Current Events in February 2023

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2023

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    Is your home being invaded by ‘digital burglars?'

    If you have lots of ‘smart’ devices, experts say it may be

    Chances are your home has a few “smart devices,” things like video doorbells or a thermostat you can control with your smartphone. They can make life easier but cybersecurity experts warn that “digital burglars” can use them to virtually burglarize your home.

    Steve Grobman, chief technology officer (CTO) at McAfee, points to a recent study by the Florida Institute of Technology that found that the companion apps for several big brand smart devices had security flaws. That's a problem since all of these devices connect to the internet.

    “Eight of the 20 apps associated with connected doorbells, locks, security systems, televisions, and cameras they studied…could allow attackers to intercept and modify their traffic,” Grobman told ConsumerAffairs. “This could lead to the theft of login credentials and spying, or it could lead to the compromise of the connected device itself. That’s unsettling, given that we’re talking about things like smart door locks.”

    The experts we consulted said smart home devices are like any other device that connects to the internet. They need strong protection.

    Start with strong passwords

    Lumen Technologies Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) Hugo Teufel, a former CPO at Dept. of Homeland Security, says all of these devices need strong passwords and should have access to regular software updates. 

    “The best decision anyone can make? Make sure their smart device’s operating software and apps are updated when that update becomes available,” he told us.

    Michael Gibbs, the CEO of Go Cloud Careers, says not all smart devices are created equal when it comes to security. Some are more hackable than others. 

    Some of the things that determine a smart device’s strength against a hack include the operating system firmware, and the degree of security integrated into the product. Older devices may be more vulnerable.

    “If consumers' devices are hacked many problems can occur, ranging from doors being unlocked, personal information being stolen, and cameras recording peoples’ private lives, to life-threatening problems like fires in ovens and other appliances if they were to be remotely hacked and turned on,” Gibbs said.

    What to do

    What can consumers do to protect themselves? First, be aware of the potential threat. Then, mount a strong defense.

    “Broadly speaking, they involve two things: protecting your devices and protecting the network they’re on,” Grobman said. “These security measures will look familiar, as they follow many of the same measures you can take to protect your computers, tablets, and phones.”

    And it should go without saying that consumers should create strong user names and passwords. Most devices will come with default security credentials. If you don’t change them – and many consumers don’t – even a novice hacker can break in.

    Since many smart devices can be controlled with a smartphone, Teufel says it’s important to keep the phone’s operating system up to date.

    “Using the most current operating system, apps and web browsers help defend your phone and its contents against online threats,” he said.

    In addition to smartphones, your home internet network is also a first line of defense. Grobman says you may need to upgrade to a new router if you’re using an older one lacking strong security features. Gibbs agrees that protecting the network is critical.

    “If a hacker can get on the network, they can hack these devices,” Gibbs told us. “The best protection is to keep hackers out by using a firewall to protect the network, using strong passwords, patching all systems to protect against security vulnerabilities, and leveraging security software like antivirus and antimalware to protect the systems on the network.”

    Chances are your home has a few “smart devices,” things like video doorbells or a thermostat you can control with your smartphone. They can make life easie...

    State-specific disaster relief payments may not need to be claimed on 2022 taxes

    Taxpayers in nearly two dozen states have been affected by these payments

    As tax season kicks off and consumers prepare for filing, it’s normal for questions and concerns to pop up. 

    For taxpayers in 21 states, specific tax state payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other disaster relief efforts may have been causing confusion. Now, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is clearing up any questions taxpayers may have about this situation. 

    “The IRS is aware of questions involving special tax refunds or payments made by certain states related to the pandemic and its associated consequences in 2022,” the IRS wrote in its guidance.

    “A variety of state programs distributed these payments in 2022 and the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax purposes are complex. While in general payments made by states are includable in income for federal tax purposes, there are exceptions that would apply to many of the payments made by states in 2022.” 

    What states are included? 

    Ultimately, the IRS determined that any payments made related to disaster relief or general welfare will not be challenged, and taxpayers aren’t required to report them on their 2022 taxes.

