The Consumer Friend is a fun twist on Consumer Rights, aiming to train people on what their rights are when buying goods, services and digital content. www.ConsumerFriend.org.uk was started in July 2022 by a small team of Trading Standards professionals who passionately believe that understanding your rights is key to getting a better deal for everyone. A new podcast will be released every two weeks talking about an individual topic. Please let us know what you would like to hear about.
…
continue reading
Benefit Strategies & Resources for the Modern Benefit Decision Maker. Benefits with Friends highlights the solutions and strategies that forward thinking benefit decision makers are using to enhance benefits, improve outcomes and slash the cost to insure their members. The American Healthcare Consumer (AHC) has been groomed by the insurance and healthcare monopolies for far too long. Managed Care hid all the meaningful data from the consumers, making shopping for high-quality care nearly imp ...
…
continue reading
1
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Five Critical Questions For Smarter Benefit Decisions With Paul “Joey” Stone
53:59
53:59
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
53:59
There are five main segments of health CARE and health INSURANCE. Those five segments are riddled with misaligned incentives and hidden profits for insurers, pharmacy brokers, and the healthcare systems. The American Healthcare Consumer must be aware of the pitfalls and possibilities that exist within their plans. Informed consumers are seeking ali…
…
continue reading
1
Ask the team - Season 3 higlights
25:42
25:42
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
25:42
Adam and Lou are back for the final episode in season 3. Lou answers a few questions that have come in from consumers over the last couple of months, a few around second hand cars and building work. They also talk through the previous podcast and discuss what's coming for season 4. Thank you all for listening. Please like, subscribe and rate to hel…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou are joined by James Walker, a consumer champion who has developed tools to help people understand and exercise their rights. How does your data get moved around the world? how do you get targeted by advertisers and scams? And how do you get your data removed? Know your rights! Link to websites mentioned here: Have I Been Pwned allows y…
…
continue reading
1
Consumer vulnerability - NICE report
30:11
30:11
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
30:11
Following the publication of the latest report by Nice on Consumer Vulnerability, Adam and Lou discuss the report and why businesses should sit up and pay attention! Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok…
…
continue reading
1
Media literacy - critical thinking
34:07
34:07
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
34:07
Finally, the episode only Adam has been asking for! Media literacy is fast becoming one of the most important skills us humans can have. we are now bombarded with more media than we've ever seen in our lives, how do we know what to consume, what to believe and what could be dangerous to us! Media literacy allows us to question the messaging that we…
…
continue reading
Louise celebrates her leap year (actual) birthday with a special fraud and scams podcast, something Louise and Adam spend their day jobs doing (Not committing fraud and scams, but trying to stop it). This pod talks about the new government Stop Think Fraud campaign along with a Linny's fraud story and the language we use when talking to fraud victi…
…
continue reading
1
Protect Your Smile - teeth whitening, the dangers
29:49
29:49
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:49
In this episode, Adam Carter and Louise Baxter MBE talk about the dangers of in home teethe whitening kits bought on the internet and introduces their #ProtectYourSmile or #ForFakeSake Campaign. In a world obsessed with achieving the perfect smile, the #ForFakeSake campaign aims to educate consumers on the potential risks posed by unsafe teeth whit…
…
continue reading
1
If you can't solve an issue with the business you bought from
34:03
34:03
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
34:03
In todays pod, Adam and Lou talk to Kevin Grix from the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman Service (DRO). If you feel that the business that you have used for purchasing goods or services hasn't kept their side of the contract (Not fit for purpose, as described of of satisfactory quality) then you might need to get in touch with the DRO, they may be able…
…
continue reading
Adam & Lou are joined by Alex Hughes, a Scheme Manager at MCS. MCS certify both products and traders in the vital renewable energy sector giving consumers more trust and confidence in the green energy sector. Find out about all the work that goes into making sure the products we use are safe, durable and covered if anything was to go wrong. Please …
…
continue reading
1
Christmas refunds and January sales
26:14
26:14
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
26:14
In this episode Adam and Lou talk about your rights when it comes to returning those unwanted gifts and the best way to navigate through the January sales. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTokעל ידי Consumer Friend
…
continue reading
1
Putting The Big “F” In Fiduciary: The Impact Of The CAA Of 2021 On Group Health Plans With Jamie Greenleaf
58:39
58:39
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
58:39
Transparency in healthcare isn't just about revealing costs; it's about empowering employers to navigate a complex system, save on inflated expenses, and truly prioritize their employees' well-being. In this episode, Jamie Greenleaf discusses the complex world of fiduciary responsibilities within healthcare plans. She dissects and reveals the chall…
…
continue reading
1
Fakemas - Buying fakes at Christmas
28:40
28:40
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
28:40
