Arizona’s Family On Your Side (Arizona's Family (3TV & CBS 5))

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Resources:

https://scottscheapflights.com/

Instagram: @scottmkeyes

Twitter: @smkeyes

https://www.azag.gov/outreach/publications/tenants-rights-and-responsibilities-handbook-community-legal-services

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.

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.

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.

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.

Susan Campbell and Gary Harper take you on a house hunt with Phoenix, Arizona based real-estate agent Trevor Halpern from Halpern Residential at North & Co. 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.

Resources:

https://www.halpernresidential.com/

Instagram: @HalpernResidential

Twitter @HalpernRes

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/auto-warranties-and-service-contracts

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 .

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

2025 is officially here and you might be planning for a little family vacation, or maybe a quick getaway. So, what will the travel trends be this year? How about something that’s being called the “Spurgecation?”

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.

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.

We're approaching the end of 2023 and 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.

We’ve come to the end of something called the “on ramp” repayment program for student loans. As a result, if you’re late or miss a student payment, your credit score will take a hit. So on this episode, we’re talking with Jack Wallace, the Director at Yrefy. He’ll walk us through recent changes for student loan borrowers and what you need to know to avoid problems. We’ll also talk strategies to tackle those loan payments. 

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/

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.

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.

Resources:

https://wellkeptwallet.com/

Twitter: @deaconhayes

Instagram: thedeaconhayes

https://www.aps.com/en/Residential/Service-Plans/Understanding-Solar

https://www.srpnet.com/menu/electricres/solar.aspx

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.

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?

Whether you’re expecting a refund or you need to pay up, there are changes this tax season you need to know about. Our guest today is Mark Steber. He’s the Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt. We’ll chat about some strategies to get tax documents organized and tax law changes that could impact your bottom line. 

According to the FBI, the healthcare and public health sector is the most targeted in the United States by  ransomware attackers. Why is that and what can you do to keep from becoming a victim? Today, Steven McKeon joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's a cybersecurity expert and founder of MacguyverTech.

He explains that hospitals are targeted for a variety of reasons, including the healthcare industry is using outdated technology that is more than a decade old.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet or you’re trying to save up for a summer vacation, then it’s time for a summer side gig. Today we are chatting with Kira Caban, who is the head of strategic communications with Instawork, a company that connects businesses with millions of temporary workers. We’ll ask her about the jobs that are out there. What they pay and the best ways to get that gig.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Nearly a decade ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered a full recall of Takata airbags. However, an estimated 6.4 million of those vehicles are still driving on our roadways with faulty airbags.

So, today, Patrick Olsen joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's with Carfax and he explains that these airbags can be dangerous, particularly with the high heat we have here in Arizona. Twenty seven people have already died because of the airbags and 400 have been injured. So, how can you know if you're driving one of these cars, and if you are, what options do you have to get it fixed?

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the On Your Side podcast, Gary Harper and Todd Martin discuss the sensitive topic of financial infidelity, where partners hide financial details from each other.

They are joined by Christy Mathern from WalletHub to delve into survey results showing that two out of five Americans have secret financial accounts.

They also explore how people handle money disputes, the dynamics of shared versus separate accounts, and cases of financial secrecy leading to serious relationship issues. Tune in for expert insights and real-life stories about managing finances in relationships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's a word we seem to hear a lot these days: Inflation. Everything from auto insurance to groceries have spike over the past few years. In fact, recent published reports indicate buying groceries have gone up a whopping 23 percent since the pandemic. That means what used to cost you $100 at the grocery store now costs $123.

So, what can you do to save some money when it comes to buying food at the store? Today, Rachel West joins us on the On Your Side podcast. She's a registered dietician and editor for eMeals and has some creative ideas to make grocery shopping a little less painful.

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.

It's one of the most overlooked maintenance items on a vehicle—we're talking about tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 400 people die every year due to tire-related crashes. So, today Glen Hayward joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's been in the auto repair business for 50 years and he has some really good advice when inspecting your tires. For example, did you know every tire has an expiration date. He'll tell us where to find it and other tire safety tips to keep you and your family safe. 

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.

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. 

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/

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.

