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Younger users report more issues, have reduced phone usage

• U.S. wireless carriers are averaging nine or fewer problems per 100 uses, according to a new J.D. Power study

• Network quality remained steady across regions and major providers over the past year

• Younger mobile users reported more issues and reduced phone usage compared with earlier results

U.S. wireless networks continue to deliver strong, consistent performance across major carriers, with customers reporting relatively few service problems over the past year, according to a new J.D. Power study released today.

The2026 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance StudyVolume 1found that the wireless industry averaged nine or fewer problems per 100 uses (PP100), a key benchmark used to measure network reliability. That level has remained stable across regions and providers despite increasing demand from data-heavy activities such as streaming and video calls.

Despite generational differences in the types of problems experienced, one thing is clear: wireless network quality is strong, said Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power. Younger consumers continue to push network limits through streaming and video calls, yet the industry has responded with resilience.

Younger users report more issues

The study found that younger mobile users, who typically engage with their phones more frequently, reported a higher number of network problems than older users. They also indicated spending less time on their devices compared with results from the previous volume of the study.

J.D. Power attributed the trend to heavier use of bandwidth-intensive features, which can expose performance issues even as overall network quality remains strong.

Regional carrier rankings

Carrier performance varied slightly by region, though scores remained tightly clustered nationwide.

• Mid-Atlantic:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied for highest ranking at 8 PP100, matching the regional average.

• North Central:Verizon Wireless ranked highest at 6 PP100, followed by UScellular at 7 PP100 and T-Mobile at 8 PP100.

• Northeast:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied at 9 PP100, equal to the regional average.

• Southeast:T-Mobile ranked highest at 8 PP100, with AT&T and Verizon Wireless tied for second at 9 PP100.

• Southwest:T-Mobile led with 8 PP100, followed by Verizon Wireless at 9 PP100.

• West:T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless tied at 9 PP100.

About the study

The 2026 study is based on responses from 20,050 wireless customers and was conducted between June and November 2025. It evaluates network performance across six U.S. regions and includes assessments of wireless phones, tablets, and mobile broadband devices.

The few weeks when upgrading a TV actually makes sense

• Three price pressures are hitting at once - Post-holiday overstock, CES new-model announcements, and Super Bowl sales are all colliding, forcing retailers to cut prices to move inventory not just run flashy sales.

• Last years models get discounted fast - CES instantly makes 2025 TVs feel old, even though real-world differences are minimal. Retailers slash prices to clear them before new models fully arrive.

• The window doesnt last - Once Super Bowl sales end and spring models roll out, discounts fade quickly. This is one of the few times TV prices actually reflect true value.

If youre thinking about upgrading your current TV, there are some factors at play making this a great time to find a deal, even better than Black Friday in most cases.

Between post-holiday inventory overstocks, new model announcements coming out of Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and retailers leaning hard into promotions tied to the Super Bowl, TV prices are being pushed down from multiple directions at once.

Heres exactly how to take advantage of this perfect storm and how long the window tends to last.

Why buying last years TV is asmartmove

CES is one of the biggest forces pushing TV prices down each January.

Manufacturers use CES to preview their upcoming 2026 lineups which typically include brighter panels, thinner bezels, and some cool software tweaks.

But what usually doesnt change much for the average TV viewer is picture quality.

That means smart shoppers should look to save money by buying a 2025 model which still has incredible specs and picture quality.

The bottom line is that when 2026 models are announced, 2025 models immediately lose perceived value, even though:

• Streaming apps work the same.
• Most content is still 4K (not 8K).
• Real-world brightness and motion improvements are often marginal.

Retailers know consumers will hesitate to buy last years TV once new models arrive on shelves. So, they start clearing those models early.

This is why January and early February often deliver what I call the best value-per-inch pricing of the entire year.

I mean sure, you can score a great deal on Black Friday on a brand youve never heard of with inferior specs, but if you want something thats going to last you for years, now is a better time to buy.

Pro tip: Its important to be aware that a 2025 OLED or Mini-LED TV will often beat a 2026 entry-level LED in price. Regardless of how fancy the 2026 model sounds on paper. So, if your budget is fixed, be sure to buy last years higher-tier panel, not this years lower-tier one. Thats where the real upgrade happens for TV buyers this time of year.

Super Bowl sales why retailers discount TVs now

The Super Bowl is one of the last major TV-buying moments before spring resets. Retailers know that once football season ends, TV demand drops sharply.

That means retailers arefighting mightily for your attention right now.

So not only do stores need to make room for the 2026 models coming in, but they want to take advantage of shoppers looking to upgrade beforethebig game on February 8th.

Some of the bestdeals right now:

55-inch TVs Big savings at every budget

• Insignia 55 4K UHD Smart TV ($199 on Amazon) Great entry-level pick for basic streaming and everyday TV watching without the premium price tag.
• LG 55 4K UHD AI Smart TV ($228 at Walmart) This 2025 model is a slight step up with nice app support and solid 4K performance for a super affordable price.
• TCL 55 Class F35-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Fire TV This 2025 model is currently priced at $219.99 at Best Buy, $110 off its regular price of $329.99.
• Samsung 55 U-Series 4K Smart TV This 2025 model is currently $100 off, selling for $329.99 at Best Buy.

