Consumers' Checkbook
banner
checkbook.org
Consumers' Checkbook
@checkbook.org
We're a nonprofit dedicated to helping consumers find high-quality, fairly priced service providers in their communities.

We take NO advertising, referral fees, or kickbacks from the businesses we rate.

Check out our ratings at checkbook.org
Waiting for some last-minute packages to arrive? Porch pirates could be waiting for them, too. Here's how to keep your online purchases safe from would-be thieves. www.checkbook.org/a/0/OTH7899/
How to Protect Yourself from Package Theft
How to avoid package theft and what you can do if it happens
www.checkbook.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Kids have big spending power—and marketers spend billions to target them. In our latest @consumerpedia.org episode, we cover protections, rules, enforcement, and how parents can talk to kids about ads. Listen to 'How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids' here: hubs.li/Q03YDZL80
December 18, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
"99–How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids"

From AI-driven ads to data-hungry apps, marketers are spending billions targeting minors. We dig into the rules (and who enforces them), what’s being done to protect kids, & how parents can talk about ads.
Listen now 👉 hubs.li/Q03YD5n_0
December 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Shopping local isn’t just for Small Business Saturday! In this Consumerpedia episode, experts share tips and challenges for buying local—and why it matters. Listen now wherever you get podcasts. t.co/rUlulZO1p4

@consumerpedia.org
@consumerman.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Small Business Saturday is almost here! Could you shop only locally every day—not just this weekend? Our editor tried for 30 days. Spoiler: It wasn’t easy.
Read more: hubs.li/Q03W99tp0
November 28, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Got unwanted houseguests? We shared smart, DIY fixes for mice, bugs, and other vermin with @washingtonpost.com.
wapo.st/4p0YFI9
How to get rid of household pests — no pro required
Some pests — think termites and bedbugs — call for an exterminator, but you can tackle many others on your own
wapo.st
November 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
"97 – Checkbook Investigation: Sale Prices Are Usually Fake Discounts"

Researchers at @checkbook.org tracked prices at 25 major retailers for six months and found most markdowns were bogus. In this episode, we reveal the worst offenders and the few offering real deals. t.co/JbHb3k5vNr
November 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
📦The moving industry is riddled with scams, but you can avoid them. Our guide in @washingtonpost.com shows how to spot shady operators and hire a mover you can trust. wapo.st/47wCzGv
A bad mover can cost you thousands. Here’s how to spot one.
Avoid brokers and other pro tips for finding a reputable moving company
wapo.st
November 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
Enjoyed being on the Talking Real Money podcast today to discuss the latest robocall scam attack, how AI-enabled fraud is becoming increasingly difficult to spot, my nightmare airline experience, and some early holiday shopping tips. bit.ly/3JVKbdE
November 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Our contributing editor, Herb Weisbaum, joins Nick on “For The People” podcast to share what’s new in consumer protection—why crypto is still risky, the hidden costs of long car loans, and a surge in fake loan robocalls. Worth a listen!
@consumerman.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Tariffs, higher prices, and fake discounts make holiday shopping tough this year. Get expert advice on saving money and avoiding costly mistakes in Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips, the latest @consumerpedia.org episode. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
🔗 t.co/W5VbOxPrjk
November 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
“96 – Checkbook's Holiday Shopping Tips 2025”

