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Casual sippers vs. daily regulars: the rewards gap widens

• Starbucks now rewards heavy users more:Better perks and faster earning only happen if you rack up lots of Stars each year.

• New low-level reward added:60 Stars now gets you $2 off, but full free drinks still require more spending.

• Stars can expire for casual customers:Infrequent visitors can lose Stars after sixmonths, while loyal members keep theirs.

Starbucks is rolling out a new three-tier Rewards system starting on March 10, and depending on how often you go, this could either get you perks faster or push drink and treat freebies further out of reach.

Heres what you need to know before the big launch on March 10^th.

There will now be three levels instead of one

Depending on how many Stars you earn in a year, youll be put into one of three categories:

Green (entry level)

• 1 Star per $1 spent
• Birthday freebie
• Personalized offers and games
• NEW: Free Mod Mondays (one free drink add-on per month)
• Stars expire after six months unless you stay active monthly

Gold (500 Stars per year)

• 1.2 Stars per $1 spent
• Stars never expire
• At least fourDouble Star Days per year
• Seven days to use your birthday reward

Reserve (2,500 Stars per year)

• 1.7 Stars per $1 spent
• At least six Double Star Days per year
• 30 days to use your birthday reward
• Access to exclusive merch and invite-only experiences

Translation: The more you spend, the faster you earn. But top perks now require some fairly serious Starbucks loyalty.

Free rewards got a small boost for casual users

Starbucks also added a new 60-Star reward that gives $2 off any purchase.

Thats the lowest-effort discount theyve ever offered, and it helps occasional customers who never rack up enough Stars for full drinks.

Other reward levels:

• 25 Stars Free drink add-on (extra shot, syrup, cold foam)
• 60 Stars $2 off (NEW)
• 100 Stars Brewed coffee, tea, or bakery item
• 200 Stars Handcrafted drink or hot breakfast
• 300 Stars Lunch items or packaged coffee
• 400 Stars Merchandise up to a $20 value

Star expiration rules changed

This is one of the biggest shifts.

Green members: Stars expire after six months, but you can extend them by making a purchase, redeeming a reward, or reloading your card each month.

Gold & Reserve members: Your stars will never expire, which is a great perk. Especially when considering that Chipotle and Dunkin are both putting expiration dates on their points.

Frequent customers win here. Occasional visitors will need to stay active or lose rewards.

What this really means for customers:

Starbucks is shifting rewards toward people who go often, and making it harder to casually rack up freebies.

Occasional customers

If you tend to only visit Starbucks on occasion, youll definitely need to pay more attention.

The main reason is because Stars now expire after six months at the Green level unless you stay active.

That means you cant slowly build toward a free drink like before.

Upside: The new 60-Star reward for $2 off is fairly easy to reach.

Downside: Youll need to use your Stars sooner or risk losing them.

In reality: I think the best way to think of Stars now is like coupons with an expiration date. If you dont go to Starbucks often, dont hoard those stars. Use them as soon as you reach 25, 60, or 100 stars.

Regular customers

If you tend to visitonce or twice per week, this update will mostly help you.

In particular, once you reach Gold status, your Stars will never expire which is awesome.

Plus, youll earn them faster at 1.2 or 1.7 Stars per dollar, depending on how much you spend in a 12-month period. Youll also see more Double Star Days which will get you to free or discounted drinks much quicker.

Upside: More rewards if Starbucks is already part of your coffee routine.

Catch: You have to earn 500 Stars every year to keep that Gold status.

In reality: I think the bottom-line for loyal customers will likely be more freebies over time.

Heavy Starbucks fans

The new Reserve tier is for big spenders who rack up at least 2,500 Stars in a 12-month period.

You earn Stars the fastest and youll get access to exclusive perks. But reaching this level requires some serious spending, so it only makes sense to aim for Reserve if youre already there naturally.

In reality: Some nice bonuses if youre already a superuser. But its definitely not worth spending extra money every week just to qualify.

