Nationwide, prices rose 0.1% in March

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. home prices rose just 0.1% in March, marking the third straight month of minimal gains.

• Annual price growth slowed to about 1.7%1.9%, the weakest on record dating back to 2012.

• Prices declined in 13 major metro areas, with the biggest drops in Texas markets.

Are home prices going up or going down? It all depends.

In some markets where prices surged during the pandemic, prices are now falling. But in some other markets, where demand has remained steady, home prices are still rising.

So, when you hear that home prices rose 0.1% in March, thats the national average of the top housing markets taken together.

In a new analysis, real estate brokerage Redfin reports that March prices were up roughly 1.7% from a year earlierthe slowest year-over-year growth since Redfin began tracking the data in 2012.

Demand pressures weigh on prices

The sluggish growth reflects softer demand, as many prospective buyers have stepped back from the market. Elevated mortgage ratesrising from about 6% to 6.4% in Marchcombined with economic uncertainty, have reduced affordability and dampened buyer activity.

Redfin economists say these pressures are putting a lid on price growth, contributing to what they describe as an early-stage reset in the housing market.

Supply constraints prevent price declines

Despite weaker demand, home prices have not fallen nationally, largely because inventory remains constrained. Some homeowners are opting not to sell into a softer market, limiting the number of new listings and helping support prices.

There are still more sellers than buyers overall, but the gap has narrowed as both sides hesitate amid uncertain conditions.

Regional disparities widen

While the national trend shows slight growth, local markets are diverging. Prices fell month over month in 13 of the largest U.S. metro areas, with the steepest declines in Fort Worth and Austin, Texas.

At the same time, some markets posted notable gains, including Pittsburgh, West Palm Beach, and San Francisco, highlighting uneven conditions across the country.

Market reset underway

The latest data suggests the housing market is transitioning away from the rapid price growth seen during the pandemic era toward a more balanced environment.

Slower price increases could eventually improve affordability and draw some buyers back, but for now, high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty continue to restrain activity, keeping home price growth near historic lows.

Fears of contamination and chemicals may have been unfounded

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• FDA tested more than 300 infant formula samples in its largest-ever safety study

• Vast majority showed undetectable or very low levels of contaminants

• Agency plans continued testing and potential new limits for chemicals in formula

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday released results from what it called the largest and most comprehensive testing of infant formula ever conducted in the United States, finding that most products meet high safety standards despite trace levels of contaminants.

The agency analyzed more than 300 samples of infant formula sold nationwide, generating over 120,000 data points as part of a sweeping review of chemical contaminants. The testing screened for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, as well as pesticides, PFAS forever chemicals, and phthalates.

According to the FDA, the overwhelming majority of samples contained either undetectable or very low levels of contaminants, reinforcing that the U.S. infant formula supply is safe for consumers. In many cases, contaminant levels were below federal drinking water standards.

Meet high safety standards

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the findings show most products meet high safety standards, while emphasizing that even small exposures remain important for infants.

The testing effort is part of the FDAs broader Operation Stork Speed initiative and its Closer to Zero program, both aimed at reducing contaminants in foods consumed by infants and young children. The initiative was launched amid heightened scrutiny of infant formula safety following past recalls and reports of contaminants.

Work continues

Despite the reassuring results, the FDA said it plans to continue working with manufacturers to further reduce contaminant levels and may establish formal limits for certain chemicals in infant formula. The agency also intends to expand ongoing surveillance, including testing newer products entering the market.

Experts say the findings provide reassurance for parents but also show the need for continued oversight. Some have called on regulators to set clear national standards for contaminants in infant formula to ensure consistent safety benchmarks going forward.

The FDA said it will release additional data from follow-up surveys as part of its commitment to transparency.

The fine print most Amazon shoppers miss

• Most items come with a 30-day return window, but the exact rules can vary depending on the product category and whether its sold by Amazon or a third-party seller.

