Consumer News: Homebuyers likely to remain in the driver’s seat throughout 2026

As more Americans turn to AI for money advice, experts warn convenience could come with costly blind spots

• More consumers are turning to tools like ChatGPT for budgeting, investing, and financial planning but AI isnt a licensed or regulated advisor.

• Experts warn that AI can lack context, personalization, and accuracy, which can lead to misleading or overly confident financial advice.

• AI works best as a support tool, not a substitute major financial decisions should still be reviewed by a qualified professional.

From building a budget to mapping out investment goals, more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for quick, easy financial advice. Its fast, free, and available 24/7 no appointment required.

But while AI can simplify complex topics and offer helpful starting points, its not a licensed financial professional. And that distinction matters more than many users realize.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with banking industry veteran Raul Landeo, Director of Information Technology at Maspeth Federal Savings, who explained that the rise of AI-driven financial guidance is happening faster than the safeguards around it.

While these tools can be useful for general education or basic planning, they often lack the context, personalization, and accountability needed for major financial decisions. As a result, some consumers may be putting too much trust in advice that isnt regulated and isnt always right.

Making finances easier to understand

Landeo explained that many consumers are using tools like ChatGPT to make finances easier to understand.

They are starting out by using it to explain concepts so it's easier to understand and then they are treating it like a personal financial advisor, Landeo said. This can be either as a substitute for those who do not have one, or as a supplement for those who do, but want more frequent reviews. The main shift is the increased availability of a financial planner.

The risks of trusting AI

If youre going to use AI for financial advice, there need to be safeguards in place.

Any AI solution requires a human at the helm to review its output, Landeo said. True autonomous AI advice is not there yet, so when consumers take advice without a review, there's a risk.

A major risk is where the AI solution does not have all of the information needed to make the best answer and may hallucinate the response just to provide one. Consumers do not know all of the inputs that are required, so a professional is that human at the helm needed to provide those inputs and provide a fiduciary duty.

Lacking regulation

Another important risk to keep in mind: AI tools have no standard regulations. This can be tricky especially when finances are involved.

Fraud remains a constant threat, Landeo said. Regulation provides an oversight that makes companies set up guardrails to minimize this risk.

Also, there is no standard framework for producing AI solutions, so without this, it's highly possible for different AI models to come up with different responses given the same inputs. A lack of personalization creates a risk of assuming all consumers have the same requirements to set up their best financial plans and financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all.

Landeos biggest piece of advice: AI works best in conjunction with a human financial planner.

AI tools can be incredibly useful, given the right environment, he said. While AI has tremendous potential, the current expectation is that all output needs to be verified by a human that fully understands how the specific solution went through the process of developing its output.

As costs climb, a growing number of renters are rethinking what it means to own a homeand whether its even possible anymore

• Nearly six in 10 renters say they dont believe theyll ever own a home, as rising costs continue to outpace incomes.

• High home prices, inflation, and upfront expenses like down payments are the biggest barriers keeping traditional homeownership out of reach.

• As a result, many renters are redefining the American Dreamturning to alternative housing options like container or metal homes as a more attainable path to ownership.

For generations, owning a home has been a cornerstone of the American Dream. But for many renters today, that goal is starting to feel more like a long shot than a life plan.

With home prices surging, everyday expenses climbing, and incomes struggling to keep up, the path to homeownership has become increasingly out of reach.

In fact, new survey data from Alans Factory Outlet shows that nearly six in 10 renters dont believe theyll ever own a home.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Alan Bernau Jr., Owner of Alans Factory Outlet who broke down some of the alternative ways to make owning any kind of home a reality.

Is homeownership unattainable for renters?

The survey found that 56% of renters think that homeownership is unattainable for them at any point in their lifetimes. Bernau explained that several factors contribute to this:

• High home prices

• Inflation

• Incomes are growing slowly

• Down payments are a hurdle

• Taxes

• Insurance

• Maintenance expenses

Alternative housing options

Over 80% of renters surveyed said they couldnt afford to buy a traditional home. However, that doesnt rule out homeownership for alternative options, like container homes or metal homes.

The change is mainly due to the evolution of the concept of homeownership and success in general, Bernau said. For example, 62% of those surveyed still consider themselves successful if they manage to purchase any type of home, even if it does not fall into the traditional definition.

The rise of interest in alternative options is caused by this, with nearly half of renters saying they'd rather invest in a metal or container house rather than rent.

Align expectations with reality

While finances are just one piece of the puzzle, Bernau urges potential alternative homebuyers to be aware of other factors that come into play.

