Consumer News: Here’s why it’s still hard to buy a house to live in

It was the highest October layoff figure in more than 20 years, report shows

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. job cuts surge past 1 million, marking the worst October since 2003

• AI and cost-cutting drive layoffs as companies tighten belts

• Hiring plans hit lowest level since 2011, signaling a cooling labor market

Thanks to AI, it was harder to hold onto a job last month. A report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, a stunning 175% increase from a year earlier and 183% more than in September.

The total marks , echoing the tech shakeups of 2003 when cell phones began reshaping industries.

Octobers pace of job cutting was much higher than average for the month, said Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at the firm. Some industries are correcting after the hiring boom of the pandemic, but this comes as AI adoption, softening consumer and corporate spending, and rising costs drive belt-tightening and hiring freezes.

Through the first ten months of 2025, U.S. employers have announced 1.1 million layoffs, up 65% from the same period last year and already exceeding the full-year total for 2024. The last time job cuts were this high was in 2020, during the height of pandemic disruptions.

AI, automation and overcapacity drive cuts

While layoffs spread across nearly every sector, the technology industry once again led private-sector cuts, announcing 33,281 layoffs in October, a sixfold increase from September, as companies restructure for AI integration and efficiency. The sectors total for the year now exceeds 141,000 job cuts, up 17% from 2024

The warehousing sector saw the largest single-month spike, announcing 47,878 layoffs in October, compared to fewer than 1,000 in September. Analysts point to ongoing automation and post-pandemic overcapacity as key drivers. Retail also remains under pressure, with 88,664 cuts so far this year, up 145% from 2024, amid shifting consumer habits and continued store closures.

Even consumer products and services firms, once considered stable employers, reported sharp increases in job reductions due to rising costs and softening demand. Meanwhile, non-profits saw layoffs surge 419% this year, reflecting the downstream impact of declining government funding.

Cost-cutting and AI

In October, Cost-Cutting was the top reason companies cited for layoffs, responsible for 50,437 job cuts. Artificial Intelligence ranked second, prompting 31,039 layoffs as companies continue to automate workflows and streamline staffing. So far in 2025, AI-driven restructuring has been linked to more than 48,000 job losses.

Other key drivers include market conditions and facility closures, with more than 160,000 job cuts tied to store, plant, or unit shutdowns this year.

Challenger noted that this wave of job cuts marks a departure from recent years, when employers were reluctant to announce layoffs late in the year.

Over the last decade, companies have shied away from announcing layoffs in the fourth quarter, he said. With social media amplifying the reputational risks, such announcements were often delayed until the new year.

Making things tougher for laid-off employees, it may be harder to find a new job. Through October, employers announced 488,077 planned hires, down 35% from 2024 and the lowest year-to-date total since 2011.

Only 372,520 seasonal hires were announced, marking the weakest pre-holiday hiring environment since Challenger began tracking such data in 2012.

Its possible with rate cuts and a strong showing in November, companies may make a late-season push for employees, Challenger said. But at this point, we do not expect a strong seasonal hiring environment in 2025.

Heres how to keep your costs down

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Tariffs are driving up retail prices Amazon has raised prices about 13% this year, compared with roughly 5% at Target and Walmart, making online shopping noticeably more expensive.

• Everyday goods cost more clothing, home dcor, and electronics have seen some of the steepest price hikes, while necessities like pet and beauty items are also creeping up.

• Smart shopping helps compare prices, buy store brands, time purchases around sales, and stock up on essentials to offset the rising costs hitting your household budget.

Retailers are quietly raising prices again, and this time, tariffs are a big part of the story.

Recent import fees have pushed up costs for everything from electronics to everyday household goods, forcing stores to make tough pricing decisions. Some are spreading out the increases. Others, like Amazon, are passing more of them directly to shoppers.

According to research firm DataWeave, prices on Amazon have climbed about 13% so far this year, much faster than competitors. Target and Walmart, by comparison, each raised prices about 5%, according to the research. That means your online shopping cart could be noticeably pricier depending on where you shop.

