Consumer News: Costco takes on fertility costs with major drug discounts for members

But allergy specialists say theres no reason for sneezin

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Tree pollen is already emerging in warmer parts of the U.S., marking the start of spring allergy season for many people.

• Allergy specialists say starting medication about a month before symptoms usually appear can help prevent severe reactions.

• Climate change and milder winters may be causing allergy seasons to start earlier in some regions.

Warmer temperatures across much of the nation after a frigid winter are a hopeful sign. But the arrival of spring also brings allergies out of hibernation. Allergy specialists are warning that tree pollen one of the earliest triggers of seasonal allergies is already appearing in parts of the United States.

But a high pollen count doesnt necessarily mean everyone will suffer symptoms.

Its important to remember that high pollen counts dont always translate to symptoms for every person, said Dr. Cherie Zachary, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Your symptoms depend on which specific pollens youre allergic to.

For example, people sensitive to tree pollen may already be experiencing symptoms, while those allergic only to grasses may not notice problems until later in the season.

Early preparation is important

For those with tree pollen allergies, specialists say early preparation is key. Allergy medications are most effective when started before symptoms begin.

People with tree pollen allergies should start taking their allergy medications at least a month before their symptoms typically appear, Dr. Zachary said. Starting early helps prevent the immune system from mounting a full-blown response once pollen levels rise.

In recent years, environmental changes have also influenced the timing of allergy seasons. Milder winters and earlier warm spells linked to climate change can prompt trees to release pollen sooner, meaning allergy symptoms may appear earlier as well.

Common symptoms

Spring allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, and fatigue. Many people manage symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays, but those treatments dont always provide enough relief.

If over-the-counter medications arent adequately controlling your symptoms, its time to see an allergist, Dr. Zachary said.

Board-certified allergists can develop personalized treatment plans based on a patients specific allergy triggers. Options may include prescription medications, strategies to reduce exposure to allergens, or longer-term treatments.

One such treatment is allergen immunotherapy, available in the form of allergy shots or tablets. The therapy works by gradually training the immune system to tolerate allergens, reducing the severity of symptoms over time and potentially decreasing reliance on medications.

Limit pollen exposure

Allergy specialists also recommend simple steps to limit pollen exposure during peak season. Keeping windows closed in homes and cars, using air conditioning and high-efficiency air filters, and showering or changing clothes after spending time outdoors can all help reduce the amount of pollen brought indoors.

With spring approaching, experts say planning ahead can make the season far more manageable.

With the right strategy, people with allergies dont have to dread spring, Dr. Zachary said. Early treatment, environmental precautions, and guidance from an allergist can help keep symptoms under control so you can enjoy the season.

Multiple models are included in the recall

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ford is recalling about 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a malfunction that can prevent the backup camera image from displaying correctly.

• Some vehicles may show a blank screen or an inverted image when the car is put in reverse, potentially reducing visibility.

• The recall affects several types of Ford and Lincoln vehicles with modelyears 2020 through 2026.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 1.74 million vehicles in the United States because of a defect that can cause the rearview camera display to malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall centers on software issues affecting the vehicles infotainment systems, which control the backup camera feed displayed on the dashboard screen. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem can cause the rearview camera image to fail to appear when the vehicle is placed in reverse or appear flipped or inverted on the display.

Backup cameras are required safety equipment in all new vehicles sold in the United States because they help drivers see objects, pedestrians, or obstacles behind the vehicle. If the image fails to display properly, it can limit a drivers visibility and raise the likelihood of a crash while backing up.

The recall affects multiple Ford and Lincoln models built between 2020 and 2026. Impacted vehicles include the Ford Bronco, Edge, Escape, and Explorer, as well as Lincoln Corsair and Aviator SUVs.

Federal safety regulators say two different issues are responsible for the malfunction. In some vehicles, a component in the infotainment system may overheat and shut down, preventing the rearview image from appearing. In others, a software error can cause the camera feed to display upside down or inverted.

Ford estimates that all vehicles included in the recall may have the defect. However, the automaker said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the problem.

What to do

To fix the issue, Ford plans to update the affected vehicles software. Some owners will be able to receive the repair through an over-the-air update, while others may need to visit a dealership for service. Notification letters to owners are expected to begin mailing later this month.

Drivers can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Fords recall website or the NHTSA recall database.

Existing home sales rebound from last year while affordability improves

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Home values rose 0.1% in February, the first monthly increase in seven months.

• Existing home sales increased 1.8% year over year and jumped 13% from January.

• Lower mortgage rates have boosted buying power by about $30,000 for median-income households.

The U.S. housing market is beginning to show signs of renewed activity as spring approaches, with home values ticking up and existing home sales improving compared with a year ago, according to Zillows February Market Report.

