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The new restaurant fee confusing diners

• Non-tipper fees are pre-added charges like a service fee that show up on your bill before you even decide to tip, often with unclear labeling.

• Unlike traditional tipping, these fees are automatic, may not go directly to your server, and you can still be prompted to tip on top of them.

• Avoid overpaying by checking your bill first, asking where the fee goes, and adjusting your tip so you dont accidentally pay 3040% extra.

Something called non-tipper fees are starting to show up as pre-added charges on some restaurant bills before you even decide on a tipwhich is why theyre confusing many diners.

Instead of waiting to see if you tip, some restaurants now add a built-in fee upfront thats meant to offset the risk of low or no tipping.

These can appear as:

• Non-Tipper fee
• Service charge
• Gratuity included
• Hospitality fee

Even though theyre tied to tipping behavior, theyre not always labeled clearly as a tip and lack any transparency about where the money actually goes.

Why theyre different from traditional tipping

The biggest shift is youre being charged before you even make a tipping decision, not after.

That means:

• The fee is applied automatically.
• You may still be prompted to tip on top of it.
• The money may or may not go directly to your server.

In many cases, these fees function more like a built-in surcharge than a true gratuity.

Why restaurants are doing this

Restaurants say these upfront fees help:

• Offset the risk of someone not tipping at all.
• Stabilize staff income regardless of tipping habits.
• Cover rising wages and operating costs.

But for diners, it can feel like tipping is no longer optional, regardless of how good or bad the service was.

Its also not clear if the non-tipper fee at some restaurants is tied to your credit card specifically (and your tipping history), or if all diners are getting hit by it.

What to watch for (this is where people overpay)

This is where a meal out can get expensive quickly:

• You see a 18% service fee on the bill.
• Then the payment screen suggests another 18%25% tip.
• Suddenly youre paying 35%40% extra without realizing it.

How to handle it like a smart diner

• Identify the fee before tipping. Look closely at your bill for any service charge or added percentage. Usually, the wait staff will inform you as they hand you the bill, but not always.
• Ask where the fee goes. Some restaurants give it to staff, others dont. It varies a lot, so by asking, you get a full understanding of what theyre doing with the money and you can tip accordingly.
• Adjust your tip. If a large fee is already included, you may not need to tip full percentage again.
• Dont be afraid to question it. If something feels unclear, be sure to ask for some clarification. The majority of restaurants will give you a full explanation.

The bottom line

These fees arent really about whether you tip or not, theyre more about locking in extra charges upfront.

And unless youre paying attention, its very easy to tip on top of them and overspend. The key move is to always scan your bill before tipping, not after.

When love ends, who keeps the pet?

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Breakups involving pets are increasingly contentious, with animals often treated as both emotional companions and legal property.

• Courts in most states still classify pets as property, complicating custody disputes and limiting shared arrangements.

• A growing legal and cultural shift is pushing toward considering the pets well-being, though laws remain inconsistent.

Couples, whether or not theyre married, often adopt a dog or cat long before they even think about children. But attachment to these furry creatures quickly grows, and to the couple they are almost like kids.

So what happens if the relationship hits the rocks? The absence of children may make the split-up look fairly simple. But the presence of a pet presents a whole new set of complications.

Despite the deep emotional bonds people form with animals, the law in most U.S. states still treats pets as personal property.

That means courts often approach pet disputes the same way they would divide furniture or cars, by determining ownership rather than emotional attachment.

Who has the strongest claim?

In practical terms, this can favor the person who purchased or adopted the pet, paid veterinary bills, or appears on registration documents.

But that approach can feel out of step with reality for couples who raised a pet together.

Legal experts say pet custody fights are becoming more common and more heated. Pets are often viewed as family members, and many owners are unwilling to give them up.

The emotional toll can be significant. Losing a pet after a breakup can trigger grief comparable to losing a loved one, underscoring why these disputes can escalate quickly.

In some cases, pets even become leverage in contentious separations, with one partner using access to the animal as a bargaining tool.

