Consumer News: Start your Black Friday prep now: expert tips that’ll save you big

Frugality never goes out of styleeven after 250 years

• Founding Fathers advice on avoiding debt, limiting waste, and living below your means remains surprisingly relevant.

• Small habits can save big money by cutting unused subscriptions, repair instead of replace, and pause before making impulse purchases.

• Even brilliant people made financial mistakes as Thomas Jefferson's debt shows that earning more doesn't matter if you spend even more.

As America recovers from all of the 250th anniversary celebrations, it's worth looking back at some of the financial lessons that helped shape the nation's earliest leaders.

While the Founding Fathers didn't have credit cards, online shopping, or subscription services, they absolutely faced economic uncertainty and rising prices. Some became models of frugality, while others made costly money mistakes that still serve as cautionary tales today.

Here are seven timeless lessons consumers can still apply.

1. Benjamin Franklin: Beware of the little expenses

If there was a personal finance guru among the Founding Fathers, it was definitely Benjamin Franklin.

In Poor Richard's Almanack, Franklin famously wrote:

"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship."

More than 250 years later, that advice may be more relevant than ever. Small recurring charges like streaming subscriptions, food delivery fees, premium apps, and impulse online purchases can quietly drain hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

Today's takeaway: Review your recurring expenses every few months. Eliminating just a few unused subscriptions can create surprisingly meaningful savings.

2. Benjamin Franklin: Avoid unnecessary debt

Franklin also warned against borrowing money unnecessarily, writing:

"Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt."

While today's economy often requires mortgages, auto loans, and student loans, the principle remains sound: avoid carrying high-interest debt whenever possible.

Today's takeaway: Pay off credit card balances each month whenever you can, and avoid financing purchases that quickly lose value.

Pro tip: Make your budget a family conversation. John and Abigail Adams regularly discussed household finances and priorities. Setting aside a monthly "money meeting" can help everyone stay on the same page and work toward shared financial goals. Abigail kept careful records of expenses while managing the family farm, proving that knowing where your money goes is the first step toward keeping more of it.

3. George Washington: Waste as little as possible

At Mount Vernon, George Washington carefully managed one of America's largest estates. Supplies were repaired, materials were reused, and waste was kept to a minimum whenever practical.

The goal wasn't environmentalism, but rather it was all about simple economics.

Today's takeaway: Before replacing something, ask whether it can be repaired. Maintaining appliances, vehicles, clothing, and tools often costs far less than buying new ones.

4. George Washington: Grow what you can

Washington's estate also included productive vegetable gardens, orchards, grain fields, and livestock that supplied much of what the household consumed.

Few people today have 8,000 acres, but the lesson still applies.

Today's takeaway: Even a small backyard or patio garden can produce herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or lettuce that reduce grocery costs throughout the growing season.

5. Benjamin Franklin: Think long term

Franklin also believed that careful planning and delayed gratification were keys to financial success. He encouraged saving, investing in education, and making thoughtful purchases rather than impulsive ones.

Today's takeaway: Before making a major purchase, give yourself at least 24 hours to decide. A short pause can prevent those expensive impulse buys.

6. Samuel Adams: You don't need luxury to live well

Unlike some of his fellow founders, Samuel Adams spent much of his life with modest financial means. He lived relatively simply and focused more on public service than accumulating wealth.

Today's takeaway: Financial security isn't about owning the most expensive home, car, or gadgets. Living below your means remains one of the most effective ways to build wealth.

7. Thomas Jefferson: Income doesn't guarantee financial success

Not every Founding Father practiced sound financial management.

Thomas Jefferson, despite his extraordinary intellect and accomplishments, accumulated massive debts through years of expensive building projects, imported luxury goods, and overspending. When he died in 1826, his estate had to be sold to satisfy creditors.

His story serves as an important reminder that earning, or even possessing significant wealth, doesn't automatically lead to financial stability. Lifestyle inflation can affect anyone. As income grows, avoid automatically increasing spending at the same pace.

