What the Cruise Lines Don’t Tell You
I recently returned from a Caribbean cruise. The occasion was my son’s high school graduation and the event was coordinated by parents and school administrators. And while I had some reservations with being on a cruise ‘super carrier’ (Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas), I enjoyed the experience very much. The ship, the food and the entire experience were aboveRead More
Consumer Team Investigates Nursing Home Referral Services
(DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX) Seniors shopping for goods and services are a huge target. Just watch cable television news some evening and you’ll see the parade of advertisers vying for the attention of the senior consumer. Pete Thomson, Founder of The Consumer Team, says senior consumers need to shop carefully. Thomson said, “The senior market is big, big business. And theRead More
Consumer Team Investigates Payday Loans
(DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX) The Consumer Team is investigating payday loans in a series of interviews with Suzanne Martindale, staff attorney at Consumer’s Union. Martindale and CU have been lobbying for stricter guidelines to protect consumers from high interest rates and other payday loan tactics that often result in trapping consumers into long-term and high interest debt. Pete Thomson, host ofRead More
Consumer Team Radio: Stop Robocalls!
(DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX) The Consumer Team talk radio program will air a special segment on Robocalls on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Christina Tetreault, a staff attorney with Consumer’s Union, will be a featured guest for the program. Commenting on the program, Consumer Team host Pete Thomson said, “The research from Consumer’s Union will open your eyes regarding the severity ofRead More
Why Dave Ramsey is Wrong on Credit Card Rewards
I really like Dave Ramsey. His programs for dealing with debt and entrepreneurial leadership are outstanding. But I think Dave’s wrong on the use of credit cards. He preaches total abstinence. He treats them like crack cocaine. Don’t get started because you’ll get hooked. And, part of his message I agree with. Credit cards can be dangerous.Read More
Prepper Industry Profits on Consumer Fear
The magazine headlines scream messages of fear. “Survive In an Urban Jungle”, “Protect Your Family from Terrorists”, “How to Have Food and Power When the World Falls Apart” are headlines that sell civilization’s fall. Welcome to the Prepper Movement. Once a fairly obscure group of what many considered to be conspiracy nuts, the prepper movement is now mainstream. The badlyRead More
Why Big Banks Are Losing to Credit Unions
Frustrated by high fees, disappearing rewards and a generally non-consumer friendly reputation, many Americans are considering breaking up with their bank. And oftentimes, the refugee consumer is taking their money to a local credit union. It’s an exodus of money from Wall Street to Main Street that appears to be gaining momentum. To talk about this trend, we’re welcoming SonyaRead More
For Profit Colleges: Big Promises, Huge Debt, Shattered Dreams
I’m not a proponent of lots of government regulation. In fact, whenever I hear the words “I’m from the government and I’m here to help”, I immediately run. However, after researching some of the malarkey going on in the “For Profit” college category, I’m beginning to think that a good, government sponsored, butt kicking might be in order. What isRead More
Big Banks Pitching Bad Debit Cards to Students
The advertisements are so smooth, so good. The professionally designed magazine spread displays the logos of both a big bank and a college along with an offer to help students manage their financial aid with a super convenient debit card. Full of school spirit, the debit card is beautifully adorned with the school colors. It’s so easy to sign upRead More