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Rita R. Robison

@ritarrr.bsky.social
1.3K followers 2K following 595 posts

Consumer and personal finance journalist. Helps consumers make smart money choices. Read blog at bit.ly/2YExk6e. Sign up for 10 free weekly money tips at tinyurl.com/makeyourmoneywork.

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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 2h
I had fun celebrating with the bride and groom and their friends and family Saturday, but I wondered what to wear and if you take gifts to a wedding these days. ritarrobison.com/what-to-wear...
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What to wear to a wedding these days and do you bring a gift? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
My friend’s son recently got married, so I wondered what to wear and if I should I bring a present. […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
It's outrageous that payday apps are charging 3-digit interest rates, even in states where's illegal. And it's outrageous that the U.S. House is considering a bill to exempt the payday apps from regulation. ritarrobison.com/payday-loan-...
ritarrobison.com
Payday loan apps in every state charging triple-digit interest rates, often trapping borrowers into a cycle of debt, report shows - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
In every state, app-based payday loans carry triple-digit annual percentage rates or APRs, and borrowers paid one or more fees, […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
It's just wrong that the Trump administration is canceling enforcement actions against corporations who are donating to Trump and Republicans. This wrongdoing must stop. ritarrobison.com/enforcement-...
ritarrobison.com
Enforcement actions against more than 200 corporations have been canceled by the Trump administration, report shows - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
The Trump administration has canceled enforcement actions inherited from the Biden administration against 205 corporations, according to a report Public […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Water bills have increased by an average of 62 percent for typical households over the last decade, a study shows. Water bills increased at 1.6 times the rate of inflation and more than two times greater than the price of groceries over the last decade. ritarrobison.com/a-water-affo...
ritarrobison.com
A water affordability crisis is rapidly expanding throughout America as the cost of water skyrockets, group says - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
The cost of drinking water is soaring throughout the United States, a study, which tracks the 10-year change in water […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
In September, the EPA repealed safeguards that required coal- and gas-fired power plants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, the main driver of climate change. A coalition of 26 governments is asking a federal appeals court to restore the protections. ritarrobison.com/states-and-l...
ritarrobison.com
States and local governments challenging EPA over reduced power plant pollution limits - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
A coalition of states and local governments is challenging the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, for dismantling federal […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Seattle’s Fair Pricing policy prevents large online and brick and mortar grocery retailers from using sensitive personal information to manipulate the prices customers pay. ritarrobison.com/seattle-is-t...
ritarrobison.com
Seattle is the first city to ban surveillance pricing at grocery stores - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
The first‑in‑the‑nation city-led consumer protection measure designed to stop grocery retailers from using personal data to set different prices for […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Check out where your city ranks in terms of the best or worst city for driving and take a look at the money-saving tips while driving. ritarrobison.com/what-are-the...
ritarrobison.com
What are the best and worst cities to drive in during 2026? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Most Americans rely on cars to get around, as 87 percent of daily trips take place in personal vehicles, according […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Homeowners and renters can now buy balcony solar panels from retailers and plug them in without getting an interconnection agreement from their utility. The cost and time getting that agreement has been a barrier to greater use of these systems. ritarrobison.com/balcony-sola...
ritarrobison.com
‘Balcony solar’ now available in California due to new law - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Californians will be able to invest in clean energy and tackle high energy bills by making it easier to install […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I've warned consumers about using peer-to-peer apps due to the lack of protection for your money. These studies show that only 15 percent of those who paid with peer-to-peer payment services, such as Zelle and Venmo, got their money back when scammed. ritarrobison.com/nearly-all-a...
ritarrobison.com
Nearly all Americans targeted by a digital scam or cyberattack, studies show - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Nine in 10 American consumers have encountered at least one digital scam or cyberattack attempt and 17 percent of Americans […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
It's great to see states, cities, and counties suing over the gutting of fuel efficiency standards by the Trump administration. It will cost people more and increase air pollution that's damaging to health. I remember Los Angeles smog. ritarrobison.com/states-citie...
ritarrobison.com
States, cities, and counties sue over rollback of fuel efficiency standards for vehicles - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks are unlawfully being weakened by the National Highway Traffic Safety […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Three companies are maneuvering to put DuPont’s most valuable business assets into the newly-created Vylor and leave their big liabilities behind. Liabilities include contaminating the country’s drinking water and natural resources with PFAS. ritarrobison.com/attorneys-ge...
ritarrobison.com
Attorneys general file a lawsuit over corporate liability for PFAS pollution - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Sixteen attorneys general filed a lawsuit Thursday against the chemical company known as DuPont, now called “EIDP,” its parent company, […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Look for deals on Halloween items, grills, outdoor furniture, perennials, lawn mowers, snow tools, and more in October. But Black Friday sales are creeping into October, so look for bargains starting in mid-October. ritarrobison.com/what-to-buy-...
ritarrobison.com
What to buy and not buy in October 2026 - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Probably the best advice for shopping in October this year is to compare prices on what’s on your list for […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
How are you doing on your fall yard work and getting your yard ready for winter? I'm way behind, but I hope to get caught up before it gets too cold. ritarrobison.com/its-time-to-...
