Sending packages could be very expensive this holiday season

John Matarese  |  September 28, 2022

Will you be shipping any packages this holiday season? Watch out: The US Postal Service is raising rates for the holidays starting in October, and other shipping services are no bargain, as one woman just learned. Linda Gee recently sent…

Best Hard Shell Suitcase

Find a great vacation home? Beware these extra fees

John Matarese  |  September 27, 2022

Debbie Wright loves searching for vacation cabins in the mountains. But she hates when she clicks and the price jumps. “The fees were ridiculous,” she said. Wright’s been looking for an inexpensive cabin on her favorite rental site, Vrbo. But…

How to avoid falling into a ‘credit card trap’

John Matarese  |  September 26, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Paying with…

Times Are Tough for the Beer Industry Right Now

John Matarese  |  September 13, 2022

With the price of almost everything up this year, it was inevitable: the cost of America’s favorite alcoholic beverage is now going up, too. As marketing director for a growing craft brewery, MadTree Brewing, Trevor Self has a job many…

Sky-high diesel prices could soon impact all consumers

John Matarese  |  September 12, 2022

If you think gas prices are high these days, you may want to check out the price of diesel fuel the next time you pull up to the pumps. Soaring diesel prices are making gasoline look cheap by comparison, and…

young woman putting letter in mailbox

Don’t fall for these misleading home warranty mailers

John Matarese  |  September 9, 2022

Do you ever feel like your mailbox is filled with ads and letters you didn’t sign up for? While most mailers are innocent ads or coupons, some take it a little too far, making it appear what they have to…

For Rent sign in front of house

Hit with a rent hike? Here are some things you can do

John Matarese  |  August 29, 2022

Rents have been soaring in 2022, whether you are in an apartment or a rental home. After two years of not raising the rent, many landlords are now making up for it (and their higher costs) by raising rent 10%…

Outlet mall secrets: How to know what you’re actually buying

John Matarese  |  August 26, 2022

When it comes to outlet malls, what’s not to love? They offer brand names, great fashion and lower prices than at the mall. And in these inflationary times, they can be a great option for saving money on your favorite…

Inflation is hitting college student budgets hard

John Matarese  |  August 23, 2022

If someone in your family is heading back to college this fall, it is not just the rising tuition they have to deal with this year. Just about everything they need to buy is up in price too. Abby Hecht…

Broken iPhone

What to know before you try to fix your own iPhone

John Matarese  |  August 9, 2022

A phone with a cracked screen or broken camera can mean an expensive repair, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars. So what about fixing your own smartphone? Until last year, it was nearly impossible, as Apple and other phone manufacturers…

Contractor holds wood beams

What to do if a contractor takes your money and runs

John Matarese  |  August 8, 2022

It was a chilly night last year when a fire ripped through Crystal Stewart’s home, leaving her family’s house destroyed, all their possessions gone. “It’s hard to see this,” she said, looking over the foundation. “Your whole life, everything you…

Facebook Messenger app in iPhone

Facebook Messenger scam snags 10 million victims, more conned every day

John Matarese  |  August 5, 2022

Cissie Lowe is a huge Elvis Presley fan who loves everything about The King, especially his movies. She founded an Elvis fan page on Facebook seven years ago, gaining 32,000 followers, many of whom she considers personal friends. Moderating the…

Lost luggage warning: Bridesmaid’s gown ends up in wrong city

John Matarese  |  August 3, 2022

We’ve been hearing so much about airline cancellations and delays. But another problem affecting thousands of travelers lately is lost luggage, which can be even more of a nightmare, as it was for one woman recently. Celeste Small was looking…

Electrolyte replacement drinks: Are they worth the cost?

John Matarese  |  August 2, 2022

Drinks with added electrolytes are becoming increasingly popular in the grocery store and online, especially during the summer. But are they worth the extra money compared to buying regular old water? We found a group of high school baseball players…

An inflation exception: Electronics prices are actually falling

John Matarese  |  August 1, 2022

As the U.S. experiences near-record inflation, there’s one category where you might see some relief this summer. That is hard to believe if you shop for gas, groceries or back-to-school clothing. Parents like Quinn Hoffman say inflation is taking a…

Hyundai sign

Thousands of Kias and Hyundais may qualify for free engine replacement

John Matarese  |  July 25, 2022

Millions of people who drive a Hyundai or Kia may be eligible for a free replacement engine under a recent class action settlement. The trouble is that many car owners don’t know it and are paying big repair bills or…

Digital coupon on smartphone

Digital coupons can make it harder for seniors to get discounts

John Matarese  |  July 18, 2022

With grocery prices soaring, coupons can be a big money saver. But many shoppers these days are now having trouble accessing supermarket coupons because more and more of them now require a smartphone. And some consumer advocates are calling the…

Airplane taking off at sunset

Are there any end-of-summer travel deals left?