Consumer Friends final podcast of 2023! In this episode, Louise and Adam talk about how counterfeit products effect consumers, businesses and governments. What are people searching for? find out here! Protect yourself and your loved ones this Christmas, buy real Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also foll…
…
continue reading
1
Accepting Ts & Cs - Unfair contract terms
36:20
36:20
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
36:20
Louise and Adam are back with the first full episode of season 3. it's a tough one this time around, Unfair Contract Terms. Adam and Lou discuss what could be considered to be unfair in written (or even unwritten) contracts and notices. Your rights made easy! Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow …
…
continue reading
1
Breaking Barriers: How Paytient Reshapes Healthcare Affordability With Chris Labrecque
49:10
49:10
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
49:10
Paytient makes it easier for your employees to afford the care they need – regardless of their credit history. Lou and Chris discuss the impact skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs have on people financially and medically. Paytient is a simple plan addition that ensures members do not have to avoid necessary medical care, and can fill ALL their medicat…
…
continue reading
1
Season 3 intro and the birth of consumer rights
16:21
16:21
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
16:21
We're back! Slightly later than promised but Adam and Lou are back. This is just a little teaser on what to expect over the next 11 episodes from the team at Consumer Friend. There is also a bit of a history lesson on the birth of consumer rights, how it all started, you'll never guess. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in …
…
continue reading
1
Helping Plan Sponsors Meet Their Fiduciary Responsibilities And Unleash True Consumerism Into Health Care With Mark Galvin
1:01:21
1:01:21
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:01:21
Employers have a tremendous opportunity to take control of health care spending with the incredible growth of technology in the healthcare space. The recent legislation also increases the fiduciary responsibility of plan sponsors, and companies like Talon can unleash actionable data like never before. In this episode, Lou and Mark Galvin discuss he…
…
continue reading
1
The Never Pay Pathway - Empowering The American Health Care Consumer With Marshall Allen
48:27
48:27
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
48:27
Marshall Allen is the second two-time guest of Benefits with Friends. He and Lou previously discussed his book "Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win." This time, the conversation focuses on Marshall's project aimed at empowering the American Healthcare Consumer: The Never Pay Pathway. The Never Pay Pathwa…
…
continue reading
The final episode of the second series is here. A quick recap of the previous 11 podcasts, some topical consumer rights stories that have been in the news over the last couple of months and test the expert (Louise) bit at the end. See you all in a couple of months, thank you everyone for listening. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase t…
…
continue reading
1
How One Mobile App Aims To Eliminate Consumerism In Healthcare With Leo Wisniewski
1:00:24
1:00:24
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:00:24
Consumerism in healthcare should empower patients to make better medical choices. Instead, it penalizes them with higher hospital prices when making bad decisions and forces them to acquire extremely costly services. Leo Wisniewski, Co-Founder and CIO at Health Cost Labs, does not want such unethical practices to thrive in this space. In this episo…
…
continue reading
Adam and Louise discuss your rights when buying used cars. Whether its from a business, a private seller or from an online marketplace you should know your rights in order to get the right deal for you. Used car complaints is by far the most complained about service/goods coming into the Citizens Advice service, don't buy a dog of a car! There's al…
…
continue reading
1
Retrofit - Real people with real experience
39:41
39:41
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
39:41
Adam and Lou are joined by two people that have been through the retrofit journey and have become advocates for sustainable homes. There are no downfalls to having a more energy efficient homes, it reduces your fuel bills, reduces your carbon footprint and helps to save the planet! Lucy Haden lives in London and embarked on retrofitting her late 19…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou from Consumer Friend takes questions from the listeners about consumer rights and problems they've had with holidays, vets (services), online retailers (goods) and solar panels. Plus a very interesting fact about squirrels! Keep the questions coming and thank you for all the participation. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increa…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou introduce Consumer Friends Energize - Retrofit. How we should all get involved in improving the performance of our homes to save the planet and our bank balance. We hope you can all get involved in helping to spread awareness. What dopes Retrofit actually mean? find out here. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach i…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou talk about their favourite gigs and what would've happened if the tickets they bought for these events ended up being fake! Your right's when your buying tickets and how to buy them safely! Great advice on Consumer Friend but also here at The Socirety of Ticket Agents (STAR) - https://www.star.org.uk/ Please like, subscribe and rate to…
…
continue reading
1
How to get your money back (S75)
22:34
22:34
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
22:34
There are protections in place if you are let down by a business when asking for a refund. Its always best to pay by credit card because that offers you protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Adam and Lou talk about how and when you can use it with some amusing examples. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in…
…
continue reading
1
How Actionable Data is Changing Healthcare and Insurance for the Better!
