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Brush Buddies, evo and ARU products are included in a nationwide recall

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• More than 4 million tubes of toothpaste distributed nationwide have been recalled, including several varieties marketed to children.

• The recall affects selected Brush Buddies, evo and ARU products because of manufacturing standards violations.

• Consumers should check product names, lot numbers and expiration dates against the FDAs recall listing before using the toothpaste.

A nationwide toothpaste recall is prompting consumers to check their bathroom cabinets, particularly for childrens products featuring Barbie, Hot Wheels, Crayola and My Little Pony.

The recall covers approximately 4.3 million tubes across 17 toothpaste products. India-based Pritam International Private Limited initiated the voluntary recall Sept. 10, and the Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class II recall Oct. 19. The products were distributed nationwide by Ashtel Studios Inc., based in Ontario, California.

The reason listed is CGMP deviations, referring to failures to meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. The FDA has not identified the specific manufacturing problems behind the recall in its public listing, according to NBC Chicagos reporting.

Those federal requirements govern manufacturing methods, facilities and quality controls. They are intended to ensure that drug products meet quality standards and contain the ingredients and strength stated on their labels. A manufacturing violation does not, by itself, identify a particular contaminant or establish that every affected tube will cause harm.

A Class II classification means exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or that the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.

What to do

The recall applies to specified lots of these products. Product names alone are not enough to determine whether a tube is included.

Consumers can compare their packaging with the product descriptions, lot codes and expiration dates in the FDAs enforcement report.

Anyone who identifies recalled toothpaste should stop using it and contact the retailer or distributor about return options. Consumers should ask about available refunds or replacements rather than assume reimbursement is automatic; the reporting reviewed did not identify a uniform refund program.

Borrowers get modest relief as forecasts suggest rates will remain elevated

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 7.32% this week, down from 7.40%, giving homebuyers a modest break.

• Most experts surveyed by Bankrate expect rates to hold roughly steady over the next week, with some seeing room for further declines.

• The longer-term outlook remains challenging: Fannie Mae expects mortgage rates to average 7.4% in the fourth quarter and 7.5% in 2027.

Mortgage rates moved lower this week, easing borrowing costs for homebuyers while leaving the broader affordability challenge largely intact.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage declined to 7.32% for the week ending Oct. 22, from 7.40% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. The average 15-year fixed rate slipped to 6.68% from 6.71%. Both remain substantially above their year-ago levels of 6.19% and 5.44%, respectively.

For someone borrowing $400,000 over 30 years, this weeks decline reduces the monthly principal-and-interest payment by approximately $22, to about $2,748. That excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance and any mortgage insurance.

The same loan at last years 6.19% rate would have cost approximately $2,447 a month about $301 less than at this weeks average.

Setting up the rate drop was a pullback in the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond, which heavily influences mortgage rates. The yield dropped below 5% this week for the first time in a month.

What happens next?

The immediate outlook points toward relatively small moves rather than a rapid retreat.

In Bankrates expert survey for Oct. 2228, 67% of respondents expected mortgage rates to remain roughly unchanged. Another 22% predicted a decline, while 11% expected an increase.

Several participants cited easing Treasury yields and calmer markets as reasons rates could stabilize or edge lower.

Mortgage lenders closely watch longer-term bond yields, particularly the 10-year Treasury. Changes in inflation expectations, economic growth and investors appetite for bonds can push mortgage rates higher or lower.

For the coming weeks, that means incoming economic reports and the Federal Reserves next policy signals will matter. Softer inflation and weaker economic activity could help rates decline.

Persistent inflation or renewed market volatility could reverse the improvement. Bankrates respondents identified inflation, Fed policy and geopolitical developments as continuing sources of uncertainty.

This weeks decline also does little to change the longer-term forecast. Fannie Maes October housing outlook projects an average 30-year mortgage rate of 7.4% in the final quarter of 2026 and 7.5% throughout 2027. Those are quarterly averages, meaning individual weeks could bring better or worse borrowing opportunities.

What buyers should consider

For buyers preparing to close, the practical question is whether the available payment fits their budget. A purchase that works only if rates fall substantially leaves little room for disappointment.

Borrowers should compare lenders written Loan Estimates, including interest rates, points, fees and closing costs. A lower advertised rate may require a substantial upfront payment.

Buyers can also ask about the cost and duration of a rate lock and whether the lender offers a float-down option if rates fall before closing. Any potential savings should be weighed against the fees and conditions attached.