Pro tip: Build an emergency fund before chasing bigger financial goals. Alexander Hamilton spent much of his career focused on strengthening the nation's finances through planning and preparation. Having three to six months of essential expenses saved can help you weather unexpected setbacks without relying on high-interest debt.

The bottom line

America has changed dramatically over the past 250 years, but many of the financial principles that helped shape the nation's early leaders remain surprisingly timeless.

Watch the small expenses. Avoid unnecessary debt. Repair instead of replace. Grow what you can. Live below your means. And remember that even brilliant people can make costly financial mistakes.

Those lessons were valuable in 1776, and they're just as useful for consumers today.

Don't let wholesome packaging fool your shopping cart

• Don't trust the packaging. Words like whole grain, honey, and oats can make cereals seem healthier than they really are.

• Compare varieties carefully. Even trusted brands can have flavored versions with significantly more added sugar than the original.

• Read the Nutrition Facts label. Aim for cereals with 10 grams or less of added sugar, at least 3 grams of fiber, and as much protein as possible.

Words like "whole grain," "honey," "oats," and "protein" can make a cereal seem like a healthy way to start the day. But according to a recent roundup by Tasting Table, several cereals with wholesome-sounding names or healthy-looking packaging still contain surprisingly high amounts of added sugar.

The publication consulted registered dietitians to identify cereals they recommend limiting on your pantry shelf. Not just because of the sugar levels, but also because many are low in fiber and protein, making them less filling than consumers might expect.

Here are five cereals that may not be as healthy as their packaging suggests.

Cheerios Oat Crunch Oats 'N Honey

Original Cheerios has only one gram of sugar in 1.5 cups. This stuff packs a whopping 15 grams of sugar in just one cup. Yes, they shrunk the serving size on the box, otherwise 1.5 cups would have well over 20 grams of sugar.

So, while the Cheerios name gives this cereal a healthy reputation, this version contains considerably more added sugar than Original Cheerios.

While oats and whole grains are part of the recipe, the added sweetness makes it less nutritious than many shoppers assume.

If you like Cheerios, be sure to compare the Nutrition Facts labels, as there are now many varieties available. I have yet to find a variety that has sugar levels as low as the original.

Special K Chocolatey Delights

For years, Special K has been marketed as a better-for-you cereal, but the chocolate variety tells a different story.

Dietitians point to its added sugar (12 grams per cup) and refined ingredients, saying it's closer to a sweet snack than a balanced breakfast.

Don't assume every cereal in a healthy brand lineup is equally nutritious. Flavored varieties often contain much more sugar than the original.

Honey Ohs

With words like "Honey" and images of golden cereal pieces, Honey Ohs looks like a fairly wholesome breakfast option.

Nutritionists say the reality is different, citing multiple added sweeteners (18 grams of sugar per cup) and relatively little fiber to balance them out. It actually has more sugar than the Oreos cereal.

Shopping tip: Ignore buzzwords on the front of the box and check the "Added Sugars" line on the Nutrition Facts panel.

Honey Smacks

Whole-grain wheat is the first ingredient, but it's quickly followed by several forms of added sugar.

Nutritionists say a single serving contains about 18 grams of added sugar, making it one of the sweeter cereals in the aisle.

Shopping tip: A cereal can contain whole grains and still be high in sugar. Thats why its so important to look at the full nutrition label before assuming it's a healthy choice.

Apple Jacks

The name and colorful apples on the box may suggest fruit, but experts note that the cereal gets its apple flavor primarily from added flavorings rather than real fruit.

Combined with its sugar content (13 grams of sugar per cup), it's another example of marketing creating a "health halo."

Shopping tip: Pictures of fruit don't necessarily mean a cereal contains meaningful amounts of fruit. Especially when fruit is spelled froot.

The cereals that probably won't surprise you

Nutritionists also included several cereals that most shoppers already recognize as treats rather than health foods, including:

• Golden Crisp

• Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries

• Marshmallow Fruity Pebbles

• Oreo Puffs

• Krave Double Chocolate Brownie Batter

Shop smarter in the cereal aisle

Rather than judging a cereal by its front label, flip the box over and read the Nutrition Facts panel.