The limits of the legal system

Courts are often reluctant to intervene unless couples cannot reach an agreement.

When they do step in, judges typically consider factors such as:

• Who originally acquired the pet

• Who provided primary care (feeding, vet visits, daily routines)

• Each persons living situation and ability to care for the animal

Still, unlike child custody, there is often no concept of visitation rights. One party may be awarded full ownership, leaving the other with no legal claim.

A shift toward pet custody

In recent years, some states have begun to rethink this framework. A small but growing number now allow courts to consider the pets well-being when making decisions.

Legislative efforts are also underway. For example, a 2026 proposal in Colorado would allow judges to weigh factors like an animals health, safety, and emotional needs bringing pet disputes closer to child custody standards.

These changes reflect a broader cultural shift: pets are increasingly seen as sentient companions, not just property.

Planning ahead

To avoid conflict, experts recommend couples plan ahead. Tools like pet custody agreements or pet-nups can outline who will care for the animal, how expenses are shared, and whether visitation is allowed.

Without such agreements, disputes can quickly become all-or-nothing battles, with courts awarding the pet to just one party.

As relationships evolve, so does the role of pets within them. But while emotional expectations have shifted, the legal system is still catching up.

For now, couples who share a pet face a difficult reality: when the relationship ends, the fate of a beloved animal may depend less on love and more on paperwork.

The key mortgage rate is reacting to inflation fears

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.46% this week, its highest level in nearly seven months.

• Rates have now increased for five consecutive weeks, reversing a brief dip below 6% earlier this year.

• Rising inflation concerns and global economic uncertainty are pushing borrowing costs higher during the critical spring homebuying season.

After falling just below 6% earlier this year, mortgage rates are accelerating again. Rates moved higher again this week, extending a steady upward trend that is beginning to weigh on the housing market just as the spring buying season ramps up.

According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.46%, up from 6.38% last week. The increase marks the fifth consecutive weekly rise and puts borrowing costs at their highest level since early September.

Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said the uptick comes as homebuyers enter the market in greater numbers. With spring homebuying season in full swing, aspiring buyers should remember to shop around, he said, noting that comparing lenders can save borrowers thousands over the life of a loan.

Whats behind the move?

The rise in rates is being driven largely by broader economic forces. Mortgage rates tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which has been influenced by inflation concerns and volatility in global energy markets. Analysts point to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices as key factors pushing inflation expectations higher, which in turn keeps borrowing costs elevated.

The increase is already having a tangible impact on affordability. Even small rate changes can significantly affect monthly payments, with recent estimates showing borrowers paying noticeably more than just a few weeks ago.

Housing activity is beginning to reflect that trend. Mortgage applications have declined, and early indicators such as home tours and purchase demand suggest a slower start to the spring season compared with last year.

While rates remain slightly below where they were a year ago, when the 30-year mortgage averaged around 6.64%, the recent upward trajectory poses a challenge for a housing market that has struggled with affordability and limited inventory since 2022.

Looking ahead, economists say the direction of mortgage rates will depend heavily on inflation trends and Federal Reserve policy signals. For now, however, the steady climb in rates is adding another hurdle for prospective buyers navigating an already difficult market.

Be skeptical of any messages you get that are war-related

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Fraudsters are impersonating travel companies, airlines and hotels, sending urgent war-related booking alerts to steal payment details.

• Fake charities and patriotic fundraising campaigns tied to the Iran conflict are spreading across email and social media.

• Phishing attacks disguised as breaking war news or insider intelligence are tricking victims into clicking malicious links.

It was as predictable as the swallows returning to Capistrano. No sooner had hostilities broken out in the Middle East than scammers started hatching schemes to exploit victims.

Cybersecurity analysts warn that criminals are rapidly adapting their tactics, weaving real-world developments into highly convincing fraud campaigns that target both individuals and businesses.

