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Costco members blindsided as restaurant gift cards stop working

• Bankruptcy fallout: Synergy World Inc. shut down its restaurant gift card program sold at Costco Wholesale, invalidating cards earlier than expected.

• Money at risk: Unused balances may be lost since gift card holders are unsecured creditors in Chapter 7.

• Act fast: Contact your local Costco about possible refunds and bring proof of purchase if you have it.

A popular multi-restaurant gift card program sold at Costco has suddenly shut down after its issuer filed for bankruptcy, leaving some shoppers stuck with unusable balances.

Heres what you need to know if you have one of these gifts cards and what to do in the future to protect yourself.

Heres what happened

Synergy World Inc., the company behind the Synergy Restaurant Gift Card program, announced it was winding down operations and preparing to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Although cardholders were originally told cards would be honored through January 31, 2026, a surge in redemptions reportedly forced the program to close earlier than planned.

As a result, both physical and digital cards tied to the program were abruptly invalidated. Some customers say they were able to use their cards before the shutdown, while others report restaurants stopped accepting them without warning.

Why this matters to consumers

These cards were marketed as flexible dining options redeemable at multiple restaurants in the San Diego area. They were popular buys for Costco members because they were sold at a discount through Costco.

Shoppers who bought them expecting a deal are now scrambling to recover their money.

When a gift card issuer files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, cardholders typically become unsecured creditors which means theres no guarantee theyll ever recover any unused funds.

What Costco shoppers can do

There may be a silver lining in this story, and a useful tip for all gift card holders across the country.

Multiple customers report that Costco warehouses are offering refunds for your unused Synergy gift cards.

However, responses appear to vary by location, and some stores are still waiting on corporate guidance.

If you purchased one of these Synergy cards:

• Act quickly. Dont assume the card will still work.
• Contact your local Costco warehouse. Policies may differ by location.
• Bring your receipt if possible. While some shoppers say refunds were processed without proof of purchase, having documentation can help.
• Print out your remaining balance.If youve used some of the gift card, bring documentation that shows your remaining balanceand Costco should refund you.
• Call ahead. This could save you a wasted trip if your warehouse is still reviewing its policy.

Costco has a long-standing reputation for customer service and standing behind its products. But in cases like this, your timing does matter.

If youve been holding onto one of these discounted restaurant gift cards waiting for the right time to use it, nows the time to check your balance and explore your refund options.

Practical steps to trim expenses without extreme budgeting

• February is a money squeeze Holiday bills, high heating costs, and upcoming spring spending make now the perfect time to build a $500 buffer.

• Small moves = real savings Freeze one spending category, cut unused subscriptions, renegotiate a bill, sell a few things, and avoid duplicate grocery buys.

• Act now, avoid debt later A quick late-winter reset can prevent spring expenses from landing on high-interest credit cards.

February can provide financial pressures that most people dont talk about.

Youre still feeling your holiday bills, your heating costs are peaking, and youre considering a spring getaway that you might not be able to afford.

Not to mention that retailers are quietly setting the stage for the next spending season with patio sets, travel gear, home upgrades, and outdoor products.

If you can create a small buffer right now in your budget, you can change how the next three months are going to feel.

Here are some smart and practical ways to make it happen.

1. Freeze one spending category for 30 days

Instead of overhauling your entire financial life, lets just pick one spending category and shut it down completely for 30 days. Sound easy enough?

Here are the best targets to consider:

• Takeout and food delivery
• Amazon just browsing orders
• Target or Walmart impulse runs
• Coffee shop stops
• In-app purchases and upgrades.

If your household can make it happen, youre looking at some significant savings:

• $60/week on takeout $240 in one month
• $40/week on random online purchases $160 for the month

Freezing just one category typically frees up $150$300. This works because you know its just a temporary change, and it feels completely doable.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of moving the money immediately. When you skip a purchase, transfer that exact amount into your savings on the same day if possible. Watching the balance rise reinforces the habit and if you simply dont spend it, that money tends to disappear somewhere else.

2. Renegotiate one recurring bill

Internet providers, cell carriers, and security companies still have retention departments whose job is to keep you. Pick one of these companies, call them up and negotiate a lower bill.

Call and say something like:

Im reviewing my monthly expenses and comparing competitors. Are there any loyalty discounts or promotional rates available?

Keep your tone non-threatening and youll come off like someone who's just evaluating all their options.

Some very common outcomes include:

• $10$30 monthly credit
• Speed upgrade at same price
• Waived equipment fee
• One-time account credit

Running the quick math in your head, even a modest $20 reduction equals $240 per year.

