Consumer News: Consumers showing signs of stress amid economic worries

Dating isn't canceled, but for many, overspending on it definitely is

• Gen Z is cutting dating costs, not romance Data shows many are ditching paid subscriptions and scaling back on spending that doesnt feel worth the money.

• Money habits now matter Financial responsibility like budgeting and paying bills on time is becoming a major green flag in relationships.

• Cheap or free dates are the norm Coffee, walks, hikes, and nights-in are replacing pricey dinners as Gen Z focuses on connection over cost.

New data from Bank of America suggests that financial priorities are reshaping modern dating, especially among Gen Z, generally defined as those born between 1997 and 2012.

According to the banks latest Better Money Habits research, nearly one in three Americans (32%) say they would make sacrifices to their dating lives for financial reasons. Among Gen Z, that number jumps to a striking 59%.

Even more telling is that 46% of Gen Zers have actually deleted dating apps, and 45% say theyve stopped paying for the upgraded version.

Its not anti-dating its anti-overpaying

Young people arent stepping away from dating itself, says Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer and Small Business Products at Bank of America, in an interview with ConsumerAffairs. Theyre stepping away from paying for things that dont feel worth the cost.

According to BofAs broader research on spending habits, 44% of Gen Z consumers say they plan to cancel or downgrade lifestyle subscriptions(i.e. Hinge, Nuuly, Oura Ring, etc.).

These include dating apps, beauty boxes, and even wearable tech services. Of that group, 42% say reducing their spending is the main objective.

If an app isnt delivering real value, Droesch says, its often the first thing to get deleted.

Love just with a budget

An overwhelming 78% of Gen Z respondents say financial health matters in a potential partner.

But that doesnt necessarily mean theyre searching for high earners or luxury lifestyles.

Its less about how much someone earns, and more so how they manage what they have, Droesch explains. Paying bills on time, budgeting, and making thoughtful spending choices all signal stability and trust.

In fact, 78% of Gen Zers say responsible financial behaviors are important in a partner. These traits are now being weighed right alongside personality and chemistry, and not as a "would be nice" afterthought.

Personal anecdote: Having raised three Gen Zers myself, I absolutely see this with them and their friends, and honestly, I think its great to see. They grew up duringthe pressures of a global pandemic, not to mention constant talk ofrising student loan debt and sky-high housing costs. So it fits that they would be more cautious with their money, even when it comes to dating and relationships.

Dates dont have to be expensive anymore

Financial caution is also reshaping how Gen Z actually dates.

Forget the expectation of pricey dinners and elaborate nights out. Over half of Gen Z (53%) say they spend $0 a month on romantic dates, opting instead for low or no-cost ways to connect.

Think of things like:

• Coffee meetups
• Walks in the park or a hike
• Free community events
• Movie nights at home

They're stepping away from the idea that meaningful connections have to be expensive, Droesch says.

When I asked my 21-year-old daughter about this, whos in a fairly new relationship, she 100% agreed. She said she would actually prefer a hike and a quick lunch over an expensive night out. Especially in the beginning of a relationship, as it feels more authentic and less pressured.

Talking about money is less taboo too

Money conversations, once considered awkward or very unromantic, are becoming part of the foundation for Gen Z relationships.

Its no longer an immediate mood killer to talk openly about financial goals, and even spending habits (good or bad). In fact, its increasingly seen as a sign of maturity.

Gen Z, in particular, seems comfortable talking about financial compatibility fairly early in a relationship. The idea that love has to exist in a bubble, separate from money, just doesnt match todays reality.

And for many, being aligned financially is part of feeling secure emotionally.

A temporary trend or a lasting shift?

Rising rent, higher grocery bills, and lingering inflation have certainly put pressure on young adults wallets.

But experts say this dating reset seems deeper than just a short-term reaction.

This feels more like a mindset shift than a moment, Droesch says. Rising costs may have sparked it, but Gen Z is rewriting the rules of dating less pressure to spend, more focus on real connection and shared values.

Even if the financial stresses ease, the expectation that romance requires expensive outings and dating app subscriptions may never return.

Instead, dating may continue moving toward:

• More in-person, organic connections
• Less emphasis on curated app profiles
• Greater attention to shared financial values

For Gen Z, romance isnt dead. Its just getting a budget makeover.

The service is set to reach thousands more Americans by 2026

• Amazon Pharmacy is rolling out same-day prescription delivery to nearly 4,500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026.

• The expansion aims to tackle pharmacy closures, staffing shortages, and transportation barriers that make accessing medications hard in many areas.

• Customers can still use other fast delivery options, savings programs like RxPass, and even in-clinic kiosks in select locations.

