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A winter storm is expected to leave millions without power

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Conserve and trap heat indoors: Stay in one small, interior room, block drafts with towels or blankets, cover windows at night, and sit or sleep lower to the ground where its warmer.

• Use body heat and layers efficiently: Wear multiple thin layers, keep hats and socks on indoors, share space with others, use sleeping bags, and stay dry to avoid rapid heat loss.

• Heat safely and know when to leave: Use only indoor-rated heaters or properly vented fireplaces, never use grills or ovens for heat, eat warm, high-calorie foods, and seek a warming center or shelter if temperatures become dangerously low.

A major winter storm the largest in more than a decade is hitting the country this weekend, extending from Texas to the East Coast. Forecasters are calling for significant snow totals, but more concerning is freezing rain.

A wide area of the middle of the U.S. is expected to get ice accumulation that could bring down trees and power lines, leaving people without electricity for several days, amid freezing temperatures.

When the powers out for days in a winter storm, the goal is to trap heat, reduce exposure, and use safe backup warmth. Here are practical, field-tested tips that actually help:

Keep the Heat You Have

• Pick one room to live in. Choose a small, interior room (preferably with few windows). Close doors to unused rooms.

• Block drafts. Use towels, blankets, or even rolled-up clothing at the base of doors and windows.

• Cover windows at night. Hang blankets, sleeping bags, or bubble wrap over windows to slow heat loss. Open them during sunny daytime hours if possible.

• Stay low. Heat risessleep and sit lower to the ground where its warmer.

Use Your Body Heat Wisely

• Layer smartly. Multiple thin layers rather than one bulky one. Dont forget hats and socks indoors.

• Share warmth. If youre with others, stay together in the same room.

• Use sleeping bags indoors. Especially winter-rated oneshuge difference.

• Stay dry. Change out of sweaty or damp clothes immediately.

Safe Heat Sources (Critical Safety Notes)

• Fireplaces: Use only if designed for indoor heating and vented properly. Close doors/screens.

• Propane or kerosene heaters:

  • Use only models rated for indoor use

  • Ensure ventilation

  • Keep a carbon monoxide detector running on batteries

• Never use:

  • Grills or camp stoves indoors

  • Ovens or stovetops for heat

  • Generators inside or near windows

Warm From the Inside

• Eat high-calorie foods. Your body generates heat by digesting.

• Drink warm liquids (soup, tea, hot water).

• Avoid alcohol. It makes you feel warm but actually increases heat loss.

Small but Helpful Tricks

• Hot water bottles (or water heated safely and sealed tightly) tucked under blankets.

• Candles can add a little heat in a small roombut only with constant supervision and fire safety.

• Insulate floors with rugs, blankets, or cardboard.

If It Gets Dangerous

• If indoor temps drop below 40F for extended periods, consider:

  • Warming up in your car outside, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear of snow

  • Going to a shelter, warming center, or neighbors home

• Protect pipes by letting faucets drip slightly if possible.

Starting prices range from $39,000 to $57,000

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Kia Sorento Hybrid shines for value and hybrid efficiency in the small three-row segment.

• Hyundai Palisade Hybrid earns top honors among midsize family SUVs with its balanced performance and tech features.

• Ford Expedition stands out as the best large SUV for families needing the most space and capability.

As families continue to favor SUVs over traditional minivans, automotive experts at Edmunds have released their 2026 picks for the best three-row SUVs vehicles that balance space, performance, comfort and technology for busy households.

After extensive testing and reviewing, three models stood out across different size categories: the Kia Sorento Hybrid, Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, and Ford Expedition each earning top marks for reasons ranging from value to overall excellence.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid tops the small three-row SUV class thanks to its outstanding value proposition, strong feature content, and standard hybrid powertrain that delivers better fuel efficiency than its gas-only peers.

While its third-row seating is best suited to occasional use especially for adults the Sorentos robust warranty and abundant technology features make it an excellent choice for families on a budget.

