Consumer News: Sales of existing homes fell to the lowest level since 1995 last year

Dont assume your return will be postmarked April 15 if you mail it on that day

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new USPS postmark rule could trip up last-minute filers: Postmarks now reflect when mail is processed by USPS, not when its dropped offso mailing your return on April 15 doesnt guarantee an April 15 postmark.

• That matters because the IRS relies on postmarks: Under the mailbox rule, a return is considered filed on time only if the postmark is dated by the deadline; a later processing date could make an on-time mailing look late.

• Taxpayers should take precautions: To avoid penalties, file electronically, ask for a manual postmark at the counter, or use certified/registered mail or a certificate of mailing for proof of timely filing.

For years, procrastinating taxpayers have made a mad dash to the post office at night on April 15 to get their return in the mail before the stroke of midnight. This year, thats not going to work.

Effective December 24, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service updated how it defines and applies postmark dates in its Domestic Mail Manual (Section 608.11). Under the new rule:

The date printed on most postmarks will now reflect when the mailpiece is first processed by an automated USPS facility, not when you drop it into a mailbox or take it to the post office.

USPS says the change clarifies existing practice rather than altering operational proceduresit reflects how postmarks have already been applied in much of the network.

How this can affect taxpayers

The postmark date is important because the IRS and many state tax authorities treat it as the official filing date for mailed returns and payments under the so-called mailbox rule (Internal Revenue Code 7502):

• That rule says a mailed tax return, payment, extension request, or refund claim is treated as filed on time if it has a postmark dated on or before the due date.

But now:

• If you drop your return in a postal collection box on April 15 (Tax Day), the mail might not actually be processed and postmarked until April 16 or later because of how mail travels through processing centers.

• When that happens, the postmark on the envelope could show a later date than the day you mailed iteven though USPS accepted it on time.

Potential consequences

Because of this shift in how postmark dates are determined:

• Tax returns or payments could be considered late if the processing date falls after the deadlineeven if you deposited them on time. That could subject you to late-filing penalties or interest.

• The risk is higher for items mailed very close to a deadline, especially from collection boxes or locations that dont get regular pickups before processing.

Besides getting an earlier start on preparing your tax return, there are ways to avoid this situation:

• File electronically when possiblee-filing gives immediate proof of submission.

• Request a manual postmark at the post office counter (no extra charge) to get the actual acceptance date stamped.

• Use Certified or Registered Mail or get a Certificate of Mailing to document when the item was accepted by USPS.

In short, this change means postmarks may no longer reliably reflect the day you mailed your returnjust when USPS processed itso planning ahead or using alternative proof of timely mailing is more important than ever.

Customers must ask for the credit: Heres how

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Verizon is offering a $20 bill credit to customers impacted by a widespread service outage on Wednesday.

• The credit is not automatic and must be claimed by eligible customers through Verizons website or app.

• The outage disrupted voice, text, and data service for customers in multiple parts of the country.

Verizon is offering a $20 bill credit to customers affected by a service outage that disrupted wireless service on Wednesday, according to the company.

The outage, which began earlier in the day and lasted several hours for some users, affected voice calls, text messaging, and mobile data. Customers across multiple regions reported difficulty making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet, prompting a wave of complaints on social media and outage-tracking sites.

In response, Verizon said it is providing a $20 credit as a goodwill gesture to eligible customers who experienced service interruptions.

How to claim the $20 credit

The credit is not being applied automatically, meaning customers must take action to receive it.

Verizon customers can claim the credit by logging into their account through the Verizon website or the My Verizon app.

Once logged in, customers should navigate to the support or billing section, where Verizon has posted instructions for requesting the outage-related credit. Some customers may also be able to access the offer through a notification or message within their account.

Verizon said the $20 credit will appear on a future bill after the request is processed. The company did not specify how long customers have to submit a claim, but advised doing so as soon as possible.

Who is eligible

The credit applies to customers who were impacted by Wednesdays outage, though Verizon has not released detailed eligibility criteria. Both postpaid and prepaid customers may qualify, depending on the extent of service disruption in their area.