    The following states will not have to report these special state payments on their taxes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. 

    However, there are a number of other states with some exceptions. Taxpayers located in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, and Massachusetts will also be excluded from claiming these payments as income if the payment was a refund of state taxes that were paid. 

    The IRS explained that as of May 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be considered an emergency. This means that any state-specific payments related to the pandemic will only affect taxpayers when filing their 2022 taxes. 

    While filers would typically be required to include such payments in their taxable income, withholding these payments for 2022 taxes will be permissible. 

    A full list of acceptable payments for taxpayers to be aware of can be found here.

    As tax season kicks off and consumers prepare for filing, it’s normal for questions and concerns to pop up. For taxpayers in 21 states, specific tax st...

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      Inflation slowed slightly in January, but shelter, food, and gas prices are still rising

      Consumers paid less for used cars and medical services

      It might not seem like it to many consumers but inflation continues to slow down. Prices went up last month but at a slower rate than in December.

      The Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.5% from December to January, slower than the 1% rise between November and December. On a year-over-year basis, the CPI rose 6.4%.

      Americans buying and renting homes felt the biggest impact. The shelter index rose 0.7% and is up 7.9% over the last 12 months. 

      According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all-items increase, accounting for nearly half of the increase.

      Gasoline prices, which had fallen during November and December, started going up again last month. Prices at the pump jumped 2.4% last month after falling 7% in December. Over the last 12 months, however, gas prices are only up 1.5%.

      Food also fed inflation

      Food prices also fed inflation last month. Overall food prices were 0.5% higher in January and were up 10.1% year-over-year. 

      The price of food purchased at the grocery store and consumed at home rose 0.4% in January while food consumed away from home – mostly in restaurants – was even more expensive, rising 0.6% from December.

      Services were generally more expensive last month – a fact that takes on added significance because the Federal Reserve’s rate-raising policy is aimed at bringing those costs down. The cost of services was up 0.5% and is 7.2% higher than in January 2022.

      Medical services proved to be an exception. That cost declined by 0.7% and is up only 3% in the last 12 months.

      Used car buyers also caught a break last month. As new car prices continued to rise, the average price of used cars and trucks fell by 1.9% and is 11.6% lower than a year ago.

      It might not seem like it to many consumers but inflation continues to slow down. Prices went up last month but at a slower rate than in December.The L...

      Did you travel for business? Here are tips to correctly writing trips off on your taxes

      The IRS is preparing taxpayers for filing their 2022 taxes

      Every taxpayer has a unique filing situation. Whether you work in the gig economy or need assistance with retirement plans, tax season can often be a confusing time for many taxpayers

      While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has worked to release resources and tips throughout tax season, the latest bit of advice is geared towards business travel. 

      Taxpayers who travel for their jobs are entitled to write off their trips on their taxes, but it’s important to know what is and isn’t eligible for tax deductions this year. 

      What can taxpayers write off? 

      The IRS has outlined a number of requirements for which parts of business trips are able to be deducted on taxes. These include: 

      • Using a personal car for business

      • Business calls and communication

      • Travel by plane, train, bus, or car between your home and business destination 

      • Dry cleaning and laundry

      • Tips for services related to any expenses

      • Fares for taxi or transportation to or from an airport, train station, hotel, or work location

      • Lodging and meals 

      • Convention-related expenses (if attendance benefits the business) 

      • Shipping of baggage or display materials between regular or temporary work locations 

      • Any other related necessary and ordinary expenses related to business travel 

      Perhaps the biggest thing for taxpayers to keep in mind is that any personal or extravagant purchases aren’t eligible for tax deductions. Anything claimed on taxes must be necessary to the business trip. 

      Taxpayers must also keep in mind that expenses are eligible to be written off for trips that are under one year in length. Additionally, military personnel, self-employed workers, and farmers are all eligible to deduct expenses from business trips. 

      Digital assets must be reported on taxes

      When filing 2022 taxes, taxpayers will again be responsible for reporting all digital assets, or virtual currencies. This includes: non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cryptocurrency and convertible virtual currency, and stablecoins. 

