Arizona’s Family On Your Side
Arizona's Family (3TV & CBS 5)
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Whether it’s Arizona's housing market, car buying tips, cheap family vacations, how to avoid scams, or just saving money, Gary Harper, Susan Campbell, and the Arizona’s Family On Your Side team are here to make you a more savvy consumer.
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1 day ago
Spotting Fake Online Reviews
When it comes to finding a good restaurant, a caring doctor or maybe even a talented contractor, consumers have learned to rely on Internet reviews. But how legitimate are those reviews and more importantly, can you really trust what they all say? The answer is "no" because many
of the reviews we read are "fake," put on the Internet to reel in new customers.
Today, Kay Dean joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She's a former federal criminal investigator who currently has a YouTube channel called Fake Review Watch. She tells us how to spot fake reviews and what to do if you come across one.
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Sep 17, 2023
Avoiding the Most Common Adoption Scams
For all parents, the path to parenthood is unique, and for many families, it includes adoption. It can be an emotional process. And now scammers are preying on people who desperately want a child.
Today, Nicole Witt joins us on the on your side podcast. She is the executive director of the adoption consultancy – and the host of ‘adopting! The podcast’ helping families who want to adopt with education, information, and guidance. She’ll reveal several common scams, like the phantom birth mother scam. What you need to know to protect your family.
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Sep 10, 2023
Getting a Hold of Student Loan Debt Using the New SAVE Program
Student loan payments have been on hold for years. But they’re back beginning in October. At the same time, millions of borrowers are enrolling in a new income-driven student loan repayment plan called “SAVE” which is reducing monthly student loan bills.
It may feel complicated, so today Robert Farringdon joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s the founder of ‘The College Investor’ and calls himself “America’s millennial money expert.” The company’s mission is to help people get a grip on student loan debt using SAVE and to begin building wealth at the same time. He’s helping us navigate the new SAVE program, how it works, and who qualifies. We’ll also talk about life after student loans.
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Sep 3, 2023
Earning Artificial Intelligence Certificates Will Help Job Seekers
Like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. We have self-driving cars, smart assistants, manufacturing robots and countless other examples of machines acting like humans. Artificial intelligence is already available in hundreds of different industries and it's only a matter of time before the number starts to increase. So, don't get left behind in the world of AI. Colleges are starting to introduce AI classes to prep students for the next generation.
On this episode, Juanita Sorrano from edX is on the On Your Side podcast. edX is an online platform founded by Harvard and MIT to help students immerge themselves into learning artificial intelligence and to earn certificates which always looks good when looking for a job.
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Aug 27, 2023
Getting the Maximum Return for Your Remodeling Investment
The real estate market across the nation, including here in Phoenix, has really slowed down due to higher interest rates and low inventory. So, if you're even thinking of trying to sell your home, what can you do to get it SOLD? Well, you want to set your home apart from your competition and that includes updating your house.
Olivia Mariani from Curbio joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She tells us about a new method of updating your home and how to get the most return for your investment.
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Aug 20, 2023
Be Prepared for Unforeseen Layoffs
This has not been a good year for American workers, as more than a quarter million people were shown the door after getting laid-off. The tech industry was hurt the most with big companies like Facebook and Zoom laying off thousands. Unfortunately, many of those affected didn’t see it coming and were financially unprepared. Today, we’re talking to Stewart Willis. He’s a financial expert with Asset Preservation Wealth and Tax, and he explains how you can be financially prepared in case the unexpected happens.
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Aug 13, 2023
How Ticket Bots are Impacting Air Travel
Have you ever heard of an airline offering super cheap airfare, but once you try to but those tickets, they are all gone? There's a reason they get gobbled up so fast, and it's not because some consumers are quicker to react.
On this episode, we're talking to Jesper Essendrop, the CEO of Queue-It. He reveals the results of his investigation into how bots are making things more difficult for travelers.
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Jul 30, 2023
More Weddings This Year Despite Increasing Costs
It's estimated that a little over 2 million weddings will take place here in the United States by the end of the year. That's significantly higher than the past three years. And while more weddings are taking place, the price tag for the big day has sky rocketed. In fact, a whopping $29,000 is the national average cost for a wedding.
Today, Ann Kaplan joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She’s a finance and wedding expert and she explains the reasons behind the increase in wedding costs and what couples can do to bring the price down.
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Jul 23, 2023
Kids and Cleaning
When you send your kid off to college, are they ready to clean? Do they know how often to clean, or how to wash their bedding? According to a new survey, a lot of parents aren't so sure, and neither are their college-bound kids.
On this episode, we're talking to Brian Sansoni, a cleaning expert and the Senior Vice President of Communications, Outreach, and Membership at the American Cleaning Institute. We discuss the basics to make sure everyone is mastering essential cleaning habits.
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Jul 17, 2023
Too Many Real Estate Agents Hurting the Industry
If you’re on the house hunt, you know the real estate market is competitive. Turns out, it’s competitive for real estate agents, too. A new report by the Consumer Federation of America shows there are too many real estate agents for too few home sales. And it is coming at a cost to consumers.
On the On Your Side podcast, we are chatting with Steven Brobeck, the author of the report. He’s the senior fellow at the non-profit consumer research and advocacy group and tells us why too many real estate agents are hurting the industry.
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Jul 9, 2023
Creating an AI-Friendly Resume
Are you looking for a job and you feel like you're not getting a lot of interest from potential employers? Well, it may be that your resume isn't AI friendly.
Artificial Intelligence is weeding out job candidates based on certain words that may or may not be in your resume. But don't worry, you can turn that resume around.
Today, we're talking to Jeremy Schiff. He's the CEO of RecruitBot which is a hiring platform that matches employers with job candidates. He explains what you can do to keep your resume from being rejected by AI.
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Jun 25, 2023
Summer Vacation Tips
Summer is officially here. And by now, you may have some bored kids out of school for summer vacation. So on this episode, we’re chatting with one of our favorite money-saving moms. Her name is Andrea Woroch and she tells us how to help salvage summer fun without breaking the bank, whether you’re home or away on vacation.