Nutrition experts generally recommend choosing cereals with 10 grams or less of added sugar, at least three grams of fiber, and as much protein as possible. Pairing cereal with Greek yogurt, nuts, or fresh fruit can also create a more balanced breakfast.

New federal action targets concentrated compounds sold nationwide

• The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plans to temporarily place 7-OH and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

• The action focuses on highly concentrated, synthetic products not botanical kratom products that contain naturally occurring 7-OH below a specified threshold.

• Once the temporary scheduling takes effect, the manufacture, sale, distribution, and possession of covered substances will be subject to federal criminal, civil, and administrative laws.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is taking action against a group of substances that officials say pose a growing threat to public safety.

On July 1, the agency announced that it has filed notices of intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

Before making the move, the Department of Health and Human Services determined that synthetic 7-OH and the related substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. According to the DEA, the temporary scheduling is intended to give law enforcement and public health agencies additional tools to respond to what it describes as an emerging threat.

Temporarily scheduling these substances underscores the emphasis this Administration has put on the safety, health and well-being of the American people, DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said in a news release.

This action gives law enforcement and public health partners the tools needed to address this emerging threat. We appreciate the FDA's scientific expertise and our continued partnership with HHS to address emerging threats, and we will continue to act aggressively when dangerous substances threaten Americans.

What the DEA is changing

The DEA submitted two separate Notices of Intent. One applies to 7-OH above a specified threshold, while the other covers three related substances: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), MGM-15, and MGM-16.

If the temporary scheduling orders take effect, the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of the covered substances will become subject to federal criminal, civil, and administrative penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.

The agency emphasized that this action is not aimed at all kratom products. Instead, it specifically targets synthesized products and products containing elevated concentrations of 7-OH above the threshold outlined in the scheduling order.

According to the DEA, naturally occurring 7-OH is present only in trace amounts in the Mitragyna speciosa plant, while laboratory testing has found that many commercial products contain much higher concentrations.

Officials also noted that products containing semi-synthetic 7-OH have become increasingly common online and in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, where they're sold as powders, capsules, tablets, gummies, and dissolvable strips.

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the biggest takeaway is that the DEA's announcement does not apply to every botanical kratom product. The agency says the temporary scheduling is directed at synthesized products and those with elevated levels of 7-OH that exceed the specified threshold.

If the temporary scheduling takes effect, products covered by the order would become subject to the same federal restrictions that apply to other Schedule I controlled substances. That means their manufacture, sale, distribution, and possession would be prohibited under federal law.

The DEA says the move is part of a broader effort to address the opioid epidemic and protect the public from dangerous synthetic drugs that it believes present unpredictable risks.

New research finds weight-loss drug could influence energy use in unexpected ways

• A new clinical trial suggests tirzepatide may activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to produce heat.

• Researchers used advanced imaging before and after 24 weeks of treatment to measure changes in brown fat activity.

• The findings suggest tirzepatide may affect both appetite and how the body uses energy, though more research is needed.

Tirzepatide has become well known for helping people lose weight by reducing appetite and making it easier to eat smaller portions. But new research presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, suggests the medication may have another effect happening behind the scenes.

Researchers found evidence that tirzepatide activates brown adipose tissue, often called brown fat. Unlike the more familiar white fat, which stores energy, brown fat burns calories to produce heat.

Scientists have known for years that adults have brown fat, but it tends to be much less active in people with obesity. Until now, exposure to moderate cold temperatures has been considered its strongest known activator.

The new findings raise the possibility that tirzepatide doesn't simply help people eat less it may also influence how the body expends energy. According to the researchers, this represents an important step toward understanding the medication's full range of effects.

How the researchers studied brown fat

To investigate the question, researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving premenopausal women with obesity.

Participants underwent specialized imaging before starting treatment and again after 24 weeks. The research team used cold-stimulated PET/CT scans along with MRI imaging to evaluate both the activity and volume of brown adipose tissue.

In the trial, we asked a different question: beyond eating less, does tirzepatide also change how the body burns energy specifically through brown adipose tissue, a metabolically active type of fat that produces heat and consumes calories? researcher Rok Herman, M.D., said in a news release.

