Consumer News: Old, tried-and-true did the most harm in 2025

Median home prices rose just 1.1% from a year earlier while sales declined

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The median U.S. home sale price rose 1.1% year over year in January to $422,921, as a strong buyers market kept a lid on price growth.

• Annual price gains have remained below 2% for 10 straight months, a sharp slowdown from the double-digit increases seen during the pandemic.

• Buyers are gaining negotiating power, with homes selling for an average of 2.1% below list price and fewer properties attracting bidding wars.

Theres good news and bad news for would-be homebuyers. Home prices continued to rise in January, but the increase was small.

According to a new report from Redfin, the median home sale price climbed 1.1% from a year earlier in January to $422,921. While still a record high for the month, the modest increase reflects a market that has shifted firmly in favor of buyers.

Home prices grew so fast for so long that a lot of buyers got shut out of the market, which is now causing price growth to cool, said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. With far more homes for sale than people who want to buy them, the buyers who are in the market have the power to negotiate on price, which is keeping price growth in check.

Increased negotiating power

In a buyers market, sellers outnumber buyers, giving shoppers more options and greater negotiating leverage. In January, the typical home sold for 2.1% less than its final list pricethe biggest January discount since 2023. Just 20.8% of homes sold above list price, the lowest share for the month since 2020.

Still, improved negotiating conditions have not been enough to spark a sales rebound.

Pending home sales fell 0.9% in January from the previous month to their lowest seasonally adjusted level since November 2023.

Existing-home sales dropped 3.6% month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.2 million, marking the steepest decline since late 2022. Overall home sales declined 2.3%the largest monthly drop in more than two years.

Illusive affordability

Affordability remains a key hurdle. Although price growth has cooled and mortgage rates have dipped, borrowing costs remain significantly higher than pandemic-era lows. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.1% in January, its lowest level since 2022, but still more than double the record lows seen earlier in the decade.

Wages, however, are rising faster than home prices. Earnings increased 3.7% year over year in Januarymore than triple the pace of home-price growth. Redfin economists predict that affordability will improve in 2026 if income growth continues to outpace price gains.

For now, many buyers are waiting on the sidelines, hoping rates will fall further. Economic uncertainty and severe winter storms in parts of the country also dampened activity in January.

Nearly 40,000 home purchase agreements were canceled during the month, representing 13.7% of homes that went under contractthe highest January share since at least 2017.

They often add lots of calories without the nutrition

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ultra-processed foods are engineered for taste and convenience, not nutrition, often packing high levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats into products that are stripped of fiber and essential nutrients.

• Industrial additives including emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners and flavor enhancers may disrupt digestion, metabolism and even the gut microbiome.

• Mounting research links heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression and premature death.

HHS Secretary Robert Kennedys emphasis on healthy food has focused a lot of attention on so-called ultra-processed food, which makes up a significant portion of the American diet. But, what exactly is ultra-processed food, and what makes it unhealthy?

For starters, its everywhere. Walk down almost any grocery store aisle and youll find them: brightly packaged snacks, frozen meals, sugary cereals, soft drinks and ready-to-eat meats.

These ultra-processed food products now make up more than half of the calories consumed in the typical American diet, according to some research. Theyre convenient, affordable and engineered to taste irresistible.

Theyre also increasingly associated with serious health risks. The Mayo Clinic produced the video below explaining the problems with ultra-processed food:

What counts as ultra-processed?

The term comes from the NOVA food classification system, developed by Brazilian researchers. Ultra-processed foods are formulations made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods such as oils, starches and sugars along with additives like flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers and preservatives. They typically contain little or no whole food.

Examples include:

• Sugary breakfast cereals

• Packaged snack cakes and cookies

• Hot dogs and chicken nuggets

• Instant noodles

• Sweetened beverages

Unlike minimally processed foods such as frozen vegetables or canned beans ultra-processed products are industrial creations designed for long shelf life and hyper-palatability.

Nutritional imbalance by design

One of the biggest concerns is nutritional quality. Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, sodium and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber, protein and micronutrients.

Fiber, found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, helps regulate blood sugar, supports gut health and promotes fullness. When foods are heavily refined, fiber is often stripped away. The result: products that digest quickly, spike blood sugar and leave people hungry again soon after eating.

Many ultra-processed foods are also energy-dense, meaning they pack a large number of calories into small portions. This combination high calories, low satiety can promote overeating.

In a widely cited clinical trial conducted by the National Institutes of Health, participants allowed to eat as much as they wanted consumed significantly more calories and gained weight on an ultra-processed diet compared with a minimally processed diet, even though both were matched for sugar, fat and salt. Researchers concluded that processing itself may influence how much people eat.

The additive effect

Beyond macronutrients, scientists are examining the role of food additives.