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Jun 11, 2023
1% Down Payment Mortgages
It’s hard to keep up with the real estate market these days. One month, it seems housing prices are falling. The next month prices are creeping up. A lot of it has to do with interest rates that the fed has increased 10 straight times in a little over a year. Another factor is where you live. So, some lenders have come up with something called the 1 percent mortgage.
Today, we’re talking to Jeff Ostrowski. He’s with Bankrate.com for more than two decades and he’s a real estate expert. He says 1-percent mortgages are a clever way lenders are getting potential homebuyers into the market. But there are pros and cons you need to know about.
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Jun 4, 2023
Inside Google Trends
How often are you Googling for answers? On this episode, we're talking with Bailey Tomson, a Google Trends expert. We'll go behind the scenes of some of the most recent trends that have millions searching like how much to tip and what we're dreaming about.
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May 21, 2023
New Graduates: Be Aware of Fake Job Offers
Graduation is here, not only for college students but high school students as well. But looking for job opportunities after leaving school can be ripe with scams.
Fake job postings, phony offers, and high pay are all techniques that scammers use to lure unsuspecting job seekers down a road to financial loss and big disappointment. So, today Kevin Roundy joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's a tech expert with Norton-LifeLock and specializes in computer security, privacy, and identity protection. He tells us all the tricks scammers use to attract job seekers and more importantly, he tells us how not to become a victim.
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May 15, 2023
Getting the Best Customer Service
Is AI killing customer service?
On this episode, we're talking with Micah Solomon, a customer service expert and author of several books including "Ignore Your Customers (and They'll Go Away)" and "Your Customer is the Star." We'll discuss what companies are doing wrong with customer service, what they're doing right, and what customers can do to get the very best service.
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May 7, 2023
Consider Travel Insurance Even For Short Trips
Summer is coming up and chances are you might be taking a vacation somewhere. Maybe you booked a cruise, bought airline tickets, or plan on driving to a theme park like Disney World.
If so, did you purchase travel insurance? Some consumers buy travel insurance when it comes to big ticket vacations like flying overseas, or booking a cruise. It gives them a little peace of mind just in case something comes up at the last minute and they can't go.
But travel insurance isn't just for pricey vacations anymore. Today, Meghan Walch joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She's with InsureMyTrip which sells travel insurance. She says policies are becoming more affordable for travelers who want a "safety net" just in case their travel plans don't work out.
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Apr 30, 2023
Are You Saving Enough For Retirement?
No matter where you’re at in your career, you’ve probably dreamed of retirement at least once or twice. But a growing number of workers and retirees are worried about retirement.
This year’s new retirement confidence survey shows 64 percent of workers are confident they’ll have enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement years. That’s down from 73 percent just last year.
In this episode, we are talking with Craig Copeland. He is the Director of Wealth Benefits Research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. We’ll ask him what’s driving this drop in confidence. And what’s to come as Americans try to work toward a comfortable life after the office.
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Apr 23, 2023
A New Way To Book Babysitters On Demand
If you want to hire a babysitter, you want to make sure it’s the right fit for your family. So you consider background checks, experience, certification, and availability. And now, parents are even dealing with something called sitter stealing.
So on this episode, we’re talking with Natalie Mayslich. She is the president of care.com. She says there’s a new way to book babysitters on demand, and she'll lay out what we should actually plan to pay for a sitter.
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Apr 16, 2023
Arizona is a Perfect State for Wineries and Grape Growing
Arizona has many notable industries. We're known as the Copper State because mining has been around for years. And of course tourism is the state's bread and butter. But there's one category that's frequently overlooked and that's the wine industry. In fact, Arizona has more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state generating more than a $150 million dollars a year.
Today, we're talking to Kris Pothier. She's the past president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association and current owner of an Arizona winery. She tells us why the Arizona wine industry is blossoming and what consumers need to know when it comes to choosing the perfect bottle.
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Apr 9, 2023
The Most Costly and Least Expensive States to Own a Vehicle
It's becoming more and more expensive to own a car these days. Between gas prices and the cost of repairs, it can really add up. And depending on where you live in the country, the cost of owning a car can vary greatly.
So, what states are some of the cheapest places to own a car, what states are the most expensive and where does Arizona fit into the mix? For the answer, we're talking to David Straughn. He's with Automoblog which is an automotive publication that keeps readers informed and up-to-date on driving. And the research they just released reveals just where your money is going when it comes to driving.
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Apr 2, 2023
Where The Phoenix Real Estate Market is Heading
We’ve been on a wild ride in real estate. From an extreme seller’s market to high interest rates that slowed down sales. Spring is traditionally when we see a lot of homes go on the market. But is that the case this year? And what can sellers expect when they put that for sale sign in the ground?
Today Tina Tamboer joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She is a senior housing analyst with the Cromford report which tracks the greater Phoenix residential real estate market.
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Mar 26, 2023
Broken Appliance? Tips To Fix It Yourself For Free
We all depend on our home appliances more than you think: Dishwashers, garbage disposals, washing machines. And when the break down your first instinct might be to call a repair technician.
But not so fast. On this episode, we're talking to Ben Schlitchter. He's an experienced appliance repairman who has more than 25 million views on YouTube regarding how to fix appliances yourself and how to make them last longer.
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Mar 20, 2023
Most College Financial Aid Information is Misleading
This month, college acceptance letters will be going out to high school seniors who applied. But be careful. That's because a recent government report indicates nearly 90 percent of colleges have misleading information when it comes to financial aid offers in those letters.
Today, Sarah Boeder joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She's with Grand Canyon University and breaks down fact from fiction regarding financial aid.
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Mar 12, 2023
Unpaid Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
Unpaid medical bills are the number one reason consumers are forced into filing bankruptcy. But there’s some good news. Third-party collection agencies are being more lenient when it comes posting negativity to your credit report.