      While this will appear as a yes or no question on the 2022 return, it’s important to note that taxpayers who haven’t completed any transactions related to their digital assets can answer “no.” Simply owning any kind of virtual currency doesn’t count as digital income. 

      However, taxpayers who have sold, exchanged, or gifted a digital asset, or those who received a digital asset (either as payment for a service or property, or as a reward or an award), must claim it on their 2022 taxes. 

      More information is available here.

      Every taxpayer has a unique filing situation. Whether you work in the gig economy or need assistance with retirement plans, tax season can often be a confu...

      Universal Meditech recalls 56,000 COVID-19 tests

      The test kits may provide inaccurate results

      If you have a Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit on the shelf, check the label. More than 56,000 of the COVID-19 tests are being recalled because they could provide inaccurate results.

      According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the products were found to have been distributed without appropriate premarket clearance or approval which potentially could result in inaccurate test results due to lack of performance evaluation by the FDA.

      The following styles/models/UDI have been recalled:

      • Name of Product: Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit

      • UDI: None

      • Model: Cassette

      • Quantity: 56,300

      Products were distributed with “Skippack Medical Lab” branded Instructions for Use leaflets in three different packaging boxes identified below:

      • Purple and white box under “Skippack Medical Lab” brand: (see image below)

      • Green and white box under “DiagnosUS” brand: (see image below)

      • White box without brand name: (see image below)

      Universal Meditech Inc. voluntarily recalled the product after becoming aware of the violative distribution notified by the FDA. To date, there has not been any reported injury.

      What to do

      Consumers who have Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits should stop using the device immediately and contact the distributor for product return.

      Recalled products were manufactured from October 2021 to December 2021 and distributed in January 2022.

      Consumers with questions may contact the legal attorney of the company via telephone at +1(702)871-9888 between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM, P.S.T. Consumers may also contact the legal attorney of the company via e-mail at m@linlawgroup.com.

      If you have a Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit on the shelf, check the label. More than 56,000 of the COVID-19 tests are being recall...

      Get matched to your top car warranty in seconds

      Answer a few quick questions about your car to see up to 3 matching warranties.

      Consumers, perhaps now more than ever, are concerned with extending the life of their current vehicles, due to the high costs of both new and used cars. With that comes many questions: Are extended car warranties worthwhile for the average car owner? How much do they cost? What are the different plans and tiers available? How difficult is it to file a claim?

      The answers to these questions vary greatly depending on the age, make and model of the vehicle, in addition to where you live. There is simply no one-size-fits-all quote, or even a ballpark quote, that can be given to encompass all consumers. Prices could range from $50 per month, to several times that much. That's why it's important to seek out quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.

      ConsumerAffairs has made the process easy, with a Buyers Guide comparing all of the industry's major warranty providers. Compare brands side-by-side, read tens of thousands of verified reviews from real customers, and receive answers to all of your warranty questions. 

      For those who want to take the legwork out of the research, ConsumerAffairs has a solution there as well. Users can provide a few basic details about their vehicle, state their preferences, coverage desires and needs, and any possible discount considerations, and receive a list of qualifying warranties that best suit each individual. 

      ConsumerAffairs' proprietary Matching Tool will pair car owners with great warranties based on their responses to a series of questions....

      Been to the dentist lately? Get ready to pay more when you go

      Dentists and experts offer ways consumers can save money on their dental needs

      If you’ve been to the dentist lately, you may have noticed that the prices have gone up. And industry sources say prices for everything from pulling a tooth to putting on a new crown will likely continue to rise, too.

      A new poll suggests that three out of four dentists plan to raise their fees this year to try and offset challenges they face on their end like inflation, insurance reimbursement, and staffing.

      The consumer actually had a hand in prices going up, too. More than 80% of the dentists polled said that their revenue was impacted by short notice, less than 24-hour cancelations, leaving them little time to slot another patient in.

      ConsumerAffairs reached out to several dentists and financial experts for suggestions for consumers who want to take a bite out of their dental costs. 

