Consumer News: Average tax refund up $233 as of Feb. 21, IRS says

The plan would aid workers without access to employer-sponsored plans

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• President Trump proposed creating a new, government-backed American Retirement Plus savings program during his State of the Union address.

• The plan would offer tax-advantaged accounts and a federal matching contribution for certain workers, particularly those without employer-sponsored retirement plans.

• Lawmakers are expected to debate the cost, long-term sustainability and potential impact on Social Security and private retirement markets.

President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address this week to unveil a new retirement initiative aimed at expanding savings options for millions of Americans who lack access to employer-sponsored plans.

Calling it American Retirement Plus, Trump described the proposal as a way to give every worker a fair shot at a secure and dignified retirement. The plan would establish portable, tax-advantaged savings accounts administered through a partnership between the Treasury Department and private financial institutions.

Key features of the proposal

According to details outlined in the speech, the program would allow workers to contribute a portion of their paycheck into a federally recognized retirement account, similar in structure to a Roth IRA. Contributions would be made with after-tax dollars, and withdrawals in retirement would be tax-free.

To encourage participation, the federal government would provide a matching contribution of up to $1,000 annually for qualifying low- and middle-income workers. Trump said the match would be phased out at higher income levels, though specific thresholds were not disclosed during the address.

The accounts would be portable, meaning workers could keep them when changing jobs. Participation would be automatic for employees at companies that do not offer a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, though workers would have the option to opt out.

Filling the coverage gap

Administration officials estimate that tens of millions of private-sector workers particularly part-time employees and workers at small businesses lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. The White House argues that the new program would close that gap without altering the structure of Social Security.

Social Security will remain the foundation of retirement security in America, Trump said. But it was never meant to be the only foundation.

The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns about Americans retirement readiness. Surveys have consistently shown that many households have limited savings and rely heavily on Social Security benefits as their primary source of income in retirement.

Cost and fiscal questions

While the president framed the plan as fiscally responsible, he did not provide a full cost estimate during the speech. Funding for the federal matching contributions would require congressional approval, and lawmakers from both parties signaled they would seek more detailed projections.

Some Republican lawmakers praised the emphasis on personal savings and market-based growth. Several Democrats, however, questioned whether the proposal would divert attention from strengthening Social Securitys long-term finances, as the program faces projected funding shortfalls in the coming decades.

Policy analysts also noted that the effectiveness of automatic enrollment would depend on contribution rates and investment options. If default contributions are set too low, critics say, workers may still struggle to accumulate meaningful savings.

Legislative path ahead

The White House said it plans to send draft legislation to Congress in the coming weeks. The proposal is expected to be taken up by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers could revise key provisions, including eligibility requirements and funding mechanisms.

If enacted, the administration has suggested the accounts could become available as early as next year.

This is about rewarding work, strengthening families, and building real financial security, Trump said. We want every American to retire with confidence.

The proposal now enters what is likely to be a contentious debate over costs, benefits and the broader role of government in shaping retirement policy.

The agency makes exception to the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will not take enforcement action under the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) against certain operators using personal data solely for age verification.

• The policy applies to general audience and mixed audience websites that meet strict data use, security and deletion requirements.

• The Commission signaled it will begin reviewing COPPA to formally address age verification technologies.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a policy statement clarifying that it will not bring enforcement actions under the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) against certain website and online service operators that collect personal information strictly to determine a users age.

The move addresses growing uncertainty around age verification tools, which are increasingly being used to help shield children from inappropriate online content but may require collecting personal data in the process.

COPPA, enacted in 1998, requires operators of commercial websites or online services directed to children under 13 or those with actual knowledge they are collecting personal information from a child to notify parents about their data practices and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using or disclosing that information.

Since COPPA became law, childrens use of internet-connected devices has expanded dramatically. In response to concerns about online safety, several states have begun requiring certain websites and online services to implement age verification mechanisms to determine users ages.

Potential conflict

However, discussions at a recent FTC workshop highlighted a potential conflict: some age verification technologies themselves require the collection of personal information from children, raising questions about whether operators using such tools could inadvertently violate COPPA.

The FTCs new policy statement aims to resolve that tension.