That’s what we’re talking about on the On Your Side podcast. John McNamara is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington D. C. and has a ton of information on medical bill debt and your credit.
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Mar 5, 2023
Sitting Down with Arizona Consumers’ Top Cop
You may not know it, but the Federal Trade Commission has declared this week National Consumer Protection Week. So, now is the perfect time to speak with Kris Mayes, who was recently voted in as the Arizona Attorney General.
Her office is responsible for defending the state against lawsuits and issuing legal advice to state agencies. However, another important role of the Arizona Attorney General is prosecuting consumer fraudsters and protecting Arizonans who have been defrauded by scammers. Mayes joins us on the On Your Side Podcast.
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Feb 26, 2023
“Farcation” is Happening Right Now
We all know how the pandemic put a damper on many people’s vacation plans, as flying anywhere seemed to come to a drastic halt. But, fast-forward a few years and you can see how things have changed. Flying somewhere, usually to far away places, is back in high demand and has sparked what he calls “Farcation.”
Today, we’re talking to Chris Elliott, he’s a travel expert who has written numerous articles in well-known publications. He tells us where people are going and what you can expect for spring break and summer vacations.
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Feb 20, 2023
Avoiding "Junk" Fees
Junk fees, they seem to be everywhere. They're on bank accounts, credit cards, auto sales. They're sometimes referred to as "convenience fees," but they're anything but convenient. And while junk fees are hitting consumers hard, companies that are charging the fees are making tons of money. In fact, a recent report revealed that consumers shell out 30 billion dollars a year just in junk fees alone.
So, what can be done about these "junk fees" and is there any way to stop them? Today, we're talking to Carla Sanchez-Adams. She's an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center which is trying to end "junk fees" in order to leave more money in your pocket.
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Feb 13, 2023
The “Do Me A Favor Scam”
Have you received an email recently from a friend or maybe even your boss asking for a small favor? Well, it may not really be your friend or boss after all. Scammers are posing as people you may know and they’re asking for a little help. And of course, how can you refuse your boss or a good friend when they turn to you for support?
But be careful. Today, we're talking to Ken Colburn. He's been in the computer industry for decades and a specialist in technology and computer scams. He explains how the "Do Me A Favor Scam" works and how you can avoid getting conned.
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Feb 7, 2023
Big Game, Big Business
As Super Bowl festivities kick off, Arizona is getting ready to welcome dozens of CEOs in an effort to lure new business to the state. In this episode, Sandra Watson, the president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority gives us an inside look at the potential economic impact and the unique itineraries for the out-of-town guests.
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Feb 5, 2023
Betting on the Super Bowl in Arizona
The Valley is getting ready to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, Super Bowl 57 where we'll see the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs. It also means a lot of money will be exchanged when it comes to wagering and in Arizona, sports betting is completely legal. So, what can Arizona expect when it comes to fans who will be betting on the Big Game which is right in our backyard. Today, we're talking to Max Hartgraves. He's with the Arizona Department of Gaming and he breaks down all the numbers when it comes to betting on the Super Bowl.
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Jan 29, 2023
Super Bowl Party Food Costs
The Big Game will be here before you know it. That means you're probably be going to a Super Bowl party or maybe even hosting one. Either way, whether you're providing all the food at your own party or taking a dish it's going to be a lot more expensive this year. Beer is up big time but surprisingly, chicken wings are actually down in price.
So, what kind of food and beverages will be a big hit without hurting your bank account?
Today, we're talking to Fidela Irigoyen. She's an agriculture expert with Wells Fargo and she has all the inside information for your Super Bowl menu.
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Jan 22, 2023
Influential Podcasters Headed to Arizona for the Super Bowl
In this episode, On Your Side is taking our podcast on the road to Scottsdale for a peek behind the scenes where famous and maybe the not so famous will record their podcasts. Celebrities, influencers, and other big names are already here for The Barret Jackson Auction. And of course, the Phoenix Open and Super Bowl will bring thousands of more people into town.
Many of those people who need to record their podcasts while in town. But, they that can’t bring their podcast studio with them. So, what do they do?
For the answer, we’re talking to Brian Howie, the founder and owner of Podpopuli. It’s a Scottsdale recording studio that will be open 24/7 Super Bowl week where well-known podcasters have already booked to record their show from the Valley of the Sun.
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Jan 10, 2023
Lowering Home Insurance Premiums
If you own a home, your homeowner's insurance might have increased. If not, it's likely that it will. What's behind the increase and exactly what can you do to keep your premiums from going up further?
For the answer, we're talking to Dustin Lemick. He has years of experience in the insurance industry and he's currently the CEO of a jewelry insurance company called BriteCo. He tells us all we need to know to get more bang for the buck when it comes to insurance.
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Jan 8, 2023
Getting “Certified” Helps You Stand Out In Job Searches
Looking to change jobs or maybe careers this year? You can make yourself a more attractive candidate by getting a certification, with or without a college degree.
For more on that, we're talking to Dr. Quentin McAndrew On Your Side. She's an academic strategist with Coursera a learning platform that helps job seekers earn online college degrees and certificates which always looks good on a resume.
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Dec 11, 2022
Money Moves to Make Before 2023
The end of the year is quickly approaching, and before you ring in 2023, there may be some money moves you may want to consider.
So on this episode, Stewart Willis from Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax to discuss some things that we can do right now to maximize next year's dividends. We'll talk about balancing your portfolio, how to plan for taxes, and how to maximize your retirement savings.
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Dec 4, 2022
Tips for Holiday Driving
With so many people back to flying now, airports are congested, flights are being canceled and the pilot shortage isn't helping matters.
That means many folks are choosing to drive somewhere for the holidays and even long distances in order to avoid flying. But don't start that holiday vacation until you check your vehicle first.
In today's On Your Side episode, we're talking to Emilie Voss from Carfax. She tells us about some of the most overlooked maintenance issues that are easy to prevent if you just take a few minutes to check them out.