Many renters are aiming for lower price points, with a large share targeting under $100,000 total spend, he said. The problem that might arise is related to some restrictions in terms of zoning or legislation that might prevent placing such structures on a land plot.

Those interested need to remember to factor in all components, like land, setup, compliance, etc., rather than just the cost of the structure itself.

Continuous momentum

Bernau predicts that there is a high probability that this alternative housing trend will continue for a long time.

Sixty-nine percent of renters claim to have stopped believing in the traditional idea of the American Dream, he said. However, this attitude cannot be viewed negatively as they're simply just adjusting expectations. This is what will promote continuous momentum for alternative housing.

What the cage-free label really tells you (and what it doesnt)

• A new lawsuit claims Aldi may have misled shoppers with its cage-free egg marketing.

• Cage-free does not mean outdoor access, as most hens are still raised indoors.

• Knowing how to read egg labels can help you avoid paying a premium for something youre not actually getting.

If youve been paying extra for cage-free eggs thinking chickens are roaming outside, a new lawsuit suggests you may want to take a closer look.

A class-action complaint filed in Chicago accuses Aldi of giving shoppers the wrong impression about its store-brand eggs. According to the lawsuit, packagingand marketing images showing farm scenes and outdoor visualsmay lead consumers to believe the hens have access to an open pasture.

The reality, according to the complaint, is that most cage-free eggs are still produced in large indoor facilities, not outdoor farms.

And that gap between perception and reality is where shoppers may be overpaying as some will grab the carton with a quaint farm image on it thinking the birds live in similar conditions.

What 'cage-free'actually means

Despite the name, cage-free doesnt mean chickens are outside living the farm life.

Under federal guidelines, it generally means:

• Hens are not kept in cages.
• They are typically housed indoors in large barns.
• They may move around, but dont necessarily go outside.

Thats very different from other labels you often see:

• Free-range = some outdoor access (often limited)
• Pasture-raised = regular outdoor access with more space

The bottom line is that cage-free is more about housing style, not the birds lifestyle.

Why the Aldi lawsuit matters for shoppers

The Aldi case is part of a growing wave of lawsuits challenging how eggs are marketed.

The core issue is that shoppers are often willing to pay more for products they believe reflect:

• Better animal welfare
• Higher quality
• More natural conditions

But when labels and imagery suggest more than whats actually delivered, consumers may end up paying a premium based on assumptions, not the facts.

Even small price differences add up over time, especially for households that buy eggs weekly.

How to tell what youre really buying

If you want to avoid confusion (and overspending), heres how to read an egg carton the right way:

1. Dont rely on the front of the package. The front is of the carton is all marketing. Be sure to flip the carton over and look for:

• Clear descriptions of living conditions
• Certification details

2. Look for third-party certifications. These are more reliable than branding alone:

• Certified Humane
• Animal Welfare Approved
• American Humane Certified

These programs typically require stricter standards than basic cage-free.

3. Understand the key labels

Quick cheat sheet:

• Cage-free = No cages, usually indoors
• Free-range = Some outdoor access
• Pasture-raised = Most outdoor access

4. Ignore the farm imagery. Pictures of things like open fields, red barns, and chickens frolicking outdoorscan create a misleading impression.

How to save money on eggs right now

Egg prices are still volatile, so it pays to be strategic.

1. Dont assume cage-free is worth the premium. For many uses like baking or cooking, buying lower-cost eggs work just as well. Save higher-end eggs for when youll actually notice the difference, like in an omelet or when you scramble them.

2. Compare price per eggnot just the label. Look at:

• Cost per dozen
• Cost per individual egg

Start paying attention and youll notice the price difference between conventional and cage-free eggs can be significant.

3. Shop around. Egg prices can vary widely between grocery stores in your town. Be sure to check:

• Discount grocers
• Warehouse clubs
• Local markets

4. Consider local sources. Farm stands and local sellers in your area may offer:

• Competitive pricing
• More transparency about how hens are raised

Just be sure to ask and youll often find eggs from pasture-raised hens at prices similar to what youd pay at the grocery store.

The smart way to support local businesses and still save

• Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are spending more at local businesses, with groceries and dining leading the way.

• The top reason is supporting the local economybut costs can add up quickly if youre not careful.

• A few simple strategies can help you shop local without blowing your monthly budget.

New data from OnDeck shows that Americans are making more purchases at independent businesses, with the average shopper spending a meaningful portion of their budget locally. This is especially the case with local grocers, which accounts for about 37% of local spending.

