Bill Banks, Author at ConsumersWeek

How to Know if a Dentist Takes Your Insurance: Quick Verification Guide

Learning how to check if a dentist takes your insurance can help you avoid surprise costs. This becomes crucial when you look at most dental plans’ yearly maximum benefits, which typically range from $1,000 to $1,500. Dental insurance comes in four types—PPO, EPO, DHMO/HMO/Medicaid, and employer table of allowance fee schedules—and many patients find it […]

Bathroom Remodel Cost 2025: What You’ll Actually Pay [Real Data]

Bathroom remodel costs show huge variations. An average project costs around $12,000, with most homeowners spending between $6,000 and $17,000. A complete renovation might set you back $55,000, while a simple update starts at $2,500. Many factors affect the final cost. Recent data shows bathroom remodeling costs about $120 per square foot. Material quality and […]

Debt Consolidation vs Balance Transfer: Which Saves More Money in 2025?

Americans face a choice between credit card (debt consolidation vs balance transfer) debt consolidation and balance transfer options as nearly 83% of them make debt repayment their priority this year. The average American carries almost $8,000 in credit card debt, making economical solutions crucial right now. The situation looks even more pressing since almost 53% […]

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney After a Car Accident? [Expert Guide 2025]

Should you get an attorney after a car accident? This question affects nearly 6 million Americans annually who end up in auto accidents, based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. The choice can impact your finances in the most important ways. Research from the Insurance Research Council shows that people who hire attorneys get […]

Why Short-Term Health Insurance Could Save Gig Workers $3000+ This Summer

Short-term health insurance costs about $171 per month, nowhere near the $605 monthly premium you’d pay for ACA Marketplace coverage in 2024. Many gig workers now choose these temporary plans to cover healthcare gaps between jobs or missed enrollment windows. Temporary health insurance gives self-employed people without company benefits a budget-friendly option compared to traditional […]

How to Get Dental Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions: 2025 Truth Guide

Most Americans (about 80%) have some form of dental coverage. Finding dental insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is still challenging. Plans typically have waiting periods, exclusions, or limited benefits for existing dental issues. The average annual maximum benefit reaches only $1,500—major dental work can quickly use up this amount. Understanding dental insurance terms and limits […]

Top High Yield Savings Accounts That Actually Beat Inflation [June 2025 Guide]

High yield savings accounts up to 5% APY in 2025 blow away the national average savings rate of 0.45%. The math speaks for itself – a $10,000 balance could earn you $500 a year instead of just $45 in a regular account. The Fed’s recent rate cuts haven’t changed the fact that high-yield accounts are […]

5 Ways to Instantly Lower Your Auto Insurance Premium

Are you looking for ways to lower your auto insurance premium without compromising your coverage?While most drivers know about common discounts, nearly 70% are missing out on hidden savings opportunities. In fact, learning how to get cheaper car insurance goes far beyond the basic tips you’ve probably heard before. Insurance premiums can vary by thousands […]

Bathroom Vanity Dimensions: Expert Guide to Perfect Sizing [2025]

Bathroom vanity dimensions are a vital part of creating functional and beautiful bathroom spaces. The “2024 US Houzz Bathroom Trends Study” reveals that 57% of homeowners who renovate their bathrooms now choose custom bathroom vanity cabinet dimensions. These numbers show how important proper sizing has become before making a purchase. Standard bathroom vanity widths range […]

How to Remodel Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank

men renovating the kitchen

Author: Bill Banks