But growing inventory and widespread price cuts are giving house hunters more bargaining power

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.34%, up from 6.30% last week, though still below its 52-week average of 6.71%.

• Nearly one in five homes across the U.S. saw a price reduction in September, with cuts most common in mid-tier listings between $350,000 and $500,000.

• Economists say October 1218 could be an especially favorable window for buyers as seasonal trends align with softer pricing and increased supply.

Just when home affordability was improving slightly, mortgage rates are rising again. Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.34% this week, the second consecutive week it has risen.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased again this week but remains below its 52-week average of 6.71%, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. The last few months have brought lower rates, and as indicated by the recently reported increase in pending home sales, homebuyers are feeling more confident to get into the market.

Current rates

• The 30-year FRM averaged 6.34% as of October 2, 2025, up from last week when it averaged 6.30%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.12%.

• The 15-year FRM averaged 5.55%, up from last week when it averaged 5.49%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.25%.

Despite the slight rise in mortgage rates, buyers are finding better conditions in some housing markets. In fact, nearly one in five homes across the U.S. had their prices reduced in September, signaling a shift in negotiating power toward buyers, according to Realtor.coms latest Monthly Housing Trends report.

Inventory growth and buyer advantage

The report shows that 19.9% of listings saw price cuts last month a modest increase of 1.2 percentage points compared with the same period a year ago. This trend, paired with rising housing inventory and homes lingering longer on the market, has opened the door for buyers to secure better deals this fall.

Septembers trends show a housing market increasingly tilting in buyers favor, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. At the same time, our seasonal analysis indicates that the week of October 1218 offers a particularly good window for buyers.

Hale said market power varies across regions and price tiers, but in many areas, momentum is aligning with seasonal price cuts and other advantages, making this fall especially buyer-friendly relative to recent years.

Price reductions were most common among lower- and mid-tier homes. Listings priced between $350,000 and $500,000 saw the steepest share of reductions, with 21.6% of these homes cutting prices.

By contrast, luxury homes priced above $1 million were far less likely to see price adjustments, with just 13.3% of listings reduced. Analysts suggest luxury sellers are more inclined to wait for the right buyer rather than lower asking prices.

Streaming dispute resolved, restoring NBCU networks to YouTube TV subscribers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Agreement ends standoff that had left millions without access to NBCU channels.

• Deal includes continued carriage of NBCUniversals 14 live channels and on-demand content.

• Viewers regain access to popular networks like NBC, Bravo, USA Network, and regional sports.

The latest fight over what video channels are available on which platforms has been resolved. NBCUniversal and YouTube TV had been locked in a tense carriage dispute, with NBCU threatening to pull its channels from the platform.

The disagreement centered on distribution fees, with both sides lobbying consumers to apply pressure by highlighting the potential loss of channels. Earlier this week, NBCU content briefly went dark on YouTube TV, frustrating subscribers eager to watch live sports, entertainment, and local news.

Late Thursday, both companies announced they had reached a multi-year deal that restores NBCUniversals full suite of channels on YouTube TV. The agreement ensures YouTube TV subscribers can continue watching NBC, Telemundo, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo, USA Network, E!, Oxygen, and regional sports networks, among others. The pact also maintains access to NBCs on-demand library, ensuring no disruption to popular shows and upcoming fall programming.

What it means for viewers

For YouTube TVs estimated 6 million subscribers, the resolution brings relief after days of uncertainty. The deal safeguards marquee events like Sunday Night Football, the upcoming NHL season, and highly anticipated new fall series.

It also signals that, while carriage disputes remain a growing challenge in the streaming era, platforms and content providers can find common ground to avoid prolonged blackouts.

Neither NBCUniversal nor YouTube TV disclosed financial details of the agreement. However, the resolution highlights the increasingly high stakes in the battle for streaming audiences, where channel lineups and access to live sports are critical to retaining subscribers.

With this deal, YouTube TV continues to position itself as a leading live-TV streaming alternative, while NBCU secures a broad digital audience for its programming.

Credit card debt has surged as Americans struggle to save

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now live paycheck to paycheck, squeezed by high costs for essentials and slower wage growth.

• Credit card debt has hit a record $1.13 trillion, with more families -- across all income levels -- relying on borrowing to cover monthly expenses.

