Smart Home Smart Buys

Talking Cats and Dogs

Did you know the estimated annual upkeep for a dog can hit $1,500, and for cats, it can climb up to $3,000? Luckily, it's possible to cut the cost of care without sacrificing comfort! We walk through what savvy pet owners should be adding to their carts on Amazon Prime Day and answer the most asked questions about pet insurance. Listen to unlock a happier, healthier, and more affordable life alongside your beloved furry friends!

Buy Baby Gear Without Breaking The Bank

Did you know that in 2025, the average cost of caring for a baby through just the first year of life—including essentials like diapers, clothing, and toys—surpassed $20,000? Before you begin to spend, let Consumer Reports' baby experts help you separate the best from the rest, ensuring you make smart, safe buying choices for your little one. We pull back the curtain on the rigorous process CR uses to determine its annual Top Baby Picks of 2026 [https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/top-picks-for-baby-a5254650876/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT], covering the must-have items like strollers, car seats, and high chairs. Our experts answer the essential questions parents are asking: Which unnecessary products should we leave off of our baby registry to save space and money? What are the key safety and convenience differences between an infant, convertible, and all-in-one car seat? And, most importantly, tips on how you can save money on all your baby gear needs.

Smart Home Smart Buys

Smart home innovations are everywhere, but do they simplify life or just add complication? We speak with CR's Senior Home & Appliances Writer, Daniel Wroclawski, who lives with over 70 smart devices. We tackle essential consumer questions: Do appliances need to be smart? What happens when integrated systems fail? Learn crucial tips on securing your smart home from hackers.

Travel Smarter, Not Harder

Essential tips on selecting the perfect destination and avoiding the most common, costly mistakes people make when booking flights and hotels—knowledge that could save you hundreds! Monet Hambrick, of The Traveling Child, shares how to make family vacations that delight, even on a modest budget. CR's Best Cruise Lines: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/cruises/best-cruise-lines-a1084300422/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT [https://www.consumerreports.org/money/cruises/best-cruise-lines-a1084300422/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT] 7 Common Luggage Problems: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/luggage/common-luggage-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-a9551904028/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT [https://www.consumerreports.org/money/luggage/common-luggage-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-a9551904028/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT] Tanya's Hard-Shell Suitcase Reviews: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/luggage/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage-from-consumer-reports-tests-a2086664350/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT [https://www.consumerreports.org/money/luggage/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage-from-consumer-reports-tests-a2086664350/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT] Monet Hambrick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelingchild [https://www.instagram.com/thetravelingchild] 00:00 Welcome to Talking Carts 01:32 How Booking Trips Has Changed 04:01 Is Travel Insurance Worth It? 07:00 Common Travel Mistakes 10:40 Dealing With School Schedules 13:06 Strategies for Trip Planning 15:05 Travel Splurges to Skip 17:57 What To Do Before Every Trip 21:55 Travel App Recommendations 23:34 Get the Right Luggage 27:29 Cruise Line Dos and Don'ts 30:12 What "Good Value" Means To You 31:55 Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The Price is Right, Right?

Feeling the impact of inflation, shoppers are searching for true bargains. CR's "Price Tracker" charts the long-term price patterns of 16 specific, high-demand products. Learn to stop guessing and start shopping smarter by understanding when patience pays off and when waiting could actually backfire. 00:00:00 Dealing With Price Uncertainty 00:04:00 What Products Does CR Track? 00:05:48 Most and Least Stable Prices 00:08:04 Causes of Market Volatility 00:11:43 Are Consumers Overreacting? 00:14:06 How CR's Price Tracker Can Help You 00:16:08 Buying Refurbished and Secondhand 00:18:45 Mapping Out Your Purchases 00:21:13 Month-to-Month Price Trends 00:23:38 Add-to-Cart Pricing Deals 00:24:57 "Buy Now," "Wait" or "It Depends?" 00:29:28 Key Takeaways and Next Steps