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It’s time to get your yard ready for winter - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Fall is here, unfortunately. I hate to see summer fade. October will be here in a few days, then Halloween. […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
New car fuel economy standards have been cut from 50.4 mpg to 34.9 mpg by 2031 by Trump. Although he claims the cut will make cars more affordable and reduce regulatory burdens on automakers, critics argue it will lead to higher fuel costs for consumers. ritarrobison.com/the-trump-ad...
ritarrobison.com
The Trump administration’s slashing of fuel economy standards for cars will harm consumers and the environment - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Average fuel economy standards for new cars have been reduced from 50.4 miles per gallon to 34.9 miles per gallon […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Consumers who purchased certain generic drugs between May 2009 and December 2019, may be eligible for compensation. Click on the article to see how to apply. ritarrobison.com/consumer-are...
ritarrobison.com
Consumer are urged to apply for refund under settlement in generic drug price-fixing lawsuits - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Consumers can check their eligibility for compensation under a recent settlement for certain generic drug purchases and submit a claim […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Mississippi, Colorado, and Tennessee had the largest mortgage interest rate increases between the first and second quarter of 2026, while Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota has the smallest increases. ritarrobison.com/where-are-mo...
ritarrobison.com
Where are mortgage interest rates increasing the most in the U.S.? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
One thing that makes me happy these days is that my mortgage is paid off. As an older adult, it […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Try using this less toxic method to clean your garbage disposal. ritarrobison.com/how-to-clean...
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How to clean your garbage disposal - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
A big fan of hydrogen peroxide, I just found out you can use it to clean your drains and garbage […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Although the repairman handed me a paper to read because the form on the iPad had small print, I missed that if I wanted the company to do the repair, I'd have to pay in advance -- always a bad idea. Sure enough. The guy caused a flood in my rec room. I was so mad. ritarrobison.com/read-the-fin...
ritarrobison.com
Read the fine print before you sign up to get an appliance repaired - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Recently, my washing machine has been making a loud noise during the spinning cycle. An internet search pointed to the […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
For 5 years, Paramount will increase film output through an additional $1.5 billion commitment for domestic production, a $47.5 million fund for workers impacted by the merger, and restrictions on how the company handles cable negotiations to keep prices competitive. ritarrobison.com/paramount-ag...
ritarrobison.com
Paramount agrees to invest in U.S. film production to settle lawsuit with 12 states to get Warner Bros. Discovery merger deal - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
A coalition of 12 state attorneys general announced a settlement Monday with Paramount Skydance Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery resolving […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It's easier these days to be successful at a vegan or vegetarian diet, which is good for health, especially heart health. And, you'll save money, too. Check out this list of cities, which get high marks for their veggie offerings. ritarrobison.com/what-are-the...
ritarrobison.com
What are the top 20 cities for vegans and vegetarians in the U.S. for 2026? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
In 2023, I took the Dean Ornish heart health program and it changed my life in many ways. It’s a […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Big Pharma expects little to no financial impact from Pres. Trump's short-term Medicaid deals, says Public Citizen. Instead, pharma companies and Trump appear to have worked together to offer minor concessions to avoid taking more meaningful action to lower prices. ritarrobison.com/big-pharma-i...
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Big Pharma is favored over patients in Trump administration’s drug pricing deals, consumer group says - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have signed up their Medicaid programs to participate in President […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The FTC and Washington allege that Amway and its affiliates use a variety of deceptive and unfair tactics, including misrepresentations about likely earnings, to pressure participants to buy Amway products they don’t want and that end up being difficult to sell. ritarrobison.com/amway-agrees...
ritarrobison.com
Amway agrees to pay $225 million to settle charges of deceptive practices - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Amway Corp., one of the country’s largest multi-level marketing companies, and two of its affiliates will pay $225 million to […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
At the end of the second quarter of 2026, outstanding student loan balances were more than $1.72 trillion, according to the Department of Education. That amounts to more than $40,000 per borrower across 42.6 million Americans. ritarrobison.com/where-does-y...
ritarrobison.com
Where does your state rank among those with the most and least student debt for 2026? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Student debt is a major financial problem in the United States. Except for mortgages, student loans are the largest share […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Seattle, in my home state of Washington, is the second best city in the country for women, according to a Wallethub analysis. ritarrobison.com/what-are-the...
ritarrobison.com
What are the best and worst cities for women in 2026? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Over recent decades, things have improved for women in the workplace, finances, politics, health, and the home. I can remember […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Don't fall for an investment scam. It can even happen to rich, powerful people. Travis Kelce was identified in federal court as one of at least 64 victims of a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. ritarrobison.com/use-these-ti...
