Consumer News: How to use Costco Travel to save money and book smarter

Coffee prices fell, but milk prices rose

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• November 2025: Grocery prices were largely stable heading into the holiday season, with modest month-to-month changes and declines in a few pantry staples such as coffee and cereal.

• December 2024: Prices a year earlier were generally lower for many essentials, particularly dairy and bread, underscoring how uneven food inflation has been across categories.

• December 2025: The latest data show a mixed picture, with some items returning to year-ago levels, others edging higher, and overall grocery costs remaining elevated.

Grocery prices in December reflected a patchwork of increases, decreases and flat pricing, according to the ConsumerAffairs Datasembly Shopping Cart Index, which tracks the cost of a representative basket of 24 household staples nationwide.

The monthly index shows the cost of the December shopping cart was $147.56, up from $146.29 in November. However, the December cost was down from $151.10 in December 2024.

Comparing December 2025 with November 2025, many prices moved only slightly. A 16-ounce box of penne pasta held steady at $1.96, unchanged from November and matching its December 2024 price.

Two-liter bottles of cola also remained flat at $2.73 across all three periods, highlighting continued price stability in some heavily promoted categories.

Other items showed modest month-to-month shifts. Whole bean coffee fell to $6.02 in December 2025, down from $6.35 in November, extending a gradual easing trend seen throughout the fall. Honey Nut cereal declined to $5.27 from $5.54, while mayonnaise dipped slightly from $5.57 to $5.54.

Milk prices are rising

Not all prices moved lower. Whole milk saw a noticeable increase, rising from $15.64 in November 2025 to $15.87 in December, well above its $12.48 price in December 2024. Waffles increased to $5.39 from $5.34, and condensed chicken noodle soup climbed to $3.10, reversing a dip seen earlier in the year.

Looking back one year, December 2025 prices remain higher than December 2024 for several staples. Bread offers a clear example: honey wheat bread cost $3.78 in December 2025, down sharply from Novembers $5.06 spike but still highlighting volatility compared with a year earlier.

American cheese singles dropped to $5.10, undercutting both November 2025 ($6.05) and December 2024 levels, suggesting some normalization after earlier increases.

Household essentials outside the food aisle continued to edge higher. Laundry detergent rose to $147.56 in December from $146.29 in November, though it remained below its $151.10 price in December 2024. Dish detergent and toilet paper also posted small increases month over month.

Overall, the ConsumerAffairs Datasembly Shopping Cart Index shows that while inflationary pressures have eased in certain categories, grocery prices remain elevated and uneven. For consumers, December brought some relief on select items but little in the way of broad-based price declines as the year came to a close.

The rollout begins this month and will be completed in the spring

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• American Airlines is rolling out free, high-speed Wi-Fi for members of its loyalty program

• Beginning this month, AAdvantage members will get free satellite-based Wi-Fi on more than 2 million American Airlines flights each year, thanks to sponsorship from AT&T.

• The rollout will cover nearly the entire fleet by early spring, making free in-flight connectivity the new standard for most American flights.

American Airlines has announced a new perk for members of its loyalty program free in-flight Wi-Fi, which will be available on more than 2 million American flights a year. The service will be provided by AT&T.

As American celebrates 100 years of delivering industry firsts, including the first loyalty program and first airport lounge, were setting the standard for connectivity in the skies, said Heather Garboden, Americans chief customer officer.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi isnt just a perk its essential for todays travelers. Thats why were proud to begin rolling out this new offering, sponsored by AT&T, across the majority of our fleet. Once roll out is completed, every AAdvantage member can stay connected, stream and share almost anywhere their journey takes them for free.

To make this possible across one of the worlds largest airline networks, the rollout will happen in phases. Starting this month, free high-speed Wi-Fi will begin rolling out across 100% of Americans narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets, and by early spring, it will be available on nearly every American Airlines flight.

Easy access at 35,000 feet

Accessing free Wi-Fi is easy through the upgraded aainflight.com portal. Customers can simply log in using their AAdvantage number and password, then select Free Wi-Fi to start browsing. The new portal is designed for speed, reliability and simplicity, making it effortless to stay connected in flight.

As a long-standing AT&T business customer, American said it found a natural opportunity to join forces with the provider. Both brands share a belief that people should be able to stay connected anywhere, anytime even at 35,000 feet.

