On Your Side Podcast: How To Teach Your Kids About Money

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- We earn. We save. We spend. But how much of that work are we sharing with our kids? April is Financial Literacy Month and our guest today is Sharon Lechter, the New York Times bestselling author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” She’s going to help us raise smart savers. We’ll talk about introducing basic financial concepts to little ones and how to get teens involved in big household decisions about money.

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Clauses To Avoid In All Contracts: Have you ever thought about how much fine print you actually encounter? From big purchases to smaller contracts, we sign our names on the dotted line a lot. The National Association of Consumer Advocates just issued a report showing some of the worst of the worst in standard form contracts that consumers regularly sign. So today, we’re chatting with the organization’s Christine Hines. She is a senior policy director. She’ll break down red flags to watch for and if there are actually ways around these contracts that may not be in your best interest.

Some rewards credit cards have pitfalls: Chances are you have at least one if not more credit cards in your wallet. In fact, a recent report indicated that half of Americans have two or more credit cards. And rewards credit cards seem to be pretty popular with consumers. These kind of cards have perks like cash back or points that you can apply and reduce airfare. But with all the benefits, rewards credit cards come with some risk. Today, Richard Barrington joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s a financial analyst for Credit Sesame and has worked for 30 years in the financial industry. He says rewards credit cards are deceptive and can lead some consumers into debt.

“Park Outside” Recalls Have Spiked Dramatically: Getting a notice that your vehicle has some type of manufacturer recall is never good news. However, in most cases, dealerships can get you in and fix the problem for free. But, when they can’t...that’s a problem. Sometimes, parts are not available, leaving motorists driving a potentially dangerous vehicle. In fact, right now, there are 3.7 million vehicles that are on the road that have “Park Outside” recalls because they can catch on fire. So motorists are encouraged to not park in their garage. Today, Mike Lavigne joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s with Carfax, which just released concerning data involving “Park Outside” recalls. He says there’s been a 40-percent spike in these recalls since last year. So, what can you do as a consumer?

How safe is the technology in your new car?: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released its first results from tests on more than a dozen partial automation systems. What they found may be concerning and reveals there’s a lot of potential for drivers to misuse those features. Today, David Harkey joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s the President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. We’re talking about how these safety features are tested and changes already on the horizon to make the road and your car safer for you.

Half of Americans who have applied for credit have been denied: Rising interest rates have made all kinds of loans more expensive. They’ve also made lenders pickier about who actually gets money. A recent Bankrate survey shows half of people who’ve applied for a financial product have been denied since the Fed started raising rates in march of 2022. So today, we’re talking with Bankrate’s Sarah Foster about this trend. We discuss who’s mostly likely to be denied for loans and new credit cards and the ways you can improve your credit score to make you more credit-worthy.

Top Annoying Things Passengers Do On Airplanes: Spring break season is right around the corner, and summer vacation will be here before you know it. Once you’re at your destination, the fun can begin. But actually getting there can be full of annoyances, like hogging that middle arm rest on the airplane. We’re talking with travel expert Katy Nastro from Going about some of the top traveler complaints, some the unspoken rules you should never break when you board, and we’ll answer the burning question: What’s better? The aisle seat or the window seat?

What to say (and not) when buying a car: If you have a car payment, is it a little bit more than you can afford? You’re not alone. The average auto payment right now for a new car is $726, and for a used cars it’s $533. Brian Moody joins us on the podcast. He’s the executive editor for Autotrader and he tells us what the pros and cons are right now if you’re thinking of refinancing, or buying a vehicle.

Planning for funeral costs: It’s a topic many of us don’t talk about until we absolutely have to: Planning a funeral. When people are faced with losing a loved one, many don’t know exactly what to do, who to contact or how much a funeral or cremation is going to cost. So in this episode, Ed Reggie joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s a consumer advocate who specializes in educating folks on funeral planning. He’s also the founder of Funeralocity, a website that breaks down the costs at individual funeral homes across the nation, no matter where you live.

