Consumer News: 31 million Americans borrowed money last year to pay for healthcare

How to shop strategically during tariff chaos

• Price pressure may ease eventually. Lower tariffs reduce importer costs, but retailers may be slow to cut prices.

• Savings wont happen overnight. Some tariffs remain, and new ones could emerge, keeping prices volatile.

• Watch big-ticket sales. Appliances, electronics, and furniture may see stronger discounts as retailers clear excess inventory.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court dropped a decision that could reshape what you pay for everything from a refrigerator to a cordless drill.

In a 63 ruling, the court said the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give President Trump the authority to impose broad, country-specific tariffs. That wipes out a major chunk of the so-called Liberation Day tariffs, including the 10% across-the-board import tax that had been in place.

Translation: A big batch of import taxes just got tossed.

But before you get too excited about instant price drops the next time you shop, lets slow this train down. Unfortunately, this is going to be noisy and possibly a bit messy.

First, a quick reminder: Tariffs are taxes

Tariffs arent paid by foreign governments. Theyre paid by U.S. importers when goods hit our ports. And in many cases, companies then pass those costs along to you.

Thats why this ruling matters.

According to the Yale Budget Lab, if the court had upheld the tariffs, the effective U.S. tariff rate would have remained around 16.9%. With the ruling, that rate drops to about 9.1%.

Thats a pretty big percentage swing.

And it directly affects shopping categories like:

• Electronics
• Furniture
• Household appliances
• Sporting goods
• Beauty products
• Home improvement items

These are always the products that see price spikes first when trade policy shifts.

Heres what this news means for shoppers:

It should ease price pressure

In theory, removing tariffs lowers costs for importers. Lower costs can then lead to you starting to see lower prices at the store.

The Yale Budget Lab estimates the average household would have lost about $800 over time due to tariff-related price increases. That projected hit just got cut roughly in half.

Thats meaningful, but the reality is that prices dont drop as quickly as they rise.

If retailers already raised prices to cover tariff costs, they may not be in a rush to reverse those increases. Especially with inflation still running at 3.0% annually.

The bottom-line is that retailers hate uncertainty. And right now, uncertainty is being felt everywhere.

Dont expect instant rollbacks at checkout

Even though the court struck down most of the tariffs under IEEPA, not all tariffs are gone.

For example, steel and aluminum tariffs (50%) remain in place and other sector-specific tariffs also remain.

And the administration has already signaled it will pursue new tariffs under different legal authorities, including the Trade Act of 1974.

In fact, the president has already floated a new 10% global tariff using alternative authority.

So, if youre waiting for that appliance or patio set to suddenly drop 15% overnight, dont hold your breath.

This could turn into a legal ping-pong match that drags on for months.

Big-ticket products may catch a break

Heres where you can be strategic shopper. If some retailers overbought at tariff-inflated prices, theres a good chance they have inventory that they need to clear out to make room for next season.

So, if youre planning on buying any of these, you can potentially score a deal in the next few months:

• Major appliances
• Electronics
• Imported furniture
• Certain home improvement products

Retailers hate sitting on extra inventory, no matter what they paid for it.

Id specifically be watching these:

• Winter clearancesales
• Spring home improvement promotions
• Memorial Day sales
• Back-to-school electronics promos
• Fall appliance promotions

Pro tip: Start tracking prices now on the exact model you want (screenshots help). Then watch for stacking opportunities like a store-wide sale in conjunction with a clearance price drop.

And dont forget to ask about floor models or open box products at the end of a sales event. Managers desperately want to get rid of that stuff, and are often willing to cut you a great deal. Start by asking for an additional 25% off and be willing to settle for 15%.

What this means for businesses:

1. Tariff refunds could be massive and really complicated

An estimated 300,000 U.S. importers may be entitled to refunds for tariffs collected under IEEPA.

Importers have paid roughly $175 billion under that authority, according to analysis from the Cato Institute.

But heres the wrinkle: Refunds wont automatically show up in importers bank accounts.

The administration has indicated it does not plan to voluntarily issue these payouts. That means litigation, and of course, endless paperwork, claims, and inevitable delays.

Some businesses have already passed those costs along to the consumers who buy their products. So even if they get refunds, that doesnt guarantee we will see price cuts any time soon.