• Returns arent always free you may pay shipping or see deductions if youre returning something you simply dont want, especially with third-party sellers.

• Start your return early and keep all packaging and accessories to avoid delays, extra fees, or reduced refunds once the item is inspected.

Shopping with Amazon is convenient, but returns can get a little confusing.

Between different return windows, seller rules, and occasional fees, its not always as simple as free returns, no questions asked. But once you understand how their system works, returning items (and avoiding unnecessary costs) becomes much easier.

Heres a full breakdown of Amazons return policy, along with some practical tips to make it work in your favor.

The basics: Most items have a 30-day return window

For the majority of items sold and fulfilled by Amazon, you have 30 days after delivery to return them.

That includes:

• Electronics
• Clothing and shoes
• Household items
• Most third-party seller items (but not all more on that below)

Refunds are typically issued to your original payment method once the item is received and processed.

Start your return as soon as you know something isnt right. You dont need to ship it back immediately, but by initiating the return, it locks in your eligibility and you dont have to worry about missing the return window.

Pro tip: Dont ignore Amazons extended holiday return policy. Every year, items purchased between November 1 and December 31 can be returned through January 31 of the following year. This makes it much easier to shop early for the holidays, since gift recipients still have plenty of time to return or exchange items after the season ends.

Not everything follows the same rules

This is where many Amazon shoppers get tripped up.

Some items have different return windows or restrictions, including:

• Apple products: 15 days
• Amazon Haul items: 15 days
• Digital content (books/music): Seven days (if not used/downloaded)
• Amazon Renewed:
  • 90 days (standard)
  • 365 days (Premium condition)
• Wedding registry gifts: 180 days
• Baby registry items: 365 days
• Holiday purchases: Extended (often until late January)

Non-returnable items include:

• Gift cards
• Downloadable software
• Perishable groceries
• Some personal care items
• Live plants, insects, or hazardous materials

Always check the Return Policy section on the product page before buying.

Pro tip: If youre buying a gift or something seasonal, double-check the return window, as it may be shorter than you expect.

Third-party sellers: Read the fine print

Its important to keep in mind that not everything on Amazon is sold by Amazon itself.

Items sold by third-party sellers may have:

• Different return policies
• Restocking fees
• Buyer-paid return shipping

Most sellers follow Amazons general guidelines, but theyre allowed some flexibility.

Action step: Look for Sold by and Fulfilled by on the product page. When you see Fulfilled by Amazon you know that returns will be easier.

Are Amazon returns really free?

Often returns are completely free with Amazon, but not always.

Free returns typically apply when:

• The item is defective
• The wrong item was sent
• The item arrived damaged

But if youre returning something because you changed your mind, it didnt fit, or you no longer want it, youll typically have to pay return shipping or see a small deduction from your refund.

When selecting a return reason, always be accurate, but also understand that some reasons may trigger fees.

How to return an item (step-by-step)

1. Go to Your Orders
2. Select the item and click Return or Replace
3. Choose a return reason
4. Select your refund method
5. Choose how youll send it back

Youll then get:

• A QR code (no box or label needed at some locations)
• Or a printable return label

Return options: More convenient than ever

Amazon has expanded their return drop-off options significantly.

When you initiate your return, youll be told what your options are in your area.

You can return items at:

• The UPS Store
• FedEx Office
• Kohl's
• Staples
• Whole Foods Market
• Other grocery stores in your area (I have a Save Mart in my town that now takes Amazon returns via a kiosk.)

Many of these locations:

• Pack the item for you
• Dont require a box
• Accept QR codes

Pro tip: Choose the no box, no label option whenever possible, as its the fastest and easiest.

Watch out for restocking fees

In some cases, Amazon may charge a restocking fee, especially if:

• The item is returned used or damaged
• Parts or packaging are missing
• You return it outside the policy guidelines

Action step: Its very smart to keep original packaging and accessories until youre sure youre keeping the item.

