Consumer News

Problem Solvers Installing new windows? Be sure to choose carefully

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 17, 2013 at 9:10 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 17, 2013 at 9:10 AM PDT

New windows can stop leaks, reduce drafts, save energy and make your house look a whole lot nicer.

Problem Solvers Ways to avoid those pesky bank overdraft fees

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 13, 2013 at 9:40 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 13, 2013 at 9:40 AM PDT

No one likes to pay overdraft fees, and yet the average American spends $225 in overdraft charges each year, according a report.

Problem Solvers New mailer promises round-trip plane tickets -- with a catch

By Connie Thompson Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 9:14 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 12, 2013 at 9:14 AM PDT

On the heels of two previous alerts, the Puget Sound region is being flooded with yet another round of post cards promising a free round-trip. The latest card shows a non-descript airplane and mentions the names of several well-known airlines and hotel chains. According to the card "You will receive 2 round-trip airline tickets... plus a 3-day/2-night weekend getaway at a hotel... "

Problem Solvers Make the most of your kitchen remodel

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 10, 2013 at 8:38 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 10, 2013 at 8:38 AM PDT

Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen. So, no surprise that it's one of the most frequently remodeled rooms in the house.

Problem Solvers Revealing the shocking truth about extension cords

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 7, 2013 at 9:35 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 7, 2013 at 9:35 AM PDT

Sometimes you need an extension cord to get that power tool to where you want to use it outside your house.

Problem Solvers US data breaches grow, cost victims billions of dollars (Video)

By Herb Weisbaum, NBCNews.com Published: Jun 6, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 6, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT

A new study out today shows data breaches in the U.S. continue at a record pace, and they're costing victims billions of dollars in fraud.

Problem Solvers New mailers promise 2 round trip tickets -- with a catch (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Jun 5, 2013 at 9:48 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 5, 2013 at 9:48 AM PDT

A new travel offer has thousands of people dreaming of free plane tickets and luxury vacations, but don't pack your bags just yet.

Problem Solvers Beware postcards that promise free vacations

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 4, 2013 at 8:17 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 4, 2013 at 8:17 AM PDT

Here's a consumer alert about a postcard or letter you may get promising a free getaway - two round-trip airline tickets or a free cruise if you call a toll-free number right away.

Problem Solvers Some warning signs that an electrical problem is afoot

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Jun 3, 2013 at 8:25 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 3, 2013 at 8:25 AM PDT

Electrical failures cause nearly 45,000 house fires each year -- fires that claim the lives of more than 400 people.

Problem Solvers Credit score you pay to see may not be one lenders use (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 31, 2013 at 8:33 AM PDT Last Updated: May 31, 2013 at 8:33 AM PDT

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life, and Americans spend millions of dollars year to find out theirs. But Consumer Reports says the score you get is not necessarily the one lenders use. That can be a nasty surprise when you apply for credit.

Problem Solvers Want an electric car? Automakers are slashing lease prices

By TOM KRISHER, AP Auto Writer Published: May 30, 2013 at 11:29 AM PDT Last Updated: May 30, 2013 at 11:29 AM PDT

Auto companies are hoping lower lease prices can put a charge into sluggish sales of electric cars.

Problem Solvers Can the 'Boom Cube' really deliver big sound for $10.99? (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 30, 2013 at 11:05 AM PDT Last Updated: May 30, 2013 at 11:05 AM PDT

The Boom Cube is all about letting other people hear your tunes on the go, when headphones just won't do. But how much booming big sound can you really get for $10.99 plus tax?

Problem Solvers A simple solution for stopping Medicare card theft

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM PDT Last Updated: May 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM PDT

When you get a Medicare card, you're told to always have it with you. But in many cases, the number on that card is your Social Security number, and you don't want that to fall into the wrong hands.

Problem Solvers Don't get scammed when donating to help tornado victims

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 24, 2013 at 8:58 AM PDT Last Updated: May 24, 2013 at 3:41 PM PDT

You've seen the devastation in Oklahoma and you want to help. Before you respond to any charity pitch - stop, think and check them out.

Problem Solvers Is your homeowners insurance adequate for a disaster?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 23, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT Last Updated: May 23, 2013 at 9:33 AM PDT

The tornado damage in Oklahoma made me think about homeowners insurance.