Consumer News: More than 150,000 people lost their jobs in October

A new survey from RELEX Solutions tracks the changes

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Rising grocery prices are forcing consumers to rethink spending habits, with 61% reporting they have changed the amount of food they buy and many cutting back on discretionary items like snacks, alcohol, and beef.

• Shoppers are becoming more selective rather than simply spending less, continuing to prioritize fresh groceries and household essentials while closely monitoring prices and looking for greater value.

• The survey found consumers are increasingly adapting to higher costs by cooking more meals at home, reducing food waste, and making deliberate purchasing decisions as they brace for continued inflation and economic uncertainty.

Consumers are rethinking what goes into their shopping carts as persistent food inflation and economic uncertainty continue to strain household budgets. How they are changing may offer some money-saving tips.

A new survey by supply chain technology company RELEX Solutions found that 61% of consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom have changed how much food they buy because of higher grocery prices, signaling that inflation is still having a significant impact on everyday purchasing decisions.

Rather than cutting spending evenly across all categories, shoppers are making targeted tradeoffs. The survey found that 46% of consumers have reduced purchases of snacks and junk food, while 39% have cut back on beef and 34% have reduced alcohol purchases.

Some things are worth paying extra

At the same time, consumers continue to prioritize certain essentials. Nearly seven in 10 respondents (68%) said fresh groceries are still worth paying more for, while 49% said the same about household necessities.

The findings suggest that shoppers are becoming more selective rather than simply spending less overall. They also highlight several ways consumers are saving money.

• 49% are closely monitoring beef prices as an indicator of their overall cost of living

• 39% say efforts to reduce food waste are influencing how much food they purchase

• 37% say healthier eating habits are influencing purchasing decisions

• 10% say GLP-1s or other appetite-affecting medications have influenced how much food they purchase

• 71% are cooking at home more often than they were a year ago

"For retailers and manufacturers, the biggest risk is assuming consumers are responding to rising costs in the same way," said Laurence Brenig-Jones, vice president of Product, Platform, RELEX Solutions.

"Consumers are making highly individualized decisions based on price, health goals, value and household priorities. What's interesting is that while shoppers are pulling back in some categories, they continue to prioritize fresh groceries. That creates a very different planning challenge than broad-based demand declines because retailers need to be able to respond to shifting demand at the category level. As those preferences continue to evolve, understanding category-level demand shifts is becoming increasingly important for managing supply chain, pricing, promotions and assortment."

Price is top of mind

Price remains the dominant concern. More than half of respondents (54%) said lower prices are the single most important action retailers can take to help consumers manage rising costs. Meanwhile, 49% said they closely monitor beef prices as a barometer of the broader cost of living.

Other factors are also influencing shopping decisions. Nearly four in 10 consumers said efforts to reduce food waste affect how much food they purchase, while 37% cited healthier eating habits. A smaller but growing segment 10% said appetite-suppressing medications such as GLP-1 drugs have affected how much food they buy.

Consumers are also changing how they prepare meals. The survey found that consumers are cooking at home more often, finding that cuts spending on food.

The RELEX findings are consistent with a growing body of research showing shoppers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive. Recent surveys have found consumers are switching to store brands, using more coupons, shopping multiple stores, and reducing impulse purchases in response to higher food costs.

According to the survey, many consumers expect the food price pressure to continue. More than 70% of respondents expressed concern that tariffs, geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and other global events will continue pushing up the cost of everyday goods over the next six months.

The experts we talked to say there are many reasons

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Primary care shortages are driving longer wait times. Experts say fewer doctors are choosing primary care careers, while many communitiesespecially underserved areasface shortages of physicians, nurses, and specialists, creating bottlenecks for routine appointments.

• System-wide healthcare pressures are slowing access. Workforce shortages, provider burnout, administrative burdens, insurance approvals, referral delays, and staffing gaps reduce clinics ability to absorb demand, even when doctors are working at full capacity.

• Urgent care can offer faster treatment, but its not a complete solution. Walk-in clinics can help patients receive routine care more quickly and ease pressure on the system, but experts say the best outcomes occur when urgent care is integrated with patients primary healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care.

Many patients seeking medical appointments for fairly routine care are being offered appointment times that are sometimes months into the future.

Some of the strongest reporting comes from AMN Healthcare's 2025 national survey of physician appointment wait times, which found that the average wait time for a new patient appointment across six major specialties reached 31 days, the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2004. This was a 19% increase from 2022 and a 48% increase from 2004.

Average waits by specialty included:

• OB-GYN: 41.8 days

• Gastroenterology: 40 days

• Dermatology: 36.5 days

• Cardiology: 32.7 days

• Family Medicine: 23.5 days

If this is a trend, whats behind it?

The healthcare experts we consulted cite a variety of reasons. Many told us fewer physicians are choosing to become general practitioners.