Return-less refunds: When you keep the item

Sometimes Amazon will tell you to keep the item and they'll still refund you your money.

These return-less refunds usually happens when:

• The item is low-cost
• Return shipping would cost more than the item
• Theres a quality issue

Youll be told to keep it, donate it, or to discard the item. Ive also had it happen on items that contain liquids or are health related. In most cases, Amazon doesnt want them back, as theyd have to throw them away.

This isnt something you can request, so its not worth trying to game the system to try and get free stuff. But rather, its automatically determined by Amazons internal system.

Common mistakes that cost you money

Even experienced shoppers make these mistakes when it comes to Amazons return policy:

• Waiting too long:If you miss the return window, you may be stuck with the item.

Pro tip: Ive found that if you start a live chat and apologize that you're late on your return, theyll typically make an exception and let you return the item. This is especially the case if the item is still brand new and youre only seven to 14 days past the 30-day window.

• Throwing away packaging too soon:Missing boxes or parts can potentially reduce your refund.
• Not checking seller policies:Those third-party returns can be stricter, so make sure whos fulfilling your order before youcomplete checkout.

You definitely can abuse their policy

If youre returning a large percentage of what you buy, Amazon is going to notice. At some point, they can flag your account and temporarily block you from making additional returns.

The same goes for starting returns and never actually sending the item back. Do it enough times, and it can raise red flags.

Behind the scenes, Amazon tracks something called your concessions limit. I was told this is essentially a threshold amount they assign based on your return and refund history. It could be a $500 threshold, or it could be closer to $1,000 Amazon keeps the actual amount close to their vest.

I was also told they have employees that review accounts and sets these limits for users who they think are pushing the policy too far. If you go over that limit, your account can get labeled for concession abuse.

In plain terms, that means if Amazon sees a pattern of frequent refunds, credits, or return-related requests, theyre not going to keep approving them.

Once youre flagged, future returns can be denied altogether, even if the request would normally qualify.

The good news is that you wont be blindsided. Amazon typically sends a warning email first before taking any action, which gives you a chance to course-correct.

How to avoid returns in the first place

The easiest way to win at returns is to avoid them altogether.

Before buying:

• Read reviews carefully (especially recent reviews, as those tell you what the current version is like).
• Always check sizing charts and product dimensions when available.
• Be sure to look at any customer photos and videos that come from legit buyers.
• Avoid too good to be true listings. Always trust your gut, if the deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.

What to do if your return is denied

If your return is rejected or your refund seems incorrect:

1. Contact Amazon customer service
2. Provide photos or documentation
3. Escalate if needed

Amazon is generally customer-friendly, but you need to be sure to follow up.

What to do when your steak costs more than it should

• Watch the unit price closely: Dont rely on the total, instead compare price per pound across similar meat packages to spot inconsistencies or red flags quickly.

• Double-check weight when unsure: Use in-store scales (or compare similar packages) to catch obvious mismatches between labeled and actual weight.

• Speak up and keep receipts: If something seems off, ask staff to reweigh it and request a refund.

A new investigation out of Canada found major grocery chains overcharging customers for underweight meat. The issue is that some packages appear to be priced with the packaging included in the weight, meaning shoppers are paying for plastic, not just food.

While this report focused on Canadian stores, the takeaway is just as relevant for U.S. shoppers. The fact of the matter is that pricing errors happen, and they can add up quickly, especially as food costs continue to rise.

In some cases, overcharges ranged from a few percentage points to nearly 17%. That might not sound like much, but on higher-priced items like meat, it can mean paying an extra dollar or more per package every time you shop.

Heres how to protect yourself and avoid overpaying.

Why this matters for U.S. shoppers

In both Canada and the U.S., grocery stores are required to price items based on net weight. This means the food only, not the packaging. But errors can still happen at multiple points in the process, from suppliers to in-store labeling.