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Nov 27, 2022
Avoid Getting Scammed During Your Online Holiday Shopping
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If you have, you're not alone. It's estimated that 60 percent of Americans start their shopping before December. And much of that shopping will be done online, which gives scammers the perfect opportunity to dupe you and steal your money. And if you think it will never happen to you, think again.
Today, we're talking to Kevin Roundy. He's a researcher with the cybersecurity company Norton. He tells us all the online scams to be on the look out for and little tricks you can use to protect yourself while shopping online.
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Nov 20, 2022
Behind the scenes of the Thanksgiving Butterball Hotline
We’re counting down the days to Thanksgiving. It’s when family and friends will gather for one of the biggest meals of the year. It’s a meal so important, that novice chefs often turn to the experts for help to cook their turkey.
On the On Your Side podcast, we’re chatting with Butterball talk-line expert Sam Woulfe. She take us behind the scenes the Butterball Hotline. Who’s calling in? What are some of the most common questions? What are some of the most outrageous ones? And how do you actually cook a perfect turkey.
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Nov 13, 2022
Inflation Not Affecting Artificial Christmas Trees and Holiday Décor This Year
The cost of just about everything is up due to sky high inflation. But there’s one thing that is proving to be almost inflation-proof this holiday season.
Turns out, holiday décor is already being deeply discounted. Our guest on this episode is Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree, one of the largest artificial tree and holiday décor companies in the nation. He’s walking us through what retailers are experiencing with excess inventory and how increasing storage costs are benefiting consumers this season.
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Nov 6, 2022
New Federal Guidelines to Make Household Items Safer for Children
It’s estimated one small child dies every month due strangulation from window blind cords. There are also fatalities involving furniture tipping over. But, new rules just passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission will hopefully make things safer for kids. One rule requires window and blind manufacturers to start selling blinds that do not have long, hanging cords.
In this episode, we’re talking to Nancy Cowles with Kids In Danger, also known as KID. She discusses the new rules and the impact they will have on parents and consumers.
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Oct 30, 2022
Savvy Tricks To Saving Money
Everything these days is much higher than just a year ago. Rent, food, and even entertainment seem so unaffordable. But there are some clever ways to cut back on small expenses that will make a big impact on your budget.
Today on the On Your Side Podcast we’re talking to Andrea Woroch. She’s a nationally recognized money-saving expert who divulges cool tips you most likely never thought of before.
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Oct 23, 2022
Buying a Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle
Ever since gas prices started to spike, electric vehicles have been a hot topic. Up until now, most of the discussion has centered on new vehicles. But what about used EVs? Pre-owned electric vehicles can save you a significant amount of money, and it may be a good idea. But buying used EVs can come with risks that can cost you down the road.
On this episode, we're joined by Scott Painter, the founder and owner of Autonomy, a company that allows users to subscribe to electric vehicles. He'll tell you what to look for when buying a used EV to avoid any pitfalls.
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Oct 16, 2022
Employers Struggling to Hire and Retain Employees
Are you looking for a job or maybe thinking of changing careers? You're not alone. The U.S. just added more than 260,000 jobs last month. And the Labor Department says average hourly earnings rose 5% from a year ago. So the labor market might look optimistic. But why are companies struggling to keep employees, and what are different industries doing to keep their staffing where they need to be?
Today, we're talking to Doug Hall with SK Food Group. It’s a national company that prepares and ships sandwiches and wraps. He tell us the ups and downs his industry has gone through hire and retain employees
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Oct 9, 2022
Rising Inflation's Impact on Pet Care
Inflation has caused the prices of just about everything we buy to go up drastically. We know about groceries and gas, but what about pet care? Pet owners already pay around $3,500 per year on pet care, but that amount seems to be going up as well.
On this episode, we're talking to Doug Patriquin, co-owner of Dr. Kelly's Surgical Unit. He tells us how you can keep your pet budget under control.
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Oct 2, 2022
How to Boost Your Credit Score
Have you checked your credit score lately? It's something we should all keep an eye on, especially before applying for a credit card or loan.
If your credit score is 740 or above, you're considered to have a pretty good score, meaning creditors should reward you with a lower interest rate.
So in this episode, we're talking to Brian Larsen. He's with WaFd Bank's Retail Division. He tells us the average credit score in America right now is 716, which is actually an all-time high. But he has some tips and suggestions to get you over that 740 mark.
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Sep 25, 2022
The Cost of Enjoying Sports
Baseball season is wrapping up. Football season is underway. And we are talking about sports spending. From kids’ leagues, to tickets, merchandise, food and fantasy leagues, fans plan to spend hundreds of dollars this fall. And a new survey shows some are willing to take on debt for their favorite sport.
So today we’re talking with LendingTree’s Matt Schulz who breaks down how much we’ll actually spend and how to better budget for the sports we can’t live without.
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Sep 18, 2022
Scammers Stealing Homes and Down Payments
Imagine being in the process of buying or selling a home. It can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful as well. Scammers know that, and they're using a very deceptive practice to either steal your down payment, make off with your sale proceeds or in some cases... steal your home right out from underneath you. Sounds crazy, but it's happening across the nation including right here in Arizona.
So, today we're talking to Samuel Doncaster. He's the Lead Attorney for a law firm called Fraud Fighters. He knows exactly how these scams work and he'll give us all the information you need to keep from losing what might be your life savings.
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Sep 12, 2022
Christmas Shopping and the Supply Chain
It's that time of year when folks start looking forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas.
As for Christmas, shopping for that perfect gift may be the furthest thing from your mind right now. But in today's world, it should be at the top of your list. Apparently, retailers are facing some big inventory challenges and looking to move product and that could mean big savings for consumers.
So, today we're talking to Adam Davis. He's the managing director for Wells Fargo Retail Finance. What he has to say will probably change the way you do your holiday shopping.
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Aug 28, 2022
Why Are So Many College Students Leaving College? No Health Insurance
A recent study found that 30% of Arizona students are not returning to college this year because of the coronavirus. In fact, more than 150,000 students cancelled all college classes in Arizona alone.
