Consumer News: How to get the low Costco price: no membership required

With inflation rising and financial uncertainty growing, experts say now is the time to rethink spending habits and prepare for higher costs

• Most Americans expect a recession within the next 12 months and are feeling increasingly uncertain about their financial future.

• Instead of spending less, many consumers are changing how they shop by chasing discounts, buying in bulk, and abandoning brand loyalty.

• Financial experts say treating savings opportunities like coupons and cashback as part of your budget can help combat inflation.

Rising prices are once again putting pressure on household budgets, and many Americans are worried the situation could get worse before it gets better.

New research from online shopping rewards platform Smarty found that two-thirds of consumers believe the U.S. economy will enter a recession within the next year, while more than half describe their financial future as uncertain.

The biggest financial pain points continue to be everyday essentials. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say grocery prices have been one of the most difficult increases to absorb, while many are also feeling the strain of higher transportation and gas costs.

As inflation remains stubbornly high, consumers are adjusting the way they shop, save and plan for the future. ConsumerAffairs spoke with Vipin Porwal, CEO of Smarty, who explained that rising costs are no longer viewed as a temporary challenge but as a reality that households are learning to navigate. He shared insights on how consumers can prepare their budgets, stretch their dollars further, and build financial resilience in an uncertain economic environment.

Inflation: from shock to lifestyle constraint

Porwal explained that many consumers are past the phase of feeling shocked about inflation and consistently rising prices. Instead, theyve started adapting their lifestyles to this new normal.

The initial shock has worn off because this is our new reality, Porwal said. Consumers have realized inflation isn't a passing storm, so they're simply adapting.

In my own house, for example, we finally stopped waiting for our favorite local takeout spot to lower their delivery fees. Instead, we bought a decent pizza oven for the backyard. We realized those inflated Friday night food costs aren't reverting, so we changed our lifestyle to work around it.

Restructuring how you buy

Smartys research found that over 50% of Americans are uncertain about their financial futures. However, rising prices havent stopped consumers from spending. Instead, theyre just adjusting how they shop.

Groceries and gas were identified as the most painful price increases, Porwal said You can't just stop buying food or driving, so people are restructuring how they buy.

We're seeing consumers ditch brand loyalty completely. Personally, I used to be a die-hard loyalist to one specific grocery store. Not anymore. Now, my weekend routine is hitting up Costco for bulk proteins and a local discount grocer for pantry staples, and I refuse to fill up my gas tank anywhere other than the station tied to my grocery rewards. It's a bit more running around, but the savings are undeniable.

Rethink your budgeting

With price increases hitting consumers just about everywhere, Porwals best advice is to let go of the set it and forget it mindset when it comes to your expenses.

On top of that, he recommends shoppers start treating cashback and coupons as actual income rather than a nice bonus.

I sat down a few weeks ago and audited my own credit card statement, he said. I was paying for three different streaming services I hadn't watched in months and a premium app I forgot to cancel. Slashing those instantly put about $50 back in my pocket every month, which perfectly covers the exact amount my weekly grocery bill has crept up.

New research shows retailers offer their highest volume of deals in the summer, while many shoppers hold out for Black Friday

• The best time to find deals may be summer, not Black Friday. A new analysis found the highest volume of retail promotions occurs in June and July, months before the holiday shopping season.

• Planning ahead can lead to bigger savings. Experts say shoppers can often save 20% to 40% by buying seasonal items months before they actually need them.

• Travel, electronics, apparel, and home goods all follow predictable sales cycles. Understanding when retailers typically discount these categories can help consumers avoid paying peak-season prices.

For years, holiday shopping events have been marketed as the best time to find major discounts. But new research suggests consumers may want to rethink their timing.

A recent Savings.com analysis of 10.6 million deals found that retailers release their greatest volume of promotions during June and July, creating a mismatch between when shoppers expect deals and when discounts are actually available.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Beth Klongpayabal, Business Analytics Manager at Savings.com, who explained how understanding these seasonal patterns can help consumers plan purchases more strategically and potentially save more throughout the year.