Love and money: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so we’re talking about love and money. If you’re dating someone, when should you start talking about finances? Our guest is Angelica Prescod. She’s a financial advisor is Scottsdale. She’s going to help us tackle some big questions about budgets, retirement accounts, debts you owe to old flames, and what you need to tell your new partner.

Tax season is here, and there are some changes this year: With tax season here, we’re talking with Mark Steber, the Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt who is the company’s liaison with the IRS. He’s the perfect guy to help us understand what we need to know about filing our tax returns this year. What’s the best way for taxpayers get organized and get ready to file? And is there actually a benefit to filing early?

Scarcity Marketing is Annoying Consumers: It’s a common problem. You wait patiently for concert tickets to go on sale and the moment they’re made available, you discover they’re sold out. It’s called Scarcity Marketing and it’s not just happening with concert tickets. Popular video games, name brand handbags, even shoes have been known to have Scarcity Marketing.

Today, Jesper Essendrop joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s the CEO of Queue-it which tries to prevent Scarcity Marketing. He explains how Scarcity Marketing works and what you the consumer can do to avoid it.

What to Know About Insurance in 2024: We just entered a new year, and it’s time to take inventory of a few important items, and one of them is insurance. We’re talking about home, auto, and even life insurance. Chances are you may be paying too much for them. So, today on the On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Mike Gallagher of Trusted Choice, which represents the members of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. He’ll explain why insurance has dramatically increased over the past few years and what you can do to save yourself some money on some, if not all, of your insurance policies.

Curing Your January Credit Card Crisis: Many consumers will soon be getting their credit card statements for last month’s holiday shopping season. Will you be in good financial shape, or will you have a little sticker shock? Today, on the On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Kelsa Dickey. She’s a financial coach with Financial Fitness. She’ll tell us what we need to do to start reeling in our credit card debt, so we can have a debt free 2024.

Getting in Shape without Breaking the Budget: The holiday season means merriment, parties, and good food. It also means we may also be packing on a little extra weight. Between parties and dinners, the calories can quickly add up. So what can you do to get back in shape without a big gym membership or an expensive piece of exercise equipment? We’re joined by Jim Bathurst, who is head of Nerd Fitness. He provides some great advice and tips to lose those holiday pounds.

Real Estate Outlook for 2024: We want to take a look forward to see what 2024 may have in store when it comes to real estate. 2023 was a roller coaster ride for real estate. Interest rates sky rocked and as a result, that meant home sales decreased significantly with leaving little inventory. So, today Trevor Halpern joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s an Arizona real estate agent whose won numerous sales awards over the course of numerous years and has a pulse on where the real estate market may be heading.

Saving for trade school or college using 529 plans: For next school year, there’s a new, easier-to fill-out FAFSA. That’s the free application for federal student aid. The FAFSA is typically available for students and their families in the fall. This year, it won’t be ready until the end of December. But there are plenty of ways to get ready for the new school year right now. Our guest today is Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. She’s going to walk us through some of the things you need to know about student aid and 529 plans, including what this money can be used for, tax deductions, and changes taking effect in the new year to make 529s easier to use.

Professional hacker gives advice for staying safe when online shopping: The holiday season is here and chances are you’ll be doing some if not all of your shopping online. But with that convenience comes risk. Scammers are waiting for you to make one small mistake allowing them to hack into your computer. You don’t want that to happen, so today we’re talking to Luke Secrist who’s the CEO of a company called BuddoBot. BuddoBot has a team of engineers and professional hackers who will tell us all we need to know about staying safe while shopping online.

The holiday etiquette for tipping and how much: The holiday season is here which means we’re shopping for the perfect presents and putting up decorations. It’s also time to think about holiday tipping. Who are you supposed to tip during the holidays? And how much? Today on the On Your Side podcast, we’re talking with Jacqueline Whitmore. She is an author and etiquette expert who has some good “tips” on holiday tipping.

Thanksgiving food prep safety: Thanksgiving is almost here. For a lot of us, it’s our favorite meal of the year. But it can also be stressful for the host because it’s a lot of food to prepare. Today, we’re talking with Kenneth King from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. He’ll walk us through the best ways to prepare and cook the turkey, the most important things to remember about food safety, and how to safely store all those delicious leftovers.