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Use these tips to avoid scams investments because anyone, including Travis Kelce, can get scammed - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
A man who ran a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors in Missouri and elsewhere out of millions of dollars was […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The new deadline to submit comments on the FTC's surveillance pricing rule is Sept. 25. Prices for products and services need to be based upon supply and demand, not people's web surfing habits or buying history. ritarrobison.com/let-the-ftc-...
ritarrobison.com
Let the FTC know that you don’t like surveillance pricing - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
The Federal Trade Commission is extending the public comment period on the proposed enforcement policy statement on personalized pricing. The […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In addition to testifying about local utility rate increases, get informed about what's going on in state government utility policies. State actions can make your utility bills go up or down. ritarrobison.com/how-to-reduc...
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How to reduce your utility bills - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
The cost of everything is going up these days. In addition to testifying locally about increases in electricity, gas, water, […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The bill that would create a certified “non-ultra-processed” food label for packaged food products and a state certification program for products that aren’t ultra-processed food. ritarrobison.com/californians...
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Californians will get a ‘non-ultra-processed’ food label, if bill is signed by Gov. Newsom - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Residence of California will get help selecting more healthy food in the supermarket if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
American auto loan debt is more than $1.7 trillion, and car payments strain many people's finances. Buying less-expensive, used vehicles or saving up money to minimize loans can help prevent stressful auto loan debt. ritarrobison.com/what-to-do-t...
ritarrobison.com
What to do to avoid overspending on your car or cars - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
American auto loan debt is more than $1.7 trillion. U.S. auto sales had a good year in 2025, rising nearly […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
It costs a lot more these days to sit in the front of the plane and have slightly more leg room. Also, there are fewer flights to choose from. ritarrobison.com/start-earlie...
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Start earlier to buy an airline ticket because you’ll need to compare the cost of classes within the plane, too - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Recently, I bought a ticket for a trip to Spain to visit my daughter and her family. Although I’ve been […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The hand warmers have overheated, resulting in 15 fires and 350 burn injuries, including the death of an 83-year-old consumer in San José, Calif. If you have the hand warmers, stop using them immediately and see my article for how to get a refund and dispose of them. ritarrobison.com/1-5-million-...
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1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers recalled after fires, burns, and one death - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
OCOOPA rechargeable lithium-ion battery hand warmers are being recalled because they can overheat and ignite, posing a risk of serious […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Sweet potatoes are a great food to eat year around, not just at holidays. They're tasty and filling as well as being nutritious and inexpensive, especially at Costco and Trader Joe's. Bake them in a big batch then try the soup recipe in my article. ritarrobison.com/how-to-enjoy...
ritarrobison.com
How to enjoy sweet potatoes - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Ever buy a bag of sweet potatoes? I have. I’m currently working on one right now. I like to rotate […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Go through your Amazon history from 2017 to the present. Look for any items marked as “Return Started” but never “Refund Issued.” You may be able to get a refund from Amazon as a result of a class action lawsuit. ritarrobison.com/stay-tuned-f...
ritarrobison.com
Stay tuned for how to get a refund from Amazon’s $309.5 million settlement with customers who claimed the company shortchanged them on refunds for returned items - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Amazon.com agreed early this year to a $309.5 million class action settlement with a group of consumers to resolve claims […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Are you struggling with credit card debt? Check out these tips to pay off debts and improve your savings and budgeting efforts. The average household credit card balance was about $11,313 at the end of the second quarter of 2026. ritarrobison.com/what-to-do-a...
ritarrobison.com
What to do about credit card debts if yours is increasing - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Consumers added $29 billion in credit card debt during the second quarter of 2026, according to a Federal Reserve consumer […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Washington, my home, ranks No. 19 in a survey of happiness. Oregon, our neighbor, ranks No. 42. Oregon got a much lower score on economic and physical well being and lower scores on work environment and community and environment. ritarrobison.com/do-you-live-...
ritarrobison.com
Do you live in a happy state or an unhappy state? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
We all want to be happy. We’d like to get our work, finances, families, and social lives in order so […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I hope your Labor Day is going well. I'm headed out to see if I can get a bargain and some holiday food. ritarrobison.com/happy-labor-...
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Happy Labor Day - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Best wishes on this day to celebrate the lives of American workers. Whether you’re attending a parade, hosting a barbecue, […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Buying a new or used car is tough these days, with prices going up just like most other items. Do research to see if you can find a deal at the Labor Day sales. ritarrobison.com/tips-for-buy...
ritarrobison.com
Tips for buying a car at Labor Day sales - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Will you be able to get a deal on a new or used car at the Labor Day car sales this year? Maybe. About 87 million Americans will be shopping for cars this Labor Day weekend, that’s 23 percent more tha...
