It’s time for my annual article on the top consumer and personal finance articles of the year. As usual, there aren’t many reporters covering this important topic. However, in addition to the best news, health, political, and science stories of the year, there’s a new category: the top climate change stories.
I missed writing about Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when you can join, switch, or drop a plan. I always know when it occurs: my mail box and email are flooded with ads and TV and social media, too. I also get phone calls about the plans.
The largest recall from last week is Samsung top-load washing machines, with about 663,500 being recalled. The washing machines can short-circuit and overheat, posing a fire risk. Samsung has received 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating, or fire involving the washers.
Every year I write about children’s toys to avoid, according to W.A.T.C.H., World Against Toys Causing Harm, a group that helps raise awareness about the dangers in toys, children’s products, and recreational activities. W.A.T.C.H.’s list of nominees for the “10 Worst Toys” of 2022 includes:
Wells Fargo is at it again. It shows why consumers should be skeptical about trusting big banks. The repeat offender has agreed to a settlement that requires it to return more than $2 billion to consumers and pay a $1.7 billion civil penalty for legal violations across several of its largest product lines, the CFPB said Tuesday.
Did you know alcohol is a carcinogen? Only half of Americans are aware of it. For years, the alcohol beverage industry has been successful in keeping the government from requiring the type of labeling on alcohol that’s found. However, three consumer organizations sued the TTB in October and won.
At holiday dinners, we usually put the stuffing in the turkey and cook the two together. However, at a recent holiday event, the topic came up about what to do if you cook the stuffing separately. I seemed to remember that even if you don’t put the stuffing in the turkey, you shouldn’t make it and put it in the refrigerator to cook later.
Are you aware of the problems with infant flotation rings? A drowning and serious injury have occurred with infant flotation rings sold by Otteroo Corp. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recommending consumers should immediately stop using the LUMI and MINI infant flotation rings and older versions.
Scams are terrible, especially during the holidays. But scammers are out there every day, searching for their next victim. Scammers will ask you to pay with gift cards. Why? Because they’re like cash: once you use a gift card, the money is gone. A scammer may say they’re from a government agency or are a family member in a bind who needs money right now.