• Many consumers are cutting back spending or using buy-now-pay-later financing, but experts warn these quick fixes can worsen long-term financial instability.

A new report from Goldman Sachs is painting a sobering picture of American household finances: more people than ever are living paycheck to paycheck.

According to the investment banks latest consumer survey, rising costs for essentials like housing, food, and transportation are leaving fewer families with savings or a financial cushion.

The study found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. households say they struggle to make ends meet between paydaysa significant increase from last year. Analysts attribute this trend to a combination of sticky inflation, elevated interest rates, and slower wage growth compared to earlier in the pandemic recovery.

While inflation has cooled from the highs of 2022, prices remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Rent, groceries, utilities, and insurance premiums continue to climb steadily, putting pressure on household budgets.

Goldmans report highlights that even middle-income families earning between $75,000 and $100,000 annually are increasingly reporting financial strain.

Stretched thin

Many households arent in crisis, but theyre stretched thin, the report states. The lack of savings and reliance on credit cards to cover monthly bills creates long-term vulnerability.

Credit card debt has surged to a record $1.13 trillion nationwide, according to Federal Reserve data, with delinquency rates also rising. That suggests more consumers are not only borrowing more but also struggling to keep up with payments.

The studys authors note that living paycheck to paycheck isnt confined to low-income families. High earners are increasingly reporting little to no savings buffer, reflecting lifestyle inflation and mounting fixed costs.

Goldman Sachs researchers caution that the trend could ripple through the broader economy. When more families lack disposable income, discretionary spending declines, affecting everything from retail sales to travel and hospitality sectors.

Consumers are adjusting their spending

The report also found that many Americans are adjusting their daily habits to cope. Dining out less, delaying big purchases, and relying on buy-now-pay-later financing are all becoming common strategies.

Yet those coping mechanisms can sometimes worsen financial instability. For example, while buy-now-pay-later services offer short-term relief, missing payments can result in hefty fees and credit score damage.

Similarly, scaling back retirement contributions might help free up cash flow today, but it compromises long-term security.

Financial planners recommend consumers focus on creating emergency fundseven modest onesand tackling high-interest debt first. Employers are also encouraged to provide financial wellness resources and flexible pay options to help employees manage cash flow more effectively.

How to stay ahead of paycheck-to-paycheck living

• Track expenses weekly to spot spending leaks.

• Build a modest emergency fundstart with just $500 and grow from there.

• Pay down high-interest credit cards before tackling lower-rate loans.

• Use automatic transfers to savings, even if only $20 per paycheck.

• Negotiate bills where possible (cable, insurance, phone).

• Explore employer benefits like earned wage access or financial counseling.

FBI warns that title fraud cases are increasing, especially against seniors

• Ohio case highlights rising elder fraud risks: A scammers attempt to steal home equity through a reverse mortgage was thwarted.

• SmartPolicy technology stopped the crime: EquityProtects system locked the property title, forcing lender verification.

• Billions lost to elder annually: Financial crimes against seniors surged 46% in 2024, according to the FBI.

Title lock halts reverse mortgage scam

A title theft attempt against an elderly homeowner in Columbus, Ohio, was stopped this summer thanks to a fraud prevention tool designed to protect property owners from unauthorized transactions.

The case involved a scammer who had persuaded an older man to secure a reverse mortgage on his home in an effort to steal his equity. But the homeowners daughter, who holds Power of Attorney and Guardianship over his real estate, had previously enrolled the property with EquityProtect, a Nevada-based company specializing in real estate fraud prevention.

EquityProtects patented technology blocked the attempted transaction by locking the homes title. When the lender sought authorization to proceed, the request was flagged and routed to the daughter, who confirmed her father had no need for the loan.

Family intervention prevents financial loss

I was shocked when I heard from EquityProtect that my father was attempting to take out a mortgage on his home, as he has no need, the victims daughter said. We have been dealing with the influence this scammer has over my father for years, and I cannot imagine how horrific it would have been if they had succeeded."

The homeowners identity is being withheld due to the sensitive nature of the case and an ongoing investigation.

Elder fraud on the rise

Financial crimes targeting seniors are becoming increasingly common. The FBIs Boston Division reported $4.88 billion in losses from elder fraud in 2024, representing a 46% jump in complaints and a 43% increase in reported losses from the prior year.