If youve ever finished a doctors appointment and wished your medication could be in your hands by dinner, Amazon is working on just that. The company just announced a major expansion of its Amazon Pharmacy same-day prescription delivery service and for a lot more people than ever before.

Previously available in select major cities, same-day delivery is now set to roll out nationwide to almost 4,500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026, adding roughly 2,000 new communities that havent had quick delivery access before.

That means whether you live in a big metro area or a smaller town that lost its local pharmacy, you might soon be able to order your prescription and have it arrive within hours rather than days.

"Patients shouldn't have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live," John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, said in a news release.

"By combining our pharmacy expertise with our logistics network, we're removing critical barriers and helping patients start treatment faster setting a new standard for accessible, digital-forward pharmacy care."

Why this matters

Americans are dealing with pharmacy closures, shortages of staff, and long drives to pick up routine meds in many parts of the country especially rural and underserved areas. Amazon says its vast logistics network can fill that gap by bringing medications directly to your door fast, which could be a game changer for people managing chronic conditions or acute illnesses.

To make this work, Amazon uses a mix of delivery methods tailored to the community from e-bikes in dense cities to electric vehicles and even some creative local solutions in remote spots.

Plus, this isnt the only way to get meds: services like two- or three-day shipping still exist for customers everywhere, and Amazon is also growing its in-clinic Pharmacy Kiosks at some One Medical locations so people can pick up meds immediately after a doctor visit.

On the cost side, Amazon Pharmacy offers programs aimed at savings: Prime members can access discounts on generics and brand drugs, and the RxPass subscription ($5 a month) provides fast delivery on a list of commonly prescribed medications.

What consumers should know

• Check your ZIP code: Same-day delivery wont be everywhere at launch, so see if your area is on the list as Amazon expands.

• Compare costs: Even with speedy delivery, its worth comparing prices your insurance, local pharmacy deals, and Amazons discounts can vary.

• Ask about kiosks: If you visit a One Medical clinic, you might be able to pick up your prescription before you even leave your appointment.

• Consider convenience vs. control: Digital delivery is great for speed and accessibility, but some people still prefer the in-person care of a local pharmacist.

The findings show perceived results often outweigh unpleasant side effects for semaglutide users

• Many semaglutide (e.g., Ozempic) users keep taking the drug because they see real weight loss or appetite reduction.

• A Rutgers study analyzed anonymous online reviews to understand what drives peoples decisions to continue or stop treatment.

• Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea were common but didnt strongly deter users lack of results did.

Weight-loss medications like semaglutide often known by brand names such as Ozempic have become a huge part of the public conversation about obesity and body weight.

However, these drugs arent without downsides: many users report unpleasant side effects, especially gastrointestinal discomfort.

With all the buzz out there on social media, in the news, and across conversations about health researchers at Rutgers Health wanted to understand something deeper: when people actually use these medications in real life, what makes them stick with them or stop?

Ozempic has become a cultural phenomenon, but much of the public conversation has been driven by celebrity endorsements and social media trends rather than the voices of everyday users, researcher Abanoub Armanious, said in a news release.

Our study cuts through the noise to ask a simple question: What do people actually experience when they use this medication for weight loss, and what shapes their decision to keep going or stop?

The study

Instead of relying on data collected in a clinical trial setting, the Rutgers team used a method called infoveillance to tap into publicly available online health data.

They analyzed 60 anonymous, freely-posted medication reviews from a health information website. These reviews came from people who shared their own experiences using semaglutide for weight loss what they noticed about how it made them feel, what benefits they saw, and whether they planned to keep using it.

Rather than controlled clinical measurements, this approach centered on what real users say matters most to them in everyday life something often missing from traditional research.

By combing through these narratives and categorizing peoples reported outcomes and attitudes, the researchers could see patterns in satisfaction, persistence with the treatment, and reasons for discontinuing it.

What the results show

Heres what stood out: the biggest factor linked with both satisfaction and the intention to keep taking the drug was how effective people perceived it to be.

Most users who said they lost weight, ate less, or had fewer food cravings also said they planned to stick with the treatment, even if they experienced side effects like nausea or vomiting. Roughly two-thirds (67%) mentioned these positive effects.

On the flip side, people who didnt see much weight loss or who dealt with other, non-gastrointestinal side effects were more likely to say they would stop using the medication.

Interestingly, the common stomach-related side effects didnt strongly influence users overall decisions to continue suggesting that, for many, seeing results mattered more than feeling sick.

Theres been a lot of focus on the side effects of GLP-1 medications nausea, digestive issues and whether they're worth it, researcher Morgan James said in the news release.

