Consumer News: Your Verizon Wireless settlement payment may disappoint you

The monthly Conference Board index hits its lowest point since April

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in November, dropping to its lowest level since April.

• Expectations about future business, labor market, and income conditions all deteriorated.

• The forward-looking Expectations Index has now sat below recession-signaling territory for 10 straight months.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, consumers arent in a very optimistic mood. The Conference Boards monthly Consumer Confidence Index fell 6.8 points to 88.7, its weakest reading since April, down from 95.5 in October.

The decline was broad-based. The Present Situation Index, which reflects consumers views of current business and labor market conditions, slipped 4.3 points to 126.9. The Expectations Index, which captures consumers six-month outlook, fell more sharply, dropping 8.6 points to 63.2. The Expectations Index has now remained below 80 for ten consecutive months, a level historically associated with heightened recession risk.

Consumer confidence tumbled in November to its lowest level since April after moving sideways for several months, said Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. All five components of the overall index flagged or remained weak.

Peterson noted that consumers grew more cautious about both current conditions and the economic road ahead, with pessimism rising across business expectations, the labor market outlook, and anticipated household income.

Labor market sentiment continues to fall

Consumers perceptions of the labor market weakened modestly. The share of respondents calling jobs plentiful dipped to 27.6% from 28.6%, while those saying jobs were hard to get also edged down to 17.9% from 18.3%. The Conference Boards labor market differentiala key gauge of sentimentcontinued its year-long slide after a brief October pause.

Expectations six months ahead also deteriorated. Only 14.6% of consumers now expect more jobs to be available, down from 15.8%, while 27.5% anticipate fewer jobs.

Optimism about future business conditions faded further in November. Just 15.9% of respondents expect business conditions to improve, while 27.7% expect them to worsena notable jump from October.

Income expectations also lost momentum. After six months of relatively strong readings, the share of consumers expecting their incomes to rise fell to 15.3%, while those anticipating a decline increased to 13.8%.

Peterson emphasized that consumers write-in responses showed persistent anxiety over inflation, prices, tariffs, politics, and the federal government shutdown. Mentions of the labor market eased but remained a prominent concern. Overall sentiment in Novembers comments was slightly more negative than in October.

Younger consumers more optimistic

Confidence varied sharply across demographic groups:

• Under 35: Confidence continued improving on a six-month moving average basis.

• Age 35+: Sentiment deteriorated, with consumers 55+ remaining the most pessimistic this year.

• By income: Nearly all income brackets saw declining confidence, except consumers earning under $15,000though this group remains the least optimistic overall.

• By political affiliation: Confidence slipped across the board, with the steepest declines among independent voters.

Consumers views of their financial situations took a turn for the worse. Current financial assessments plunged to near levels last seen in August 2024, when market turbulence briefly rattled recession fears.

Prosecutors claimed the software allowed landlords to set higher rents

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• RealPage Inc. agrees to a major settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations that its rent-pricing software facilitated illegal algorithmic collusion among landlords.

• Federal prosecutors argued the software allowed competing property owners to coordinate rental prices, inflating rates for millions of tenants nationwide.

• The settlement imposes strict compliance requirements and increased oversight, though RealPage continues to deny wrongdoing.

RealPage Inc., a major provider of rent-pricing software used by some of the nations largest landlords, has reached a settlement with federal prosecutors to end a high-profile investigation into what critics have described as algorithmic collusion in the housing market.

The agreement resolves claims that RealPages flagship product, an algorithm-driven platform designed to recommend optimal rental rates, enabled property owners to coordinate prices in ways that reduced competition and drove up rents.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) had been looking into whether the software effectively acted as a hub for information-sharing among competitors, allowing them to move prices in lockstep without the need for explicit communication.

RealPages rent-optimization tool, used across hundreds of thousands of multifamily units, relies on aggregated data from participating landlords to suggest daily rental prices and occupancy targets. Critics, including tenant advocates and antitrust scholars, argued the system created a de facto cartel by aligning pricing strategies among firms that would otherwise be competing.

The governments case

Federal prosecutors said the practice amounted to an anticompetitive scheme. By feeding confidential pricing and occupancy data into a centralized algorithm, landlords could collectively tighten supply and raise rates while maintaining plausible deniability that any coordination was intentional.

Algorithms cannot be used as a shield for collusion, a DOJ official said in announcing the settlement. Competition laws apply whether coordination happens in a boardroom or in a line of code.

RealPage denies wrongdoing

In the settlement, RealPage did not admit liability but agreed to a set of compliance measures designed to prevent future antitrust violations. These include restrictions on how the company can collect and use competitor data, mandatory monitoring of algorithmic outputs, and regular reporting to federal regulators.

The company said in a statement that its software was never intended to suppress competition and argued that its recommendations were designed to help clients operate more efficiently, not to raise rents artificially. Still, RealPage acknowledged that resolving this matter allows us to focus on serving our customers and improving transparency in our technology.

