Articles

Comparing prices online can save you a bundle when you rent a car. Learn how to compare the total cost — not just the advertised price. Fees and options can increase the base price dramatically.

Some car dealers advertise that, when you trade in your car to buy another one, they’ll pay off the balance of your loan. No matter how much you owe. But what if you owe more than the car is worth? That’s called “negative equity,” and the dealer’s promises to pay off your loan may be misleading. Learn how negative equity works and how to deal with it.

Take time to find a lawyer with relevant experience in the legal area you need. Find out about experience, fees, and possible outcomes. Get agreements in writing.

If you don’t make your car payments on time, your lender might have the right to take your car without going to court or telling you first. Here’s what to do if you can’t make car payments or if your car is repossessed.

Need to replace a light bulb? People used to shop for light bulbs by the watt, but wattage only tells you how much energy a bulb uses — not how bright it is. That takes lumens. Here’s what to know as you shop around for a new light bulb.

Explains auto warranties and auto service contracts and their differences. Also describes extended warranty scams and your rights.

Only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Google Play or Apple Card, and give them the numbers off the back of the card. No matter what they say, that’s a scam. No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. Always keep a copy of your gift card and store receipt. Use them to report gift card scams to the gift card company and ask for your money back.

Heating and cooling your home can take a lot of energy. But there are things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, which might even lower your heating and cooling bills. Here’s what to know.

Taking care of your eye health and monitoring your vision is an important part of living a healthy life. Any time your eye care professional measures your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses (an exam that is called a refraction), they must give you a copy of your prescription — whether you ask for it or not — at no extra charge. Wherever you choose to buy your glasses or contact lenses, your prescription lets you shop around for the best deal. The FTC enforces the Eyeglass Rule and Contact

“Buy now, pay later,” rent-to-own, lease-to-own, and layaway plans let you buy things without paying in full right away. Before you say yes to one of these plans, find out the details. Depending on the type of plan you choose, you could end up paying a lot more than you expected.

Using a biologic medication and concerned about cost? You may want to talk with your doctor about switching to a biosimilar. Like generic drugs, biosimilars may save you money and are as safe and effective as the original biologic.

Although bamboo is used in eco-friendly products, it’s processed with toxic chemicals when used to make rayon and other fabrics.

Before you start your travel plans, learn common tactics scammers use that can ruin your entire trip.

Online reviews might help you decide what to buy or what company to hire. You should be able to trust that these reviews reflect the honest opinions of people who actually used a product or service. Unfortunately, some reviews are fake, deceptive, or manipulated — and that hurts both people and honest companies.