65-inch TVs The sweet spot for most homes

• TCL 65 QM5K 4K UHDMini LED Smart TV ($549 at Best Buy) This 2025 model is being sold at $350 off the regular price. The larger screen and is much more immersive for living rooms, without breaking the bank.
• LG - 65" Class B5 Series OLED AI 4K UHD Smart TV ($987 at Best Buy) This 2025 model sold for close to $1,300 for the majority of 2025 making it a good deal if youre looking for a higher-end model.

75-inch TVs Big screen doesnt have to mean big cost

• Samsung 75 Class U7900 UHD Smart TV The 2025 version sells for $448 at Walmart, a savings of $200.
• 75" Class BRAVIA 3 LED 4K UHD Smart TV ($849 at Best Buy) The 2024 model is available for $849.99. The TV has Sonys picture processing and Google TV integration makingthis a strong all-around choice.
• LG - 77" Class C5 Series OLED4K UHD Smart TV ($1,999 at Best Buy) This 2025 model sold for close to $2,500 for much of 2025. Its a premium OLED option with deep blacks, rich color, and gaming-friendly features. A standout deal if you can stretch the budget.

Pro tip: Heres a little pricing trick worth knowing. When you notice the price of a 2025 TV drop sharply in January (or early February), thats often a we have too much inventory price cut. But when the price drops again right before the Super Bowl, consider that the final clearance push and the best price youll find.

Common TV buying mistakes to avoid during big sales

Even in a strong buying window like we have right now, its easy for shoppers to overspend unintentionally.

Here are the mistakes we see the most often:

Paying for features instead of performance

Specs like AI upscaling sound impressive but dont always translate into noticeably better every day viewing. Make sure you know what specs youre paying a premium for, and do the research to see if you actually need them.

Chasing brand names over quality

Keep in mind that a mid-tier OLED often outperforms a premium-branded LED at the same price point, especially in dark-room viewing.

When you find a TV that looks right for you, type the model and brand into YouTube and watch one of the many unbiased reviews so you know exactly what youre getting.

Falling for bundle traps

Free soundbars and accessory bundles can make it look like a great value, but they often mask the individual price of the TV making you think it must be a good price.

Run a quick itemization of everything included in the bundle. In many cases, its cheaper to just buy the TV by itself, especially if you dont necessarily need everything included in the bundle.

Ignoring size-to-price math

Dont automatically assume that bigger always mean better. Often times the picture quality drops significantly on the larger TVs. Figure out what size TV you want first, then find the best picture quality that fits your budget.

Buy now or wait? A quick reality check

Buying now makes sense if:

• Youre replacing a TV more than five or six years old.
• You want strong value without chasing new features.
• Youre willing to prioritize performance over hype.

Waiting may make sense if:

• You want the absolute newest top-tier tech.
• Youre not in any rush.
• Your current TV still meets your needs.

For most households, the value equation strongly favors buying now. This is especially true as retailers work to clear last years inventory while also trying to grab your attention with Super Bowl promotions.

As auto insurance costs climb again in 2026, new data breaks down where rates are rising, where theyre easing, and what it means for your budget

• Auto insurance costs are still rising in much of the country, with new data showing increases expected in 19 states in early 2026.

• Where you live and what you drive can dramatically affect what you pay, with some drivers spending nearly 5% of their income on coverage.

• Drivers still have ways to manage rising premiums, including shopping around regularly, using telematics or pay-per-mile programs, and looking for discounts through bundling and other policies.

If it feels like your car insurance bill has been creeping higher every year, youre not imagining it.

At a time when Americans are already juggling rising grocery prices, rent hikes, and higher interest rates, auto insurance has quietly become another growing strain on household budgets. And for many drivers, the increases havent been small.

New data from TheZebra's 2026 State of Insurance Auto Report shows that while some states may finally see modest relief, many drivers will continue to pay more to stay insured.

On average, Americans are now spending more than $2,200 a year on auto insurance. This represents a meaningful slice of income especially in states where premiums are consuming nearly 5% of annual earnings.

To understand whats driving these costs, what could change in 2026, and how everyday decisions can affect your rate, ConsumerAffairs spoke with David Seider, Chief Commercial Officer at The Zebra.

Why are prices going up?

According to The Zebras report, car insurance is expected to rise in 19 states across the first half of the year. Seider broke down some of the reasons why this is happening nationwide.

The increases are largely related to two things: increased costs and/or increased risks, he said.

Costs for repairs and medical care are increasing all around due to economic factors including inflation, tariffs and supply chain issues. While these factors affect everyone, some states will see bigger increases locally.

Increased risk is a factor that varies significantly by location as well. Some states are seeing increases in extreme weather, larger numbers of uninsured drivers, or more frequent accidents. And these changes are more localized by city and ZIP code, so different parts of a state will see greater increases or decreases, and even different costs, than other areas.