Resources:

https://roc.az.gov/

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/home-improvement.html

https://www.srpnet.com/about/scam.aspx

https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS-cautions-against-utility-scams-during-national-consumer-protection-week

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resources:

https://www.carfax.com/

twitter: @EmilieVoss

Instagram: carfaxinc

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

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.

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

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.

When it comes to paying bills, do you mail in a check or do you pay it online? How about writing a friend or relative? Do you mail a letter or do you simply email them? A new report out by Stamps.com found there is one generation that still relies heavily on putting a stamp on an envelope and putting it in the mail. And you might be  surprised to hear exactly what that generation is.

Today, Nick Spitzman joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's with Stamps.com and he reveals the  unexpected results of who's still using stamps, who isn't, and where so-called "snail mail" will be in the future.

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.

You may have gone into the new year vowing to be better with money. But it’s about that time when resolutions have been forgotten. So today we’re going to help you get back on track. Maybe you have a stack of bills from the holiday season rolling in. Or maybe you want to tackle lingering debt. Our guest is Emily Irwin. She’s the head of the advice center at Wells Fargo, and she’s going to help us get organized without getting overwhelmed. Plus, we’ll talk about why now’s the time to start getting ready for next Christmas.

Negotiating your pay can be very intimidating. The same thing can be true if you are asking for a raise. We're joined by Andres Lares from the Shapiro Negotiations Institute to get insight into what to do, and what not to do, when negotiating a salary or asking for a raise.

It's one of the biggest sporting events of the years. If you're plan a Super Bowl watch party, get ready for some sticker shock.

Avocados are up nearly 12 percent from last year, and the ever so popular chicken wingsare up more than 7 percent. In fact, to host a Super Bowl party for 10 people, plan on spending at least $140.

Today, Dr. Michael Swanson joins us on the podcast. He's the chief agriculture economist for Wells Fargo and has advice for what you need to  know be more thoughtful about your party planning decisions.

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. 

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? 

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/

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

Prices are going up for pretty much everything. That includes subscriptions. Think about how many you have, from streaming services, to wholesale clubs, to gym memberships, and music. 

According to tech site CNET, "subscription creep" is a very real thing and it’s eating into a lot of budgets. On average, we spend $91 bucks a month on subscription services. And nearly half of us have signed up for a free trial...and then we’ve forgotten to cancel it.  

Today, we’re talking with Nick Wolney. He is CNET’s managing editor, and he’s going to walk us through ways to save on subscriptions and some different methods to manage them. 

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.

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.

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.

Cryptocurrency. It's something a lot of us have heard about, but don't necessarily understand what it is or how it works. Cryptocurrency is a digital currency and it was first introduced by Bitcoin in 2009. But since then, more than 25,000 other digital currencies have hit the market.

On this episode, we are joined by Sean Worthington, a tech innovator and financial expert who created CloudCoin, another digital currency. He'll tell us all we need to know about cryptocurrency and what we might be missing out on if we don't buy it.

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.

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.

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.

Resources:

https://www.hireahelper.com/

Twitter:   @hireahelper // @reciprocalryan

Instagram: hireahelpher

Pinterest: HireAHelper

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/file-a-complaint

https://www.azag.gov/consumer/moving-fraud

https://www.bbb.org/us/az/phoenix/profile/moving-services/arizona-movers-1126-1000034415/complaints

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/

Everyone likes to take a little time off for a vacation, but then again, we all seem to take our vacations at the same time. That usually causes long lines, higher prices, and overall just a bad experience. So, today, Steve Builday joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s the Director of Travel for AARP, and he has some great tips to make your vacation a whole lot better. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buying a car, even a used one, can be one of the biggest purchases a consumer can make. But even if you do get a good deal, there are a number of hidden costs that come along with owning that vehicle. On this episode, we're talking to Shannon Martin of Bankrate. She breaks down some of the hidden costs and tells us exactly how much it costs each year just to drive a car.

Learning to drive is a right of passage for many teenagers, but that learning period can come with a few bumps in the road. Right now, 37 states require teens to enroll and pass a driving education class, but Arizona is not one of them.

Maria Wojtczak of DrivingMBA says teens can gain confidence and can even help parents lower their insurance rates with driving courses.