Consumer News: Renting a single-family home is more costly than ever

It hit its lowest level in more than a year this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.19% this week, down from 6.27% the prior week, marking its lowest level in more than a year.

• The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also declined to 5.44%, from 5.52% a week earlier and 5.71% a year ago.

• The downward trend in mortgage rates has been driven by softer Treasury yields and increased investor expectations of additional cuts by the Federal Reserve, bolstering the outlook for home-buyers and refi-seekers alike.

In its latest weekly release, the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed a modest yet meaningful retreat in U.S. mortgage rates, offering a glimmer of relief for buyers and homeowners facing elevated borrowing costs. The average 30-year fixed rate slipped to 6.19 % for the week ending October 23, the lowest reading since early October 2024.

According to Freddie Mac economist Sam Khater, the rate drop reflects consistently lower rates which have helped to catalyze a pickup in refinance inquiries and slightly improved conditions for prospective home-buyers.

Why rates are falling

The decline in mortgage rates comes as investors increasingly anticipate further cuts to the federal funds rate by the Fed, which is influencing the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasurya key benchmark for mortgage pricing. As Treasury yields dip, lenders are able to reduce offered rates.

Its also worth noting that the economy is showing signs of cooling in certain sectors, which diminishes inflation concerns and lessens pressure on interest ratesanother factor helping mortgage rates to ease.

What it means

• For first-time home-buyers: The rate drop is a welcomed trend, but affordability remains tightdespite the fall to ~6.19 %, monthly payments and home-price levels still pose challenges.

• For homeowners considering refinancing: The opportunity window is slightly wider, though many borrowers are still locked into lower rates from previous years, limiting the pool of beneficial refi candidates.

• For the housing market overall: The rate relief may help spur incremental activity in an otherwise sluggish market. But analysts caution that a more robust pickup in sales likely requires deeper rate cuts or notable price adjustments.

While the direction of mortgage rates is favorable for buyers, the broader environment remains uncertain. Rates could remain elevated if inflation reaccelerates or fiscal/deficit concerns worsen. Some forecasters project mortgage rates may hover above 6% through 2026even with Fed cuts.

Because the current rate is still significantly higher than the ultra-low levels seen during the pandemic, the full benefit to home-buyers and the housing market may be muted unless rates drop further.

Turn receipts into rewards without extra work

• Simple, legit apps that turn everyday shopping (groceries, big-box runs, online orders, even gas) into automatic cash back or gift cardswith minimal setup
• What youll learn: how these apps work, how to stack savings, and what typical cash-out options look likeso you can pick the ones that fit your routine
• Smart basics: scan receipts promptly, activate offers before you shop, start online purchases through the cash-back portal, and always compare the real net price to avoid fake deals

Im a huge fan of earning a little extra money on the things Ill be doing anyways. This is never truer than when buying groceries and household essentials. If you must shop for them, why not earn some cashback. Thats what these legitimate 4 apps are all about, earning extra cash and gift cards with very little effort.

Ill explain exactly how these apps work, how much you can expect to earn, along with any gotchas that I wish I knew about when I first downloaded them. Feel free to mix and matchthese apps play nice independently, so test a few, keep the ones that actually pay for your habits, and build your own money-saving stack.

Fetch

Fetch is a receipt-scanning app that turns any everyday receipt (grocery, big-box, convenience, even some e-receipts) into points that you can swap for gift cards at popular retailers and restaurants.

How it works: You simply use the app to snap a photo of your receipt within 14 days of purchase. Doesnt matter what store, it can even be a receipt from your local ma and pa corner store.

Youll get some points just for snapping a receipt pic and often get nice bonuses for buying certain brands or products. These bonus points hit when your receipt includes participating brands (tons of pantry and household names).

Casual app users can expect to earn $5-$10 a month just by regularly scanning their receipts. If youre feeding hungry teenagers and spend half your life at the grocery store, you can expect to pull $15$30a month, sometimes more when promos stack.

Setup time: About 5 minutes. You just create an account, enable e-receipt sync (optional), and youre off.

Gotchas: Points are worth 1,000 = $1 (watch the math so 5,000 points! doesnt sound bigger than it is). Brand bonuses rotate so you wont always have a match.

