2023-09-12 06:57
It’s a difficult day for me – 9/11. My niece, whose birthday was Sept. 11, died suddenly in 2020 just months before her 60th birthday.
Also heartbreaking, remembering the 9/11 t… Read More
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The Survive And Thrive Boomer Guide Blog
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Sharing information to help baby boomers make smart consumer choices
2023-09-11 00:20
It’s always important to watch out for fire hazards. I picked out this recent recall to write about this week because of it. I’ll write about an even bigger recall, glass door k… Read More
2023-09-09 06:49
A bill banning the sale of cosmetic products that contain 26 toxic chemicals known to affect human health passed the California State Legislature Wednesday. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to… Read More
2023-09-08 03:35
Google has reached a tentative settlement with the attorneys general from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico on one of three major antitrust lawsuits against the company f… Read More
2023-09-06 23:50
For vegetable gardeners, August and September are when harvest occurs and you see the fruits, or rather the vegetables, of your labors.
The star of my gardening efforts this year is the rasp… Read More
2023-09-04 07:34
For the last few weeks, I’ve been working on organizing my historical family photos. About 10 years ago, I had around 200 photos scanned. I named and dated about a third of them. The r… Read More
2023-09-02 07:44
Labor Day these days is all about beaches, barbecues, games such as baseball, football, and volleyball, and shopping. It’s also a great weekend for travel.
This year, 57 percent of Am… Read More
2023-08-31 00:47
Big storms across the country brought on by climate change are causing havoc.
You may have received a notice from your insurer dropping your home insurance policy. Or, unexpected surges in… Read More
2023-08-30 01:30
When searching for a place to live and roommates, it’s important to get accurate information. And reviews from platforms that can help you in your search need to be honest and trustwo… Read More
2023-08-29 06:51
Do you know your rights on tarmac delays?
American Airlines will pay $4.1 million for violating federal laws prohibiting tarmac delays of three hours or more on domestic flights without pro… Read More
2023-08-28 06:42
Remember to check recalls frequently so you can find out about harmful products like this one.
Costco is recalling about 350,000 Ubio Labs power banks. It has received three reports of fir… Read More
2023-08-27 09:09
It’s irritating and it’s a trend.
When you go to retailers and ask if you have any rewards money to apply to your purchase, you’re told you need to go their website to sig… Read More
2023-08-25 23:47
Time is running out if you want to get in on a big Facebook settlement.
If you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be eligible for… Read More
2023-08-24 06:29
Unfortunately, September marks the end of summer, which is so sad. Many people, like me, aren’t fans of winter.
However, in relation to sales, September is a good time to shop for dea… Read More
2023-08-23 06:40
Most Americans don’t know how often they’re stripped of their rights through widely used forced arbitration clauses that are found in the fine print of everyday click-through ag… Read More
2023-08-21 23:25
If someone tells you that you need to pay to sign up for government student loan debt relief program, run away as fast as you can. Scammers want to hook you and fill their pockets with your… Read More
2023-08-21 09:10
Here's another recall for these dehumidifiers have seen other models recalled throughout the years.
Gree Electric Appliances is recalling about 1.56 million dehumidifiers.
The dehumidifiers… Read More
2023-08-19 05:20
Does it matter that there are too many residential real estate agents? Yes, says a consumer group.
More than 1.5 million residential agents, including brokers, compete for home sales usuall… Read More
2023-08-18 07:33
Photo: White House
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law a year ago, has many benefits for American consumers.
It began making big corporations pay their fair share in taxes while in… Read More
2023-08-16 07:17
It’s frustrating to receive dozens, even hundreds of emails every day. But what if there’s no “unsubscribe” link and the emails won’t stop?
People who set up … Read More
2023-08-14 05:37
The Food and Drug Administration has decided that food manufacturers can keep using phthalates, a class of toxic chemicals, in food packaging and food production equipment. It disregarded r… Read More
2023-08-12 05:58
Recently, I wrote about how private equity firms are buying health providers practices, including my gastroenterologist’s, and how they bleed money from the companies, then sell them… Read More
2023-08-11 06:04
Another big recall has been announced that deserves your attention.
Sensio is recalling about 860,000 electric and stovetop pressure cookers.
The pressure cooker’s lid can unlock and… Read More
2023-08-11 03:46
Another maker of inclined sleepers is refusing to recall its dangerous product.
Stop using La-La-Me infant loungers because they don’t comply with federal safety standards for infant… Read More
2023-08-07 23:52
It’s not surprising that men are succumbing to the same advertising on looking good that has enticed women to buy for decades.
The average adult man in the United States uses 11 diffe… Read More
2023-08-05 17:20
Consumers with poor credit pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more every year for basic auto insurance coverage required by state laws, new report shows.
