Consumer News: Consumer product safety recall roundup for April 03, 2026

A new survey finds many employees are making career decisions around staying remote even if it means giving up money or opportunities

August 28, 2026

• Nearly 60% of remote workers say they would accept lower pay to keep working from home.

• More than half have used digital workarounds to avoid direct interactions, raising concerns about communication skills.

• With more than 42% of job-seekers filtering out roles with office requirements, competition for fully remote jobs is getting tougher.

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For many workers, the ability to work from home has become more than just a perk its something theyre willing to make real career sacrifices to keep.

A new survey of 1,000 U.S. remote workers found that nearly 60% would accept lower pay in exchange for maintaining their remote flexibility, while others have turned down career opportunities specifically to avoid working in person.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Enhancv co-founder Volen Vulkov about what the findings reveal about the changing relationship between workers and the workplace.

Taking a pay cut for remote work

So, what is prompting workers to take a pay cut to work from home? Vulkov breaks it down.

Flexibility is the easiest way to explain this, and it's definitely a part of it, he said. But nobody gives up a fifth of their income just for a shorter commute, and 12.4% of our respondents told us they would. That comes from something much deeper than convenience.

I think the office stopped being just about the place, and it became a whole performance. Walking into a room of strangers, holding a hallway conversation, reading the mood in a meeting, etc. All those are skills, and skills you haven't used in years get rusty. Half the people we surveyed said they don't feel socially or emotionally ready to go back. Paying to stay remote is the cheapest way to never find out how rusty you've gotten.

Vulkov says that workers may actually end up paying for this twice: Once in salary, then again in the promotions and the roles you quietly stop reaching for.

The second bill arrives later, and it's the bigger one, he said.

Communication is lacking

Another major finding from the survey is that half of remote workers feel socially or emotionally unprepared for a mandatory return to the office. The biggest concern here: a lack of communication.

The pattern I'd watch out for isn't people communicating less, Vulkov said. It's people actively trying to avoid the situations where communication is hardest and most valuable.

We found that 57.3% used at least one workaround in the past year to dodge a direct interaction, and the most common one was simply choosing text when a call was obviously the right tool. That's 28.4% of workers.

On its own, it looks like a preference. Repeated for years, it means the difficult conversation gets deferred, the ambiguous message gets misread, and the disagreement that should take four minutes on a call takes a fortnight in a thread.

Competing for fully-remote roles

The survey also found that over 42% of active job-seekers apply a hard filter against any office presence. Ultimately, this can lead to a great deal of competition for a small number of open remote jobs.

The math here is brutal, and most job seekers haven't run it, Vulkov said. Fully remote roles are roughly 12% of new US postings. Yet 42.4% of the active job seekers we surveyed filter out anything with meaningful office presence. So you have a large share of candidates crowding into a small corner of the market and competing mostly against each other.

This way, employers who offer genuine remote work get a huge applicant pool and can be ruthless about it. This means salaries in that field face downward pressure rather than up. And the candidate filtering hardest gets the longest search, the most rejection, and the least leverage in the one negotiation they eventually reach.

The solution? Vulkov says it may be unpopular, but he encourages job searches to separate the filter from the fear, and dont give in to that fear.

If you're screening out in-office roles because remote genuinely fits your lifestyle or you live in a remote area with no better opportunities, that's a real preference, and you should price it honestly during the interview, he said. If you're screening them out because the interview would be in a room, then you're letting a two-hour discomfort decide a five-year career question.

Parents may be worrying about the wrong driving behavior

August 28, 2026

• Night driving stands out: 56.8% of fatal crashes involving young drivers occurred at night, according to a recent analysis.

• Experience matters: Crash risk rises sharply during the first few hundred miles, so parents can gradually introduce nighttime, bad-weather, and unfamiliar-road driving.

• Give teens an escape hatch: Set firm rules around speed and alcohol, but make sure they know they can always call for a ride home without getting in trouble that night.

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When your teenager gets their driver's license, you probably have a few rules ready to go: Don't speed. Don't text. Never drink and drive.

You might want to add another: Taking it easy on nighttime driving until they've built some experience.

A new Bagen Law analysis of five years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data found 56.8% of fatal crashes involving young drivers occurred at night.

That's higher than accidents involving speeding, not wearing seat belts, or alcohol.

Night driving obviously isn't a bad behavior like speeding or drinking and driving. But reduced visibility combined with inexperience can leave new drivers with less time to recognize and recover from mistakes.

Here are four ways that parents can help.

1. Don't make their first night drive a difficult one

A newly-licensed driver probably shouldn't get their first real nighttime experience driving home from a concert at midnight on unfamiliar roads.

Start with familiar routes after dark with a parent in the passenger seat. Practice judging distances, handling headlight glare, and spotting pedestrians on poorly lit roads.

Then gradually increase the difficulty.

2. Treat the first few hundred miles like driver's ed

Getting a license means you've demonstrated that you can drive. It doesn't mean you've experienced everything the road can throw at you.

