Everyone likes to take a little time off for a vacation, but then again, we all seem to take our vacations at the same time. That usually causes long lines, higher prices, and overall just a bad experience. So, today, Steve Builday joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He’s the Director of Travel for AARP, and he has some great tips to make your vacation a whole lot better. 

Owning a car offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintenance, which can often be costly and confusing. In this episode of the On Your Side podcast, Gary Harper and Colin Stanton are joined by automotive expert Jim Garnin to debunk some of the most common car maintenance myths that could be costing you more than necessary. Jim, who owns High Tech Car Care in Phoenix, shares insights from his decades of experience in the automotive industry.

From the truth about premium fuel and oil change intervals to the real deal on transmission fluid flushes and tire replacements, Jim provides practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle's upkeep. He also discusses the benefits of nitrogen in tires and the importance of regular vehicle check-ups, even if it's just for a quick look under the hood.

Whether you're a seasoned car owner or new to the world of auto maintenance, this episode is packed with valuable tips to keep your car running smoothly without breaking the bank. Tune in to learn how to avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure your vehicle stays in top condition.

According to the FBI, the healthcare and public health sector is the most targeted in the United States by  ransomware attackers. Why is that and what can you do to keep from becoming a victim? Today, Steven McKeon joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's a cybersecurity expert and founder of MacguyverTech.

He explains that hospitals are targeted for a variety of reasons, including the healthcare industry is using outdated technology that is more than a decade old.

Robocalls are becoming less of a threat to consumers. And the dreaded rings from unknown numbers are dropping.

But according to a new report, the number of robot texts flooding phones is skyrocketing. So, today, we’re talking with Teresa Murray. She is a consumer watchdog for Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, and she helps On Your Side break down whether recent laws to crack down on robo callers and now text scams are working. We also talk about how to protect yourself from scammers who hide behind phone calls and text messages.

The pandemic crushed the airline industry and prevented many travelers from flying. But it seems that has all changed. A new report indicates a lot more people are flying and even driving to destinations. However, travelers say they are frustrated with airlines, with 80 percent of passengers saying they've had a recent negative experience.

On this episode we're talking to Tim Rossman. He's an industry analyst with Bankrate.Com, and his new report reveals some stunning numbers when it comes to how many people are traveling these days and what affect it's having if you're trying to get somewhere.

Have you ever been ripped off by someone and were so mad you wanted to take them to small claims court? It happens all the time, and many people decide not to go through with it because they don't know how the process works. But going through the court process is easier than you think.

That's why we're talking to the Honorable Gerald Williams. He serves as Justice of the Peace for one of Maricopa County's precincts. He'll break down all the do's and don’ts of filing a small case lawsuit and offer helpful tips to get your case heard.

The United States will be turning 246 years old on July 4th. To celebrate, many of you out there will probably have some kind of get-together that will no doubt involve food. But food prices on this 4th of July are up 11 percent. And depending on what you plan on cooking for the holiday will really affect your wallet.

So today, we're talking to Karol Flynn. She's the Food and Agribusiness Industry Advisor for Wells Fargo. She tells us what 4th of July food items you might want to avoid due to their sharp increase in price and what other items you might want to consider that won't break the bank for your holiday party. Spoiler alert: Shrimp is cheap!!

A new report says nearly 75 percent of Americans have needed credit card debt advice. However, half of them never sought out that advice. And because of that, many consumers found themselves digging deeper and deeper into debt. So, today, we're talking to Jim Triggs of Money Management International. It's a non-profit organization that helps consumers navigate through the tough financial world by empowering and helping people to stabilize their money matters .

Supply chain problems have been persistent, but now retailers have a new problem of having too much...of the wrong stuff. On this episode, we are talking with Leslie Bush, a marketing professor at Arizona State University. She breaks down what's behind the change in consumer behavior and what it means for your next shopping trip.

A million dollars sounds like a lot of money and it is. But these days, is it enough money for you to retire?