A new federal account offers eligible kids $1,000. Heres how it compares to a 529 savings plan

• Free money for eligible newborns: Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, can qualify for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution to a Trump Account.

• Different tax benefits: Trump Accounts offer tax-deferred investment growth, while 529 plans generally allow tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

• You don't have to choose just one: Families can maintain both accounts, using them for different financial goals.

Want to give your child or grandchild a financial boost or start the process of saving for college? A new savings option could help you do just that.

Trump Accounts, created under the 2025 federal tax law, are now available to eligible children under 18. And for millions of young Americans, the federal government is offering a flat $1,000 to help start investing.

But here's where things get interesting. For years, 529 college savings plans have been a popular way for families to put money aside for education. Now parents have another tax-advantaged account to consider.

So should you put money into a Trump Account, stick with a 529 plan, or use both? The answer depends largely on what you want the money to accomplish.

What exactly is a Trump Account?

A Trump Account is a special type of traditional individual retirement account (IRA) established for children. Parents or other authorized adults can open one for an eligible child under 18 who has a Social Security number.

The biggest attention-getter is the government's $1,000 contribution. But not every child qualifies for that money.

According to the IRS, the one-time deposit is available to eligible U.S. citizens born from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028.

Older children can still qualify for an account, but they don't qualify for that federal $1,000 contribution.

Pro tip: If you have a child born between 2025 and 2028, don't assume the $1,000 automatically arrives. Visit the official Trump Accounts website or use IRS Form 4547 to establish the account and request the federal contribution.

How does a 529 college savings plan compare?

A 529 plan is specifically designed to help families save for education costs. Parents, grandparents, and others can contribute money, choose investments from the plan's available options, and allow the account to grow over time.

The major attraction is the tax advantages. When withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses, including eligible college tuition, books, and certain room-and-board costs, the investment earnings generally come out tax-free.

And 529 plans have become more flexible. Depending on the expense and applicable rules, money can also be used for certain K-12 education costs, qualifying apprenticeships, student loans, and postsecondary credential programs.

Unlike Trump Accounts, 529 plans obviously don't come with a universal $1,000 federal contribution. However, some states do offer tax deductions, credits, or other incentives for contributing.

Trump Account vs. 529 plan: The biggest differences

Both accounts offer tax advantages, but they're designed for different purposes. Here's how they compare:

• Who qualifies: Trump Accounts are available to eligible children under 18 with a Social Security number. A 529 plan can be opened for a beneficiary of any age.

• Government seed money: Trump Accounts offer a one-time $1,000 federal contribution for eligible U.S. citizen children born between 2025 and 2028. Traditional 529 plans don't offer a universal federal contribution.

• Annual contribution limits: Trump Accounts generally allow up to $5,000 in annual contributions during the special childhood period, with inflation adjustments beginning after 2027. The limits for 529 plans are substantially higher and vary by state.

• Tax advantages: Trump Account investments grow tax-deferred, meaning taxes generally aren't due on investment gains while the money remains in the account. With a 529 plan, investment earnings can be withdrawn tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

• Using the money for college: Qualified 529 withdrawals are generally tax-free. Trump Account withdrawals may be taxable under traditional IRA rules, although qualifying education expenses can provide an exception to the 10% early-withdrawal tax.

• Accessing the money: Trump Accounts generally restrict withdrawals before the calendar year the child turns 18. Money in a 529 plan can be withdrawn earlier for qualifying education expenses.

• Investment options: Trump Accounts generally limit investments to qualifying low-cost U.S. stock index funds during childhood. A 529 plan offers investment choices selected by the plan, often including age-based portfolios.

• Who controls the account: A Trump Account belongs to the child, with an adult custodian managing it during childhood. With a 529 plan, the account owner generally retains control over the money.

• If your child skips college: Trump Account funds can remain invested for retirement. A 529 plan may allow you to change beneficiaries, pay for other qualified education expenses, or roll over up to $35,000 into the beneficiary's Roth IRA, subject to eligibility requirements.

What could $1,000 actually grow into?

Here's why starting early matters. Lets suppose an eligible newborn receives the $1,000 federal contribution and the money stays invested for 18 years.

Assuming a hypothetical 7% annual return, compounded annually, heres how that adds up:

• Initial $1,000 only: Approximately $3,380 by age 18.