2. Import-heavy companies can breathe easier

Companies that rely heavily on imported components (tech, appliances, and retail) just got some much needed cost relief.

The Consumer Technology Association praised the ruling, stressing that American businesses need predictability to continue to innovate and this ruling gives them that.

Its an excellent point. When tariff policy is constantly shifting, companies are inclined to freeze hiring, delay investment, and pad their prices for protection.

My bottom line for consumers

Heres how Id play it right now:

1. Dont panic-buy. This is not a prices will skyrocket tomorrow moment.
2. Watch for inventory clearance. Retailers caught mid-policy shift may discount aggressively, especially as spring inventory starts to show up.
3. Be patient on big purchases. Volatility often creates some chances to save money that might not otherwise exist, wait until you find the best deal.
4. Assume more legal drama is coming. Unfortunately, all of this trade policy news is far from settled.

For now, this tariff news leans positive for consumers, especially in import-heavy categories. But only time will tell how this all shakes out.

Scammers are cloning trusted voices to push bogus offers

• Scammers are creating fake videos that appear to show consumer advocates like Clark Howard promoting bogus offers.

• If its not posted on the experts official website or verified social pages, dont click or share it.

• Brand-new accounts, misspelled usernames, disabled comments, unknown links, and instant savings claims usually signal a scam.

A new scam is circulating online and it looks way too real. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to generate videos that seem to show trusted consumer adviser Clark Howard promoting products or services. But make no mistake about it, these are not real endorsements.

In at least one AI-generated video, an imitation Clark is shown recommending a tool for finding cheaper car insurance. Viewers at first thought it was the real Clark Howard, as this is the type of advice he often gives, but they soon realized it was 100% fake.

This is part of a growing wave of deepfake where fraudsters use AI-generated faces and voices to trick you into buying something, clicking a link, or giving up personal information.

Practical tips to protect yourself

1. Always verify the source.

If a video claims to be from Clark Howard or any trusted expert, check his/her official website or verified social pages before doing anything. Real and authentic content will always be shared there first.

2. Dont click or share suspicious posts.

Even if the video looks real, be skeptical, especially if its not being shown on the official social media page of the consumer advocate.

Be even more cautious if the video is strongly recommending a product, insurance offer, or deal that seems a little too good to be true.

3. Watch for red flags:

• Unusual claims (like zero fees, instant savings with no proof).
• Links to unknown websites.
• Immediate requests for personal info.
• Comments turned off.

These are all prevalent in the deepfake posts going around right now on social media.

4. Compare with known content.

In the Clark Howard example, its smart to search for the same advice hes giving on his official website and social media channels.

If you cant find it there, its safe to assume its fake.

5. Check the account details.

These fake videos usually come from brand-new social accounts that look real at first glance. Some even have a slight misspelling in an attempt to copy a legitimate source.

Get in the habit of tapping the profile. From there, take a close look at when it was created, how many followers it has, and what other videos have been posted.

A real consumer advocate like Clark Howard will have a long posting history, consistent branding, and verified badges.

Not all plans are the same

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• What exactly is covered and what isnt?

• Is the plan transferable, refundable or cancelable?

• How is my money protected if the provider goes out of business?

As funeral costs continue to rise, more Americans are considering pre-paid funeral plans as a way to lock in prices and spare loved ones from difficult financial decisions. The concept is simple: pay in advance for funeral goods and services at todays prices. But consumer advocates warn that not all plans are created equal and the details matter

Before signing a contract, experts say consumers should slow down and ask a series of critical questions to ensure they understand what theyre buying.

What exactly does the plan include?

One of the biggest sources of confusion with pre-paid funeral plans is what is and is not covered. Some plans include only basic services such as the funeral homes fee and transportation of the body. Others bundle items such as a casket, embalming, visitation, flowers and burial vault.

Consumers should request a detailed, itemized list and compare it to the funeral homes General Price List, which funeral providers are required by federal law to provide.

Its also important to ask:

• Does the plan cover cemetery costs, including the burial plot and opening/closing of the grave?

• Are there additional fees for death certificates, obituaries or clergy honorariums?

• What happens if prices rise faster than expected?

Some contracts guarantee prices for selected items, while others simply set aside money that may or may not keep pace with inflation.