      Ask your dentist if they have any deals or subscriptions

      Dr. Fatima Khan, DDS, at Altus Dental in Houston said that if a patient has a dentist they like and don’t want to switch to another because of price, they should ask if their dentist offers an in-office membership plan. 

      “Your dental expenses will be reduced because they offer discounts on in-office procedures. Also, going for routine checkups is cost-effective because you can identify minor issues before they become a major problem,” Khan said.

      “For example, a small filling will cost less than a root canal and catching gingivitis and reversing that before it progresses into periodontal disease will save you money and save your teeth.”

      Some dental clinic chains are following suit. 

      Dr. Arwinder Judge, DDS, chief clinical officer at Aspen Dental, told ConsumerAffairs that the practice recently launched a savings plan that costs $39 a year but lowers the prices up to 30% on most costs typically associated with preventative care and gives free exams and X-rays.

      Go overseas

      Now, this may sound a little far-fetched, but people have been known to travel outside the U.S. to get all sorts of medical procedures done, so why not dental work, too?

      How about Portugal?

      One New York City resident said they were facing $5,000 for a two-appointment root canal in the Big Apple, but found they could get the same for $300 in Lisbon. Yep, “dental tourism” is being touted as a real thing, at least by Julien McRoberts, owner of Dental Destinations Portugal.

      McRoberts claimed that patients can not only save thousands on dental procedures, but also get the side benefit of exclusive hotels, tours, and unique experiences.

      The notion of dental tourism was even verified by Colgate, pointing out that the current crop of “dental destinations” being promoted includes Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Croatia, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

      But there are issues inherent in dental tourism. For example, language barriers, medical standards, and care continuity.

      “If you receive dental care in another country, the foreign dentist might not know your dental history. When you return, your own dentist might not know what treatment you received or why it was performed,” Colgate’s team wrote.

      Go to a dental school or community health center

      Khan also suggested that consumers consider dental schools and community health centers.

      “You can get treatment at a local dental school. The cost is significantly lower than private practices and the student dentist will be supervised by a licensed dentist. The main drawback is the students are still learning and it can take a long time to have a simple procedure done,” he said.

      As far as a community health center is concerned, that’s the perfect answer for someone who’s uninsured. Khan said the primary benefit is the sliding scale fee discount program that is based on your family’s annual income and size.

      Do a better job taking care of your teeth

      Dr. Kasen Somana, a cosmetic dentist and founder of Signature Dentistry may be a half a world away in Toorak, Australia, but he said that saving money starts with being proactive about your oral health care at home. 

      “This means brushing and flossing regularly, scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist, and making sure to address any issues as soon as possible. Doing so helps to prevent more major problems that incur higher costs down the road.”

      If you’ve been to the dentist lately, you may have noticed that the prices have gone up. And industry sources say prices for everything from pulling a toot...

      Romance novels promise to heat up Valentine’s Day

      The genre has grown in popularity in recent years

      Photo (c) Phaungphet Kweanthong Eye/Em - Getty Images

      Publishers of romance novels no doubt saw rising sales as Valentine’s day approached. The genre is growing in popularity as a new generation of readers and audiobook listeners has embraced the stories of passion and romance.

      NPR recently reported that members of the Book $!u+z Romance Book Club in Baltimore drew more than 20 enthusiastic members to its first in-person meeting since the pandemic. At the first meeting in 2019, only two people showed up.

      Andi Arndt, an award-winning audiobook narrator, has brought to life more than 600 books over her career – approximately 400 of them romance novels. She is a top-selling narrator of contemporary romance as well as popular non-fiction and fiction books, such as Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, and The Hazards of Time Travel by Joyce Carol Oates.

      “Romance readers and listeners are not just reading by themselves, they’re participants in a very vibrant community that covers historical romance, things like paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and many other subgenres,” Arndt told ConsumerAffairs. Subgenres can cover lots of bases, from motorcycle club romance to military romance. 

