Consumer News: Tariffs equal a $1,900 tax for typical American household

What wearables can (and cant) tell you about your health and when its time to see a doctor

• Not all smartwatch health data is created equal. Wearables are great at showing trends like steps and activity, but many popular metrics can be inconsistent and easily affected by everyday factors.

• Consumer wearables arent medical-grade devices. Unlike clinical equipment, smartwatches arent built or tested to meet strict medical standards, which means their readings shouldnt be used to diagnose health conditions.

• Use wearables as a signal, not a verdict. Sudden or unusual changes in your data are a reason to talk to a doctor not to self-diagnose since smartwatch metrics are meant to inform, not replace, professional care.

January is prime time for health resets. New routines, new goals, and for many people, a new wearable device promising deeper insight into everything from heart rate to sleep quality.

These devices can be motivating and informative but experts say theyre often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how much trust consumers place in the numbers on their screens.

To better understand where smartwatch health data shines and where it falls short ConsumerAffairs spoke with two experts who work behind the scenes of medical and electronic devices Leon Huang, CEO of RapidDirect, a company that supports medical device manufacturing and validation, and Hommer Zhao, founder of WellPCB and an expert in medical electronics production.

Consumer smartwatches and medical-grade devices

One of the biggest things that the experts are encouraging consumers to recognize is that there is a big difference between consumer smartwatches or rings and medical-grade devices.

"The biggest difference between these devices is how they are designed, tested and validated, Zhao said.

Medical-grade devices are built to operate within strict accuracy tolerances under a wide range of conditions, with documented testing, traceability, and regulatory oversight. Consumer smartwatches use simplified sensors and algorithms optimized for comfort, battery life, and cost. Theyre very good at showing trends; however, theyre not designed to meet the same consistency or verification standards required in clinical settings.

The metrics to track

While your wearable device of choice may inundate you with tons of personal health information, the experts warn that not every stat is as accurate as it seems.

Step counts and general activity tracking tend to be the most reliable because motion sensing is a mature technology, Zhao said. Resting heart rate trends can also be useful when viewed over time.

On the other side, metrics like sleep stages, blood oxygen, and stress scores are far more variable, as theyre heavily affected by movement, fit, skin temperature, and signal noise. People often assume all metrics are equally accurate, which isnt always the case.

Additionally, certain factors can make readings more or less accurate.

Cold weather, loose fit, excessive movement, darker tattoos under sensors, dehydration, and even sleeping position can all interfere with readings, Zhao said. These factors are common in everyday life, which is why consumer wearables struggle to deliver consistent accuracy across users and conditions.

When is it time for a doctors visit?

So, if you regularly wear a smartwatch or ring, how do you know when your metrics indicate a problem that should be checked out by a medical professional?

If your wearable highlights a sudden or persistent change, examples like irregular heart rhythms, unusual fatigue or breathing issues, thats a prompt to see a professional already, and not to self-diagnose, Huang said. Our smartwatches are good at raising flags, but interpretation and diagnosis should still belong in a clinical setting.

Huang also explained that these readings have been found to impact when consumers seek professional medical care.

False reassurance can delay people from seeking care, while false alarms can cause unnecessary anxiety, he said. These metrics should always be treated as informational, and not diagnostic.

Health support

The experts encourage consumers not to get rid of their smart devices. Instead, focus on the ways that they can support your healthy habits.

Smartwatches are useful tools when people understand their limits, Zhao said. The problem is the assumption that consumer devices offer clinical certainty.

When used correctly, wearables can support healthier habits and awareness, but they should never replace professional medical advice.

From frozen pipes to roof damage, insurance experts explain what winter storms break most and what homeowners can do now to reduce losses

• Winter storms can cause costly home damage, with frozen pipes, roof issues, fires, and personal injury liability among the most common insurance claims.

• Many winter losses are preventable, and taking proactive steps like insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and maintaining your roof can reduce damage and help protect your coverage.

• What you do before and after a storm matters, since neglect or lack of documentation can lead to denied claims, while photos, receipts, and quick action can smooth the claims process.

When winter storms roll in, they dont just bring snow days and icy roads they can also bring expensive surprises for homeowners.

With large winter systems planned to impact much of the U.S., understanding the most common winter home insurance claims is more important than ever. Some losses are unavoidable, but many are preventable with a little preparation and know-how.

