Consumer News: How to use AI for Black Friday and Christmas shopping (without getting scammed)

A new report shows a widening financial gap, despite widespread confidence in money management

• Findings from a recent report found that women save 45% less than men, reporting higher financial anxiety and lower satisfaction with their money situation.

• Social pressures, caregiving roles, and financial FOMO are major drivers behind the savings gap.

• AI tools may help bridge the gap, offering personalized guidance, habit-building tools, and greater confidence for users who struggle with saving.

Though many young adults say they feel pretty confident managing their money, a new report suggests that confidence isnt translating into financial stability especially for women.

According to new research from Cleo, women are saving 45% less than men each month, putting away about $166 compared to mens $319.

That gap doesnt just show up in bank accounts; it shows up in stress levels, too. Women reported feeling significantly more anxious and less satisfied with their financial situation, highlighting just how uneven the path to financial wellness has become.

To break down these findings, and offer concrete solutions for consumers, ConsumerAffairs interviewed Rob Torres, Lead Financial Expert at Cleo.

Why are women saving less than men?

Torres broke down why this large disparity exists between mens and womens savings accounts.

Several factors are driving the savings gap between men and women, including higher emotional and financial caregiving pressures, Torres explained. Women often face increased anxiety around money and carry greater responsibility for supporting others, which can make it harder to build consistent savings.

Social media is also a factor. Curated online lifestyles may pressure women, who already report lower financial satisfaction, to spend rather than save, undermining long-term money goals.

Bridging the financial health gap

Based on these findings, Torres shared some of the tangible ways that consumers can strengthen their financial health.

We need money tools that actually help women and consumers understand and plan for cost volatility not just statically track spending habits, he said. In order for real change to happen, there has to be an increased focus on behavioral finance. This teaches consumers how to manage impulses, avoid financial FOMO and stay consistent with savings goals.

As a society, we also need greater transparency and normalized conversations about money including debt, struggles, and tradeoffs which are often considered taboo and leave women without relatable benchmarks. Everyones financial situation is different and unique which is why personalized frameworks that align financial behaviors with individual values and goals are more effective than social comparisons seen on social media.

Utilizing AI tools

The Cleo report found that nearly one in four respondents are open to using AI for financial support, signaling a growing trust in digital coaching. Torres explained that these tools can help consumers feel more confident in managing their money.

AI can break cycles of overspending and undersaving by offering personalized insights, helping users understand what they can afford, what can wait, and what aligns with their actual money goals, he said.

Predictive features can warn users about upcoming expenses, reducing the unpredictability that drives anxiety. Habit-building tools and gentle nudges support consistent savingparticularly valuable for users who struggle with self-discipline. AI also provides judgment-free emotional reinforcement, validating decisions and building confidence over time.

A biotech company launches the first study of a weight-loss implant designed specifically for pets

• A pharmaceutical company has begun testing the first GLP-1 weight-loss therapy designed specifically for cats.

• The implant, called OKV-119, slowly releases medication that may curb appetite and support safe weight loss.

• The first cat has officially been dosed in the MEOW-1 study, kicking off clinical trials in real household pets.

For years, pet parents have struggled with the same frustrating cycle: their cat gains weight, they try to cut back on food, the cat protests loudly, and the whole plan falls apart. Anyone with a chubby cat knows how hard it can be to manage feline obesity and how quickly those extra pounds can lead to diabetes, joint stress, and shorter lifespans.

Now, a biotech company called OKAVA is hoping to offer a new option to pet parents.

The company has officially dosed the first cat in a brand-new clinical trial testing OKV-119, the worlds first GLP-1based weight-loss therapy developed for pets. The study, MEOW-1, brings a type of medication that transformed human weight-loss trends into the veterinary world but in a form that fits cats lifestyles much better.

Instead of a pill or injection, OKV-119 is a tiny implant placed under a cats skin by a veterinarian. Once inserted, it slowly releases medication over several months. If it works the way researchers hope, it could gently reduce appetite and help overweight cats lose weight without major daily effort from owners.

"Caloric restriction, or fasting, is one of the most well-established interventions for extending lifespan and improving metabolic health in cats," Michael Klotsman, PhD, MBA, CEO of OKAVA, said in a news release

"But its also one of the hardest to maintain. OKV-119 is designed to mimic many of the physiological effects of fasting improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat mass, and more efficient energy metabolism without requiring significant changes in feeding routines or disrupting the humananimal bond that often centers around food."

How the implant works and what the trial will test

GLP-1 medications have become famous for helping people lose weight by reducing hunger and affecting how the body handles energy.

OKAVAs idea is similar, but tailored to pets: a long-acting implant that quietly does the work in the background.

