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  3. Chris Bjorklund

Meet Our Editorial Expert Contributor

Chris Bjorklund

Consumer Advocate Diamond Certified Resource
expert

Chris Bjorklund is a longtime consumer advocate known as The Savvy Consumer. She writes about Consumer News, Consumer Protection, Fraud, Financial Advice and more.

Over the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Chris Bjorklund has handled consumer affairs from numerous angles: nonprofit, as Director of Consumer Education with the Better Business Bureau; government, as an investigator for the Consumer Fraud Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office; and media, working behind the scenes at KPIX-TV and as a consumer reporter for KGO Radio. Through it all, Chris says her purpose has remained the same. “My entire career has been about advocating for consumers, empowering them and educating them about their rights. And after 40-plus years, that’s still my mission.”

Today, as a consumer specialist and consultant for Diamond Certified Resource (where she’s known as “The Savvy Consumer”), Chris says she enjoys the positive turn her career has taken. “Whereas much of my work in the past involved exposing deceptive companies and their practices, in working with Diamond Certified, I have the opportunity to highlight businesses that are doing right by their customers, so it has been a refreshing change.”

More Articles

$26 for a Bottle of Water?
11 Great Ways Your Smartphone Can Work Smarter in an Emergency
3 Important Aspects of Paver Design
5 Ways to Enhance Your Smile
A Diamond Certified Auto Repair Shop to the Rescue
A Former Con Artist Gives Us the Inside Story
A Glimpse Into the World of Con Artists, Swindlers and Fakers
A Good Loan Agent is a Mortgage Matchmaker
A Handy Tool for Finding a New Credit Card
A New Addition to Our Holiday Menu
A Perfect 10!
A Pleasant Surprise
A Rant and a Rave
A Satisfying Shoe Shopping Experience
A Self-Help Guide to Small-Claims Court
A Sensible Way to Manage Conflict
A Sneaky Scam Going Around the Internet
A State-of-the-Art Method for Sanding Hardwood Floors
A Surprise Question
A Swedish Bread for the Holidays
A Tale of Three Estimates
A Warning About Counterfeit Pet Products
A Winning Formula for Weight Loss
A Word to the Wise Regarding Tech Advice
Air Conditioning is So Expensive!
An End to Headlight Glare is Coming!
Another Facebook-Related Scam Targets Many…Including Me!
Another “Rant” From a Diamond Certified Preferred Member
Anyone Can Report Unsafe or Defective Products. Here’s How.
Are Consumers Getting Way Too Outraged?
Are You Prepared for When Travel Plans Go Awry?
Are Your Gutters Ready for Winter Rains?
Are Your Important Documents in a Safe Place?
Avoid Plumbing Emergencies Over the Holidaze
Avoid “Weeping” Windows This Winter
Avoiding the “Con” in “Construction”
Avoiding Title Trouble When Buying a Used Car
Avoiding Unhappy Returns
Baby-Proofing Your Home
Back Up Your Computer...Now!
Ballpark Pricing
Battling Water Conservation Fatigue
Be a Car Noise Detective
Be a Dry Rot Detective
Be Savvy: How to Avoid Bad Contractors
Best of Both Worlds? Yes!
Billions Will be Left on Unused Gift Cards This Year
Bogus FasTrak Texts Hit the Bay Area…Again
Buckle Your Seat Belt
Can Artificially Intelligent Robots Keep Customers Happy?
Can I Do Anything to Boost My Credit Score?
Can We Put an End to Robocalls?
Can You Spot a Fake Review?
Car Seats for Kids: Better Designs and Better Safety Testing
Choosing Your Service Providers
Clean Up Pet Stains Right Away
Cleaning Out My E-Mail Inboxes
Complaining Brings Results!
Consumer Alert: Questionable Offers Promising Savings on Utility Bills
Consumer Rage is on the Rise, But Sincere Apologies Still Matter
Consumer Tip: Expiration Dates for At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Consumers are Complaining About “Sludge”
December Musings and a Family Recipe
Decide in the Fall Who’s Preparing Your Taxes in the Spring
Diamond Certified Experts: Home Troubleshooting Tips
Disneyland Knows About Quality Service
DIY Mold Tests
Do I Have to Replace All My Old Wiring?
Do I Need All This Stuff?