Also, photos must be clear and long receipts sometimes need multiple shots, not a big deal, just something to be aware of.

Pro Tip: Always upload your receipt, doesnt matter how boring they are. The base points add up, and occasional surprise bonuses show up for brands and grocery stores that you didnt realize counted.

Ibotta

Ibotta is a very popular rebate (cash-back) app that pays you money for buying the groceries and essentials that youd be buying anyways. They have in-store rebates available for close to 200 popular stores.

You can also shop online through the Ibotta app at over 100 online retailers and get a percentage back on your purchases. A few that caught my eye include up to 4% back at Amazon, 5% back at Nike, and up to 4% back at Home Depot.

How it works: Before you shop, open the app and add any rebates for the store youll be visiting. Youll be surprised how often something on your shopping list has a rebate available. Then buy the exact item/size shown (UPC has to match).

Next, you just submit your receipt via the app (or have your loyalty card linked for auto-credit) and your account will be credited for the rebate.

Once you hit the $20 minimum, you can cashout via PayPal or a gift card at dozens of popular stores.

Casual users that match a couple times a week can expect $5$20/month. More invested deal-hunters can easily exceed that by stacking store sales + manufacturer offers + Ibotta bonuses.

Setup time: 510 minutes to download the app and sign-up, a few more minutes to link your loyalty accounts and payment method.

Gotchas: Offers are very specific. Buy the wrong size or variety on accident = no credit. Also, be aware that expirations can be short so be sure to activate the rebate right before you shop.

Pro tip: Stack the following: store sale price + Ibotta rebate + a store/manufacturer coupon + your credit-card rewards. Also peek at Any Item or Any Brand offers, these are easy wins that cover produce, bread, milk, etc.

Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is a cash-back portal for online (and some in-store) shopping.

How it works: Once you create an account, you simply start your online shopping on their homepage or app. Shop like you normally would, and get a % back at over 3,500 participating stores.

Click to your retailer (e.g., Nike, Sephora, Macys), then be sure to complete the purchase in that same session. If you add items to your cart, then click off before buying, you might not get the cashback when you return and finalize the purchase. Always make sure you start your shopping session again via Rakuten so that your purchase is tracked and you get your cashback.

Expect a range of 1%10% back depending on the retailer. They also have special double cash back days where you can really make hay.

Setup time: 5 minutes. Install the app or extension and sign-in.

Gotchas: You must click through Rakuten last. So, if for example, you visit a coupon website, or other extension, after clicking through Rakuten, they can steal the last click and void your cash back.

You need at least $5 to cash out and payouts are on their schedule, which is quarterly. Your options are PayPal, a paper check, or via AmEx Membership Rewards points.

Best for: Online shoppers who dont want to think too hard and spend time finding the best coupon code. Rakuten will do the legwork for you and make it easy to earn cashback on your purchases.

Pro tip: Install their browser extension and get reminded of potential cashback when checking out from a retailers website. The extension also lets you know if there are any discount codes available for your purchase.

Upside

Upside is a location-based cash-back app that focuses on fuel and, in some areas, groceries and restaurants.

How it works: Open the app, then claim an offer at a specific gas station or grocery store that appeals to you.

When buying gas, either check-in within the app and pay with a linked card, or upload your receipt (it varies by station). You can then cash out to your bank/PayPal or various gift cards.

Expect to get 525 per gallon in cashback. Seasonal promos can bump up your savings a little bit higher. Grocery/restaurant offers vary (often 5%15% back) and are market-dependent.

Setup time: 10 minutes (account, payments, quick tutorial on claim check-in pay).

Gotchas: You must claim the offer before you buy and complete the purchase within the time window. Offers are station-specific and can change quickly. Keep in mind that the best offer might be a block farther. Stacking with other gas rewards (e.g., some card-linked programs) can be hit-or-miss.

Best for: The app is great for drivers who dont mind picking the best station from a short list to shave real dollars off their fill-ups.