      Currently, romance books account for about 23% of book publishing activity in the U.S. Arndt says the fan base is highly committed, with many of her listeners telling her they read or listen to a book a day.

      An escape

      So, what’s the appeal? Maybe, with all the fear and uncertainty that seems to grip modern life, a good romance novel is a much-appreciated escape.

      “Romance listeners say over and over they like knowing that everything is going to turn out okay, you’re going to get the happily ever after,” Arndt said. “Technically, a book cannot be a romance if it doesn’t have a happily ever after or a happy for now at the end. You know, whatever may be going on in people’s lives, if they have a lot of stress and a lot of worries, they know that when they dive into a romance, in the book at least, everything’s going to be okay.”

      When Arndt attends public events she gets lots of feedback from her listeners who tell her they love the stories and the characters in their favorite books.

      “With audiobooks, they feel like they know you, which is interesting because they’ve spent so much time with you in their ear,” she said.

      Audiobooks have grown in popularity because “readers” can consume them while doing other things, such as driving or taking a walk. According to Audible, the current top-selling romance novel is “It Ends With Us,” by Colleen Hoover and read by Olivia Song.

      Photo (c) Phaungphet Kweanthong Eye/Em - Getty ImagesPublishers of romance novels no doubt saw rising sales as Valentine’s day approached. The genre is...

      Were you one of the 40,000 Americans who lost money in MoneyGram scams? You've got a refund coming

      MoneyGram apparently wants no more of this and is educating consumers on what tricks scammers might use.

      It’s not every day that a scammed consumer gets their money back, but 38,889 Americans are about to thanks to a three-pronged effort by federal agencies.

      The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have announced that disbursement of over $115 million to consumers has begun. 

      It's part of the compensation process for victims defrauded through the use of MoneyGram money transfers. And, unlike some settlements where victims may only get pennies on the dollar, these victims will recover their full loss amounts.

      The refunds are the result of a $125 million settlement MoneyGram agreed to with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after MoneyGram was found to have turned a blind eye to scammers using its platform to fleece consumers and violated two agreements it had made to keep itself out of hot water.

      One of those agreements was an FTC settlement from 2009 where MoneyGram agreed to put in place a fraud prevention program to promptly investigate, restrict, suspend, and cut-off fraudsters.

      The other was a 2012 DOJ agreement in which the company agreed to take proactive steps to lessen scammers’ ability to use MoneyGram’s payment system to transfer money from consumers.

      “MoneyGram violated an FTC order by continuing to let scammers rip off its customers,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC is pleased to be working with our law enforcement partners to provide refunds to claimants. Other firms that facilitate fraud and ignore FTC orders should expect to face similar consequences.”

      Getting paid

      The checks are reportedly in the mail to consumers who submitted claims during the open claims process in 2021. However, if a consumer lost money to a scammer via MoneyGram and did not receive a determination notice, they may check the status of their petition by visiting the “Status” tab on this website.

      Further questions may be directed to DOJ’s MoneyGram Remission Administrator by phone at 844-269-2630 or by email at info@moneygramremission.com.

      Has MoneyGram learned its lesson?

      When ConsumerAffairs searched MoneyGram’s website to see if the company has put on a new game face to distance itself from scam activity, all indications are that it’s making an effort. For one thing, it says “protecting customers is a priority.”

      The company seems to be on top of all the current scams – the IRS impersonation scam, charity scams like ones linked to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, romance scams, and refund scams, as well as a slate of other scams like foreign lottery and buying a vehicle.

      MoneyGram advises anyone who’s asked to send money through its service to bone up on the tricks that scammers have used the company to perpetrate.

      Among the "nevers" are these four tips: 

      • Never wire money to someone you don't know is rule number one. 

      • Never ever deposit a check from someone who asks you to send some of the money back to them.

      • Never wire money to a relative who says they're in the middle of a crisis until you check out the story first. Ask questions to verify the person's identity.

      • Never send money to receive money.

      And there are three things consumers should always do before sending money via MoneyGram:

      • Know who you are dealing with, especially if it's about an unsolicited prize or gift offer. MoneyGram advises to never trust a message like: "Congratulations, you just won $1,000 in a foreign lottery!"