Steve Bagen, from Bagen Law, points to research showing crash rates increase dramatically during the first 250 miles after a driver receives their license.

For those first few hundred miles, consider limiting unnecessary nighttime trips, bad-weather driving, and those complicated, unfamiliar routes. The goal isn't to avoid those situations forever. It's more about building behind the wheel experience before stacking risks on top of each other.

3. Speed deserves special attention

Speeding showed the largest disparity in fatal crashes between young drivers and drivers overall in the analysis. It was involved in 38.5% of young-driver fatal crashes compared with 28.2% among drivers overall.

New drivers haven't had years to develop the judgment and vehicle-control skills experienced motorists rely on when something suddenly goes wrong.

One useful family rule could be having the posted speed limit be the ceiling, not the target. Darkness, rain, or heavy traffic may mean the safest speed is well below what's posted.

4. Create a no-questions-asked ride home

Alcohol was involved in 28.6% of young-driver fatal crashes, nearly identical to the 29% figure for drivers overall.

Give your teen an escape hatch before they need it. Promise to pick them up without a lecture, interrogation, or argument that night. The goal is to make calling you feel safer than taking a chance behind the wheel.

Whatever else needs to be discussed can wait until tomorrow.

The bottom line

Passing the driving test isn't the end of learning to drive. In many ways, it's actually when the most important practice begins.

Think of the first few months behind the wheel as an extension of driver's ed without the instructor. Start with familiar roads and good conditions, then gradually add nighttime driving, highways, unfamiliar routes, and bad weather as your teen gains experience and confidence.

New research finds vaccinated nursing home residents had a lower risk of developing dementia

August 28, 2026

• A study of more than 500,000 older adults found a lower four-year dementia risk among those who received the recombinant shingles vaccine.

• Researchers used electronic health records and Medicare data to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated nursing home residents.

• The findings are promising, but they dont prove the vaccine prevents dementia, and more research is needed.

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Getting a shingles shot could potentially offer benefits beyond protecting against the painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

New research led by University of Delaware epidemiologist Daniel Harris found that older adults who received a shingles vaccine had a lower risk of developing dementia over the following four years.

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, looked specifically at older adults who had recently been admitted to skilled nursing facilities. Researchers found that those who received at least one dose of the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine had a 24% lower relative risk of developing dementia compared with those who didn't receive the vaccine.

The finding adds to earlier research linking shingles with cognitive decline. However, the researchers caution that the study was observational, meaning it can't establish that vaccination itself prevented dementia.

Theres a lack of randomized trial evidence on the potential effects of the shingles vaccine on dementia risk, but there are methodological and analytical tools at our disposal to generate evidence in real-world databases; however, there are still threats to validity, Harris said in a news release.

How researchers studied the connection

The research team analyzed Medicare claims linked with electronic health records from more than 500,000 people who entered skilled nursing facilities between 2017 and 2022. Participants were at least 66 years old, had no previous dementia diagnosis, and were eligible to receive the recombinant shingles vaccine.

About 8,800 participants received at least one vaccine dose within a year of entering the facility. Most of those vaccinations actually happened after the person had left the facility.

Because people who choose to get vaccinated can differ from those who don't, the researchers used a method called target trial emulation to make the comparison more like a randomized clinical trial. They accounted for 57 baseline and changing health characteristics and also conducted "negative control" analyses to look for signs of remaining bias.

What the results mean for consumers

Over four years, dementia was diagnosed in about 18.8% of people who received at least one dose of the recombinant vaccine, compared with 24.6% of those who didn't receive it. That's a difference of about 5.8 percentage points, or a 24% lower relative risk.

The researchers say the results remained after additional analyses, although the negative-control tests suggested some residual confounding. In other words, there may still be differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated people that the researchers couldn't fully measure or account for.

Vaccines do more than help prevent the infection theyre originally intended to protect against, said Harris. They help prevent the consequences of infection.

For consumers, the study offers another reason researchers are interested in shingles vaccination, but it shouldn't be interpreted as proof that getting vaccinated will prevent dementia. Harris and his colleagues say randomized trials are still needed to establish whether the vaccine itself has a protective effect against dementia.

Kids' clothes, cooking utensils, and electronics are part of this week's recall roundup

August 28, 2026

Recall roundup: New safety alerts from CPSC, FDA and FSIS

This roundup covers newly announced recalls and safety warnings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Drawstring youth sets recalled for kids

Little Loves & Co. is recalling youth clothing sets sold online because waist drawstrings can snag on objects and trap children.

• The hazard is entrapment: waist drawstrings can catch on objects and cause serious injury or death to children.
• About 590 garments were sold at Littlelovesandco.com and Whatnot.com from May 2025 through July 2026 for $15 to $30.
• Consumers should immediately take the clothing away from children and contact Little Loves & Co. for a refund or remove the drawstring if keeping the garment.

Little Loves & Co. LLC has recalled youth daywear sets and boy short sets with waist drawstrings. The recalled items were sold in sizes 12/18 months through youth 9/10, in various colors and collage-style designs, with either a crew neck shirt and joggers or a short-sleeve shirt and shorts.