Smart shopping is less about chasing every sale and more about understanding retail cycles, Klongpayabal said. Timing alone can often save you 20% to 40% without changing what you buy.

Summer is the secret deal season

The study found that the five weeks with the most shopping deals all fall in June and July. Not a single one lines up with a major shopping holiday.

Some of the most heavily discounted categories during the summer include:

• Electronics

• Sports and outdoor gear

• Toys

• Groceries

• Apparel

• Beauty products

• Home goods

• Health and wellness items

The research also challenges the idea that post-holiday clearance sales offer the best bargains. Deal volume actually declines in January and February, suggesting that shoppers who hold off until after the holidays may encounter fewer promotions overall.

Another notable finding involves travel. For consumers planning summer vacations, deal availability peaks in May, just before the busiest travel season begins.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that there appears to be a disconnect between when consumers expect deals and when retailers actually offer them. While many shoppers wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, retailers release their largest volume of promotions months earlier, creating more opportunities to save during the summer than during the holiday rush.

For many categories, buying six months ahead can be a smart strategy, Klongpayabal said. If you know you'll be purchasing gifts later in the year, shopping during summer sales events can help you avoid paying holiday-season prices for the exact same products.

In my family, I shop year-round for birthdays and Christmas. It makes the fun last all year and it helps me avoid the Black Friday crowds.

Dont shop when demand is highest

According to Klongpayabal, shoppers want to avoid buying things when demand is highest.

For example, patio furniture is most expensive at the start of summer, winter apparel costs more before cold weather arrives, and many electronics are pricier immediately after new models launch, she said.

Shopping during peak demand often means paying a premium. This makes planning ahead even more of a win.

When you need an item isnt always the best time to buy

One of Klongpayabals best pieces of advice: separate when you need an item from when you buy it.

The consumers who save the most are the ones who plan purchases months in advance and buy seasonal products during clearance periods rather than when they're actually in season. Of course, there are some purchases that you just can't plan ahead for, but there are a few categories where a little planning means big savings.

Its also important to note that these findings hold up regardless of whether shoppers choose to shop online or in stores. Additionally, the same trends pop up year after year, so its something to keep in mind for future sales cycles.

While specific sale events may evolve, the underlying patterns tend to be consistent because they're tied to inventory turnover, product release schedules, and seasonal demand, Klongpayabals said. Retailers may change the names of promotions, but the best times to buy many categories remain fairly predictable from year to year.

Don't renew your policy until you've tried these money-saving strategies

• Homeowners insurance is getting more expensive: Rising construction costs, severe weather, and larger claims are driving premiums higher across the country.

• Don't automatically renew your policy: Shopping around, bundling coverage, and raising your deductible can often lead to meaningful savings.

• Look for overlooked discounts: Security systems, smart-home devices, updated electrical systems, and avoiding small claims may all help keep premiums lower.

For many homeowners, insurance has become one of the fastest-growing household expenses.

Premiums have climbed sharply in recent years, as insurers face rising construction costs, more severe weather events, and increasingly expensive claims. In some areas, homeowners are seeing annual increases of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The trend has become so widespread that CNBC recently examined some of the most effective ways homeowners can reduce their insurance costs without sacrificing important coverage.

While there's no magic solution, experts say several strategies can help lower your bill.

Shop around before every renewal

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is automatically renewing with the same insurer every year.

According to experts interviewed by CNBC, insurance companies calculate risk differently, meaning two carriers can charge dramatically different premiums for nearly identical coverage.

The company that offered the best rate five years ago may no longer be the cheapest option today. Getting quotes from multiple insurers before every renewal can often uncover significant savings.

Pro tip: Start shopping about 30 days before your policy renews. This gives you enough time to compare both pricing and coverage details.