Landmark Federal ruling could change real estate commissions: If you’ve ever bought or sold a house, you know how costs, including realtors’ fees, can add up quickly. With that said, the National Association of Realtors and several large brokerages were ordered to pay $1.8 billion dollars in damages after a jury found real estate agents conspired to inflate home commissions. On this episode, we’re talking with Katrina Barrett. She a Valley realtor, and she’s going to dive into this landmark case with us and what it could mean for buyers, sellers, and the real estate industry.

Sticking to a Holiday Budget: The kids just finished trick-or-treating, and we’re moving on quickly to the holiday season. This year, holiday shopping started earlier than ever as people try to spread out their spending and manage inflation. On this episode, we’re talking with Angelica Prescod, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Scottsdale. She’s going to help us stick to our holiday budget, and give us some cost-saving tips to get through the season with less stress.

Scammers targeting senior citizens with all kinds of surprising scams: On Your Side is always working to warn people about the different tactics bad guys are using to steal money and information. Today we’re talking with Brian Watson on the On Your Side podcast. He’s a retired special agent with the IRS’ Criminal Investigation, and now he works with an organization called ROSE, which stands for “Resources and Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly.” We’ll talk about scam losses, the things most scams have in common. And the schemes you may never see coming, particularly for senior citizens.

Despite How Much Money You Have, Estate Planning is Crucial: October is National Estate Planning month, which may be more important than you think. It’s a time when individuals and families are reminded of the importance of creating or maintaining a trust or will. One myth is that you have to be wealthy or have a substantial real estate portfolio in order to have a will or trust. But nothing could be further from the truth. For instance, if you have minor children then a trust or will is extremely important. On this episode, Mitch Mitchell joins us on the On Your Side Podcast. He’s a lawyer for a company called Trust & Will. He explains everything you need to know about estate planning, pitfalls to avoid, and how much it will cost.

Making the right decisions for your annual open enrollment: October here is here already and that means it’s time to make sure you enroll in health insurance and everything else that goes with it for 2024. We’re talking life insurance, hospital indemnity plans, disability. It can all be overwhelming. For instance, should you go with a high-deductible policy and if so, what are the risks? Remember, the decisions you make now will be in place for all of 2024. To break it all down and to figure out what’s right for you, we’re talking to Darin Reeser, who’s with Securian Financial. He’ll help all those hard to make decisions a little more understandable before you officially sign up.

Smart TVs are getting even smarter: Today we’re talking about smart TVs. Of course, we flip of the TV to stream our favorite movies, shows and sports. But the latest TV technology could also help us stay healthy with access to telehealth and virtual clinics. Our guest today is Patrick Pannett. He is the Director of Industry Communications with the Consumer Technology Association. He’s going to help guide us through smart TV technology that’s available now and what’s on the horizon. We’ll also talk about what TV shoppers can expect this holiday season. And we’ll get a little inside information about the Consumer Electronic Show coming up in January 2024, where all of the latest and greatest consumer electronics will be on display.

What your pets eat may keep them out of the animal hospital: Sixty-eight percent of American households own a pet, and many of them are of course dogs and cats. But owning a pet comes with added expenses. Vaccinations, healthcare and unexpected visits to the vet all add up quickly. And one of the number one reasons owners have to take their pets for an emergency vet visit has to do with eating something they’re not supposed to eat. Today, Dr. Ricky Walther joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s a veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer for Pawlicy Advisor. He tells us what you should and shouldn’t feed your pets and other little secrets to keep them out of the emergency room.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Ann Kaplan joins us on this 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New graduates should 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.

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.

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.

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.

A new way to book babysitters on demand: 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.

Arizona is a perfect state for wineries and grape growing: Kris Pothier joins the show to discuss the exploding Arizona wine industry.

The most costly and least expensive states to own a vehicle: 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 Straughan. 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.

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.

Broken appliance? Tips to fix it yourself for free: Appliances sure do make our lives easier, and when they break down, a repair bill can be pricey. So, what little things can you do now to extend the life of appliances? That’s what we’re talking about on the On Your Side podcast with Ben Schlitchter.

