Consumer News: These grocery prices have risen the most in the last 12 months

Career experts share how to find legitimate remote gigs that best fit your needs

• FlexJobs identified 10 fully remote side jobs from copywriting to tutoring that can earn $1,000 or more per month.

• Career experts say the key to landing a side hustle is matching roles to your skills, schedule, and realistic time commitments.

• Tailoring your resume, highlighting remote-friendly experience, and using your top skills as keywords can help you stand out in your search.

With holiday spending in full swing, many Americans are looking for ways to bring in a little extra income without sacrificing their time or commute.

To help, FlexJobs identified 10 in-demand remote side jobs that can earn $1,000 or more per month, based on Payscale data. From virtual assistants to freelance writers, these positions are actively hiring, fully remote, and designed to fit around your main job so you can boost your income without burning out.

The top 10 list

Heres a look at the list FlexJobs put together:

1. Therapist ($32/hour)

2. Nurse Practitioner ($58/hour)

3. Customer Service Representative ($17/hour)

4. Copywriter ($25/hour)

5. Executive Assistant ($25/hour)

6. Accountant ($24/hour)

7. Interpreter & Translator ($24/hour)

8. Content Writer ($23/hour)

9. Graphic Designer ($21/hour)

10. Tutor ($20/hour)

Finding remote side jobs

What are the best ways to find these kinds of jobs? ConsumerAffairs spoke with Toni Frana, Career Expert Manager at FlexJobs, to learn more.

First, focus on roles that match your skill set so you can facilitate an effective job search, Frana said. Its also important to understand what your availability and time looks like for what you can commit to a new side hustle.

Finally, know your worth. Your experience is valuable, even for something that isnt done full-time. Identifying these first will help you conduct focused research to make sure you are searching for jobs in the right places.

Resume dos and donts

If youre not sure how to make sure your resume is as attractive as possible, Frana offered some expertise.

"Your resume for a side hustle wont be noticeably different from the resume you use when applying for full-time roles, he said. In fact, tailoring your resume for side hustles is equally as important as it is for full-time roles. Employers want to see that you have the right skill set and experience for the job, regardless of the number of hours per week it requires.

Highlighting your remote-friendly skills and experience is also important for hiring managers to see on your resume. And, in some industries, particularly creative fields, it may be beneficial to put a portfolio together that you can include a link to on your resume.

Turning skills into income

Frana recommends that consumers start with what theyre already good at, and try to find ways to turn that into extra income.

Knowing what your top skills and your transferable skills are is very important for finding a new role, he said/ Yes, side hustles offer the opportunity to increase your income, but also allow you to expand on skills you already have and leverage them to learn new and valuable skills that can open future doors as well.

Once you know what skills you can leverage into a side hustle, you can consider using some of those skills as keywords in your search strategy. Searching for job titles is generally what we default to, but oftentimes job searching sites allow searching with keywords, which can really help optimize your search efforts by focusing on some of your top skills as keywords.

T-Mobile sharpens its 5G Home Internet game

T-Mobile adds two new premium 5G Home Internet tiers, Amplified and All-In
New Wi-Fi 7 gateway promises faster speeds and broader coverage
All-In tier bundles streaming services and enhanced tech support

T-Mobile is making a fresh push into the home broadband market, expanding beyond its single-tier 5G Home Internet plan to offer new service levels, faster hardware, and bundled perks. The companys home broadband service already popular for its simplicity and price stability now comes in three distinct plans: Rely, Amplified, and All-In.

Three new tiers with different perks

The Rely plan replaces T-Mobiles original $50 per month option (with AutoPay). It includes what the company calls a high-performance gateway, likely the same Sercomm TMO-G4AR device customers have been using. The Rely plan still offers fast speeds, though T-Mobile acknowledges it uses artificial limits to manage performance.

For those seeking faster connectivity, the new Amplified tier costs $60 per month and introduces a Wi-Fi 7 gateway, delivering up to 30% faster median speeds than Rely. T-Mobile says customers can expect typical download speeds between 134 and 415 Mbps, with uploads ranging from 12 to 55 Mbps.

At the top, the All-In plan, priced at $70 per month, includes the same Wi-Fi 7 gateway and adds subscriptions to Hulu and Paramount Plus. It also comes with the TechEdge Suite, a bundle featuring a Wi-Fi 7 mesh extender for broader home coverage, 24/7 tech support, a hardware upgrade after three years, and an advanced cybersecurity package.