The typical U.S. home value reached $361,371 in February, rising 0.1% from January and marking the first monthly increase in seven months. Home values are now 0.4% higher than a year earlier, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

At the same time, sales activity strengthened. Zillow estimates that 239,910 homes were sold in February, a 1.8% increase from a year earlier and a 13% jump from January. Newly pending listings homes that went under contract during the month were up 3.5% year over year and 11.1% from the previous month.

The uptick in sales suggests Januarys softer performance may have been influenced by severe winter weather, while improving affordability is helping bring buyers back into the market.

Zillow's latest data suggests buyers and sellers are starting to regain confidence. Existing home sales rose from a year ago, providing an early glimmer of hope that the housing market has turned a corner after three years bouncing along the bottom, said Mischa Fisher, chief economist at Zillow.

Buyers have more homes within reach to choose from to go along with these friendlier conditions. Lower mortgage rates will also encourage more homeowners who have felt locked in to sell, as they will be better able to afford their next home.

Lower rates are helping

Lower borrowing costs have been a key factor in improving affordability. Zillow estimates that declining mortgage rates over the past year have increased purchasing power by about $30,000 for households earning the median income. The typical monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home assuming a 20% down payment and excluding taxes and insurance is now $1,738, down 7.7% from a year earlier.

Housing supply has also expanded modestly. There were 1.12 million homes for sale nationwide in February, 5% more than a year ago, and 0.4% higher than in January.

However, the number of newly listed homes slipped slightly compared with last year. Sellers added 283,478 homes to the market in February, a 3% decline from a year earlier, though listings increased 4.9% from January. Zillow noted that winter storms may have slowed listing activity, making the coming months an important test of whether supply will continue to grow.

Competition among buyers remains moderate. Homes spent a median of 28 days on the market before going under contract in February four days longer than a year earlier but significantly faster than January.

Fewer price cuts

Price reductions have also become slightly less common. About 20.3% of listings had a price cut in February, down from both a year earlier and the previous month. Meanwhile, 20.4% of homes sold above their list price in January, slightly lower than the share seen a year earlier.

The rental market is also showing signs of cooling. The typical rent nationwide was $1,895 in February, up 1.9% from a year earlier and 0.4% from January, indicating slower rent growth than in previous years. About 39.2% of rental listings offered concessions, such as free rent or other incentives.

If mortgage rates continue to decline particularly if they dip below 6% Zillow economists say it could further boost confidence among buyers and sellers, potentially setting the stage for a more active housing market after several years of subdued transaction volumes.

Heres how to see if your store offers it

• Costco is rolling out online cake ordering. Members can customize bakery cakes directly in the Costco mobile app instead of filling out a paper form in-store.

• Not every warehouse has it yet. Check the Costco app under Warehouse Custom Cake Ordering to see if your store offers it.

• Why shoppers love Costco cakes: A half-sheet cake feeds 4050 people for about $25, making it one of the cheapest party desserts around.

Costco is finally modernizing one of its most outdated systems: ordering custom bakery cakes.

For decades, members had to visit the bakery kiosk in-person and fill out a paper order form just to request a cake. Now the warehouse giant is beginning to roll out a new digital option that lets shoppers place cake orders directly through the Costco mobile app.

The update lets members customize cakes (including flavor, size, design, and message) from their phone before picking them up in the warehouse.

But theres a catch. Not every Costco has it yet and its rolling out gradually across the U.S.

Heres what shoppers should know.

Why this change matters

Until now, ordering a Costco cake required two trips:

1. One visit to the store to fill out a paper order slip
2. A second trip to pick up the finished cake

The new digital system eliminates the first trip and makes it easier to plan events like birthdays, graduations, or office parties.

When the rollout expands nationwide, it could become one of the biggest convenience upgrades Costco has made to its bakery in years.

How to tell if your Costco offers digital cake ordering

Because the feature is still rolling out, the easiest way to check is inside the Costco mobile app.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Costco app.
2. Tap Warehouse at the bottom of the screen.
3. Confirm your home warehouse location.
4. Scroll down and look for Custom Cake Ordering.
5. Tap on it and follow the instructions.

If you dont see it yet, your Costco hasnt been added to the rollout yet.

You'll have to usethe traditional method for now, which is filling out a paper cake order form at the bakery kiosk.

Why Costco cakes are such a popular deal

Costcos bakery cakes have long been considered one of their best values.

The half-sheet cake (12 x 16) feeds around 45 people and costs $24.99, making it far cheaper per slice than most grocery store bakeries.

Thats why theyre a go-to dessert for:

• Birthday parties
• School celebrations
• Office events
• Graduation parties
• End-of-season soccer or little league parties

Smart tips when ordering a Costco cake

• Order early. Even with the app, most cakes still require 2448 hours notice before pickup.
• Check the bakery designs first. Costco offers only a limited number of decoration styles, so browse them in advance.
• Plan pickup during a normal Costco trip. That way, you avoid an extra run to the warehouse.