Customers who believe they were affected but do not see an option to claim the credit online are encouraged to contact Verizon customer support directly.

Verizon response

Verizon apologized for the disruption, saying it understands how critical reliable service is for customers. The company has not publicly detailed the cause of the outage but said service was fully restored later in the day.

For customers still experiencing issues or who have questions about the credit, Verizon recommends checking its support pages or contacting customer service through the My Verizon app.

Microdosing GLP-1 sounds good but scientists say it's not proven and could be harmful

• Consumers say that smaller doses of a popular weight-loss drug eased side effects and improved theirhealth

• Telehealth companies are increasingly marketing GLP-1 microdosing for longevity and wellness

• Scientists say theres little evidence that nonstandard doses are safe or effective

The anecdotes are everywherestories of consumers who switched from full doses of GLP-1 drugs to microdosesand saw outstanding results: more energy, fewer gastrointestinal effects and big financial savings. But all of the blather is just thatnoise and unproven claims backed up by sub rosa public relations efforts.

There is virtually no published scientific evidence showing that taking smaller-than-standard doses of tirzepatide or semaglutide the active ingredients in drugs like Zepbound and Ozempic is safe or effective. Yet the Washington Post recently reported that it identified at least 15 telehealth companies and medical practices across the country that promote microdosing GLP-1 drugs specifically for longevity. Many more market tiny doses for weight loss, another strategy that has not been validated in clinical trials.

Why patients are intrigued

Studies using standard doses of GLP-1 drugs have revealed links between the gut where the hormone is naturally produced and the brain. Researchers have found that stimulating GLP-1 can prompt the brain to send signals that reduce inflammation throughout the body. There is also evidence that activating the GLP-1 pathway may help protect against inflammation in the brain, which is associated with diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

Those findings have fueled hopes that the drugs could play a role in preventing or slowing age-related decline. Some patients and providers interviewed say theyve seen real-world benefits from microdosing, and argue that taking less medication should reduce the gastrointestinal side effects common with GLP-1 drugs.

Cost is another factor. Brand-name GLP-1 medications can list for more than $1,000 a month, making smaller doses an appealing option for patients paying out of pocket.

But scientists caution that anecdotes are not evidence.

Whether these low doses actually combat inflammation is uncertain, said Daniel Drucker, a University of Toronto professor whose research has been cited by some proponents of microdosing and who was quoted in The Washington Post report.

From buzz to business

For drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which produce Ozempic and Zepbound respectively, microdosing is the latest example of their blockbuster drugs being repurposed beyond FDA-approved uses.

While patients can technically take smaller-than-standard doses using official Ozempic pens or Zepbound vials, many are turning to compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies became major suppliers of imitation GLP-1 drugs during nationwide shortages.

Although the Food and Drug Administration declared earlier this year that shortages had ended, some pharmacies and medical practices argue they are still allowed to compound the drugs by personalizing doses for individual patients.

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are pushing back aggressively, filing lawsuits that accuse companies of mass-prescribing compounded versions under the guise of customization.

Lilly does not have any data on the benefits or risks of microdosing of Zepbound or Mounjaro, the company said in a statement, adding that its vials contain no preservatives and are intended for single use.

Novo Nordisk echoed those concerns, saying it is deeply concerned about companies promoting and selling compounded, non-FDA approved knock-off versions of semaglutide and sources spreading misinformation about GLP-1s to the public.

For now, experts say patients tempted by microdosing should proceed with caution and with their eyes open.

The science behind GLP-1 drugs is advancing rapidly. But when it comes to tiny doses taken for longevity, researchers say the evidence simply isnt there yet.

Younger users report more issues, have reduced phone usage

• U.S. wireless carriers are averaging nine or fewer problems per 100 uses, according to a new J.D. Power study

• Network quality remained steady across regions and major providers over the past year

• Younger mobile users reported more issues and reduced phone usage compared with earlier results

U.S. wireless networks continue to deliver strong, consistent performance across major carriers, with customers reporting relatively few service problems over the past year, according to a new J.D. Power study released today.