The company said the drawstrings can become caught on objects, creating an entrapment hazard for children. No incidents or injuries had been reported at the time of the recall announcement.

The hazard

Drawstrings on childrens clothing have long been tied to strangulation and entrapment risks because they can snag on playground equipment, furniture, vehicle doors or other objects. In this recall, the CPSC said the waist drawstrings can cause death or serious injury if a child becomes trapped.

What to do

Consumers should take the recalled clothing away from children immediately and contact Little Loves & Co. for a full refund after returning the product. The company said it will provide a prepaid shipping label. Consumers who prefer to keep the garment should cut and remove the drawstring.

Company contact

Little Loves & Co. at 206-659-8136 from Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, by email at Littlelovesandco.recall@gmail.com, or online at littlelovesandco.com/pages/recall or at littlelovesandco.com by clicking RECALL at the top of the page.

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Cuisinart grill brushes can shed bristles

Conair has expanded its recall of Cuisinart grill brushes after reports that metal bristles detached and were swallowed.

• The hazard is ingestion: wire bristles can detach, stick to grills or food, and cause serious internal injuries.
• About 1,905,805 additional brushes are covered, bringing the total recall to about 3,625,800 brushes sold since 2009.
• Consumers should stop using the grill brushes immediately and contact Conair for a refund or a Cuisinart.com credit option.

Conair LLC of Stamford, Connecticut, is expanding a July 2026 recall of Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brushes. The brushes were sold at Walmart, Burlington, TJ Maxx and Ross, and online including Amazon and Cuisinart.com, for $8 to $20.

The company said small metal bristles can detach from the brushes and end up in cooked food. That can lead to serious internal injuries and medical treatment if a consumer swallows a bristle.

The hazard

According to the recall notice, detached wire bristles can stick to the grill or food and then be ingested. Conair said it is aware of at least 54 reports and reviews involving detached bristles, including three reports of consumers who swallowed metal bristles and sought medical treatment to remove them from the digestive tract or throat.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled grill brushes immediately. Conair said consumers can request a full refund or choose a credit for use at Cuisinart.com equal to a full refund plus 20% of the cash refund amount, and consumers will be asked to discard the recalled brushes.

Company contact

Conair toll-free at 888-520-1304 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at https://www.recallrtr.com/grillbrushes or www.cuisinart.com by clicking Product Recalls at the bottom of the page.

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Mower LED kits pose fire risk

Excel Industries is recalling accessory LED light kits used on Hustler and BigDog ride-on mowers because the light bars can overheat or ignite.

• The hazard is fire: the LED light bars can overheat or produce flames.
• About 1,800 kits were sold through dealers and mower accessory websites from April 2020 through July 2026 for $180 to $330.
• Consumers should stop using the accessory light kits immediately and contact their dealer for a refund and removal options.

Excel Industries LLC of Hesston, Kansas, has recalled an accessory LED Light Kit containing two LED light bars and mounting components used as headlights on Hustler or BigDog ride-on mowers. The kits mount at the front footrest area and use black or yellow steel brackets to hold clear plastic light bars.

The recall affects accessory products sold through dealerships nationwide and online. The company said the light bars can overheat or produce flames, creating a serious fire hazard.

The hazard

The CPSC said the recalled light bars can overheat or catch fire during use. That creates a risk of serious injury if flames spread to the mower, nearby fuel, grass or surrounding property. No incidents or injuries had been reported when the recall was announced.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the accessory LED Light Kits immediately and contact their point-of-sale dealers to arrange a refund after the light kit is returned. Excel said kits already installed on mowers can be removed either by the local dealer or at the consumers residence.

Company contact

Excel Industries toll-free at 888-848-6038 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at safetyadvisory@sbdinc.com, or online at www.hustlerturf.com/product-recall or www.bigdogmowerco.com/product-recall.

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Headphone amplifiers pose electrocution risk

AudioLineOut is recalling Studio Six headphone amplifiers because exposed metal can become electrified when certain aftermarket tubes are used.

• The hazard is electrocution: bare metal can become energized when the amplifiers are used with aftermarket metal base tubes.
• About 90 amplifiers were sold at independent stereo stores and online from December 2014 through December 2022 for about $3,900.
• Consumers should stop using the amplifiers immediately and contact AudioLineOut for a free repair or use the originally supplied vacuum tubes.

AudioLineOut LLC of Portland, Oregon, has recalled Studio Six Headphone Amplifiers with model ST6. The black or silver amplifiers have four headphone connectors on the front, RCA inputs on the back and were sold in a high-end audio market for several years.

The issue involves use with aftermarket metal base tubes. The company said that configuration can electrify bare metal on the unit and expose users to a risk of serious injury or death.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the amplifiers can become dangerous when used with aftermarket metal base tubes because exposed metal may carry electricity. That creates a serious shock and electrocution risk for anyone touching the unit. No incidents or injuries were reported in the recall notice.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled amplifiers immediately and contact AudioLineOut for a free repair. The firm said consumers can request a prepaid shipping label to return the product for repair, or they can use the originally supplied vacuum tubes as an alternative.