Price lock and fine print

All three plans come with a five-year price lock, unlimited data, and no annual contract. T-Mobile mobile customers can save an additional $15 per month on any plan, making Rely as low as $35 monthly.

However, as with most 5G-based home internet services, users should read the fine print. T-Mobile reserves the right to prioritize data for heavy users those exceeding 1.2 terabytes in a billing cycle which can lead to slower speeds during congestion.

A bigger play in home broadband

The expanded lineup builds on T-Mobiles growing presence in the broadband market, where it competes against cable and fiber providers with simplicity, mobility, and nationwide 5G coverage. Combined with the recent launch of Mint Mobiles MINTernet service, T-Mobiles strategy is clear: to make wireless home internet a mainstream alternative to wired connections.

What to know before switching to 5G home internet

Thinking about ditching your cable or fiber provider for T-Mobiles 5G Home Internet? Here are a few things to check before you make the switch.

Check coverage first

5G home internet performance depends on signal strength. Visit T-Mobiles coverage map and plug in your address to see if youre in a strong service area especially if you live in a rural or heavily wooded location.

Understand the unlimited fine print

T-Mobiles plans technically include unlimited data, but if you use more than 1.2 terabytes (TB) in a billing cycle, your speeds could be deprioritized during network congestion. Thats fine for most households, but power users or gamers may notice slowdowns.

Compare speeds to your current service

Typical download speeds for T-Mobiles higher tiers range from 134 to 415 Mbps, which is solid for streaming, gaming, and remote work but not as consistent as fiber. Test your current speeds so you know what to expect before switching.

Consider equipment placement

The 5G gateway should sit near a window or outer wall for best results. Homes with brick, metal, or thick insulation may need a mesh extender (included in the All-In plan) to reach every corner.

Factor in discounts and price locks

T-Mobile offers a five-year price guarantee and a $15 monthly discount if you already have a T-Mobile voice line. That can make it one of the most predictable internet bills around.

Review the extras

The new All-In plan bundles streaming services (Hulu and Paramount Plus) and tech perks like 24/7 support and cybersecurity protection. If you already subscribe to those platforms separately, this plan might save you money.

Your points card might not be welcome everywhere anymore

• Visa/Mastercard may cut swipe fees a hair (about 0.1%), which helps stores but wont show up as obvious price drops for shoppers

• Stores could get more power to favor cheaper cards and even say no to high-reward, high-fee cards, so you might need a backup card

• Expect to see more surcharges or cash/debit discounts as merchants get more freedom to nudge you toward cheaper payment methods

Every time you tap a Visa or Mastercard, the store is paying roughly 2%2.5% of the transaction to the card networks and the bank behind your card. After 20 years of legal fighting, the Wall Street Journal recently reported,Visa and Mastercard are now close to another settlement with merchants that would trim those fees a bit and, more importantly, give stores more flexibility to say no to certain higher-cost cards. Thats the part consumers will actually feel.

Whats actually changing?

1. Small fee reductions for stores

Visa and Mastercard would shave the fee built into card payments by about 0.1 percentage point. Not all at once though, it would be spread out over time.

Thats real money for big retailers processing billions a year, but its not a dramatic cut, which is why merchant groups are already saying it still lets the card networks keep fixing swipe fees.

2. Stores could sort cards by cost

Right now, if a store takes Visa, it generally has to take all Visa credit, including the rewards cards that cost the most to accept. The new structure being discussed would let stores treat cards on an individual level. So, cards with heavy rewards, no-rewards, and commercial cards could be separated.

That opens the door for a store to prefer cheaper cards or even refuse the priciest ones. Consumers who love high-rewards cards are the group most likely to bump into sorry, we dont take that one at smaller or lower-margin businesses.

3. More room for surcharging or steering

The reporting also says surcharging is part of the talks. Surcharging is when the store tells shoppers upfront that since youre paying with a credit card, were adding a fee to your transaction.

That matters because merchants have complained for years that they were blocked from nudging shoppers toward cheaper payment methods.

If those rules get looser, you could see more signs at checkout that say X% added for premium credit or signs pushingyou towardscash or debit card discounts. Weve already seen this after earlier settlements and court rulings and this could normalize it further.

Why are Visa and Mastercard doing this now?