      • Do the research on an offer to be sure it's real. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

      • 'Remember wiring money is like sending cash. When you send it, it's gone - you can't get it back," the company advises.

      But, if anyone suspects fraud, MoneyGram has two ways that it might be able to help: reporting fraud online through this form; and by calling its Customer Care Center at 1-800-933-3278 in order to have the transaction canceled immediately.

      It’s not every day that a scammed consumer gets their money back, but 38,889 Americans are about to thanks to a three-pronged effort by federal agencies....

      Infant death prompts Baby Trend stroller warning

      Parents are urged to also use the five-point safety harness

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Baby Trend are warning parents about a risk of head or neck entrapment between the pivoting front canopy and the armrest or seat back of Baby Trend’s Sit N’ Stand Double and Ultra strollers.

      Affected strollers have model numbers beginning with “SS76” or “SS66." The company has not issued a recall.

      A child’s head or neck can become trapped by the canopy if another child climbs on the exterior of the stroller or when a child in the front seat of the stroller is not securely restrained in the seat using all five points of the harness. Entrapment could lead to a loss of consciousness, serious injury, or death.

      Baby Trend has received one report of neck entrapment in the space between the front of the canopy tube and armrest of a Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand double stroller, resulting in the asphyxiation death of a non-occupant 14-month-old whose father was nearby but was unable to see the child. 

      Baby Trend has also received one report of entrapment in the space between the back of the canopy tube and the seat back of the front seat, resulting in neck bruises to a 17-month-old child, who was partially secured. 

      Remove the canopy

      Consumers can mitigate the hazard by removing and separately storing the canopy when not in use, not allowing children to play on the strollers, and always fully securing children in the strollers with the built-in five-point harness. 

      The Sit N’ Stand Double and Ultra strollers, model numbers beginning SS76 or SS66, have a black or silver frame and a black tray at the front with oval cutouts on the sides. “Sit N’ Stand” is printed in white on the sides of the frame. “Baby Trend” is printed on the side of the mesh basket under the seat. The model number is printed on a sticker located on the left inside rear of the frame, near the left rear axle. The Sit N’ Stand strollers have been sold nationwide since 2009.

      The popular strollers have been and are sold online at www.babytrend.com, Amazon.com, bedbathandbeyond.com and other online retailers. They have also been sold in stores such as  Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and buybuy BABY.

      What to do

      Instructions on how to remove the detachable canopy for Sit N’ Stand Double or Ultra strollers with model numbers beginning SS76 or SS66 are provided in the product manual.  Consumers are encouraged to report incidents or injuries associated with the Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double or Ultra strollers or with any product to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov

      Consumers may also direct questions regarding Baby Trend products to Baby Trend at 800-328-7363 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday or by email at info@babytrend.com.

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Baby Trend are warning parents about a risk of head or neck entrapment between the pivoting front ca...

      Has inflation affected your online shopping habits? For many, it has

      A new survey highlighted that over 80% of shoppers are rethinking how they spend this year

      Consumers are no strangers to the effects of inflation. Whether it’s at the grocery store or the after effects of holiday shopping, rising prices have been a common theme in recent months. 

      Now, a new survey conducted by Wish found that inflation is affecting how the majority of Americans are spending money on online shopping. 

      Discount codes and free shipping are important to shoppers

      Experts surveyed 2,000 Americans over the age of 18 about their online shopping habits, including how often they shop, how inflation affects their spending, discount codes, shipping costs, and more. 

      Overall, nearly 85% of respondents said that inflation is affecting how frequently they’re placing online shopping orders. Additionally, 40% said they’re cutting back on their online shopping because of consistently rising prices. 

      Inflation is also affecting what shoppers are looking for when placing online orders. Discount codes and free shipping are becoming more important.

      The survey found that 30% of Americans will only be shopping when there are sales going on, 34% actively look for discount codes when online shopping and 32% are going directly to online stores that offer flat-rate or free shipping. 