EquityProtect offers unmatched protection from title theft because, unlike other systems out there, it stops the crime before it actually occurs, said Jon Dovidio, the companys vice president of business development.

Prevention Tips: How to protect seniors from title fraud

• Monitor property records: Regularly check your county recorders office to confirm no unauthorized liens or mortgages have been filed.

• Use title lock services: Consider enrolling vulnerable family members in fraud-prevention programs that freeze title transfers until verified.

• Secure legal authority: Establish Power of Attorney or guardianship if a loved one is at risk of being influenced by scammers.

• Educate seniors about : Talk openly about common fraud tactics, such as investment opportunities or urgent financial decisions.

• Guard personal information: Shred documents, avoid sharing Social Security numbers, and use secure passwords.

What to do if you suspect title fraud

1. Act quickly: Contact your county recorders office to flag any unauthorized filings.

2. Alert authorities: Report suspected fraud to your local police and state attorney generals office.

3. Contact your lender: If a fraudulent mortgage has been initiated, notify the bank immediately.

4. Check your credit: Order free credit reports to look for unusual activity.

5. File an FTC complaint: Use the Federal Trade Commissions identity theft portal to create a recovery plan.

Quick Checklist

Review property title records regularly
Consider title lock protection
Set up Power of Attorney if needed
Educate loved ones about
Report suspicious activity immediately

An expert shares what consumers need to know about this trend

• A new study found that nearly half of fitness app users skipped meals or overexercised just to meet AI-generated goals.

• Experts warn of mental health risks, with 61% of users reporting anxiety when they miss a day of logging and many quitting apps due to app fatigue.

• Balance is key, and listening to your body is paramount over rigid app targets.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of our everyday lives from shopping recommendations to workplace tools.

But what happens when AI follows us into the gym? Fitness apps that promise smarter workouts and personalized health tips are gaining traction, yet a new study from Levity suggests that the impact isnt always so positive.

Nearly half of users surveyed admitted to skipping meals or overexercising just to keep up with app-generated goals, and personal trainers say theyre increasingly stepping in to undo harmful advice.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Zoe Lees, Medical Writer at Levity, to unpack how AI-powered fitness tools can influence both our physical and mental health and why its worth looking beyond the glossy promises on your phone screen.

One thing we dont talk about enough is app fatigue, Dr. Lees said. More than a quarter of users told us that theyve quit using fitness apps because they started to damage their mental health. At some point, success looks less like hitting every metric and more like knowing when to step back and reassess your priorities.

How is AI affecting fitness trackers?

Whether you have a wearable device, or an app that logs your workouts and calories, were no stranger to the ways that technology intersects with fitness. But what role does AI play?

AI has definitely made fitness apps smarter, turning them into personal coaches that can track nearly everything, Dr. Lees said. But theres a fine line between helpful and harmful.

According to our research, nearly half of personal trainers have witnessed clients develop disordered habits, such as skipping meals or overexercising, to meet fitness goals. Is that really motivation, or just pressure disguised as progress?

Are there pros and cons?

According to Dr. Lees, there are pros and cons to these AI-powered tools. For starters, one of the biggest perks is the structure they provide.

They keep people accountable and provide a real sense of direction, Dr. Lees said.

However, they can also take a serious mental toll.

Sixty-one percent of users report feeling anxious when they miss a day of logging, and 30% say they follow the apps goals even when it conflicts with their body's needs. Its easy to become more focused on streaks and stats than your actual well-being.

Listening to your body

When theres pressure from apps and fitness trackers, it can be hard to block out the noise. However, Dr. Lees says that listening to your body is paramount.

If your app is telling you to ignore hunger or push through fatigue, thats your cue to hit pause, she said. If the app says push harder, but your body says rest, rest wins. These tools are meant to support your health, not silence your instincts, and trusting your body is just as important as tracking it.

Finding the right balance

Having a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is important and ultimately a positive thing. Dr. Lees warns consumers about taking it too far and ignoring key signs that youve over done.

Her best advice: find the right balance.

The most balanced approach should be to use AI as a compass, not a controller, she explained. If you miss a workout or side-step your meal plan, thats just part of the process, and youre not a failure.

Real progress comes from combining smart tracking with real-life flexibility, and ideally, guidance from a trainer or health professional who can help filter out the noise.