This is basically the sequel to a long antitrust fight in federal court in New York over credit-card fees and rules. Earlier efforts included a big settlement meant to save merchants around $30 billion over several years, but a judge rejected a version of that in 2024, which sent everyone back to the table. Card networks keep denying wrongdoing, but settling gives them certainty and heads off more years of expensive litigation.

What this means for consumers

You might see more payment friction. The U.S. has been spoiled by near-universal card acceptance. If merchants get more power to reject high-fee cards, you could run into the occasional we only take basic Visa/Mastercard or debit. This could end up forcing you to keep a backup card in your wallet.

Premium rewards could get pressure. Rich travel cards tend to carry higher fees because those rewards have to be paid for somehow. If more merchants start pushing back on those cards, banks and networks may have to rethink how rich certain rewards offers can be in the future. That wont be immediate, but its the logical downstream effect.

Price effects will be subtle. A 0.1-point cut is helpful for retailers, especially small ones, but its not the kind of drop that turns into a big, obvious price decrease for shoppers. At best, it will be the slow drip of we had to raise prices because costs went up.

Toyota, Jeep, and Lucid Lead 15 New Recalls Affecting Millions of Vehicles

A new round of auto safety recalls is underway this week, affecting nearly every corner of the industry from luxury EVs and off-road SUVs to motorcycles and heavy trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) logged 15 major recalls, led by Toyota, Lexus, Jeep, and Lucid, all involving critical safety systems such as cameras, batteries, and suspension bolts.

Highlights of the Week

Lucid Air: Rearview Camera Failures

Lucid Motors recalled 20222025 Air sedans after discovering that the rearview camera image may fail to display properly a violation of FMVSS 111, the federal visibility standard. Loss of the rear camera image could increase crash risk when backing up.
Fix: Dealers will install an updated software patch.

Mazda CX-50: Loose Suspension Bolts

Mazda recalled its 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid models due to improperly tightened front suspension bolts. Loose bolts could lead to loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten bolts to specification.

KTM & Husqvarna Motorcycles: Fuel Leaks

KTM North America reported possible fuel leaks in its 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401, along with KTM 250, 390, and 990 Duke bikes.
Risk: Fuel leakage near ignition sources could cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the filler cap seal.

Jeep Wrangler & Grand Cherokee: Battery Fire Hazard

Fiat Chrysler (FCA US) issued a high-profile recall for 20202025 Jeep Wrangler and 20222026 Grand Cherokee models due to potential high-voltage battery failure.
Risk: Defective batteries may overheat and cause fires.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace battery components, with updated monitoring software.

Toyota, Lexus & Subaru EVs: Camera Woes Spread

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing recalled a massive list of vehicles including nearly every 20222026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra EV/hybrid model for the same rearview camera failure that hit Lucid.
This widespread issue hints at a possible supplier-level defect affecting multiple automakers.
Fix: Dealers will update vehicle software at no cost.

Kia Sorento & Telluride: Incorrect Spare Tire

Kia recalled 20252026 Sorento and Telluride SUVs for having an incorrect spare tire that violates FMVSS 110 requirements.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tire free of charge.

BMW X5 (20002001): Exploding Airbags Still Surface

BMW is recalling older X5 SUVs because the driver-side airbag inflator may explode, continuing fallout from the long-running Takata airbag crisis.
Fix: Owners should contact BMW dealers immediately for a free replacement.

Commercial & Specialty Vehicles

• Volvo Trucks (20192026): Seat belt anchor and marker light failures.

• Mack Granite (20242025): Headlight system failures.

• Autocar XPEDITOR (20252026): Automatic emergency braking may shut off unexpectedly.

• Smeal & Marion Fire Apparatus: Hydraulic hose and door latch defects.

