Consumer News: What’s the real cost of showing up to work?

The cut may signal a policy shift by the central bank

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Federal Reserve this week cut its benchmark federal-funds rate by 25 basis points, lowering the target range to 3.75 %-4.0.

• That move is intended to ease borrowing costs and stimulate spending in a cooling economy, but new analysis suggests consumers may see only modest relief and not all loan rates will drop in tandem.

• For those carrying credit cards, auto loans or considering refinancing a mortgage, the change offers an opportunity yet the full benefit may arrive slowly, and savings-account yields will likely shrink.

In a signal that monetary policy is shifting toward lower borrowing costs, the Federal Reserve has cut its key interest rate by a quarter-percentage point, to a level between 3.75% and 4%, the lowest level since November 2022. The decision comes amid a deceleration in job gains and rising concerns about softer economic momentum even though inflation remains above the central banks preferred 2 % target.

When the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, banks themselves pay less to borrow in the overnight market and in theory, this eventually translates into lower costs for consumers. In short, borrowing becomes cheaper when rates go down.

Heres a breakdown of how various types of loans may respond:

• Credit cards & lines of credit: These tend to follow the bank prime rate, which in turn is influenced by the Feds policy. Accordingly, consumers with variable-rate credit may see a small cut in their APR.

• Auto loans and personal loans: These are more sensitive to shorter-term funding costs and could show relief more quickly though the effect will vary by credit quality and lender competition.

• Mortgages: Especially 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, these are less directly tied to the Feds short-term rate. Instead, they follow long-term Treasury yields and bond market spreads which means a Fed cut does not guarantee a rapid drop in mortgage rates. (

Why relief may be limited or delayed

Analysts caution that the benefit to consumers may be muted or slow to arrive. For one, many borrowing rates are already elevated; a modest 25-basis-point reduction may only shave a small amount off monthly payments.

Further complicating matters: banks may be slow to pass on full rate cuts to borrowers, credit risk remains elevated, and lenders might keep spreads wide to maintain profits in uncertain times.

In addition, while short-term borrowing costs may drop, longer-term rates (which matter for mortgages and large purchases) are influenced by inflation expectations, global yields, and economic growth concerns all of which could keep them elevated.

What consumers should consider

• If you carry high-interest credit card debt, a rate cut might create an opening, but its not a cure: the savings may be modest and wont eliminate risk if you continue to carry a balance.

• Shopping for an auto loan or looking to borrow for home improvements? It may be worth comparing current offers now that funding costs have dipped, but also focus on your credit score and loan term.

• Thinking of refinancing your mortgage? Monitor bond yields and refinance costs the Feds cut helps from a broad macro-level, but the mortgage you can get will depend on many factors.

• Savers will likely find that deposit rates edge lower, so if your plan was to earn more via savings, you may need to adjust expectations (or consider other ways to use your money).

The bigger picture

The significance of the Feds decision is the shift: whereas the central bank spent recent years hiking rates to tame inflation, it now appears more focused on supporting growth and guarding against a possible slowdown. Yet the Fed has signalled that the path forward will be cautious.

For consumers, this means: yes, borrowing may gradually become cheaper but not dramatically overnight. The effectiveness of this cut will depend on how quickly rates get passed through, how the macro-economy evolves, and how global markets respond. In the meantime, households with debt will still want to manage balances, consider refinancing options and not count solely on the Fed to deliver big relief.

The one-year agreement will reduce tariffs on some Chinese imports

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. consumers may soon see modest relief in prices on certain imported goods as parts of the United StatesChina trade deal take effect.

• The deal shifts key supply-chain elements (especially rare-earths and critical minerals) and may change where and how U.S. companies source goods, affecting product availability and cost.

• Yet significant trade frictions remain unresolved, meaning any benefits for consumers are likely to be gradual and unevenwatch for which goods are affected and how quickly.

President Trump and Chinas President Xi have reached agreement on a new, one-year trade deal that may offer some welcome relief for U.S. consumers. The agreement eases certain tariffs and opens specific supply-chain channels.

Under the agreement reached in South Korea, China will ease some export restrictions on rare-earth minerals and magnets, key inputs for U.S. electronics, auto-parts, and other high-tech manufacturing, while the U.S. will roll back or suspend certain punitive tariffs on Chinese goods.

For consumers, the deal carries three main implications:

1. Potential for lower prices on some imports

Tariffs levied during the U.S.China trade war have raised costs for U.S. companies and translated into higher prices for many consumer goods. For example, research shows that the average U.S. tariff rate reached historically high levels, adding to household costs.