John Matarese  |  July 15, 2022

2022 has been the summer of the “flightmare.” Every weekend comes reports of hundreds (if not thousands) of canceled flights, lost luggage and long delays. It all had traveler Tamara Mims very nervous. “My flight doesn’t leave till 4, so…

Worker power sprays tile

Contractor backlogs are easing, unless you need these items

John Matarese  |  July 11, 2022

If you’re tackling a home improvement project this summer, you should find it easier to find a contractor for the job than last year. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be delays due to ongoing supply chain issues. Adam Crowell…

How to avoid Amazon Prime Day scams and get the best deals

John Matarese  |  July 8, 2022

Amazon Prime Day is two days of great deals, but it also brings opportunities for scammers if you’re not careful. And not every deal is the best. Where to expect the best deals Besides home goods, our sister site Simplemost…

Stores are clearing out their pandemic overstock with big sales

John Matarese  |  July 2, 2022

Remember when the pandemic hit, how we all scooped up athleisure wear, furniture and exercise equipment for our homes? With stimulus checks dried up, and soaring gas prices this year, we’re not buying as much anymore. As a result, many…

Gas stations are raising debit card holds to as much as $150

John Matarese  |  June 28, 2022

We’re all paying close attention to how much we’re spending at the pump, which may explain why more people are now noticing “hold fees” tacked on to their gasoline purchases. And as gas prices soar, those hold fees are rising,…

Smart energy control thermostat

How to keep your electric bill in check this summer

John Matarese  |  June 27, 2022

We’re officially in the heat of summer, and just like with everything else this year, inflation is about to hit our electric bills, and possibly hard. Some utilities are predicting that July bills could be 10% to 20% higher than…

Man using smartphone

Phone companies say new tech will stop phone and text message scams

John Matarese  |  June 24, 2022

No matter how many numbers you block, it feels as if there’s no end to spam calls and text messages. Hannah Brockwell says she can’t even enjoy lunch with her husband without getting a suspicious phone call or text on…

New car keys exchange hands

Used car prices are starting to fall as new car inventory improves

John Matarese  |  June 23, 2022

If you’re shopping around for a car, either new or used, you know by now that a huge lack of inventory is driving prices up. But the market is finally starting to show signs of improving. Cheryl Lucas, like so…

This man’s stolen license plate racked up over $1,000 in violations

John Matarese  |  June 22, 2022

Imagine being fined for traffic violations, all while your car is sitting in a junkyard. How could that happen? One man learned the hard way, and found out it’s what can happen if you don’t save your license plates, or…

Carpooling is back as gas prices skyrocket

John Matarese  |  June 21, 2022

As many of us started returning to the office this year, gas prices started soaring. And now that daily commute is becoming very expensive for many workers. Some drivers are taking a new spin on an old solution: joining carpools…

Father and daughter sit together

Father’s Day gift ideas that won’t break the bank

John Matarese  |  June 10, 2022

It’s a Father’s Day dilemma every year: What to buy for Dad? Kathy Hickey was buying plants for her husband’s vegetable garden. “Of course, he’ll have to plant them,” she said. “And water them.” As long as he doesn’t mind…

Woman holds smartphone showing Facebook

Shoppers are getting scammed by fake ads on Facebook Marketplace

John Matarese  |  June 7, 2022

Social media sites are filled with ads, luring us with great deals on clothing, electronics and outdoor items. But too often, those ads turn out to be fake, and the great deals turn out to be scams to take your…

Happy family on road trip vacation posing for selfie

Summer road trip sticker shock: How to keep costs down

John Matarese  |  June 6, 2022

For the past two years, many people saved money by taking road trips instead of paying for airfares and rental cars. But, with gas now averaging almost $5 a gallon, and hotel prices sharply higher, those classic American road trips…

Streaming TV fatigue? How to know if you have too many channels

John Matarese  |  June 3, 2022

Streaming TV was originally a way to cut the cable cord and pay for only the shows or services you wanted. And for a number of years, it was a great way to cut that cable or satellite bill, often…

Best Bike Rack (Non-Hitch)

The bike shortage is over, but prices are still high

John Matarese  |  June 1, 2022

The good news is that the “Great Bicycle Shortage” of 2021 is finally over. The bad news is, just like with everything else, you’ll have to pay more in 2022. Lori Van Maluka remembers the bike shortage too well. One…

Cruise ship at sunset

This family couldn’t get on their cruise because they brought the wrong birth certificate

John Matarese  |  May 31, 2022

Thousands of travelers are returning to cruising this year, for the first time since the pandemic began. But, most cruises now have very strict requirements about what you need to show before boarding. And as two women learned, if you…

Senior woman reads credit card into into phone

Woman loses $1,500 to fake Apple customer service

John Matarese  |  May 23, 2022

Need help with your phone or laptop? Watch out for what’s known as the “tech support scam,” which is now targeting Apple customers as much as Microsoft Windows users, who represented most victims in the past. A woman named Cookie…

Man using smartphone

Is your phone listening and targeting you with ads?