One reason behind the major departure is that many college students just don't have health insurance to cover medical expenses, particularly COVID-related expenses. And since many colleges require some kind of health insurance to enroll, students are forced leave school.
So, what do you if you want to further your education and just can't afford medical insurance?? Today, we're talking to Nick Vinzant. He's the senior analyst with www.QuoteWizard.com which is the largest privately held insurance comparison company.
He says there are several options for young and older college students to get insurance without having to leave school.
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Aug 21, 2022
Are Electric Vehicles Right For You?
More drivers are interested in owning electric vehicles. For many families, EVs are still way too expensive. But there is a new push to get more EVs on the road. Now, because of the Inflation Reduction Act, tax credits for EVs have completely changed. So how do they work? Who qualifies? Who doesn't? And are the credits enough?
Today, we're covering it all with Jim Stack, the President of The Electric Auto Association in Phoenix.
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Aug 14, 2022
Higher Interest Rates Leading to Spike in Online Loan Scams
Higher prices are affecting just about everything we buy, including housing and transportation. The Feds recently raised interest rates to slow down borrowing which will hopefully bring down prices for consumers.
And that makes the perfect opportunity for scammers to take advantage of you. So today, we're talking to Zulfikar Ramzan. He's the Chief Scientist at Aura which is an online security company that helps prevent consumers from being scammed online. He tells us his company has seen a dramatic uptick in loan and interest rate scams tied to inflation. He'll also tell us how the scams work and what you need to look out for to keep from getting ripped off.
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Jul 31, 2022
Inside A Scammer’s “Bible” To Ripping Off Victims
How would like to get into the mind of a scammer? You can.
A Nigerian conman has flipped sides and is sharing many of his untold secrets with David McClellan of Social Catfish, a website dedicated at preventing romance scams. The scammer exposes all the do’s and don’ts of using the “Romance Scam” in order to dupe lonely women. All the details are in a manual referred to as a “Scammer’s Bible” to ripping off victims.
McClellan tells On Your Side how exactly what’s in the manual so victims know what to look out for.
Click here for more info
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Jul 24, 2022
The Reason Spam Texts Are Increasing
Robocalls are becoming less of a threat to consumers. And the dreaded rings from unknown numbers are dropping.
But according to a new report, the number of robot texts flooding phones is skyrocketing. So, today, we’re talking with Teresa Murray. She is a consumer watchdog for Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, and she helps On Your Side break down whether recent laws to crack down on robo callers and now text scams are working. We also talk about how to protect yourself from scammers who hide behind phone calls and text messages.
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Jul 17, 2022
Overcoming Travel Frustrations
The pandemic crushed the airline industry and prevented many travelers from flying. But it seems that has all changed. A new report indicates a lot more people are flying and even driving to destinations. However, travelers say they are frustrated with airlines, with 80 percent of passengers saying they've had a recent negative experience.
On this episode we're talking to Tim Rossman. He's an industry analyst with Bankrate.Com, and his new report reveals some stunning numbers when it comes to how many people are traveling these days and what affect it's having if you're trying to get somewhere.
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Jul 10, 2022
Consumers and Small Claims Court
Have you ever been ripped off by someone and were so mad you wanted to take them to small claims court? It happens all the time, and many people decide not to go through with it because they don't know how the process works. But going through the court process is easier than you think.
That's why we're talking to the Honorable Gerald Williams. He serves as Justice of the Peace for one of Maricopa County's precincts. He'll break down all the do's and don’ts of filing a small case lawsuit and offer helpful tips to get your case heard.
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Jun 26, 2022
Fourth of July Food Prices
The United States will be turning 246 years old on July 4th. To celebrate, many of you out there will probably have some kind of get-together that will no doubt involve food. But food prices on this 4th of July are up 11 percent. And depending on what you plan on cooking for the holiday will really affect your wallet.
So today, we're talking to Karol Flynn. She's the Food and Agribusiness Industry Advisor for Wells Fargo. She tells us what 4th of July food items you might want to avoid due to their sharp increase in price and what other items you might want to consider that won't break the bank for your holiday party. Spoiler alert: Shrimp is cheap!!
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Jun 19, 2022
Credit Card Crunch
A new report says nearly 75 percent of Americans have needed credit card debt advice. However, half of them never sought out that advice. And because of that, many consumers found themselves digging deeper and deeper into debt. So, today, we're talking to Jim Triggs of Money Management International. It's a non-profit organization that helps consumers navigate through the tough financial world by empowering and helping people to stabilize their money matters .
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Jun 13, 2022
Overstock Issues
Supply chain problems have been persistent, but now retailers have a new problem of having too much...of the wrong stuff. On this episode, we are talking with Leslie Bush, a marketing professor at Arizona State University. She breaks down what's behind the change in consumer behavior and what it means for your next shopping trip.
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Jun 5, 2022
How Much Money You Need To Retire
A million dollars sounds like a lot of money and it is. But these days, is it enough money for you to retire?
Years ago, a million dollars to save for retirement was always a goal for many. But not anymore. Experts say to live comfortably, you have to raise the bar and put more money away.
So, we're talking to Stewart Willis. He's a financial expert with Asset Preservation Tax and Retirement. He tells us how much we need to retire, how much we should have in our retirement accounts right now depending on age and other financial tips to keep you fiscally sound.
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May 22, 2022
The (Still) Red Hot Real Estate Market
The real estate market is still red hot, but mortgage interest rates are going up. On this episode, we’re talking with Trevor Halpern, a Phoenix-based real estate agent, about what’s happening in the market, if there is a slowdown in home sales on the horizon, and how much competition buyers will face in the coming months.
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May 15, 2022
Budgeting for a Wedding
May through October is the most popular time of the year to get married. And people are spending and bucks to tie the knot. A recent report indicates couples spent $28,000 on average on their wedding last year. And this year, it will be even more expensive.