Company contact

AudioLineOut at 971-279-4357 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at support@aloaudio.com, or online at https://aloaudio.com/ by clicking Safety Notice or directly at https://aloaudio.com/pages/studio-six-headphone-amplifier-safety-recall.

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YERYORK pressure washers lack GFCI protection

YERYORK is recalling electric pressure washers sold on Amazon because they lack required shock protection and have inadequate power cords.

• The hazard is shock and electrocution: the pressure washers lack an integral GFCI and an adequate-length power cord.
• About 300 units were sold on Amazon.com from March 2025 through June 2026 for about $120.
• Consumers should stop using the pressure washers immediately and contact YERYORK for a full refund after destroying the unit and sending proof.

Lanzhou Xinshi Mingchen Information Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as YERYORK, has recalled 2.5 GPM electric pressure washers sold under the YERYORK brand. The green-and-black machines came with a foam cannon, four quick-disconnect nozzles, a 32.81-foot hose and four lockable wheels.

The recall covers only model YE-006 units sold without a ground-fault circuit-interrupter. The CPSC said the missing GFCI protection and inadequate cord length create serious risks of injury or death from electric shock.

The hazard

Electric pressure washers are typically used outdoors around water, which increases the importance of GFCI protection. The CPSC said these recalled units lack an integral GFCI and an adequate-length power cord, creating shock and electrocution hazards. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled pressure washers immediately and contact YERYORK for a full refund. The company said consumers will be asked to unplug the washer, destroy it by cutting the power cord in half, send a photo of the destroyed product showing the model number to yeryorkrecalls@outlook.com, and then dispose of it.

Company contact

YERYORK by email at yeryorkrecalls@outlook.com or online at https://yeryork.com/ by clicking Product Recalls at the top of the page.

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Mainstays dressers still pose tip-over risk

Walmart is reannouncing a recall of Mainstays nine-drawer fabric dressers after recalled units were distributed again and sold through liquidators.

• The hazard is tip-over and entrapment: the dressers are unstable if not anchored to a wall and can seriously injure or kill children.
• About 165,250 dressers are covered, including roughly 165,000 previously recalled in May 2026.
• Consumers should stop using unanchored dressers immediately, keep children away and contact Walmart for a full refund.

Walmarts reannouncement covers Mainstays-branded fabric dressers made by Hop Thang Interior Wood Co. Ltd. of Vietnam. The units have a black metal frame and nine brown or black fabric drawers, measure about 40 inches by 13.75 inches by 45 inches, and were sold in stores and online for about $80.

The CPSC said some recalled dressers were distributed after the original recall and reached consumers through liquidators in California, Michigan, Indiana and Florida. The dressers violate the mandatory safety standard under the STURDY Act if they are not anchored to the wall.

The hazard

According to the recall notice, the dressers are unstable and can tip over if not properly anchored, creating tip-over and entrapment hazards for children. Such incidents can lead to crushing injuries, suffocation or death. No incidents or injuries were reported in connection with this reannouncement.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled dressers immediately if they are not anchored to the wall and move them to an area children cannot access. Walmart said consumers should contact the retailer for a full refund, return the dresser drawers to any Walmart store and dispose of the dresser frame according to local and state regulations.

Company contact

Walmart at 800-925-6278 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or online at www.walmart.com/help or https://corporate.walmart.com/recalls.

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Steelite pressure washers lack GFCI protection

Longer 3D is recalling Steelite pressure washers sold on Amazon because the machines lack required electrical shock protection.

• The hazard is shock and electrocution: the pressure washers lack an integral GFCI and an adequate-length power cord.
• About 128 units were sold on Amazon.com from April 2026 through June 2026 for $45 to $92.
• Consumers should stop using the pressure washers immediately and contact Longer 3D for a full refund after destroying the unit and sending a photo.

Longer Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, doing business as Longer 3D, has recalled Steelite-branded electric pressure washers, model AZ6041VC. The recalled machines are red and black, about 30 inches high, and came with a foam cannon, four quick-connect nozzles and a 20-foot hose.

Like another pressure washer recall announced the same day, this product lacks an integral ground-fault circuit-interrupter. The CPSC said that defect, along with an inadequate-length power cord, poses a risk of serious injury or death.

The hazard

Pressure washers are commonly used outdoors and around wet surfaces, making electrical protection critical. The CPSC said these units lack an integral GFCI and an adequate-length power cord, exposing users to shock and electrocution hazards. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled pressure washers immediately and contact Longer 3D for a full refund. The company said consumers will be asked to destroy the washer by cutting the unplugged power cord in half, send a photo of the destroyed product to 2991426091@qq.com, and then dispose of the product.

Company contact

Longer 3D by email at 2991426091@qq.com.

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Tattoo numbing wipes lack child-resistant packs

Diamond Wipes International is recalling MD Wipe Outz Numbing Tattoo Wipes because the lidocaine packets are not in child-resistant packaging.