The2026 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance StudyVolume 1found that the wireless industry averaged nine or fewer problems per 100 uses (PP100), a key benchmark used to measure network reliability. That level has remained stable across regions and providers despite increasing demand from data-heavy activities such as streaming and video calls.

Despite generational differences in the types of problems experienced, one thing is clear: wireless network quality is strong, said Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power. Younger consumers continue to push network limits through streaming and video calls, yet the industry has responded with resilience.

Younger users report more issues

The study found that younger mobile users, who typically engage with their phones more frequently, reported a higher number of network problems than older users. They also indicated spending less time on their devices compared with results from the previous volume of the study.

J.D. Power attributed the trend to heavier use of bandwidth-intensive features, which can expose performance issues even as overall network quality remains strong.

Regional carrier rankings

Carrier performance varied slightly by region, though scores remained tightly clustered nationwide.

• Mid-Atlantic:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied for highest ranking at 8 PP100, matching the regional average.

• North Central:Verizon Wireless ranked highest at 6 PP100, followed by UScellular at 7 PP100 and T-Mobile at 8 PP100.

• Northeast:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied at 9 PP100, equal to the regional average.

• Southeast:T-Mobile ranked highest at 8 PP100, with AT&T and Verizon Wireless tied for second at 9 PP100.

• Southwest:T-Mobile led with 8 PP100, followed by Verizon Wireless at 9 PP100.

• West:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied at 9 PP100.

About the study

The 2026 study is based on responses from 20,050 wireless customers and was conducted between June and November 2025. It evaluates network performance across six U.S. regions and includes assessments of wireless phones, tablets, and mobile broadband devices.

The few weeks when upgrading a TV actually makes sense

• Three price pressures are hitting at once - Post-holiday overstock, CES new-model announcements, and Super Bowl sales are all colliding, forcing retailers to cut prices to move inventory not just run flashy sales.

• Last years models get discounted fast - CES instantly makes 2025 TVs feel old, even though real-world differences are minimal. Retailers slash prices to clear them before new models fully arrive.

• The window doesnt last - Once Super Bowl sales end and spring models roll out, discounts fade quickly. This is one of the few times TV prices actually reflect true value.

If youre thinking about upgrading your current TV, there are some factors at play making this a great time to find a deal, even better than Black Friday in most cases.

Between post-holiday inventory overstocks, new model announcements coming out of Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and retailers leaning hard into promotions tied to the Super Bowl, TV prices are being pushed down from multiple directions at once.

Heres exactly how to take advantage of this perfect storm and how long the window tends to last.

Why buying last years TV is asmartmove

CES is one of the biggest forces pushing TV prices down each January.

Manufacturers use CES to preview their upcoming 2026 lineups which typically include brighter panels, thinner bezels, and some cool software tweaks.

But what usually doesnt change much for the average TV viewer is picture quality.

That means smart shoppers should look to save money by buying a 2025 model which still has incredible specs and picture quality.

The bottom line is that when 2026 models are announced, 2025 models immediately lose perceived value, even though:

• Streaming apps work the same.
• Most content is still 4K (not 8K).
• Real-world brightness and motion improvements are often marginal.

Retailers know consumers will hesitate to buy last years TV once new models arrive on shelves. So, they start clearing those models early.

This is why January and early February often deliver what I call the best value-per-inch pricing of the entire year.

I mean sure, you can score a great deal on Black Friday on a brand youve never heard of with inferior specs, but if you want something thats going to last you for years, now is a better time to buy.

Pro tip: Its important to be aware that a 2025 OLED or Mini-LED TV will often beat a 2026 entry-level LED in price. Regardless of how fancy the 2026 model sounds on paper. So, if your budget is fixed, be sure to buy last years higher-tier panel, not this years lower-tier one. Thats where the real upgrade happens for TV buyers this time of year.