So, today we're talking to Stephanie Gilmore, she's the Regional Banking District Senior Manager with Wells Fargo. She has some great ideas and tips to keep your wedding costs down so you don't start off in debt.
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May 8, 2022
The Computer Chip Shortage
Arizona is poised to become the semiconductor capital of the West and possibly the United States. The Copper State currently has 200 semiconductors companies and more are being built.
On the 3 On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Tracey Latham. She currently is the U.S. Small Businesswoman of the Year for Arizona and owns a company that relies heavily on semiconductors.
She tells us why is Arizona being chosen and what it will mean for the state’s economy and labor force.
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May 2, 2022
Full-Time Retirement? These Days, Maybe Not
Many folks look forward to retirement. And then when that time comes and they leave their job, they find themselves, well...kind of bored. But some people, as well as companies, have found a solution that benefits both the company and the retiree. It's called “phased retirement.”
On today’s 3 On Your Side podcast, we talk with Zanzibar Vermiglio of Zanzibar Enterprises about why human resource directors like the idea of phased retirement. We’ll also discuss why many retirees are deciding to “unretire.” MORE INFO: zanzibarenterprises.com
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Apr 24, 2022
College Scams
It's that time of year when college acceptance letters are starting to pour in for parents and their children. It sounds exciting, and scammers know that.
With all the hype, it's the perfect time for con men to take advantage and try to dupe potential victims when they least expect it. So, we're talking to Beau Friedlander. He's an award winning publisher who's been writing about cybercrimes and scams for 10 years.
He tells us what to look out for when it comes to enrolling students into college because the scammers will target you over the Internet, through the mail and even over the phone.
MORE INFO: https://link.chtbl.com/CCUnCylF?sid=3onyourside
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Apr 17, 2022
Cashing in on Collectibles
From coins to toys and trading cards, most collectors think their collections will pay off. Ismat Mangla from Magnify Money joins us to break down who is collecting what, how much they’ve spent along the way, and whether the collections ever pay off.
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Apr 10, 2022
The Best (And Worst) Frequent Flyer Programs
It looks like people are flying more these days, and that's raising airfare. In fact, in March, airfare went up more than 5 percent, marking the third largest jump in 20 years.
To bring the cost of airfare down, many travelers rely on frequent flyer programs. But some are better than others.
On this episode, we're talking to Jill Gonzalez with WalletHub, who evaluated frequent flyer programs for each airline. She'll break down all the flyer programs to let you know how you can get the most out of each one.
MORE INFO HERE
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Apr 3, 2022
Paying Off Your Student Loans
Forty-six million Americans are in debt due to student loans, with those debts totaling more than $1.8 trillion. That works out to the average borrower owing more than $35,000. How do you even start to pay something like that down?
On this episode, we're talking to Andrew Pentis with Student Loan Hero and Lending Tree. He'll break down which states have the biggest loans, which universities carry the most student debt, and more importantly, how to pay off your loans.
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Mar 27, 2022
Surprise Charges; Kids & Credit
Have you ever spotted a surprise charge on your credit or debit card? Is your kid to blame? A new LendingTree survey reveals almost half of parents say they’ve caught their children secretly spending. Others knowingly allow their children to borrow their cards, and regret it. In this episode, we’re talking with Matt Schultz, the chief credit analyst at LendingTree about how to teach children about credit.
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Mar 20, 2022
Jet Fuel Prices
We're all well aware of the spike in gas prices and how it's affecting your wallet. But what does it mean for airfare?
Just like cars, airlines need fuel for their planes. So, how is the Russian Ukraine war affecting what you pay for airfare.
For the answer, we're talking to Scott Keyes of Scott's Cheap Airfare. He's an airline analyst and he'll tell us what to expect regarding your upcoming vacations and how oil prices could play a major factor in what you pay for airline tickets.
www.scottscheapflights.com
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Mar 13, 2022
Car Prices and Buying Tips
The chip shortage for new cars is still ongoing. So, how long will it last and how is it affecting consumers as well as car dealers?
Today, we're talking to Karl Brauer. He's an auto analyst with Iseecars.com and he's also worked for Kelly Blue Book, Auto Trader, and Edmunds.
Due to the chip shortage, he'll tell us what new cars are hottest on the market. What used cars are persuading consumers to buy in this time of uncertainty and what used cars last the longest.
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Mar 6, 2022
Pain at the Pump
The cost of gas is going up.
So, today Patrick De Haan is joining us. He’s the head of petroleum analysis for Gas Buddy and he has the reasons behind what’s driving gas prices.
Is there any relief on the horizon, particularly since Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine? De Hann says get ready, and $4.55 a gallon is very possible for Arizonans.
Head to gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas near you.
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Feb 27, 2022
Maximizing Your 401(k)
Many companies offer their employees a 401(k) plan to help prepare for their retirement years. However, many workers choose not to enroll, and they are leaving money on the table. A lot of money.
On this episode, we're talking to Ted Schmelzle, a retirement expert from Securian Financial who tells us why it's throwing away money if you don't contribute. Plus, he gives tips to grow your money faster.
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Feb 20, 2022
Salary Negotiations
People are leaving their current jobs in numbers we haven't seen before. It's referred to as the "Great Resignation." But when you're offered a new job, how do you bring up the topic of salary without being awkward? And how do you comfortably ask for a dollar amount that works for you?
Today, we're talking to Andres Lares. He runs a company called Shapiro Negotiations Institute, a firm that has represents everyday workers and even NBA teams. He explains how to ask for the proper salary or even a raise at your current job.
MORE INFO: https://www.shapironegotiations.com/
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Feb 13, 2022
Love & Money
Valentine's Day is here and “Love is in the Air.” Or is it?
A recent report by Personal Capital reveals 57% of U.S. adults ay the pandemic has increased financial stress in their relationship.
Today, on the 3 On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Krista Aliga, a financial advisor with Personal Capital. She explains why money is causing some people to fall out of love and what steps you can take to get make things right.