Is the plan guaranteed?

A key distinction in the funeral industry is between guaranteed and non-guaranteed contracts.

A guaranteed plan locks in the price of specified services regardless of future cost increases. A non-guaranteed plan, by contrast, sets aside funds that may fall short if funeral costs rise.

Consumers should ask directly: Is this plan guaranteed? If so, which items are guaranteed and which are not?

How is the money held?

Pre-paid funeral funds are typically placed in a trust account or used to purchase a life insurance policy. The structure affects both security and flexibility.

Ask:

• Is the money held in trust, or is it funding an insurance policy?

• Who controls the funds?

• What happens if the funeral home closes or changes ownership?

State laws regulate pre-need funeral contracts, but protections vary. Consumers may want to verify the providers licensing and check for complaints with their state funeral board or attorney generals office.

Can I cancel or transfer the plan?

Life circumstances change. People relocate, experience financial hardship or simply change their minds.

Before committing, ask:

• Can I cancel the plan?

• Will I receive a full refund?

• Are there cancellation fees?

• Can the plan be transferred to another funeral home if I move?

Some plans are portable nationwide; others are tied to a specific provider.

What if my wishes change?

Funeral preferences may evolve over time. Cremation rates, for example, have risen sharply in recent decades.

Consumers should find out whether they can modify arrangements later and whether changes would trigger additional costs.

Are sales tactics pressuring me?

Consumer advocates caution that some pre-need funeral plans are sold using high-pressure tactics, particularly to seniors. Buyers should never feel rushed.

Its wise to:

• Take a copy of the contract home for review.

• Discuss the decision with family members.

• Compare offers from multiple providers.

Is prepaying the right choice?

Pre-paying isnt the only way to prepare. Some financial planners suggest setting aside funds in a payable-on-death bank account, which gives heirs flexibility while avoiding potential contract restrictions.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference: locking in details and prices today versus preserving flexibility for tomorrow.

By asking the right questions and carefully reviewing the fine print, consumers can ensure that a pre-paid funeral plan provides peace of mind not unexpected complications for themselves and their families.

The approval marks an expansion of delivery options

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has approved a new four-dose, single-patient-use KwikPen for Zepbound (tirzepatide), giving patients a full month of treatment in one device.

• Lilly says the new pen expands patient choice, with self-pay pricing through LillyDirect starting at $299 per month for the 2.5 mg dose.

• Zepbound remains the top-prescribed injectable obesity medication, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of up to 50 pounds.

Eli Lilly and Company has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a label expansion for its obesity drug Zepbound, adding a new four-dose, single-patient-use KwikPen designed to deliver a full month of treatment in a single device.

The approval marks an expansion of delivery options for Zepbound (tirzepatide), which is already available in single-dose vials. Lilly said the KwikPen is intended to give patients and healthcare providers more flexibility in choosing a format that best fits individual preferences and circumstances.

Zepbound is the No. 1 prescribed injectable obesity-management medication, helping adults achieve meaningful and clinically proven weight loss, on average, up to 50 pounds as seen in SURMOUNT-5, said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities.

As part of our commitment to supporting people living with obesity in their weight management journey, we are introducing a new option with the Zepbound KwikPen, a device trusted by patients globally and in the United States for other Lilly medicines.

Direct-to-consumer platform

The company is also emphasizing affordability through its direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect. Patients with a valid prescription who opt to self-pay through LillyDirect can receive Zepbound in either the KwikPen or single-dose vial, with pricing starting at $299 per month for the 2.5 mg starting dose.

Lilly said more than 1 million patients accessed its treatments through LillyDirect in 2025. The company added that one in three new patients beginning a branded weight management medication last year was prescribed Zepbound self-pay vials, underscoring demand for alternative access models amid ongoing pricing scrutiny in the GLP-1 market.

Lilly said Zepbounds growing use is driven in part by clinical data showing substantial weight loss. In the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults taking the 15 mg dose lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight, compared with 3.1% for those on placebo. In the open-label SURMOUNT-5 study, patients taking Zepbound lost an average of 50 pounds, or 20.2% of body weight, compared with 33 pounds, or 13.7%, among those taking injectable Wegovy.