Two services reduced? Well, youre near a $500 annual savingswithout cutting anything thatll youll actually miss.

3. Perform a subscription audit

Have you ever heard of subscription creep? Its when you slowly get okay with paying for multiple monthly subscriptions (some that you rarely use) out of laziness, forgetfulness, or acombination of both.

Its time to finally cut out the subscriptions in your life that you dont actually use.

Start by going back 6090 days and look through your old statements.

Write down every recurring charge, think things like:

• Streaming platforms
• Music apps
• Fitness programs
• Software tools
• Kids apps
• Subscription boxes

Then ask yourself:

If this disappeared tomorrow, would I notice?

I actually did this audit recently and cut the following:

• $14.99 streaming service
• $9.99 audio book app
• $12.99 specialty platform

Just by paying attention to my monthly subscriptions, I quickly saved $38 per month or $456 per year.

Pro tip: Instead of keeping four streaming services year-round, keep one at a time. Binge what you want, cancel it, then switch. Most platforms dont penalize rejoining and some even offer discounts to start-up again. This one habit can easily save $300+ annually.

4. Stop stocking up without doing the math

Not sure if youve noticed, but late winter grocery promotions are very aggressive. Everywhere you look you see signs for BOGO, 10 for $10, or Buy 5 Save $5.

But be careful blindly falling for these deals thinking you must be saving a ton of money.

Before buying multiples of any item, do the following:

• Check price per ounce
• Compare to warehouse club pricing
• Confirm its at least 20% below the regular price
• Only buy what you use consistently

Many shoppers easily overspend by $50$100 per month buying deals they didnt need.

Also, its worth noting that most of the 10 for $10 deals dont actually require you to buy 10. For example, you can usually just buy fourand pay only $4.

5. Institute a 72-hour rule for non-essentials

Impulse spending always tends to spikein late-winter as folks spend more time indoors scrolling on their phones.

Cabin fever shopping is a real thing and your Amazon order history will probably prove it.

So, try creating a rule for yourself:

Any non-essential purchase waits 72 hours.

Youll often find the following will happen after a couple days into the waiting period:

• You lose the urgency that this is something you've gotta have now.
• The item will often feel like a completely unnecessary purchase.
• If you still end up buying the item, theres a great chance youll find it cheaper somewhere else.

If you tend to impulse-buy at least $200 monthly, cutting that number in half is not insignificant.

Pro tip: When I feel the urge to buy something online, Ill take a screenshot of the cart, then close the tab or app. The act of saving it tricks your brain into feeling like you didnt "lose out" on the deal. Then, most of the time the I need it feeling passes and I never go back to buy it.

6. Sell 5 things before March

As Ive mentioned before, Im a huge fan off decluttering my house and garage by selling stuff on eBay.

Its a quick and easy way to convert clutter into cash.

Some of the easiest things to sell include:

• Old phones or tablets:Even older models still have value. A three- or four-year-old iPhone or Samsung device can bring in $75$200 depending on condition. Even those old cracked phones sitting in your drawer often sell for parts.
• Small appliances:Air fryers, Instant Pots, and Keurigs all move surprisingly fast. If it works and looks clean, it will selltrust me on this one. You obviously wont get retail value, but $30$80 per item adds up quickly and is way better than selling at a garage sale.
• Sporting goods:As spring approaches, baseball gloves, bats, cleats, golf clubs, tennis rackets, fitness equipment, and even lightly used weights can sell quickly.
• Brand-name clothing These are always quick sells, especially when in good condition. Think brands like Nike, Lululemon, Patagonia, Carhartt, or even quality work boots. A handful of $25$40 sales can generate a few hundred dollars pretty quickly.
• Power tools - DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch all brands that are practically currency. Even older models sell because buyers want backups or replacements without paying full retail.

Pro tip: Most eBay sellers overprice stuff by 2030% right out of the gate, then theyll wait weeks before lowering the price. If your goal is quick money, price your items slightly below any recently completed sales. This will create much faster sales, which will then create some momentum for you to find other things around the house to list.

7. Reverse-engineer your grocery list

Most people will plan their meals first, then head to the grocery store. Lets flip that idea for the rest of February and see if it saves you some money on groceries.

First, lets start with the stuff you already own.

Open your freezer and write down:

• Proteins (chicken, beef, pork, fish)
• Frozen veggies
• Convenience meals
• Anything older than 60 days

Then check your pantry or fridge for:

• Duplicate pasta or rice
• Half-used sauces
• Extra canned goods
• Forgotten boxes (stuffing, Rice-a-Roni, mac & cheese, Hamburger Helper)

Now lets build three to fourdinners around those items.

