Airlines, consumer groups ready for fight over proposed bill
As summer vacationers start to pack up and head home, Congress is considering a sweeping tally of proposals that could affect travelers, from dictating seat size and legroom to rolling back rules that require airlines to advertise the full price of a ticket. The current law authorizing operations of the Federal Aviation Administration expires […]
New law may force small businesses to reveal data practices
A Rhode Island software company that sells primarily to businesses is nonetheless making sure it complies with a strict California law about consumers' privacy.
Internet sales taxes divide Supreme Court justices
U.S. Supreme Court justices signaled they are divided about whether to let states start collecting billions of dollars in sales taxes from internet retailers that don’t currently charge tax to their customers. Hearing arguments in Washington on Tuesday in a South Dakota case, the justices considered overturning their 1992 ruling that made much of the […]
Driverless cars, Internet of Things and drones: Trends of CES 2016
Frank Gorman of Gorman & Williams is at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. Previously, he gave an overview of this year’s expo. Today, he’s highlighting some of the trends. CES 2016 presented several innovative technologies that have moved beyond novelty and gadgetry to “trends” toward change that will affect markets and the way we live. […]
More than just electronics at CES
CES 2016 shows increasing exhibitor diversity – beauty products, video streaming services, original video content producers, and automobile manufacturers to list a few.
Buying a car? A home? Fed rate hike shouldn’t matter much
WASHINGTON — For anyone considering whether to buy a home or car, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increase Wednesday shouldn’t make much difference. The rates that most people pay for mortgages, auto loans or college tuition aren’t expected to jump anytime soon. The Fed’s benchmark interest rate has limited influence on those things. Still, the […]
‘As Seen on TV’ seller settles N.J. consumer fraud claim
But wait, there's more: New Jersey company also will pay $550,000 as part of the settlement.
Used cars often sold with defects, despite recalls
It’s a case of buyer beware, with potentially dangerous consequences.
42.9 million Americans have unpaid medical bills
Nearly 20 percent of U.S. consumers with credit records — 42.9 million people — have unpaid medical debts, according to a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
More-confident U.S. households step up borrowing
Americans are slowly but steadily borrowing more money, bringing to an end a five-year effort to cut household debt that has slowed consumer spending and the economy.
September another big month for consumer borrowing
U.S. consumers increased their borrowing in September with gains in credit card debt and auto and student loans.
Stores have solid start to school shopping season
The back-to-school shopping season is off to a promising start, but retailers may be sacrificing profit for sales.