Broader scrutiny of algorithmic pricing

The RealPage case has become a flashpoint in a broader debate about the growing use of algorithmic pricing tools across industries, from airlines to online retail. Regulators in the U.S. and abroad have warned that advanced analytics and real-time data sharing can enable collusive outcomes even without direct communication among competitors.

Competing companies must make independent pricing decisions, and with the rise of algorithmic and artificial intelligence tools, we will remain at the forefront of vigorous antitrust enforcement, said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division.

Housing advocates welcomed the settlement but said it does not go far enough. Some tenant groups are pushing for outright bans on algorithmic rent-setting tools, arguing that they distort the housing market and disproportionately harm low-income renters.

The settlement is expected to influence ongoing civil litigation, including class-action lawsuits filed by renters who allege they paid inflated prices because of RealPages software. It may also trigger closer regulatory scrutiny of similar pricing technologies used in other markets.

Simple tricks to stretch every pricey pound

• Ground beef has more than doubled in price (about $3 vs. $6+ per pound), turning a classic budget protein into a serious strain on family grocery bills

• You can soften the hit by buying in bulk on real sales, freezing portions, stretching beef with beans/lentils/mushrooms, and choosing cheaper store-brand or higher-fat options you can drain

• Plan flexible protein meals and watch restaurant prices too, so you swap in whatever meat (or beans) is on sale instead of forcing ground beef into every dinner

As of late 2025, figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show Americans are now paying around $6.30 per pound on average for ground beef. Even after accounting for inflation, that means the price of ground beef has more than doubled since 2000.

For a lot of families, ground beef isnt a nice-to-have or splurge ingredient. Its the backbone of budget meals like burgers, casseroles, sloppy joes, and big batches of pasta sauce.

So, what turned this budget protein into such an expensive line item? A lot of factors actually. These include smaller herds, higher feed costs, trade policy, and persistently high demand. Add these all together and its not surprising that ground beef has shot up in price, even after you adjust for inflation.

Practical tipsto save money on groundbeef

The bottom line for shoppers is stark:

• Early 2000s (inflation-adjusted): roughly $3 per pound
• Today: roughly $6+ per pound

Thats a serious hit if youre trying to feed a family on a tight budget. But fortunately, with a few subtle moves, you can soften the blow on your grocery budget. Here are a few of my favorite tips:

Buy in bulk when the price dips and use your freezer. When you see a real sale, buy family packs, portion into meal-sized amounts, flatten in freezer bags, and freeze. Just make sure youre comparing unit prices so you know its actually cheaper than recent weeks.

Stretch beef with cheaper proteins. An overlooked tip is to use half ground beef and half beans, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Mix them together and it really stretches the amount of ground beef youll use. Then when you use the mixture for chili, tacos, or even pasta sauce youll have a hard time noticing the difference. Ive found that youll easily keep the flavor while cutting the cost per serving.

Lean toward store-brand, but read the fine print Store-brand ground beef is typically processed at the same facility as the more expense name-brand. But its usually 10-20% cheaper per pound. Check the label for the USDA inspection mark, fat ratio, and sell-by-date. If everything matches, go store-brand every time and save.

Be flexible about fat content. The next time youre at the grocery store, check the price on 80% and 85% ground beef. Youll often find it to be significantly cheaper than higher-lean ground beef. You can then drain the fat and save some money in the process.

Check local butcher shops too.Many shoppers automatically assume a local butcher is going to be more expensive thana grocery store. This is not always the case. For example, a local butcher in my town sells a 5 pound "family size" package of ground beef for just $4.99/pound. Ironically, they are located right next to a Safeway which sells the same beef for $7.99/pound.

Plan flexible protein meals. Perhaps the best tip is to build your weekly menu around recipes that can use whatever protein is on sale that week. Shop that sales and create your meals on where you can find the savings. Whether its ground beef, turkey, chicken, or beans. So youre essentially chasing the best price instead of forcing beef into every meal.

A retail expert shares how shoppers can stretch their holiday budgets by timing their purchases right

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer different strengths, with big-ticket items like TVs and appliances typically discounted more on Black Friday, while Cyber Monday often delivers better deals on smaller electronics, beauty, fashion, and home essentials.

• Smart shopping comes down to strategy, including researching historical prices, comparing retailers, stacking promo codes and cash back, and staying on top of newsletters and social media alerts.

• Even if you miss the big sale days, deals continue, as many retailers offer December promotions and year-end clearance that can be just as competitive.
  

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may only be a few days apart, but smart shoppers know theyre not created equal.

While both have become major deal holidays, each tends to deliver better discounts in different categories and knowing which is which can mean the difference between scoring a real bargain and overspending.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed RetailMeNots Retail Insights Expert, Stephanie Carls, who explained that many shoppers head into the holidays unsure of what to snap up on Black Friday and whats worth waiting for until Cyber Monday. With retailers pushing massive promotions and limited-time offers across both events, its easy to feel overwhelmed or worry about missing out.

Carls breaks down where the biggest savings can be found on each sale day plus emerging holiday shopping trends, consumer behavior this year, and strategies to help shoppers stay on budget while checking off their gift lists.