Years ago, a million dollars to save for retirement was always a goal for many. But not anymore. Experts say to live comfortably, you have to raise the bar and put more money away.

So, we're talking to Stewart Willis. He's a financial expert with Asset Preservation Tax and Retirement. He tells us how much we need to retire, how much we should have in our retirement accounts right now depending on age and other financial tips to keep you fiscally sound.

The real estate market is still red hot, but mortgage interest rates are going up. On this episode, we’re talking with Trevor Halpern, a Phoenix-based real estate agent, about what’s happening in the market, if there is a slowdown in home sales on the horizon, and how much competition buyers will face in the coming months.

May through October is the most popular time of the year to get married. And people are spending and bucks to tie the knot. A recent report indicates couples spent $28,000 on average on their wedding last year. And this year, it will be even more expensive.

So, today we're talking to Stephanie Gilmore, she's the Regional Banking District Senior Manager with Wells Fargo. She has some great ideas and tips to keep your wedding costs down so you don't start off in debt.

Arizona is poised to become the semiconductor capital of the West and possibly the United States. The Copper State currently has 200 semiconductors companies and more are being built.

On the 3 On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Tracey Latham. She currently is the U.S. Small Businesswoman of the Year for Arizona and owns a company that relies heavily on semiconductors.

She tells us why is Arizona being chosen and what it will mean for the state’s economy and labor force.

We’re doing a little bit of a crash course today for people who are considering jumping into the stock market. Is it a good time to start investing in the market? What does every beginner need to know?

Our guest is Shane Stevenson from Winston and Companies Retirement and Financial Services. He'll walk us through the things you need to know to get started with investing.

Many folks look forward to retirement. And then when that time comes and they leave their job, they find themselves, well...kind of bored. But some people, as well as companies, have found a solution that benefits both the company and the retiree. It's called “phased retirement.”

On today’s 3 On Your Side podcast, we talk with Zanzibar Vermiglio of Zanzibar Enterprises about why human resource directors like the idea of phased retirement. We’ll also discuss why many retirees are deciding to “unretire.” MORE INFO: zanzibarenterprises.com

It's that time of year when college acceptance letters are starting to pour in for parents and their children. It sounds exciting, and scammers know that.

With all the hype, it's the perfect time for con men to take advantage and try to dupe potential victims when they least expect it. So, we're talking to Beau Friedlander. He's an award winning publisher who's been writing about cybercrimes and scams for 10 years.

He tells us what to look out for when it comes to enrolling students into college because the scammers will target you over the Internet, through the mail and even over the phone.

MORE INFO: https://link.chtbl.com/CCUnCylF?sid=3onyourside

From coins to toys and trading cards, most collectors think their collections will pay off. Ismat Mangla from Magnify Money joins us to break down who is collecting what, how much they’ve spent along the way, and whether the collections ever pay off.

It looks like people are flying more these days, and that's raising airfare. In fact, in March, airfare went up more than 5 percent, marking the third largest jump in 20 years.

To bring the cost of airfare down, many travelers rely on frequent flyer programs. But some are better than others.

On this episode, we're talking to Jill Gonzalez with WalletHub, who evaluated frequent flyer programs for each airline. She'll break down all the flyer programs to let you know how you can get the most out of each one.

MORE INFO HERE

Forty-six million Americans are in debt due to student loans, with those debts totaling more than $1.8 trillion. That works out to the average borrower owing more than $35,000. How do you even start to pay something like that down?

On this episode, we're talking to Andrew Pentis with Student Loan Hero and Lending Tree. He'll break down which states have the biggest loans, which universities carry the most student debt, and more importantly, how to pay off your loans.

Have you ever spotted a surprise charge on your credit or debit card? Is your kid to blame? A new LendingTree survey reveals almost half of parents say they’ve caught their children secretly spending. Others knowingly allow their children to borrow their cards, and regret it. In this episode, we’re talking with Matt Schultz, the chief credit analyst at LendingTree about how to teach children about credit.

