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The new upgrade promises better streaming quality and more viewing flexibility

• Amazon is replacing its ad-free add-on with a new tier called Prime Video Ultra, priced at $4.99 per month.

• The upgrade includes ad-free viewing plus new perks like higher-quality streaming and more downloads.

• Existing ad-free subscribers will automatically transition to the new tier when it launches.

Amazon has announced that its current ad-free add-on will be replaced by a new premium tier called Prime Video Ultra, which will cost subscribers $4.99 per month in the U.S.

The change marks an evolution of Amazons streaming strategy after the company introduced limited ads in Prime Video content in 2024. At the time, customers who wanted to avoid ads could pay an extra $2.99 per month. Now, that option is being rebranded and expanded with additional features under the new Ultra tier.

The updated subscription is expected to launch on April 10, 2026, and current ad-free subscribers will automatically be moved to the new Ultra plan.

What Prime Video Ultra includes

Prime Video Ultra keeps the main benefit of the original add-on watching most Prime Video movies and TV shows without ads but adds a few upgraded features designed to improve the viewing experience.

Subscribers will get support for 4K Ultra HD streaming, which delivers sharper images than standard HD. The plan also increases the number of simultaneous streams allowed on one account from three to five, making it easier for families or shared households to watch different shows at the same time.

Offline viewing is also getting a boost. Ultra subscribers can download up to 100 titles, up from the previous limit of 25. The tier will also support Dolby Atmos audio, providing a more immersive sound experience for compatible devices.

For those who prefer to pay upfront, Amazon is also offering an annual Ultra subscription priced at about $45.99, which works out to a discount compared with paying monthly.

Its worth noting that some programming including certain live events, sports, and ad-supported content may still include ads even with the upgrade.

Delivering ad-free streaming with premium features requires significant investment, and this structure aligns with other major streaming services while ensuring customers have the flexibility to choose how they want to watch, the company wrote in a news release.

Prime members will continue to enjoy the core Prime Video benefit, including HD/HDR and now Dolby Vision, at no additional cost with their Prime membership.

What consumers should know

For Prime members, the change mostly means a higher price for ad-free viewing. The previous add-on cost $2.99 per month, so the new Ultra tier represents a $2 monthly increase though it comes with several added perks.

Whether the upgrade is worth it will depend on how you watch. If you frequently stream in 4K, download shows for travel, or share your account with family members, the extra features may justify the higher price.

But if you dont mind occasional ads or mostly stream casually sticking with the standard Prime Video experience could save you money. As streaming platforms continue adjusting pricing and features, its becoming increasingly common for ad-free viewing to come at a premium.

Discount grocers can help you save even more

• A recent price study found several grocery chains that actually beat Walmart on price, with Costco and BJs averaging about 21% cheaper on groceries.

• Discount grocers like Aldi, Lidl, and WinCo also undercut Walmart, typically offering staples for 38% less on average.

• The study highlights the gap between the cheapest and most expensive grocers, which exceeded 33%, meaning shoppers who mix stores can save hundreds each year.

A recent grocery price study by Consumer Reports suggests that Walmart may not always be the cheapest place to shop, and in many cases, shoppers should head elsewhere.

They compared grocery prices at more than 30 supermarket chains across the country. The results showed that several retailers actually beat Walmarts prices, sometimes by a wide margin.

The biggest standout was Costco

According to the study, groceries at Costco averaged 21.4% cheaper than Walmart, making it the lowest-priced option overall. Another warehouse club, BJs Wholesale Club, was close behind with prices averaging about 21% lower than Walmart.

Several discount grocers also came in cheaper than the big-box giant.

Aldi and Lidl both averaged roughly 8% lower prices than Walmart, while WinCo came in about 3.3% cheaper.

Texas-based H-E-B also edged out Walmart slightly, with prices about 0.2% lower on average.

The six grocery stores that beat Walmart broke down like this:

1. Costco Wholesale
2. BJs Wholesale Club
3. Lidl
4. Aldi
5. WinCo
6. H-E-B

The study also showed just how much grocery prices can vary depending on where you shop.

Researchers found that the difference between the cheapest and most expensive stores in their analysis exceeded 33%, meaning shoppers who choose the right store can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Whole Foods ranked as the most expensive grocery chain, with prices averaging nearly 40% higher than Walmart. Several regional chains also landed near the top of the price scale.

How to actually use this information to save money

Knowing which stores tend to have lower prices is helpful, but there are also a few strategies shoppers can use to maximize savings.

Compare warehouse prices carefully.

Stores like Costco and BJs often have the lowest unit prices, especially for pantry staples like cooking oil, rice, nuts, frozen fruit, and pasta sauce.

But the savings usually come from buying in bulk. Always check the price per ounce or per pound to make sure the larger package is actually the better deal.

Use discount grocers for staples.

Chains like Aldi and Lidl frequently undercut traditional supermarkets on basics such as eggs, milk, bread, cheese, and produce.

Many shoppers save the most by doing a two-store strategybuying staples at discount grocers and picking up specialty items elsewhere.

Shop sales at traditional grocery stores.

Weekly sales at traditional grocery stores still beat Walmart prices on certain items. This is especially true with items like cereal, snacks, and soda.

Often times these are loss leaders for stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Publix. The hope is youll come in for the loss leaders, and end up buying a bunch of stuff at prices higher than Walmart because you dont want to visit another store.

Pay attention to unit pricing.