By easing tariffs and reducing some import restrictions, the new deal may help soften near-term inflationary pressures on goods imported from Chinaand thus relieve some burden on U.S. consumers.
But that doesnt mean a full rollback of all tariffs: major structural issues such as forced technology transfer, Chinese industrial policy, and supply-chain shifts remain unresolved. So, while some prices may stabilize or dip, widespread steep price drops are unlikely in the short term.

2. Improved supply-chain certainty

One of the key deals involves Chinas export of rare-earth elements and magnetsitems critical to American manufacturing of things like smartphones, electric vehicles, and military/defense components.

For U.S. consumers, this means that products relying on those inputs may become less vulnerable to sudden supply disruptions, which had earlier pushed costs up, delayed product launches, or forced companies to substitute more expensive inputs.

In addition, U.S. companies may feel more confident investing in or sourcing from China if export-controls and tariffs are less volatile, which again could improve product availability or slow inflation in goods.

3. Still-unresolved risksand mixed benefits for consumers

Its important to note that while the deal is being hailed as a framework or first step, many thorny issues remain: market access for U.S. companies in China, Chinese structural economic reforms, intellectual-property enforcement, and the full rollback of prior tariffs.

What that means for consumers is a few caveats:

• Some product categories may get benefit sooner than others (electronics and inputs are likely; apparel/consumer goods may lag).

• There may be transitional costs: companies may shift supply chains, adjust sourcing from China to other countries (or vice versa), and those logistics changes can momentarily raise costs or cause delays. (arXiv)

• Even with easing tariffs, U.S. producers who rely on Chinese inputs may pass savings slowly (or not at all) if they use the margin elsewhere.

• The broader inflation and macro-economic environment still influences prices; trade policy is one factor among many.

What U.S. consumers should watch for

• Keep an eye on price trends in product categories heavily tied to Chinese importsfor example, smartphones, laptops, electric-vehicle components, imported furniture or home goods.

• Watch news on tariffs being officially removed versus just being paused or suspended. Many past deals were temporary and subject to renewal or rollback.

• Pay attention to China + 1 supply-chain shifts: companies may diversify away from China to other countries, which could create both opportunities (lower cost sourcing) and risks (logistics disruptions).

• Realize that benefit to the consumer may come in more subtle forms than dramatic price cutse.g., fewer product delays, more stable availability, slower price growth, rather than big bargains.

Ticks thrive as climate warms

• Warmer weather and longer tick seasons are fueling a surge in tick-related illnesses across the U.S.

• Lyme disease remains the most common infection, but new threats like alpha-gal syndrome are spreading.

• Public-health experts say prevention and prompt tick removal are key to staying safe.

Ticks are becoming more numerous and more dangerous across much of the United States as warmer winters and wetter weather allow them to survive longer and expand their range, according to infectious-disease and biology experts.

Were seeing more diverse species of ticks, more often, said Timothy Driscoll, associate professor of biology at West Virginia University. Tick ranges are expanding with changing climate, and milder winters mean more ticks survive through the season. Warmer, wetter conditions also let ticks stay active longer and thrive in greater numbers.

Scientists say tick populations are increasing not only in traditional hot spots like the Northeast and Upper Midwest but also in regions where they were once rare, including parts of the South and Midwest. Flooding and changing wildlife patterns can also push tick-carrying animals closer to peoples homes.

Lyme disease still leads, but other infections are rising

Lyme disease, transmitted by the blacklegged (deer) tick, continues to be the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, with cases climbing sharply in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now estimates nearly half a million Americans may be diagnosed with Lyme each year far more than previously reported.

Theres no human vaccine yet, but several are in development, Driscoll said, noting that his lab has been part of a federally funded effort to explore new vaccine targets.

Other tick-borne illnesses including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis are also spreading, aided by the same environmental changes. All the ticks that carry these diseases are present across much of the country, meaning residents face multiple potential risks, Driscoll said.

Red-meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites

Beyond bacterial infections, doctors are seeing more cases of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) a red-meat allergy triggered by bites from the lone star tick, which is expanding northward and westward.

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals but not humans, said Matt Lokant, assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at WVUs School of Medicine. After a tick bite, alpha-gal can be introduced, and subsequent exposure to red meat can cause allergic symptoms from hives and itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Symptoms typically appear two to six hours after eating red meat and may also follow consumption of dairy, gelatin, or other mammal-based products. Theres currently no cure for AGS, Lokant said, so management focuses on avoiding red meat and carefully reading ingredient and medication labels.