We're all well aware of the spike in gas prices and how it's affecting your wallet. But what does it mean for airfare?

Just like cars, airlines need fuel for their planes. So, how is the Russian Ukraine war affecting what you pay for airfare.

For the answer, we're talking to Scott Keyes of Scott's Cheap Airfare. He's an airline analyst and he'll tell us what to expect regarding your upcoming vacations and how oil prices could play a major factor in what you pay for airline tickets.

www.scottscheapflights.com

The chip shortage for new cars is still ongoing. So, how long will it last and how is it affecting consumers as well as car dealers?

Today, we're talking to Karl Brauer. He's an auto analyst with Iseecars.com and he's also worked for Kelly Blue Book, Auto Trader, and Edmunds.

Due to the chip shortage, he'll tell us what new cars are hottest on the market. What used cars are persuading consumers to buy in this time of uncertainty and what used cars last the longest.

The cost of gas is going up.

So, today Patrick De Haan is joining us. He’s the head of petroleum analysis for Gas Buddy and he has the reasons behind what’s driving gas prices.

Is there any relief on the horizon, particularly since Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine? De Hann says get ready, and $4.55 a gallon is very possible for Arizonans.

Head to gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas near you.

Many companies offer their employees a 401(k) plan to help prepare for their retirement years. However, many workers choose not to enroll, and they are leaving money on the table. A lot of money.

On this episode, we're talking to Ted Schmelzle, a retirement expert from Securian Financial who tells us why it's throwing away money if you don't contribute. Plus, he gives tips to grow your money faster.

Homeownership is the American dream. You save up for a down payment, you find a house you can afford, and then you buy it. But there's a lot more to owning a home than your mortgage payment. There are unexpected maintenance issues and other expenses that former renters aren't used to paying.

So today, Jeff Ostrowski joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's with Bankrate.com and his research reveals homeowners pay around $18,000 a year to own and maintain a home. He explains what you can do to cut those costs.

People are leaving their current jobs in numbers we haven't seen before. It's referred to as the "Great Resignation." But when you're offered a new job, how do you bring up the topic of salary without being awkward? And how do you comfortably ask for a dollar amount that works for you?

Today, we're talking to Andres Lares. He runs a company called Shapiro Negotiations Institute, a firm that has represents everyday workers and even NBA teams. He explains how to ask for the proper salary or even a raise at your current job.

MORE INFO: https://www.shapironegotiations.com/

Valentine's Day is here and “Love is in the Air.” Or is it?

A recent report by Personal Capital reveals 57% of U.S. adults ay the pandemic has increased financial stress in their relationship.

Today, on the 3 On Your Side podcast, we’re talking to Krista Aliga, a financial advisor with Personal Capital. She explains why money is causing some people to fall out of love and what steps you can take to get make things right.

The big game is almost here, so it's time to plan for your big Super Bowl spread. But your game day meals and snacks are going to cost you a lot more this year. So today, we're talking to Karol Flynn with Wells Fargo. She'll help show you the best buys when it comes to Super Bowl food, plus some great tips to save the next time you head to the store.

Looking for a job? Then you'll need a great resume to stand out from the other candidates. On this episode, we're talking to Jeff Hyman, author and CEO of Recruit Rockstars. He has great tips to spice up your resume and land the job you want.

Recruit Rockstars - https://recruitrockstars.com/

Venturesome - https://venturesome.recruitrockstars.com/

How many credit cards do you have? Whatever the number, your cards may have perks you don't even know about. About 30 percent of Americans who have rewards cards have made no effort to take advantage of their points or perks that they may have.

On this episode, we're talking with Doug Milnes, Chief Financial Analyst with MoneyGeek.com. He has some surprising information when it comes to you and your credit cards.

It’s almost tax time, and if you’re like millions of Americans, you’re expecting a refund. In this episode, Gary Harper and Susan Campbell talk with Mark Steber, the Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt, about new deductions, changes this tax season, and potential IRS delays.

