Recalls
Danger in the delay: Recalls hit 18-year high as injuries mount, report finds
Recalls at a record high in 2025; online shopping particularly risky
James R. Hood
James R. Hood, an editor and consumer-affairs journalist with more than five decades of experience, has held senior editorial leadership roles at The Associated Press, United Press International, Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.
Insurance
State Farm gives $5 billion back to some customers; why don't others do the same?
Well, for one thing, the refund is only for car insurance; for another, it's a "mutual" company, owned by its customers
Consumer Protection
Wide World of Scams: Household financial stress worsened by fraud and scams
Consumers already hard-pressed by debt and high prices victimized by predators
Consumer Protection
New national blueprint aims to dismantle the scam economy
Scams are exploding at a rate that threatens national security, the economy and consumer trust
Insurance
AFFORDABILITY WATCH: ACA subsidy expiration hits 20 million Americans
Congress did nothing, now consumers are facing an unexpected "affordability cliff"
Money
Trump touts retirement plan for low-income workers
The obvious weakness is that most low-income workers don't make enough money to contribute to a savings plaln
Money
High-cost lender Enova wants to be a national bank with 100%-300% loans
Consumer advocates urge regulators to block the bid
Money
State of the Union: Drowning in debt
The affordability debate needs to include solutions for rising household debt
Cars
Extended auto warranties: promises & pitfalls
Why millions buy them — and why regulators say caution is essential
Cars
Florida cracks down on car warranty companies
Extended auto warranties are OK in some cases but should be handled with care
Consumer Protection
As household debt surges, White House blames consumer watchdog CFPB
Critics warn of “dangerous timing” if consumer agencies are weakened now
Consumer Protection
What the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actually does (in plain English)
It acts as the cop on the beat, protecting consumers from financial harm