“On average, a co… Read More
2023-08-04 07:23
USASF Servicing is being charged with illegal practices that harmed consumers with auto loans including disabling borrowers’ vehicles, improperly repossessing vehicles, double-billing… Read More
2023-08-02 00:05
Photo: Adam Cuerden
When I was growing up, the hour-glass figure in women was idolized. When articles were written about beauty queens, they gave their measurements. The ideal was 36-inch b… Read More
2023-07-30 23:52
Stop buying and using Carolina Milano magnetic balls cubes because the loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested.
Tests showed the magnetic balls sold in c… Read More
Unfair, Deceptive, And Abusive Practices Are Being Used In Many Financial Transactions, Agency Finds
2023-07-29 00:26
American companies are using unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices as they sells many consumer financial products, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in a new report on what i… Read More
2023-07-27 04:25
As summer is winding down, you’d think back to school sales would be the best bet for deals. However, it also brings free cookies, tax free shopping, deals on garden tools, and more… Read More
2023-07-26 05:53
Many people get caught up in credit card debt. In 2022, Americans increased their credit card debt by a record $179.4 billion. The total owed by credit-card holders now is more than $1.1 tr… Read More
2023-07-21 09:43
Over the years, I’ve seen hundreds, maybe even thousands, of ads on Facebook. To me, it doesn’t seem like a very good place to be placing orders. You have no idea about the reput… Read More
2023-07-20 05:48
To help consumers, the Biden administration is cracking down on junk fees, price-fixing and price gouging on food, and mergers.
President Joe Biden announced the actions Wednesday the day b… Read More
2023-07-19 08:45
Another huge recall deserves your attention.
Bose is recalling about 884,000 bass modules in the United States, 98,000 in Canada, and 18,300 in Mexico.
The company has received 21 reports w… Read More
2023-07-17 23:11
I love the beautiful summer days here in the Seattle area. People are streaming into Western Washington due to the mild weather, attractive as climate change worsens, and the job opportunit… Read More
2023-07-16 08:00
More than 804,000 borrowers will have $39 billion in federal student loans discharged in the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday.
The discharges are fixes t… Read More
2023-07-13 06:15
Another big bank is being exposed for corporate fraud.
Bank of America will pay more than $100 million to customers for double-dipping on fees imposed on customers with insufficient account… Read More
2023-07-12 06:41
Another large financial institution has been caught gouging customers.
Raymond James Financial Services agreed to settle allegations Tuesday with six state securities regulators for chargin… Read More
2023-07-11 08:01
The approval of a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease is controversial.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the drug lecanemab (Leqembi) Thursday to treat ad… Read More
2023-07-10 09:01
Another lithium-ion battery recall reminds us that we need to pay attention to the possible fire hazards with the batteries.
VRURC is recalling about 190,000 portable chargers. They can ign… Read More
2023-07-08 08:59
Photo: Dwight Burdette
Farmers Insurance began limiting the sale of new homeowners insurance policies in California on July 3, the company, a subsidiary of the Zurich Insurance Group, annou… Read More
2023-07-06 05:30
Winning the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes seems like a dream that you wish could happen to you when you see the TV ad.
However, Publishers Clearing House has been deceiving people f… Read More
2023-07-05 00:58
It was almost comical when – on Dr. Phil’s program trashing cancel culture that included support for antivaxxers – at the end of the program, Dr. Phil and his wife suggest… Read More
2023-07-01 08:02
The Fourth of July is all about red, white, and blue to celebrate the country’s birthday, the 248th this year.
What are some ways Americans celebrate the holiday?
Many families host o… Read More
2023-06-30 10:10
Your July Fourth celebration could be ruined with a serious injury and trip to the emergency room.
Fireworks related injuries continue to be high, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commi… Read More
2023-06-29 05:55
It’s hard to believe that the July Fourth sales are coming up. It seems like the Memorial Day sales were just yesterday.
July Fourth is a huge shopping holiday in the United States an… Read More
2023-06-27 08:45
Years ago before the pandemic, I used to take sliced pineapple to parties for an appetizer. I remember taking overripe pineapples back to Costco and returning them to Safeway as well. It se… Read More
2023-06-26 08:15
Have you been able to purchase any decent celery lately?
Although celery isn’t one of my favorite vegetables, and it’s not one of the more nutrient-packed ones, I do like to eat… Read More
2023-06-24 09:26
Most people rely heavily on online shopping. However, with lots of screens before you get to check-out, you could sign up for a service without knowing it. Then, it can be difficult to can… Read More
2023-06-21 09:22
Another consumer product with LED lighting is being recalled.