• Braun & Endera Mobility Vans: Wheelchair restraint retractors may fail to lock, creating hazards for wheelchair users.
  Fixes: Dealers will inspect and replace defective components.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Is Affected

Step-by-Step:

1. Check your VIN: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

2. Watch your mail: Automakers must send official recall notices within 60 days.

3. Schedule repairs early: Dealers perform recall fixes free of charge.

4. Never ignore dashboard warnings related to safety systems like airbags, brakes, or cameras.

5. Document the service: Keep your recall paperwork it may protect resale value.

Quick Recall Stats

• 15 NHTSA recalls logged this week

• Most affected brand: Toyota/Lexus (25 models)

• Most serious risks: Fire hazards and safety system failures

• Emerging pattern: Multiple recalls tied to electronic rearview camera systems

How to Stay Ahead of Vehicle Recalls

Even careful owners can miss critical recall alerts. Heres how to make sure that doesnt happen:

1. Sign up for alerts: Subscribe to NHTSAs free recall notifications.
2. Register your vehicle: Ensure the automaker has your current mailing address.
3. Visit your dealer annually: Ask about outstanding service bulletins.
4. Use your phone: Many automakers now include recall lookup tools in their mobile apps.
5. Dont delay repairs: Some recalls involve parts that may take weeks to arrive early scheduling helps.

When daylight is shorter, its important to assess your mental well-being and know how to address it

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by reduced sunlight in the fall and winter, leading to low energy, increased sleep, and changes in appetite or mood.

• Early recognition and action can ease symptoms and prevent them from worsening.

• Connection and consistency matter: Staying social, practicing healthy habits year-round, and reducing mental health stigma are key to keeping the winter blues at bay.

As the calendar flips and the daylight starts to fade earlier, many of us feel that familiar slump less energy, more cravings, and a mood that just wont seem to shake off.

Its not just getting in a funk.

According to Stephanie Marcello, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President of Academics, Integration & Innovation at the Behavioral Research & Training Institute at Rutgers University, these shifts often reflect real seasonal changes less daylight, altered routines and are entirely normal. Yet that doesnt mean you have to just wait it out.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Dr. Marcello to learn practical, everyday moves you can make to keep your mood resilient until spring returns.

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Some people may have heard of SAD seasonal affective disorder. Dr. Marcello described it as a type of depression that happens during certain times of the year, typically fall and winter, when there is less sunlight.

She said that during these times, the person feels differently than they typically do, and they might not want to do things that they normally enjoy during the other seasons.

A person might feel extra tired or sad for a good portion of the day and not be sure why, Dr. Marcello said. This low energy might make them want to sleep more, and they could find themselves eating more and even craving carbs. They might hear from loved ones in their life that they just dont seem the same, and they might not be able to really understand why this is.

Telltale signs of SAD

If you think you might be struggling with SAD, Dr. Marcello shared some of the most common signs:

• One of the most important clues is that these symptoms tend to appear and end around the same time each year.

• Symptoms improve as sunlight increases.

• You notice an impact on your daily life.

• You experience depression-related symptoms feeling sad most of the day, losing interest in things that you enjoy during the other months of the year, feeling tired even after sleeping, wanting to sleep too much, difficulty concentrating and socially withdrawing by staying home and avoiding people.

Please know that you dont have to experience all these symptoms to have a diagnosis of SAD, Dr. Marcello said. I would say the most important symptoms to look out for is a change in your typical behavior during the same seasons each year. This is when I would reach out for professional help.

Dos and donts of SAD

One of Dr. Marcellos biggest pieces of advice is to talk to someone about what youre experiencing dont keep it inside and suffer in silence.

She also shared some of her top dos and donts for those who struggle with SAD:

• Go outside daily the natural light can boost your mood significantly.

• Antidepressants and light therapy can be considered when talking to a professional.

• Sleep is essential try to keep a regular schedule of going to bed and waking up.

• As much as you might want to stay home and avoid people, staying connected with friends and family can really help. Make yourself attend events and time with friends, even if you dont feel like it.

• Exercising regularly can be very helpful. Bundle up you can still walk outside in the colder months.

Dont wait too long, Dr. Marcello said. You dont deserve to suffer, and there are very effective treatments! It is very easy to want to stop taking care of yourself, but that can make things worse.

Prevention can help

While these symptoms may be hitting their peak right about now, Dr. Marcello encourages people to prioritize their mental health throughout the entire year. She explained if you have healthy habits in place, it can be beneficial during times of struggle.

I like to focus on wellness and creating healthy habits that we practice daily, she said. Things like exercise, staying connected, and relaxation exercises on a yearly basis can help cope during the winter months. If we know our patterns and feel these same symptoms at the same time each year we want to focus on prevention to try to keep the symptoms mild.

We must keep talking about wellness and mental health to help reduce the stigma, Dr. Marcello said. Please connect with loved ones and professionals. You are worth it!