Consumer News

Best-made vacation travel plans can get bumped

An involuntary bump could ruin an expensive trip. Here's what to do

Some people travel a lot and know the secrets to getting from point A to point B on time. This time of year, however, many infrequent travelers are in airports, and some may have made time-sensitive travel plans. They're meeting family for a special occasion or boarding a cruise ship for a week-long vacation.

If air travel is involved, it means arriving at your destination on time. This time of year weather -- in the form of thunderstorms -- can be be an issue and so can...

07/21/2017 | By Mark Huffman

| Travel

Latest News

Home & garden

How to cut energy costs when the mercury rises7/21/2017

Simple steps can keep cooling costs under control

The dog days of summer have descended over wide areas of the U.S., with a month and a half of blistering temperatures likely still head.If you are fort… continue readingBy Mark Huffman

Travel

National Parks Senior Pass – buy yours before the price goes up7/21/2017

It provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites

The U.S. National Park Service offers a lifetime senior pass at a cost of $20.00 ($10.00 plus a $10.00 processing fee.) The senior pass is a bargain, provi… continue readingBy Robbie Miller Kaplan

Insurance

Minnesota fines Farmers for auto rate-setting policies7/21/2017

State says company charged renters more for car insurance than homeowners

Auto insurance companies have different ways of assessing risk and assigning rates, but in Minnesota, the state charges one method Farmers used violated st… continue readingBy Mark Huffman

Insurance

Types of boat insurance and what they cover7/21/2017

Skippers should always know where they stand when it comes to their insurance

For some consumers, there’s nothing that beats taking the boat out on the water during a hot summer’s day. But just as with any other vehicle, accidents ca… continue readingBy Christopher Maynard

Family & parenting

Preventing childhood falls around the house7/21/2017

What parents can do to keep kids safe around windows, stairs, and backyard play sets

Play is a huge part of childhood -- but unfortunately, so are playtime-related tumbles and falls. Scraped knees and bruised shins are often just a part of… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young

Family & parenting

Tips for keeping kids' needs at the forefront during a divorce7/21/2017

Child custody expert says divorcing parents should avoid these behaviors

Your kids are likely the center of your universe -- and that shouldn’t change in the midst of a divorce. Parents going through a divorce or separation… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young

Health

'Communication breakdowns' negatively affect consumers with home health care services7/21/2017

Researchers say serious communications gaps exist between HHC nurses, doctors, and hospitals

Many older consumers rely on home health care (HHC) services to provide extra help with everyday functions after they’ve been discharged from the hospital,… continue readingBy Christopher Maynard

Home & garden

What's included in your home purchase closing costs?7/21/2017

You will prepay taxes and insurance, along with third party fees

If you are buying a home, no doubt you have been saving for the down payment for a while. You will probably be paying between 3% or 20% of the purchase pri… continue readingBy Mark Huffman

Local police agency suggests that Hyundai accelerated on its own before fatal crash7/14/2017

Hyundai says runaway vehicle complaints are simply "pedal misapplication"

Chrysler recalls 440k vehicles with electrical issue7/14/2017

The vehicles may stall without warning, posing a crash risk

14 baby names that could soon become extinct7/17/2017

BabyCenter says these names haven't yet been chosen for a newborn in 2017

At what age can kids stay home alone?7/17/2017

Consider the law in your state, as well as your child's maturity level

Companies that most rely on credit scores to set car insurance rates7/17/2017

WalletHub study finds Farmers gives credit the most weight, Geico the least

Topics to Explore

July 21, 2017

Withholding -- too much vs. too little7/21/2017

Some easy steps for having the right amount taken out

Hotels in solar eclipse path filling up fast7/21/2017

Hotels.com reports Nebraska hotels seeing a 325% surge in searches

Manhattan Toy recalls activity toys7/21/2017

The product's colored plastic tubes can become brittle and break into small pieces

