#ReportersNotebook I’m a Consumer-Investigative reporter who often covers parenting and health issues. Yet, until recently, even I had no idea there was a viable EpiPen alternative!Jump To: Epi-Alternative Price Check & CouponsI mean, I’d heard of the controversial syringe … [Read more...]
EpiPen Is Not the Only Choice: My Switch to an Off-Brand
NOTE: This is in no way intended as a product endorsement, but rather one mom’s experience. Please consult your doctor and insurance provider about any changes in medication --The first time I bought a set of EpiPens, in 2015, I balked at the price.“Did insurance not cover … [Read more...]
What’s In Your Cleaning Products?
New parents tend to top the list of people concerned about toxic cleaning products. So, like many, I went out and bought the brands that appeared to be green and had names or slogans that implied they were "natural" or "kid safe."Now, as a consumer reporter, I am well aware that … [Read more...]
Politics Stall Child Credit Freeze Law?
After years of reporting on child ID theft and struggling to freeze my own child’s credit, it was rewarding to learn that California Assemblyman Mike Gatto introduced state legislation based on what I’d found.This week, the bill passed its first test, sailing through the California … [Read more...]
Baby Gear: If I Could Go Back, Instead I’d Buy…
When I was newly pregnant for the first time, I went into baby gear research hyperdrive. Overwhelmed by the vast options—how do I choose something for someone I've never met??—I dropped by a baby megastore to aid in my research. I hoped seeing things in person would help me visualize … [Read more...]
How to Protect Kids From ID Theft… One Year Later
More than a year after my first NewsMom blog on the topic, we finally aired the TV version of "How I Forced the Bureaus to Freeze My Child’s Credit."The two-part TV news series (below) was followed by a first-of-its-kind #FacebookLive chat where thousands gathered to ask me … [Read more...]
NewsMom Blog Prompts Child Credit Freeze Legislation
UPDATE 9/23/16: The governor has signed California's Child Credit Freeze Legislation AB 1580. California parents can now freeze their child's credit!My first-ever NewsMom blog was titled “Why My Toddler Has a Credit Card.” Six (long) months later, I followed that up with "How I … [Read more...]
Why My Toddler Has a Credit Card
SEE FEB 2016 UPDATE: How to Protect Kids From ID Theft… One Year Later Over the years, I've covered far too many news stories about identity theft. I’ve interviewed adult identity theft victims, child identity theft victims, security experts and even convicted ID … [Read more...]
Before You Pay for Credit Monitoring or ID Protection…
#ReportersNotebookEvery other day it seems like there's a new breach. Between the Anthem and Premera insurance hacks alone, it's estimated 1 out of 3 Americans have been compromised.As a result, there are a growing number of companies offering a growing number of credit monitoring … [Read more...]
Maternity Clothes–Four Ways to Rent, Trade and Save
#ReportersNotebook When I was pregnant, I had about five different maternity outfits… period. Maternity clothes are expensive! Especially the cute stuff, so I rotated though the same few pieces week after week. That was particularly problematic since I’m on TV every day (and no we … [Read more...]