At AT&T, connecting changes everything, said Jenifer Robertson, AT&Ts general manager for Mass Markets. By sponsoring free inflight Wi-Fi for American Airlines AAdvantage members, were making it easier for people to stay productive, entertained and in touch from takeoff to landing. Were proud to support this experience for AAdvantage members, helping redefine what it means to travel connected, all courtesy of Americas best, fastest and most reliable network.

The airline stresses that there is no cost to join its AAdvantage program. According to American:

• Anyone can join there is no age minimum to enroll.

• No purchase is required to become a member.

• You need to provide basic personal information, such as:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Country of residence

How to join

• Sign up online at aa.com

• Enroll through the American Airlines mobile app

• Join during a flight via aainflight.com

What members get

Once enrolled, members can:

• Earn AAdvantage miles on American Airlines and partner flights

• Redeem miles for award travel, seat upgrades, and vacation packages

• Work toward elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum)

• Access free in-flight Wi-Fi on eligible American flights

Make sure youre up to date on changes in tax law

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to take steps now to prepare for filing their 2025 federal income tax returns as the 2026 filing season approaches.

• New tax law changes, updated reporting rules and the phaseout of paper refund checks could affect how people file and receive refunds.

• Taxpayers are urged to review IRS resources early to avoid delays and surprises next year.

With the 2026 filing season on the horizon, the Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to start preparing now for their 2025 federal income tax returns. The agency says early preparation can help taxpayers file more accurately, avoid delays and take advantage of new tools and benefits.

A key recommendation is for taxpayers to set up or access their IRS Individual Online Account. Available around the clock, the account allows users to view tax records, make and track payments, manage communication preferences and add security protections to safeguard sensitive information.

The IRS is also urging taxpayers to switch to direct deposit for refunds. Under a presidential executive order aimed at modernizing federal payments, the agency is phasing out paper refund checks. Taxpayers who do not already have a bank account are encouraged to open one so refunds can be delivered electronically, which is generally faster and more secure.

Tax law changes

Several tax law changes taking effect in 2025 could affect eligibility for credits and deductions. Recent legislation, including provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, introduces new tax benefits but also tighter requirements.

For certain credits related to other dependents, both spouses on a joint return must have valid Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers issued by the returns due date, including extensions.

Families may also see a new savings option starting in 2025. Parents and guardians will be able to open Trump Accounts, a new retirement-style savings vehicle for children under 18 who have a valid Social Security number.

A pilot program includes a $1,000 contribution for eligible children who are U.S. citizens born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

Dont forget to report side-hustle income

The IRS is reminding taxpayers that income earned through gig work, side jobs, payment apps or online sales is taxable. Payment card companies will issue Form 1099-K for any amount processed, while payment apps and online marketplaces will issue the form when transactions exceed $20,000 and more than 200 payments during the year.

Digital asset reporting remains another area of focus. Taxpayers who buy, sell or receive cryptocurrency, stablecoins or non-fungible tokens must report those transactions. Some may receive a new Form 1099-DA from brokers, but all taxpayers must answer the digital asset question on Form 1040 and report any related income, gains or losses.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit the Get Ready section of IRS.gov for checklists, updates and information on free filing options as they prepare for the upcoming tax season.

White House says its part of repairing the Latin American nations infrastructure

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• White House says the United States will receive 30 million to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market price, with proceeds managed by the U.S. administration.

• The move follows U.S. military action in Venezuela and a shift in U.S.Venezuela energy policy amid long-standing sanctions.

• Global oil markets reacted with lower crude prices as traders digested the news and its potential impact on supply.

The White House has revealed that Venezuela will provide the United States with 30 million to 50 million barrels of crude oil at market price, a decision that could subtly reshape U.S. supply dynamics and influence energy prices.

President Trump said the oil currently valued at up to roughly $3 billion based on prevailing crude prices would be shipped directly to U.S. ports, sold at prevailing market rates, and the proceeds managed by his administration to benefit American and Venezuelan citizens alike.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of escalating U.S. involvement in Venezuela, including recent military operations that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro by U.S. forces. White House officials have framed the oil arrangement as part of broader efforts to stabilize and eventually expand Venezuelas underperforming oil sector, even as critics deem the U.S. intervention controversial.

Market reaction and energy price impact

Global oil markets responded swiftly. Key benchmarks such as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude saw price declines of more than 2 percent in early trading following the announcement, reflecting investor anticipation of increased supply. Brent crude also edged lower as traders weighed the implications of added Venezuelan barrels entering U.S. channels.

Energy analysts say the effect on consumer energy prices including gasoline and heating fuel could be modest but noticeable in the short term:

• Supply cushion: Adding up to 50 million barrels of imported crude increases available supply, which all else equal can exert downward pressure on oil prices or at least soften price spikes during market stress.