Best midsize three-row SUV: Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Edmunds selected the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid as the best midsize three-row SUV of the year. A full redesign for 2026 paired with an efficient hybrid powertrain helped it leap ahead in the rankings, offering strong performance, refined comfort, and excellent interior tech.

The Palisade Hybrids well-rounded capabilities from roomy seating to high comfort levels make it a standout choice for growing families seeking practicality without compromise.

Best large three-row SUV: Ford Expedition

For those needing maximum space and capability, the Ford Expedition emerged as the best large three-row SUV. The redesigned Expedition blends spacious interiors, advanced technology, and solid towing performance, making it ideal for families that regularly haul passengers, gear or both. Its generous tech suite and cabin comfort help soften the fuel economy tradeoffs typical of full-size SUVs.

These picks reflect Edmunds evaluation across performance, interior versatility, technology, and real-world usability taking into account how these vehicles function as daily family haulers, not just on paper but on the road.

Now, lets talk about prices. Heres how the 2026 Edmunds top three-row SUVs compare on pricing (MSRP ranges for new vehicles), based on the latest available data:

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid (Small Three-Row SUV)

• Starting MSRP: ~$38,890 for the base EX trim.

• Higher trims: AWD and premium versions can reach into the mid-$40,000s.

• Estimated typical dealer pricing: ~around $40 k$48 k depending on options.

• Summary: Among the most budget-friendly three-row SUVs, making it a strong value pick in the small class.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Midsize Three-Row SUV)

• Starting MSRP: Around $44,160 for the base Hybrid SEL.

• Higher trims: Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Premium trims climb toward $51,000+; fully loaded Hybrid Calligraphy can exceed $56,000.

• Summary: Midrange price that sits above the Sorento but below premium large SUVs typical for its class and size.

2026 Ford Expedition (Large Three-Row SUV)

• Price range: Roughly $57,400$87,000 MSRP across trims according to multiple pricing sources.

• Base trims: Around $62,400$64,995 (varies by trim and options).

• Higher trims: King Ranch and MAX versions can approach $87,000+ MSRP.

• Summary: Significantly more expensive than the Sorento and Palisade consistent with its full-size and high-capability positioning.

Takeaway

• The Sorento Hybrid is the most affordable of the three, especially appealing to budget-conscious families who still want hybrid efficiency and three-row seating.

• The Palisade Hybrid slots in the middle, offering more space and features than the small class at a moderate-premium price.

• The Expedition represents the premium end of the three-row SUV market, with full-size capability and a correspondingly higher price tag.

A Federal Reserve estimate projects robust fourth-quarter growth

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. GDP remains strong, with nowcasts pointing to an exceptionally high fourth-quarter growth rate

• Consumer spending and business investment are leading sectors, while housing and some investments lag

• Mixed signals in labor markets and delayed official data leave uncertainties ahead

Preliminary indicators show the U.S. economy continued to expand at a robust pace at the end of 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) signaling one of the strongest quarterly growth readings in recent memory.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlantas GDPNow model, which synthesizes recent economic data ahead of official release figures, real GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 is currently estimated at about 5.4% annualized. Thats a dramatic upward revision from earlier forecasts and well above trend levels.

Official GDP estimates for Q4 have been delayed due to data availability issues, but analysts and markets are closely watching these nowcasts as a proxy until the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) releases formal numbers later this year.

Strongest performers in the economy

U.S. consumer demand which accounts for roughly two-thirds of GDP continues to be a major engine of growth. Recent estimates suggest persistent strength in household consumption, particularly in services and discretionary spending categories, helping underpin broad economic resilience.

Business investment, especially in technology and capital equipment (including artificial intelligence-related spending), has also been a sizable contributor to GDP growth. Private investment was one of the components that pulled the GDPNow estimate higher through recent data releases.