The products were distributed nationwide

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Gerber is recalling limited batches of its Arrowroot Biscuits nationwide after discovering the potential presence of soft plastic and/or paper pieces that should not be consumed.

• The issue traces back to an arrowroot flour supplier that initiated its own recall; Gerber says it has stopped working with that supplier.

• No injuries or illnesses have been reported, and no other Gerber products are affected.

Gerber Products Company has announced a nationwide recall of certain Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits, citing a potential contamination issue involving soft plastic and/or paper pieces.

The company says it is taking the action out of an abundance of caution after learning that one of its arrowroot flour suppliers recalled ingredients used in the product.

The recall applies only to Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits 5.5-ounce packages produced between July 2025 and September 2025. According to Gerber, the affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States.

Consumers can identify recalled products by checking the 10-digit batch code printed on the back of the package, just before the best before date. The affected batch codes and corresponding best-before dates include:

• 5198565504 Best before Oct. 16, 2026

• 5202565504 Oct. 20, 2026

• 5203565504 Oct. 21, 2026

• 5204565504 Oct. 22, 2026

• 5205565504 Oct. 23, 2026

• 5209565504 Oct. 27, 2026

• 5210565504 Oct. 28, 2026

• 5211565504 Oct. 29, 2026

• 5233565504 Nov. 20, 2026

• 5238565504 Nov. 25, 2026

• 5239565504 / 5239565505 Nov. 26, 2026

• 5240565505 Nov. 27, 2026

• 5245565505 Dec. 2, 2026

• 5246565505 Dec. 3, 2026

• 5251565505 Dec. 8, 2026

• 5252565505 Dec. 9, 2026

• 5253565505 Dec. 10, 2026

• 5254565505 Dec. 11, 2026

• 5258565505 Dec. 15, 2026

• 5259565505 Dec. 16, 2026

Gerber emphasized that no other Gerber products are included in this recall.

What to do

Parents and caregivers who have purchased affected Arrowroot Biscuits are advised not to feed the product to their child. The company says consumers can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

Although no injuries or illnesses have been reported, Gerber says it is working closely with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and will cooperate fully with the agencys review. The company also stated it is no longer working with the supplier linked to the contamination concern.

The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our highest priority, Gerber said, adding that it apologizes for any concern or inconvenience the recall may cause parents, caregivers, and retail customers.

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Gerber Consumer Support 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

Bargains on clothing and furniture continue to draw shoppers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Thrift store shopping has surged nationwide as consumers shift toward secondhand buying.

• Economic pressures, environmental awareness, and Gen Z cultural trends are driving the boom.

• The secondhand market now outpaces much of traditional retail and shows few signs of slowing.

Americans are flocking to thrift stores in growing numbers, reshaping a segment of retail once seen as niche into a mainstream shopping habit. For many, its the answer to the affordability issue. For others, it offers the thrill of the bargain hunt

Recent industry data and consumer trends show that secondhand shopping isnt just a fad its becoming a fixture of how many people buy clothes, furniture, and household goods.

Once the domain of bargain hunters and charitable donors, thrift store visits are now rising across income levels and regions. Analytics firm Placer.ai reports that visits to thrift stores have outpaced traditional apparel shopping in recent years, drawing interest from suburban and higher-income shoppers alike a sign that thrift is no longer confined to any single demographic.

A growing market

Industry estimates project the U.S. secondhand market will reach roughly $61 billion in 2026, with apparel resale accounting for much of that growth. Secondhand apparel sales climbed about 14 % from 2023 to 2024 and are forecast to continue expanding annually well into the decade.

Whats driving the boom? Economic reality. Persistent cost pressures from inflation to higher clothing prices are pushing more shoppers toward thrift stores for basic needs and value. Nearly half of consumers say new clothes have become too expensive, prompting them to redirect their budgets to secondhand options.