Homestar North America recalls three-drawer TV chests7/21/2017

If not anchored to the wall, the chest poses a serious tip-over hazard

Model year 2011-2016 Toyota Tacomas and 4Runners recalled7/21/2017

The accessory hood scoop could detach from the vehicle

Cesina Sausage Company recalls pork kolbassi7/21/2017

The product label identifies this product as ready-to-eat when it is not

Toyota recalls Avalon and Camry Hybrids7/21/2017

The vehicles could suffer a loss of propulsion

Sears will sell Kenmore products on Amazon7/20/2017

Company sees it as a way to significantly expand its reach

GM wins another ignition switch case7/20/2017

Arizona driver blamed his rear-end collision on the faulty switch

Google steps up protections against phishing attacks7/20/2017

Users will now be notified before installing an app that hasn't been verified

Where rents are rising the most (and least)7/20/2017

Rents are being pushed up as fewer people can afford to buy the median-priced home

Back to school prep should also include vaccines, doctors say7/20/2017

Parents can get their kids caught up on immunizations in just one visit

Discover adds security features to its credit cards7/20/2017

Will monitor the 'dark web' for members' Social Security numbers

Jobless claims plunge7/20/2017

The outlook for economic growth continues to be positive

Honda recalls model year 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles7/20/2017

The engine fuel feed hose and a fuel purge hose may be damaged

Polaris recalls Sportsman 570 ATVs7/20/2017

Fuel can leak into the headlight pod,

Yoplait Minigo and Liberté yogurt pouches recalled7/20/2017

The products may contain pieces of plastic

Ford recalls F-150 and model year 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks7/20/2017

The doors could unlatch in a side impact collision

Camlock seat harness belts recalled7/20/2017

One of the five harness belts can unlock during use

Newmar recalls Dutch Star and Ventana motorhomes7/20/2017

The driver side and passenger side powered night shades can be lowered when driving

July 19, 2017

Judge removes some plaintiffs in Missouri Essure case7/19/2017

Women claim the birth control device causes pain, menstrual problems

Paperwork issues may wipe out $5 billion in student loans7/19/2017

Owners of loans apparently having trouble proving it

The economy has improved but money worries persist7/19/2017

High levels of debt keeping many consumers up at night

Improving your home's outdoor entertainment spaces7/19/2017

A pool, a great grill, and a lush lawn make backyard summers more enjoyable

Santander introduces new cash back credit card7/19/2017

'Ultimate Cash Back' pays 1.5% on everything

How long is it safe to leave your dog home alone?7/19/2017

It's best not to leave a dog by itself for more than 4 hours, says one expert

Summer car safety tips for parents7/19/2017

Ways to prevent tragedies related to hot cars and distracted teen drivers

Parental knowledge of teen vaccine recommendations lacking7/19/2017

A new poll suggests that many parents don't know whether their child is up-to-date on vaccines

Safeway to pay $3 million to settle drug probe7/19/2017

Company was tardy in reporting missing or stolen drugs from pharmacies

Mortgage applications on the rebound7/19/2017

Contract interest were mostly lower

A turnaround for new home construction7/19/2017

June's increase was the first in three months

Improvements earn Kia Forte TOP SAFETY PICK+ award7/19/2017

The vehicle's front crash prevention system received a superior rating

Garden of Light recalls Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats7/19/2017

The product may be be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Yamaha recalls model year 2017 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles7/19/2017

The stamped vehicle identification number may not match the VIN on the vehicle certification label

Polaris Recalls RZR 570 and RZR S 570 ROVs7/19/2017

The front brake can detach, posing crash and injury hazards

Newmar recalls London Aire, King Aire and Essex motorhomes7/19/2017

The fuel pump may fail resulting in an engine stall

July 18, 2017

Senate pulls Obamacare 'repeal and replace' bill7/18/2017

Lawmakers may consider a measure just to repeal the law

FBI warns of 'connected toy' dangers7/18/2017

The warning follows complaints by consumer groups

Chipotle temporarily closes store after reported illnesses7/18/2017

Company says reported symptoms are consistent with norovirus

Things you should know about credit7/18/2017

TransUnion survey identifies a number of credit myths

Citi adds perks to its Prestige card7/18/2017

High-end card raises the competition for the affluent consumer

Disaster preparedness tips for pet owners7/18/2017

Having a 'go kit' prepared can help ensure pets stay safe

Another dip in builder confidence7/18/2017

Rising lumber prices are creating concerns

Boom time for teen summer hiring7/18/2017

Over a million young people found work in June

Bestherbs Coffee recalls New Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee7/18/2017