In nearly all of them, war headlines become the bait. One of the most common tactics involves phishing messages disguised as urgent updates tied to the conflict. These emails or texts often claim to contain exclusive footage, security alerts, or classified information about military activity.

Clicking the links can lead to credential-stealing websites or install malware on a victims device.

For example, you might get a text message claiming to be from your bank, informing you that some withdrawals from your account have originated in Iran. You are then transferred to someone claiming to be from a government agency who asks for your bank information.

Security researchers say thousands of war-themed phishing URLs have already been identified since the conflict began, showing how quickly scammers capitalize on breaking events.

In some cases, attackers even use compromised government or trusted accounts to make the messages appear legitimate.

Travel chaos fuels impersonation

The disruption of international travel has created another opening for fraud.

In a recent case, scammers impersonated a hostel and emailed customers claiming their bookings needed to be reconfirmed due to international travel uncertainties. The messages urged recipients to enter payment details or risk cancellation.

Similar schemes have targeted airline customers and vacationers, often using official-looking logos and language to create a sense of urgency.

Experts say these are particularly effective because they combine real uncertainty flight changes, safety concerns with pressure to act quickly.

Fake charities and 'patriotic'appeals

Another fast-growing category involves fraudulent donation requests tied to the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

Scammers pose as charities or grassroots organizations, asking for money to support civilians, refugees, or military personnel.

Others take a more emotional approach, framing requests as patriotic efforts or urgent relief campaigns. These appeals are often shared widely on social media, making them harder to verify.

Cybersecurity analysts warn that many of these operations are sophisticated, using professional websites and even AI-generated content to appear legitimate.

Old , new storyline

Classic fraud schemes are also being repackaged with a war-related twist.

Advance-fee sometimes called Nigerian prince schemes now claim to involve moving money out of a conflict zone or securing funds tied to military operations. Victims are asked to pay upfront fees in exchange for promised payouts that never materialize.

Investment have also surged, with fraudsters pitching insider opportunities tied to oil markets, defense contracts or reconstruction efforts linked to the war.

As global events continue to dominate headlines, law enforcement officials warn that scammers will remain close behind ready to turn the next crisis into an opportunity.

The FSIS says the product may contain unsafe levels of lead

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets sold nationwide may contain unsafe levels of lead, according to a USDA public health alert.

• The affected product is Great Value fully cooked chicken breast nuggets sold at Walmart with a best-by date of Feb. 10, 2027.

• Consumers are urged not to eat the nuggets and to discard or return them if found in their freezers.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for some frozen, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets after tests revealed potentially dangerous levels of lead contamination.

The alert applies to 29-ounce bags of Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets produced on Feb. 10, 2026, and sold at Walmart locations nationwide.

The product carries a Best If Used By date of Feb. 10, 2027, lot code 0416DPO1215, and establishment number P44164 printed on the back of the packaging.

Although no formal recall has been requested because the product is no longer available for sale federal officials warn that some packages may still be stored in consumers freezers.

The issue was identified during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner, prompting the FSIS to investigate further. Officials say additional products could be added to the alert as the investigation continues.

The risks of lead exposure

Health risks tied to lead exposure are significant, particularly for vulnerable populations. Lead can damage developing brains and nervous systems, posing serious risks to infants, young children, and pregnant women.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lead creates toxic effects, and it is especially harmful in a child's growing body. Toddlers are among the most vulnerable because of the way they play and explore their surroundings.

Federal guidelines say there is no safe level of lead exposure. The Food and Drug Administrations interim reference level is 2.2 micrograms, but testing found levels in the nuggets could reach up to five times that amount for children.

Health experts caution that exposure may also pose risks to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

What to do

The FSIS is urging consumers who purchased the affected nuggets not to eat them. Instead, the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions can contact Dorada Foods Vice President John Patrick Lopez at john.patrick@lopezdorada.com. Food safety questions can also be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or by email at MPHotline@usda.gov. Complaints about meat, poultry, or egg products can be submitted through the USDAs online system.