau, Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, its history, the way it is organized and possible changes to make its organization more in line with other government agencies.
Steve Pociask, American Consumer Institute, discusses the use of apps on your devices, their vulnerabilities to hacking, and the things consumers can do to protect their personal information.
Nat Wood, with the Federal Trade Commission, discusses actions taken by the agency to combat robocalls, grandparent scams, identity theft and a host of other frauds targeting consumers.
Jim Quiggle with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud describes how crooks are using the new Medicare cards to defraud consumers, as well as the continuing menace of medical identity theft, which can cost lives as well as money and staged car accidents.
Debra Berlyn, president of Consumer Policy Solutions, discusses what it really costs consumers who use “free” things on the internet.
Consumer advocate Charlie Leocha of Travelers United discusses the many hidden fees you are likely to pay when making travel arrangements.
Pete Sepp a member of the Coalition for Contact Lens Consumer Choice discusses proposed changes to the rules that give consumers the ability to shop around for eyewear and to have refractive eye exams and renew prescriptions online.
Chairman Ajit Pai of the Federal Communications Commission discusses the funds dedicated to helping restore the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico communications networks, action taken against robocallers, initiatives against cramming and slamming, and efforts to deploy broadband to rural areas.
Ted Frank of the Competitive Enterprise Institute Center for Class Action Fairness discusses how class action lawsuits sometimes benefit only the lawyers bringing the suit, not the damaged consumers. Actions taken by the center have resulted in positive changes for consumers involved in class action lawsuits.
Kyle Burgess of Consumers’ Research discusses how counterfeit products and drugs endanger the lives of millions of consumers.
Janet Bodnar, former editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, discusses the pros and cons of retirement and how to have a meaningful life after leaving your job.
Stacey Gray of the Future of Privacy Forum discusses the privacy and safety implications of electronic devices that use the internet such as personal assistants, smart TVs, children’s toys, baby monitors, etc.
Maryam Cope, vice president of government affairs at the American Hotel and Lodging Association, discusses third-party hotel booking websites that may steal your money or even your identity.
Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub.com discusses which credit cards are best to use for international travel. Choosing the right card can mean significant savings for consumers because some credit cards add 3% foreign transaction fees.
Matt Schulz, senior analyst with creditcards.com, discusses the pros and cons of gas station credit cards. These cards charge an average interest rate of 23.61% which is nearly 7 percentage points higher than the national average of all credit cards and with fewer rewards.
Nat Wood, with the Federal Trade Commission, discusses actions taken by the agency to combat robo calls, grandparent scams, identity theft and a host of other frauds targeting consumers.
Patrick Webre of the Federal Communications Commission discusses the agency’s initiatives to stop illegal robocalls.
Marc Scribner of the Competitive Enterprise Institute discusses how automated vehicles will reduce the number of injuries and property damage caused by accidents.
Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies for the Cato Institute, talks about the gag rule that places restrictions on discussing legal uses of drugs for off-label purposes, as well as a bill that would make trial drugs available to terminally ill patients.
John Berlau, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and how its regulations affect payday loans, which are used by over 12 million consumers each year.
Scott Michael, president of the American Moving and Storage Association, talks about the decisions you’ll have to make when you change where you live.
Jim Quiggle with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud discusses medical identity theft and other trends in insurance fraud.
Jill Gonzalez, senior analyst with wallethub.com, discusses the best and worst credit cards.
Jim Quiggle, communications director for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, provides information on insurance scams that are associated with natural disasters. A major concern is contractors who aren’t licensed or insured and who do shoddy work. He offers tips on finding the right contractor.