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Seattle ranked No. 1 on the AAA's list of the best places to travel for Labor Day 2026. Hooray for this great city. ritarrobison.com/best-places-...
ritarrobison.com
Best places to travel for Labor Day 2026 - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Labor Day is a great time to travel. School may have started, but a short trip is fun and good […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
What are your plans for Labor Day? A barbecue? Shopping? Traveling? Check out these facts and figures to see what America is up to. And a little bit of history, too. ritarrobison.com/facts-and-fi...
ritarrobison.com
Facts and figures for Labor Day 2026 - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
As summer fades, it’s time to face up to the fact that it’s Labor Day on Monday and fall and […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Like many women, I've benefited from the economic freedom and security brought about by the Women's Movement and Gloria Steinem. ritarrobison.com/gloria-stein...
ritarrobison.com
Gloria Steinem and the Women’s Movement helped women financially - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
A friend and I were talking Wednesday about the 1970s and how women faced so much discrimination in financial matters […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Compare rates for certificates of deposit or CDs before you buy or renew. ritarrobison.com/consider-buy...
ritarrobison.com
Consider buying CDs, but check on the rate for renewing after they expire - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Years ago, a financial planner suggested I buy certificates of deposit, CDs, at a local credit union because the interest […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Amazon has millions of advertising customers who were misled into paying significantly higher prices, a lawsuit charges. These higher costs were largely passed on to American consumers. ritarrobison.com/ftc-and-22-s...
ritarrobison.com
FTC and 22 states sue Amazon over secretly inflated ad prices - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Amazon secretly inflated prices in its auction sales of digital advertising on its platform, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Following a budget has become more difficult, and 83 percent of Americans who have one say rising costs are the biggest challenge they face when trying to stick to it. ritarrobison.com/are-you-a-go...
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Are you a good budgeter? See how your state ranks among the best to worst - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Having a effective budget and sticking to it helps you organize your finances and ensure an adequate amount of money […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
How many of the 400 national parks in the U.S. have you visited? ritarrobison.com/what-are-the...
ritarrobison.com
What are the most popular national parks in the U.S.? - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Did you get to enjoy a national park during National Parks Week, which is just wrapping up? It’s the 110th […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
“The real test of this settlement is whether it actually forces Meta to change its behavior," Public Citizen said. "This is a company with a long history of disregard for children’s well-being and of privacy abuses." ritarrobison.com/we-will-see-...
ritarrobison.com
‘We will see,’ citizens’ group says about the effectiveness of Meta’s $17 billion settlement on the harms its platforms pose to kids - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Meta will pay more than $17 billion and make changes to Facebook and Instagram to resolve claims brought by dozens […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Unlike nearly all other foods and beverages, basic information such as calories, ingredients, and nutritional content isn’t currently required on labels for most alcoholic beverages. ritarrobison.com/alcohol-indu...
ritarrobison.com
Alcohol industry fails to provide voluntary nutrition and ingredient information on labels, study finds - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Do product labels from the top 150 beer, 150 spirits, and 150 wine brands sold in the United States contain […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
We have gotten a settlement with Meta that will make social media less dangerous for kids and make a difference for kids and their families, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, adding Meta has agreed to make massive transformations within months. ritarrobison.com/at-last-meta...
ritarrobison.com
At last: Meta’s $17 billion settlement shows action can be taken to address the harms to kids by media - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
For years, I’ve written about the harms that violence in the media does to children. While the American Academy of […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
People love my money tips newsletter. Sign up now and you'll get it Thursday. It has 10 financial tips weekly like getting bargains, saving money, and financial news. Getting the most from money is important in these days of financial turmoil. Sign up at tinyurl.com/makeyourmone....
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Labor Day is coming up, so it's a good time to look for sales on summer clothing, major appliances, mattresses, bedding, grills, patio furniture, TVs, laptops, previous-generation iPhones, home furnishings, and more. As always, compare prices frequently. ritarrobison.com/what-to-buy-...
ritarrobison.com
What to buy and not buy in September 2026 - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Unfortunately, summer is winding down. Although it’s difficult to think about the winter that’s coming, September is a great opportunity […]
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Rita R. Robison @ritarrr.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
McDonald’s said in 2018 that it would establish benchmarks on antibiotic use in beef, dramatically reduce its use of antibiotics, and report its progress on a regular basis to the public starting in 2022. It hasn't happened, a report says. ritarrobison.com/mcdonalds-su...
ritarrobison.com
McDonald’s, Subway, and Taco Bell fail to honor their pledges to reduce the use of antibiotics in the beef they serve customers, report says - Unlocking the Power of Your Money
Available data suggests that McDonald’s, Subway, and Taco Bell appear to have failed to honor their commitments to reduce, or […]
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