Younger shoppers are leading the charge, with Millennials and Gen Z making 25% more purchases from independent stores than older generations. Also, nearly half of consumers say they shop local primarily to support their local economy.

While shopping local can feel good, and often delivers better quality, it can also get expensive if youre not careful. The key is knowing where it makes sense to spend local and where to pull back. Heres how to do it smarter.

Focus on the categories where local gives you the most value

If youre interested in trying to buy more local, consider not shifting everything overnight, as your costs will likely jump quite a bit. Instead, start with categories where local businesses tend to compete well on quality and price.

Your best places to start:

• Fresh produce
• Meat and dairy
• Local restaurants
• Specialty or handmade items

These are areas where youre often getting:

• Fresher products
• Less supply chain issues
• More unique options

Its a good idea to start by shifting just one category, and see how it works for you, before expanding to others.

Mix local shopping with big-box stores

The smartest approach isnt "all local"or nothing at all. You dont need to choose between local shops and major retailers.Instead, you can use both strategically.

Try this split:

• Buy staples (paper goods, pantry items) at larger stores
• Buy fresh or specialty items locally

This will help you:

• Keep overall costs down
• Still support local businesses
• Get better quality where it matters most

Plan ahead (this is where most savings come from)

Convenience is where big retailers win, as they have more selection and sometimes lower prices.

If you dont have a plan when shopping local, youre more likely to:

• Make extra trips
• Overspend on impulse items
• Fall back on expensive last-minute options

What to do instead:

• Try to plan meals a few days (or a week) in advance
• Make a shopping list before heading out
• Allow some extra time to shop local

Treat local shopping like a scheduled trip, not necessarily a last-minute stop where youre likely to overspend.

Watch for hidden markups

Some items, especially at local boutiques, restaurants, and artisan shops, can carry a premium price.

Watch for the following:

• Smaller portions at higher prices
• Specialty labels with big markups
• Impulse buys you wouldnt normally make

When possible, the smart move is to compare unit prices just like you would at a grocery store.

Take advantage of the sidebenefits

Many shoppers tend to overlook that shopping local isnt just about price, its also about the value created.

Youre often getting:

• Better customer service
• Higher-quality or fresher products
• Unique items you cant find elsewhere

And perhaps, even more importantly, the money you spend local tends to stay within your community.

Overall, the industry recorded gains in the latest J.D. Power survey

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Overall passenger satisfaction with North American airlines rose eight points year over year despite widespread flight delays, cancellations and higher ticket prices.

• JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines ranked highest in customer satisfaction in their respective travel segments.

• J.D. Power warned that rapidly rising airfare and baggage fees could threaten future customer satisfaction gains.

Despite crowded airports, rising fares and the occasional close call, consumers seem to be fairly pleased with the flying experience. North American airlines improved customer satisfaction scores in 2026, according to the latest J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study.

The study found overall passenger satisfaction increased by eight points on a 1,000-point scale compared with 2025, with gains recorded across first/business, premium economy and economy/basic economy classes.

J.D. Power said the biggest gains came from premium cabins, where satisfaction among first and business class passengers climbed 17 points. Premium economy satisfaction rose 14 points, while economy and basic economy passengers reported a six-point increase.

Returning to basics

Despite many challenges, the airlines returned to basics of passenger communication, friendly service and providing slightly better value for money compared to past years, said Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service at J.D. Power.

Taylor cautioned also said that airlines could struggle to maintain those gains as ticket prices and baggage fees continue to rise sharply in 2026. He noted that airfare on some routes has tripled in recent weeks due to higher fuel costs.

According to the report, improved passenger experiences were driven largely by stronger scores for onboard service, smoother day-of-travel experiences and better perceptions of value for the price paid. J.D. Power said airlines focus on customer service and communication helped offset frustration caused by delays and higher costs.

The winners

In the rankings, JetBlue Airways topped the first/business class segment for the second consecutive year with a score of 759. Delta Air Lines ranked second at 750, followed by Alaska Airlines at 720.

Delta Air Lines led the premium economy segment for the fourth straight year with a score of 736. Alaska Airlines placed second at 720, while JetBlue ranked third at 701.

Southwest Airlines ranked highest in the economy/basic economy category for the fifth consecutive year with a score of 670, narrowly edging Delta Air Lines at 667. JetBlue Airways ranked third at 655.

J.D. Power noted that only three points separated Southwest and Delta in the economy/basic economy category, signaling intensifying competition among carriers serving budget-conscious travelers.

The study surveyed 10,914 passengers who had flown on a major North American airline within one month of completing the questionnaire. Research was conducted between March 2025 and March 2026.