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Feb 6, 2022
Saving on Super Bowl Food
The big game is almost here, so it's time to plan for your big Super Bowl spread. But your game day meals and snacks are going to cost you a lot more this year. So today, we're talking to Karol Flynn with Wells Fargo. She'll help show you the best buys when it comes to Super Bowl food, plus some great tips to save the next time you head to the store.
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Jan 30, 2022
Elevating your resume
Looking for a job? Then you'll need a great resume to stand out from the other candidates. On this episode, we're talking to Jeff Hyman, author and CEO of Recruit Rockstars. He has great tips to spice up your resume and land the job you want.
Recruit Rockstars - https://recruitrockstars.com/
Venturesome - https://venturesome.recruitrockstars.com/
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Jan 23, 2022
Maximizing Your Credit Card Perks
How many credit cards do you have? Whatever the number, your cards may have perks you don't even know about. About 30 percent of Americans who have rewards cards have made no effort to take advantage of their points or perks that they may have.
On this episode, we're talking with Doug Milnes, Chief Financial Analyst with MoneyGeek.com. He has some surprising information when it comes to you and your credit cards.
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Jan 16, 2022
Tax Filing Season is Here
It’s almost tax time, and if you’re like millions of Americans, you’re expecting a refund. In this episode, Gary Harper and Susan Campbell talk with Mark Steber, the Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt, about new deductions, changes this tax season, and potential IRS delays.
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Jan 9, 2022
2022's Economic Outlook
When it comes to the economy, what can we expect in 2022?
Inflation is increasing at a pace we haven't seen in 40 years, consumer prices are higher, and interest rates are inching up. On this episode, we talk with Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for BankRate.com. He outlines what he see in 2022's economy, whether we will see it blossom, or if it will cost us more money.
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Jan 2, 2022
Gym Memberships
We find ourselves in a new year as 2022 is officially here, and one popular new year's resolution is to get into better shape.
But is joining a gym the right decision? And if you do join, what should you know when it comes to contracts and how much you pay?
Today, we're talking to Jim Bathurst. He's a fitness trainer from Nerdfitness and he's in the business of getting people into shape and losing weight .
He'll break down the do’s and don'ts of joining a gym and what you need to look out for.
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Dec 19, 2021
Holiday Gift Returns
The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is in full swing and a lot of purchases will be made online. But what do you do if someone gives you an online gift and you need to return it? It may be difficult or impossible.
Today, we're talking to Jill Emanuel. She's a certified financial coach with Fiscal Fitness. She's been helping consumers to save money and navigate through complicated topics for years. She has all the do's and don'ts of returning holiday purchases successfully.
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Dec 12, 2021
Dangerous Toys
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and for kids, toys are at the top of the list. But be careful because some of those toys could be dangerous.
Today on the 3 On Your Side podcast, Gary and Susan talk with Hannah Rhodes. She’s a Consumer Watchdog associate with the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. From counterfeit toys to smart toys and toys that are too noisy, she is breaking down exactly what to look out for to keep your family safe this holiday.
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Dec 6, 2021
Is insurance bundling the way to go?
One expense many consumer have, but don't pay attention to, is insurance. Home, auto, renter, and more, there's insurance for just about everything.
Does it really save? And how much can you save if you bundle?
On this episode, we're talking to Mark Fitzpatrick from Money Geek. They have dozens of experts who analyze all kinds of statistics and crunch the latest numbers. They found bundling could save you a bunch of money.
MORE INFO: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/best-home-auto-bundle/
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Nov 29, 2021
Setting and Achieving Your 2022 Financial Goals
We're coming up on the end of the year soon and that means 2021 will officially be in the history books. Looking back, how do you think you did financially? Did you start a retirement fund or savings account?
If you have a 401(k), did you increase how much you contribute and are you satisfied financially?
3 On Your Side’s Gary Harper talks to Leslie Tayne. She's an author of a bestselling book regarding finances. She’s also an attorney who specializes in consumer and debt resolution.
She talks about what financial goals you should have in mind to make 2022 one of your best years ever.
MORE INFO: https://www.taynelaw.com
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Nov 21, 2021
Hanging Christmas Lights Safely
Christmas is almost here, and that means trees and lights! But that combination can be dangerous if you display your lights the wrong way.
To keep you safe, we're talking to John DeCosmo, an expert who knows all about fixing broken lights and hanging them safely.
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Nov 15, 2021
Choosing a bottle of wine for your holiday party
The holidays are quickly approaching, which means a lot of you might be going to a holiday party.
And wine is one of the more popular items that party-goers bring. But what kind of wine? How much should you spend? And what's a good brand to take with you?
In this 3 On Your Side Podcast, we're talking with Keith Beavers. He's a self-described "wine geek" who's been in the wine retail industry in New York for more than a decade.
He talks Wine 101 and give us some down to earth tips for choosing a bottle of wine that will make a statement without breaking the bank.
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Nov 7, 2021
Gift Cards
Americans are sitting on billions of dollars in unused gift cards, so are they really a good gift to give? On this episode, we’re talking with Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com, about spending those unused gift cards. He also has some ideas about what to do with gift cards to stores or restaurants you’ll never visit.
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Oct 31, 2021
An $859 Billion Holiday Season
The holiday season is almost here and consumers are expected to spend, spend, spend. The National Retail Federation is predicting holiday sales during November and December could balloon to $859 billion.
On this episode, we talk with Katherine Cullen, the senior director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, about supply chain challenges, tracking down the perfect gift, and why so many Americans are shopping early.
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Oct 24, 2021
Supply Chain Issues & When Relief May Come
Ongoing supply chain issues seem to have almost paralyzed consumer goods across the country.
From canned goods, to computer chips to auto parts, you name it, and they all seem to be hard to come by. But what's causing the kink in the supply chain and when will we see relief?
On this episode, we talk to Bill Thayer. He's an expert in logistics, retail, and e-commerce, and he’s also CEO of Fillogic, a company that specializes in transporting goods from Point A to Point B. He has some interesting insight about what's going on with America's supply chain and when it may end.
