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Watching Your Wallet

Americans say they're cutting back, but spending data tells a different story

Americans say they’re cutting back, but spending data tells a different story

Updated: 7 hours ago
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By Rachel DePompa
People say they’re cutting back on spending, but are they really? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about whether people are really doing what they say.

Watching Your Wallet

‘Ghost Students’: Why this growing scam is spooking students, educators

‘Ghost Students’: Why this growing scam is spooking students, educators

Updated: Jul. 11, 2025 at 2:10 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
It's a growing form of fraud in higher education: criminals creating fake student enrollments using stolen or made-up identities to illegally claim financial aid. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with the U.S. Department of Education to learn how this scheme works and how you can help stop it.

Watching Your Wallet

Expert advice to manage money stress

Expert advice to manage money stress

Updated: Jul. 10, 2025 at 1:40 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Feeling overwhelmed by money worries? You’re far from alone. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out ways you can reduce that stress and reframe your mindset around money.

Defective

Federal consumer safety watchdogs reinstated to their jobs as commissioners

‘The law is crystal clear:’ Federal consumer safety watchdogs reinstated to jobs as commissioners

Updated: Jul. 10, 2025 at 12:11 PM CDT
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By Jill Riepenhoff, Jamie Grey and Caresse Jackman
A judge determined that the Trump administration's firing of three commissioners for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was unlawful and ordered their immediate reinstatement.

Watching Your Wallet

Education watchdog warns schools to watch for fraud as new year approaches

Education watchdog warns schools to watch for fraud as new year approaches

Updated: Jul. 9, 2025 at 1:50 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Fraud in America’s schools is more common — and costly — than you might think. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman speaks with investigators about recent cases of fraud and the critical warning signs.

Watching Your Wallet

Avoid financial burnout by investing in yourself

Avoid financial burnout by investing in yourself

Updated: Jul. 8, 2025 at 1:50 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy, it can drain your bank account too. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Black Mammoth about how to protect your health while growing your net worth.

Watching Your Wallet

How you can freeze identity thieves in their tracks

How you can freeze identity thieves in their tracks

Updated: Jul. 7, 2025 at 1:36 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Your personal data could already be out there, exposing you to fraud and identity theft. But one free step can stop thieves cold. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to CW Advisors about one of the best ways to protect your information.

Watching Your Wallet

Why strong, unique passwords are your best defense against scammers

Why strong, unique passwords are your best defense against scammers

Updated: Jul. 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
A new report from the AARP shows Americans’ online habits are putting them at greater risk of fraud. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman breaks down the common digital mistakes people make that leave them vulnerable.

Watching Your Wallet

Debt collectors on the line: What to do and say

Debt collectors on the line: What to do and say

Updated: Jul. 3, 2025 at 1:52 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
When debt collectors call, your next move could cost you or protect you. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Tayne Law Group about critical questions to ask before paying a penny.

Watching Your Wallet

Books and budgets: The cost of higher education

Books and budgets: The cost of higher education

Updated: Jul. 2, 2025 at 3:14 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
College costs have surged over the last 20 years, but there are strategies that could help ease the burden. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman speaks with an educator about practical steps to make college costs more affordable.

Watching Your Wallet

‘Motherhood Penalty’: The hidden costs of having kids

‘Motherhood Penalty’: The hidden costs of having kids

Updated: Jul. 1, 2025 at 1:48 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Is motherhood costing women more than sleepless nights? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about the so-called motherhood penalty.

Watching Your Wallet

Getting financial advice on social media? Experts say be careful

Getting financial advice on social media? Experts say be careful

Updated: Jun. 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
About one in 10 Americans now get financial advice from TikTok, according to a new survey. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa found out in it's not a bad idea, you just need to be careful.

Bankrate

Best crypto in 2025: 8 top-performing cryptocurrencies year-to-date

Updated: Jun. 30, 2025 at 8:35 AM CDT
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By Logan Jacoby, Bankrate
When investing in crypto, it helps to look at the top performers to get a sense of what’s going on in the market.

Watching Your Wallet

Alzheimer’s and the cost of care: Families face a growing financial burden

Alzheimer’s and the cost of care: Families face a growing financial burden

Updated: Jun. 27, 2025 at 10:07 AM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease—a diagnosis that not only impacts memory but also families of those living with the disease.

Watching Your Wallet

Nearly half of homeowners saw insurance hikes this year, survey finds

Nearly half of homeowners saw insurance hikes this year, survey finds

Updated: Jun. 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
Your home may have weathered the storm, but your insurance bill might not.

Watching Your Wallet

Airline complaints soar to record high

Airline complaints soar to record high

Updated: Jun. 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Flight complaints are soaring as delays stack up and patience runs out. Find out what’s behind the turbulence and what you can do before you board.

Watching Your Wallet

Buy Now, Pay Later? The hidden costs catching consumers off guard

Buy Now, Pay Later? The hidden costs catching consumers off guard

Updated: Jun. 24, 2025 at 11:29 AM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
Buy Now, Pay Later might feel painless at first, but the bills can pile up. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa reveals the hidden risks.