The MEOW-1 study will follow real household cats who are overweight or obese. Researchers will track how the implant behaves in everyday life how well cats tolerate it, whether it affects appetite, and most importantly, whether it helps them shed weight safely over time. Because the medication releases gradually, the goal is slow, steady progress rather than dramatic or rapid changes.

The hope is that this approach could make weight management far more practical for pet parents who struggle with portion control, multi-cat households, or demanding feline personalities. If successful, OKV-119 could one day give veterinarians a brand-new tool for tackling one of the most common and preventable pet health issues.

The hidden pages and buttons Amazon hopes youre too busy to click

• Use the Amazon app to break the price by tapping through sizes, colors, and pack counts, and compare per-unit prices the non-default option is often cheaper

• Start on the Amazon Coupons page, clip a coupon for something you already buy, then stack it with Subscribe & Save for extra savings (and cancel later if you want)

• Before paying full price, check Amazon Resale for open-box Like New or Very Good items, often 2070% off on electronics, appliances, kids gear, and seasonal stuff

Amazon is really good at convincing you that youre already getting the best possible deal. Limited-time deal, little strikethrough was prices, lightning deals flashing at you from every corner of the screen.

But there are a few features buried on their website that flip the power a bit back in your favor. They dont require promo codes, browser extensions or being glued to your phone 24/7, just a little setup and some patience.

Here are three under-used ways to quietly pay less on Amazon.

1. Use the app to Break the price: sizes, colors, and pack tricks

Amazon rarely charges the same price for every version of the same item. Have you ever noticed that sometimes a different size, color, or pack count is dramatically cheaper for no logical reason? The only way to see it is to start tapping around.

Think of it as breaking the price and looking for the one-off. That one weird variant that the Amazon pricing algorithm forgot to mark up.

How to do it in the Amazon app

The first thing youll want to do is find an item you actually buy regularly. Think items like detergent, T-shirts, or snacks. Then do the following test:

1. Open the product page and scroll just below the main price.
2. Tap through every size option (16 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 3-pack, 6-pack, etc.). Watch how the price changes each time.
3. Do the same with colors and styles. Some colors cost more simply because theyre more popular. Others are weirdly cheaper.
4. Tap Other sellers when they appear. Youll want to do that as sometimes a 3^rd party seller will have the exact item cheaper than Amazon directly, but in a slightly different size or pack. Thats when you want to pounce on the savings.

Pro tip: The key with this tip is to always watch the per-unit price, not just the total price. For example, a giant value pack of a product, that looks like a deal, will often be more expensive per ounce, or per count, than a smaller size in a different color or scent.

Where this hack saves the most

• Household staples: Products like paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, dish soap, trash bags, and pet food.
• Basics with lots of variants: Underwear, socks, shoes, T-shirts, water bottles, storage bins, phone cases.
• Snacks and pantry foods: Different flavors or pack sizes of the same chips, bars, or coffee can vary wildly.

Example: The 120-count pack of trash bags might be more per bag than the 80-count in a different scent. Or the navy hoodie is mysteriously $26 while the black one is $34.

Quick rule of thumb

• I like to always change at least one thing (size, color, pack count) before I buy. Ive found that if you get in the habit of only buying the default option, you end up overspending.
• Also, heres a tip if youre in a rush. Check one smaller size and one larger size and one different color. If the per-unit price doesnt move much, go ahead and buy it. If the price jumps around, its worth a deeper look when you have more time.

2. Stack the Secret coupon page with Subscribe & Save

Amazon has a dedicated coupons hub that most shoppers never think to visit. Instead, they only notice coupons when they happen to see a small orange or green coupon flag under a price on a product page.

You need to actually flip that around and always start on the coupon page, then work backward to the product.

How to use the coupon page:

1. Search for Amazon Coupons in Amazons search bar and it will take you to the main coupons page.
2. You can then filter by category (for example, Grocery, Home, Electronics).
3. Scroll down until you see something you actually buy anyway. Think laundry detergent, trash bags, razors, and snacks.
4. Click Clip coupon before adding the item to your cart. The discount applies automatically at checkout so if you dont clip it, you pay full price even though a coupon was available. Not good.

The secret move: combine with Subscribe & Save

For eligible items, you can stack the following:

• The clipped coupon you found.
• Then stack that with the Subscribe & Save discount which is often 515% off. Sometimes the discount is more depending on how many active subscriptions you have.

That combination will often beat any sale price youll find at your local store.

When this works best

• Try to use this hack when buying non-perishables that youll definitely use. Things like paper towels, dish soap, dog food, toilet paper, and vitamins.
• Are you flexible on the brand? If so, always start from the coupon page and let the coupon decide what you buy, instead of searching your usual brand name and paying more.

Watch-outs

• Track your subscriptions. If prices creep up over time, the subscription discount can mask a higher base price.
• Set reminders to re-check prices every few months and cancel anything thats no longer a deal.