Age verification technologies are some of the most child-protective technologies to emerge in decades, said Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. Our statement incentivizes operators to use these innovative tools, empowering parents to protect their children online.

Under the policy, the Commission said it will not bring enforcement actions against operators of general audience or mixed audience sites that collect, use or disclose personal information solely for age verification even if they do not first obtain verifiable parental consent provided they meet specific safeguards.

Those conditions include limiting the use of collected information strictly to determining a users age and not repurposing it for marketing or other activities. Operators must also delete the information promptly once age verification is complete and refrain from retaining it longer than necessary.

In addition, companies must disclose age verification data only to third parties that can maintain its confidentiality, security and integrity, and they must obtain written assurances to that effect. Clear notice to parents and children about what information is being collected for age verification is also required.

The FTC further requires operators to implement reasonable security safeguards to protect the data and to take reasonable steps to ensure that any age verification method or third-party service they use is likely to produce reasonably accurate results.

Teachers are reporting more student face-to-face interaction

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Bell-to-bell cellphone bans are spreading rapidly, rising from 60% to 74% of schools in just one year, according to a new national survey.

• Teachers report students are talking more face-to-face and using phones less during class time.

• But educators say laptops not phones are emerging as the next major classroom distraction.

More schools are cracking down on cellphones in the classroom and one organization says its paying off. A new national survey suggests that stricter cellphone policies in schools are reshaping student behavior both inside and outside the classroom.

The data, released by Phones in Focus, a nonpartisan research initiative studying the impact of school phone policies, show a sharp increase in so-called bell-to-bell bans, which prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the entire school day.

In the 202425 school year, 60% of surveyed schools reported having such bans. That figure climbed to 74% in 202526 one of the fastest school policy shifts in recent years.

The findings are based on more than 68,000 responses from educators representing roughly 17% of U.S. public schools, making it the largest teacher survey ever conducted on school phone policies.

Were seeing meaningful patterns emerge in our data that reflect the national conversation around phones in schools, said Angela Duckworth, psychologist and one of the lead investigators of Phones in Focus. For example, teachers are seeing students talk in hallways face-to-face and engage in the kind of social learning that cant happen through a screen.

Social ripple effects

While cellphone bans are often framed as academic interventions, many teachers report that the biggest changes are social.

In open-ended responses, educators described livelier lunchrooms and more in-person interaction among students. One teacher wrote that it was nice to see students interacting [and] socializing with each other face to face. It makes the lunchroom louder. Another reported fewer discipline problems tied to phones and greater classroom engagement, adding that students are learning to socialize again.

The survey also found that stricter policies are far more common in elementary and middle schools. About nine in 10 schools serving younger grades report bell-to-bell bans. In contrast, only about half of high schools have adopted such policies, making them significantly more permissive.

The policy momentum mirrors broader legislative action. According to Education Week, at least 34 states and the District of Columbia now require districts to ban or limit student cellphone use in schools.

A new distraction emerges

Even as cellphone restrictions expand, the survey points to another growing concern: laptops.

On average, teachers estimate that about one-third of students use school-issued or personal laptops for non-academic purposes, such as texting or browsing social media, during class.

Notably, this number doesnt seem to depend on the school cellphone policy, Duckworth said. I predict more districts and schools will begin debating how and when students are permitted to use laptops in the classroom.

The finding suggests that while cellphone bans may reduce one source of distraction, digital multitasking remains an ongoing challenge in technology-rich classrooms.

Researchers say these results represent an interim snapshot of a rapidly evolving policy landscape. The team plans to follow up with longitudinal analyses examining objective outcomes such as attendance rates and test scores to better understand the long-term academic impact of phone restrictions.

There are a lot of individual factors that determine that answer

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Mortgage rates remain higher than pandemic-era lows, but theyve eased from recent peaks, creating selective refinancing opportunities.

• Homeowners with rates at least 0.75% to 1% above todays averages may benefit but closing costs can erase savings if they plan to move soon.

• Cash-out refinancing can provide liquidity, but it increases long-term interest costs and resets loan terms.

As mortgage rates settle into a new normal, many homeowners are wondering whether 2026 could finally be the right time to refinance. The answer depends less on national headlines and more on individual math.