Do You Have a Great Mechanic?
Do You Have a Great Mechanic?
Do You Know Your Phone’s Expiration Date?
Does it Make Sense to Close an Underutilized Credit Card Account?
Don’t Let Your Guard Down!
Don’t Put Off Filing Your Health Care Directives
Eco-Friendly Bee Removal
Eke More Mileage Out of a Tank of Gas
Empowered Employees Can Make or Break a Business
Even a Wary Consumer Can Get Scammed
Experiencing Ringing in the Ear?
Exploring California’s Farmers Markets
Expressing Gratitude All Year Long
Fight Back? Hail, Yes!
Find Bargains From the Unclaimed Baggage Store
Finding a Quality Summer Camp
Follow-up on My Complaint
Frisbee and the Game of Life
Funeral Homes Must Be Upfront About Prices
Get Involved When Teens Start Driving
Get Those Ants Under Control!
Getting Safe Manicures and Pedicures
Good Old-Fashioned Service
Got a Noise Problem? Here’s What to Do.
Guest Blog from AAA: Car Care 101 for College Students
Guest Blog: Don’t Ditch Seatbelt Safety on Vacation
Happy Spring and Happy Scrubbing
Have a Happy (and Nutritious) Thanksgiving!
Have a Nice Day, Y’all!
Have You Heard of the Pink Tax?
Have You Packed Your “Go Bag” Yet?
Hillside Deck Construction: A Conversation With Thomas Daly
Holidays, Distractions and Managing Your Receipts
Home Inspectors Should Look High and Low
Hook, Line and Swindle
Hopping on a Plane Soon? Make Sure You Know Your Rights.
How a Bicycle Shop Became “My” Bike Shop
How Common are Credit Report Errors? A New Study Says “Very.”
How Food Inflation is Disguised
How Much Do You Know About Your Credit Report & Credit Score?
How Much Will That Medical Procedure Cost?
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
How Often Should You Dry Clean Your Drapes?
How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse
How to Bring the Outside In
How to Change Doctors
How to Get Something Out of an Unnecessary Service Call
How to Get Special Assistance at Airports
How to Join a Class Action Lawsuit
How to Recognize and Avoid Magazine Subscription Scams
How to Shop for a New Credit Card
How to Stay Up on Consumer News and Issues
How to Use Small Claims Court
In Search of Truth in Advertising
Independent Shops Can Service Cars Under Warranty
Is Lost Luggage a Lost Cause?
Is Saying “Thank You” a Lost and Underappreciated Art?
It’s the Giving Season: How to Check Out Charities
Job Seekers: Look Out for This Scam
Just a Spoonful of Sugar
Keep These Foods Away From Your Dog
Keeping on Top of Your Credit Score
Keeping You and Yours Safe
Keeping Your Dogs Safe over the Holidays
Kids and Choking Hazards
Know How to Complain Effectively
Know When to Keep, Toss Food
Know Your Fly Rights
Lesser-Known Freebies From Your Public Library
Lessons Learned From Selling Two Used Cars
Lock Out ID Thieves and Hackers
Looking for Outdoor Fun in San Francisco?
Losing Your Hair? Find the Right Help
Magazine Subscription Scams
Make Sure Auto Body Repairs Are Done Right
Making it Easier to File Complaints Against Airlines
Many Happy Returns
Mind Games: The Psychology of Scamming
Missing Money: How to Find and Claim It
Mistakes Happen
Money Matters: Financial Advice for Engaged and Newly Married Couples
Money Matters: Managing a Loved One’s Financial Affairs
Money Matters: Teach Your Children Well
Motivation Expert Daniel Pink on Customer Service
Muddling Through Cold and Flu Season
My Husband and The Butcher
My Kitchen Remodel Came in Under Budget!
My Very First Consumer Complaint
New and Higher Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Windows
New Ways to Take the California Driver’s License Test
Next Time, Just Say “No!”
No Spare Tire in Your New Car? Don’t Be Surprised
No-Nonsense Customer Service
One Step Ahead = A Delighted Customer
Our Christmas Tradition: The Hidden Almond
Password Protection 101
Planning for Your Digital Legacy
Please Give Us More Icing on the Cake!
Practice What You Preach
Prepare Your Plumbing System for Your Vacation
Prepping for My Home’s 100th Birthday Party
Prevent Unsightly Rings Around the Toilet
Protect Yourself From Credit/Debit Card Skimming at the Pumps
Raw Honesty: What Consumers Want in Pricing