• The hazard is poisoning: young children could ingest lidocaine from packets that do not meet child-resistant packaging standards.
• About 55,250 wipes were sold on Amazon.com and Shopify.com from September 2025 through June 2026.
• Consumers should move the wipes out of childrens reach immediately and contact Diamond Wipes for a full refund.

Diamond Wipes International, Inc. of Chino, California, has recalled MD Wipe Outz Numbing Tattoo Wipes sold in foil packets and boxes of five, 10, 25 and 250. The packets are marked with the Wipe Outz logo and the words NUMB and Lidocaine Infused.

The company said the pain-relieving wipes contain lidocaine but are not packaged in a child-resistant way as required under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. That means a young child could access the contents and suffer serious poisoning.

The hazard

Lidocaine can be dangerous if swallowed by children. The CPSC said the recalled packaging is not child-resistant, creating a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents are ingested by young children. No incidents or injuries had been reported.

What to do

Consumers should secure the wipes out of sight and reach of children immediately and contact Diamond Wipes for a full refund. The company said consumers will be asked to write RECALLED on the packet, send a photo of the marked packet to recall@diamondwipes.com, and then dispose of the packets.

Company contact

Diamond Wipes toll-free at 800-454-1077 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at recall@diamondwipes.com, or online at https://diamondwipes.com/pages/re-call or https://diamondwipes.com/ by clicking Recall at the top of the page.

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HABA rattle toys can come apart

HABA USA is recalling Rainbow Rattle Grasping and Teething Toys because a knot can come undone and release small parts.

• The hazard is choking and ingestion: an untied knot can give children access to small wooden and plastic pieces.
• About 2,000 toys were sold at specialty stores and several online retailers from December 2025 through July 2026 for about $13.
• Consumers should stop using the toy immediately, take it away from children and contact HABA USA for a full refund.

Habermaass Corporation, Inc., doing business as HABA USA, has recalled HABA Rainbow Rattle Grasping and Teething Toy item number 2012261001 with batch code 0925. The infant toy includes colorful components, wooden hemispheres and plastic rattling rings designed for grasping, teething and early sensory play.

The CPSC said the glued knot on the elastic cord can come untied. If that happens, small pieces can become accessible to young children, creating serious choking and ingestion risks.

The hazard

The recall notice says the toys glued knot can become untied, allowing small wooden and plastic pieces to separate from the product. HABA USA received two reports of knots on the elastic cord becoming untied, though no injuries had been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the rattle grasping and teething toy immediately, take it away from children and contact HABA USA for a full refund. The company said consumers will be asked to destroy the toy by cutting the elastic cord, photograph the destroyed toy with their name and address, upload the photo to recall@habausa.com, and then dispose of the product.

Company contact

Habermaass Corporation toll-free at 800-468-6873 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall@habausa.com, or online at www.habausa.com/recalls or www.habausa.com by clicking Recalls in the footer.

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Kmaier infant walkers fail safety standard

Kmaier is recalling infant walkers sold on Target.com because they can roll through doorways and over steps.

• The hazard is a fall risk: the walkers can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step.
• About 243 walkers were sold on Target.com in June 2026 for $62 to $70.
• Consumers should stop using the walkers immediately and contact Kmaier for a full refund after destroying the product and sending a photo.

FENUN, Inc., doing business as Kmaier, has recalled Kmaier-branded infant walkers in pink, green and white. The walkers have a tray, fabric seat, round six-wheel base and nine adjustable height levels, with model number RV001 printed under the seat.

The CPSC said the walkers violate the mandatory federal standard for infant walkers. Because they can pass through a standard doorway and fail to stop at a step, they pose a deadly fall hazard.

The hazard

Infant walker standards are designed to prevent babies from rolling into dangerous areas such as stairways. According to the recall notice, these walkers fail those protections, creating a risk of serious injury or death if a child in the walker reaches the edge of a step. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled walkers immediately and contact Kmaier for a full refund. The company said consumers will be asked to disassemble the walker, cut the fabric seat, write Recalled in permanent marker on the tray, send a photo of the destroyed walker to TargetplusSJ@outlook.com, and then dispose of the product.

Company contact

Kmaier by email at TargetplusSJ@outlook.com.

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Pull-string teething toy warning issued

The CPSC is warning consumers to stop using Warm Feather Pull String Highchair Teething Toys because the silicone strings can lodge in a childs throat.

• The hazard is choking: the silicone strings are longer and thinner than allowed and can reach the back of a childs throat.
• The toys were sold on Amazon.com from July 2023 through April 2026 for about $12 and may have been sold by other third-party sellers.
• Consumers should stop using the toy immediately, dispose of it and not sell or give it away.

The warning covers Warm Feather Pull String Highchair Teething Toys, which have a yellow suction-cup base, a teal ball center, six silicone pull strings and six soft push buttons. The packaging is marked Table toy.

This is a CPSC warning rather than a company-backed recall. The agency said the toy violates the mandatory standard for toys because the strings are too long and too thin, creating a potentially deadly choking hazard.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the strings can reach the back of a childs throat and become lodged there. That can cause respiratory distress and choking. Because this is a warning, not a jointly announced recall, the agency is urging immediate disposal of the product.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the pull-string toys immediately and dispose of them. The CPSC also said consumers should not sell or give away these hazardous toys.

