Category: Consumer Advice

  • What Makes 2020’s Wildfires the Worst in Modern Memory?

    Changing temperatures, rogue winds, drought, and human actions. Are those the reasons for the devastating wildfires across the West that have been killing people and animals, destroying homes, paralyzing the wine industry, and decimating millions of acres in California alone? What can be done to stop or even prevent such destruction? James Moseley, CEO of Sun FireDefense, may be the most impressive wildfire expert you’ll ever interview. His California-based company defends life and property from wildfire every year. Ask him: What keeps so many wildfires burning with such intensity? What role does climate change play? What can people do to protect themselves and bounce back? How can we save firefighters’ lives? Is wildfire season winding down? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

  • Become a Wine Whiz in 15 Minutes

    Wine sales have been climbing during the pandemic as people stuck at home turn to vino to lift their spirits. With heightened interest in wine, Jim Laughren, CWE, could be the perfect guest for COVID-19 times as he shares how to master the essentials of wine in 15 minutes. He can answer such questions as: why have COVID times been good for wine-drinkers and how important is the right glass? Jim is the author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” Jim has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

  • Unequal Impact: 5 Economic Trends That Affect Women More

    As a group, American women are having to bear the brunt and the hits keep on coming. Already behind before the pandemic and more likely to be economic victims of its fallout, women also face an unequal impact from the five biggest economic trends that are affecting Americans’ futures, according to Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire and why women are more affected than men. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com

  • Good News for Wine Lovers, Courtesy of COVID-19

    COVID-19 has devastated the restaurant business and closed down a major market for many wineries. But is there a slice of silver in this cumulus of darkness? Something good, possibly, for the average wine consumer? It seems so, as many wineries now have far too much inventory and are taking extreme measures to unload it. Jim Laughren, CWE, will show your listeners how to take advantage of the situation and create a win-win outcome for all concerned. You’ll hear about the extreme measures winegrowers are now taking, how COVID-19 will impact next year’s wines, and where consumers can find the best wine bargains. Jim Laughren is the author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact him at (954) 884-8539; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

  • Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life

    In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

  • What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

    Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

  • Need Cash? It Could Be Time to Sell Your Life Insurance

    Did you know that because of COVID-19 many life insurance carriers have been forced to dramatically raise their costs while lowering benefits? This affects everyone’s life insurance policies and makes one thing certain — every policy needs a review. “Life settlements, a way to sell an existing policy, are a smart financial option for many,” says David Kottler, the Life Insurance Doctor™. “Life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90% of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss to consumers!” David can explain what you need to ask to figure out what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best-Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy.” Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com 

  • 4 Clever Ways to Make Extra Cash

    Millions of Americans have lost jobs or taken pay cuts since the pandemic began six months ago. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they can make money now and in the future. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” wants to help with fresh ideas. She’ll talk to your listeners about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling their cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, selling unused gift cards, and selling their opinions to focus groups. Davis can also prepare your audience to spot scammers trying to tempt them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips on what household goods could be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, Davis holds degrees from Howard University, Stanford, and Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

  • Avoid the Costliest Mistakes People Make with Medicare

    Every day, some 10,000 people enroll in Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people 65 and over. And as they do so, thousands of baby boomers are making mistakes that can result in expensive penalties, hours of hassle, and even some unforeseen problems that can haunt them for the rest of their lives. Through her company, Boomer Benefits, Danielle Kunkle Roberts has helped more than 50,000 people make sense of Medicare and has seen what can go wrong in this confusing, complicated insurance program. The author of “10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make” will help your listeners as she exposes the most common pitfalls new Medicare beneficiaries unwittingly make and shares how to expertly avoid them. Danielle Kunkle Roberts is the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, which was named the 2019 Health Insurance Advisory Firm of the Year. Contact her at (817) 249-8600; kmundfrom@boomerbenefits.com

  • 5 Economic Trends That Will Impact Your Future

    Do you know what the five biggest economic trends are that will impact your listeners’ lives? And do you have any idea of the challenges and opportunities they represent and how you can capitalize on them? You will after you interview Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. In one or more segments, depending on how deep a dive you wish to take, Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact on the world. Contact Lorri Craig at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com