Raise your deductible

If you're looking for a quick way to reduce your premium, consider increasing your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in after a claim.

Choosing a higher deductible generally lowers your annual premium because you're agreeing to assume more of the risk yourself.

For example, increasing a deductible from $500 to $1,000 or even $2,500, can often generate meaningful savings. Of course, this strategy only makes sense if you have enough money set aside to cover the higher deductible in an emergency.

Pro tip: Keep your deductible amount in a dedicated emergency fund so you're prepared if you ever need to file a claim.

Bundle your insurance policies

Bundling remains one of the easiest ways to save money. Many insurers offer discounts when customers purchase both homeowners and auto insurance from the same company.

According to CNBC, bundling is frequently one of the first recommendations insurance agents make because it can produce immediate savings with very little effort.

Just don't assume your current insurer offers the best bundle. A competing company may still offer a lower combined price.

Think carefully before filing small claims

Insurance is designed to protect you from major financial losses. But filing several small claims over time can sometimes contribute to higher premiums.

That's why some insurance professionals recommend paying out of pocket for minor repairs when the cost is only slightly above your deductible. The goal isn't to avoid legitimate claims. Rather, it's to be strategic about when filing makes financial sense.

A small claim today could potentially affect your rates for years.

Pro tip: Before filing a claim, its smart to get a repair estimate first. You may discover the damage isn't as expensive as you initially thought and you can avoid a claim by paying out-of-pocket.

Ask about every available discount

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how many discounts insurers offer.

According to experts cited by CNBC, potential savings may be available for:

• Security systems

• Smoke detectors

• Water leak sensors

• Impact-resistant roofing

• Updated electrical systems

• Smart-home monitoring devices

Some discounts may only save a few percentage points, but multiple discounts can add up over time. Insurance companies are often happy to reward homeowners who reduce the likelihood of future claims.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of calling your insurer once a year and ask for a complete discount review. New programs and incentives are added regularly.

A new survey finds most Americans view GLP-1 medications as legitimate healthcare tools, yet many users still face judgment for taking them

• Most Americans see GLP-1 medications as legitimate healthcare tools, not shortcuts, according to a new survey from ZipHealth.

• Despite growing acceptance, nearly half of current and former GLP-1 users say they've experienced judgment or stigma for using the medications.

• Experts say misconceptions about obesity and weight loss continue to shape public attitudes, even as understanding of GLP-1s improves.

GLP-1 medications have become some of the most talked-about drugs in America, helping people manage diabetes and, in many cases, lose significant amounts of weight. But despite growing use and increasing evidence of their benefits, these medications remain surrounded by debate, misconceptions, and social judgment.

A new survey from ZipHealth suggests that public opinion may be more supportive than many people realize.

Most Americans view GLP-1 medications as a legitimate healthcare tool rather than a shortcut, and many believe weight-loss stigma has unfairly influenced how the drugs are perceived. Even so, nearly half of current and former users say they have experienced judgment for taking them, highlighting a gap between public attitudes and personal experiences.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Zoe Lees, Ph.D., Medical Writer at ZipHealth, who explained that understanding where that stigma comes from and how it affects people seeking treatment is an important step toward changing the conversation around obesity, diabetes, and medical care.

The biggest misconceptions

Dr. Lees explained that one of the biggest misconceptions about GLP-1s is that they are simply a shortcut to weight loss.

In reality, these medicines work by targeting biological pathways involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control, she said.

Another one is that theyre used solely for weight management. While many people now associate GLP-1s with weight loss, they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and continue to play an important role in managing a range of metabolic health conditions. Our survey suggests that public awareness of GLP-1s is high, but understanding of their broader medical applications remains limited.

Is it an easy way out?

ZipHealths survey found that 26% of the public still thinks GLP-1s are an easy way out when it comes to weight loss.

For years, weight loss was framed as a matter of willpower and personal responsibility, so treatments that address the underlying biology of obesity can sometimes be unfairly seen as taking a shortcut, Dr. Lees said.