Company contact

No manufacturer contact information was listed in the warning. Consumers can review the CPSC notice at the source link below.

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Girigi magnetic blocks pose ingestion danger

The CPSC is warning consumers to stop using Girigi magnetic building blocks because loose magnets can cause catastrophic internal injuries if swallowed.

• The hazard is magnet ingestion: powerful magnets can come loose if the blocks break or open.
• The products were sold on Amazon.com in 40-piece and 48-piece sets for $10 to $16.
• Consumers should stop using the magnetic blocks immediately, dispose of them and not sell or give them away.

The warning applies to Girigi-branded Magnetic Building Blocks sold in themed sets including Village-48, Myworld-48, Blocks40*2.5cm and Jumping World. The blocks are designed to connect magnetically to create 3D structures.

The CPSC said the products contain small, powerful magnets that can come free if the blocks break or open. Ingestion of more than one high-powered magnet can quickly become a medical emergency.

The hazard

When high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other or other metal objects inside the body. The CPSC said that can cause perforations, twisting and blockage of the intestines, as well as blood poisoning and death.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the magnetic building blocks immediately and dispose of them. The CPSC said consumers should not sell or give away these hazardous products.

Company contact

The warning directs consumers to report incidents involving injury or product defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. No separate manufacturer contact information was provided.

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Kitten milk replacers recalled over deficiencies

Revival Animal Health is recalling feline milk replacers after tests found inconsistent and, in some cases, low levels of key vitamins and trace minerals.

• The hazard is nutritional deficiency: kittens fed the formula may face anemia, neurological problems, organ damage and other life-threatening complications.
• The recall covers Breeders Edge and Shelters Choice Feline Milk Replacers sold nationwide online and in retail pet stores.
• Pet owners should stop feeding the product immediately and contact the company to return it for a full refund.

Revival Animal Health, LLC has voluntarily recalled Breeders Edge and Shelters Choice Feline Milk Replacers. The recalled products were sold nationwide and are especially dangerous for neonate kittens, which depend on milk replacer for rapid growth and early development.

The company said some products may contain low levels of potassium, copper, folic acid, choline and pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6. Those deficiencies can quickly lead to serious, multi-system health problems in young kittens.

The hazard

The FDA said kittens fed deficient milk replacer may face anemia, neurological dysfunction, liver failure, kidney damage, skeletal disease and cardiac compromise. Because kittens grow rapidly, clinical signs may appear within days to a few weeks, and the deficiencies can be fatal or cause permanent organ damage if not recognized promptly.

What to do

Pet owners and caregivers should stop feeding the recalled milk replacers immediately and contact the company to return the product for a full refund. The affected UPCs are 817160011032, 817160011049, 817160011063, 817160010196, 817160011278 and 817160010103.

Company contact

Revival Animal Health at 1-877-870-4059.

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Baxter saline bags may contain fiberglass

Baxter is recalling two lots of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection because particulate matter identified as fiberglass may be present in the solution.

• The hazard is particulate contamination: fiberglass in an IV solution can block blood vessels, trigger inflammation and cause organ damage or death.
• The recall covers lots Y495523 and Y495523A distributed to healthcare providers and distributors in multiple states from July 31 to Aug. 3, 2026.
• Healthcare customers should immediately stop using the affected units and return them under their facilitys process.

Baxter issued a voluntary nationwide recall for two lots of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, in 500 mL VIAFLEX plastic containers. The affected product was distributed to healthcare providers and distributors in select states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

The company said potential particulate matter identified as fiberglass was found in the solution. Because the product is administered intravenously, even small foreign particles can create serious complications.

The hazard

The FDA said intravenous administration of saline containing fiberglass particulate matter may cause blockage and clotting in blood vessels, cut off blood flow to vital organs, trigger pulmonary embolism and lead to permanent organ damage or death. Particles may also cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reactions, aggravation of preexisting infections and allergic reactions.

What to do

Healthcare providers and distributors should immediately discontinue use of the affected lots and return all units in accordance with their facilitys established process. The recall applies to lot numbers Y495523 and Y495523A.

Company contact

Consumers can contact the Baxter Healthcare Center at 888-229-0001. Media contact: Brenna Byrne at (224) 948-5353 or media@baxter.com.

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Jalapeno Ranch recalled for undeclared egg

Jaimes Foods ATX is recalling Jaimes Spanish Village Jalapeno Ranch because the dressing contains undeclared egg.

• The hazard is an undeclared allergen: people with egg allergies could suffer a serious or life-threatening reaction.
• The recalled product was sold at Central Market stores in Texas and independent retailers in Austin beginning April 3, 2026.
• Consumers with the product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Jaimes Foods ATX issued an allergy alert for Jaimes Spanish Village Jalapeno Ranch. The recall involves product with UPC #199284564923 and lot numbers 69, 86, 108, 113, 116 and 121.