John Matarese  |  May 20, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Did you…

Woman mows lawn

Home maintenance projects you should tackle this spring

John Matarese  |  May 14, 2022

With inflation raging these days, none of us want to spend more than we have to on home repair. That’s why it’s more important than ever to do some spring home maintenance, to keep minor problems from becoming big ones.…

Why so many people are falling for Zelle scams—and how to protect yourself

John Matarese  |  May 12, 2022

The free payment app Zelle is making headlines these days, but for all the wrong reasons. Every week, it seems, comes a new report of someone scammed out of thousands of dollars. And now Congress is starting to ask questions.…

Man loses $93,000 after check is stolen and ‘washed’

John Matarese  |  May 9, 2022

The checks are in the mail and, unfortunately thieves these days are well aware of that. Reports of mail theft are soaring nationwide, as criminal rings now steal, “wash” and rewrite personal checks. Joe Duffy wants to know what he…

Electric car charges at power station

Hybrid and electric car owners furious about new taxes

John Matarese  |  May 8, 2022

Gas prices are on the rise, so you may be thinking an electric car or hybrid may be the answer. But what many drivers don’t know is that, in many states, you may have to pay an extra tax on…

Happy mom and daughter hug

Mother’s Day 2022 may be the most expensive one yet—here’s how to save

John Matarese  |  May 6, 2022

From flowers to brunch to jewelry: Inflation is boosting prices on almost all things Mother’s Day. The National Retail Federation estimates the average family will spend $245 on Mother’s Day this year, including gifts and dinner. So how do you…

Best Natural Dishwasher Pack

How to make your home appliances last longer

John Matarese  |  May 3, 2022

Supply chain problems mean it can take months to get a new washing machine or dishwasher these days. So keeping your appliances running as long as possible is more important than ever. Reece Dorsey, manager of a store called The…

Man using smartphone

Warning signs a side hustle job may be a scam

John Matarese  |  May 2, 2022

After last year’s “great resignation,” many people who don’t want to return to the office are looking for part-time work. But, scammers are now lurking everywhere, targeting all those people hoping to find a side hustle. Whether it’s driving people…

Planting spring flowers

Why you should buy your spring plants and flowers online

John Matarese  |  April 13, 2022

First, it was books and movies, then cars and furniture. Now you can buy plants, mulch and flowers online without leaving your home. More and more homeowners are doing just that, as opposed to running back to garden centers all…

Contractor saws wood for house

Planning a home improvement project? Expect to wait

John Matarese  |  April 12, 2022

Many of us are planning our spring and summer home projects, such as replacing some appliances or redoing a bath or kitchen. But, beware because that home project or repair could run into all sorts of delays this year and,…

Do air purifiers really work to combat spring allergies in your home?

John Matarese  |  April 4, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.It’s allergy…

Upset woman looking at phone

Warning signs a text message may be a scam

John Matarese  |  March 31, 2022

Getting random text messages from unknown senders? Are they claiming there’s an issue with a bank account? Bruce McGee has. He checked his phone the other day to discover a worrisome message. “It was a text that said my Bosch…

Now hiring sign

Fight inflation by negotiating for a higher salary

John Matarese  |  March 29, 2022

Inflation is taking a bigger and bigger bite out of paychecks, but there is a solution: Negotiate for more money. With companies desperate to hire and retain workers, employees are in the driver’s seat right now. “Entry-level is coming in…

Driver pumps gas into car

Want to get better gas mileage? Here’s what works—and what doesn’t

John Matarese  |  March 28, 2022

Everyone these days is talking about gas prices and ways to save at the pump. Bosco Engels, however, doesn’t worry too much. He says his Prius gets 50 or 60 miles per gallon — or more. Engles is a “hypermiler”…

Hotel room door open

This couple had to pay for their hotel room twice because of a booking mishap

John Matarese  |  March 27, 2022

Juanita Stevenson and her husband booked a hotel in Chicago — through Hotels.com — to celebrate their anniversary. But, when they arrived at the hotel, Stevenson said, “the clerk said ‘I don’t have a reservation for you.’ I said, ‘you…

Costco sign

Does buying in bulk really save money?

John Matarese  |  March 21, 2022

Buy more now and save more later. It seems like a good idea, which explains why Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale are so popular. Millions of American shoppers, like Tracy Reese, like to buy in bulk to fight inflation,…

From our partners