One of the easiest ways to save money is comparing the unit price listed on shelf tags. This tells you the real cost per ounce or per pound and makes it easier to spot the best value.

The takeaway:While Walmart remains one of the most affordable grocery retailers, especially if you use coupons, its not always the cheapest option. Shoppers willing to mix and match stores, and use the 3-Store Rule, may be able to trim even more off their grocery bills.

Prices have fallen by one-third in 12 months

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Egg prices are sharply lower than a year ago, with the average cost of a dozen eggs down more than 34% from early 2025 levels.

• A surge in egg supply after farmers rebuilt flocks devastated by bird flu has flooded the market.

• Demand has cooled as consumers who switched to alternatives during the price spike havent fully returned.

It wasnt that long ago that shoppers were complaining about the sky-high price of eggs. Now, its a completely different story.

Retail egg prices have dropped dramatically since their historic peak in early 2025, when shortages pushed the average cost of a dozen eggs to more than $6. Today, prices are far lower about $2.58 per dozen in January representing a decline of more than 34% from a year earlier, and nearly 60% below the March 2025 peak, according to consumer price data.

The sharp reversal highlights how quickly agricultural markets can swing from shortage to surplus.

From bird flu shock to recovery

The price surge in 2024 and early 2025 was largely triggered by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, which forced farmers to cull tens of millions of egg-laying hens across the United States. The sudden loss of birds created a supply crunch that sent prices soaring nationwide.

But poultry producers responded quickly by rebuilding their flocks once the outbreaks eased. As new hens began laying eggs, supply recovered and eventually overshot demand.

That rebound has been dramatic. In fact, egg inventories and flock sizes have grown so quickly that the industry is now dealing with oversupply, putting downward pressure on prices.

A classic supply glut

Economists say the current decline is a classic example of how agricultural markets work.When prices spiked, farmers expanded production to capture the higher profits. But by the time those new birds began producing eggs often months later the market had shifted. With more eggs than buyers, prices began sliding rapidly

Wholesale prices have dropped especially steeply. In some cases, they have fallen more than 80% from the highs seen earlier in 2025, according to market reports tracking egg commodities.

Retail prices typically follow wholesale trends with a delay, because supermarkets buy eggs through contracts and adjust shelf prices more slowly.

Demand hasnt fully recovered

At the same time, consumer demand has softened. During the height of the price spike, many households turned to alternative protein sources or cut back on eggs altogether. Some of that behavior has lingered, reducing the pressure on supply and helping push prices lower.

Seasonal factors also play a role. Demand often cools after major baking holidays like Easter, which historically leads to weaker egg prices in the months that follow.

Despite the recent drop, egg markets remain vulnerable to sudden changes. Bird flu outbreaks are still occurring sporadically, and even small disruptions can quickly tighten supply. Millions of birds have continued to be culled during localized outbreaks in 2026.

For now, though, shoppers are benefiting from the markets swing in the opposite direction.

After a year when eggs symbolized inflation at the grocery store, the humble staple has become one of the few foods getting noticeably cheaper.

New research shows medical costs are reshaping everyday spending

• About one-third of Americans say theyve cut back on everyday expenses to afford health care.

• The findings come from large national surveys conducted by Gallup and West Health in 2025.

• Health care costs are also delaying major life decisions like retirement, job changes, and buying a home.

Health care costs are influencing how many Americans manage their money and in some cases, the choices they make about their future.

According to new research from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, roughly one-third of U.S. adults say they have had to make at least one financial trade-off in their daily lives to afford health care. That represents more than 82 million people nationwide.

The study

The findings come from two surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with West Health.

The first survey took place between June and August 2025 and included nearly 20,000 adults from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Participants were recruited using address-based sampling and Gallups probability-based national panel. The surveys were conducted online and weighted to reflect the demographics of the U.S. adult population.

A second study focused on how health care costs affect life decisions. That survey was conducted from October to December 2025 and included 5,660 adults who are members of the Gallup Panel. Some respondents completed the survey online, while others returned printed questionnaires by mail.

Together, the two surveys provide a detailed look at how Americans experience the financial side of health care.

What the results show

The research highlights how widespread the financial impact of health care has become.

Overall, over 33% said they have made one or more than one trade-off in the last 12 months to pay for health care expenses.

The sacrifices people reported making vary widely. Some respondents said they cut back on everyday expenses like utilities (9%) or driving less to save on gas (11%). Others said they stretched their prescription medications (15%) or borrowed money to help pay medical bills (15%).

While financial pressure is most common among people without health insurance, the data suggests the issue is not limited to that group.

For those without insurance, 62% report making at least one sacrifice to cover medical costs. Even among people with insurance, close to three in ten say theyve made similar adjustments. Even many insured and middle-income households report making sacrifices to keep up with medical costs.

Health care expenses are also influencing long-term planning. About 9% of adults say they postponed retirement due to health care costs, while 18% delayed changing jobs, and 14% postponed buying a home. Smaller shares say they put off starting or expanding a family.

Takeaways for consumers

• Health care costs can affect everyday budgets. The study shows that many Americans are cutting back on routine expenses to cover medical bills, which highlights how health care spending can spill into other parts of household finances.

• Insurance doesnt always eliminate financial strain. While uninsured adults report the highest level of trade-offs, a significant share of insured Americans also say health care costs have forced them to adjust their spending.

• Medical expenses can influence major life decisions. Some people report delaying plans like retirement, job changes, buying a home, or starting a family because of health care costs.