Ashley Furniture Industries is recalling about 253,000 power loveseats, sofas, and recliners in the United States and another… Read More
2023-06-19 21:49
Photo: Filip Maljković
American International Group is planning to curb homeowners insurance sales for owners at high risk of floods, storms, or wildfires in 200 zip codes across the U… Read More
2023-06-17 01:58
Genetic testing, where a company examines your DNA, often from a saliva sample, and sends you a report about your family background or your likelihood for developing certain health conditio… Read More
2023-06-14 03:57
Either I missed the Public Citizen report on the toll private equity is taking on U.S. health care or I didn’t understand the significance of it.
The report, released in March 2023, s… Read More
2023-06-13 04:58
More than two thirds of online shopping scams begin on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook, according to an analysis by the Lloyds Banking Group.
Fraudsters are preying on sho… Read More
2023-06-10 02:58
It’s a tragedy that more babies are dying in loungers and companies are continuing to sell dangerous ones.
Boppy newborn loungers
Although Boppy newborn loungers were recalled i… Read More
2023-06-08 07:08
Financial institutions are increasingly using chatbots, which put out human-like responses using computer programming, to communicate with customers to save money.
Chatbots sometimes have h… Read More
2023-06-06 03:55
Another huge recall with dozens of injuries points out once again the importance of keeping up on product recalls.
About 469,000 self-cleaning juicers are being recalled by Empower Brands i… Read More
2023-06-03 08:59
More than three quarters of adults have used a payment app, called a P2P or peer-to-peer or person-to-person app.
Widely used nonbank payment apps include PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. The a… Read More
2023-05-31 07:31
It’s not surprising what last year’s top consumer complaint was. I’ve seen it many times as No. 1 on annual consumer complaint lists.
It’s auto sales and repair.
&ld&helli…Read More
2023-05-30 06:47
On Memorial Day, I rushed over to REI to see what I could find at its “biggest sale of the year.” REI’s clothing, shoes, and other items are so expensive I only buy things… Read More
2023-05-27 07:33
Memorial Day is a day to honor Americans who have died in service to their country. Many people attend a memorial day event, visit a cemetery where a loved one is buried, or spend time reme… Read More
2023-05-26 06:10
Remember when 125,000 Peloton Tread+ treadmills were recalled after the death of a child and dozens of incidents of children, pets, and objects being pulled under the rear roller?
The U.S… Read More
2023-05-24 09:18
On Saturday, I received a strange email. It said it was from Gastro Health and a new lab result had been entered into my patient portal from my Gastro Health provider. To access my lab resu… Read More
2023-05-22 08:29
An “investment opportunity” extremely popular on the social media platform WeChat stole millions from the Chinese community in the United States. Social media posts urged people… Read More
2023-05-20 09:14
For years, research has shown that eating packaged products – such as some breakfast cereals, snack bars, frozen meals, and most packaged sweets, along with other items – is lin… Read More
2023-05-19 06:29
I’m upset. I was due to have my teeth cleaned in January. Since I’ve been busy taking the Dean Ornish heart health program and working on my writing, I just called a couple of w… Read More
2023-05-17 06:37
This huge recall is getting a lot of media attention and it surely is adding to Peloton’s financial problems as people head back to the gym after staying home during the covid-19 pand… Read More
2023-05-14 23:34
Although Mother’s Day is highly commercialized, I like remembering my mom on this special day and I enjoy visiting with my daughters over WhatsApp.
Maybe next year, I’ll be able… Read More
2023-05-13 08:36
No. What ended on Thursday was the covid health emergency on public health and safety measures in the United States. In addition, the World Health Organization recently ended the covid rela… Read More
2023-05-10 08:31
Graduations are coming up and many parents and students are thinking about student debt, which totals $1.63 trillion in the United States. Student loan debt is about $37,600 per borrower.
… Read More
2023-05-08 22:54
Paying off student loans is a big job, especially since it usually takes most people years to achieve it.
Consumers need to beware of debt relief companies that promise quick loan forgive… Read More
2023-05-08 08:04
Photo: Andy Thornley
Since I’m usually up late at night, I’ve come to love Stephen Colbert … and James Corden. Corden and his “The Late Late Show” team made m… Read More
2023-05-05 02:03
Today’s my birthday. Yes, I do get a lot of “May the Fourth be with you” comments. I just shrug it off that my birthday, to some, is an unofficial Star Wars holiday.
Since… Read More
2023-05-03 05:17
This recall is so large, it even made one of the national news programs recently.
