Solar-energy technology continues to advance in ways that can greatly benefit homeowners. Solar panels sold today cost less than those available just five or six years ago, plus they produce more electricity. These efficiency gains mean most families can install fairly small projects to cover all their electricity needs. However, solar projects still come with hefty upfront price tags.

In this episode, we'll discuss the options and look at how much you can really save by going solar. Plus, we have tips on how to find a good installer and ways to pay for a solar project.

Read Checkbook's full report on solar energy contractors, plus see our ratings.

Good credit is important. Bad credit can make it difficult—or more expensive—to get a loan or credit card, rent an apartment, or get cell phone service. Surveys show few people truly understand how the system works: What makes their credit scores go up, and what causes them to plunge. In this episode we’ll demystify the process, and separate credit facts from credit myths.

Special Guest: Liz Weston, a personal financial columnist for NerdWallet, and author of the best-selling book “Your Credit Score.”

Additional Resources:

Credit Myths Persist, Even After Pandemic Forces a Closer Look at Finances

New Government Report: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion Rarely Act on Complaints About Credit File Errors

How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam and What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit Scores

Buy Now, Pay Later Spending Traps

Our homes rely more than ever on energy for heating, cooling, lighting, hot water, and to power all our gadgets. Most of our abodes still unnecessarily waste lots of energy, contributing to pollution and climate change while sucking away our money.

In this episode, we look at some simple repairs and improvements that will yield big energy savings for most families, plus projects with bigger upfront price tags that still make sense from a cost-benefit standpoint.

For more tips, read our article 32 Ways to Save Energy at Home.

We all spend money on stuff we don't need, from top-of-the-line appliances with features we'll never use to designer clothing we'll rarely wear. But there's a big difference between splurging on luxuries and throwing away money on products and services that are worthless or unnecessary—or that you could get for free. Here are some of them and why they're a waste of money.

Read our complete list of 65 Things You (Probably) Shouldn't Pay For on Checkbook.org.

No one looks forward to going to the dentist, but oral hygiene is an important part of your overall healthcare. Most dentists do a good job, but some are better than others at making their clients feel comfortable. Price may also be a consideration. Checkbook’s undercover shoppers found astounding price differences from practice to practice for the same procedure. Based on our subscriber surveys, there is no relationship between price and quality. In this episode, we’ll also talk about the pros and cons of dental insurance.

Read Checkbook’s full report on how to find a good dentist, plus see our ratings.

Online fraud is a serious problem, and it keeps getting worse. Cyberthieves are getting better at stealing money and sensitive personal information, which is why it’s so important to understand the risk and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Special Guest: Brett Johnson, a cyber security consultant and former identity thief. Few people know more about cybercrime than Johnson, who was once on the Secret Service’s Most Wanted list. Johnson made millions developing online fraud techniques before getting busted (several times) and spending more than six years behind bars. Johnson started AnglerPhish Security to share his insider’s knowledge about fighting cybercrime.

Additional resources:

Identity and Cyber Theft: How to Protect Yourself

Data Breaches Skyrocket; Here's How to Safeguard Your Online Accounts

Online Privacy: How to Guard Yours

Computers & Devices: How to Keep Yours Safe

The pandemic has turned the car market upside-down: inventory is low, and prices for new cars keep going up. That means it's more important than ever to have a plan. Should you wait? Should you buy used? Is leasing something you should even consider? Get answers to those questions, plus learn about a sure-fire way to get the best price on any new vehicle. Special Guest: Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book, has been steering consumers to safe and reliable cars for more than 40 years. Gillis is also executive director of the Consumer Federation of America.

Additional car-buying resources:

Shortage of New Cars Results in Fewer Choices and Higher Prices

Buying Your Leased Car Could Be a Smart Move (Right Now)

Used Cars Often Sold with Dangerous Defects

Vehicle Service Contract Plans Are Big Hassles and Bad Deals for Most Drivers

CarBargains: Get the Best Price on a New Car

Consumerpedia listeners who aren't Checkbook subscribers are invited to access our ratings, undercover price research, and expert advice free for 30 days using this link: https://checkbook.org/consumerpedia

Companies use an arsenal of marketing tricks to convince customers they’re scoring bargains, often duping them into spending more or paying right away without checking the competition. While many of these tactics have been used for centuries, we’ve found that the methods are increasingly sophisticated, and the dishonest claims are bolder.  Special Guest: Edgar Dworsky, founder and editor of ConsumerWorld.org, a nonprofit website that features buying advice, consumer news and information, scam alerts, and bargains.

Consumerpedia listeners who aren't Checkbook subscribers are invited to access our ratings, undercover price research, and expert advice free for 30 days using this link: https://checkbook.org/consumerpedia

FAFSA is the gateway to your share of the nearly $150 billion in federal aid available from the U.S. Department of Education through loans, grants, need-based scholarships, and work-study. By filing the FAFSA, you are also applying for financial aid available from state governments, and most colleges and universities. The filing period for the 2022-2023 academic year is underway, and the sooner you file, the more money you are likely to get. Special Guest: Dana Kelly, a vice president with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

Learn more about FAFSA and see tips on how to get started.

Consumerpedia listeners who aren't Checkbook subscribers are invited to access our ratings, undercover price research, and expert advice free for 30 days using this link: https://checkbook.org/consumerpedia

Hiring a contractor who can successfully build what you’re planning, at a favorable price, is the most important step in any remodeling project. You need to get bids and proposals from at least three companies, then take the time to check out any possible candidates. We’ll walk you through the process, explain what should be in the contract, and help you avoid fly-by-night contractors.

Read Checkbook's full report on how to find a good contractor, plus see our ratings.

Consumerpedia listeners who aren't Checkbook subscribers are invited to access our ratings, undercover price research, and expert advice free for 30 days using this link: https://checkbook.org/consumerpedia