The company said the product contains undeclared eggs. For consumers with an egg allergy or severe sensitivity, that labeling failure can make the dressing dangerous to eat.

The hazard

Undeclared egg in a food product can trigger reactions ranging from hives and gastrointestinal symptoms to anaphylaxis. The FDA said people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled ranch.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the recalled Jalapeno Ranch should not consume it if they have an egg allergy or sensitivity. The company said the product may be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Jaimes Foods ATX at 1-855-833-1442 or by email at info@jaimessalsas.com.

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Baxter citrate solution may contain fiberglass

Baxter is recalling one lot of Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution after identifying potential fiberglass particulate in the product.

• The hazard is particulate contamination: foreign material in the solution can cause vein irritation, inflammatory reactions or systemic embolization.
• The recall covers lot Y493475, distributed from July 2 through July 11, 2026, to one customer in the United States.
• The affected customer should stop using the product immediately and return all units under its facility process.

Baxter issued a voluntary nationwide recall for one lot of Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution USP, 250 mL VIAFLEX plastic containers. The affected lot is Y493475, product code 2B7867Q, NDC number 0338-9669-01.

The company said the solution may contain particulate matter identified as fiberglass. Even though distribution was limited to one customer, the recall reflects the risk posed when foreign material enters an intravenous product stream.

The hazard

The FDA said administration of anticoagulant sodium citrate containing particulate matter may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory or hypersensitivity reactions, and systemic embolization that could result in tissue or organ injury. The extent of harm depends on the size, number, shape and composition of the particles.

What to do

The affected customer should immediately discontinue use of the recalled lot and return all affected units in accordance with its facilitys process. The recall applies to lot number Y493475.

Company contact

Consumers can contact the Baxter Healthcare Center at 888-229-0001. Media contact: Brenna Byrne at (224) 948-5353 or media@baxter.com.

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Baxter dextrose injection may contain steel

Baxter is recalling one lot of 70% Dextrose Injection because stainless steel particles may be present in the solution.

• The hazard is particulate contamination: stainless steel particles in an IV product can block blood vessels and damage organs.
• The recall covers lot Y495066 distributed in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee from July 25 through July 28, 2026.
• Healthcare providers should stop using the lot immediately and return it, and homecare facilities should alert patients if compounded solutions were made from it.

Baxter issued a voluntary nationwide recall for one lot of 70% Dextrose Injection, USP, in a 2000 mL VIAFLEX plastic container. The affected lot is Y495066, product code 2B0296H, NDC number 0338-0719-06.

The product was distributed to healthcare providers and distributors in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, and the FDA said homecare facilities may also have used it to compound parenteral nutrition solutions. Stainless steel particulate in an injectable product can present immediate and serious health risks.

The hazard

According to the FDA, intravenous administration of dextrose solution containing stainless steel particles may cause blockage and clotting in blood vessels, cut off blood flow to vital organs, trigger pulmonary embolism and lead to permanent organ damage or death. Particles may also cause local irritation, inflammation, aggravation of infections and allergic reactions.

What to do

Customers should immediately discontinue use of the affected lot and return all units in accordance with their facilitys process. Homecare facilities that used the recalled lot to compound parenteral nutrition solutions should contact patients and tell them to stop using those solutions and replace them with solutions not compounded from the affected lot.

Company contact

Baxter Healthcare Center for Service at 888-229-0001.

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Thyroid tablets recalled for super potency

Vitruvias Therapeutics is recalling one lot of Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg, because the tablets may be too potent.

• The hazard is overdosing: superpotent thyroid tablets can cause hyperthyroidism, rapid heart rate, chest pain and other serious complications.
• The recall covers lot 504950 distributed nationwide to direct accounts from Jan. 31, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2025.
• Patients should not stop taking the medicine on their own and should contact a healthcare provider for guidance and a replacement prescription.

Vitruvias Therapeutics, Inc. issued a nationwide voluntary recall of one lot of Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg. The company said the recalled lot, 504950, has the potential to be superpotent.

Because thyroid hormone dosing must be carefully controlled, excess potency can create serious risks, especially for older adults, pregnant women and infants. The company said patients should seek medical guidance before making changes to treatment.

The hazard

The FDA said consumption of superpotent thyroid tablets can cause hyperthyroidism, including weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue, nervousness, muscle weakness, hypertension, chest pain, rapid heart rate and heart rhythm disturbances. Overexposure can be especially risky in elderly patients, during pregnancy and in infants, where it may affect cardiac health, pregnancy outcomes, growth and development.

What to do

Vitruvias said it is notifying wholesalers to stop distribution and arrange destruction of the recalled product. Patients currently taking Thyroid, USP from lot 504950 should not discontinue use without contacting their healthcare provider for further guidance and, if needed, a replacement prescription.

Company contact

Roger Graben at (256) 239-9373 or safety@vitruvias.com.

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Veggie chips recalled for undeclared wheat

Exotique Foods is recalling Momchipz Veggie Chips Broccoli Florets & Cauliflower because the product contains undeclared wheat.

