Consumer News: Long-term auto loans hit record as car buyers struggle with costs

The drug is aimed at obese patients who have already tried the regular dose

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has approved a higher 7.2 mg dose of Novo Nordisks Wegovy (Wegovy HD) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity.

• The new dose showed greater weight loss in a large clinical trial compared with both placebo and the existing 2.4 mg dose.

• Wegovy remains the only GLP-1 weight-loss drug also proven to reduce major cardiovascular risks such as heart attack and stroke in certain patients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given a green light to a higher-dose version of Novo Nordisks weight loss drug Wegovy, to help obese patients shed pounds at a faster rate.

The newly approved formulation, Wegovy HD (semaglutide) injection 7.2 mg, is intended for adults with obesity who have already tried the currently available 2.4 mg dose and require additional weight reduction. The medication is not a stand-alone tool, but is to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The approval is based on results from the STEP UP clinical trial program, including a 72-week study involving 1,407 adults with obesity but without diabetes. Participants receiving the 7.2 mg dose achieved greater weight loss compared with those taking the 2.4 mg dose or a placebo.

This milestone expands the strong clinical profile of Wegovy, said Jamey Millar, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk. He added that no other weight-loss medication has demonstrated superiority over Wegovy HD in clinical studies.

Previous dose limited to 2.4 mg

Until now, the highest approved dose of Wegovy for weight loss was 2.4 mg. That dose also carries an additional indication: reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with obesity or overweight who have established heart disease. Novo Nordisk emphasized that this dual benefit remains unique among GLP-1 drugs for weight management.

The use of GLP-1 drugs has dramatically increased in the last 12 months. Medical experts say the higher dose could reshape expectations for obesity treatment.

Side effects

Like other GLP-1 therapies, Wegovy HD carries side effects. The most commonly reported include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and dizziness.

The higher dose was also associated with a greater incidence of altered skin sensations such as tingling or sensitivity reported in about 22% of patients, compared with 6% for the 2.4 mg dose and less than 1% for placebo.

Novo Nordisk said Wegovy HD will be available starting in April through more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies, as well as telehealth providers and its NovoCare pharmacy service. Pricing, insurance coverage and savings programs for eligible patients are expected to be announced at launch.

The approval comes as demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs continues to surge, intensifying competition among drugmakers racing to develop more effective obesity treatments.

The average rate has hit its highest level in more than three months

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.22%, up from 6.11% last week

• Rates are higher for the third straight week but still below last years 6.67%

• Economic uncertainty, rising Treasury yields and inflation fears are pushing borrowing costs higher

In recent weeks, mortgage rates have reversed their steady decline and are moving higher again. This week, the average rate hits its highest level in more than three months.

Freddie Mac reports the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage increased to 6.22% this week, up from 6.11% a week earlier. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.67%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also ticked up to 5.54%, from 5.50% the previous week.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up this week to 6.22% but remains nearly half a percentage point lower than the same time last year, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist, noting that buyers may still see improved affordability compared to 2025.

Why mortgage rates are rising

While the weekly increase appears modest, broader economic forces are driving rates higher and could keep them elevated in the near term.

1. Rising Treasury yields

Mortgage rates closely track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which has climbed in recent weeks. When bond yields rise, lenders increase mortgage rates to maintain returns.

2. Inflation concerns

Markets are increasingly worried that inflation could reaccelerate, particularly as energy prices rise. Higher expected inflation typically leads to higher borrowing costs across the economy.

3. Geopolitical tensions

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East particularly involving Iran has injected volatility into financial markets and pushed oil prices higher, amplifying inflation fears and sending mortgage rates upward.

4. Federal Reserve outlook

Although the Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, its policies influence the broader interest-rate environment. Expectations that the Fed may delay rate cuts have also contributed to upward pressure.

The recent rise in rates comes at a critical time. Spring is typically the busiest homebuying season, and earlier declines in rates had begun to draw buyers back into the market.

There are already mixed signals. Purchase applications and pending home sales have shown some improvement, according to Freddie Mac, but higher rates could slow that momentum.

At the same time, affordability remains a challenge. Even with rates below last years levels, elevated home prices and borrowing costs continue to sideline many buyers.

Economists warn that continued volatility especially tied to global events could make both buyers and sellers hesitant, limiting activity despite underlying demand.

Outlook

Most forecasts still call for mortgage rates to hover in the mid-6% range in 2026, with the possibility of gradual declines later in the year if inflation eases.

For now, however, the trajectory depends heavily on inflation trends, financial markets and geopolitical developments factors largely outside the housing market itself.

That leaves prospective buyers navigating a familiar reality: a market where rates can shift quickly, and timing remains uncertain.

Reducing overdraft and other payment-related fees may help you get ahead

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new report from doxo finds Americans pay $156 billion annually in hidden bill-related costs, averaging $1,222 per household.

• U.S. households spend more than $5.03 trillion each year on bills, making bill management a key driver of financial health.

• Complexity in the bill-pay system leads to avoidable expenses, including late fees, overdraft charges, fraud losses, and credit impacts.

Even before gasoline prices took off, consumers struggled with a growing financial burden beyond routine household bills, which are already burdensome enough. A new report from doxo, a bill-pay service, estimates that hidden costs tied to bill payments total $156 billion each year.

According to the companys Hidden Costs of Bill Pay Report, the average household incurs an additional $1,222 each year due to factors such as late fees, overdraft charges, fraud, and higher borrowing costs linked to credit scores. These expenses come on top of the more than $5.03 trillion Americans collectively spend on household bills each year.