Be Your Own Investigator

Be Your Own Investigator: How to find recalled products in your home

Be Your Own Investigator: How to find recalled products in your home

Updated: Jun. 24, 2025 at 10:43 AM CDT
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By Jill Riepenhoff and Joce Sterman
In recent years, Consumer Product Safety Commission data shows 333 products were deemed too unsafe for store shelves. How can you find them in your home?

Watching Your Wallet

How a few extra clicks can curb your impulse spending online

How a few extra clicks can curb your impulse spending online

Updated: Jun. 23, 2025 at 1:41 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
They want you to buy with just one click, but that convenience could be costing you big.

Watching Your Wallet

Social Security Administration a top target in imposter scams

Social Security Administration a top target in imposter scams

Updated: Jun. 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
The FTC’s 2024 data book reveals a staggering $12.5 billion lost to fraud last year. Consumer investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with the SSA’s Office of Inspector General to expose how scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration and tricking people into giving up their personal information.

Watching Your Wallet

Expert tips to save on summer vacations

Expert tips to save on summer vacations

Updated: Jun. 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Vacation season is heating up and so are travel expenses. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bank of America about how a few strategic changes can make your summer trip more affordable and just as memorable.

Watching Your Wallet

Financial expert: It’s time to readjust retirement expectations

Financial expert: It’s time to readjust retirement expectations

Updated: Jun. 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
According to the Social Security Administration, you can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but how many Americans are truly financially ready to retire? Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman sits down with a well-known financial advisor who says retirement—as we know it—is due for a major shift.

Watching Your Wallet

Saving for college? Start at birth, experts recommend

Saving for college? Start at birth, experts recommend

Updated: Jun. 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Having a baby? There’s more to prep than diapers and onesies. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to CW Advisors about a simple financial step that could make a big difference 17 years from now.

Watching Your Wallet

How to deal with uncertainty when investing

How to deal with uncertainty when investing

Updated: Jun. 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Markets may be on a rollercoaster, but experts say your 401(k) shouldn’t be. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Lourd Murray who said there’s no need to panic when it comes to your 401(k), it’s all about the long game.

Watching Your Wallet

Smart property moves for small business owners

Smart property moves for small business owners

Updated: Jun. 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Thinking of buying property for your business? Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks to Samson Properties about the smart moves and costly mistakes every entrepreneur needs to know.

Watching Your Wallet

Tips to help raise financially empowered kids

Tips to help raise financially empowered kids

Updated: Jun. 12, 2025 at 2:05 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Want to raise kids who make smart money moves? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Black Mammoth about how parents can start those conversations now.

Watching Your Wallet

Romance Scammers using AI

Bots looking for love: How new romance scams are costing victims thousands

Updated: Jun. 12, 2025 at 1:53 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Would you know a person generated by AI if you saw one? Experts at the Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group and Better Business Bureau warn bad actors are using it in the latest romance scams with unsuspecting victims being tricked out of money and personal information. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with experts who shared tips on how you can spot a fraudster.

Watching Your Wallet

The impact of tariffs on your grocery bill

The impact of tariffs on your grocery bill

Updated: Jun. 11, 2025 at 2:55 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
As tariffs on imported goods are expected to rise experts say you might soon feel the impact at your local grocery store. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman spoke with the Consumer Federation of America about what you need to know to help save money.

Be Your Own Investigator

Be Your Own Investigator: how to spot government imposter scams

Be Your Own Investigator: how to spot government imposter scams

Updated: Jun. 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM CDT
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By Jamie Grey
According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 850,000 people filed claims over government imposter scams in 2023.

Watching Your Wallet

Many experts find renting may be a better long-term choice

Many experts find renting may be a better long-term choice

Updated: Jun. 10, 2025 at 2:13 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Rent or buy? One could save you hundreds of thousands over time. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa goes over the numbers with This Old House that can help you make the smarter move.

Watching Your Wallet

Text scams continue to rise in 2025

Text scams continue to rise in 2025

Updated: Jun. 9, 2025 at 1:37 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Think that text from your bank is real? Think twice. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Virginia Credit Union about how to spot when something's just not quite right.

Watching Your Wallet

'Say something!' Fed report urges action to combat scams

‘Say something!’ Fed report urges action to combat scams

Updated: Jun. 6, 2025 at 1:54 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
The FTC saw a 25% increase in losses to scams in 2024. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman speaks with the GAO about how the government is struggling to address this national crisis.

Watching Your Wallet

Americans using emergency savings to cover everyday bills

Americans using emergency savings to cover everyday bills

Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Experts say emergency funds are meant for surprises, not your everyday bills. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about why more Americans are draining their savings just to stay afloat.