Pro tip: Sort by net price (price minus cash back), not just the biggest cents-off because the biggest cash-back % can still be the worse deal once you do the math

Heres how it works and what to watch for

• Starts December 2025 in Los Angeles: Amazon Pharmacy kiosks inside select One Medical clinics, with more sites to come
• Doctor e-sends to Amazon in the app choose kiosk pickup, pay, get a QR code scan at the kiosk; pharmacist help available by video/phone
• Why it matters: Quick, on-site pickup to improve adherence; limited selection at launch

Starting in December 2025, Amazon will start placing Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks inside select One Medical clinics across the Los Angeles area (Downtown L.A., West L.A., Beverly Hills, Long Beach, West Hollywood). Amazon says more One Medical sites and other locations will follow.

Why it matters: A lot of prescriptions never get filled after the appointment because people have to make a second stop.

Amazons pitch is simple, walk out of the exam room and pick up many common meds in minutes from a kiosk on-site. That right away pickup is meant to boost adherence and cut delays.

How the kiosks work

Youll ask your provider to send the script to Amazon Pharmacy (same as any e-prescription).

Then in the Amazon app youll choose kiosk pickup at checkout. You can then pay in-app (youll see estimated copays/discounts), get a QR code, and scan the QR code at the kiosk to dispense your medication.

To mitigate any concerns, you have the ability to talk to an Amazon-licensed pharmacist by video or phone.

As for costs, youll pay your usual price (cash, insurance copay, or eligible discounts) inside the Amazon app then youll pick up at the kiosk. Amazon hasnt announced any kiosk-specific fees.

What you can (and cant) get

Early reports say kiosks will stock a curated list of common drugs. Think antibiotics, inhalers, and blood-pressure meds. Many of which will be based on what each clinic typically prescribes.

They will not dispense any controlled substances or refrigerated medications.

The bigger context

When getting prescriptions filled, speed complaints are quite common.

In J.D. Powers most recent pharmacy study, only about half of customers said their prescriptions were filled quickly.

This is a gap Amazon is trying to close by moving pickup to the point of care.

Access to a pharmacy is another factor contributing to this new technology. Recent research estimates roughly 18% of Americans live in pharmacy deserts, with another ~9% relying on a single keystone pharmacy, making on-site pickup a potentially meaningful option when its available.

Trade-offs and open questions

The kiosks will have limited prescriptions at launch. If your drug isnt stocked (e.g., needs refrigeration or is tightly controlled), youll still need a traditional pharmacy.

Geography. Its L.A.-only at first; Amazon says more sites are coming, but no firm timeline beyond the pilot city.

Amazon is reworking its health business this year. The test is whether it can actually work at scale. Stay tuned.

Experts warn that DIY sleep hacks from mouth taping to supplements may delay serious diagnoses

• Most Americans struggle with sleep and many say its hurting their daily life and productivity.

• DIY sleep hacks are on the rise, but experts warn they can delay serious diagnoses like sleep apnea.

• Better guidance is needed, as consumers want more help from doctors and reliable, science-backed resources.

A new proprietary survey of nearly 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Aeroflow Sleep reveals a striking and concerning trend: while 81% of Americans say they struggle with sleep, many are turning to unverified online trends instead of seeking reliable medical help.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Dr. Carleara Weiss, an Aeroflow Sleep Science Advisor, to better understand the findings, including how consumers can find clarity on their sleep struggles amid the noise.

Key findings from the survey

The survey found:

• 80% of respondents wish their doctors provided more sleep-related resources.

• More than 60% say their sleep negatively impacts day-to-day activities and their ability to complete tasks.

• About 60% have tried sleep trends without consulting a health care provider including mouth taping and other DIY solutions.

• Among women aged 60 and older with sleep problems, 55% did not seek any form of help, medical or otherwise.
  

Getting good sleep

When it comes to good sleep, Dr. Weiss defines optimal sleep health as good sleep quality, adequate duration (which varies by age), and absence of sleep disturbances. She points to three pillars for improvement:

• Keep a consistent sleep and wake-up routine going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

• Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

• Investigate possible sleep disturbances such as obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia if you experience symptoms like waking up with a headache or dry mouth, confusion, irritability, memory issues or difficulty falling or staying asleep three or more nights per week for over three weeks.
  

Dont take shortcuts

With so many sleep trends gaining popularity, Dr. Weiss urges consumers not to try to take the easy way out.

