Consumer

Consumer Consumer Reports: This isn't what I expected! (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: Mar 25, 2013 at 2:49 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 25, 2013 at 2:57 PM PDT

When’s the last time you bought something and it wasn’t what you thought it was going to be? Judging from all the complaints Consumer Reports receives, it probably wasn’t all that long ago.

Consumer Consumer Reports: New money-saving cell service (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: Mar 25, 2013 at 2:48 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 25, 2013 at 2:59 PM PDT

Republic is a new cell phone service provider that promises an unlimited data plan for just $19 a month. That means you can talk, text and e-mail all you want, and surf the web. Here’s the concept behind Republic’s money-saving plan.

Consumer Don't raid retirement accounts to pay expenses

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT

It's a big mistake, even if you're young and have many years to go in the workplace.

Consumer Make sure your tax preparer is legit (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM PDT

When you decide to have someone else do it for you, it's critical to make sure they're licensed with the state, and registered with the Internal Revenue Service .

Consumer Even over-the-counter drugs still have some risk

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 20, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 20, 2013 at 9:19 AM PDT

When you have a minor health problem, non-prescription drugs can be a convenient and inexpensive way to go. But Dr. John Swartzberg at the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter reminds us that over-the-counter does not mean harmless.

Consumer Do you have enough money in your emergency fund?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM PDT

Half of us don't have enough money saved to cover living expenses for three months, according to a recent survey done by bankrate.com. Another 28 percent have no emergency savings at all!

Consumer Pocket Hose: Does it work? (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 15, 2013 at 8:18 AM PDT

Even people who enjoy yard work complain about dealing with cumbersome garden hoses. So who wouldn't be interested in a hose that promises to eliminate the hassle? The Pocket Hose looks like an extra-long hair scrunchie.

Consumer Doing your own painting? Don't skimp on prep work

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT

When it comes to most painting jobs around my house, I hire a professional. I know my limitations. Maybe you're the do-it yourself type. If so remember this: proper preparation is the key to success.

Consumer Broccoli really is a nutritional star

By Herb Weisbaum Published: Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31 AM PDT

A shout out for broccoli, it's one of the nutritional stars of the veggie world. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Consumer If you 'like' these posts, prepare to be spammed (Video)

By Dan Cassuto KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: Mar 12, 2013 at 11:19 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 11:19 AM PDT

The Facebook posting says 1,000 lucky users will get free products from major companies. If only it were real.

Consumer FTC cracks down on 'Free gift card' text messages (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 12, 2013 at 8:24 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 8:24 AM PDT

If you have a cell phone that can send and receive text messages, chances are you've received a text that says you've won a free gift card to Best Buy or Walmart. If you responded, you're not alone.

Consumer Consumer Reports: Best vacuums for pet hair (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: Mar 11, 2013 at 5:27 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 11, 2013 at 5:27 PM PDT

Keeping floors and carpets clean is a job in and of itself. But if you have a pet that sheds a lot, you have a bigger challenge.

Consumer Need a kennel to board your pet? It pays to shop around (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:22 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 11, 2013 at 8:22 AM PDT

Some people take their pets with them when they travel. but many others board their pets in a local kennel. Based on feedback from local pet owners, it pays to shop around.

"There are a lot of great kennels out there, but there are also some that don't do very well.

Consumer Consumer Reports rates the best mattresses (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: Mar 8, 2013 at 7:46 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 8, 2013 at 7:46 PM PDT

We all love a good night's sleep, and a good mattress can help. But a mattress can be one of the hardest things to buy, and a new survey by Consumer Reports found that about one in five people wished they'd bought a different mattress.

Consumer Consumer Reports: Veggie chips not always healthier (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: Mar 8, 2013 at 7:49 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 8, 2013 at 7:49 PM PDT

Many tackle their salt cravings with a bag of chips, but be careful what you choose. Some options that seem healthier are not always so, say the experts at Consumer Reports, who evaluated 18 different chips.