Some examples:

• Frozen chicken + rice + bottled sauce
• Ground beef + tortillas + canned beans
• Pasta + canned tomatoes + frozen veggies

When you do shop, just go for the gap items like produce, milk, or one missing ingredient.

The idea is that we turn a $180 grocery trip into a $70 fill-in run.

By even eliminating one full grocery haul you can easily save $50$100 in a single week.

Pro tip: Im a huge fan of the site MyFridgeFood.com, as it allows you to enter all the ingredients you have, then it curates some really tasty recipes based off those ingredients. I was really surprised with the quality of the recipes too, and theyre not difficult to make.

The cost of beef rose 15% in 2025

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Beef prices have climbed to record or near-record levels in many U.S. markets, straining household grocery budgets.

• A shrinking national cattle herd, high feed costs, and persistent drought conditions are tightening supplies.

• Industry analysts warn relief may be slow, with rebuilding herds expected to take years, not months.

Consumers are paying more than ever for hamburgers, steaks, and roasts, as beef prices continue their steady climb. Theres more than just simple inflation at work, economists say.

Retail beef prices have risen sharply over the past year, according to government data and market analysts, with ground beef and popular steak cuts seeing some of the steepest increases. The surge is being felt at grocery stores nationwide and on restaurant menus, where operators are either raising prices or shrinking portion sizes to offset higher wholesale costs.

The January Consumer Price Index shows the retail price of beef and veal is up 15% over the last 12 months, though it declined slightly from December.

At the heart of the price spike is the simple economic principle of supply and demand. The U.S. beef cattle herd is historically small. Ranchers have spent the past several years reducing herd sizes in response to persistent drought conditions, particularly in major cattle-producing states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Dry weather has withered pastureland and driven up the cost of hay and feed, making it expensive to maintain large herds.

Lowest cattle inventory in decades

The U.S. cattle inventory recently fell to its lowest level in decades, according to federal agricultural reports. With fewer calves being born and fewer cattle available for slaughter, beef production has declined, tightening supplies just as consumer demand has remained relatively resilient.

Feed costs have also played a major role. Although grain prices have eased somewhat from their peaks, they remain elevated compared with historical averages. Corn, a primary component of cattle feed, has been subject to global supply disruptions, weather volatility, and strong export demand. Higher transportation, labor, and fuel costs have further added to producers expenses.

At the same time, consumer demand for beef has held up better than some economists expected, even as overall food inflation has squeezed household budgets. Beef remains a staple protein for many families, and restaurants continue to feature beef-heavy menus. That steady demand, paired with limited supply, has created a classic imbalance that supports higher prices.

A problem for restaurants

Restaurants are feeling the pressure as well. Many operators negotiate beef contracts months in advance, but sustained increases have forced some to reprint menus or promote alternative proteins such as chicken or pork, which are currently more abundant and often less expensive.

For consumers, relief may not come quickly. Even if ranchers begin rebuilding herds, biological realities limit how fast the supply can rebound. A heifer retained for breeding will not produce a market-ready calf for roughly two years. Until herd numbers recover, beef supplies are expected to remain relatively tight.

Some industry observers say imports could help moderate domestic price pressures, though global beef supplies face their own challenges, including weather-related disruptions and trade uncertainties.

That means shoppers may continue to see higher price tags in the meat case. Economists suggest that consumers looking to manage costs consider less expensive cuts, buy in bulk when discounts are available, or substitute other proteins more frequently.

Consumers increase loyalty to firms that make data protection a strategic commitment

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New research finds companies that treat customer privacy as a strategic priority not just a compliance requirement can gain a measurable competitive edge.

• The concept, called privacy stewardship, links transparent and responsible data practices to stronger customer loyalty and improved financial performance.

• The study will appear in the Journal of Marketing and be featured in the May issue of Harvard Business Review.

Consumers are increasingly mindful of privacy issues, and they often resent companies that appear overly invasive and careless with customer data. New research shows that companies that excel in the area of customer privacy can win customer loyalty.

A study led by Natalie Chisam, assistant professor of marketing at the University of NebraskaLincoln, finds that companies that handle customer data with transparency, care, and clear communication can transform privacy into a competitive advantage. The research introduces the concept of privacy stewardship, arguing that responsible data management can strengthen customer relationships and boost financial returns.

Privacy doesnt have to be a constraint; it can be a catalyst, Chisam said. When companies treat privacy as more than a compliance checkbox, framing it as a meaningful commitment to data protection and customer care, they can unlock measurable business results.