To help homeowners stay ahead of costly repairs, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Beth Swanson, a licensed insurance agent and insurance analyst at TheZebra.com. She broke down the winter-related claims insurers see most often, explains where coverage usually applies, and shares practical tips homeowners can use to reduce damage and avoid filing a claim in the first place.

Being proactive

If youre at home waiting for the storm to hit, there are ways to be proactive ahead of any snow or ice.

Swanson shared some of her best tips to properly prepare ahead of the storm:

• Run warm and cold water on a slow drip and keep your home at a consistent temperature of at least 55 to 65 Fahrenheit to prevent frozen/burst pipes.

• Open under-sink cabinets to help circulate warm air, especially for sinks on exterior walls.

• If you plan to use a fireplace, have a chimney sweep or another expert check it for damage or debris to avoid smoke backup and other potential dangers.

• Prevent warm air leaks. Ensure windows and doors are sealed to keep warm air in and reduce ice buildup that results in quick thaw cycles on roofs.

• To pull cool air upward, rotate ceiling fans so they run clockwise in winter and keep them on the lowest setting.

• When a storm hits, ensure three feet of distance between flammable objects and heat sources to reduce the chance of a house fire

• Disconnect outdoor garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes.

• Routinely check your roof and consider installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles.

• To prevent ice buildup and property damage, clean out your gutters and trim your tree branches.

• Remember to also protect yourself from personal injury cases by keeping walkways clear of ice and snow (shovel your sidewalk).

The most common insurance claims after a storm

Swanson said that the top five most common insurance claims following a storm are: frozen pipes, snow and ice damage, house fires, wind and hail damage, and personal injury liability.

However, if you neglect certain tasks around your home, you may be more susceptible to damages that arent covered by your insurance.

Damage that occurs due to homeowner negligence or failure of the homeowner to properly maintain or protect their property is never covered under your home insurance, Swanson said. Claims may be denied if you werent living at the property when the damage occurred, or if you didnt exercise reasonable care to prevent the damage in the first place.

So, skipping tasks like insulating pipes, cleaning gutters, keeping the heat on in the home, or weatherproofing might not only increase risk, it can affect your coverage.

Document the damage

If you find yourself with some house damage after the storm, Swanson encourages homeowners to do their due diligence and document everything.

Its important for homeowners to take photos of the damage immediately to provide a timestamp in order to accurately report damage in a claim, she said. Most insurers have apps or websites to submit a claim any time of day, so you dont need to wait until Monday if something happens over the weekend.

If its safe to do so, its a good idea to attempt a temporary repair, as this can help prevent further damage from occurring. If doing so, make sure to keep receipts from supplies or services purchased to submit with the claim.

Another key piece of advice from Swanson: check your house throughout the storm dont wait for something to happen.

What job seekers can learn from the list

• The best jobs are changing. Glassdoors 2026 list shows a shift away from tech hype and toward stability, growth, and culture, with more wins for manufacturing and retail.

• Employee reviews are the tell. Top companies consistently earn praise for leadership, advancement, and flexibility. Look for repeated patterns in reviews, not one-off opinions.

• Use the list to job-hunt smarter. Strong workplaces exist even in high-turnover fields. Prioritize employers that show up year after year and ask clear questions about growth and flexibility.

When looking for a job, wouldnt it be nice to know exactly what current employees think about the place youre applying to?

Thats the core insight behind Glassdoors Best Places to Work for 2026, which was released this week. Glassdoors Employees Choice Awards is based entirely on anonymous employee reviews. No entry fees. No campaigns. Just real feedback from people on the inside.

This years list reveals what workers truly value right now and how job seekers can use that information to make smarter career moves.

Big shifts in whos winning

The 2026 rankings highlight some notable changes.

Manufacturing and retail employers gained ground, while tech, health care, and biotech saw fewer wins overall.

Geography shifted, too. AsSan Franciscos dominance faded,New York'ssurged, as theyre now home to 10 of the top 100 companies.

Despite those changes, the best employers share the same fundamentals of transparent leadership, growth opportunities, flexible schedules, competitive pay, and cultures employees believe in.

The top 10 best large companies to work for

Here are Glassdoors top U.S. large employers along with what workers say sets them apart:

1. Crew Carwash (Retail & Wholesale)

Employees highlight leadership development, strong communication, and incentive pay that rewards performance.