57:59
57:59
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
57:59
Ironically, this episode aired live on the 4th of May, which is commonly referred to as "May the Force", a play on the iconic line from Star Wars, "May the Force be with you!" Fittingly, we are joined by Allison De Paoli, the Founder of Altiqe Consulting, who is a "Force" in the benefits arena, having received recognition from many industry organiz…
…
continue reading
Saving the planet and your money! In this pod, Adam and Lou talk to Retrofit expert Russell Smith (RetroRuss) from Parity Projects and Retrofit Works about creating a plan to make your home more cosy and energy efficient. Why do we need to do this? TO SAVE THE PLANET! We all need to take some responsibility for the world that we live in, and it wil…
…
continue reading
1
DPC: Planting The Seeds To Rebuild A Care System That Works For Patients And Doctors With Dr. Jeffrey Gold
1:05:33
1:05:33
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:05:33
After working as an employed physician in a major hospital system for 8 years, Dr. Jeffrey Gold began to get increasingly frustrated with the bureaucracy of insurance-based medicine that resulted in less of his time spent on caring for his patients in the way he envisioned since he was considering medicine as a career. In 2014, he opened the first …
…
continue reading
1
One year, still here, no idea, all the fear!
28:19
28:19
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
28:19
Our birthday pod! We can't believe it's been a year already! Adam and Lou talk about the last year, how and why they started Consumer Friend, mistakes and successes and a few giggles. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok…
…
continue reading
1
Plain English - Language Timothy!
24:21
24:21
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
24:21
The average age reading age in the UK is around 10 years old! We all need to understand the information we are receiving from businesses in order to make the right choice for us and get the best deal. Businesses should be designing their products and services to be accessible to as many people as possible. Adam, Lou and special guest Gary discuss w…
…
continue reading
1
Patient Savings 101: The Power Of Cash Payments In Healthcare With Korb Matosich
59:06
59:06
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
59:06
Lou will be joined by Korb Matosich, Co-Founder, CEO and Board Member of Asserta Health. Korb has an unusual depth of experience managing all sides of health care payment. He oversaw both Revenue Cycle Management and Payment Integrity businesses at Ingenix, now Optum, at UnitedHealth Group. He also served as the CEO of AAPC, an organization that ce…
…
continue reading
1
Simplifying the Complex World of Non-Insured Benefits
1:03:48
1:03:48
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:03:48
Lou and his guest, Brian Del Savio will discuss the issues employers have addressing the real struggles their employees face such as mental health and affordable access to fundamental healthcare. The benefit strategies (Pay More, Get Less) many employers have been forced to swallow leave many employees struggling to access care when they need it th…
…
continue reading
Adam and Louise talk about the how to make sure that you have the holiday that you paid for! your rights when booking a holiday and how to avoid the scams. Check the reviews and pay with a credit card are the top tips. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter…
…
continue reading
1
How to not ruin your face - Cosmetic safety
24:51
24:51
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
24:51
Adam & Lou discuss the dangers of purchasing fake cosmetics. It turns out that if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. We look at the effects that these dangerous chemicals can have on our skin and body, the history of cosmetics and how to avoid buying them! Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can …
…
continue reading
1
How Employers Can Leverage Technology To Manage Healthcare Spend with Slingshot Bills
51:37
51:37
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
51:37
Streamlined and automated processes not only help save time and effort but also money. For patients, this means having to save and avoid the unnecessary costs caused by errors and overcharging. Pranov Duggasani and Zoe Holderness founded Slingshot Bills, a company that automates the patient advocacy process and saves individuals and their employers…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou take a quick look at what's going to be coming up in the second series of the Consumer Friend Podcast. From plain language to buying used cars and your rights when buying a holiday along, Consumer Friend has got your back. Please get in touch with any questions at info@consumerfriend.org.uk. Please like, subscribe and rate to help incr…
…
continue reading
1
Understanding The Winning Strategies Of An American Healthcare Consumer With Chris Hamilton
1:10:50
1:10:50
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:10:50
For the past three decades, the American healthcare consumer has been the leverage used by insurance carriers and healthcare systems against each other. Which strategies must be implemented to give them back this leverage and simply settle with the lowest plans? Louis Bernardi talks with Chris Hamilton of Hotchkiss Insurance about the best approach…
…
continue reading
1