The biggest jump came early in the year, when Amazon prices rose nearly 4% between January and February even before the latest tariff rounds were announced. Analysts say part of that may have been a return to normal prices after deep holiday discounts, but the trend hasnt stopped.

Whats getting more expensive

The impact isnt limited to one type of product. DataWeaves review of thousands of items across major retailers found:

• Clothing costs are up about 11%.

• Home and garden goods have risen roughly 10%.

• Pet supplies, health, and beauty items are up between 6% and 7%.

• Electronics and appliances have increased about 8% on average.
  The report found that retailers are being strategic, raising prices more in categories where shoppers tend to browse for variety or convenience like apparel or dcor and less in areas where consumers buy out of necessity.

What this means for you

For families already stretched by inflation, these small jumps can add up over time. Even a few extra dollars on household staples, pet food, or clothing each month can eat into your budget.

But there are ways to fight back:

1. Compare prices before you click buy. Tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and the Target or Walmart apps can help track prices over time.

2. Shop store brands. Many retailers are keeping private-label products lower in price to attract budget-conscious shoppers.

3. Time your purchases. Electronics and home goods often drop after major sales events or new product launches.

4. Sign up for price alerts. Amazons Watch this deal feature and Walmarts notifications can flag discounts on items you regularly buy.

5. Buy essentials in bulk. Stocking up on nonperishable goods before another round of price hikes can save you in the long run.

Tariffs may seem like a distant policy issue, but they have a very real impact on your wallet. Whether youre shopping for dog food, furniture, or makeup, it pays to stay alert.

Retailers are adjusting quickly, and the savviest consumers are the ones who adjust faster.

When peace of mind costs more than the repair

• Extended warranties make sense on expensive-to-fix items (fridges, ranges, laptops with accidental damage) when the plan clearly covers the parts most likely to fail
• Skip them on cheap, easily replaceable products or when the manufacturer already gives you a long parts/labor warranty youd just be paying twice
• Always read the exclusions and who runs the plan; if it wont cover the big failure or makes you pay shipping/inspection, walk away

Extended warranties are like that Snickers bar staring at you when youre checking out. Theyre super convenient, quite tempting, and often not what you need. But sometimes they actually do make sense. The trick is knowing when an extra year (or three) of coverage is smart and when it just puts money in the sellers pocket.

Below is my plain-English guide on when to buy the extended warranty, when to skip it, and the smart ways to actually use it.

First, what an extended warranty really is (and isnt)

What it is: Its a service contract that you buy separate from the manufacturers warranty that already comes with the product. It can extend how long you're eligible for a repair, give you accidental damage coverage, or even include perks like a loaner device or an in-home repair service.

What it isnt: Dont look at an extended warranty like a magic shield that will protect you from everything. Many plans exclude things like consumables (batteries, filters, pads), cosmetic issues, acts of God, and anything they consider misuse.

Also, be aware that things like deductibles, return shipping, and required inspection fees can chip away at the value.

When an extended warranty is a bad idea

1.Cheapor easy-to-replace items

Unfortunately, many small kitchen appliances and electronics fall into this category. The low price point has made them disposable in recent years.

Im talking about things like toasters, blenders, basic microwaves, entry-level headphones, and even budget printers. A goodrule of thumb is if the warranty costsmore than30% of the replacement cost, skip it. Instead, put that money in the proverbial stuff breaks jar and youll come out ahead in the long run.

2.Products with strong manufacturer coverage already

Some brands already include longer part warranties on critical components like compressors and motors. Or theyll offer first-year bumper-to-bumper plus extended parts coverage. Doubling up your warranty can often be an unnecessary purchase.

Here are some examples worth considering (make sure you register your purchase to take full advantage):

Major appliances: Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung fridges/washers/dryers often have 1 year everything + 510 years on key parts like the sealed system or motor. Paying the retailer again to extend year 1 doesnt add much if the expensive part is already covered.

High-end vacuums: Dyson and Shark frequently give 5-year (Dyson) or multi-year (Shark) coverage on the motor. So buying a 3-year extended plan on top of that is unnecessary.

