Of Consuming Interest

Of Consuming Interest episodes:

• 06.01.2024

  Health concerns around the move away from plastic bottles

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Rick Berman, president of RBB Strategies, who describes how some charities are spending very small amounts of donations on their mission of helping veterans. He also talks about the move to use aluminum instead of...

  
• 05.18.2024

  Overdraft fee caps could end up costing consumers more

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposed rule that would cap the amount of overdraft fees financial institutions can charge customers. He also talks about the data...

  
• 05.18.2024

  The ConsumerMan's top tips

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged...

  
• 05.12.2024

  Our first president as businessman and innovator

  Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of our first president and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also...

  
• 05.04.2024

  Beware of debt relief offers

  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...

  
• 04.27.2024

  Fight inflation by saving on your car insurance

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance to discuss the facts behind rising car insurance rates and ways to save money on auto insurance, some of which may surprise you.

  
• 04.20.2024

  Counting the benjamins your government is spending

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Adam Andrzejewski, founder of OpenTheBooks.com, who introduces Benjamin, a bot that allows consumers to discover how their tax dollars are being spent. Our national debt is over $36 trillion. Where is the money going? Find...

  
• 04.13.2024

  Beware of debt relief offers

  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...

  
• 04.06.2024

  How the move away from fossil fuels might change your daily life

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Daniel Turner, the founder of Power the Future, who discusses how the drive to eliminate the use of fossil fuels could affect production of thousands of items we depend on, including medical devices, medication, clothing,...

  
• 03.30.2024

  Maryland is number one – in increased mortgage debt

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Christie Matherne, editor at Wallethub, to discuss the reasons Maryland has the dubious honor of having the highest mortgage levels in the country. She also outlines ways to help deal with inflation, credit card debt...

  
• 03.23.2024

  Save while you spend -- and other money management solutions

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, a private wealth advisor, about the many ways we can save money or make the most of our investments.

  
• 03.16.2024

  Free speech, hate speech and the role of government

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mark Jamison of the American Enterprise Institute, who says government regulation of what we see on social media is a threat to democracy.

  
• 03.09.2024

  Health concerns around the move away from plastic bottles

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Rick Berman, president of RBB Strategies, who describes how some charities are spending very small amounts of donations on their mission of helping veterans. He also talks about the move to use aluminum instead of...

  
• 03.02.2024

  Overdraft fee caps could end up costing consumers more

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposed rule that would cap the amount of overdraft fees financial institutions can charge customers. He also talks about the data...

  
• 02.24.2024

  The ConsumerMan's top tips

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged...

  
• 02.17.2024

  When you need a lawyer and when you might not

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, the executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses actions being taken to make the legal system more accessible and affordable to consumers. In addition, he describes the need to raise the dollar amount...

  
• 02.10.2024

  Do you love where you live?

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with WalletHub's Cassie Happe, who discusses a study on the most dangerous cities in the country and some of the factors that contribute to the ratings. While homicides have seen a small decline, other crimes have...

  
• 02.03.2024

  When it comes to insurance always read the fine print

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance to discusses travel insurance, ways to save on your auto insurance and the importance of reading the fine print.

  
• 01.27.2024

  How to be a cyber-smart senior

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Debra Berlyn, the executive director of the Project to Get Older Adults onLine (Project GOAL), about what the latest consumer electronics show in Las Vegas has to offer the cyber-savvy senior citizen.

  
• 01.20.2024

  Improving consumers' access to our legal system

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon of Responsive Law, who discusses the push for better and more affordable access to the legal system. He outlines things that are positive in this direction as well as barriers being erected by...

  
• 01.13.2024

  What the increase in credit card debt will mean for consumers

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Christie Matherne, an editor at Wallethub, to discuss a Federal Reserve report that found credit card debt increased by $1.27 trillion in 2023, a 6 % increase over the previous year.

  
• 01.06.2024

  How the move away from fossil fuels might change your daily life

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Daniel Turner, the founder of Power the Future, who discusses how the drive to eliminate the use of fossil fuels could affect production of thousands of items we depend on, such as medical devices, medication,...