Improving The Gathering Of Insurance Claims Data With Jacob Sheridan
1:00:49
1:00:49
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:00:49
There is probably no aspect of healthcare that has changed as dramatically over the last few years as insurance claims data. For every C-Suite leader or HR manager to justify their next rate increase, they must have the right amount of data at their disposal, gathered from the clients themselves. However, most employers do not have any access to th…
…
continue reading
1
Resources to Keep Employees Engaged and Connected with Sims Tillirson
56:19
56:19
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
56:19
Lou and Sims Tillirson will discuss the strategies and solutions that forward thinking HR teams are utilizing to keep their employees engaged and connected. HR leaders have to balance the time it takes to engage with members and the time they need to get stuff done. The extent of the remote work force today makes this even more challenging. Technol…
…
continue reading
1
Digital content and online buying rights
17:41
17:41
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
17:41
The last Pod in the first series of the Consumer Friend Podcast! Adam and Lou talk about the Christmas anxiety and how we are buying more online than ever with no signs of stopping. Do you know your rights when buying goods online and when buying digital content? Find out here. Check a website at https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/ Thank y…
…
continue reading
1
Benefits With Friends - Season 2 Episode 6 With Our Guest Marshall Allen
58:18
58:18
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
58:18
Marshall Allen’s book, "Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win," shows individuals and employers how they can push back against the high cost of health care. It's led to Allen Health Academy, which takes the principles of the book and communicates them through an engaging series of health care literacy vide…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou go through some questions that have come into the team over the last couple of months along with a look at Black Friday and why you might not be getting the deal you think you are. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok…
…
continue reading
1
Benefits With Friends - Season 2 Episode 5 With Our Guest Emma Fox
41:06
41:06
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
41:06
Emma Fox is Partner and COO of E-Powered Benefits. Her firm helps employers throughout the US customize health plans using alternative healthcare models that are capable of significantly enhancing benefits for members while at the same time lowering the cost by 20-40% (or more). The key is increasing awareness and resetting customer expectations th…
…
continue reading
1
Benefits with Friends - Season 2 Episode 4 With Our Guest Patrick Moore
46:20
46:20
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
46:20
This episode of Benefits with Friends will feature Patrick Moore, President of Axim Fringe Solutions. Patrick is an Emerging Star in the benefits arena nationally who recently retired from the United States Marine Corps. How ironic that he will be appearing on our show on the 247th Birthday of the US Marine Corps...Oorah! AXIM Fringe Solutions Grou…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou talk about the influx of fraud and scams as a result of the cost of living crisis. Energy rebate, impersonation and fake loan scams are rife and criminals can seize on any opportunity which can create a sense of panic, worry and anxiety in the population. We all go through periods of vulnerability in our lives, challenges politically a…
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou are joined by Adrian Simpson from the British Retail Consortium to talk about product safety with an emphasis on toys. we look at what is expected from all the businesses in the supply chain from design and manufacturing to retail and how we as consumers have a responsibility to check that the products we buy are fit for the person tha…
…
continue reading
1
Benefits with Friends S2, E2 with Nancy Giacolone
46:22
46:22
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
46:22
Our host Lou *BOO* Bernardi and guest Nancy Giacolone discuss the Role of HR Leaders in the Post COVID era.
…
continue reading
Adam, Louise and Sophie discuss the new Consumer vulnerability code that will launch in 2023, the new homes code and what it means to us all. Information for businesses to take on board in regards to inclusive design and recognising vulnerability. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on social…
…
continue reading
1
Benefits with Friends S2 E1 With Dave Chase Co-Founder Of Health Rosetta
52:57
52:57
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
52:57
Lou and his guest Dave Chase discuss the Health Rosetta, high-performance health plans, the Quadruple Aim, and the results when a shift in mindset takes place that takes the attention off the insurance costs and places it on the quality of health care.
…
continue reading
Adam and Lou are joined by Faisal from HIES, a leading consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home energy products. Today they talk about the ideas behind becoming 'energy independent' and take a look at solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps. Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can…
…
continue reading