Power tools: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita all have solid limited warranties, and some offer 35 years on the tool.

Apple/Samsung devices (first year): Phones, tablets, and most smart watches already get a 1-year manufacturer warranty. If youre not prone to drops, buying a plan from a retailerjust duplicates the first year coverage.

3.Plans with exclusions that make them useless

Beware of buying an extended warranty that doesnt protect you from the biggest risks. Surprisingly, these definitely do exist and people still buy them.

Im talking about a plan for your phone/tablet that excludes the screen or battery. Or a plan for your fridge that doesnt cover the sealed system which is the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant lines. Or a plan for your TV that doesnt cover pixel defects. All hard passes.

Also, watch for maintenance required clauses which translates to we only cover it if you maintained it, and its up to you to prove it.

4. Shady warranty administrators

Walk away if the company behind the warranty is tiny, has no national service network, or requires you to ship heavy items at your expense.

Filing a claim is probably going to be a major headache and theyll most likely stall, deny, or annoy you so badly that you'll give up for the sake of your own sanity.

When an extended warranty can be a good idea

1. High-failure, expensive-labor items

Major appliances like fridges with ice makers, ranges with electronics, and washers with control boards are often expensive to diagnose and fix.

If the extended warranty covers parts and labor past the manufacturer warranty, and lists the control board, compressor, or the sealed system as covered, it can be worth it.

2. Portable electronics with accidental damage coverage

Tablets, laptops, and phones typically dont just break. Instead, they get dropped, spilled on, or even sat on. Damage protection plans fordrops, cracks, and liquid is different from yourbasic defect warranty.

So, if youre buying for kids, college, or field work, a plan like this can easily pay for itself on the first oops.

3.Products you cant live without

If a device is super important to your life and it would be a hardship to not have it, an extended plan can buy you time and often a loaner while you wait for the repair or replacement.

Think things like hearing aids, a work laptop, and a fridge or freezer if you live in a rural area.

4.When the plan price is genuinely low

I always recommend that you do some quick math to figure out the risk vs reward.

For example, if your $1,200 oven has a well-known $450 control board failure and your extended plan costs $119 for three extra years, Id consider that to be reasonable insurance. Especially if there was no plan deductible.

How to actually use an extended warranty (and win)

Build a repair file on day one

Im a huge proponent of creating a file folder with the serial number, purchase date, receipt, warranty PDF, photos of the unit, and a list of any issues (even small ones) with dates.

When something fails, youll be able to submit a solidclaim in minutes and youll find that administrators love organized customers.

Speak the adjusters language

Try to use precise terms when filing a claim. Spend a little time researching the problem so you can use the proper term.

Examples include control board failure, sealed system not cooling, pixel defect cluster, or hinge assembly cracked. Ive found that when youre vague, and just say its broken, youre inviting delays.

Dont be afraid to ask for a full swap

Many states have a lemon law in place on major appliances which entitles you to a replacement or refund after a certain number of repairs have been attempted.

Be sure to document all of the work done and be in communication with the repair company and you might just score a free replacement. Its often the quickest way to get on with your life.

Dont miss maintenance proof

If the plan requires regular maintenance (espresso machines, HVAC add-ons, certain appliances), keep basic logs and photos of what youve done. A 30-second note can be the difference between being approved or denied.

Some of these recalls may have been previously reported but they are still in effect

Here are todays top U.S. food recall/outbreak alerts:

• Ready-to-eat pasta meals A nationwide outbreak of Listeriosis linked to readytoeat pasta dishes has resulted in at least six deaths and 27 hospitalizations across 18 states. Fullnotice: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outbreak page

• Jarred tomato sauces First and Last Bakery LLC is recalling three 26oz tomato sauce products sold in CT & MA for possible contamination with Botulism toxin. Fullnotice: Food and Drug Administration recall announcement

• Ice cream mini bars HagenDazs Dark Chocolate IceCream Mini Bars (batchLLA519501, BestByJan312027) are being recalled due to undeclared wheat in packaging, posing a serious allergy risk.