Emulsifiers, which help ingredients blend smoothly, have been shown in some animal studies to alter gut bacteria and promote inflammation. Artificial sweeteners may interfere with the bodys glucose response and appetite regulation. Flavor enhancers and texturizers are designed to create a rewarding sensory experience that encourages repeat consumption.

While many additives are approved as safe individually, researchers are increasingly asking whether long-term exposure to combinations of these substances could have unintended consequences.

Links to chronic disease

Large observational studies from the United States and Europe have found associations between higher intake of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of:

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Certain cancers

• Depression

• Early mortality

While these studies cannot prove cause and effect, the consistency of the findings across populations has raised alarms among public health experts.

Some researchers suspect multiple mechanisms are at play: excess calorie intake, blood sugar spikes, chronic inflammation, altered gut microbiota and even changes in brain reward pathways.

Why theyre so hard to avoid

Ultra-processed foods are often cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce and lean proteins. They require little preparation, have long shelf lives and are heavily marketed especially to children.

For busy families and people living in food deserts, these products can seem like the only practical option.

Public health advocates argue that addressing the issue requires more than individual willpower. It may also demand changes in food policy, marketing regulations and agricultural subsidies.

Its a positive sign for the spring housing market

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.01%, its lowest level since September 2022.

• Rates have declined for two consecutive weeks and are significantly lower than a year ago.

• Falling rates are driving a surge in refinance applications and could energize the spring housing market.

Mortgage rates continued their downward trend this week, offering a potential boost to homebuyers and sellers heading into the critical spring homebuying season.

Freddie Mac reports that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.01% as of February 19, down from 6.09% the previous week. A year ago, the benchmark rate averaged 6.85%.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also declined, averaging 5.35%, compared with 5.44% last week and 6.04% at the same time last year.

Mortgage rates dropped again this week, now down to their lowest level since September of 2022, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, its also strengthening the financial position of homeowners. Over the past year, refinance application activity has more than doubled, enabling many recent buyers to reduce their annual mortgage payments by thousands of dollars.

A key moment for the spring market

The timing of the rate decline could prove significant. The spring months typically mark the busiest period for home sales, as families look to move before the next school year and sellers list properties in greater numbers.

A drop of nearly a full percentage point from a year ago can meaningfully change monthly payments. For example, on a $400,000 home with a 20% down payment, the difference between a 6.85% rate and a 6.01% rate can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings each month. That improvement in affordability may help bring some sidelined buyers back into the market.

Lower borrowing costs also expand purchasing power, allowing buyers to qualify for slightly more expensive homes without increasing their monthly budgets. In markets where home prices have remained elevated, even modest rate relief can help offset affordability pressures.

Refinancing surge strengthens homeowners

Existing homeowners are also benefiting. As rates have drifted lower, refinance activity has accelerated. According to Freddie Mac, refinance application activity has more than doubled over the past year.

For buyers who purchased homes when rates were closer to 7%, refinancing at or near 6% can reduce annual mortgage costs by thousands of dollars. That extra cash flow may improve household budgets and consumer spending more broadly.

Still, while rates have improved and are at historic norms, they remain above the ultra-low levels seen during the pandemic. Housing inventory constraints in many markets could also temper how much additional demand translates into higher sales volume.

What comes next?

The direction of mortgage rates in the coming weeks will be critical. If rates remain near 6% or move lower, the spring housing market could see stronger-than-expected activity, especially from first-time buyers who are highly sensitive to monthly payment changes.

On the other hand, if rates reverse course, some buyers may once again retreat to the sidelines.

For now, the latest data suggest that borrowing conditions are improving at a pivotal moment for the housing market offering both buyers and homeowners a welcome measure of relief as the 2026 spring season gets underway.

Stop browsing and start thrifting strategically

• Time it right. Shop MondayWednesday mornings when weekend donations hit the floor. Learn the color-tag discount cycle at stores like Goodwill and stack 50% tag days with senior, student.or military discounts.

• Buy whats underpriced. Look for solid wood furniture, cast iron, vintage Pyrex, and quality small appliances. For resale, brands like Lululemon, Patagonia, and Levi Strauss & Co. consistently hold value.

• Think bigger. Check the glass case, visit Goodwill Outlets (sold by the pound) and thrift in affluent neighborhoods or vacation towns for higher-end donations.

Thrift stores can feel fairly random and it often feels like all the good stuff disappeared before you walked in.

But the truth is they operate on very predictable patterns. Especially in terms of donation cycles, color-tag systems, and predictable discount days. If you understand the system, you stop browsing and you start shopping like a savvy insider.

Shop early in the week and early in the day

Weekends are prime donation time. People clean out garages, drop off bags after spring cleaning, and declutter before moving. But the best items dont usually hit the sales floor until a day or two after they get dropped off.

That makes Monday through Wednesday mornings prime hunting hours at the vast majority of thrift stores.

Shopping right when the store opens will give you first crack at all the newly processed items before theyre picked over.