When do you shop?

What are the biggest differences between Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Carls broke it all down.

Black Friday was once focused on in-store doorbusters, while Cyber Monday centered on online tech deals, she explained. Today, the practical differences are minimal. Both events now offer deep discounts across every major category and most of the deals are available online.

For shoppers, the biggest differences are likely with whats on sale.

Carls said that Black Friday still tends to deliver the strongest prices on big ticket items like TVs, large appliances, and smart home devices because retailers use these categories to build early momentum. On the other hand, Cyber Monday usually shines for smaller electronics, beauty, fashion, and home essentials.

Shopping strategies

When it comes to scoring the best deal, Carls says it isnt just about luck its about timing and strategy.

With prices changing constantly, knowing when to buy can make a big difference in how much you save, she said.

She shared some simple ways shoppers can stay ahead:

• Do your research:Before buying anything, take time to look into historical pricing of the item. Understanding these pricing patterns helps you avoid overpaying and shows you when you've truly found a great deal.

• Compare prices across retailers:Prices vary between stores. Use price-comparison tools or simply check multiple retailers manually to find the lowest available cost. Dont forget to compare shipping fees, return policies and bundled offers, which can change the overall value.

• Stack your savings: Once youve found a good price, maximize the deal. Look for promo codes and cash back opportunities. A deal can quickly turn into a great one when offers are combined.

• Subscribe to newsletters:Brands often send exclusive promotions, early sale alerts, and limited-time coupon codes to their email lists. Signing up helps you be the first to know and gives you access to deals many shoppers miss.

• Follow your favorite brands on social media: Brands frequently post sales, giveaways, or discount codes on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Social channels can also hint at upcoming product drops or clearance events, giving you an advantage in timing your purchase.

Is there time to save after Black Friday?

If Black Friday and Cyber Monday are too overwhelming, you dont have to fear youre missing out on the last of the holiday deals.

Shoppers can still find plenty of discounts throughout December, Carls explained. Many retailers roll out end-of-year clearance events that can be just as competitive, sometimes even better if stores are trying to move remaining inventory.

One last piece of advice from Carls: preparation is key!

To stretch your budget and avoid last-minute stress, start shopping as early as possible many deals are already happening, she said. Before heading to the store, create a list so you stay focused on what you actually need and avoid splurging on items that arent essential.

Huge discounts on Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and more heres your cheat sheet

• You can score the Disney+ + Hulu (with ads) bundle for just $4.99/month for a full year thats nearly $100 saved.

• HBO Max (Basic, with ads) is just $2.99/month for 12 months via its Black Friday promotion.

• Paramount+ is offering its Essential plan or the Premium (with Showtime) plan for $2.99/month for the first two months.

Black Friday isnt just for tech deals streaming services are getting in on the action too, and the 2025 promotions are looking sweeter than ever.

Whether youre trying to binge the latest Marvel series, revisit a childhood favorite on Nickelodeon, or dive into HBOs blockbuster shows, this is a great time to lock in a deal.

Heres a breakdown of some of the top streaming service offers for the holiday season all explained in simple terms so you can pick whats right for you (or your giftee).

Major Black Friday Streaming Deals (2025)

• Disney+ & Hulu Bundle

  • Ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle: $4.99/month for 12 months under the Black Friday offer thats about 61% off compared to the usual $12.99/month.

  • Offer is available through Dec 1, 2025.
    

• HBO Max (Basic with Ads)

  • Through its official savings page, the ad-supported plan is $2.99/month for 12 months for new and returning subscribers.

  • After the 12 months, the subscription will renew at the then-current rate (so set a reminder if you want to cancel).
    

• Paramount+ Deals

  • Paramount+ is offering $2.99/month for the first two months on either:

    • The Essential plan (with ads)

    • The Premium plan with Showtime (ad-free)
      

  • Use promo codes: BF-ESS for Essential, BF-ADFREE for Premium with Showtime.

  • This offer expires around Dec 2, 2025, and after that, your subscription renews at full price unless you cancel.
    

• Fox One

  • The streamer is offering customers a $2.99/month deal for the first 12 months.

  • This offer is valid through January 4, 2026.

• Apple TV+

  • Black Friday offer: $5.99/month for six months (then returns to $12.99).

  • Available to new and returning subscribers.

  • This offer is valid through December 1, 2025.

• YouTube TV

  • Discounted Price: New subscribers can get the YouTube TV Base Plan for $72.99/month for the first three months, saving about $30 off the regular $82.99 rate.

  • NFL Sunday Ticket Option: If you want live football, theres a deal for YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket also at $72.99/month for the first three months.

  • This offer runs through January 4, 2026.

  • Sunday Ticket Add-On: Separately, YouTube has cut the NFL Sunday Ticket price to $48 (for new users) during this Black Friday window.

• Bonus

  • Walmart+ members get Peacock or Paramount+ for one year for free. The first year of the annual membership will run you $49 also on a deal for Black Friday plus a year of free streaming.