Unlike Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome doesnt have a characteristic rash, Lokant added. If there are any signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Prevention is the best protection

Health experts say the best defense against tick-borne disease is prevention and early detection. Key steps include:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.

• Using EPA-approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin.

• Checking people and pets carefully after outdoor activities.

• Removing attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and monitoring for symptoms.

Prevention is the first line of defense, Driscoll said.

Tick safety checklist

Before you go outside

• Apply insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or permethrin (for clothing).

• Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

• Tuck pants into socks and shirts into waistbands when hiking or gardening.

After outdoor activity

• Check your entire body especially scalp, ears, knees, and waistband.

• Examine pets and gear before bringing them indoors.

• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash away unattached ticks.

If you find a tick

• Grasp it close to the skin with tweezers and pull straight out.

• Clean the bite area with soap and water.

• Save the tick in a sealed plastic bag for possible identification.

• Contact a doctor if you notice rash, fever, fatigue, or allergic reaction.

Just in time to plan your online holiday shopping

• Mailed returns often cost $4.95$9.99 at apparel stores; big-box retailers typically offer free labels or partner drop-offs

• Free in-store returns are your safest bet; on Amazon (and others) pick label-free/box-free drop-offs to avoid fees

• Policies change fastcheck the return method before buying; join free loyalty tiers that waive mail-in fees and initiate marketplace returns through the platform

Free returns arent the default anymore. This holiday season, the smart move is checking the return method before you buy. Clothing retailers, in particular, often deduct $4.95 to $9.95 for mailed returns, while most big box stores still offer free labels or free drop-offs, if you pick the right option at checkout.

Keep in mind that policies change fast around the holidays, so check the return policy before you click Buy. This is especially important when shopping with an online retailer youre unfamiliar with.

Stores that now charge a fee (or make you pay postage) for mailed returns

Abercrombie - $7 by mail (often waived for exchanges/e-gift card); free in-store.

American Eagle - $5 for mail-in returns.

Anthropologie - $5 deducted from refund; exchanges free; free in-store.

DSW You pay a steep $9.95 with their label; free in-store.

DSW - $8.50 with their label; free in-store. (free for VIP Gold and Elite members)

H&M - $3.99 fee by mail; free for members; free in-store.

JCPenney - $8 fee with their prepaid label; free in-store.

J.Crew - $7.50 with their prepaid label; free in-store.

Kohls - you pay postage on mailed returns; free in-store.

Macys Youll pay $9.99 unless you join their Star Rewards program (free to join) which makes by-mail returns free.

Nordstrom Rack - $9.95 per prepaid label; free in-store.

REI - $7.99 by mail, free in-store.

Saks Fifth Avenue - $9.95 by mail; free in-store. (OFF 5TH similar.)

UNIQLO - $7 mail-in fee (plus tax in some states); in-store options vary by item.

Ulta - you pay postage on mailed returns; free in-store.

Urban Outfitters - $5 restocking fee on most mailed returns; free in-store.

Wayfair Varies. They require you to pay the return shipping fee which varies depending on the size and weight of the item youre returning.

Zara - $4.95 per return request; free in-store.

The big stores where mail returns are usually free

Amazon - Choose label-free, box-free drop-offs (Kohls, Whole Foods, UPS Store, Staples) to avoid charges. If the reason for the return is not Amazons fault, theyll charge you to return the item if you return it yourself and dont pick one of the drop-off points.

Target - Free in-store; by-mail can vary making store drop-off the safest bet.

Walmart - Strong free & easy returns; marketplace sellers arent supposed to charge you return shipping; store/curbside drop-off is easiest.

Best Buy - Free prepaid label in your return window but some items incur a 15% restocking fee if the item is opened (drones, cameras, camcorders, scooters).

Nordstrom - Free prepaid label (different from Rack).

Howto shop smarter online (and dodge return fees)

Before you fill that cart, check out these 6 quick moves that keep holiday returns free (or close to it). Theyre simple yet often overlooked, and theyll save you from those gotcha fees.

1. Pick your return path before you buy - On the product page or at checkout, click Returns. If you see a dollar amount for mailed returns, assume youll need to return in-store to make it free.

2. Always choose the free drop-off option - Amazon and others show multiple return methods. Be sure to pick label-free/box-free options at partner locations. If you see fee deducted, back up and change the method.

3. Join the free loyalty tier when it helps - H&M and Macys, for example, waive the mail fees for members. Signing up at checkout is worth it.

4. Favor retailers with free labels if you cant get to a store - Best Buy, Nordstrom, and many Gap/Old Navy items typically include prepaid labels.