After climbing sharply in recent years, mortgage rates have stabilized compared with their highs by one account falling below 6% though they remain well above the rock-bottom levels seen in 2020 and 2021. That means refinancing is no longer a universal money-saving move but for some borrowers, it can still make financial sense.

When refinancing may make sense

The traditional rule of thumb has been that refinancing is worth considering if you can lower your interest rate by at least onepercentage point. In todays environment, some lenders say a reduction of 0.75 percentage points can still be worthwhile, depending on loan size and how long you plan to stay in the home.

For example, a homeowner with a $350,000 loan who reduces their rate by 1% could save hundreds per month. Over time, that adds up but only if they stay in the house long enough to recover closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

Borrowers who originally purchased when rates were elevated particularly in 2023 or 2024 may be best positioned to benefit if rates dip modestly.

Monthly payment vs. long-term cost

One common mistake homeowners make is focusing solely on lowering their monthly payment.

Refinancing into a new 30-year loan resets the clock. Even at a slightly lower rate, extending repayment can increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Homeowners who have already paid down several years of their mortgage may want to consider a 15- or 20-year refinance instead, or choose a new term that matches their remaining payoff timeline.

The key calculation is the break-even point how many months it will take for monthly savings to exceed upfront refinancing costs.

Cash-out refinancing: Proceed carefully

For homeowners who have built significant equity, a cash-out refinance can unlock funds for home improvements, debt consolidation,or other expenses. But this strategy carries risk.

By increasing the loan balance, borrowers may trade lower-interest mortgage debt for higher long-term costs. And if home values soften, they could reduce their equity cushion.

Financial advisers generally caution against using home equity to fund discretionary spending. However, using it strategically such as consolidating high-interest credit card debt or financing value-adding renovations can make sense in certain circumstances.

Credit score and home equity matter

Lenders reserve the best refinance rates for borrowers with strong credit typically 700 or higher and at least 20% equity in their home. Those with lower credit scores may see smaller rate improvements or higher fees.

Homeowners should also consider whether theyll need a new appraisal and whether their homes value has changed significantly.

Experts consistently recommend gathering at least three quotes. Fees, lender credits, and rate-lock policies can vary widely. Even a fraction of a percentage point difference can translate into thousands of dollars over time.

Online lenders, credit unions, and traditional banks may all price loans differently, and some offer streamlined refinance programs that reduce paperwork for borrowers with government-backed loans.

Now can be a good time to refinance but only for the right borrower.

Homeowners who secured mortgages at higher recent rates, plan to remain in their homes for several years, and can meaningfully reduce their rate may benefit. Those who locked in ultra-low pandemic-era loans are unlikely to find better terms in the current environment.

The Walmart coupon rules most shoppers miss

• Walmart accepts paper and print-at-home manufacturer coupons that scan, arent expired, and match the exact item (size and variety).

• Follow the limits. One coupon per item and they limit you to four identical coupons per day. Go over those limits and expect a denial.

• Stack smart. Pair a manufacturer coupon with Rollbacks or clearance for the best deal. Choose between a paper coupon or Walmart Cash on the same item not both.

We all know that Walmart is known for its everyday low prices and price rollbacks, but if you learn the couponing game at Walmart, you can take your savings to a whole new level.

Heres everything you need to know, from the coupons they accept to what they dont. Along with a few insider pro tips to help you save even more.

What coupons Walmart accepts (and what they dont)

Walmart accepts:

• Paper manufacturer coupons (from the newspaper, mailers, product packaging, etc.) as long as they scan, arent expired, and match the exact item.
• Print-at-home internet manufacturer coupons (again, must scan, be readable, and match the item exactly).
• BOGO manufacturer coupons (these come with some rules, more on that below).

Walmart does not accept:

• Coupons on your phone (no mobile/digital coupons scanned off a device).
• Competitor/retailer coupons.
• Expired coupons.
• Coupon overages (This means if the item costs $1.99, and your coupon is for $2 off, the coupon will adjust down to $1.99).
• Manufacturer coupons on prepaid products or gift cards.

Pro tip: Print-at-home coupons need to look perfect. Walmart makes it clear that they wont accept internet coupons that are blurry, out of proportion, dont scan, or appear altered. If your printer ink is fading, dont waste the trip.

