The hectic holiday shopping season is underway, and for many, that will put a strain on the family budget. Checkbook wants to make this stressful time a little easier.

Our annual holiday helper is packed with timely advice: Super shoppers share tips about how they find the best prices and avoid fake sales. Plus, how are you going to pay for all the items on your gift-giving list? We have some money-saving ideas.

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Despite lingering concerns about volatility, scams, andlax regulatory oversight, cryptocurrency has evolved from a digital curiosity into a mainstream financial asset. About 28% of U.S. adults now hold some form of digital currency. Major financial firms and banks are increasingly offering crypto to their clients, and a growing number of merchants now accept crypto payments.

Consumer advocates worry about the “gold rush” mentality that’s taking place as millions try to cash in on the boom, seemingly unconcerned about the potential bust.

In this episode: We talk to Amanda Fisher, policy director and COO of Better Markets and former Chief of Staff at the SEC, and Corey Frayer, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America and former senior advisor at the SEC. We'll cover what crypto is, how it works, and why people are buying a currency that’s virtually unregulated. Plus, we’ll explain “meme coins” and “stable coins.” And, is crypto as secure as we’re led to believe? (Spoiler alert: It’s not!)

Additional Resources:

NerdWallet: ⁠Cryptocurrency Basics: Pros, Cons, and How It Works

Bankrate: About 78% of Americans say they’re uncomfortable investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Here’s why

Related Consumerpedia Episode:

Episode 81: Algorithms Secretly Control Your Financial Fate

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Checkbook's editors and researchers love to save you time and money, and they use a broad range of consumer-oriented websites and apps to do so.

In this episode, we'll highlight some of their favorites and why they find them to be valuable tools.

More from Checkbook: Our Editors' Favorite Websites and Apps

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The cost of homeowners insurance continues to skyrocket, far exceeding the rate of inflation, especially in high-risk areas. This crisis is fueled by a combination of climate-related disasters, increasing costs for materials and labor, as well as insurance company withdrawals from certain markets. Consumer advocates, including our guests, also blame a lack of strong regulation and corporate greed.

In this episode: A look at the insurance market – where we are and why, possible solutions, and what you can do to avoid making bad decisions when trying to lower your premiums.

You’ll also meet a homeowner in California, a victim of the Eaton wildfires, who cannot get her insurance company to fully pay for the necessary repairs.

Read Checkbook’s full report on homeowners, renters, and condo insurance, including what is and isn’t covered, how rates are determined, what to do after damage to your home, and which companies offer the best service and prices.

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Shopping at thrift stores can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun, since you never know what you’ll find. Plus, many thrift stores support local charities, meaning you’re helping others while picking up a vintage dress or a like-new dresser.

In this episode, you’ll find tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on where to find great deals and hidden treasures. All this, plus some wonderful stories from these veteran thrift-store shoppers.

Virginia Chamlee has spent more than a decade collecting and selling vintage wares. She’s the author of the best-selling book Big Thrift Energy and the popular newsletter What’sLeft.

More from Checkbook: Thrift Store Advice

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Saving you time. Saving you money. Helping youscore great deals—and steer clear of rip-offs and scams. That’s what we’re all about at the Consumerpedia podcast.

In this episode, Checkbook staffers share their favorite life hacks—simple tricks and workarounds they’ve used and swear by—that will help you shop smarter, spend wiser, and stay one step ahead.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#84: Free Perks You Didn't Know You Had

#49: Shop Like a Pro: Checkbook's Top Shopping Tips

#26: Sale Prices Are Rarely Real Deals

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Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financing continues to grow in popularity. These short-term loans, which are typically 6 weeks and usually interest-free, appeal to consumers who want flexible payments and no credit card debt.

Consumer advocates warn that BNPL services make it too easy for people to purchase items they can’t afford, which can result in late fees and costly bank charges. Personal finance experts worry about the growing number of people who use BNPL to buy everyday items, such as groceries, gasoline, and food delivery services.

In this episode, we discuss how BNPL works, the possible pitfalls, and the smart way to use these short-term loans.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

Episode 80: Debt Busters: Real-Life Success Stories

Episode 50: Finding a Credit Card That's Right for You

Additional Resources:

Consumers' Checkbook: The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay Later

Bankrate: About half of buy now, pay later users have experienced issues like overspending and missing payments

National Consumer Law Center: Risks and Advice for Buy Now, Pay Later Borrowers

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: CFPB Research Reveals Heavy Buy Now, Pay Later Use Among Borrowers with High Credit Balances and Multiple Pay-in-Four Loans

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A bad hotel room can ruin your vacation or business trip, so you need to be careful when making your reservations. Hotel websites and online booking sites have great photos andglowing descriptions, but what you see isn't always what you get.

In this episode, tips for booking a room so you don't end up having a nightmarish experience. Plus, what to do if you wind up staying at the Bates Motel.

More from Checkbook:

Hotels: Tips for Finding a Sweeter Stay

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#41: Hotel Intel: Finding the Best Rates#86: Travel Tips from a Travel Expert

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Criminals in the U.S. and around the globe are weaponizing artificial intelligence to create scams that are more convincing and more harmful than ever. As AI technology advances, it’s becoming difficult or nearly impossible for the average consumer to tell what’s real from what’s fake.

AI is being used to create bogus celebrity endorsements, fake images, and even write books by non-existent authors. The technology is so easy to use that scammers can pose as someone else and have video conversations with their targets.

In this episode, we’ll explain how fraudsters are using AI to supercharge their deceptions and share tips on how you can protect yourself.

Additional Resources:

Scamplified: How Unregulated AI Continues to Help Facilitate the Rise in Scams

Don’t Get Scammed! Tips For Spotting AI-Generated Fake Products Online

More from Checkbook:

Identity Theft and Fraud: How to Protect Yourself

Fraud Alert: Criminals Pitch Bogus Cryptocurrency Investments

Social Media Scams Are Skyrocketing. Here’s How to Protect Yourself⁠

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Shady contractors are going door-to-door pitching “free” solar energy systems that will eliminate costly electric bills. Most of these fraudsters do shoddy work; some take the money and run. By using high-pressure sales tactics, they get homeowners to sign high-interest contracts that leave them with massive debt.

In this episode: The tricks door-to-door con artists use to sell high-priced solar systems, the facts about solar incentives and tax credits, plus tips on how to find a good solar contractor.

Read Checkbook's full report on solar scams.

Related Consumerpedia Episodes:

#1: How to Hire a Good Contractor

#8: Saving Energy at Home

#10: Here Comes the Sun? Now May Be the Best Time to Go Solar

More from Checkbook:

Thinking About Going Solar?

Small Steps, Big Impact: Save Energy by Making These Free or Inexpensive Changes

Worth the Money: Energy Saving Upgrades that Quickly Pay for Themselves

Resources, Rebates, and Tax Credits to Help You Go Green at Home

Additional Resources:

Center for Responsible Lending: The Shady Side of Solar Financing

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