When it comes to the economy, what can we expect in 2022?

Inflation is increasing at a pace we haven't seen in 40 years, consumer prices are higher, and interest rates are inching up. On this episode, we talk with Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for BankRate.com. He outlines what he see in 2022's economy, whether we will see it blossom, or if it will cost us more money.

We find ourselves in a new year as 2022 is officially here, and one popular new year's resolution is to get into better shape.

But is joining a gym the right decision? And if you do join, what should you know when it comes to contracts and how much you pay?

Today, we're talking to Jim Bathurst. He's a fitness trainer from Nerdfitness and he's in the business of getting people into shape and losing weight .

He'll break down the do’s and don'ts of joining a gym and what you need to look out for.

The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is in full swing and a lot of purchases will be made online. But what do you do if someone gives you an online gift and you need to return it? It may be difficult or impossible.

Today, we're talking to Jill Emanuel. She's a certified financial coach with Fiscal Fitness. She's been helping consumers to save money and navigate through complicated topics for years. She has all the do's and don'ts of returning holiday purchases successfully.

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and for kids, toys are at the top of the list. But be careful because some of those toys could be dangerous.

Today on the 3 On Your Side podcast, Gary and Susan talk with Hannah Rhodes. She’s a Consumer Watchdog associate with the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. From counterfeit toys to smart toys and toys that are too noisy, she is breaking down exactly what to look out for to keep your family safe this holiday.

Nearly a decade ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered a full recall of Takata airbags. However, an estimated 6.4 million of those vehicles are still driving on our roadways with faulty airbags.

So, today, Patrick Olsen joins us on the On Your Side podcast. He's with Carfax and he explains that these airbags can be dangerous, particularly with the high heat we have here in Arizona. Twenty seven people have already died because of the airbags and 400 have been injured. So, how can you know if you're driving one of these cars, and if you are, what options do you have to get it fixed?

One expense many consumer have, but don't pay attention to, is insurance. Home, auto, renter, and more, there's insurance for just about everything.

Does it really save? And how much can you save if you bundle? 

On this episode, we're talking to Mark Fitzpatrick from Money Geek. They have dozens of experts who analyze all kinds of statistics and crunch the latest numbers. They found bundling could save you a bunch of money.

MORE INFO: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/best-home-auto-bundle/

We're coming up on the end of the year soon and that means 2021 will officially be in the history books. Looking back, how do you think you did financially? Did you start a retirement fund or savings account?

If you have a 401(k), did you increase how much you contribute and are you satisfied financially?

3 On Your Side’s Gary Harper talks to Leslie Tayne. She's an author of a bestselling book regarding finances. She’s also an attorney who specializes in consumer and debt resolution.

She talks about what financial goals you should have in mind to make 2022 one of your best years ever. 

MORE INFO: https://www.taynelaw.com

Christmas is almost here, and that means trees and lights! But that combination can be dangerous if you display your lights the wrong way.

To keep you safe, we're talking to John DeCosmo, an expert who knows all about fixing broken lights and hanging them safely.

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means a lot of you might be going to a holiday party.

And wine is one of the more popular items that party-goers bring. But what kind of wine? How much should you spend? And what's a good brand to take with you?

In this 3 On Your Side Podcast, we're talking with Keith Beavers. He's a self-described "wine geek" who's been in the wine retail industry in New York for more than a decade.

He talks Wine 101 and give us some down to earth tips for choosing a bottle of wine that will make a statement without breaking the bank.

Americans are sitting on billions of dollars in unused gift cards, so are they really a good gift to give? On this episode, we’re talking with Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com, about spending those unused gift cards. He also has some ideas about what to do with gift cards to stores or restaurants you’ll never visit.

The holiday season is almost here and consumers are expected to spend, spend, spend. The National Retail Federation is predicting holiday sales during November and December could balloon to $859 billion.