The report argues that managing bills is one of the most important factors influencing consumer financial health, yet the system itself often works against consumers. Rather than offering a unified experience, bill pay typically requires users to juggle multiple accounts, track varying due dates, and navigate different policies and penalties across providers.

Economic uncertainty makes it more important than ever to manage and minimize the hidden costs of bill pay, said Steve Shivers, co-founder and CEO of doxo. American households are spending over $5 trillion a year on bills and nearly $156 billion of that goes to fees, fraud, and credit impacts that might have been avoided.

Credit-related expenses loom large

The largest share of hidden costs$781 per householdcomes from credit-related expenses. doxos analysis suggests that improving a credit score by 100 points can significantly reduce interest payments on major debts such as mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

Late fees represent another major expense, averaging $248 annually per household. More than one-third of households reported incurring at least one late fee in the past year, while two-thirds expressed concern about penalties for missed payments.

Fraud and identity theft also contribute to the financial toll, costing households an average of $98 annually. One in four households reported experiencing fraud in the past 12 months, and concerns about online payment security remain widespread.

Overdraft fees

Overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees add another $95 per household on average. More than half of surveyed households said they worry about these charges, and about one in five reported paying at least one such fee over the past year.

The report highlights how the current bill-pay landscape is largely designed around the needs of billers rather than consumers, creating complexity that can lead to costly mistakes. As households continue to navigate rising costs and economic uncertainty, the report suggests that reducing these hidden expenses could provide meaningful financial relief.

The bikes are linked to at least 11 fires, causing injuries and property damage

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• CPSC warns consumers to stop using Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes immediately due to fire risk

• At least 11 fire incidents reported, including injuries and over $40,000 in property damage

• Manufacturer has refused to agree to a recall, according to the agency

Products that use lithium-ion batteries tend to carry a heightened fire risk. For example, there have been several cases where smartphones have overheated aboard commercial aircraft.

Some e-bikes and scooters have also been problematic. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Colmmission this week urged consumers to immediately stop using certain Ridstar electric bikes after multiple reports of fires linked to the products.

The CPSC said it is aware of at least 11 reported fires involving the e-bikes. Those incidents include one burn injury, five cases of smoke inhalation and two reports of property damage totaling more than $40,000.

The warning includes Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes and poses what the agency said is a serious fire hazard that poses a risk of injury or death if the bikes lithium-ion batteries and wiring ignite.

Remove the batteries

Consumers are being told to immediately stop using the e-bikes and remove the batteries. The agency advises disposing of the batteries through local household hazardous waste programs and warns against throwing them in the trash or standard recycling streams due to the heightened fire risk.

Do not sell or give away these hazardous batteries, the CPSC said.

The warning comes after the manufacturer, China-based Huizhou Xingqishi Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., declined to agree to what the agency described as an acceptable recall. As required by law, the CPSC noted that the company objects to the release of the warning.

The affected e-bikes are black, with the brand name Ridstar printed on the battery. Model numbers Q20 and Q20 Pro may appear on purchase receipts. The bikes were sold online through Amazon, Ridstars website and Walmart.

Regulators emphasized that defective lithium-ion batteries require special handling and should only be taken to facilities equipped to manage hazardous waste. Consumers are encouraged to contact local waste collection centers for guidance on proper disposal.

Change in how roofs are insured could make the biggest difference

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New federal mortgage guidelines could reduce insurance costs for many U.S. homebuyers.

• Changes affect loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including condos and rural properties.

• Updates aim to reflect rising insurance costs while maintaining core property protections.

Federal housing officials have announced changes to mortgage insurance requirements that could lower costs for many homebuyers, particularly those purchasing condos or homes in rural areas.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said the updated rules are intended to address rising property insurance premiums that have made homeownership more expensive and, in some cases, harder to obtain.

The revisions focus largely on how insurance coverage is structured for properties financed through government-backed mortgages.

Key changes to insurance requirements

One of the most significant updates allows lenders to accept Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage for roofs on both single-family homes and condominium buildings. Unlike full replacement coverage, ACV policies factor in depreciation, meaning insurers pay the current value of a roof rather than the cost to fully replace it.

However, the rest of the property must still be covered at Replacement Cost Value (RCV), ensuring that major structural damage would be fully repaired or rebuilt.

Housing officials say this hybrid approach is designed to balance affordability with adequate protection, particularly as roof replacement coverage has become more expensive and harder to obtain in some regions.

Impact on condo buyers and associations

The changes are expected to have a notable effect on condominium markets. Condo associations will now have more flexibility in how they structure insurance policies, including the ability to use ACV coverage for roofs.

In addition, a previously complex rule governing per-unit insurance deductibles has been simplified. Industry groups had argued that the earlier requirements made it difficult for some condo buildings to qualify for financing backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

With the revisions, more condo developments may meet eligibility standards, potentially expanding options for buyers.

Removal of prior guidance

The FHFA also eliminated a 2024 policy clarification related to insurance claims. Critics of that rule had said it could complicate claims processing and contribute to higher costs, though the agency did not characterize the change in those terms.

The updates come as insurance premiums have risen sharply in many parts of the country due to increased risks from natural disasters, inflation in construction costs, and insurers pulling back from certain markets.

By adjusting insurance requirements rather than coverage for entire structures, policymakers are attempting to reduce monthly housing costs without significantly weakening overall protection for homeowners.

What it means for buyers

For prospective buyers, especially first-time purchasers, lower insurance costs could translate into reduced monthly mortgage payments and improved loan qualification prospects.

Current homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may also see changes in how their insurance policies are structured over time, depending on lender and insurer practices.

Housing experts say the real-world impact will vary by location and insurance market conditions, but the changes could provide some relief in areas where premiums have been a major barrier to homeownership.