Are there ways to lower your premium?

Seider explained that many consumers live in states where the cost of living is generally low but, for a number of reasons, have higher insurance rates. However, that isnt likely to be a bargaining chip in negotiations.

The insurance prices are high in these areas for reasons that are mostly out of drivers control, he said. For example, Florida experiences extreme weather risks, is a no-fault state, and has a lot of uninsured drivers (in part because insurance is unaffordable), all of which drive up the costs of insurance.

That said, our advice to find savings remains consistent: shop around, compare rates regularly, and track prices because prices can and do change.

Additionally, a telematics program that monitors your driving can be a tool for possibly lowering your premium. Seider explained that the program monitors phone motion, app usage, and screen interaction to determine if youre driving distracted. Adding this to your policy may be helpful in lowering your payments.

What you drive matters

Another key factor to consider: what kind of car you drive.

This makes sense when you consider the different costs for repairs and other factors like how appealing the car is to theft, Seider said.

Of the models we looked at, the cheapest to insure was the Ford Bronco at an average of $76 per month and the most expensive was the Nissan GT-R, which averages nearly $400 a month. The difference in the cost of insurance between the two is $3,888 a year. When choosing a new vehicle, the focus is usually on other factors but it makes sense to also consider insurance costs.

Managing costs

As insurance costs rise, there are a number of ways consumers can work to keep costs manageable. Seider shared his best tips:

• Bundling insurance with your home, renters, or condo policy can earn you some savings, as can looking for discounts that might apply to you. Working with an insurance agent who can check multiple policies at once is one way of finding these savings, especially discounts.

• If youre a good driver, consider looking into telematics policies.

• If youre an infrequent driver, consider pay-per-mile policies to save.

• Frequently compare and track prices because insurance prices for your specific ZIP code or circumstances can change substantially over time.

A new survey shows most workers are scaling back spending on everything from groceries to health care as paychecks fail to keep up

• Americans are cutting back on essentials, not luxuries, with many reducing grocery spending and delaying health care just to make ends meet.

• Financial safety nets are shrinking, as households dip into savings, take on debt, and struggle to prepare for unexpected expenses.

• Experts warn these survival strategies can have long-term consequences, but small, realistic steps can help protect both financial and career stability.

For many Americans, the end of 2025 didnt bring financial relief it brought tougher choices. From trimming grocery bills to delaying doctor visits, households across the country have been cutting back wherever they can just to stay afloat and its not about splurges or luxury spending anymore. The pressure is coming from the basics.

New data from Resume Nows 2026 Cost-of-Living Crunch Report paints a sobering picture of how widespread that strain has become. Nearly all working Americans say theyve reduced their spending, often on essential items, as wages lag behind rising costs. Savings accounts are shrinking, debt is creeping up, and for many households, theres little room for an unexpected expense.

To help make sense of whats driving this financial stress and what it means for workers heading into 2026 Resume Now Career Expert Keith Spencer breaks down the biggest trends from the survey and explains why so many Americans feel stuck in survival mode, even while working full time.

The impact of cutting costs

Resume Nows survey found that 40% of people cut spending on groceries in 2025, while over 20% delayed doctor visits or health care appointments because of the price tag. Spencer explained that this can have long-term financial and personal risks for Americans.

Reducing the quality of your diet or skipping preventative care can lead to more serious health issues down the road, which in turn can result in higher medical costs and greater stress, he said.

These pressures compound, creating a cycle where short-term survival strategies may worsen long-term financial and health outcomes. The fact that working Americans are making these kinds of tradeoffs out of necessity highlights the real strain many households are under in todays economy.

Building up your safety net

Amid rising costs, nearly half of Americans surveyed dipped into their savings to help make ends meet last year. However, Spencer has some tips for those who may be struggling to build their safety net back.

First, its important to remove the stigma around dipping into savings, because this is exactly what emergency funds are for, he said. Using them out of necessity is not a personal failing, but a reflection of broader economic pressures that are well beyond your control.

For those who have fully depleted their safety nets, the focus should be on rebuilding slowly when possible. Avoid pressuring yourself to save aggressively at the expense of day-to-day well-being and, instead, look for small ways to reduce costs or save when you have extra. Also, consider exploring any community or employer-provided resources that could help ease expenses and support rebuilding your financial cushion.

Survival strategies

Another major finding from the survey was that 60% of households are prepared to cover three months of expenses or less. To help ease some of the concern around finances, Spencer offered some survival strategies.

The focus should be on protecting immediate financial stability and preparing for potential disruptions, he said. Prioritize essentials like housing, utilities, and groceries, and look for small ways to reduce non-essential spending.

At the same time, safeguard your career security by building key skills and keeping your resume and professional network up to date in case opportunities or emergencies arise. You can also explore additional income streams, community or employer resources, and low- or no-cost assistance programs to help cover necessities. These steps are about managing short-term survival while also positioning yourself to weather future challenges."