Environmental and ethical concerns are also a factor. A growing segment of shoppers views thrifting as a way to reduce waste and lessen the environmental footprint of their purchases. As sustainability becomes a more prominent part of consumer identity, thrift stores offer a tangible way to put values into practice.

Social media is also playing a roll. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are enthusiastic thrifters, often blending vintage and unique finds into personal style. Many consumers enjoy the treasure hunt aspect of thrift shopping, and social platforms have amplified the appeal of rare and distinctive pre-owned items.

Resale and online marketplaces. The rise of resale platforms like Poshmark and the booming online secondhand market have helped normalize thrift shopping and given consumers alternative ways to shop used goods, further fueling demand.

Challenges and changes

With the surge in popularity comes complexity. Some thrift stores are beginning to adjust pricing and inventory strategies in response to competitive pressures and increased demand, while others grapple with balancing donations, resale interests, and sustainable mission-driven goals.

Retail analysts say thrift shoppings momentum is likely to continue as economic and cultural forces reinforce each other. As households rethink how and where they spend their money, thrift stores from local charity shops to curated vintage boutiques are poised to remain a dynamic part of the retail landscape.

When selling physical gold, its easy to make a costly mistakes

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Know what you have and what its worth before you sell.

• Compare multiple offers and understand all fees.

• Choose reputable buyers and avoid pressure tactics.

The price of gold has been making news lately. Over the last two months, the price has surged, making some people think about investing. But Fridays huge sell-off may have some people thinking of selling the gold bars they bought at Costco or some antique jewelry inherited from a grandparent.

At these prices, selling gold can be a smart financial move but only if its done carefully. Advice from an objective and independent advisor is a good place to start.

Experts say the biggest mistakes sellers make are rushing the process, trusting the first offer they receive, and not understanding how gold is valued. Heres what consumers need to know to get the best deal and avoid costly missteps.

Step 1: Understand what youre selling

Before approaching any buyer, take time to identify exactly what you own. Gold items vary widely in value based on purity, weight, and form.

Most jewelry is not pure gold. Look for markings such as 10K, 14K, or 18K, which indicate the percentage of gold in the item. Coins and bullion bars may be closer to pure gold (24K), but even then, condition and market demand matter.

Weight is also critical. Gold is typically priced by the troy ounce, not the standard ounce used in everyday scales. A small difference in measurement can translate into real money, so knowing the correct weight helps you spot low offers.

If youre unsure, a local jeweler or independent appraiser can often evaluate your gold for little or no cost without any obligation to sell.

Step 2: Know the current gold price and what it means

Gold prices fluctuate daily based on global markets. When you hear about record gold prices in the news, that usually refers to the spot price of pure gold per troy ounce.

Consumers should understand that no buyer will pay the full spot price for scrap gold. Buyers factor in refining costs, overhead, and profit margins. However, reputable buyers will typically pay a transparent percentage of the spot price, adjusted for purity.

If a buyer avoids explaining how their offer is calculated, thats a red flag.

Step 3: Shop around seriously

One of the most common mistakes consumers make is accepting the first offer they receive. Prices can vary dramatically between buyers, sometimes by hundreds of dollars for the same items.

Experts recommend getting at least three quotes. Compare not only the final dollar amount but also how the buyer explains the process. A trustworthy buyer should weigh your gold in front of you, clearly state the purity, and break down the math behind the offer.

Be cautious of limited-time offers or claims that prices are about to crash. Pressure tactics are rarely in the sellers best interest.

Step 4: Choose the right selling method

Consumers have several options when selling gold, each with pros and cons:

• Local jewelers and coin shops often provide quick transactions and face-to-face transparency.

• Gold-buying events or hotel pop-ups can be convenient but may offer lower prices and less accountability.

• Mail-in gold buyers are widely advertised but carry risks, including disputes over weight or purity once your items are out of your hands.

If you choose a mail-in option, research the company carefully, read reviews, understand insurance coverage, and document your items with photos before shipping.