Pro tip: Amazon lets you cancel the subscription as soon as the first product is sent. So if you wanted to sign-up for the Subscribe & Save, get the discount, then cancel, there is nothing stopping you. Just be careful to not do this too much as it might get your account flagged.

3. Shop Amazon Resale (open-box) instead of paying new prices

One of Amazons biggest under-the-radar money-savers is Amazon Resale (used to be called Amazon Warehouse).

Its basically the place where a lot of their returns end up. They are your open-box, pre-owned, and slightly imperfect items sold at a big discount, often in the 2070% off range.

These items are inspected and graded (Like New, Very Good, Good, Acceptable), and most are still eligible for Prime shipping and the standard return window.

How to find Amazon Resale deals

• Search Amazon Resale or Amazon Warehouse in your browser to go directly to the storefront, or
• Look for condition options (Used Like New, Used Very Good, etc.) under the Other sellers section on a product page.

Once youre there:

1. Filter by category (electronics, home & kitchen, tools, baby, etc.).
2. Sort by price or discount size if possible.
3. Read the condition notes carefully. They are usually very good at telling you about any damage. You want to know if the damage is just to the packaging or to the actual product itself.

The products where this saves you the most

• Electronics & gadgets: In particular you can find deals on headphones, laptops, monitors, tablets, routers, and Bluetooth speakers.
• Small appliances: Think things like air fryers, mixers, vacuums, and coffee makers. These items are often returned by shoppers after testing them once and nit-picking a small detail and returning them.
• Kids gear and seasonal items: You can find really good Resale deals on strollers, playpens, patio furniture, and even holiday dcor. All products where you care more about function than if the packaging has a small crease or rip in it.

Things to watch out for

Ive found that items that are good deals can disappear quickly from the Resale section. In other words, if you see a highly discounted Like New item, especially if its something you already planned to buy, youd be smart to buy it quickly. Otherwise, theres a great chance it wont be there the next time you look.

Also, be sure to always double-check that the seller is Amazon (or an Amazon Resale listing) if you care about the standard 30-day return window. Sometimes 3^rd parties have a wonky return policy, so be sure you know what it is before buying from them.

The index marks a decade of progress in measuring age-friendly, livable communities

AARP has released its latest "Livability Index," scoring every community in the country for the services and amenities that improve quality of life.

Why this matters for your wallet

• 7-Eleven paid a record $4.5 million fine for secretly acquiring a gas station without FTC approval

• The company violated a 2018 consent order designed to prevent fuel price manipulation in local markets

• This enforcement action signals stronger merger oversight that could protect consumers from higher gas prices

If you've noticed gas prices varying wildly between stations in your neighborhood, corporate consolidation might be to blame. When big chains gobble up independent stations without proper oversight, it can reduce competition and drive up prices at the pump.

What happened with 7-Eleven

On December 8, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission announced that 7-Eleven will pay a record-breaking $4.5 million penalty for violating antitrust rules. This marks the largest civil penalty ever collected for a prior-notice violation in FTC history.

The violation stems from 7-Eleven's secret acquisition of a fuel outlet in St. Petersburg, Florida, in December 2018. The company was required under a 2018 consent order to notify the FTC before acquiring competing gas stations in 76 specific markets.

Instead, 7-Eleven bought the station without telling anyone. The company didn't inform the FTC about the acquisition until March 2022 more than three years later.

The bigger picture on gas station consolidation

This case originated from 7-Eleven's massive $3.3 billion acquisition of 1,100 Sunoco fuel outlets in 2018. The FTC found this mega-merger would harm competition and raise fuel prices for consumers in 76 local markets.

The consent order was designed to prevent exactly what happened in St. Petersburg stealth acquisitions that reduce competition without regulatory review.

How to protect yourself from gas price manipulation

1. Use gas price apps like GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest stations in your area and avoid price-gouging locations

2. Report suspected price fixing to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov if you notice identical pricing across competing stations

3. Support independent gas stations when possible, as they often offer more competitive pricing than large chains

4. Consider fuel rewards programs that aren't tied to a single chain to maintain flexibility in where you shop

5. Monitor local news for proposed gas station mergers in your area and submit comments to the FTC if you're concerned about reduced competition

What this enforcement means going forward

The FTC is signaling a tougher stance on merger violations under new leadership. Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition, stated that "merger remedies that protect competition are once again on the table."

This aggressive enforcement could prevent future stealth acquisitions that harm consumers. 7-Eleven was also required to sell the St. Petersburg station and commit to additional approval requirements for future purchases.

The bottom line: This record penalty shows regulators are serious about preventing gas station consolidation that drives up prices. While you can't control corporate mergers, you can vote with your wallet by choosing competitive stations and staying informed about proposed acquisitions in your area. The FTC's renewed enforcement efforts could mean more stable gas prices and better competition at the pump.