5. Watch marketplace fine print - On Walmart/Best Buy marketplaces, sellers generally follow the platforms free-return rules. But remember to always initiate the return through the platform, not the sellers site.

6. Size smarter to reduce returns - Read recent fit reviews, check photos, use size tools, and only order multiple sizes at stores with free returns. Otherwise youll have pay to ship back the items that doesnt fit.

Dont forget about extended holiday returns

To encourage gift buying this year, many retailers offer an extended holiday return policy so the gift receiver has ample time to make a return or exchange.

Here are 12 such policies from some of the biggest names in retail.

Amazon Anything bought between Nov 1Dec 31, 2025 is returnable through January 31, 2026 (brand exceptions like Apple may differ).

Apple Store All items purchased between Nov 8Dec 25, 2025 can be returned through January 8, 2026.

Barnes & Noble - Purchases made Nov 1Dec 31 are returnable/exchangeable through Jan 31, 2026 (includes NOOK).

Best Buy - Most gifts bought Oct 31-Dec 31 are returnable through Jan 15, 2026. This is especially notable because their regular return policy only gives shoppers 15 days to make a return. My Best Buy Plus/Total members get through Jan 31, 2026.

GameStop Return are extended to January 15, 2026 for all purchase made between Nov 1Dec 24.

Kohls - Purchases made between Oct 5Dec 31 are returnable through Jan 31, 2026 (Sephora at Kohls and some categories excluded).

JCPenney - Holiday purchases on/after Oct 1, 2025 may be returned through Jan 31, 2026 with an original or gift receipt

Macys - Most items bought Oct 6Dec 31, 2025 returnable through Jan 31, 2026 (standard category exceptions; possible fee for some mail-in returns).

Marshalls- In-store purchases Oct 5Dec 24, 2025 returnable through Jan 25, 2026; online purchases in that window returnable through Feb 4, 2026.

Target While they havent announced it for 2025 yet, in years past theyve given shoppers 90 days from December 26^th to make a return. This policy was good for all purchases made between October 6-December 25. I expect them to do the same this year.

TJ Maxx Anything you buy between Oct 5-Dec 24 can be returned to any TJ Maxx location through January 25, 2026.

Walmart - Most items bought Oct 1Dec 31, 2025 are returnable through Jan 31, 2026 (exceptions: phones, major appliances, certain premium/luxury/seasonal items, etc.).

Iowa AG warns consumers to watch out for hidden, hard-to-cancel subscriptions

• Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says unclear subscription terms are costing Iowans money.

• Consumers often mistake recurring charges for one-time purchases or free trials.

• Bird urges Iowans to read fine print, track renewal dates, and report suspected .

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning consumers to be vigilant about subscription offers that may seem harmless at first glance but can lead to unexpected and recurring charges. Her office regularly hears from Iowans who find it difficultor nearly impossibleto cancel online subscriptions ranging from streaming services to pet food deliveries.

Subscriptions have become more common, but the terms are not always clear, leading to confusion and often financial loss, Bird said in a statement. I want Iowans to know how they can avoid or cancel any unwanted subscriptions and protect themselves from potential .

The warning comes as subscription-based business models have exploded across industries. Analysts estimate that the average U.S. consumer now pays for 510 recurring servicesmany of which theyve forgotten about. A C+R Research survey found that 42% of consumers have continued paying for a subscription they no longer use, costing the average person about $170 a month.

Free trials often come with strings attached

Bird cautioned that free trials requiring a credit card number are a major red flag. Unless canceled before the trial period ends, users are often charged automatically. She advised consumers to:

• Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any offer.

• Set calendar reminders to cancel before the trial period ends.

• Watch for hidden charges, such as shipping or activation fees that make free trials not truly free.

Spotting fake renewal notices and

Scammers have also exploited subscription confusion. Birds office says consumers should be wary of renewal notices that demand payment or personal information, especially if they dont recall signing up for the service. A legitimate renewal notice shouldnt ask for your credit card number, Birds office said.

Consumers should independently verify any notices by going directly to the companys official website or app, rather than clicking on links or calling numbers in suspicious messages.

How to cancel safely

Before you sign up

• If you must enter a credit card for a free offer, assume youll be billed later.

• Look for how to cancel before you agreelegitimate companies make that clear.

While youre subscribed

• Set reminders for renewal dates and screenshot the terms of your agreement.

• Watch for unexpected charges or small recurring feesthey can signal hidden subscriptions.

When you cancel

• Use official company websites or apps, not links from emails or texts.

• Keep a copy of your cancellation confirmation and note the date and time.

• If charges continue, contact your bank or credit card issuer for a chargeback.