In spite of tariffs, improvements in the trade picture including a decline in the trade deficit as exports gained ground and imports softened also added to GDP growth projections for Q4.

Areas facing pressure

While overall business investment is strong, some subcategories tell a different story. Recent revisions to the Q4 nowcast reflect weakness in housing investment, with residential construction and related sectors posting sharp downturns that undercut potential GDP gains.

Despite the strong growth signals, the broader job market has not shown a proportionate acceleration. Employment gains in late 2025 were modest, leaving unemployment stubbornly above pre-COVID averages and limiting wage growth a dynamic some economists describe as a jobless boom.

Some analysts warn that parts of the technology investment boomwhile currently lifting GDP measuresmay have outsized import content or could moderate if global demand softens. That raises questions about the durability of this growth in future quarters.

Looking ahead

Official BEA data for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the full years GDP are expected later in 2026, filling in detailed sector contributions and revisions once source data are complete. Meanwhile, the strong nowcast if it holds suggests the U.S. economy entered 2026 on solid footing with some of the fastest growth in years.

However, economists emphasize caution: high interest rates, housing weakness, and labor market nuances could temper expansion later in the year. The full picture will emerge as official data catch up with model forecasts.

Find real savings hiding in plain sight

• Dont be afraid to ask. At Lowes, damaged items, floor models, and canceled special orders can unlock 1060%+ off just by asking the right employee.

• Decode the price tags. Yellow clearance labels, price endings, and back-aisle items reveal when prices are truly bottomed out and when waiting can pay off.

• Shop the dead zones. The best deals show up after demand drops, not during holidays plus easy wins like mis-tint paint and hidden clearance sections.

Lowes has a great selection of home improvement products, and their pricing is pretty darn competitive. However, there exist some clever ways to save even more moneyif you know what youre doing.

From knowing when to ask for a discount, to how to read their price tags, to where in the store you canfind the best deals, these seven tips will hopefully change the way you shop at Lowes forever.

1. Ask for a discount on damaged items

Lowes employees are encouraged to mark stuff down forshoppers if there's damage, as those items are hard to sell at full-price.

The damage can be as simple as dented packaging, cosmetic flaws, sun fading, missing manuals, or even shelf wear.

Look for this most often on these items:

• Ceiling fans and lighting fixtures (fragile boxes).
• Grills and patio sets (warehouse handling damage).
• Power tools with beat-up packaging.
• Vanities, toilets, and sinks with damaged boxes from shipping.

The markdown depends on how badly Lowes wants the item gone. But Ill often start by asking for a 20% discount and settle for 10-15% off.

Also, keep in mind that bigger items = more flexibility, as Lowes hates storing bulky merchandise, especially at the end of the season when theyre trying to clear out merchandise to make room for new stuff.

Pro tip: Point out the flaw in a polite, conversational way. Dont exaggerate the damage. Ask an employee in that specific department for a discount. Dont wait until checkout as cashiers have limited authority.

2. The Lowes price tag decoder

Heres how to decode Lowes pricing signals like an insider and know when to buy and when to wait for a better deal.

Yellow Tags = Clearance (but not all clearance is equal)

While yellow price tags are the universal signal that an item is on clearance, there are a couple secrets to tell how good the deal is and if it might get better.

Take a close look at those yellow price stickers:

• N below the Barcode I was told by an employee that this means the item is discontinued and its up to the manager to lower the price further. The price is probably not the lowest its going to get, so if theres a lot of inventory, wait until the price goes down to buy it.
• No N below the Barcode This means the item is priced to sell and its at a rock-bottom price. The best advice is to buy it before its gone.
• .02 Liquidation The product has been liquidated and the vendor has typically already paid Lowes for it. If you find one of these on the sales floor by accident, you can try and buy it, but you probably wont be able to.

3. Always negotiate a deal on floor model appliances

Floor model appliances at Lowes are some of the better deals you can find on refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines.