If youve bought steak recently, you already know meat is one of the most expensive items in your cart. So even small discrepancies can hit your budget harder than you might think.

3 simple ways to avoid overpaying for meat

1. Check the price per poundnot just the total. Always look at the unit price (price per pound or per ounce). If something feels off, like a small package costing more than expected, youd be wise to pause and take a closer look.

Pro tip: Compare similar packages. If two packs look about the same size but clearly have different weights or prices on the tag, thats a red flag.

2. Use the in-store scale when possible

Many grocery stores (especially in the produce section) have scales customers can use. If youre unsure, quickly weigh your package, especially when buying more expensive cuts like rib-eye, filet mignon, and NY strip.

You dont need to be exact, but just by checking whether the number is noticeably off can help you catch issues.

3. Speak up and get a refund if needed

If you think youve been overcharged:

• Bring it up to customer service
• Politely ask them to reweigh the item
• Request a refund or price adjustment

Most stores will correct the issue quickly, and some may even offer a refund bonus depending on local pricing accuracy laws.

Pro tip: Its smart to keep your receipt until youve checked your purchases at home, especially for higher-cost items like meat.

A smart shopper habit that pays off

One of the most effective habits is to spot-check your groceries occasionally.

You dont need to weigh everything, but checking once in a while:

• Keeps stores accountable
• Helps you spot patterns
• Protects your budget over time

New research shows EV adoption may lower fuel prices and strengthen U.S. energy security

• Widespread EV adoption could cut U.S. household energy costs by more than 6% by 2035.

• Reduced gasoline demand may lower prices at the pump even for non-EV drivers.

• The shift could also reduce oil imports and boost U.S. energy exports.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often framed as a personal choice one that benefits drivers willing to invest in newer technology. But new research suggests the ripple effects could extend far beyond individual car owners.

According to a study from Georgia Tech, putting more EVs on the road could actually lower energy costs across the board, including for people who still drive gas-powered cars.

The reasoning is fairly straightforward: when more drivers switch to electricity, demand for gasoline drops. That reduced demand can push down fuel prices, meaning even households without EVs may see savings. At the same time, the study points to broader national impacts, including improved energy security and shifts in how the U.S. participates in global energy markets.

Proponents of eliminating fuel efficiency standards and other EV-boosting policies often frame regulatory approaches as consumer-unfriendly, but our analysis shows that such policies have many long-term benefits, both for consumers and for the nations energy security, researcher Niraj K. Palsule said in a news release.

How researchers modeled the impact

To understand these potential effects, researchers used a version of the National Energy Modeling System a tool designed to simulate how energy is produced, consumed, and priced over time. Their version was tailored to better capture how different parts of the energy system interact with each other.

The study compared multiple policy scenarios between 2022 and 2035. One scenario assumed fewer incentives for EV adoption and weaker fuel efficiency standards. Another modeled a more moderate path forward, incorporating a mix of federal and state-level policies aimed at increasing EV use.

By running these side-by-side simulations, researchers were able to estimate how changes in vehicle technology and policy could influence fuel demand, electricity prices, and overall household energy spending over time.

What the study found

The results point to measurable, if gradual, economic benefits. By 2035, widespread EV adoption could reduce overall household energy bills by more than 6%, including over 4% savings on gasoline alone.

Lower demand for oil plays a key role here. The study estimates oil imports could fall by about 7%, while exports could increase by nearly 4%, shifting the U.S. further toward being a net energy exporter.

Interestingly, the savings arent limited to higher-income households or EV owners. Lower-income households many of whom may still rely on gas-powered cars could see slightly larger percentage savings on energy costs.

There are also secondary effects. As EV adoption grows, advances in battery technology could make energy storage cheaper and more efficient. That, in turn, may help stabilize or even slightly reduce electricity prices, offsetting concerns about increased demand on the grid.

Overall, the study suggests that the economic impact of EVs isnt just about what happens in your driveway its about how shifts in demand reshape the entire energy system.