"More frequently than ever, physicians are choosing not to go into residency with primary care, Rene Hermes, chief of operations at Hermes Health in Chicago, told ConsumerAffairs. It is a tough residency, where you have to be on top of your game in all subjects, as family physicians have to properly diagnose and treat patients of all ages with a wide array of symptoms.

Other issues

Olusheyi Lawoyin, Ph.D., chief of operations at Watts Healthcare Corporation, told us that its not just a shortage of general practitioners.

In certain geographic communities, particularly those that are medically underserved, there remains a shortage of physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, she said. The dearth of primary care providers also creates a bottleneck because primary care often serves as the entry point to the healthcare system.

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan, visiting scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, points to systemic failures that make the system less responsive. Its more than a doctor shortage, he says; its what he calls a care-routing failure.

Clinics have less room to absorb demand, he said. Patients are coming in with more complex needs, while providers are dealing with workforce shortages, burnout, documentation burden, prior authorizations, referral delays, and staffing gaps across the whole care team.

Its more than the availability of the doctor

Kyle Morham, co-founder of NextPatient, agrees that the system is what is working against both practitioners and patients.

"The delay usually isn't a shortage of appointments it's a shortage of staff time to book them, Morham told us.

Most practices still rely on patients calling during business hours and a front desk that's already underwater. Calls go to voicemail, callbacks pile up, and patients wait days just to get on the schedule. Meanwhile, open slots from last-minute cancellations sit empty because no one has time to backfill them by phone."

Morham said there are some practices where nearly half of all bookings happen after hours if you give patients that option.

That tells you how much demand never reaches the front desk during the nine-to-five phone window, he said. The bottleneck is the booking process, not the calendar."

While an appointment with a provider could be weeks away, patients can access much routine care at a walk-in urgent care clinic. Lawoyin agrees that in many cases, it can provide speedier care and take pressure off the healthcare system.

But that may create challenges if they operate separately from patients' usual care teams, she added. The most effective models of care delivery are those that are integrated with the broader healthcare system so that urgent, walk-in care becomes a bridge to care continuity and preventive care, and not a replacement for it.

New report highlights motorists biggest pain points

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New research finds that fuel is only part of the cost burden facing drivers, with auto loans and insurance representing major fixed expenses for U.S. households.

• doxo's 2026 Auto Loan and Auto Insurance Market Spending Reports analyze the combined cost of vehicle ownership amid rising economic uncertainty.

• The findings come as gasoline prices remain elevated nationwide, adding pressure to household transportation budgets.

In the last three months, gas prices have gone through the roof, but thats hardly the biggest expense of owning a car. The fixed monthly costs are higher and still rising.

Seattle-based bill payment platform doxo this week released its 2026 U.S. Auto Loan & Auto Insurance Market Spending Reports, examining what Americans spend on two of the largest recurring expenses associated with vehicle ownership. According to the company, the research is intended to provide a clearer picture of the true cost of owning a car during a period of economic uncertainty.

The report arrives as motorists continue to contend with high fuel prices. While gasoline prices have fluctuated in recent weeks, they remain above levels seen a year ago in many parts of the country, keeping transportation costs in focus for consumers.

doxo argues that consumers often focus on the price at the pump while overlooking fixed costs that persist regardless of how much they drive. Auto loan payments and insurance premiums represent ongoing monthly obligations that can have a significant impact on household budgets, the company said.

The company's analysis combines spending data from its bill-payment network with market research to assess how much Americans devote to vehicle financing and insurance. By examining those expenses together, doxo said the reports offer a more comprehensive view of transportation costs than fuel prices alone.

What car owners spend

By grouping these categories, the 2026 reports reveal that the average American household with automotive obligations now pays a combined median of $595 per month ($7,140 annually) toward auto loans and auto insurance. In total, these two categories command a massive $754 billion slice of the broader $5.03 trillion annual household bills.

The findings underscore a broader challenge for consumers. Even if gasoline prices ease, households remain responsible for loan payments, insurance premiums, and other ownership costs that are largely unaffected by changes in driving habits.

With inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty continuing to influence household finances, doxo said understanding the full cost of vehicle ownership is becoming increasingly important for consumers looking to manage their budgets effectively.

European apartment dwellers have made it increasingly popular

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Balcony solar systems are small, plug-in photovoltaic panels designed for apartments and rental properties, allowing residents without rooftops to generate their own electricity.

• Germany has become the global leader in balcony solar adoption, with more than one million registered systems and widespread use across Europe.

• Despite growing popularity, some countries and utility regulators remain cautious over safety, grid integration, and building-code concerns, slowing adoption in places such as the United Kingdom and parts of the United States.

A simple technology known as "balcony solar" is rapidly changing how apartment dwellers access renewable energy, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional rooftop solar systems.