Whether theyre a return or simply a display model that they need to sell, you can often get a better deal by doing the following:

Hunt for flaws

Dents, scratches, chipped paint, torn boxes, missing manuallook for any visible imperfection as it gives you a legitimate reason to ask for another 10% off.

Bundle to boost leverage

Negotiation works best when youre buying multiple items. Pair big purchases like a washer and dryer, or a refrigerator and microwave and ask an employee if a discount is available if you buy both now.

Pro tip: Lowes typically marks down already-reduced appliances every 710 days, especially floor models, damaged items, or repaired returns. So be sure to flip over the Reduced price tag and youll see the following information:

• The date the item first went on clearance.
• How many times its been marked down.

If youre near the seven-day mark, waiting another day or two can mean an extra 2025% off, assuming the item doesnt sell first.

4. Buy paint the frugal way and save big

Mis-tint and abandoned custom paint is one of the easiest wins in the store. This is especially true if youre simply looking for a neutral color and not super picky about brand.

Lowes is always mixing paint that customers either dont pick-up or reject. This happens literally every day. Those cans get marked down quickly because they cant be returned to normal inventory.

These paints are:

• Brand new
• Fully usable
• Often premium brands

You can find the oops paint rack right next to the paint mixing station. Just ask if you cant locate it.

Employees usually put a sample of the color on the lid so you know exactly what youre getting.

You can typically find gallons of premium paint for just $5-$10, and quarts for only $1-2.

Pro tip: These mis-tint paints are ideal for garages, basements, closets, fences, rentals, or accent walls. Contractors use mis-tints constantly for special projects and many homeowners just havent caught on yet.

5. Make The Back Aisle your first stop

At Lowes, one of the easiest ways to score deals is to head straight to the back of the store to the clearance section called The Back Aisle.

At most locations, this clearance section exists along the middle of the back wall.

This is where each department dumps its deep-discount leftovers, often marked down 5075% off.

You wont find big-ticket items here, but you will find lots of useful stuff for super cheap:

• Paint brushes and rollers
• Batteries and flashlights
• Garden tools and planters
• Cleaning supplies
• Lawn and seasonal items

None of it is glamorous, but its the kind of everyday stuff that adds up fast if you buy it at full price.

A quick walk through the back aisle can easily knock $20$40 off your total without changing what you planned to buy.

6. Shop seasonal dead zones, not holidays

Holiday sales at Lowes are designed to move lots of stuff quickly, while clearance deals are designed to eliminate all the leftovers.

This means that Lowes starts to discount seasonal items when customers interest drops, not necessarily when the season officially ends.

Here are the best seasonal dead zones to target:

• Patio furniture: Late AugustSeptember When back-to-school season rolls around it kills the demand, and Lowes wants the floor space back.
• Lawn equipment: October The grass stops growing and interest drops fast.
• Space heaters: February - Cold fatigue sets in even though winter isnt over.
• Snow blowers: March - One warm week and stores often start toclear them out.

These markdowns often happen fairly quietly, without any banners or ads.

So, if youre in the market for any of these items, visit regularly and snatch the deal when it inevitably pops up.

7. Special order cancellations are gold mines

When shopping for appliances, doors, windows, or flooring, always ask if there are any canceled or returned special orders.

These are often instant write-offs for the store, which means managers are far more flexible on price. If youre renovating and not picky about exact styles or brands, this can save you some serious money.

Theyll often sell them at a big discount, typically 30-60% off the retail price, to get rid of them quickly.

This includes:

• Custom doors and windows
• Vanities and cabinets
• Flooring and tile
• Countertops and fixtures

Ask an employee about any abandoned special-orders and they can point you in the right direction. Its important to ask, as many never hit the main sales floor so you wouldnt know otherwise.

Pro tip: Dont be afraid to also ask at the Pro Desk or customer service directly. If youre flexible on size, color, and finish, you can score some great deals on other peoples cancellations.