John Matarese

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A veteran reporter and two-time Emmy Award winner, John Matarese is our Don’t Waste Your Money Consumer Reporter. Each week, he keeps viewers updated on the latest consumer information with Scam Alerts and Product Recalls. And when he finds a service taking advantage of us, he’s not afraid to say “Doesn’t that stink!”

John’s goal is to help viewers find good values and avoid bad deals, with his signature line: “Don’t Waste Your Money.”

“I truly enjoy being able to advise people and steer them away from the scams and bad deals that any of us can fall victim to. It’s always a pleasure when a viewer says ‘thanks’ for helping them avoid a frustrating problem or find the best product.”

When not clipping coupons, John enjoys speaking to community groups, bike riding and skiing with his family, and attempting his own auto repair (often unsuccessfully) to save money.

Articles

Don’t Waste Your Money: Last Minute Toy Supplies

Searching for toys or a gaming console in these final days before Christmas? The good news is that most are still available. But consumer reporter John Matarese shows us one that is still almost impossible to find so you don't waste your money.

Don’t Waste Your Money: Tax Refunds Decrease

Are you someone who looks forward to your tax refund every year to pay those holiday bills and maybe take a vacation? In today's "Don't Waste Your Money, John Matarese shows us why that refund may be smaller this year. 

Don’t Waste Your Money: Sub Renewal Scams

We have a warning about a strange email many people are getting saying it's time to renew an online subscription for next year, but John Matarese says watch out if you get it so you don't waste your money.

Don’t Waste Your Money: Social Media Hacking

Hackers are targeting users of Facebook and other sites with phishing emails, and then taking over their accounts. WCCB Charlotte's John Matarese shows us how you can protect yourself so you don't waste your money.

Don’t Waste Your Money: Fake Holiday Sales

Sale! Sale! Sale!  This time of year.... everyone is offering you discounts, and shoppers respond by snapping them up. But back up a bit:  Are you sure that gadget is really on sale? A new investigation by the non profit Consumers Checkbook claims "sale prices are rarely real deals."