      Shipping costs are a major factor

      Shipping proved to be a major consideration for survey participants. Eighty percent of respondents said their online purchases are affected by shipping costs, while 70% said they’d spend enough to reach the minimum purchase threshold to get cheaper or free shipping, and 65% said they’d cancel their order if the shipping costs were too high. 

      “Online shopping should be a journey of excitement and discovery, and too often this experience is soured when shoppers get stung by high shipping fees,” said Mauricio Monico, chief merchant officer at Wish. 

      “How we shop online continues to evolve, but the experience should stay convenient and accessible without pricing out consumers. The results of the survey reiterates that the shopping journey doesn’t stop at checkout, and today’s shoppers want shipping to be as painless and affordable as possible,” Monaco said. 

      Consumers are no strangers to the effects of inflation. Whether it’s at the grocery store or the after effects of holiday shopping, rising prices have been...

      State Department says that if you’re thinking about going to Mexico for Spring Break, you should reconsider

      If you feel you just have to go, the agency asks that you sign up for its Smart Traveler program

      Because of the weather, nearness, and value, Mexico has become a Spring Break favorite over the last few years, but it’s also become a hotbed of crime and kidnapping.

      So much so that the U.S. Department of State has decided that the situation is too dicey for Americans right now, slapping “Do Not Travel” restrictions on six Mexican states, and “Reconsider” or “Exercise Extreme Precaution” warnings on 25 more.

      The only two states that got the green light are Campeche and Yucatan, both in the Yucatan Peninsula and home to tourist areas in Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

      A full list of restrictions is available here.

      “Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations,” the Department wrote.

      “Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted. However, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.”

      If you decide to go, well…

      The Department doesn’t throw travel restrictions around lightly, but it can’t stand in the way of anyone who’s compelled to cross the border into Mexico.

      It simply suggests that if someone does, they adhere to the same restrictions that government employees have in Mexico: don’t travel between cities after dark, don’t hail taxis on the street, avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.

      The agency also suggests that travelers download its app and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact the traveler in an emergency. ​

      Because of the weather, nearness, and value, Mexico has become a Spring Break favorite over the last few years, but it’s also become a hotbed of crime and...

      Attractive home purchase opportunities ‘months away,’ expert says

      Real estate investor says high prices can't last with high interest rates

      The housing market has shown new strength lately. Mortgage rates are down and mortgage applications are up.

      But one real estate industry expert tells ConsumerAffairs that conditions are about to get even better for people who have been priced out of the housing market over the last year. Aaron Wagner, CEO of Development at Axia Partners and founder and managing partner at Wags Capital, predicts home prices are about to undergo a dramatic reset.

      “Higher interest rates changed everything,” Wagner told ConsumerAffairs. “Some of these people who could have afforded a $700,000 home when rates were low might now barely be able to afford a $250,000 condo.”

      Wagner doesn’t expect some type of systemic event like the 2008 housing market crash but he does expect similar home price declines. As long as mortgage rates remain above 6% he says there will simply not be enough buyers to absorb the inventory of new and existing homes.

      Where the opportunities will be

      Wagner says some of the best opportunities will be in commercial real estate but he says small residential investors and people who want to purchase a home to live in will also see lower prices. It’s simple economics, he says. It was abnormally-low interest rates for 10 years that allowed home prices to hit record highs.

      “As the good terms (low interest rates) go away then home values are going to sink,” Wagner said. “If prices are high and terms are high, nobody can buy. What that will do is force a softening of pricing.”

      The million-dollar question, of course, is exactly when this is going to happen. Wagner expects the process to begin in the second quarter of this year. By the third and fourth quarters, he says buyers will regain a lot of their leverage.

      “When these prices soften I think that’s when there’s going to be an opportunity for investors and for homebuyers – regular everyday people,” he said.

      The housing market has shown new strength lately. Mortgage rates are down and mortgage applications are up.But one real estate industry expert tells Co...

      Wholesale egg prices have plunged, but when will consumers see lower retail prices?

