Top The Early Show: ConsumerWatch Stories from CBSNews.comhttp://www.cbsnews.com/track/rss/sections/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main500369.shtml??source=RSS&en-us(c) MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.Tue, 13 May 2008 11:19:14 EDT15http://www.cbsnews.com/track/rss/sections/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main500369.shtml??source=RSS&http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/common/images/v2/logo_cbsnews_small.gif13623Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:02 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/13/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main4091271.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4091271Grocery outlet stores sell items for much less than regular grocery stores, reports Susan Koeppen.Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/25/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main4045233.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4045233Susan Koeppen's "Ask It Early" tackles that topic and others from queries from viewers, namely, how to find the lowest gas prices and where to find online shopping discount coupons.Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/25/earlyshow/living/money/main4044409.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4044409The Early Show visited a family taking dramatic steps to curb spending, and Susan Koeppen offered tips on how you could cut back, as well.Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/24/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main4040297.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4040297Susan Koeppen Helps You Come To Grips With High Gas Prices, And MoreTue, 22 Apr 2008 09:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/22/earlyshow/living/money/main4033780.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4033780GasPriceWatch.com's Gary Lewis offered tips to help you have less pain at the pump, on The Early Show.Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:30:01 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/10/business/main4005267.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_4005267Several mid-size cars have made strides in protecting motorists in side crashes through standard air bags and improved designs, the insurance industry reports.Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:00:04 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/07/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3997495.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3997495Susan Koeppen's "Ask It Early" tackles that question, and ones on using used car seats, and on tire expiration dates,Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:06 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/01/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3985519.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3985519Susan Koeppen explored the skyrocketing prices, on The Early Show.Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:00:04 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/21/earlyshow/living/parenting/main3956593.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3956593The move follows an Early Show report that at least five may be cause for concernThu, 20 Mar 2008 11:00:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/20/earlyshow/living/travel/main3953248.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3953248Travel + Leisure magazine's Laura Begley offered a wealth of information, on The Early Show.Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:00:05 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/20/earlyshow/living/parenting/main3953217.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3953217An independent lab says nine of 28 toys it tested had high lead levels, but Disney, which owns the Montana character, denies it.Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/12/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3928372.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3928372Experts explained what's behind the rise, and how to keep the impact down, on The Early Show.Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/07/earlyshow/living/money/main3916381.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3916381And do it without buying in bulk or at a discount super store. Bon Appetit magazine's Dede Wilson explained how, on The Early Show.Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/07/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3916349.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3916349Susan Koeppen offered a detailed look at the life-savers, including plenty you may not realize, on The Early Show.Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:30:04 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/06/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3913467.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3913467Susan Koeppen's "Ask It Early" tackles that question, and ones on rebates, free credit reports, and mystery shopper scams.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:00:04 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/05/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3907827.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3907827The Consumer Product safety Commission is putting inspectors at some of the busiest, checking shipments of toys and other goods.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:00:07 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/05/earlyshow/main3909301.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3909301Dietician Keri Glassman told what common terms, such as "organic" and "zero trans fat," really mean.Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:00:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/03/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3898779.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3898779Susan Koeppen explained what to do -- including things that may not leap to mind -- on The Early Show.Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/28/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3885941.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3885941Susan Koeppen's "Ask It Early" tackles that question, one on wills, and more.Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/07/earlyshow/contributors/raymartin/main3800803.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3800803Early Show financial guru Ray Martin shared words to the wise on how to avoid getting taken when seeking help.Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/25/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3752333.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3752333Susan Koeppen told how to make those gripes effective, on The Early Show.Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/18/earlyshow/living/money/main3727289.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3727289AOL's Regina Lewis points to Web sites that can save you money on everything form gas to groceries, on The Early Show.Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:00:18 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/17/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3722852.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3722852Consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen answers that and other viewer queries in her new Early Show series, "Ask It Early." Also addressed: where to find toys made in America, and how to get a live human instead of phone-mail mazes.Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/14/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3708066.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3708066Susan Koeppen had words-to-the-wise on food and gas prices, identity theft, travel, and toy recalls, on The Early Show.Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:00:05 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/11/earlyshow/saturday/main3703685.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3703685January is the month for white sales. "Healthy Housekeeper" Laura Dellutri told what to look for, and how to take care of what you buy, on The Saturday Early Show.Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:30:02 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/11/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3699122.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3699122Susan Koeppen explained how you can tell they're dangerous, on The Early Show. She covered toaster ovens, coffeemakers, hair dryers and more.Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:00:04 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/03/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3669249.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3669249Keeping them cleaned out is important for health reasons -- and to help keep foods tasting good for longer periods, says Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen.Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:00:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/26/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3647285.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3647285Susan Koeppen reported on the most common forms, and offered advice to help you avoid being duped, on The Early Show.Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:00:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/20/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3635149.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3635149Insurance industry tests show repair bills of up to $3,500 from bumper-benders. Low-speed collisions result in payouts that amount to a-third of all losses for vehicular claims, the industry says.Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:05 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/19/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3631560.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3631560Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says lead associated with holiday lights and fake trees is also in focus.Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/18/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3627445.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3627445Who are the top tots? Forbes.com looked at 50 celebrity children, analyzing their Web presence, articles, blogs and consumer interest -- and came up with its first-ever list of Hollywood's ten most influential babies.Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:30:02 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/11/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3605222.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3605222Susan Koeppen says there's certainly no shortage to select from, and it all depends on your main objectives.Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:30:02 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/10/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3596913.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3596913AOL's Regina Lewis put several big-name e-tailers to the test, and reported the results on The Early Show.Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/04/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3571963.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3571963It's a growing trend -- using the Web and even the phone to hire help from anywhere in the world for projects big and small. Susan Koeppen explains.Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/26/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3539564.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3539564If you went to a mall this past weekend will be happy to know that there are more compelling reasons than ever to shop online this year. Some sites are offering free shipping as an incentive, while others offer significant discounts and bonuses.Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:30:03 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/15/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3504699.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3504699Ford and Honda have the most vehicles on the insurance industry's latest scorecard. Electronic Stability Control is a key requirement to make the grade.Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:30:04 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/12/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3487383.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3487383Many retailers, fearing sluggish holiday sales in a spotty economy, are slashing prices already, says Susan Koeppen.Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:00:02 ESThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/05/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3451618.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3451618A lawsuit claims he was duped into selling policies worth $15 million. Susan Koeppen has tips on how you can avoid the same thing happening to you.Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:00:02 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/02/earlyshow/saturday/main3447998.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3447998Remember when it was a novelty to "shop" for a house online, using grainy pictures and tiny MLS listings? These days it's a necessity, not a luxury, to use the Web for real estate transactions, says AOL's consumer advisor Regina Lewis.Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:00:07 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/25/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3406743.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3406743Federal regulators say kids could fall out and suffer serious head injuries if the seats are used on elevated surfaces. Susan Koeppen explains.Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:06 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/24/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3401561.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3401561The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen has the lowdown.Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:07 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/22/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3390971.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3390971The CPSC says many of the tests it tried showed unsafe products as safe, and some did the opposite. In general, the agency dubbed such tests as unreliable. Susan Koeppen took a close look.Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:00:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/08/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3341028.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3341028...to the tune of almost $3 billion a year, and not just on groceries, either! Susan Koeppen chats with a coupon queen, and suggests you might want to get in on it, too.Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:00:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/04/earlyshow/living/money/main3328840.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3328840Among them: fees you don't expect, and weaker fraud protection than credit cads have. Greg Daugherty of Consumer Reports Money Adviser filled in viewers of The Early Show.Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:00:09 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/13/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3257250.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3257250Every year, hundreds of products are recalled by the government. But many of those products are still in homes, sometimes with dire consequences. Susan Koeppen explains there is a new program to alert consumers of recalls.Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:00:04 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/06/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3238199.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3238199They're ripping off homeowners facing foreclosure, reports Susan Koeppen, promising, for a fee, to intervene on homeowners' behalf, then doing little or nothing -- except running off with the money they were paid.Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:52:24 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/30/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3219596.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3219596They're considered easy prey and are frequently victimized more than once. The AARP Bulletin's Jim Toedtman explains why, and has advice to help prevent such schemes from working, on The Early Show.Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:00:02 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/27/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3206285.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3206285Susan Koeppen warns that if "partial winnings" suddenly show up in the mail, your fraud antennae should kick into action. She says the "checks" are part of a scheme crooks use frequently to try to separate you from your money.Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:00:04 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/24/backtoschool/main3202130.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3202130Kids heading back to school need a list of supplies that can be long and expensive. Consumer Watch contributor Susan Koeppen offers some suggestions for keeping the costs down.Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:00:07 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/21/earlyshow/contributors/daveramsey/main3188716.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3188716Dave Ramsey explained why on The Early Show, and told students and parents what they can do to prevent it.Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/21/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3188269.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3188269Consumer Reports' Mandy Walker outlined five on The Early Show. They range from a fresh approach to the classic "You've won something" tack to one involving jury duty.Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:00:06 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/21/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3187999.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3187999The Consumer Product Safety Commission says they've almost doubled since 1998. Susan Koeppen offers prevention tips on The Early Show, and tells parents what to look for, good and bad, in their kids' school living quarters.Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:30:04 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/20/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3184554.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3184554With the price of higher educating reaching new heights, more con-artists are ripping off families using financial aid scams.Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:30:03 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/16/earlyshow/living/parenting/main3173701.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3173701AOL's Regina Lewis pointed to destinations that help kids and parents get ready for classes to start again, on The Early Show.Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:30:02 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/16/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main3173647.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3173647The 5 Series got a "marginal" rating from the insurance industry. The Acura RL and Volvo S80 did well. The less costly Kia Amanti made the grade, too showing, some experts say, a higher price tag doesn't always translate into better protection.Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:30:05 EDThttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/06/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main3136204.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3136204Many people don't realize how germy bedroom pillows can be. In fact, where we rest our heads can contain allergens.