The team also examined whether there were signs that white fat beneath the skin might begin taking on characteristics of more metabolically active "beige" fat, which shares some properties with brown fat.

What the results could mean

After 24 weeks, the researchers found that tirzepatide significantly increased both the activity and volume of brown adipose tissue.

The percentage of participants with PET/CT-detectable brown fat activity rose from 41.2% before treatment to 64.7% afterward, while the placebo group did not experience a similar change. The imaging also suggested possible signs that some white fat was becoming more like calorie-burning beige fat.

The researchers say these findings add another piece to the puzzle of how newer anti-obesity medications work. Rather than acting only as appetite suppressants, tirzepatide may also influence energy expenditure at the tissue level.

This adds a new layer to how we understand the new generation of anti-obesity medications, Dr. Herman said. They are not only appetite suppressants tirzepatide also appears to modulate energy expenditure at the tissue level, opening a plausible path toward future therapies that combine appetite regulation with thermogenic activation.

They caution that additional research is needed, but believe future studies could explore whether targeting brown and beige fat activity might become part of a more tailored approach to obesity treatment.

Large study suggests inherited genetics play a bigger role than expected

• A study of more than 86,000 children found that the link between parents' and children's BMI is largely explained by shared genetics.

• Researchers found little evidence that a mother's BMI during pregnancy has a major effect on a child's risk of obesity later in childhood beyond inherited genes.

• The findings don't mean childhood obesity is inevitable, as environment and lifestyle still influence how genetic risk is expressed.

If obesity tends to run in families, is it because children inherit their parents' habits, or because they inherit their parents' genes? A new international study suggests genetics account for much of the connection between parents' body weight and their children's weight during early childhood.

Researchers say higher body mass index (BMI) in parents has long been linked with higher BMI in their children, but it's been difficult to determine whether that relationship is driven by pregnancy-related biological effects, family environment, or inherited genetics. Understanding the answer could help shape future approaches to preventing childhood obesity.

The researchers note that maintaining a healthy weight remains important for many reasons, particularly during pregnancy. However, their findings suggest that reducing a parent's BMI before conception alone may not substantially lower a child's likelihood of developing obesity later in childhood.

Obesity runs in families, but it is difficult to work out why this is, researcher Dr. Tom Bond said in a news release.

Our results suggest that the link between a mother's or father's body mass index and their children's BMI up to age 8 is mostly due to inherited genes. Expectant parents should be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, but this may not be enough to ensure that their children also have a healthy weight.

Looking at more than 86,000 families

For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, a large, long-running project that followed children born between 1999 and 2009.

The analysis included approximately 86,000 children. Researchers examined information on parents' BMI, children's birth weight, and children's BMI from 6 months through 8 years of age. They also looked at appetite-related eating behaviors when the children were 8 years old, including food responsiveness and emotional overeating.

Rather than simply comparing parents and children, the research team used statistical modeling to estimate how much of the relationship between parental BMI and childhood BMI could be attributed to shared genetics versus other possible influences, such as conditions during pregnancy.

They also explored whether maternal BMI during pregnancy affected birth weight and later childhood obesity risk.

What the researchers found

The results suggest that inherited genetics explained an estimated 79% of the statistical association between mothers' BMI and their children's BMI at age 8, and about 94% of the association between fathers' BMI and their children's BMI.

The researchers also found that higher parental BMI was associated with obesity-related eating behaviors in children, although they said they could not determine exactly how much of those behaviors were influenced by genetics.

Maternal BMI during pregnancy did appear to affect babies' birth weight, but researchers found little evidence that it had a large impact on a child's risk of obesity later in childhood beyond the genes passed from parent to child.

The researchers emphasize that these findings should not be interpreted to mean a child's future weight is predetermined. They note that children who inherit a genetic tendency toward a higher BMI may still experience different outcomes depending on their environment and lifestyle. They also stress that maternal obesity remains an important health concern because it is associated with other pregnancy and birth complications for both mothers and babies.