2. In-N-Out Burger (Restaurants & Food Service)

Tuition reimbursement, strong pay, clear promotion paths, and hands-on training make it stand out in food service.

3. NVIDIA (Information Technology)

Strong compensation, equity, and a flat structure where motivated employees can make real impact.

4. Ryan (Financial Services)

Employees point to deep resources, collaboration, and support across teams.

5. Keller Williams (Real Estate)

Known for mentorship, education, and a community-driven culture.

6. Mars (Manufacturing)

Purpose-driven leadership, iconic brands, and long-term career stability.

7. ServiceNow (Information Technology)

High retention, challenging work, and diverse teams.

8. Bain & Company (Consulting)

Employees talked about their supportive culture and how they invested heavily in employee development.

9. Houston Methodist (Health Care)

Strong benefits package came up repeatedly in the anonymous survey. Another pattern was a leadership team that employees say genuinely cares about them.

10. EPAM Systems (Information Technology)

Employees value autonomy, innovation, and their influence over real-world projects.

What job seekers should take from this list

Use reviews as a reality check

Before applying, check out some recent Glassdoor reviews about the company. Especially take a close look at the Cons section and look for patterns.

Look for repeated mentions of the things that matter to you. That could be starting salary, growth opportunities, or maybe leadership that listens to you. These are the signals that mean more than one single glowing review.

Look beyond just job titles

Several top companies succeed in traditionally high-turnover industries like retail and food service. Theyinclude In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Trader Joes, and H-E-B.

The things they have in common include excellent training, tuition reimbursement, and clear promotion paths.

Ask smarter interview questions

Use this list to shape your interviews.

Ask how promotions work and how much job flexibility is available. Youll find that great employers can answer these questions clearly.

Follow the signals, not the hype

The drop in tech dominance is telling. High pay alone isnt enough anymore.

Workers are now prioritizing things like stability, development, and company culture. As a job seeker, you should consider doing the same.

Track companies over time

One year on the list is nice, but multiple appearances show a high level of consistency.

Consider employers that show up repeatedly as more likely to deliver the long-term job satisfaction you might be looking for.

A winter storm is expected to leave millions without power

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Conserve and trap heat indoors: Stay in one small, interior room, block drafts with towels or blankets, cover windows at night, and sit or sleep lower to the ground where its warmer.

• Use body heat and layers efficiently: Wear multiple thin layers, keep hats and socks on indoors, share space with others, use sleeping bags, and stay dry to avoid rapid heat loss.

• Heat safely and know when to leave: Use only indoor-rated heaters or properly vented fireplaces, never use grills or ovens for heat, eat warm, high-calorie foods, and seek a warming center or shelter if temperatures become dangerously low.

A major winter storm the largest in more than a decade is hitting the country this weekend, extending from Texas to the East Coast. Forecasters are calling for significant snow totals, but more concerning is freezing rain.

A wide area of the middle of the U.S. is expected to get ice accumulation that could bring down trees and power lines, leaving people without electricity for several days, amid freezing temperatures.

When the powers out for days in a winter storm, the goal is to trap heat, reduce exposure, and use safe backup warmth. Here are practical, field-tested tips that actually help:

Keep the Heat You Have

• Pick one room to live in. Choose a small, interior room (preferably with few windows). Close doors to unused rooms.

• Block drafts. Use towels, blankets, or even rolled-up clothing at the base of doors and windows.

• Cover windows at night. Hang blankets, sleeping bags, or bubble wrap over windows to slow heat loss. Open them during sunny daytime hours if possible.

• Stay low. Heat risessleep and sit lower to the ground where its warmer.

Use Your Body Heat Wisely

• Layer smartly. Multiple thin layers rather than one bulky one. Dont forget hats and socks indoors.

• Share warmth. If youre with others, stay together in the same room.

• Use sleeping bags indoors. Especially winter-rated oneshuge difference.

• Stay dry. Change out of sweaty or damp clothes immediately.

Safe Heat Sources (Critical Safety Notes)

• Fireplaces: Use only if designed for indoor heating and vented properly. Close doors/screens.

