It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Fraud is more sophisticated than ever, and scammers are using AI to personalize attacks. We share 12 ways to stay safe and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. hubs.li/Q04B7SMW0 #cybermonth2026 #consumerscheckbook

Amway will pay $225 million to settle FTC and Washington State allegations that it used deceptive tactics to recruit sellers. Find out what the proposed settlement requires and how to tell a legitimate direct-selling company from a pyramid scheme. hubs.li/Q04B7g0X0

Leaves haven’t fallen yet, but gutters are worth thinking about now. Good pros tend to fill their schedules quickly once the season starts. If you’d rather clean them yourself, our guide covers how to keep your gutters in shape. hubs.li/Q04yK3jd0

Private equity is buying up beloved brands then hollowing them out for profit. We talked to "Worse on Purpose" creator @keyanasapp about how big names get relaunched with cheaper quality and offshore production to protect margins. Full convo: hubs.li/Q04tJRph0

Americans spend about $740/year on gardening. We asked thrifty gardening expert Mark Lane where to splurge and where to save. His big takeaway: "The most economical thing in gardening is patience."  Full Q&A → hubs.li/Q04ttmTs0  🌱

📸 Jenn Barger with our latest cover: a 3-month investigation into 40 outlet brands and what they're really selling—now also the latest @myconsumerpedia episode. Read or listen the the podcast here: hubs.li/Q04nlN1X0

1/2: Checkbook is featured in @washingtonian's March issue, and we couldn't be more thrilled! 🎉 DC-area pet parents, pick up the issue and find the best groomers, vets & pet care at your local newsstand🐶🐱❤️🐾

New year, same mission: protecting consumers and saving you money. Join us in taking a stand for transparency and trust in the marketplace at a time when you can really make a difference. Donate now: hubs.li/Q03ZnmJf0

We’re working toward a marketplace that works for you. End the year strong and support our mission to protect consumers and save you money: hubs.ly/Q03ZgTLW0

Kids have big spending power—and marketers spend billions to target them. In our latest @MyConsumerpedia episode, we cover protections, rules, enforcement, and how parents can talk to kids about ads. Listen to 'How Marketers Target & Sometimes Trick Kids': hubs.li/Q03YDZL80

Shopping local isn’t just for Small Business Saturday! In this Consumerpedia episode, experts share tips and challenges for buying local—and why it matters. Listen now wherever you get podcasts. hubs.li/Q03WWSh60 @MyConsumerpedia @TheConsumerman

People like Andrea and Richard rely on Checkbook’s unbiased research to hire with confidence and save money. Your Giving Tuesday gift helps us keep delivering expert advice and price research. 🫶 Donate today: hubs.li/Q03WxQ_g0 #GivingTuesday

Small Business Saturday is almost here! Could you shop only locally every day—not just this weekend? Our editor tried for 30 days. Spoiler: It wasn’t easy. Read more here: hubs.li/Q03W99tp0

Tariffs, higher prices, and fake discounts make holiday shopping tough this year. Get expert advice on saving money and avoiding costly mistakes in Checkbook’s Holiday Shopping Tips, the latest Consumerpedia episode. Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🔗hubs.li/Q03S5Nkj0