How to use coupons at checkout

At self-checkout:

• Scan your items first.
• When its time, scan each coupon barcode so it registers.
• If the machine asks for help or a coupon wont scan, dont force it. Thats how you end up in the coupon standoff customer service line.

At a regular register:

• Hand coupons over when the cashier is ready for them, and make sure every coupon matches whats in your cart (right size, right variety, right count). Walmarts policy is clear that unmatched coupons are not supposed to be accepted and are typically denied.

How to use Walmart Cash (the digital coupon they wantyou to use)

Walmart Cash is tied to manufacturer offers in the Walmart app as well as on Walmart.com.

You clip offers and save them to your account, then you buy the item, and youll have Walmart Cash land in your account.

Redeeming Walmart Cash in-store:

Open the Walmart app, use Walmart Pay at checkout, scan the QR code, then select Use Walmart Cash.

Missed it at checkout?

If you forgot to connect Walmart Pay, Walmart says you can still earn Walmart Cash by scanning your receipt barcode in the app within sevendays (as long as the offer was clipped before checkout).

Pro tip: Before you checkout, decide which deal is better a paper coupon ORa Walmart Cash offer. This is important because you cant use a paper coupon and get Walmart Cash for the same item in the same purchase.

Where to find Walmart-usable coupons (the real sources)

Youre basically hunting for manufacturer coupons, so go where manufacturer coupons live:

• Sunday newspaper inserts (still a big source of paper coupons in many areas)
• Print-at-home coupon sites. My favorites include Coupons.com, KrazyCouponLady, and ValPak.
• Manufacturer sites and brand emails (P&G, Unilever brands, cereal brands, and even detergent brands; theyll send you coupons if you sign up)
• As you start looking online for coupons, youll notice coupon roundup websites and apps that organize whats out there. Bookmark your favorites as you find them, but remember that you still need the actual manufacturer coupon source.

The two Walmart limits that trip people up

1. One coupon per item.You cant use two manufacturer coupons on the same item.
2. Limit of four identical couponsper household, per day (unless the coupon itself says otherwise).

Pro tip:If, for example, you have six of the exact same $1 off coupon, dont expect all six to go through in one day.

If youre planning a bigger haul, split the coupons across two days. Or have your spouse make a separate purchase so you can use more than fouridentical coupons in one visit.

'Stacking'at Walmart: Whats actually allowed

True coupon stacking is limited at Walmart because theyre mainly taking manufacturer coupons.

Butheres what you can stack:

1. Coupon + sale price (Rollback/clearance)

Walmart allows coupons on discounted items, and this is where the magic happens. You find a Rollback, clearance, or end-cap markdown then drop a manufacturer coupon on top.

2. Coupons + Walmart Cash (but not on the same item)

Walmart has manufacturer offers in the app that pay you back as Walmart Cash. You can earn Walmart Cash and spend your Walmart Cash, but theres a big rule:

If you use a paper coupon on an item, you wont get Walmart Cash for the manufacturer offer on that same item.

You can still earn Walmart Cash on other items in the transaction. And you can still redeem your existing Walmart Cash balance in-store by scanning the QR code in Walmart Pay.

3. Coupons + cash-back rebate apps.

Some popular cash-back apps, like Ibotta, allow you to stack an offer with a manufacturer coupon, but not always.

If you use a paper manufacturer coupon, the coupon often takes precedence and you may not receive the Ibotta rebate.

You can, however, use a digital manufacturer coupon (must be in the Walmart app) and still receive an Ibotta rebate, but you cannot use two manufacturer offers on the same item.

BOGO coupons at Walmart (the quick rules)

Walmart does take buy one, get one (BOGO) manufacturer coupons, but you have to know the specific rules:

• You typically must buy two eligible items, and one will be discounted by its full retail price.
• Walmart says you cant double dip with two BOGO coupons to make both items free (unless the coupon explicitly allows it).
• They also dont accept BOGO manufacturer coupons with a percentage off the second item (example: buy one, get second 50% off).

Pro tip: Dont forget to look for paper coupons on (or near) products on the actual shelf at Walmart. These are called peelie coupons. You can just peel one off and use it at checkout to save money.