The research, published in the Journal of Marketing, draws on large-scale studies and experiments examining how consumers respond to corporate data practices. Co-authors include Jordan W. Moffett of the University of Kentucky, Kelly D. Martin of Colorado State University, and Robert W. Palmatier of the University of Washington. The findings will also be highlighted in the May issue of Harvard Business Review.

Consistent pattern

Across multiple analyses, the researchers found a consistent pattern: Customers reward brands they believe manage personal data responsibly. Companies that clearly communicate their privacy commitments and demonstrate authentic concern for data protection see stronger customer patronage and improved financial performance.

Trust is a scarce resource, Chisam said. Brands that signal they care about privacy can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

Still, many organizations struggle to implement privacy stewardship effectively. Some under-invest in privacy initiatives, while others launch programs that fail to resonate with customers.

Matching efforts with expectations

Organizations either under-invest or pursue initiatives that fail to resonate with customers, Chisam said. The key is to match privacy efforts to what customers expect and the level of risk they perceive.

The effectiveness of privacy stewardship also depends on industry context and brand reputation. For companies whose business models depend heavily on monetizing personal data such as social media platforms privacy pledges may be met with skepticism.

Customers frequently view privacy pledges from these firms as reactive or insincere, Chisam said.

In highly regulated industries such as health care and finance, privacy initiatives may generate less differentiation because customers already assume strong safeguards are in place.

Instead, privacy stewardship appears most powerful when it aligns with a brands identity and when customers perceive heightened risk. High-affinity brands with strong reputations such as Patagonia or Unilever may benefit more because consumers view their privacy commitments as genuine. The strategy also resonates in high-risk environments, such as after a data breach or in industries where misuse of personal information is common.

The company is promoting transparent pricing and rate guarantees

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• T-Mobile is rolling out aggressive pricing, perks, and network upgrades to defend and grow its market share.

• The strategy centers on value-focused plans, bundled streaming, and device incentives aimed at reducing churn.

• If competition intensifies as expected, consumers could see lower prices, better perks, and improved service quality.

T-Mobile has been fighting to win back customers lately, and thats creating opportunities for consumers. The carrier is sharpening its competitive edge with a broad campaign aimed at delivering value.

The strategy blends aggressive pricing, expanded perks, network enhancements, and targeted promotions moves that analysts say could translate into tangible benefits for consumers.

There are very few first-time cellphone buyers, so the big three national carriers can only grow by winning over their rivals existing customers. T-Mobiles latest push reflects that reality.

A big part of T-Mobiles strategy is reinforcing its brand identity as a value disruptor. The company has emphasized transparent pricing, taxes-and-fees-included plans, and rate guarantees designed to reassure customers wary of unexpected increases.

Reducing customer churn

By leaning into price certainty, T-Mobile hopes to reduce customer churn a critical metric in the wireless business. When customers feel confident their bills wont rise unexpectedly, theyre less likely to switch providers.

For consumers, that competition over predictability can mean clearer billing structures and fewer hidden fees across the industry, as rivals are often pressured to match similar commitments.

T-Mobile has also continued expanding its bundle strategy. Streaming subscriptions, international roaming benefits, in-flight Wi-Fi, and device upgrade programs are increasingly packaged into premium plans.

How consumers can benefit

While bundling can raise base plan prices, it can also deliver savings for consumers who already pay for streaming or travel frequently. As carriers compete to differentiate their offerings, customers may gain access to more entertainment and connectivity features at a lower combined cost.

Industry analysts say that perks once considered extras are becoming baseline expectations in higher-tier wireless plans a shift largely driven by aggressive bundling strategies.

Beyond pricing and perks, T-Mobile is investing heavily in network performance, particularly in expanding 5G coverage and capacity. Following its earlier spectrum acquisitions, the company has emphasized mid-band 5G as a key competitive advantage.

Improved network speeds and broader coverage can benefit consumers in practical ways from smoother video streaming to more reliable connectivity in rural and suburban areas. As carriers race to claim network superiority, customers may experience faster rollout of infrastructure upgrades nationwide.

What to look for

While T-Mobiles efforts are ultimately aimed at strengthening its competitive position, consumers stand to gain from the rivalry. Historically, intense competition among carriers has led to:

• Lower or more stable plan pricing

• More generous data allowances

• Expanded device upgrade options

• Enhanced perks and bundled services

• Faster network improvements

However, consumers should also carefully evaluate whether bundled perks justify higher monthly costs and watch for promotional pricing that may change after introductory periods.

As the wireless industry continues to mature, customer retention has become just as important as customer acquisition. In that environment, consumers can benefit by paying attention to what all three major carriers are offering.