Watching Your Wallet

Expert advice to protect elderly loved ones from financial abuse

Expert advice to protect elderly loved ones from financial abuse

Updated: Jun. 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Scammers are cashing in on America’s aging population and it’s not always strangers doing the stealing. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman shares how to spot elder fraud and protect the people you love most.

Watching Your Wallet

How to curb ‘retail therapy’

How to curb ‘retail therapy’

Updated: Jun. 3, 2025 at 1:25 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Feeling the urge to click "buy" when you're bored or blue? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to NerdWallet about ways to shop smarter and dodge regret before retail therapy wrecks your budget.

Watching Your Wallet

Two easy tips to boost your credit score

Two easy tips to boost your credit score

Updated: Jun. 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Want a better credit score without the guesswork? Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa shares two simple moves that could boost your number and your financial future.

Watching Your Wallet

New 401(k) limits let you save more for retirement

New 401(k) limits let you save more for retirement

Updated: May 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
We're almost halfway through the year, so it's time to check in on your 401(k). Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to CW Advisors who say it's always a good idea to revisit how much money you're setting aside for retirement.

Watching Your Wallet

Bridging the wild: Campaign pushes for crossings to curb animal collisions

Bridging the wild: Campaign pushes for crossings to curb animal collisions

Updated: May 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
There are over 1 million auto accidents involving wildlife each year and they can happen in a split second. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks to Environment America about ways to reduce auto collisions with wildlife.

Watching Your Wallet

Tips to manage your financial mental health

Tips to manage your financial mental health

Updated: May 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Money woes are weighing on minds more than work or even relationships. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about ways to manage your mental health when it comes to your finances.

Watching Your Wallet

How to recession-proof your finances

How to recession-proof your finances

Updated: May 26, 2025 at 1:47 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
2025 is off to a rocky financial start. Recent dips in consumer confidence reflect growing unease over inflation, continued market volatility, and broader economic uncertainty. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about recession-proofing your life.

Watching Your Wallet

Unemployment overpayment: When too much money is a problem

Unemployment overpayment: When too much money is a problem

Updated: May 24, 2025 at 7:38 AM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. And that's definitely the case with collecting too much in unemployment benefits. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to Bankrate about what to do if you receive too much money and why you have to pay it back.

Be Your Own Investigator

Be Your Own Investigator: Finding the true cost of healthcare

Be Your Own Investigator: Finding the true cost of healthcare

Updated: May 23, 2025 at 8:53 AM CDT
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By Emily Featherston and Joce Sterman
In the event your procedure or prescription is not an emergency, a little bit of research could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Watching Your Wallet

Most people fear data breaches, but few take action, survey finds

Most people fear data breaches, but few take action, survey finds

Updated: May 22, 2025 at 1:50 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
64% of internet users worry about data breaches—but a new survey finds most still aren’t taking the right steps to protect themselves. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks with cybersecurity experts about simple ways you can steer clear of cyber criminals.

Watching Your Wallet

AARP concerned about credit card debt of those 50+

AARP concerned about credit card debt of those 50+

Updated: May 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
A new survey from AARP finds nearly half of adults aged 50 and older are carrying credit card debt. For those with lower incomes, credit cards often become a necessity just to make ends meet. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman talks with them about their findings and has important tips on how to get your debt under control.

Watching Your Wallet

Solo travel on the rise

Solo travel on the rise

Updated: May 20, 2025 at 2:14 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
Need some time for yourself? Solo travel is growing globally. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa caught up with a travel expert who has some ways to save, and places solo travelers may want to consider.

Be Your Own Investigator

Be Your Own Investigator: How to obtain records from schools your children attend

Be Your Own Investigator: How to obtain records from schools your children attend

Updated: May 20, 2025 at 1:04 PM CDT
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By Joce Sterman
You don't have to wait for a report card or a call from a teacher to find out how your child is doing in school.

Watching Your Wallet

Fewer than half of Americans plan to travel this summer, survey finds

Fewer than half of Americans plan to travel this summer, survey finds

Updated: May 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa and Daniela Molina
A recent Bankrate survey revealed that just 46% of Americans plan to travel this summer, with cost cited as the biggest barrier.

Watching Your Wallet

Tips to avoid ongoing cycle of consumer debt

Tips to avoid ongoing cycle of consumer debt

Updated: May 15, 2025 at 1:46 PM CDT
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By Rachel DePompa
According to a new NerdWallet survey 14% of Americans plan to pay less on their debt over the next year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why paying the minimum may not be the best plan.

Watching Your Wallet

What do the numbers on your credit card mean?

Updated: May 15, 2025 at 6:19 AM CDT
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By Holly D. Johnson, Bankrate
Your credit card’s 15- or 16-digit number helps authenticate transactions.

Watching Your Wallet

Expert advice on crypto investing

Expert advice on crypto investing

Updated: May 14, 2025 at 1:59 PM CDT
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By Caresse Jackman
Investments and interest in crypto are climbing. But for many consumers, this digital currency remains a mystery. Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman sits down with Edelman Financial Engines to break down crypto investing and how you can safely get involved.
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