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Consumer News: Required minimum distributions from retirement accounts may rise in 2025

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Category: Consumer Daily Reports
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This years record stock market run means more money will be withdrawn and taxed

By Mark Huffman Consumer News: Required minimum distributions from retirement accounts may rise in 2025 of ConsumerAffairs
October 7, 2024

Photo

Americans over the age of 73 with tax-deferred retirement accounts need to be thinking about next years required minimum distribution (RMD). Thats the amount of money the government requires you to withdraw each year, which is taxed as ordinary income.

Both traditional individual retirement accounts (IRA) and employee-sponsored 401(k) accounts are subject to RMDs.

Your RMD in 2025 may be significantly more than in recent years. Because of the stock markets record performance this year, the RMD is likely to be higher. Each year the RMD is based on a percentage of the accounts value at the end of the year.

The enactment of the Secure 2.0 Act in 2023 raised the age for RMDs from 72 to 73. According to an estimate from Fidelity Investments, the U.S. Treasury could receive a record $25 billion in RMDs next year.

What to know

Here are some things that retirement account-holders should keep in mind:

  • The money you receive in a RMD is taxed as ordinary income. Capital gains do not make a difference.

  • Failure to make a RMD will resent in a penalty, as much as 25% of the RMD.

  • RMDs must be taken by December 31 of each year after the age of 73.

  • You dont receive RMDs from Roth IRAs since the deposits were not tax deductible.

  • You can withdraw more than the RMD, but you must pay taxes on whatever you withdraw in a calendar year.

  • Most financial institutions holding retirement accounts will inform account owners of the amount of their RMD in January

According to the IRS, account owners in a workplace retirement plan can delay taking their RMDs until the year they retire, unless they're a 5% owner of the business sponsoring the plan.



Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images


Posted: 2024-10-07 00:06:09

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Consumer News: World’s largest sports piracy site Streameast shut down in Egypt

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:07:07 +0000

The arrests and seizures took down at least 80 gambling domains

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 8, 2025

  • Streameast drew 1.6 billion visits in the past year across 80 domains

  • Egyptian police and ACE terminated the operation after yearlong probe

  • Authorities seized devices, cash and crypto; two suspects arrested

Major blow to illegal streaming

The worlds largest sports pirating platform, Streameast, has been shut down following a coordinated sting operation in Egypt. Authorities, working with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), terminated the site on Aug. 24 after a yearlong investigation that tracked the sprawling piracy network.

Streameast had grown into the most popular illegal source for live sports, racking up 1.6 billion visits in the past year. The site offered streams of marquee events including the NFL, NBA, MLB, European football championships, pay-per-view boxing and Formula 1 races. With an average of 136 million monthly visitors, it ranked among the most visited piracy hubs worldwide, attracting audiences in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Philippines and Germany.

Arrests and seizures outside Cairo

Egyptian authorities arrested two men about 20 miles outside Cairo under suspicion of copyright infringement. Police confiscated laptops, smartphones, cash, credit cards and other equipment allegedly tied to the operation. Investigators also uncovered evidence of a shell company used to launder advertising revenue, estimated at $6.2 million, as well as an investment of $200,000 in cryptocurrency. Some of the proceeds were allegedly used to purchase property in Egypt.

Global alliance backing the takedown

ACE, one of the worlds largest antipiracy coalitions, partnered with Egyptian law enforcement and received assistance from Europol, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre.

With this landmark action, we have put more points on the board for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide and our global alliance will stay on the field as long as it takes to identify and target the biggest piracy rings across the globe, said Charles Rivkin, chairman of ACE and head of the Motion Picture Assn.

Redirecting viewers to legal channels

All Streameast-linked domains about 80 in total will now redirect users to ACEs watch legally portal, which promotes authorized streaming platforms. The takedown comes just as the NFL prepares to kick off its regular season, underscoring the high stakes for sports leagues battling piracy.