On this episode, we talk with Katherine Cullen, the senior director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, about supply chain challenges, tracking down the perfect gift, and why so many Americans are shopping early.

Ongoing supply chain issues seem to have almost paralyzed consumer goods across the country.

From canned goods, to computer chips to auto parts, you name it, and they all seem to be hard to come by. But what's causing the kink in the supply chain and when will we see relief?

On this episode, we talk to Bill Thayer. He's an expert in logistics, retail, and e-commerce, and he’s also CEO of Fillogic, a company that specializes in transporting goods from Point A to Point B. He has some interesting insight about what's going on with America's supply chain and when it may end.

When it comes to saving money, your car insurance premiums should be at the top of your list. Yet, nearly half of consumers have failed to comparison shop to see if they can get a better deal. That's what we're talking about on the 3 On Your Side podcast. We talk to Mark Fitzpatrick with MoneyGeek.com who will show you how to shop for car insurance and get the best rate.

The cost of renting a car has sky-rocketed over the last year and a half. In fact, in Hawaii, travelers were shelling out $4,000 a week just to rent a car once they flew in for their vacation.

On this episode, Gary Harper is talking to Willis Orlando, an analyst with a travel website called Scott's Cheap Flights which investigates travel costs like renting a car.

He'll explain why car rentals have become so ridiculously high and when rental rates will come down.

Nearly half of Americans carry some kind of credit card debt, with an average balance of $6,200.

Unfortunately for many consumers, that amount will increase come the holidays. So in this episode, Gary is talking to Kelsa Dickey, a certified financial coach who’s been helping to dig people out of debt for years. She's going to tell us what we can to starting today in order to avoid a financial hangover after the holidays.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet or you’re trying to save up for a summer vacation, then it’s time for a summer side gig. Today we are chatting with Kira Caban, who is the head of strategic communications with Instawork, a company that connects businesses with millions of temporary workers. We’ll ask her about the jobs that are out there. What they pay and the best ways to get that gig.

Thank goodness Hurricane Ida is behind us, but she left a path of destruction. In fact, Ida left $95 billion worth of damage in Louisiana and surrounding states and much of that destruction was caused to cars.

Unfortunately, many of those water damaged vehicles will be cleaned up and sold to unsuspecting consumers around the nation.

Today we're talking to Patrick Olsen from Carfax. Carfax has access to around 20 billion records for vehicles, and they collect the information from around 100,000 different sources to determine if a car has been in an accident, if the odometer has been rolled back, or in this case, if the car you’re thinking of buying has been waterlogged from a hurricane.

RESOURCES: 

https://www.carfax.com/blog/author/patrick-olsen

https://www.instagram.com/CARFAXinc/

https://www.facebook.com/CARFAXinc

https://twitter.com/CARFAXinc

https://www.youtube.com/user/Carfax

It is a form of internet bribery that has victimized countless people. The elements are intriguing. They involve romance, photos, lies, and eventually money. A lot of money.

Today, Gary Harper is talking to Nate Warfield a former internet hacker who eventually used his skills to help people and companies to protect themselves while online.

Warfield is here to tell us about something called "sextortion" and what you need to do to protect yourself against it.

Resources:

https://twitter.com/n0x08

https://www.prevailion.com/about/about-the-company/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-w-1813262a/

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/09/how-spot-extortion-scams-lgbtq-dating-apps

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuNYhlLIY9LVrn_2o7etSsQ

Nearly 600,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. It's terrible news, and many loved ones paid out of pocket for those funerals.

But why? Particularly when the federal government has set aside money to pay for those services.

On this episode, Gary Harper is talking to Ed Michael Reggie, CEO of Future Factory and a known consumer advocate and expert in the funeral industry. He explains details of the program and says many people just don't know about it and what is needed to qualify.

RESOURCES

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq#apply

https://www.futurefactory.com/portfolio-item/ed-michael-reggie/

https://www.funeralocity.com/

https://twitter.com/emreggie