Also known by the German term Balkonkraftwerk ("balcony power plant"), these systems typically consist of one or two solar panels, a microinverter, and a plug that connects directly to a household electrical outlet. Unlike conventional solar installations that often require professional installation and homeownership, balcony solar systems are designed for renters and apartment residents.

The systems are usually mounted on balconies, terraces, fences, or exterior walls and generate electricity that can immediately power household appliances, reducing electricity consumption from the grid.

Germany leads the way

Germany has emerged as the world's largest balcony solar market. More than one million systems have been officially registered, and industry observers believe the actual number may be significantly higher.

The country's success has been driven by regulatory reforms that simplified registration requirements, increased allowable system sizes, and strengthened the rights of tenants to install the devices. Germany now permits plug-in systems with inverter capacities up to 800 watts, making them powerful enough to offset a meaningful portion of household electricity use.

New York could be the next to embrace the concept. The state has passed legislation to legalize the systems for apartment and condo units. However, Governor Kathy Hochul hasnt said whether she will sign it into law.

Adoption spreads across Europe

So far, its a mostly European thing. Germany's success has encouraged other European countries to embrace the technology.

Belgium recently approved balcony solar systems under a national safety framework, while Austria offers subsidies that can cover up to half the cost of installation. France has streamlined approval procedures for small systems, and the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Poland have also seen growing interest.

According to industry analysts, balcony solar is increasingly viewed as a way to bring renewable energy to urban residents who would otherwise be excluded from the rooftop solar market.

Resistance remains

Despite the rapid growth, balcony solar faces resistance in some jurisdictions.

In the United Kingdom, plug-in solar systems remain largely prohibited because electrical regulations require professional installation and do not currently allow the direct plug-in approach used elsewhere in Europe. British officials have launched studies into the technology's safety, but regulators remain cautious.

Concerns typically focus on electrical safety, building standards, fire risks, and potential impacts on local power grids. Some homeowner associations and landlords have also objected to visible solar panels mounted on building exteriors.

In the United States, balcony solar has historically been limited by state regulations and utility rules. However, several states, in addition to New York, have begun considering legislation to permit plug-in systems, following a model already established in Europe.

Small systems, measurable results

While balcony solar systems cannot match the output of large rooftop arrays, supporters argue that their effectiveness lies in accessibility.

A typical system can power household electronics, internet routers, refrigerators, and other everyday appliances during daylight hours. In Germany and other European markets, users have reported meaningful reductions in utility bills, while the relatively low purchase price often allows systems to pay for themselves within several years.

As governments seek ways to expand renewable energy generation without large infrastructure projects, balcony solar is increasingly being viewed as a practical solution for cities, renters, and apartment residents. The technology's rapid rise in Germany suggests that even small-scale solar installations can make a significant contribution when adopted on a large scale.

The CVS savings strategy that works week after week

• CVS rewards can add up quickly: Combine ExtraCare rewards, ExtraBucks, digital coupons, manufacturer coupons, and weekly sales to save big on everyday essentials.

• Avoid paying full price: Shop the weekly ad, earn ExtraBucks on promotional items, and use receipt coupons like "$4 off $20" or "$5 off $25" on future purchases.

• Use every savings tool: Check the CVS app before shopping, scan your ExtraCare card at the coupon center kiosk, and always review your receipt for extra offers and rewards.

Walk into CVS and it's easy to experience sticker shock. A tube of toothpaste costs $6. A bottle of shampoo is pushing $10. Womens razors can cost more than a restaurant lunch.

But heres the thing: very few experienced CVS couponers actually pay those prices. In fact, CVS has built one of the most generous rewards programs in retail, and shoppers who understand how to use it can regularly save 50% or more on health, beauty, and household products.

The secret isn't extreme couponing. Instead, you need to understand how the CVS rewards system works and how to combine sales, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards into a money-saving strategy.

Here's exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Never shop without an ExtraCare account

The first rule of CVS couponing is to never pay full price. To help make that happen, before buying anything, be sure to sign-up for CVS' free ExtraCare rewards program and download the CVS app.

ExtraCare members receive the following:

• Sale pricing

• Personalized coupons

• Digital manufacturer offers

• Exclusive promotions

• ExtraBucks rewards

• Birthday rewards

Without an ExtraCare account, you're missing many of the discounts advertised throughout the store.

To collect your savings just open the CVS app (sign into your ExtraCare account if youre not already) and do the following:

• Tap Deals & Rewards or Coupons.

• Browse available offers.

• When you find one you want, tap "Send to Card," "Add to Card," or the "+" icon. (The wording can vary slightly!)

• The coupon is now linked to your ExtraCare account.

