Current Events in November 2017

Software company Expensify admits to outsourcing work containing sensitive data

One expert says consumers who used the company’s service could be vulnerable to cyberattack

Software company Expensify has boasted that it can cut down on the time companies take to produce expense reports by automating the process with artificial..

How the new Republican tax plan may affect the average consumer

While some middle-income earners could see reductions, experts say the plan is biased toward upper income households

As the Senate appears headed for a vote on the Republican-backed tax package, its fate remains uncertain. That uncertainty extends to the measure's impact..

Car 'subscriptions' give consumers an alternative to owning a car

Volvo and Ford try to expand the concept

New car sales dipped by an estimated one percent in November, according to Kelley Blue Book, which may explain why car companies are hoping more consumers..

Here’s how dogs can help their owners cope with holiday stress

A study finds dogs are a source of moral support and distraction from stressful events

The holiday season can be a stressful time, but many pet owners have found a way to combat holiday-related anxiety. Eighty-five percent of dog owners say t..

Model year 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrids recalled

The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle fuse that may fracture

Holiday toys not to give based on recent recalls

Consumers should be sure not to give kids these toys this holiday season

If you did your holiday shopping early, it’s possible that you may have unwittingly purchased a recalled item for your child.Recalled toys and garments..

Processed bone treats can be dangerous to dogs, FDA warns

Here’s what you can give your pet instead

Following reports of 68 pet illnesses and 15 deaths caused by bone treats, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) is warning pet owners that bones ca..

Bitcoin's value surges past $10,000

The digital currency has increased its value 940 percent in 2017

The value of a single Bitcoin has moved past the $10,000 mark, representing a staggering 940 percent increase since the start of the year.Market analys..

Banks are paying more for your deposits

But does it pay to give them your money?

Rising Treasury bond yields over the last three months and increases in lending are pressuring banks to pay a higher interest rate on deposits, giving cons..

Three holiday health hazards to guard against

Tips for staying healthy while traveling

It’s no secret the holiday season means a greater likelihood of getting sick, but understanding the three major reasons people get sicker during the holida..

Study finds Walmart.com closing the price gap with Amazon

Experts say consumers can find notably lower prices on certain products

A study commissioned by the Reuters news agency shows Walmart has made dramatic progress this year in closing the online price gap with Amazon, giving cons..

Deals on holiday electronics may be thanks to child labor

Consumers urged to consider brands’ child labor ties when shopping

The country’s biggest retail season is in full swing, but shoppers who see great deals on popular electronics may want to consider those discounts could co..

Tips for pet-proofing your home for the holidays

Ornaments and holiday decor might cause problems for your pet

Most pet owners have likely experienced some sort of clash between their furry family member and holiday decor, but some decorations deserve extra care for..

Fewer than half the world's 50 busiest airports are smoke-free

CDC report warns many travelers are exposed to secondhand smoke

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds fewer than half the world's 50 busiest airports are completely smoke-free...

Picking the best gift card this holiday season

Giving a gift card can guarantee that the recipient gets something they want

Online student loan marketplace LendEDU has ranked the best gift cards, pointing out the attributes that make one gift card a better choice than another...

Ford recalls model year 2017 F-150s with ten-speed transmissions

The transmission may not respond to movement of the shift lever

The 10 most dangerous toys of 2017

Consumer group says holiday shoppers should avoid buying these toys

Ahead of the holidays, consumer safety group World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) has issued its annual list of the most dangerous toys.WATCH says t..

Tips for keeping holiday waste down

Focusing on energy-efficiency and waste reduction can help you have a greener holiday

The holiday season is an especially wasteful time of year for most households, but you can do your part to avoid this by keeping the planet in mind while d..

Citibank to compensate some student loan borrowers

$3.75 million settlement will be distributed to affected borrowers

A $3.75 million settlement between Citibank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will spell a refund for college students that serviced their loans..

Group finds many consumer products still contain toxic chemicals

Knowing which products pose a risk can help consumers avoid health problems

In a report on toxic chemicals contained in consumer products, a consumer group finds two thirds of retail companies it reviewed remain "serious laggards"..