Stanley Black & Decker is recalling about 2.2 million DeWALT, Stanley, and Craftsman fiberglass sledgeh… Read More
2023-05-02 03:46
Spring is my favorite time of year, and on May Day, when I was a kid, we used to make paper baskets, put flowers in them, and hang them on door knobs. Then we’d ring the bell and run… Read More
2023-05-01 20:08
When I worked at The Anchorage Times during the 1980s, I was fortunate to get my dream job writing a consumer action column. However, along with the job as columnist, I also had to be the r… Read More
2023-04-29 00:19
Photo: Raysonho
My newsletter this week has a lot of helpful information so I’m posting a copy here. You have until May 8 to use Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards and rewards and until… Read More
2023-04-28 02:46
When I was over by Fred Meyer, I stopped to see if the Canon ink I use was cheaper than what I’ve been paying at Office Depot. I looked at Office Depot’s website to compare its… Read More
2023-04-26 08:17
It’s helpful for consumers to take a look at complaints that are received by agencies and organization to know what to watch out for in their financial lives.
The Consumer Financial P… Read More
2023-04-25 05:20
Luxor Workspaces is recalling about 84,700 Luxor A/V carts in the United States and about 1,650 in Canada.
The carts can be unstable when loaded with heavy objects, such as cathode-ray tube… Read More
2023-04-24 08:45
It’s been the second coldest April in history here in the Seattle area. And, then, there’s the rain, rain, rain. Even hail at times.
Since I’m a photojournalist, I like to… Read More
2023-04-23 01:45
Earth Day is a good reminder of what to do every day and throughout the year for the health of the planet.
I spend a lot of time on it. I know many people do, too.
The theme for this year&r&helli…Read More
2023-04-22 01:29
Photo: Hudconja
A settlement shows that another huge, well-known corporation has engaged in deceptive practices in how it treats its customers.
Prudential Financial denied more than 200 lif… Read More
2023-04-19 04:41
For decades, the U.S. regulators have lagged behind other countries in banning dangerous chemicals.
Last week, the California Assembly’s Health Committee approved a bill to ban five h… Read More
2023-04-18 09:11
In 2016, I had H&R Block prepare my taxes. It was upsetting because neither the receptionist nor the tax preparer would give me an estimate of what it would cost to prepare my taxes. Th… Read More
2023-04-15 00:03
About 100 infants have died in Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play infant sleepers. And, unfortunately, kids are continuing to die because the deadly sleepers are still being used and sold seco… Read More
2023-04-12 06:30
As a researcher, I was surprised several years ago when I ran across a study on pets that are allowed to sleep in their owners’ beds. It found E.coli, a bacteria that can cause illnes… Read More
2023-04-10 00:56
Happy Easter if Easter is a day you celebrate.
For me, I’m trying to concentrate today on the wonders of spring and the yearly renewal of the earth.
Here are some recent photos:
In l… Read More
2023-04-09 04:20
Sixty-three percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians, and 43 percent plan to attend church on Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
Easter is a big donati… Read More
2023-04-04 09:13
It was upsetting to deal with possible leak in the water pipe that goes from my house to the meter box near the street. I had a repair made in 2019 for a leak and I didn’t know if that… Read More
2023-04-01 08:57
As a fan of the FIRE (financial independence retire early) movement, I thought I’d try a side hustle, one of the FIRE recommendations.
Since I have pinecones that fall on my driveway… Read More
2023-03-31 08:41
Have you ever had a problem because of data a company has collected on you?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is launching an inquiry into companies that track and collect informatio… Read More
2023-03-30 05:59
Photo: Minh Nguyen
Republicans doing the bidding of Wall Street for years led to the current banking crisis.
In 2018, Republicans led an effort, lobbied heavily by the financial industry, t… Read More
2023-03-28 05:05
When you take two consumer problems, telemarketing and extended warranties, and put them together, it can result in disaster.
The Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement Friday in… Read More
2023-03-25 06:10
YETI is recalling about 1.9 million coolers and gear cases in the United States and 40,760 in Canada.
If the magnet-lined closures fail and the magnets fall out, serious injury or death can… Read More
2023-03-24 06:59
Since I avoid the use of harsh, toxic chemicals in cleaning, I often use vinegar in cleaning. However, Consumer Reports says it shouldn’t be used in nine cases:
Clothes irons. Vinegar… Read More
2023-03-23 04:44
Last week, it was exciting news when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed limits on the toxic “forever” chemicals known as PFAS as a way to reduce drinkin… Read More
2023-03-21 05:03
One of the best consumer actions in recent years is the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2011.
Established after the Great Recession of 2007-08 to set up one federal… Read More
2023-03-18 03:55
I love Ireland. I was so fortunate to travel there with my daughter Lisa in 2016.
So, I decided a good way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day Friday is to post some of the photos from ou… Read More
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