Ready for Some Fun? Here’s a Savvy Consumer Quiz.
Reputation is Repetition
Robocalling: It’s Truly an Epidemic
Safety Precautions Often Overlooked During a Remodel
Save Money by Recycling E-Waste
Savvy Consumer Tip: A Lasting Paint Job
Savvy Consumer Tip: A Lifetime Pass to National Parks
Savvy Consumer Tip: Auto Body Inspection Program
Savvy Consumer Tip: Auto Recalls
Savvy Consumer Tip: Avoid Dent Repair Scams
Savvy Consumer Tip: Avoiding Weight Loss Scams
Savvy Consumer Tip: Be Aware of Supermarket Marketing
Savvy Consumer Tip: Be Kind to Your Clutch
Savvy Consumer Tip: Be Specific With Your Dry Cleaner
Savvy Consumer Tip: Beware of Magazine Subscription Scams
Savvy Consumer Tip: Blocking Telemarketing Calls
Savvy Consumer Tip: Buying a Used Car
Savvy Consumer Tip: Buying Bike Helmets
Savvy Consumer Tip: Car Seat Safety
Savvy Consumer Tip: Care Labels
Savvy Consumer Tip: Carpet and Floor Maintenance
Savvy Consumer Tip: Carpet Spill
Savvy Consumer Tip: Check Your Tread Wear
Savvy Consumer Tip: Choking Hazards for Kids
Savvy Consumer Tip: Choosing a Good Password
Savvy Consumer Tip: Choosing a Summer Camp
Savvy Consumer Tip: Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Savvy Consumer Tip: Cleaning Your Fridge
Savvy Consumer Tip: Controlling Your Digital Legacy
Savvy Consumer Tip: Dealing With Bill Collectors
Savvy Consumer Tip: Dealing with Car Rust
Savvy Consumer Tip: Dealing With Mold in a Closet
Savvy Consumer Tip: Dealing with Spam Emails
Savvy Consumer Tip: Debit vs. Credit
Savvy Consumer Tip: Debt Collection Rules
Savvy Consumer Tip: Diamond Certified Preferred Consumer Membership
Savvy Consumer Tip: Dry Rot
Savvy Consumer Tip: Easy Hearing Test
Savvy Consumer Tip: Fall Maintenance Checklist
Savvy Consumer Tip: Finding a Caregiver
Savvy Consumer Tip: Firewood Storage
Savvy Consumer Tip: FRAX
Savvy Consumer Tip: Fuel Tank
Savvy Consumer Tip: Getting a Safe Manicure and Pedicure
Savvy Consumer Tip: Getting a Toilet Rebate
Savvy Consumer Tip: Getting Good Customer Service
Savvy Consumer Tip: Ground Cover
Savvy Consumer Tip: Hardwood Floor Maintenance
Savvy Consumer Tip: High-Efficiency Washing Machines
Savvy Consumer Tip: Hiring a Limo
Savvy Consumer Tip: Hiring a Limo Service
Savvy Consumer Tip: Hiring Licensed Contractors
Savvy Consumer Tip: Household Poisons
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Avoid a Phony Check Scheme
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Clean Your Windows
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Create the Best Compost Pile
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Find a New Doctor
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Keep Fleas Off Your Pets
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Maintain Your Plumbing System While on Vacation
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Pick a Trainer
Savvy Consumer Tip: How to Shop for a Credit Card
Savvy Consumer Tip: Identifying Home Improvement Scams
Savvy Consumer Tip: Keep Your Pet at the Right Weight
Savvy Consumer Tip: Knob & Tube Wiring
Savvy Consumer Tip: Lighten Up Your Purse
Savvy Consumer Tip: Marketing Gripes
Savvy Consumer Tip: Mileage
Savvy Consumer Tip: Money Lessons for Your Kids
Savvy Consumer Tip: Old Cars - Repairing vs. Replacing
Savvy Consumer Tip: Organize Your Home Office
Savvy Consumer Tip: Plate Like a Pro
Savvy Consumer Tip: Preparing for a Road Trip
Savvy Consumer Tip: Preparing for Small Claims Court
Savvy Consumer Tip: Preventing Credit Card Fraud
Savvy Consumer Tip: Protecting Your Child from Identity Theft
Savvy Consumer Tip: Raising Your Credit Limit
Savvy Consumer Tip: Recycling Corks
Savvy Consumer Tip: Rental Scammers Are Taking Advantage of a Tight Housing Market
Savvy Consumer Tip: Saving on Car Rentals
Savvy Consumer Tip: Small Claims Court
Savvy Consumer Tip: Stopping Junk Mail
Savvy Consumer Tip: Sunscreen
Savvy Consumer Tip: Teen Driving
Savvy Consumer Tip: The 411 on the CPSC
Savvy Consumer Tip: The Art of Complaining
Savvy Consumer Tip: The Benefits of Soft Water
Savvy Consumer Tip: Tree Trimming
Savvy Consumer Tip: Trees & Privacy
Savvy Consumer Tip: Understanding the “Charge Back” Feature