      Experts say lower prices should show up soon

      If you’ve adjusted your breakfast menu in the last year because of the high cost of eggs, you should soon be able to get back to your regular morning routine. The wholesale price of eggs has plunged in recent weeks.

      This week the wholesale price of a dozen eggs dropped to $2.61. That’s more than 50% lower than mid-December’s average price of $5.43. According to the market research firm Urner Barry, egg prices have plunged by 47% so far this year.

      Consumers probably haven’t noticed, however. That’s because there is a lag in the time that a wholesale price is reflected in prices at the supermarket. 

      In fact, retail egg prices were still extremely high throughout December. According to the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), the price consumers paid for eggs was up over 11% from November. During all of 2022, retail prices soared by 60%.

      Last spring a particularly strong form of avian flu decimated domestic chicken flocks. The outbreak flared up again last fall, killing millions of chickens and driving prices even higher.

      Egg production is up, but so are producers’ costs

      Industry analysts say chicken flocks are rebounding and that’s bringing down prices. However, they point out that producers face higher costs in other areas.

      “Everything we buy, from cartons and boxes and freight and fuel, pretty much every input we purchase went up in cost in 2022," John Brunnquell, CEO of Egg Innovations, told Wisconsin Public Radio.

      Brunnquell said the avian flu caused the deaths of around 38 million laying hens across the U.S. last year, though government health officials put the number closer to 58 million. Much of 2022’s price surge was simply a supply and demand issue.

      Now that wholesale egg prices are on a downward slope, just when will shoppers see lower prices for a carton of eggs at the grocery store? Maybe within weeks, experts say.

      How low will egg prices get?

      How low will prices fall? That’s less certain. In a way of comparison, a dozen large Grade A eggs cost consumers $4.25 on average in December, more than double the $1.79 retail price a year earlier, according to government data.

      While Brunnquell and other egg producers are facing higher costs they may find they must aggressively lower prices to sell eggs to a public that has lately changed its menu to avoid high prices.

      “Consumer demand for shell eggs continues to track lower and is below average and below the levels recorded a year ago,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted last week. “Resistance to record high prices in grocery outlets across the country continues to slow shell egg movement.”

      If you’ve adjusted your breakfast menu in the last year because of the high cost of eggs, you should soon be able to get back to your regular morning routi...

      Southwest announces new flights through October 2023

      The airline is expanding services from some of the busiest airports across the country

      Southwest Airlines, under fire after its widespread holiday cancellation issues, is turning a page and announcing new flights that are scheduled to run through nearly the end of the year. 

      Southwest released its entire schedule through October 4, 2023, and also announced new flights, as well as flights that will become available throughout the year from some of the biggest markets across the country. 

      What can fliers expect? 

      One of the biggest announcements is the expansion of flights from Long Beach, California, to other destinations across the country – without layovers. These are the anticipated adjustments: 

      • Beginning March 9: daily nonstop service between Long Beach and Kansas City 

      • Beginning July 11: daily nonstop service between Long Beach and Colorado Springs and El Paso 

      • Beginning July 15: Saturday nonstop service between Long Beach and Orlando

      • Beginning September 5: daily nonstop service between Long Beach and Albuquerque 

      The expansion comes after much demand from customers to offer more direct flights from Long Beach to other major cities within the U.S. 

      Later in the year, fliers can expect the addition of more nonstop flights from various markets across the country. Many of these will be seasonal weekend flights while others will run on a daily basis. 

      Some of these include: 

      • Beginning September 5: daily nonstop service between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Oakland 

      • Beginning September 5: daily nonstop service between Las Vegas and Little Rock 

      • Beginning September 9: nonstop weekend service between Dallas and Philadelphia 

      • Beginning September 9: nonstop weekend service between Los Angeles and Portland

      • Beginning September 10: nonstop Sunday service between Boston and Houston 

      More of the updated routes for the remainder of the year can be found here

      Southwest Airlines, under fire after its widespread holiday cancellation issues, is turning a page and announcing new flights that are scheduled to run thr...