• Propane or kerosene heaters:

  • Use only models rated for indoor use

  • Ensure ventilation

  • Keep a carbon monoxide detector running on batteries

• Never use:

  • Grills or camp stoves indoors

  • Ovens or stovetops for heat

  • Generators inside or near windows

Warm From the Inside

• Eat high-calorie foods. Your body generates heat by digesting.

• Drink warm liquids (soup, tea, hot water).

• Avoid alcohol. It makes you feel warm but actually increases heat loss.

Small but Helpful Tricks

• Hot water bottles (or water heated safely and sealed tightly) tucked under blankets.

• Candles can add a little heat in a small roombut only with constant supervision and fire safety.

• Insulate floors with rugs, blankets, or cardboard.

If It Gets Dangerous

• If indoor temps drop below 40F for extended periods, consider:

  • Warming up in your car outside, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear of snow

  • Going to a shelter, warming center, or neighbors home

• Protect pipes by letting faucets drip slightly if possible.

Starting prices range from $39,000 to $57,000

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Kia Sorento Hybrid shines for value and hybrid efficiency in the small three-row segment.

• Hyundai Palisade Hybrid earns top honors among midsize family SUVs with its balanced performance and tech features.

• Ford Expedition stands out as the best large SUV for families needing the most space and capability.

As families continue to favor SUVs over traditional minivans, automotive experts at Edmunds have released their 2026 picks for the best three-row SUVs vehicles that balance space, performance, comfort and technology for busy households.

After extensive testing and reviewing, three models stood out across different size categories: the Kia Sorento Hybrid, Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, and Ford Expedition each earning top marks for reasons ranging from value to overall excellence.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid tops the small three-row SUV class thanks to its outstanding value proposition, strong feature content, and standard hybrid powertrain that delivers better fuel efficiency than its gas-only peers.

While its third-row seating is best suited to occasional use especially for adults the Sorentos robust warranty and abundant technology features make it an excellent choice for families on a budget.

Best midsize three-row SUV: Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Edmunds selected the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid as the best midsize three-row SUV of the year. A full redesign for 2026 paired with an efficient hybrid powertrain helped it leap ahead in the rankings, offering strong performance, refined comfort, and excellent interior tech.

The Palisade Hybrids well-rounded capabilities from roomy seating to high comfort levels make it a standout choice for growing families seeking practicality without compromise.

Best large three-row SUV: Ford Expedition

For those needing maximum space and capability, the Ford Expedition emerged as the best large three-row SUV. The redesigned Expedition blends spacious interiors, advanced technology, and solid towing performance, making it ideal for families that regularly haul passengers, gear or both. Its generous tech suite and cabin comfort help soften the fuel economy tradeoffs typical of full-size SUVs.

These picks reflect Edmunds evaluation across performance, interior versatility, technology, and real-world usability taking into account how these vehicles function as daily family haulers, not just on paper but on the road.

Now, lets talk about prices. Heres how the 2026 Edmunds top three-row SUVs compare on pricing (MSRP ranges for new vehicles), based on the latest available data:

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Small Three-Row SUV)

• Starting MSRP: ~$38,890 for the base EX trim.

• Higher trims: AWD and premium versions can reach into the mid-$40,000s.

• Estimated typical dealer pricing: ~around $40 k$48 k depending on options.

• Summary: Among the most budget-friendly three-row SUVs, making it a strong value pick in the small class.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Midsize Three-Row SUV)

• Starting MSRP: Around $44,160 for the base Hybrid SEL.

• Higher trims: Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Premium trims climb toward $51,000+; fully loaded Hybrid Calligraphy can exceed $56,000.

• Summary: Midrange price that sits above the Sorento but below premium large SUVs typical for its class and size.

2026 Ford Expedition (Large Three-Row SUV)

• Price range: Roughly $57,400$87,000 MSRP across trims according to multiple pricing sources.

• Base trims: Around $62,400$64,995 (varies by trim and options).

• Higher trims: King Ranch and MAX versions can approach $87,000+ MSRP.

• Summary: Significantly more expensive than the Sorento and Palisade consistent with its full-size and high-capability positioning.

Takeaway

• The Sorento Hybrid is the most affordable of the three, especially appealing to budget-conscious families who still want hybrid efficiency and three-row seating.

• The Palisade Hybrid slots in the middle, offering more space and features than the small class at a moderate-premium price.

• The Expedition represents the premium end of the three-row SUV market, with full-size capability and a correspondingly higher price tag.