Super Bowl sales why retailers discount TVs now

The Super Bowl is one of the last major TV-buying moments before spring resets. Retailers know that once football season ends, TV demand drops sharply.

That means retailers arefighting mightily for your attention right now.

So not only do stores need to make room for the 2026 models coming in, but they want to take advantage of shoppers looking to upgrade beforethebig game on February 8th.

Some of the bestdeals right now:

55-inch TVs Big savings at every budget

• Insignia 55 4K UHD Smart TV ($199 on Amazon) Great entry-level pick for basic streaming and everyday TV watching without the premium price tag.
• LG 55 4K UHD AI Smart TV ($228 at Walmart) This 2025 model is a slight step up with nice app support and solid 4K performance for a super affordable price.
• TCL 55 Class F35-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Fire TV This 2025 model is currently priced at $219.99 at Best Buy, $110 off its regular price of $329.99.
• Samsung 55 U-Series 4K Smart TV This 2025 model is currently $100 off, selling for $329.99 at Best Buy.

65-inch TVs The sweet spot for most homes

• TCL 65 QM5K 4K UHDMini LED Smart TV ($549 at Best Buy) This 2025 model is being sold at $350 off the regular price. The larger screen and is much more immersive for living rooms, without breaking the bank.
• LG - 65" Class B5 Series OLED AI 4K UHD Smart TV ($987 at Best Buy) This 2025 model sold for close to $1,300 for the majority of 2025 making it a good deal if youre looking for a higher-end model.

75-inch TVs Big screen doesnt have to mean big cost

• Samsung 75 Class U7900 UHD Smart TV The 2025 version sells for $448 at Walmart, a savings of $200.
• 75" Class BRAVIA 3 LED 4K UHD Smart TV ($849 at Best Buy) The 2024 model is available for $849.99. The TV has Sonys picture processing and Google TV integration makingthis a strong all-around choice.
• LG - 77" Class C5 Series OLED4K UHD Smart TV ($1,999 at Best Buy) This 2025 model sold for close to $2,500 for much of 2025. Its a premium OLED option with deep blacks, rich color, and gaming-friendly features. A standout deal if you can stretch the budget.

Pro tip: Heres a little pricing trick worth knowing. When you notice the price of a 2025 TV drop sharply in January (or early February), thats often a we have too much inventory price cut. But when the price drops again right before the Super Bowl, consider that the final clearance push and the best price youll find.

Common TV buying mistakes to avoid during big sales

Even in a strong buying window like we have right now, its easy for shoppers to overspend unintentionally.

Here are the mistakes we see the most often:

Paying for features instead of performance

Specs like AI upscaling sound impressive but dont always translate into noticeably better every day viewing. Make sure you know what specs youre paying a premium for, and do the research to see if you actually need them.

Chasing brand names over quality

Keep in mind that a mid-tier OLED often outperforms a premium-branded LED at the same price point, especially in dark-room viewing.

When you find a TV that looks right for you, type the model and brand into YouTube and watch one of the many unbiased reviews so you know exactly what youre getting.

Falling for bundle traps

Free soundbars and accessory bundles can make it look like a great value, but they often mask the individual price of the TV making you think it must be a good price.

Run a quick itemization of everything included in the bundle. In many cases, its cheaper to just buy the TV by itself, especially if you dont necessarily need everything included in the bundle.

Ignoring size-to-price math

Dont automatically assume that bigger always mean better. Often times the picture quality drops significantly on the larger TVs. Figure out what size TV you want first, then find the best picture quality that fits your budget.

Buy now or wait? A quick reality check

Buying now makes sense if:

• Youre replacing a TV more than five or six years old.
• You want strong value without chasing new features.
• Youre willing to prioritize performance over hype.

Waiting may make sense if:

• You want the absolute newest top-tier tech.
• Youre not in any rush.
• Your current TV still meets your needs.

For most households, the value equation strongly favors buying now. This is especially true as retailers work to clear last years inventory while also trying to grab your attention with Super Bowl promotions.