• Refinery feedstock: U.S. refiners often blend heavy Venezuelan crude into fuel blends; more supply could ease margins for these refiners, potentially translating into steadier retail fuel costs.

• Market signaling: Even the expectation of increased supply tends to cool speculative price jumps in futures markets, supporting price stability.

Not likely to affect gas prices much

However, experts caution that the amount roughly two to three days worth of U.S. crude consumption is not large enough on its own to dramatically lower pump prices nationwide. Broader price effects will depend on overall global supply trends, OPEC+ output decisions, and geopolitical developments.

For years, U.S. policy toward Venezuelan oil had been shaped by sanctions aimed at pressuring the Maduro government. Venezuela, long an OPEC member with some of the worlds largest proven oil reserves, saw its production plummet due to economic mismanagement and embargoes. The new White House approach represents a sharp break from previous restrictions, even as the political and legal ramifications remain contentious internationally.

The White House has also indicated plans to involve U.S. energy companies in rehabilitating Venezuelas oil infrastructure, though decades of underinvestment and crumbling facilities mean large-scale production increases will require time and capital.

What happens next

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with implementing the oil transfer plan, and the White House is expected to host energy industry leaders later this week to discuss long-term strategy.

Whether this marks a temporary tactical adjustment or the start of a deeper U.S. energy engagement in Venezuelan crude markets remains to be seen, but early market signals suggest the announcement has already had a calming effect on prices.

Devices not making health claims will get a quicker path to market

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it will ease regulatory requirements for certain consumer wearable health devices.

• Officials say the move is intended to speed innovation while maintaining patient safety.

• Industry groups welcomed the change, while some consumer advocates urged caution.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that it will relax portions of its regulatory framework governing wearable health devices, a move the agency says is designed to encourage innovation and expand consumer access to digital health tools.

The agency used the venue of the CES 2026 show in Las Vegas to make the announcement. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary addressed attendees, saying the FDA needs to move at the speed of Silicon Valley.

Under the updated policy, some wearable devices that track metrics such as heart rate, physical activity, sleep patterns, and other noninvasive indicators will face fewer premarket review requirements. The FDA said the changes will primarily apply to low-risk products intended for general wellness rather than for diagnosing or treating specific medical conditions.

Wearable devices, including smartwatches, fitness bands, and sensor-equipped clothing, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Manufacturers have argued that existing regulatory pathways can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for products that pose minimal risk to consumers.

Will not apply to devices that make medical claims

The FDA emphasized that the relaxed rules will not apply to devices that make medical claims or are used for critical clinical decision-making. Products designed to detect serious conditions, guide treatment, or replace traditional medical devices will still be subject to full regulatory oversight.

Technology companies and digital health startups praised the announcement, saying it could shorten development timelines and lower barriers to entry.

Consumer and patient advocacy groups offered a more cautious response. Some warned that looser oversight could lead to confusion if consumers rely too heavily on wellness devices for medical guidance.

The FDA said it will continue to monitor the wearable device market and adjust its policies as needed. The agency also encouraged manufacturers to follow best practices for data accuracy, cybersecurity, and consumer disclosure, even when formal regulatory requirements are reduced.

The updated guidance is expected to take effect later this year.

What to consider

When choosing a wearable device, consumers should look beyond price and style and consider how the device will actually fit into their health, lifestyle, and privacy needs. Key factors include:

Accuracy and purpose
Not all wearables are designed for the same goals. Some focus on general wellness, like step counts and sleep tracking, while others monitor heart rhythm, blood oxygen, or stress indicators. Consumers should check whether the device is intended for fitness, wellness, or medical supportand understand that most are not diagnostic tools.

Data privacy and security
Wearables collect sensitive personal health data. Buyers should review how the manufacturer stores, uses, and shares that information, whether data is encrypted, and if users can control or delete their data. Clear privacy policies and strong security practices are especially important.

Regulatory status and claims
If a device makes health or medical claims, consumers should check whether it has FDA clearance or authorization. Devices marketed for general wellness typically face less oversight, which can affect how much confidence users should place in the results.

A wearable should work smoothly with a users smartphone, operating system, and preferred apps. Some devices function best within a specific ecosystem and may offer limited features if paired with other platforms.

Since wearables are often worn all day or overnight, comfort matters. Battery life can range from a day to several weeks, and durabilitysuch as water resistance and build qualitycan be important depending on how and where the device will be used.