Prices are up, inventories are tight, and fake sales are everywhere. Our annual holiday helper is packed with advice and money-saving ideas. Listen now: t.co/mfuLsfckFw
@checkbook.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Window shopping? Literally? 🪟
Before you spend thousands, read our executive editor’s guide in the @washingtonpost.com. It’s full of tips to help you save money and dodge shady installers. wapo.st/4q2c5oD
How to save money and avoid headaches when buying new windows
New windows reduce drafts and noise, and they are easier to clean. But they aren’t cheap. These tips will help you shop wisely.
wapo.st
November 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
🪙Crypto’s gone mainstream, but consumer advocates are raising red flags about the virtually unregulated currency. Experts Amanda Fisher (@bettermarkets.bsky.social) & Corey Frayer (@consumerfed.bsky.social) unpack the chaos, coins, and cons behind it on @consumerpedia.org.
🔗 t.co/JpGZkMxMaO
October 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
🪙Crypto’s gone mainstream—but is it safe? Consumer advocates are raising red flags about the virtually unregulated currency. In our latest @consumerpedia.org episode, experts unpack the chaos, coins, and cons behind digital currency.
🔗 t.co/JpGZkMxMaO
October 23, 2025 at 1:45 PM
We’re proud that DC’s newest pickleball courts will honor our founder, Robert Krughoff, who helped neighbors create the first makeshift courts at Garfield Park. A lasting tribute to a life spent helping others. Learn more: hubs.li/Q03P09Lf0
Photo courtesy of @hillragdc.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
🏡Think home upgrades have to break the bank? Think again. These 10 under-$1,000 projects boost value, comfort, and curb appeal—without wrecking your budget. Plus, smart tips to avoid contractor chaos. We teamed up with Redfin to deliver the info you need to get the job done. t.co/6Ac2d99xRr
10 Home Renovation Projects Under $1,000 That Add Lasting Value
Discover budget-friendly home renovation projects under $1,000 that not only enhance your space but will increase your home’s value.
www.redfin.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:36 PM
You deserve urgent care that’s fast, compassionate, and fairly priced. Our ratings and advice will help you find clinics that listen, communicate, and follow through. Take charge of your health: hubs.li/Q03N7bpz0
#consumerscheckbook
Urgent Care Clinics
Compare 0 Urgent Care Clinics in National - Unbiased Reviews - Consumer's Checkbook
hubs.li
October 13, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Our editors and researchers rely on a variety of consumer-focused websites and apps to save time and money. In the latest @consumerpedia.org episode, we’ll highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: t.co/7NbKBcwqyM
October 9, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Proud to share this story honoring our founder, Robert Krughoff. He helped neighbors create Capitol Hill’s first makeshift pickleball courts, and now a new center bearing his name is planned thanks to a community-led effort. Learn more: hubs.li/Q03MPVx80
Photo courtesy of @hillragdc.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 6:19 PM
🚗 Rental car insurance: pricey, pushy, and often pointless. Our executive editor, Kevin Brasler, stopped by @wcvb5.bsky.social to explain why you probably don’t need it—and how to avoid the upsell. 💸 hubs.li/Q03MMXVb0
#consumerscheckbook #consumertips
Do you need to buy the rental company's car insurance?
The insurance upcharge is a big moneymaker for rental car companies. Do you need it?
hubs.li
October 8, 2025 at 3:53 PM
🏡Think home upgrades have to break the bank? Think again. These 10 under-$1,000 projects boost value, comfort, and curb appeal—without wrecking your budget. Plus, smart tips to avoid contractor chaos. We teamed up with Redfin to deliver the info you need to get the job done. t.co/6Ac2d99xRr
10 Home Renovation Projects Under $1,000 That Add Lasting Value
Discover budget-friendly home renovation projects under $1,000 that not only enhance your space but will increase your home’s value.
www.redfin.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
"93 – The Home Insurance Crisis"

The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket. Consumer advocates break down what’s driving the crisis, what needs fixing, and how to avoid getting burned when shopping for coverage. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen now: hubs.li/Q03KYVVk0
September 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Reposted by Consumers' Checkbook
Here's my latest Instagram Reel about the latest @consumerpedia.org podcast. www.instagram.com/reel/DO64G14...
September 24, 2025 at 7:12 PM
✈ The DOT is rolling back airline passenger protections like automatic refunds and price transparency. Our latest article breaks down what’s changing and what it means for your rights when you fly: hubs.li/Q03KBDz20
By: @consumerman.bsky.social
#consumerrights #consumerscheckbook
Trump Administration Plans to Gut Airline Passenger Protections
The U.S. Department of Transportation plans to scale back or eliminate some airline passenger protection rules that were enacted under the Biden administration and earlier, siding with the airline ind...
hubs.li
September 23, 2025 at 6:22 PM