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. 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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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 LVII 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? For answers, we’re talking to Max Hartgraves, with the Arizona Department of Gaming, and he breaks down all the numbers when it comes to betting on the Super Bowl.

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.

Influential podcasters headed to Arizona for the Super Bowl: In this episode, On Your Side is taking its 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. Of course, the Phoenix Open and Super Bowl will bring thousands of more people into town, many of whom will need a space to record their podcasts while in town since they 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.

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.

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.

Money Moves to Make in 2023: On this episode, Stewart Willis from Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax to discuss some things that can be done 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.

Tips for Holiday Driving: With so many people flying again after the pandemic, airports are congested, flights are being canceled and the pilot shortage isn’t helping. This means many folks are choosing to drive somewhere for the holidays and even long distances in order to avoid flying. Don’t start that holiday vacation until you check your vehicle first, however. 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.

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% of Americans start shopping before December. Much of that shopping will be done online, giving scammers the perfect opportunity to steal your money. 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 and told us all the online scams to be on the look out for as well as little tricks you can use to protect yourself while shopping online.

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 spoke 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? How do you actually cook a perfect turkey?

Inflation not affecting artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor this year: The cost of just about everything is up due to sky-high inflation. There’s one thing that’s 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.

New federal guidelines to make household items safer for children: It’s estimated one child dies every month due strangulation from window blind cords. There are also child fatalities involving furniture tipping over. New rules passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission will hopefully make things safer for kids. One of these rules requires window and blind manufacturers to start selling blinds that don’t have long, hanging cords. In this episode, we’re talking to Nancy Cowles with Kids In Danger. She talks about these new guidelines and the impact they will have on parents and consumers.

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.

Buying a Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle: Ever since gas prices started to spike, electric vehicles have been a hot topic. Until now, most of the discussion has centered on buying new electric vehicles. So, what about used EVs? Pre-owned electric vehicles can save you a significant amount of money, and it may be a good idea. Keep in mind though, buying used EVs can come with risks that can cost you. On this episode, we’re joined by Scott Painter, 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.

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. The Labor Department says average hourly earnings rose 5% from a year ago. The labor market might look optimistic, but why are companies struggling to keep employees? 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, 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.

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.

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. He has some tips and suggestions to get you over that 740 mark.

The cost of enjoying sports: Baseball season is wrapping up, and football season is underway. So, 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.

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. 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 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.

Christmas Shopping and the Supply Chain: It’s that time of year when folks start looking forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course, 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. This could mean big savings for consumers. Today we’re talking to Adam Davis, the managing director for Wells Fargo Retail Finance. What he has to say will probably change the way you do your holiday shopping.

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. 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.

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? Are the credits enough? Today, we’re covering it all with Jim Stack, the President of The Electric Auto Association in Phoenix.

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. 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, 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 prevent getting ripped off.

Inside a scammer’s “Bible” to ripping off victims: Would you 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” which explains how to rip 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

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 recent laws which crack down on robocallers and now text scams. We also talk about how to protect yourself from scammers who hide behind phone calls and text messages.

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% of passengers saying they’ve had a recent negative experience. On this episode we’re talking to Tim Rossman, an industry analyst with Bankrate.Com. His new report reveals some stunning numbers when it comes to how many people are traveling these days and what effect it’s having if you’re trying to get somewhere.

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. Going through the court process is actually easier than you’d think. That’s why we’re talking to the Honorable Gerald Williams who 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.

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. Food prices on this 4th of July are up 11%, 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!

Credit Card Crunch: A new report says nearly 75% of Americans have needed credit card debt advice. However, half of them never sought out that advice and because of that, many consumers have found themselves digging deeper and deeper into debt. 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 .

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.

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.

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.

Budgeting for a wedding: May through October is the most popular time of the year to get married and people are spending big bucks to tie the knot. A recent report indicates that couples spent $28,000 on average on their wedding last year. This year, it will be even more expensive. So, today we’re talking to Stephanie Gilmore, 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.