What fans watched most on Streameast

Streameast built its following by streaming some of the biggest and most lucrative sports events in the world. According to investigators, the sites 1.6 billion visits in the past year were driven by access to:

  • NFL games Regular season, playoffs and the Super Bowl

  • NBA matchups From marquee regular-season clashes to the Finals

  • Major League Baseball Regular season and World Series broadcasts

  • European football Champions League, Premier League and continental championships

  • Pay-per-view boxing Heavyweight title fights and celebrity bouts

  • Formula 1 races Full-season coverage across global circuits

By offering these high-demand events for free, Streameast siphoned millions of potential viewers away from official broadcasters and generated an estimated $6.2 million in advertising revenue.


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Consumer News: Silent killer: Chagas disease spreads quietly across the U.S.

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:07:07 +0000

The disease is spread by insects, now found in at least 30 states

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
September 8, 2025

  • Chagas kills more people in Latin America each year than malaria

  • Roughly 300,000 people in the U.S. are infected, many without knowing it

  • Cases have been confirmed in 30 states, including California

Its one of the most insidious diseases youve probably never heard of. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is spreading across California and at least 29 other states. Researchers estimate that as many as 300,000 people in the U.S. may already be infected most of them unaware until it strikes years later with heart failure, stroke or sudden death.

The kissing bug connection

The parasite lives in a bloodsucking insect called the kissing bug. About a dozen species are found in the U.S.Research in Los Angeles Griffith Park shows that nearly a third of local kissing bugs carry the parasite. Wildlife including wood rats, skunks, mice, raccoons and even black bears have also tested positive, making the reservoir for infection wide and varied.

Kissing bugs are pretty equal opportunity when it comes to who they take a blood meal from, said Sarah Hamer, an epidemiologist at Texas A&M University in a Los Angeles Times report.

From rural stigma to urban reality

Historically regarded as a disease of rural Latin America, Chagas is increasingly appearing in U.S. patients with no foreign travel history. Doctors report infections in unexpected places, including an affluent Hollywood Hills neighborhood. California has the highest number of known cases between 70,000 and 100,000 both from immigrants arriving with the disease and from possible local transmission.

From 2019 to 2023, Los Angeles County alone confirmed about 180 cases. Health experts warn those numbers likely represent only a fraction of infections, since Chagas is not a reportable disease in most of California.

A neglected disease with deadly consequences

The lack of routine screening means many patients go undiagnosed until irreversible damage occurs. If we screened for it and caught it early, most patients could be cured, said Kaiser Permanente cardiologist Salvador Hernandez. The problem is we dont, and people end up dying or requiring terrifically expensive care.

Antiparasitic drugs can stop the parasite if given in time. Dogs are also vulnerable, often becoming infected by eating the bugs.

Calls for recognition and action

Epidemiologists and medical experts are pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to declare Chagas endemic in the U.S. Such a move could bring wider awareness, research funding and public health investment.

This is a disease that has been neglected and has been impacting Latin Americans for many decades, said Norman Beatty, a University of Florida medical epidemiologist. But its also here in the United States.

Heres a sidebar draft you could run alongside the main story:

How to spot Chagas symptoms

Chagas disease can remain silent for years, but when symptoms do appear, they often mimic other illnesses. Doctors say early recognition is key.

Early or acute symptoms (days to weeks after infection):

  • Swollen eyelid or face (sometimes called Romaas sign)

  • Fever, fatigue, rash

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Nausea, diarrhea or loss of appetite

Chronic symptoms (years later, often mistaken for other conditions):

  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

  • Enlarged heart, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest

  • Stroke or seizures

  • Difficulty swallowing or severe constipation from digestive tract damage

Why its missed:

  • Many patients have no symptoms until advanced disease develops

  • Signs often resemble more common cardiac or gastrointestinal problems

  • Most U.S. physicians do not routinely screen for it

What helps:

  • Blood donation centers sometimes detect infections during screening

  • Antiparasitic medications can stop disease progression if caught early

  • Regular check-ups and heart health evaluations are critical for those at risk


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Consumer News: Buick, Toyota, Lexus top new vehicle value index; Stellantis brands lag behind

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:07:07 +0000

Reliability and affordability top factors in an uncertain economy

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
September 8, 2025

The first-ever Vehicle Quality and Pricing Index (QPI) from the Dave Cantin Group (DCG), an auto industry research firm,ranks which auto brands deliver the best combination of reliability and affordability and the results highlight a market shifting away from big trucks toward more cost-conscious choices.

Buick, Mazda and Toyota lead value rankings

In the inaugural 2025 QPI, Buick, Mazda and Toyota emerged as the top-performing mainstream brands. On the luxury side, Lexus took the crown, with Cadillac close behind.

The index blends reliability data with retail pricing to evaluate 27 top auto brands. For consumers squeezed by inflation and rising interest rates, the findings underline which nameplates are giving shoppers the best value for money.

Buicks rise was especially notable: it topped the QPI thanks to a 7% drop in average transaction price, the fewest reported problems per 100 vehicles, and one of the industrys biggest market-share gains in the first half of 2025.

Reliability and affordability have long been two of the most critical factors impacting consumer purchase decisions, said Brian Gordon, DCG president. In light of the current macroeconomic uncertainty, we believed future market share gains could be correlated to manufacturers delivering on both of these and the QPI results confirm it.

Trucks and Stellantis brands face headwinds

Brands heavily dependent on high-priced pickups Ford, Chevrolet and GMC ranked lower due to transaction prices that have climbed well above consumer comfort levels.

At the bottom of the QPI were Chrysler, Jeep and Ram, all Stellantis divisions. Jeep in particular has struggled with value perception, as climbing sticker prices have pushed it outside its traditional niche, while ongoing reliability concerns continue to weigh down its scores.

Toyota and Lexus: Consistent demand drivers

For Toyota, the strong showing came as no surprise to dealers.

We can never get enough Toyotas, said Randy Hoffman, COO of Ed Morse Automotive Group, which operates 58 dealerships, in asn Automotive News report. If you sent me 100 more Toyotas, Id sell them all. The demand is always there.

Toyotas luxury sibling, Lexus, also scored high for balancing premium pricing with long-term reliability, reinforcing its reputation as one of the strongest luxury value propositions in the market.

Why the QPI Matters

The QPI is designed to provide a new lens for dealers, automakers and investors to assess brand strength in a turbulent economy. By combining quality and price performance, the index offers insight into which companies are best positioned to capture growth and which may face tougher times ahead.


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Consumer News: Are you actually getting a good deal on Amazon?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:07:08 +0000

An expert shares the tips and tricks you need to know to see if the discount you see is really what meets the eye

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 5, 2025

  • Not all discounts are real: Watch out for fake deals tied to odd colors/sizes, inflated list prices, or shady third-party sellers.

  • Use tools to verify prices: Amazons Rufus assistant, plus trackers like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel, can reveal true price history and extra savings.

  • Dont fall for hype tactics: Prime Day deals, countdown messages, and only 2 left alerts often exaggerate urgency to push you into buying.


Weve all been there: We scroll through Amazon, find the item we want, and notice the price has been slashed from the original retail price. Success!

But is that deal really what you think it is?

Kyle James from RatherBeShopping.com shared everything consumers need to know about Amazons somewhat deceitful pricing and how to know if youre really getting the best deal possible.

What are the warning signs?

Its important to know how to spot if a deal is real or not. Here are some of the signs to look for:

When an item has a big percent off, but only for a very weird color or size, it's a fake deal, James told ConsumerAffairs.

"Or, if the item has a crossed-out list price that nobody actually sells it for, or would ever buy it for, its a fake deal. I also check who Im buying from if its sold by a random Amazon third-party seller with a terrible return policy, I walk.