• $1,000 plus $50 monthly: Approximately $24,800 by age 18.

• $1,000 plus $100 monthly: Approximately $46,200 by age 18.

These numbers assume monthly contributions at the end of each month and don't account for taxes, fees, or inflation.

The lesson here is that even small contributions, made consistently over many years, can grow into a significant amount of money.

5 smart moves parents can make right now

Whether you're considering a Trump Account, a 529 plan, or both, here are five practical steps.

1. Check whether your child qualifies for the $1,000. If your child was born from 2025 through 2028 and meets the eligibility requirements, visit TrumpAccounts.gov and review the enrollment process.

2. Ask your employer about contributions. Some employers may offer qualifying Trump Account contributions. Check with human resources before assuming the only money going into the account will come from your family.

3. Compare your state's 529 tax benefits. Some states offer deductions or credits for contributions to qualifying plans. Visit Savingforcollege.com to compare plans, then verify any available tax benefits with your state.

4. Match the account to the goal. If the money is intended for college expenses, examine the 529's tax-free withdrawal rules. If the goal is building long-term retirement savings, consider the Trump Account's IRA structure and withdrawal restrictions.

5. Don't sacrifice your own financial security. Before making large contributions to a child's account, make sure you're addressing emergency savings, any expensive debt, and your own retirement needs.

From fake package delivery alerts to AI-powered impersonation, younger adults are losing money to online at alarming rates

• More than one in three Gen Z adults lost money to an online scam in the past year, according to new McAfee research.

• Gen Z is more likely than the average American to fall for involving fake package deliveries, phony customer support, and AI-generated impersonations.

• McAfees Head of Threat Research shares how to spot red flags, verify suspicious requests, and protect your money and personal information.

Gen Z may be comfortable navigating the digital world, but that doesnt mean theyre immune to online .

New findings from McAfee show that more than one in three Gen Z adults lost money to an online scam in the past year. Even more concerning, younger adults are falling for certain at higher rates than the general population, including fake package delivery notifications, phony customer support messages, and AI-generated impersonations.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee, who explained which are catching Gen Z off guard, why these schemes can be so convincing, and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

Methodology and key findings

According to McAfee, the research combined a nationally representative survey of 5,000 U.S. adults with McAfee Labs analysis of text-based scam activity.

The findings highlight how frequently Americans encounter online and how these experiences differ for Gen Z adults. More than one in three Gen Z adults reported losing money to an online scam in the past year, and younger adults were more likely than the general population to report financial losses from several specific .

The biggest differences included package delivery , which affected 25% of Gen Z adults compared with 18% of Americans overall; fake customer support , at 24% versus 18%; and AI-generated impersonation , at 20% versus 15%. McAfee also found that Gen Z encountered fake social media profiles, AI-generated images, deepfake-style videos, and fake recruiters at higher rates than the general population.

Technology may make you more susceptible to

So, why is the most tech-savvy generation falling victim to these ? Karnik explained it could be because of how they use their phones.

They've grown up shopping, banking, and tracking packages online, making it easier for fraudulent messages to blend in with everyday notifications they already expect and trust, Karnik said. Growing up online doesn't necessarily mean you're better at spotting .

Know the red flags

For Gen Z consumers who want to protect themselves, Karnik shared some of his best tips.

With AI, it's getting harder to tell if something is fake just by looking at it or listening to it, he said. A message can look like it's from a trusted company, and a voice can sound just like someone you know.

For Gen Z, I'd focus less on how convincing something looks and more on what it's asking you to do. Is someone rushing you? Asking for money or personal information? Is the request unusual or something you weren't expecting? Those are all red flags.

Other things to look for: If you get a text about a delivery issue, don't click the link. Instead, use your order confirmation number to check the tracking information directly on the retailer's app or website, Karnik recommended. And if someone you know calls with an unusual request, hang up and call them back using a number you trust.

Slow down

When all else fails, Karnik recommends that all consumers pause before making any moves especially when someone is asking for money or personal information.

My biggest advice is to slow down when something involves your money or personal information, he said. Scammers want you to act quickly. Whether that's paying a fee to secure a job, jumping on an investment opportunity, or sharing a verification code before you've had time to think. If something feels off, take a moment to verify it before acting.

His other piece of advice: Be careful about how much personal information you're putting online.

Scammers can use details shared on social media to tailor their lure and make it more believable, Karnik explained. Keep your accounts private where possible, use strong and unique passwords, and turn on multifactor authentication. A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your information and finances safe.

