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

Introducing Consumerpedia, a podcast by Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers find high-quality services, save money, and avoid rip-offs. Hosted by “The ConsumerMan” Herb Weisbaum, an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and one of America's top consumer experts, and Kevin Brasler, Checkbook’s executive editor. This episode discusses how Checkbook’s evaluations and advice are more reliable than the ratings reported by other businesses, plus a quick summary of the type of work we do to educate consumers.