Use Amazons tools to your advantage

To make sure you dont get duped by Amazons tactics, James recommends doing some extra digging before confirming your purchase.

The best part: Amazon has tools that you can use to check prices.

On the product page, I have gotten in the habit of asking Amazons AI assistant Rufus for the 30- and 90-day price history, James said.

Then I double-check with price-tracking tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel. This quickly tells me if the deal is real or not. I also click Used & new to see what Amazon open-box deals are available, as I'll often settle for "Used - Like New" and save a good chunk.

Save money and get deals

On top of doing your homework, James says that Amazons Rufus can help you save money in other ways.

Ask Rufus, Are there any coupons or deals for the items in my cart? James suggests.

Rufus then looks at the stuff in your Amazon cart and tells you if youre missing any coupons or money saving opportunities.

Beware during Prime Day

According to James, Amazon takes advantage of these tactics during high-traffic times like Prime Day or the holidays.

These tactics are more prevalent as Amazon knows they have a captive audience looking for a deal, James said. They always have louder banners, bigger percent-offs, and lots of new low prices that are the same as they were two months ago. The real standouts are usually Amazon devices and last-year TVs and laptops.

Dont fall for urgency

Another key to look out for: dont fall for Amazons popular tactic of advertising a limited supply of a product.

Don't fall for the only two left messaging, as it's designed to make you think you're about to miss out, James said. I ran a few experiments on this, and that number magically resets the following day, and the item never actually sells out. Don't fall for it!


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Consumer News: What to know about fall allergy season

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:07:08 +0000

Allergists can help consumers have a better understanding of their risks and symptoms

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
September 5, 2025

  • Fall allergy season is upon us and many consumers are already feeling the symptoms.

  • Payel Gupta, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, shared everything consumers need to know to combat symptoms throughout fall allergy season.

  • Allergists can help consumers get personalized care during times of severe allergies.

While the weather may be getting cooler, that doesnt mean its the end of allergy season.

In fact, fall allergy season is kicking off, and the symptoms are likely to start manifesting if they havent already.

To help consumers be prepared for allergy season, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Payel Gupta, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology about the ins and outs of fall allergies.

When does fall allergy season usually start?

Dr. Gupta shared that were coming up on the heat of fall allergy season.

Fall allergies usually start in late August and peak through September and October. However, now with climate change, fall allergies can last into late November in some areas, she said.

Fall allergies are mainly driven by weed pollen and in particular ragweed pollen. Mold spores from damp leaves and grass can also trigger symptoms into the fall.

Signs and symptoms

If youre unsure about what signs and symptoms to look for, Dr. Gupta has broken it all down.

She said that typical allergy symptoms include:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Itchy eyes

  • Throat irritation

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

For people with asthma, allergies can also trigger wheezing or shortness of breath, Dr. Gupta said.

Combating allergy season

To fight off allergy symptoms this season, heres what Dr. Gupta recommends:

  • Make a plan with your healthcare provider early. Starting medications like nasal steroid sprays early, especially if you have other more year-round allergies, can help get your nose ready for the fall allergies before pollen counts peak.

  • Stay consistent with the medications you are prescribed.

  • Shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen.

  • Keep windows closed during high pollen days.

  • Use HEPA filters indoors to cut down pollen and mold exposure.

Should you stay indoors?

Staying indoors may mitigate some allergy symptoms. However, Dr. Gupta says that avoiding pollen is really the key.

Simply being indoors with windows open wont help, she said. Using air conditioning, air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times (morning hours) can reduce symptoms.

Allergists can help

If you have persistent allergy symptoms, Dr. Gupta suggests that a trip to the allergist can be helpful.

Understanding what you are allergic to can help you make a plan, she said. If symptoms persist, see an allergist. They can confirm triggers with testing and discuss options like immunotherapy. And remember: treating allergies can also improve sleep, focus, and quality of life.


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