Two stores open this week, with 28 more on the way across 16 states. Here's how to check if your neighborhood is getting one

• Major expansion: Trader Joe's has announced 30 new stores across 16 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.

• Two opening this week: New locations in Anaheim Hills, California, and West Jordan, Utah, open October 22 and 23.

• Want one near you? Trader Joe's actually lets shoppers request a new store in their city through its website.

If you've been wishing that Trader Joe's would open closer to home, you might finally be in luck.

The popular grocery chain is expanding again, with 30 new locations planned across 16 states. Two are opening this week, while the other 28 are listed as "coming soon" on the company's website.

According to Trader Joe's official announcement, the first two grand openings are:

• Anaheim Hills, California: October 22 at 9 a.m., 6336 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

• West Jordan, Utah: October 23 at 9 a.m., 5561 W. 7800 South

The company hasn't announced specific opening dates for most of the remaining stores, and some aren't expected to open until 2027.

Complete list of 30 new Trader Joe's locations

Here's the state-by-state breakdown, including the two stores opening this week.

Arizona (2)

• Phoenix 4519 E. Thomas Road

• Phoenix 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 1030

California (4)

• Anaheim Hills 6336 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

• Encinitas (Leucadia) 1590 Leucadia Boulevard

• Riverbank 2135 Claribel Road

• San Diego (Clairemont) 3962 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard

Colorado (1)

• Denver 8564 E. Northfield Boulevard

Florida (3)

• Boynton Beach 334 N. Congress Avenue, Unit B

• Orlando 1444 N. Alafaya Trail

• Sarasota 8199 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100

Illinois (4)

• Chicago 6191 N. Lincoln Avenue

• Chicago 804 W. Montrose Avenue

• Joliet 2741 Plainfield Road

• Oswego 1930 U.S. Highway 34

Maryland (1)

• Baltimore 6311 York Road

Massachusetts (1)

• Quincy 111 General McConville Way

Michigan (1)

• Farmington Hills 27658 Middlebelt Road

Nebraska (1)

• Omaha 210 N. 191st Street

New Jersey (2)

• Jersey City 55 Hudson Street

• West Orange 471 Mt. Pleasant Avenue

New York (2)

• Syracuse 3515 W. Genesee Street

• Yonkers 2482 Central Park Avenue

Ohio (1)

• University Heights 2643 Warrensville Center Road

Oregon (1)

• Bend 61284 S. Highway 97

Texas (3)

• Bellaire 5130 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite 100

• Cedar Park 1800 E. Whitestone Boulevard

• Mansfield 1580 E. Debbie Lane

Utah (1)

• West Jordan 5561 W. 7800 South

Washington (2)

• Seattle 401 NE Northgate Way

• Spokane Valley 13414 E. Sprague Avenue

How to check when your new Trader Joe's will open

If your city made the list, don't assume the store is opening immediately.

Trader Joe's typically adds locations to its upcoming store list three to six months before opening, although some take longer.

With that said, three newly announced locations aren't expected to open until 2027. They include Phoenix, Arizona on East Thomas Road, Boynton Beach, Florida, and the location in Bend, Oregon.

Pro tip: Bookmark the Trader Joe's store opening announcements page. The company updates individual announcements with grand opening dates and other details as they become available.

No Trader Joe's nearby? Request one

Here's something many shoppers don't realize. Trader Joe's actually lets customers suggest where the company should open their next location.

Visit the Request a Trader Joe's in My City page to make it happen.

You simply enter your city, state, and ZIP code, then explain why your community would be a good fit for a TJs.

Instead of simply asking for a Trader Joe's, suggest a specific shopping center or neighborhood that's convenient for local residents. While there's obviously no guarantee a request will lead to a new store, it serves as an actionable and direct way to let the company know where there's interest.

3 ways to save when your new store opens

A new Trader Joe's can be exciting, but don't assume everything is cheaper than your regular grocery store.

1. Compare unit prices. Check the price per ounce or pound, especially on snacks, frozen meals, and packaged foods. Smaller packages aren't necessarily better deals.

2. Shop with a list. Trader Joe's is known for unique products and seasonal favorites. Stick to what you need before experimenting with unfamiliar items.

3. Try before you stock up. Limited-time products can create a sense of urgency. This is why its smart to buy one first to make sure you actually like it before filling your freezer or pantry.