Savvy Consumer Tip: Urban Wildlife
Savvy Consumer Tip: Use Surge Protectors to Protect Your Appliances
Savvy Consumer Tip: Vial of Life
Savvy Consumer Tip: Wet Roads & Cruise Control
Savvy Consumer Tip: What Not to Burn in Your Fireplace
Savvy Consumer Tip: What’s Your Used Car Worth?
Savvy Consumer Tip: Windshield Repair
Savvy Short Cuts for Major Purchases
Savvy Sofa Selection
Scam Podcasts: Listen and Learn
Scams Targeted at Teens
Seafood Fraud Persists
Sending Holiday Greetings Along With a Special Cookie Recipe
Seth Godin, Business Guru, asks, “Who is easily manipulated?”
Shake It Up, Baby: Consumer Benefits and Pitfalls of Market Disruption
Shopping for Solar?
Shopping Wisely in 2026
Should You Lock Your Social Security Number?
Shrinkflation: How Manufacturers Hide Price Increases
Some Good News About Grout
Some Pointers on Prepaid Cards
Special Phones for Californians Who Need Them
Spotting This Year’s Deceptive Advertising Trends
Stop Thieves: Be Careful What You Discard
Straight Talk Runs Deep
Summer Travel = Rental Car Rigamarole
Summertime, Ticks and Tweezers
Supercharge Your Credit Score
Supermarket Savvy: Carts, Produce & the Halo Effect
Take Action Now to Save on Taxes in the Spring
Tapping into the Diamond Certified Experts: Kids and Keys
The Art of the Tweak: Small Change but Big Home Improvement
The Benefits of Adding Insulation to Interior Walls
The Biggest Auto Recall Ever
The California Consumer Law About Gift Cards
The Good News About Soft Water
The Latest on “Green Certified” Paint
The Next Thing to Watch Out For: AI Scams
The Power of the Pen
The Process for Disputing Credit Card Charges
The Real Scoop on 3-Day Contract Cancellation Rights
The Risks of Radon
The Three “D's” of Mosquito Protection
The Worst Unlicensed Contractors in California
Thoughts on Gratitude
Three Ways to Reduce Soil Erosion and Landslide Risk
Time to Change Doctors?
Time to Check Your Dryer Vent
Time to Drop Collision Coverage?
Time to Speak Up
Time to Spend Your Unused Gift Cards
Time to Tidy Up!
Tips for Donating to Charity
Tips for Planning a Charter Bus Trip
Tips on Trees From a Diamond Certified Expert
Understanding Food Expiration Dates
Use This Checklist to Find Out if You Have a Great Plumber
Watch Out for Low-Balling by Contractors
Watch Out for Painters Who Take Shortcuts
Wet Roads and Cruise Control
What Are the New Rules for Tipping?
What Can I Do About a Stump Under My House?
What is a Christmas Smörgåsbord?
What is a UC Master Gardener and How do You Find One?
What Should Be on Your “Do Not Pack” List
What to Avoid if You Want Better Customer Service
What to Do About Cloudy Headlights
What You May Not Know About Finding a Missing Pet
What’s on Your Summer To-Do List?
What’s Up With No Follow-Up? Part #2
What’s with No Call Backs, No Follow-Up? Part #1
What’s Worth Splurging On?
What’s Your Favorite Technique for Winning a Consumer Dispute?
When a Deal Isn’t a Deal
When in Doubt, Trust Your Gut
When Something Big Goes Wrong, What Does the Business Do?
When to Use Debit vs. Credit Card?
When Your “World” Crashes
Where Are Your Fire Extinguishers? Do You Know How to Use One?
Where Does the Money Go?
Where to Get Help With All Things Automotive
Who Doesn’t Love a Surprise?
Why Cars Don’t Pass Smog Checks
Why Companies Should Do Away With “Drip Pricing”
Why Did My Computer Get a Virus?
Why Fleas Are Especially Dangerous for Puppies and Kittens
Why I Love Being a Loyal Customer
Why I Love, Love, Love My Local Hardware Store
Why is My Carpet Buckling?
Why Isn’t My Shower Draining?
Why Won’t They Call Me Back?
Why You Need a Fire Blanket in Your Kitchen
Why You Should Care About Care Labels
Wise Words from Stephen Sondheim
You Learn Something New Every Day
Your Consumer Bill of Rights
Your Guide to Year-Round Home Maintenance
Your Role in Creating a Win-Win Relationship
Your Trees and the Pruning Possibilities

Chris Bjorklund

Diamond Certified Resource

Editorial Expert Contributions

$26 for a Bottle of Water?
11 Great Ways Your Smartphone Can Work Smarter in an Emergency
3 Important Aspects of Paver Design

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