  
• 12.30.2023

  Finding a model remodeler

  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.

  
• 12.23.2023

  The price of energy efficiency

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Ben Lieberman, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He discusses the push to make household products such as air conditioners and washing machines more energy efficient and the negative effects on the cost, performance and...

  
• 12.16.2023

  The future of seniors in the ever-changing world of technology

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Debra Berlyn, the executive director of The Project to Get Older Adults onLine (GOAL), about innovations at the The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), that could make life simpler for consumers, particularly for seniors who are not entirely comfortable...

  
• 12.09.2023

  The cost of regulations on consumers and businesses

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Wayne Crews of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses the tens of thousands of federal regulations which cost $1.939 trillion annually. The guest offers reforms designed to get control of the spiraling number of...

  
• 12.02.2023

  Free speech, hate speech and the role of government

  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.

  
• 11.25.2023

  Are you willing to go into debt to get the iPhone 15?

  Host Shirley Rooker speak with WalletHub's Jill Gonzalez to discuss a study that found consumers are willing to go into debt for the new iPhone. However, there are plans that will reduce the cost. And she talks about a survey...

  
• 11.19.2023

  Supreme Court relieves burden on landowners of Clean Water Act

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with 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...

  
• 11.11.2023

  Social Security myths and reality

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, a private wealth advisor, who discusses the myths surrounding Social Security, how you may be missing tax breaks on your savings accounts and the pros and cons of long term health care.

  
• 11.04.2023

  The price of energy efficiency

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Ben Lieberman, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He discusses the push to make household products such as air conditioners and washing machines more energy efficient and the negative effects on the cost, performance and...

  
• 10.28.2023

  How regulations affect small businesses

  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...

  
• 10.21.2023

  Do you love where you live?

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with WalletHub's Cassie Happe, who discusses a recent study on the most dangerous cities in the country and some of the factors that contribute to the ratings. While homicides have seen a small decline, other...

  
• 10.14.2023

  Social media isolation and its effect on young people

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist Jill Robin Payne, who discusses a 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...

  
• 10.07.2023

  Improving consumers' access to our legal system

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon of Responsive Law, who discusses the push for better and more affordable access to the legal system. He outlines things that are positive in this direction as well as barriers being erected by...

  
• 09.30.2023

  Dealing with the increasing costs of insurance

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with  Mike McCartin of McCartin Insurance, who gives pointers on ways to help reduce the budget squeeze caused by increasing costs of car and home insurance policies.

  
• 09.23.2023

  Are you willing to go into debt to get the iPhone 15?

  Host Shirley Rooker speak with WalletHub's Jill Gonzalez to discuss a study that found consumers are willing to go into debt for the new iPhone. However, there are plans that will reduce the cost. And she talks about a survey...

  
• 09.16.2023

  Supreme Court relieves burden on landowners of Clean Water Act

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with 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...

  
• 09.11.2023

  Beware of debt relief offers

  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...

  
• 09.02.2023

  Getting the cheapest flight and other ways to save money

  Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub about starting small businesses, booking cheap flights on the internet and much more.

  
• 08.26.2023

  Our first president as businessman and innovator

  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...

  
• 08.19.2023

  Expanded consumer choices could mean higher prices and less innovation in the smartphone market

  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...

  
• 08.12.2023

  Fighting for affordable access to the legal system

  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.

  
• 08.05.2023

  Free speech, hate speech and the role of government

  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.

  
• 07.29.2023

  What your business needs to succeed in an inflationary economy

  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.

  
• 07.22.2023

  Expanded smartphone choices could mean higher prices and less innovation

  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...

  
• 07.15.2023

  Why banks fail

  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.

  
• 07.08.2023

  Beware of debt relief offers

  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...

  
• 07.01.2023

  Does your car insurance need an Uber-haul?

  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.

  
• 06.24.2023

  When your phone rings, how do you know who’s calling?

  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...