Obesity is now classified as a complex, chronic medical condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. GLP-1 medications are designed to address some of the underlying mechanisms involved in appetite regulation and metabolism.

Additionally, 65% of survey respondents believe weight-loss stigma has unfairly shaped public opinion of these medications.

This suggests that while attitudes are becoming more positive overall, stigma continues to influence how some people view medical treatment for weight management, Dr. Lees said.

The impact of stigma

One of the risks of this stigma is patient adherence to the medication when theyre prescribed it for weight loss.

For some people, fear of being judged may discourage them from seeking support for their weight in the first place, while others may feel reluctant to tell friends, family or even healthcare professionals that theyre using a GLP-1 medication, Dr. Lees said.

Our survey found that nearly half of current and previous GLP-1 users reported feeling judged because of their treatment. Experiences like these can leave people feeling isolated and less confident discussing their health goals openly. While factors like cost and access remain major barriers to treatment, reducing stigma is still important to make sure that people feel comfortable seeking evidence-based care.

Getting past the judgment

If youve been prescribed GLP-1s and you worry about judgment from loved onesor strangersDr. Lees has some advice.

• Focus on your own health goals and the guidance of your healthcare provider. Dont worry about the opinions of others. Decisions about treatment should be based on what is clinically appropriate for you, rather than social media commentary or assumptions about what other people may think.

• Public attitudes actually might be more supportive than people realize. While stigma still exists, these findings suggest that most people recognise the value of evidence based treatments. There shouldnt be any shame in using a medication that improves your overall health and wellbeing.

Its the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Childhood drowning remains the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1 to 4, according to a new Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report.

• An average of 376 children under 15 fatally drowned in pool- or spa-related incidents each year from 2021 to 2023, with nearly 80% of victims younger than 5.

• The CPSC is urging parents to strengthen water safety measures as summer swimming season reaches its peak, and the agency plans to convene a national roundtable on drowning prevention.

Childhood drowning continues to pose a significant public safety risk in the United States, with fatalities increasing in 2023, and most incidents occurring at residential pools and spas, according to a new report released Wednesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The report found that drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. From 2021 through 2023, an average of 376 children younger than 15 died each year in pool- or spa-related drowning incidents, with nearly four out of five victims under the age of 5.

In 2023, 379 children died in pool- or spa-related drownings, a 6% increase from the 359 fatalities reported the previous year. More than 70% of fatal drownings between 2021 and 2023 occurred at residential locations, including the victim's home or the home of a relative, friend, or neighbor. Between 2023 and 2025, an estimated 5,900 children under 15 were treated annually in hospital emergency departments for nonfatal pool- or spa-related drowning injuries.

"Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4, and this year's report makes clear that these tragedies continue to take an unacceptable toll on American families," Peter A. Feldman, acting CPSC Chairman, said in a statement accompanying the report.

As families spend more time around pools during the summer, the agency urged parents and caregivers to maintain constant supervision around water by designating a distraction-free "Water Watcher." The commission also recommended installing multiple layers of protection, including pool fencing, self-closing and self-latching gates, door alarms, and pool covers to prevent unsupervised access.

What to do

The CPSC also advised consumers to check whether their pools or related equipment have been recalled. Earlier this year, the agency announced the recall of approximately five million above-ground pools after child drowning deaths linked to compression straps that could be used as footholds for climbing into pools. Officials also encouraged pool owners to secure or remove above-ground pool ladders when pools are not in use.

Additional recommendations include teaching children to swim, learning CPR, keeping children away from pool drains, and ensuring pools and spas are equipped with federally compliant drain covers to reduce entrapment risks.

The commission said it will continue evaluating its drowning prevention efforts and plans to host a National Roundtable on Childhood Drowning Prevention later this month, bringing together safety experts to identify evidence-based strategies for reducing childhood drownings and strengthening future agency initiatives.