Of Consuming Interest

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, who defines woke and how it affects so many areas of our lives, including our pension funds and healthcare.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses. And we address the question: are women more reluctant to use AI than men?…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, president, Forward Together Wealth Planning, who points out the many changes in our economy that may make a difference in your investment strategies. What impact will the huge data centers have on the market and how will biotech play into your financial outlook? What should you know about municipal bonds and defense spending when investing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, psychotherapist, about looksmaxxing and the effect it can have on physical and mental health if carried to the extreme. Looksmaxxing is a trend among young men that uses extreme measures to change the way they look. It includes bone smashing, as well as taking steroids and hormones..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, Wallet Hub writer and analyst, who describes some ways to ease the pain at the pump.  A credit card might be one of the tools that will give you rewards or cash back. A recent study outlines points to consider in choosing a credit card, its limits, advantages, and drawbacks.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Steven Milloy, founder of junkscience.com, who discusses how the climate has fluctuated from hot to the Ice Age and how many of the efforts to stop climate change have failed. He also questions many of the models that have been used to track changes in the climate..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, writer and analyst with Wallet Hub, who discusses the cities where consumers are significantly reducing the delinquency rate on credit cards.He also points out the good and the bad about deferred payment loans and how important it is to always pay this type of debt on time.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses George Washington’s life at Mount Vernon, his innovative farming techniques, military career, and presidency.He also talks about the important role Martha Washington played in running the plantation while Washington was fighting the Revolutionary War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, Wallet Hub writer and analyst, who describes some ways to ease the pain at the pump.  A credit card might be one of the tools that will give you rewards or cash back. A recent study outlines points to consider in choosing a credit card, its limits, advantages, and drawbacks.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with John Berlau of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who discusses George Washington’s life at Mount Vernon, his innovative farming techniques, military career, and presidency.He also talks about the important role Martha Washington played in running the plantation while Washington was fighting the Revolutionary War.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Steven Milloy, founder of junkscience.com, who discusses how the climate has fluctuated from hot to the Ice Age and how many of the efforts to stop climate change have failed. He also questions many of the models that have been used to track changes in the climate..  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, psychotherapist and author, who discusses ways to reduce tensions in intensive conversations by using banter with empathy. Banter is a useful in defusing a situation. In addition, if empathy is carried too far it can lead to what one author calls suicidal empathy where emotions take over good judgment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Laura Levine, president and CEO of the Jump Start Coalition, who discusses the progress in schools providing financial education to children starting in kindergarten as well suggesting ways parents can introduce their kids to responsible use of credit cards, debit cards, and planning a budget.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Rick Berman, RBB Strategies, who cites numerous studies that reveal very high levels of contaminants in the majority of the bottles tested. The simple solution is to clean them thoroughly, especially the lids and the grooves in the bottles, wash with soap and water daily and put in the dishwasher at least once a week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, WalletHub writer and analyst, who describes some ways to ease the pain at the pump.  A credit card might be one of the tools that will give you rewards or cash back. A recent study outlines points to consider in choosing a credit card, its limits, advantages, and drawbacks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses the ways laws are slowly changing that could make the legal system more accessible and affordable to consumers. Utah and Arizona have innovative programs that may be one way to achieve these goals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, an analyst with Wallet Hub, who discusses how consumers use credit cards, the dangers of only paying the minimum each month and how to deal with creditors when you fall behind in paying off the debt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses the changes that can be made to the legal system that will make it more accessible and affordable for consumers and how some states have taken steps to accomplish this goal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who describes the behavior changes that occur when people use AI. For example, an MIT study showed that users forget what they just wrote and feel detached from their work. It concludes that our thinking ability and creativity appear to be significantly reduced.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Steven Milloy, founder of junkscience.com, who discusses how the climate has fluctuated from hot to the Ice Age and how many of the efforts to stop climate change have failed. He also questions many of the models that have been used to track changes in the climate..  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses. And we address the question: are women more reluctant to use AI than men?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, Wallet Hub writer and analyst, who describes some ways to ease the pain at the pump.  A credit card might be one of the tools that will give you rewards or cash back. A recent study outlines points to consider in choosing a credit card, its limits, advantages, and drawbacks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged by banks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, president, Forward Together Wealth Planning, who points out the many changes in our economy that may make a difference in your investment strategies. What impact will the huge data centers have on the market and how will biotech play into your financial outlook? What should you know about municipal bonds and defense spending when investing?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is sometimes called the winter blues but it is very real. Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who describes the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and ways to treat it including bright lights and exercise.In addition, she gives tips on getting along with relatives during the holidays and why empathy isn’t enough, it needs to be combined with banter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, an analyst with Wallet Hub, who discusses how consumers use credit cards, the dangers of only paying the minimum each month and how to deal with creditors when you fall behind in paying off the debt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Adam Andrzejewski, founder of OpenTheBooks.com, who introduces Benjamin, a bot that allows consumers to discover how their tax dollars are being spent. Our national debt is over $36 trillion. Where is the money going? Find out. Pay Benjamin a visit!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Sarah Delphey, vice president of trust solutions at Numeracle, to discuss the importance of authenticating the origin of phone calls. Delphey talks about the way technology is being used to stop the people from receiving calls from scammers while allowing legitimate calls to get through to consumers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph W. McCartin Insurance, who describes ways to prepare for future claims, including taking pictures or videos of your home furnishings. He also discusses the responsibilities of a host. For example, you may be liable if guests get drunk and have an accident when they leave your party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon, executive director of Responsive Law, who discusses the changes that can be made to the legal system that will make it more accessible and affordable for consumers and how some states have taken steps to accomplish this goal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley, a private wealth advisor, who discusses the myths surrounding Social Security, how you may be missing tax breaks on your savings accounts and the pros and cons of long term health careSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, psychotherapist and author, who discusses artificial intelligence -- how it provides valuable services but also presents many dangers. One major concern is how some people are actually falling in love with a machine. She gives a pathway to using, but at the same time controlling, its effect on our lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses the special needs of military and the many frauds targeting other consumers. He describes how the debt relief promised may only increase the debt load, how promises to erase credit card debt may backfire and other scams that trap consumers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo of Wallet Hub, who describes deferred interest and how it can save you money but only if you understand its restrictions and the price you may pay if you don’t make payments on time. He also gives tips on the best gift cards and how the rules regarding their use have changed.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged by banks See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is sometimes called the winter blues but it is very real. Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who describes the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and ways to treat it including bright lights and exercise.In addition, she gives tips on getting along with relatives during the holidays and why empathy isn’t enough, it needs to be combined with banter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Christie Matherne, editor at Wallethub, to discuss the reasons Maryland has the dubious honor of having the highest mortgage levels in the country. She also outlines ways to help deal with inflation, credit card debt and type budgets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of our first president and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist and author Jill Robin Payne about various ways to alleviate stress, including “Bempathy,” a way of creating empathy through casual conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses. And we address the question: are women more reluctant to use AI than men?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Rick Berman, RBB Strategies, who cites numerous studies that reveal very high levels of contaminants in the majority of the bottles tested. The simple solution is to clean them thoroughly, especially the lids and the grooves in the bottles, wash with soap and water daily and put in the dishwasher at least once a week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Laura Levine, president and CEO of the Jump Start Coalition, who discusses the progress in schools providing financial education to children starting in kindergarten as well suggesting ways parents can introduce their kids to responsible use of credit cards, debit cards, and planning a budget.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker wpeaks with Steven Milloy, founder of junkscience.com, who discusses how the climate has fluctuated from hot to the Ice Age and how many of the efforts to stop climate change have failed. He also questions many of the models that have been used to track changes in the climate..  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Tom Gordon of Responsive Law, who discusses digital estate planning, how AI may give consumers more access to the legal system, a court case involving consumers’ First Amendment right to receive legal information and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Joe Hemsley of Forward Together Financial Wealth Planning, who discusses strategies that can result in lower 2025 taxes. Is deferred income a good strategy? Should you consider a non-Roth IRA? How about increasing contributions to your retirement account? Are you aware of the lifetime gift exclusion?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Mike McCartin of Joseph M McCartin Insurance, who provides practical advice on buying insurance. For example, how you can reduce your car insurance premiums when you add a young driver, ways to lower your home insurance, your responsibilities when you hire a home improvement person and when you host a party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, psychotherapist and author, who discusses some of the psychological pitfalls of artificial intelligence. For example, we touch on the dangers of children using AI for life advice, as witnessed by the recent suicide of a teen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker talks to Kevin Brasler, editor of Consumer’s Checkbook, who describes a study on used cars that have been recalled due to serious defects. Many of them have not been repaired. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 million vehicles have not had their problems resolved.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo, writer and analyst with Wallethub, who discusses factors to consider when choosing an airline. The report takes a look at considerations other than costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.