Step 5: Watch out for common traps

Some pitfalls come up again and again:

• Selling sentimental items too quickly. Once sold, theyre gone forever.

• Confusing gold-plated items with solid gold. Plated items often have little resale value.

• Ignoring return policies. Some buyers allow a short window to change your mind others dont.

Consumers should also be wary of buyers who refuse to return items if an offer is declined or who charge evaluation fees that werent disclosed upfront.

Selling gold doesnt have to be stressful or risky. The key is preparation, patience, and skepticism. When consumers know what they have, understand how pricing works, and take the time to compare offers, theyre far more likely to walk away satisfied and with more money in their pocket.

In a strong gold market, the best tool a seller has isnt timing. Its information.

That going-out-of-business sale posted on TikTok could be a scam

• Closing forever or family hardship claims are meant to rush you into buying without doing any research.

• Big discounts on handmade goods usually signal mass-produced items. Search a line from the product description to spot copy-paste listings.

• Missing contact info or reviews only on their own site are warning signs. Check independent reviews before buying.

Online scammers are now using AI-generated photos and emotional storytelling to create fake small business brands that look incredibly real and wholesome.

An Associated Press report highlighted several of these online stores posing as cozy, family-owned businesses selling artisan sweaters.

The problem? The sites used identical product photos, were registered only months earlier, and were linked to overseas fulfillment operations.

Shoppers reported getting poorly made items that looked nothing like the ads. Then they had a hard time trying to get a refund.

Here are some smart ways to protect yourself before you click Buy Now.

Red flag #1: The emotional closing forever story

Scam social media ads often include dramatic hooks like:

• My grandmother is retiring and everything must go
• Family tragedy forced us to shut down
• Last chance to own a piece of our 30-year legacy

These stories are designed to create urgency and lower your guard.

Real small businesses do close all the time. But legitimate shops dont usually rely on vague, copy-and-paste sob stories pushed through social media ads.

Smart move: Screenshot the ad and reverse-image search the photos (Google Images works well for this). If you see the same photo on multiple store names, thats a good clue to walk away.

Red flag #2: The prices dont match the handmade claim

Hand-knit sweaters, handmade leather bags, or custom jewelry at 70% off? That math rarely works and it would be hard for a real company to stay in business at those margins.

In actuality, what youd be buying is a mass-produced, low-quality import from an overseas warehouse somewhere.

Smart move: Copy a sentence from the product description and paste it into Google in quotes. Youll quickly find if multiple boutiques are using the exact same wording. If they are, its likely the same supplier behind all of them.

Red flag #3: Hard-to-find contact info

Scam stores often hide behind:

• No phone number
• No physical address
• Only a generic contact form
• Vague language like global fulfillment partners

Legit small businesses are usually proud to show who they are and where they operate.

Smart move: Send a quick pre-purchase email question (What material is this made from?). If you get a copy-paste, broken-English reply that doesnt answer your question (or no response at all) dont order.

Red flag #4: Brand-new reviews or none at all

Fake stores often have glowing reviews on their own site (often AI created), but zero reviews anywhere else.

Smart move: Try searching for the following if some of the reviews seems a little too perfect.

Store name + reviews

Store name + scam

I highly recommend checking third-party sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau and check on any reviews of the business before making a purchase.

If the complaints mention things like poor quality, shipping that takes forever, or near-impossible returns, move on with your life and avoid the headache.

A few tips to shop safer

Here are some smart tips to protect yourself from these scammers.

• Always use your credit card for payment, not a debit card. Its much easier to dispute charges with your credit card company than to try and get your money back from your bank.
• Avoid impulse buys from social media ads. Easier said than done, but its smart to get in the habit of doing a little research on the company before buying.
• Stick with marketplaces that offer buyer protection and easy returns (like Etsy or Amazon) when trying new brands.
• Trust your gut as its usually right. If the story feels a little too dramatic, or a little too perfect, it probably is.