58 - Misleading Marketing That Gets You to Buy Now and Pay More

March 7, 2024

58 – Misleading Marketing That Gets You to Buy Now and Pay More

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

You can save a ton of money by comparison shopping.

Checkbook’s surveys consistently find huge price differences—sometimes more than twice as much—from company to company for the exact same product or service. And businesses can get away with this because they know most customers won’t bother to shop around.

Sometimes consumers don’t compare prices because they’re in a rush or they don’t want to scour the internet for the best deal. But we often find buyers don’t compare prices because they’ve been duped into thinking they already have.

In this episode, some of the common manipulative marketing techniques sellers use to convince you to pay up and pay too much.

Read Checkbook’s full report on the 30 Tricks Sellers Use to Manipulate You.

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

finance, leisure, money

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Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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May 15, 2025

86 – Travel Tips: How to Find Deals and Avoid Scams

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Christopher Elliott - Syndicated Travel Columnist

Travel is always a hassle, but this year, it comes with some added twists. There’s growing uncertainty about the economy, and concerns about being an American tourist in a foreign country. Will you be welcome?

In this episode: What to expect when booking flights, hotel rooms, or vacation rentals; how to spot travel scams that can ruin your vacation and cost you a bundle; and tips on how to be a respectful and responsible tourist when visiting other countries.

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Additional Resources:

Visit The Elliott Report to read Christopher Elliott’s travel reports and advice. His nonprofit Elliott Advocacy empowers consumers to solve their own problems and helps those who can’t.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

leisure, saving money, travel

May 1, 2025

85 – Too Much: How We’re Encouraged to Buy, Buy, Buy

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Emily Mester - author of American Bulk: Essays on Excess

Americans are drowning in stuff: clothing, electronics, toys and games, collectibles, and appliances.

Some of us have so much that they need to rent storage units to hold it. Why do so many have the need to buy, buy, buy?

In this episode, author Emily Mester shares personal stories from her new book American Bulk: Essays on Excess about her father’s obsession with shopping and her own tendency to overbuy. Plus, she reveals the tricks she used as a salesperson to encourage customers to make purchases.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

finance, home, leisure, saving money, shopping

April 17, 2025

84 – Free Perks You Didn’t Know You Had

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Jamie Lettis - Checkbook Associate Editor

Whether it’s a complimentary dessert, an unexpected upgrade to a better hotel room, or you find a $20 bill in your coat pocket, we all like freebies.

The staff at Checkbook sifted through member benefits for credit cards, warehouse clubs, health plans, and AAA. We discovered dozens of perks that are often overlooked. If you don’t know about them, you may be missing out on significant savings.

⁠Read Checkbook’s full report on free perks⁠.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

auto, finance, health, home, leisure, money, shopping, technology, travel

February 20, 2025

80 – Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Jonathan Unverzat & Johnika Nixon - debt counseling success stories; Lara Ceccarelli - NFCC certified credit counselor with American Financial Solutions in Bremerton, Washington

Americans are piling on credit card debt at an alarming pace, and the unprecedented interest rates on these unpaid balances can be as much as 30% to 35%. No wonder it seems impossible to get out from under it.

But with hard work and proper guidance, you can do it. In this episode: Meet two people who were drowning in credit card debt and got their finances back in order. Also, a certified nonprofit credit counselor explains how debt consolidation works and the dangers of using a for-profit debt settlement company.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

credit cards, finance, money

February 6, 2025

79 – Tips for Buying & Sending Flowers

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor; Chris Drummond - past president, the Society of American Florists

Whether it’s a few long-stem roses or a beautiful bouquet, it’s hard to go wrong with flowers. Sometimes you can find what you want at the supermarket. For special occasions, you might want to visit a florist.

In this episode: Where to find the lowest prices on flowers, how to choose a good florist, and the best way to send flowers out of town. Plus, tips on how to keep those flowers looking fresher for longer.

Read Checkbook’s full report on how to find a florist.

Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

leisure, shopping, stores