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Oct 18, 2021
Getting the Best Car Insurance for You
When it comes to saving money, your car insurance premiums should be at the top of your list. Yet, nearly half of consumers have failed to comparison shop to see if they can get a better deal. That's what we're talking about on the 3 On Your Side podcast. We talk to Mark Fitzpatrick with MoneyGeek.com who will show you how to shop for car insurance and get the best rate.
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Oct 10, 2021
Car Rental Tips
The cost of renting a car has sky-rocketed over the last year and a half. In fact, in Hawaii, travelers were shelling out $4,000 a week just to rent a car once they flew in for their vacation.
On this episode, Gary Harper is talking to Willis Orlando, an analyst with a travel website called Scott's Cheap Flights which investigates travel costs like renting a car.
He'll explain why car rentals have become so ridiculously high and when rental rates will come down.
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Oct 3, 2021
Avoiding Holiday Financial Hangover
Nearly half of Americans carry some kind of credit card debt, with an average balance of $6,200.
Unfortunately for many consumers, that amount will increase come the holidays. So in this episode, Gary is talking to Kelsa Dickey, a certified financial coach who’s been helping to dig people out of debt for years. She's going to tell us what we can to starting today in order to avoid a financial hangover after the holidays.
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Sep 26, 2021
Beware of Flooded Cars for Sale
Thank goodness Hurricane Ida is behind us, but she left a path of destruction. In fact, Ida left $95 billion worth of damage in Louisiana and surrounding states and much of that destruction was caused to cars.
Unfortunately, many of those water damaged vehicles will be cleaned up and sold to unsuspecting consumers around the nation.
Today we're talking to Patrick Olsen from Carfax. Carfax has access to around 20 billion records for vehicles, and they collect the information from around 100,000 different sources to determine if a car has been in an accident, if the odometer has been rolled back, or in this case, if the car you’re thinking of buying has been waterlogged from a hurricane.
RESOURCES:
https://www.carfax.com/blog/author/patrick-olsen
https://www.instagram.com/CARFAXinc/
https://www.facebook.com/CARFAXinc
https://twitter.com/CARFAXinc
https://www.youtube.com/user/Carfax
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Sep 19, 2021
Sextortion Alert
It is a form of internet bribery that has victimized countless people. The elements are intriguing. They involve romance, photos, lies, and eventually money. A lot of money.
Today, Gary Harper is talking to Nate Warfield a former internet hacker who eventually used his skills to help people and companies to protect themselves while online.
Warfield is here to tell us about something called "sextortion" and what you need to do to protect yourself against it.
Resources:
https://twitter.com/n0x08
https://www.prevailion.com/about/about-the-company/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-w-1813262a/
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/09/how-spot-extortion-scams-lgbtq-dating-apps
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuNYhlLIY9LVrn_2o7etSsQ
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Sep 5, 2021
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Nearly 600,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. It's terrible news, and many loved ones paid out of pocket for those funerals.
But why? Particularly when the federal government has set aside money to pay for those services.
On this episode, Gary Harper is talking to Ed Michael Reggie, CEO of Future Factory and a known consumer advocate and expert in the funeral industry. He explains details of the program and says many people just don't know about it and what is needed to qualify.
RESOURCES
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq#apply
https://www.futurefactory.com/portfolio-item/ed-michael-reggie/
https://www.funeralocity.com/
https://twitter.com/emreggie
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Aug 29, 2021
The Supermarket Guru
In this episode, Gary Harper is talking about something that affects nearly everyone across the nation and that’s rising food prices.
To break things down, Gary talks to Phil Lempert who’s known as the "Supermarket Guru." Lempert is an author, speaker and one of the leading experts in the nation when it comes to following food trends.
Resources:
https://www.supermarketguru.com/
https://twitter.com/phillempert
https://www.facebook.com/SupermarketGuru
https://www.instagram.com/supermarketguru/
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLempertReport
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillempert/
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Aug 22, 2021
Skyrocketing Rent
Rent is increasing, not only in Phoenix, but all across the nation. On this episode, Gary Harper is joined by Jeff Andrews with Zumper, an apartment rental website that monitors rental trends.
Andrews says national rent went up 12% since this time last year, and there's no indication of going down. Andrews explores the reasons behind the jump.
Gary is then joined by 3 On Your Side producer Warren Trent to discuss home rental scams they’ve covered and tips for consumers to avoid from being ripped off.
Resources:
Zumper National Rent Report
https://www.facebook.com/zumperinc/
https://www.instagram.com/zumper/
https://twitter.com/zumper
https://www.pinterest.com/zumper/
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Aug 15, 2021
Great Resignation
In this edition of the 3 On Your Side Podcast, Consumer Investigator Gary Harper talks about something that's being referred to as the "Great Resignation." Apparently, more people are leaving their jobs now than ever before. But what is driving the mad exodus of leaving careers and starting a new one?
For the answer, Gary talks to David Burkus. An author of four best-selling books about business and leadership, Burkus is also an international speaker and ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders.
Resources:
https://davidburkus.com/
https://twitter.com/davidburkus
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Aug 8, 2021
A Raging “Scamdemic”
For this edition of the 3 On Your Side Podcast, Gary Harper talks to Jack Caporal, an analyst and writer with The Ascent and The Motley Fool research team who has gathered statistics regarding COVID-19 fraud cases.
Arizona consumers have been swindled out of nearly $10 million with an average loss of $325. Caporal uses a term “Scamdemic” while referring to the COVID-19 scams.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, American’s have filed over a half-million COVID-19 fraud reports totaling over $480 million according the Federal Trade Commission.
Arizona ranks No. 13 in the U.S. when it comes to COVID-19 fraud cases, California tops all states with COVID-19 fraud losses totaling more $65 million.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-caporal
https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/covid-19-stimulus-check-fraud-statistics/
The Ascent by The Motley Fool: Personal Finance Product Reviews
Scam Alerts | FTC Consumer Information
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