The product contains desmethyl carbodenafil, which is not declared on the label

Model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-Vs recalled7/18/2017

The front airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury

Texas Legend Foods recalls Silver Star Chipotle Dip7/18/2017

The product contains cheese, milk and eggs, allergens not declared on the label

GM recalls model year 2016-2017 Buick Envisions7/18/2017

The possible lack of energy-absorbing foam blocks in replacement headliners increases the risk of injury

July 17, 2017

Second Senate healthcare bill draws more opposition7/17/2017

Interest groups attack increased costs, reductions in coverage

J.D. Power finds increasing consumer skepticism about autonomous cars7/17/2017

Fewer consumers than last year express acceptance

Critics hit Amazon's Whole Foods takeover7/17/2017

Antitrust and labor issues stir discontent; retail analysts skeptical

At what age can kids stay home alone?7/17/2017

Consider the law in your state, as well as your child's maturity level

14 baby names that could soon become extinct7/17/2017

BabyCenter says these names haven't yet been chosen for a newborn in 2017

Think it can't happen to you? Think again7/17/2017

Phone scammers are out there and nobody is immune

Kiplinger rates the top banks and credit unions7/17/2017

Highly rated banks offer more services with fewer fees

Model year 2017 Hummingbird travel trailers recalled7/17/2017

Vehicle labels contain incorrect tire information

Model year 2017 Lexus ES350s recalled7/17/2017

The vehicle could experience a loss of steering

Custom Culinary recalls chicken and beef base paste7/17/2017

The products contain soy, an allergen not declared on the label

Keystone recalls Dutchmen Coleman recreational trailers7/17/2017

Wires may com loose and short together, increasing the risk of a fire

July 14, 2017

Cool off with an Alaskan summer cruise7/14/2017

Most of the major cruise lines operate ships in Alaskan waters

Tomatoes may help prevent skin cancer7/14/2017

Study finds a 50 percent reduction in male mice given a daily tomato serving

Lack of vitamin D in pregnancy linked to developmental problems in children7/14/2017

Researchers say a deficiency may lead to poor motor and social development

Model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journeys recalled7/14/2017

The driver's front airbag may deploy unexpectedly

Honda still wins when it comes to car thieves' top choice7/14/2017

The '98 Civic and '97 Accord are particular favorites

More than 1.1 million model year 2013-2016 Honda Accords recalled7/14/2017

Water may get into the battery management system causing an electrical short

Consumer inflation on hold in June7/14/2017

Falling energy costs and steady food prices get the credit

TOMY recalls Munching Max chipmunk toys7/14/2017

Parts inside the toy can break creating a sharp point

Retail sales post second straight decline in June7/14/2017

Slumping sales at gas stations was a big factor

TJX recalls glass beer mugs7/14/2017

The mug can break if heated or used with hot liquid

YSN Imports recalls refillable propane cylinders7/14/2017

The cylinders can leak propane gas, posing fire and explosion hazards

More News

Best-made vacation travel plans can get bumped

An involuntary bump could ruin an expensive trip. Here's what to do

Latest News

How to cut energy costs when the mercury rises7/21/2017

Simple steps can keep cooling costs under control

National Parks Senior Pass – buy yours before the price goes up7/21/2017

It provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites

Minnesota fines Farmers for auto rate-setting policies7/21/2017

State says company charged renters more for car insurance than homeowners

Types of boat insurance and what they cover7/21/2017

Skippers should always know where they stand when it comes to their insurance

Preventing childhood falls around the house7/21/2017

What parents can do to keep kids safe around windows, stairs, and backyard play sets