What we found is that for many users, the calculus is straightforward: If the drug helps them lose weight, theyre willing to tolerate significant discomfort. That tells us something important about the demand for effective weight loss options and how we need to think about supporting such patients.

The authors emphasize that understanding patient experiences especially outside clinical settings can help doctors and patients have clearer conversations about expectations and side effects. They also suggest future studies should explore how attitudes might change over time or differ between groups of people.

A medical trend on the ground could change costs in the sky

• Lighter passengers, lighter planes: A 10% drop in average passenger weight could cut total aircraft weight about 2%, trimming fuel use roughly 1.5% per flight.

• Savings scale quickly: For major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, that could mean about $580 million a year in fuel savings.

• Fares likely wont fall: Ticket prices usually follow demand and competition, so lower fuel costs may lift profits more than cut prices.

A surprising side effect of Americas weight-loss boom could show up in the skies and not just on bathroom scales.

According to an analysis from Jefferies Research Services, widespread use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy could eventually lower airline fuel costs by making passengers lighter on average.

Airlines have long obsessed over shaving ounces, from lighter seats to thinner paper manuals. The one thing they cant control? Passenger weight.

Thats where these medications come in.

The math behind the savings

Jefferies modeled the impact on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a common narrow-body jet used on domestic routes.

If the average passenger weight dropped by 10%, that total weight on the plane could fall by as much as 2%. That smaller load could translate to roughly 1.5% in fuel savings per flight.

Scaled across the industry, that adds up pretty fast. Jefferies estimates the four largest U.S. carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines could save about $580 million a year on fuel if average passenger weight fell meaningfully.

Together, those airlines are expected to spend nearly $39 billion on jet fuel this year.

Will travelers see cheaper tickets?

That sure would be nice, but it probably wont work that way.

Airlines historically do not lower airfare based on cost savings alone. They tend to base it more on travel demand (or lack thereof) along with what competing airlines are doing.

So in the end, lower fuel usage may improve airlines profits, but it wont necessarily make air travel cheaper.

Still, over time, lower operating costs can:

• Help airlines keep fares from rising as fast.
• Improve route profitability, potentially adding more flight options.
• Boost airline earnings, which can stabilize the industry during downturns.

The bigger picture

This projection hinges on the assumption that GLP-1 drugs become widely used and lead to sustained weight loss across a large share of the population.

But it shows how deeply connected health trends and everyday consumer costs can be. A medical breakthrough aimed at waistlines could ripple into airfare pricing, airline profits, and even how carriers plan routes and fleets.

The same three sectors continue to produce the most jobs

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January as unemployment held at 4.3%.

• Health care, social assistance and construction led hiring, while federal government and financial jobs declined.

• Annual benchmark revisions sharply lowered 2025 job growth totals.

If you are looking for a job, your prospects may be getting a little brighter. U.S. employers added 130,000 jobs in January, significantly more than expected.

The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.3%, signaling a steady but restrained start to 2026. The latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show modest job growth following a sluggish 2025, when payrolls expanded by an average of just 15,000 jobs per month.

Gains last month were concentrated in health care, social assistance and construction, while federal government payrolls continued to shrink and financial sector employment declined.

Unemployment steady, but higher than a year ago

The jobless rate held at 4.3% in January, with 7.4 million Americans unemployed. That is little changed from December but up from 4.0% and 6.9 million unemployed a year earlier.

Teenagers saw some improvement, with their unemployment rate falling to 13.6%. Rates for adult men (3.8%), adult women (4.0%), and major racial and ethnic groups showed little monthly movement. Black workers continued to face a higher unemployment rate at 7.2%, compared with 3.7% for White workers, 4.1% for Asian workers and 4.7% for Hispanic workers.

Long-term unemployment defined as those jobless for 27 weeks or more was essentially unchanged at 1.8 million in January but has risen by 386,000 over the past year. One in four unemployed workers has been out of work for at least six months.

The labor force participation rate remained at 62.5%, and the employment-population ratio held at 59.8%, both largely unchanged over the past year.

There was some relief in involuntary part-time employment. The number of people working part time for economic reasons fell by 453,000 to 4.9 million in January, though that figure remains higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, 5.8 million people outside the labor force said they wanted a job, down by 399,000 from December.

Health care drives job gains

Health care once again led job growth, adding 82,000 positions in January. Ambulatory health care services accounted for 50,000 of those jobs, while hospitals added 18,000 and nursing and residential care facilities contributed 13,000.

Social assistance employment rose by 42,000, primarily in individual and family services. Construction added 33,000 jobs, largely among nonresidential specialty trade contractors. Construction employment had been essentially flat throughout 2025.

Other major industries including manufacturing, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality showed little change over the month.