At checkout, just enter your phone number or scan your ExtraCare barcode and all eligible coupons will automatically apply to your purchase.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of opening the CVS app before every shopping trip. New coupons frequently appear throughout the month, and many shoppers miss discounts simply because they never check.

Step 2: Learn how ExtraBucks really work

ExtraBucks are the foundation of successful CVS couponing. Think of them as CVS cash.

Throughout the store you'll see signs such as:

• Spend $20, get $5 ExtraBucks

• Buy 2, get $4 ExtraBucks

• Spend $30, earn $10 ExtraBucks

Many shoppers ignore these offers because they focus only on the upfront cost.

Instead, start focusing on the net cost after the reward. For example, if you buy two bottles of shampoo for $20 and receive $8 ExtraBucks, your actual cost is $12.

Then add a few coupons into the mix and the savings become even more impressive.

The biggest mistake beginners make is spending ExtraBucks on random purchases. Instead, think of them as fuel for future savings.

Step 3: Shop the weekly ad, not your shopping list

One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is creating a shopping list and then hoping the items are on sale.

At CVS, the smarter strategy is the opposite. Start with the CVS weekly ad.

Every Sunday, CVS launches new promotions throughout the store. The strongest deals are usually found in the following items:

• Toothpaste/toothbrushes

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Deodorant

• Razors

• Cosmetics

• Vitamins

• Household cleaners

The reason you should focus on these products is because they often have a combination of sale prices, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards. The overlap is where your biggest savings is going to occur.

Be sure to not chase every deal. Instead, focus on the products that you already use, and stock up when prices hit the lowest point.

Pro tip: If a product isn't on sale this week, wait a little bit if you dont need it right away. CVS promotions rotate constantly and many deals return every few weeks.

Step 4: Stack coupons like a pro

Coupon stacking is where CVS really shines. Many retailers limit how shoppers can combine discounts. CVS is far more flexible than most.

A successful transaction often includes:

• A sale price

• A CVS digital coupon

• A manufacturer coupon

• ExtraBucks rewards

• New ExtraBucks earned

For example, a bottle of shampoo may be on sale for $6.99. You then apply a $2 CVS coupon and a $1 manufacturer coupon and the shampoo also generates $2 in ExtraBucks.

Suddenly your effective cost is less than $2 for the bottle. That's why experienced couponers spend time matching deals before shopping.

The savings rarely come from one giant coupon, but from multiple discounts working together.

Pro tip: Before checking out, verify that every digital coupon that you want to use says "sent to card." This is critical because if it doesn't, you wont get credit for it when you enter your phone number at checkout. Forgetting this simple step is one of the most common couponing mistakes.

Step 5: Use receipt coupons strategically

CVS receipts are ridiculously long and many shoppers laugh at them and throw them away as they walk out. Thats a mistake, as they provide some real value.

While not all CVS receipts are created equal, the most valuable ones have a threshold coupon printed on them, such as:

• $4 off $20

• $5 off $25

• $10 off $50

These coupons can often be combined with weekly sales, manufacturer coupons, digital offers, and ExtraBucks rewards to create massive savings.

For example: You buy $25 worth of products already on promotion.

Then apply the following:

• $5 off $25 receipt coupon

• $3 digital coupon

• $2 manufacturer coupon

Your $25 purchase suddenly costs $15 before factoring in any ExtraBucks rewards earned.

This is where CVS couponing becomes especially powerful.

Pro tip: Save threshold coupons for those weeks when you're buying multiple sale items. That's usually where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.

Step 6: Use the coupon center every visit

Many CVS stores still have a coupon center kiosk near the front entrance. Most shoppers make the mistake of walking right past it.

Simply scan your ExtraCare card and the machine will often print:

• Store coupons

• Category discounts

• Product-specific offers

• ExtraBucks rewards

Sometimes the savings are small, but other times they're surprisingly valuable.

Many shoppers have received $4 off $20 purchase coupons, beauty coupons, and category discounts simply by scanning their card. It's one of the easiest ways to uncover extra savings.

Get in the habit of scanning your card every time you visit, even if you're only stopping in for one item.

Step 7: Roll your ExtraBucks forward

This is where serious savings begin. Many shoppers earn ExtraBucks and immediately spend them on snacks, drinks, or impulse purchases.

Experienced couponers "roll" their rewards. Here's how it works:

• Week one: Spend $25 and earn $10 ExtraBucks.

• Week two: Use the $10 ExtraBucks reward on another promotion and earn another $10 in rewards.

• Week three: Rinse and repeat. Over time, your rewards begin funding future purchases.

This dramatically reduces how much cash you need to spend out of pocket.

It's also why many couponers keep small stockpiles of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and razors. They're buying products when rewards are strongest rather than waiting until they run out.

Pro tip: Think of ExtraBucks as an investment. In other words, whenever possible, spend them on the products that will generate new rewards.