Tips for keeping kids' needs at the forefront during a divorce7/21/2017

Child custody expert says divorcing parents should avoid these behaviors

'Communication breakdowns' negatively affect consumers with home health care services7/21/2017

Researchers say serious communications gaps exist between HHC nurses, doctors, and hospitals

What's included in your home purchase closing costs?7/21/2017

You will prepay taxes and insurance, along with third party fees

Top News

Local police agency suggests that Hyundai accelerated on its own before fatal crash7/14/2017

Chrysler recalls 440k vehicles with electrical issue7/14/2017

14 baby names that could soon become extinct7/17/2017

At what age can kids stay home alone?7/17/2017

Companies that most rely on credit scores to set car insurance rates7/17/2017

July 21, 2017

Withholding -- too much vs. too little7/21/2017

Hotels in solar eclipse path filling up fast7/21/2017

Manhattan Toy recalls activity toys7/21/2017

Homestar North America recalls three-drawer TV chests7/21/2017

Model year 2011-2016 Toyota Tacomas and 4Runners recalled7/21/2017

Cesina Sausage Company recalls pork kolbassi7/21/2017

Toyota recalls Avalon and Camry Hybrids7/21/2017

July 20, 2017

Does President Trump's online conduct warrant a Twitter ban?7/20/2017

Planning to live to 100? Check your insurance policy7/20/2017

Scientists calculate the amount of plastic on earth7/20/2017

GOP tries to claw back new rules allowing class actions against financial institutions7/20/2017

Moderate alcohol intake and restricted sleep are a bad combination for drivers7/20/2017

Sears will sell Kenmore products on Amazon7/20/2017

GM wins another ignition switch case7/20/2017

Google steps up protections against phishing attacks7/20/2017

Where rents are rising the most (and least)7/20/2017

Back to school prep should also include vaccines, doctors say7/20/2017

Discover adds security features to its credit cards7/20/2017

Jobless claims plunge7/20/2017

Honda recalls model year 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles7/20/2017

Polaris recalls Sportsman 570 ATVs7/20/2017

Yoplait Minigo and Liberté yogurt pouches recalled7/20/2017

Ford recalls F-150 and model year 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks7/20/2017

Camlock seat harness belts recalled7/20/2017

Newmar recalls Dutch Star and Ventana motorhomes7/20/2017

July 19, 2017

Judge removes some plaintiffs in Missouri Essure case7/19/2017

Paperwork issues may wipe out $5 billion in student loans7/19/2017

The economy has improved but money worries persist7/19/2017

Improving your home's outdoor entertainment spaces7/19/2017

Santander introduces new cash back credit card7/19/2017

How just one minute of running per day can promote better bone health in women7/19/2017

There's more to losing weight than just reducing your calorie intake7/19/2017

Blind consumers hope autonomous cars arrive sooner rather than later7/19/2017

Hotels increasingly push loyalty programs to get customers to book directly7/19/2017

How long is it safe to leave your dog home alone?7/19/2017

Summer car safety tips for parents7/19/2017

Parental knowledge of teen vaccine recommendations lacking7/19/2017

Safeway to pay $3 million to settle drug probe7/19/2017

Mortgage applications on the rebound7/19/2017

A turnaround for new home construction7/19/2017

Improvements earn Kia Forte TOP SAFETY PICK+ award7/19/2017

Garden of Light recalls Woodstock Organic Matcha Vanilla Oats7/19/2017

Yamaha recalls model year 2017 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles7/19/2017

Polaris Recalls RZR 570 and RZR S 570 ROVs7/19/2017

Newmar recalls London Aire, King Aire and Essex motorhomes7/19/2017

July 18, 2017

Senate pulls Obamacare 'repeal and replace' bill7/18/2017

FBI warns of 'connected toy' dangers7/18/2017

Chipotle temporarily closes store after reported illnesses7/18/2017

Things you should know about credit7/18/2017

Teens and young adults who binge drink increase risk of dangerous brain changes7/18/2017

Consumers support strong regulation of Wall Street, poll finds7/18/2017