Do not use medical devices or trendy sleep gadgets without consulting a doctor, she explained. This includes mouthguards, mouth tape, and medical supplements such as melatonin or vitamins. You may be delaying a sleep disorder diagnosis and impacting your overall wellness by inappropriate self-medicating.

What should consumers do?

Dr. Weiss has some advice for consumers who want to get better sleep:

Start by checking trusted websites, she said. Reputable sources for sleep health information include the Sleep Research Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website, as well as scientifically reviewed blogs and web pages such as Aeroflow Sleep and the National Sleep Foundation.

Avoid jumping on trending fixes. And if your sleep problems persist, consult a sleep specialist instead of relying on self-help shortcuts.

Fraudsters are targeting Medicare and Marketplace shoppers heres how to stay safe

• Scam calls and texts spike during Medicare and Marketplace open enrollment, targeting consumers personal and financial information.

• Fraudsters use urgent messaging, fake government impersonation, and too-good-to-be-true plan offers to trick people into sharing sensitive details.

• Experts say to stay vigilant: dont share information with unsolicited callers, verify all communications, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Medicare open enrollment is already in full swing, and Marketplace enrollment kicks off on November 1. That means millions of Americans are sorting through health plan options, asking questions, and unfortunately becoming prime targets for scammers.

From fake Medicare representatives to phony insurance offers sent by text or email, fraudsters are working overtime to steal personal information and money during one of the busiest health care moments of the year.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Industry Expert at Truecaller, to break down the most common open enrollment , why theyre so effective, and what you can do right now to protect yourself from falling victim.

The most common open enrollment

During the open enrollment season, scammers prey on the confusion and urgency of this season. LiaBraaten shared some of the most common open enrollment consumers should know:

• Impersonation of officials or authoritative figures. This is the most common tactic. Youll get an unexpected call, text, or email from someone claiming to be from "Medicare," the "Health Insurance Marketplace," or another government agency. They'll claim your information is incomplete, your coverage is at risk, or that youre eligible for a "better" plan. Their goal is to steal your personal information, like your Medicare or Social Security number.

• Phishing and "lookalike" traps. Scammers send out fake text messages or emails claiming there's a problem with your application or a "limited-time offer." These messages contain links that, when clicked, take you to a phishing site designed to look like a legitimate government or insurance portal. These are traps set to illegally obtain your financial and personal information.

• Too good to be true plans. Fraudsters use social media ads and robocalls to bait consumers with "deals" for plans with unbelievably low premiums and comprehensive coverage. These are often just traps to steal your payment information for a plan that either doesn't exist or offers virtually no real coverage.

The warning signs of

To help consumers catch before falling victim to them, LiaBraaten shared the telltale signs to be aware of:

• High-Pressure Tactics: They create a false sense of urgency, insisting you must "act now" or "enroll today" or risk losing coverage or missing a special deal. This is a psychological trigger designed to make you panic and bypass critical thinking.

• Requests for "Free Gifts: Scammers will lure you with offers of "free" gift cards or medical supplies in exchange for your Medicare or Social Security number. There is no legitimate reason for someone to offer you a retail gift in exchange for this information.

• Demands for Sensitive Information: Legitimate agents will not ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or passwords via an unsolicited email, text, or phone call.

• Unusual Payment Requests: A major red flag is any request to pay for a premium or fee using a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card. Legitimate retailers and agencies don't operate this way.

Protecting against

With open enrollment season heating up, knowing how to spot and protect against them is key.

Your best defense is to be proactive, not reactive, LiaBraaten said. You must be the one to initiate contact.

It is important to note that AI is making these harder to detect; it's refining how the are presented to closely mimic official communication channels. However, it is not a lost cause; it just requires extra scrutiny.

Some more tips from LiaBraaten:

• Guard your information: Your Medicare number is as valuable as your Social Security number. Never give it to anyone except your trusted health care providers or a licensed agent you contacted directly for enrollment.

• Build a digital defense: Register your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. More practically, consider using a trusted call and text screening solution such as Truecaller.

• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers rely on speed and volume; they don't want you to ask questions, verify, or triple-check an email or link. Slow down and be skeptical.

• Report and Monitor: Report fraudulent calls and suspicious activity to the FTC and your state's Attorney General. You should also check your Medicare Summary Notice for any services you did not receive and report discrepancies immediately.