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 explains why is Arizona being chosen and what it will mean for the state’s economy and labor force.

Full-time Retirement? Maybe Not: Many folks look forward to retirement. 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 this episode of the 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.”

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 conmen 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

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.

The best (and worst) frequent flyer programs: It looks like people are flying more these days, and that’s raising airfare. In March, airfare went up more than 5%, 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.a

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 a down payment on something like that? 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.

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.

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.

Car 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 has 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.

Pain at the Pump: The cost of gas is going up. Today Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis for Gas Buddy, is joining us. He has the reasons behind what’s driving gas prices and talks about if we can expect any relief on the horizon, particularly since Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine? De Hann says get ready--$4.55 a gallon is very possible for Arizonans. Head to gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas near you.

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.

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.

Love and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Protecting Your Privacy: Gary Harper and Susan Campbell offer tips to consumers help them protect their privacy in only a matter of seconds. Lending their expertise on privacy is Thomas Germain, a technology writer at Consumer Reports. This 3 On Your Side episode wraps up with Gary and Susan offering tips for consumers to help avoid falling victim to a common trick crooks use to steal your money, The Overpayment Scam.

Don’t get boxed in with your move: When it comes to moving, it is among the most complained about industry’s 3 On Your Side get emails about. To help expose the pitfalls, Gary Harper and Susan Campbell talk to Ryan Charles, from a company called Hire a Helper who sheds light to help consumers from getting ripped off during their move. Gary and Susan wrap up this podcast segment talking about the pitfalls of buying sight unseen vehicles online.

Used car prices going through the roof: If you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle, you might want to pump the brakes. Used car prices are through the roof with new cars often getting full sticker prices on the lot. Emilie Voss is from Carfax and talks to Gary Harper and Susan Campbell about the rising used car prices and what consumers need to know so they don’t get taken for a ride. This 3 On Your Side Podcast ends with Susan and Gary answering questions they frequently get from consumers about balance billing complaints.

Beware of Contracting Scams: This is the season where monsoons can bring damaging winds and rains for countless citizens. Summer is also a time when scammers often show up after a storm offering repair deals that are too good to be true. Jeff Wills, is Chief of Investigations at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors who talked to Susan Campbell and Gary Harper about the Red Flags consumers need to be mindful of as scammers show up unannounced after a storm looking to separate you from your hard earned money. This episode wraps up with Susan and Gary discussing complaints 3 On Your Side often receives about different types of payment scams. For example, viewers tell us they may get a phone call from someone who they believe is their utility company, threatening to shut off their utility if they don’t pay a certain amount of money immediately. It’s a common scam consumer frequently fall victim to.

Deals Take Flight: As summer travel takes flight, 3 On Your Side’s Gary Harper and Susan Campbell talk to Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights. Keyes offers tips for consumers to help them find post-pandemic travel deals. The episode concludes with Gary and Susan answering viewer questions about Renters Rights. Information consumers need to keep in mind when it comes to landlord tenant disputes.

Navigating the Hot Housing Market: Susan Campbell and Gary Harper take you on a house hunt with Phoenix, Arizona based real-estate agent Trevor Halpern from Halpern Residential. Halpern helps buyers and sellers navigate the ultra-competitive housing market. 3 On Your Side frequently receives numerous emails from disappointed consumers about things not covered by their Car or Home Warranty. The episode concludes with Susan and Gary offering tips consumers should keep in mind before agreeing to pay thousands of dollars for a Car and/or Home Warranty.

Saving $1,000 on Any Salary: If you have a desire to learn how to save $1,000 on any salary, Gary Harper and Susan Campbell have the answer. On this edition of the 3 On Your Side Podcast, they talk to Deacon Hayes, a financial expert and founder of Well Kept Wallet, a financial education company that strives to enlighten consumers across the globe through a personal finance curriculum. This episode concludes with Gary and Susan answering viewer emails about their decisions to help the environment by adding Solar panels to their homes. While there are consumers pleased with going solar, there are things consumers need to keep in mind when deciding if they should buy or lease solar panels. For example, leasing solar panels can last up to 25 years, with escalating monthly payments.

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