Zepbound is approved for adults with obesity, as well as certain adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition, to help reduce excess body weight and maintain weight loss. It is also approved for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity to improve OSA symptoms.

Lilly cautions that Zepbound is not for cosmetic weight loss and that individual results may vary. The drug carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer.

It should not be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or by those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Zepbound should also not be used with other tirzepatide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonists, and its safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

The national average price inched up again this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The nations average price of gasoline has risen 1.2 cents over the last week and stands at $2.88 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

• The national average is up 2.8 cents from a month ago and is 19.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

• The national average price of diesel rose 6.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.686 per gallon.

Motorists are seeing gas prices edge higher as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions add pressure to fuel markets heading into late winter.

According to GasBuddy, the national average price of gasoline climbed 1.2 cents over the past week to $2.88 per gallon. While prices are modestly higher than a month ago, they remain nearly 20 cents below where they stood at this time last year. Diesel prices posted a sharper increase, jumping 6.2 cents to $3.686 per gallon.

Average gasoline prices continue to drift higher as crude oil trades near its highest level since last summer, driven by mounting geopolitical risk premiums tied to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in the companys weekly blog.

While there has been no direct disruption to energy infrastructure, markets are increasingly pricing in the possibility of a broader exchange that could threaten supply flows.

Other issues

De Haan noted that beyond geopolitical concerns, domestic supply issues are also contributing to upward price pressure. Refinery outages and disruptions along the Olympic Pipeline have tightened supply in parts of the Pacific Northwest, pushing prices higher in that region. With refinery maintenance season approaching, he warned that the national average could soon test the $3-per-gallon mark as seasonal supply constraints intensify.

Oil markets have been driven largely by renewed tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns involving Iran and the potential for supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz a critical chokepoint for global crude shipments. That risk premium helped lift crude prices over the past week.

In early Monday trading, West Texas Intermediate crude rose 37 cents to $66.85 per barrel, up nearly $4 from the previous Mondays $62.98 settlement. Brent crude also climbed 32 cents to $72.08 per barrel, compared with $67.84 a week earlier.

Giovanni Staunovo, a commodities analyst at UBS, said oil is trading at a multi-month high, supported primarily by geopolitical tensions. New talks between the U.S. and Iran are scheduled later this week. Historically, he noted, risk premiums tend to fade if supply disruptions fail to materialize. Traders are also watching next Sundays OPEC+ Group of Eight meeting for potential policy signals.

Inventories tighten despite balanced supply picture

The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed a mixed supply backdrop.

For the week ending February 13, U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 9.0 million barrels and now sit about 5% below the seasonal average. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve rose slightly, increasing by 200,000 barrels to 415.4 million barrels.

Gasoline inventories declined by 3.2 million barrels but remain roughly 3% above the five-year seasonal average. Distillate inventories, which include diesel, fell by 4.6 million barrels and are about 5% below the five-year average.

Refinery utilization increased 1.6 percentage points to 91.0%, while implied gasoline demand a proxy for retail demand rose by 448,000 barrels per day to 8.749 million barrels per day.

Despite relatively balanced global supply fundamentals, the drawdowns in crude and distillate stocks, combined with rising refinery maintenance, could limit near-term relief at the pump.

Regional price gaps persist

While the national average stands at $2.88 per gallon, prices vary widely across the country.

The most common price motorists encounter is $2.69 per gallon, down 10 cents from last week.

The median U.S. gas price is $2.75 per gallon, about 13 cents lower than the national average.

The top 10% of stations are charging an average of $4.36 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average just $2.29 per gallon.

Oklahoma ($2.29), Arkansas ($2.40), and Louisiana ($2.42) currently boast the lowest statewide averages. At the other end of the spectrum, California ($4.55), Hawaii ($4.31), and Washington ($4.23) have the highest prices.

Among weekly movers, Oregon saw the largest increase, with prices rising 17.2 cents, followed by Washington (+14.6 cents) and Minnesota (+13.3 cents). Michigan posted a notable decline of 12.4 cents, while Ohio rose 10.7 cents.

With oil hovering at multi-month highs and refinery maintenance season approaching, analysts say drivers should be prepared for the possibility of further incremental increases in the weeks ahead.