Pro tip: Ask an employee when specific departments are restocked. Its been my experience that theyre always happy to give you the inside scoop. Use this info to your advantageif electronics are always re-stocked Tuesday afternoons, thats when you want to be there.

Learn the color-tag discount cycle

Most large thrift chains, including many Goodwill locations, use a rotating color-tag system.

One day each week, they pick a different colored price tag and offer all those items for an additional 50% off.

Be sure to ask at your local store what day of the week they do this, and try and shop on that day.

If you ignore the color rotation, youre leaving significant money on the table.

Heres how I play the color game at my Goodwill:

• Identify which color is discounted this week.
• Check items in that color across multiple departments.
• Look for higher-end brands that slipped through the standard pricing.

Ive found that items regularly priced at $7-10 often slip through the cracks and have their price drop to $1-$2 during these color-coded events.

Know what employees consistently underprice

Considering the huge number of donated items that have to be sorted, it makes sense that employees dont have the time to research every item.

This creates a great buying opportunity for the savvy shopper.

In my experience, here are the most common underpriced categories:

• Solid wood furniture (look for dovetail joints)
• Cast iron cookware
• Vintage Pyrex
• High-end small kitchen appliances
• Audio equipment and older speakers
• Board games (especially sealed or complete sets)
• Picture frames (buy for the frame, not the art)

Solid wood dressers, for example, are often priced the same as particle board pieces, but resell for significantly more.

And if youre not going to resell them, theyre much higher quality and will stand the test of time (and teenagers).

Pro tip:Besure to open boxes and check inside board games for completeness. Also, plug in small appliances and electronics if the store allows it. A 60-second inspection can mean the difference between a big score and a complete dud.

Clothing gold: Brands that hold value

If you do any reselling, you already know that not all clothing labels are created equal.

Some brands consistently resell quite well online, especially on platforms like eBay or Poshmark.

Here are a few brands that are an easy profit for resellers:

• Arcteryx
• Lululemon
• Patagonia
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• The North Face
• Free People
• Levi's (especially vintage or Made in USA)
• Vuori
• Carhartt
• Madewell
• Abercerombie
• Wrangler

Some unbranded clothing, such as vintage band tees and retro athletic wear, typically outperforms newer mall brands like American Eagle and Old Navy.

Also, be sure to scan the fabric tags, as 100% wool, cashmere, and linen often outperform synthetic blends.

Pro tip: Before buying for resale, check completed eBay listings on your phone. Sold prices tell you what people are actually paying, not the inflated price many sellers are hoping for.

Dont ignore the glass case

Those locked display cases near the register often hold the most overlooked profit potential.

In particular, look for these:

• Jewelry
• Video games
• Designer handbags
• Calculators
• Small electronics

The prices may be higher than the on-the-rack items, but still well below their market value.

Some locations now also list premium finds on ShopGoodwill.com, where individual stores auction higher-value donations.

Pro tip: If something is priced too high in-store, check if your Goodwill runs periodic additional discounts on display-case items. Ive noticed my local store will do this once or twice per month.

Stack discounts on top of low prices

Many thrift shoppers never ask about additional discounts, which is a major mistake.

Depending on the location, you can often find these discounts (usually between 10%20% off):

• Senior discount days
• Military discounts
• Student discounts
• Teacher discounts
• Text or email coupons
• Loyalty rewards programs

Be sure to ask an employee, as some stores dont openly advertise these discounts.

Always ask, Do you have any discount days? Even a 10% discount compounds quickly if youre buying multiple items.

Visit the Goodwill Outlet (a.k.a. 'the bins')

If youre serious about savings or resale, you need to see if your town has a Goodwill Outlet.

Just do a Google search for YOUR TOWN Goodwill Outlet or YOUR TOWN thrift bin store.

These are often called bin stores because they dump everything into these large bins that you have to sort through.

They also sell items by the pound, instead of per piece, making them really cheap.

For example, you might pay $1 to $2 per pound for clothing, books, and household goods.

Inventory rotates constantly. Shoppers sift through large rolling bins of unsorted merchandise. Its competitive, but the margins can be substantial.

Pro tip: Wear gloves and bring your own bags. And definitely plan to arrive early, as youll have to stand in line before they open. New bins draw crowds of resellers very fast.

Add 'thrifting' to your next vacation plan

The best thrift stores youll ever visit are in vacation destinations and affluent towns and neighborhoods.

The saying one persons trash is another persons treasure has never been more accurate than in these towns.

People in wealthy areas are much more likely to donate high-quality items and brands, as they dont want to be bothered with reselling them.

For example: When you visit a ski resort town, hit up local thrift stores for awesome deals on snow gear, ski equipment, and expensive winter brands.

The same goes for areas with many expensive golf courses. You just might find your next set of clubs for pennies on the dollar, just because someone needed the next greatest set of clubs and donated their old ones.