• The hazard is an undeclared allergen: people with wheat allergies or severe sensitivity could have a serious reaction.
• The recalled product was sold to 49 U.S. customers through Amazon.com between March and June 2026.
• Consumers should not eat the chips and should discard them or return them for a full refund.

Exotique Foods Inc. has recalled Momchipz Veggie Chips Broccoli Florets & Cauliflower with UPC 6 28634 44216 6 and best-before date 2026 AUGUST 31. The product was sold online through Amazon.com.

The FDA said the chips contain undeclared wheat. That means people who rely on the label to avoid wheat may unknowingly expose themselves to a potentially serious allergen.

The hazard

Undeclared wheat can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. The FDA said people who have a wheat allergy or severe sensitivity run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the recalled chips should not consume them if they have a wheat allergy or sensitivity. The company urged consumers to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Exotique Foods at 1-647-528-7080.

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Vanilla cake donuts recalled for milk

The Better Bakehouse Snack Company is recalling certain lots of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts because they contain undeclared milk.

• The hazard is an undeclared allergen: people with a milk allergy could suffer a serious or life-threatening reaction.
• The recall covers UPC 3 50041 39210 3 with best-if-used-by date 9/15/2026 and lot 26078, sold nationwide and through Amazon.com.
• Consumers should dispose of the donuts or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

The Better Bakehouse Snack Company recalled certain lots of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts distributed to retailers nationwide and through Amazon.com. The affected product carries UPC 3 50041 39210 3 and best-if-used-by date 9/15/2026, lot 26078.

The problem is undeclared milk in a product whose labeling may not warn allergic consumers. For people with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity, eating the donuts could trigger a dangerous reaction.

The hazard

The FDA said people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled donuts. Undeclared allergens remain one of the most common reasons for food recalls because consumers may trust packaging that does not reflect the actual ingredients.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the affected donuts should not eat them if they have a milk allergy or sensitivity. The company said consumers can dispose of the product and obtain a refund from the point of purchase with a receipt, or return the product to the retailer for a refund.

Company contact

The Better Bakehouse Snack Company at 800-243-0335.

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Alfalfa sprouts may carry E. coli

Everything Sprouts is recalling alfalfa sprouts because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

• The hazard is bacterial contamination: the sprouts may carry Salmonella and STEC, which can cause serious or fatal infections.
• The recall covers lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230 distributed in Minnesota and Wisconsin from May 27 through Aug. 21, 2026.
• Consumers should throw away the sprouts immediately and clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers they touched.

Everything Sprouts, LLC has recalled alfalfa sprouts distributed to wholesale distributors and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The recall involves affected lots identified by bar codes 860014523113, 860014523120 and 850079470149.

Sprouts are a frequent recall category because warm, moist growing conditions can also support bacterial growth. The FDA said the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC.

The hazard

The FDA said STEC can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection commonly causes gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, and both pathogens can spread contamination to kitchen surfaces and containers.

What to do

Consumers who believe they have the affected alfalfa sprouts should immediately dispose of them. The company and FDA also said consumers should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the product may have touched.

Company contact

Everything Sprouts by email at everythingsproutsmn@gmail.com.

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Dog wet food recalled over metal

Fromm Family Foods is recalling two wet dog food products because the cans may contain metal contamination.

• The hazard is metal contamination: dogs that ingest metal can choke, vomit or suffer gastrointestinal injury or obstruction.
• The recall covers Fromm Turkey Pt Wet Dog Food and Fromm Diner Classics Milos Meatloaf Pt Wet Dog Food sold in the U.S. and Canada.
• Pet owners should stop feeding the products immediately and return them to the retailer.

Fromm Family Foods has voluntarily recalled Fromm Turkey Pt Wet Dog Food and Fromm Diner Classics Milos Meatloaf Pt Wet Dog Food. The products were distributed at neighborhood pet stores and online outlets in the United States and Canada.

The affected products are tied to lot code EP2A3306 551006, best by 032029, UPC 072705118700, and lot code EP2A3306 551029, best by 032029, UPC 072705132324. The company said the reason for the recall is potential metal contamination.

The hazard

The FDA said dogs ingesting metal may show symptoms such as choking, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy or stomach discomfort. Sharp or larger pieces can lacerate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, cause gastrointestinal upset or create a partial blockage or intestinal obstruction.

What to do

Consumers should stop feeding the recalled wet dog food to their dogs immediately and return the product to the retailer. Pet owners who believe their dog may have consumed metal-contaminated food and is showing symptoms should contact a veterinarian promptly.

Company contact

Fromm Family Foods at 1-800-325-6331 or by email at info@frommfamily.com.

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Frozen buffalo chicken lacked inspection

Shanghai Ravioli Corporation is recalling frozen buffalo chicken products because they were produced without federal inspection.

• The hazard is uninspected food: products made without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants.
• The Class I recall covers Buffalo Chicken Rangoon and Benedettos Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Stick products shipped to foodservice locations in five New England states.
• Foodservice operators should not serve the products and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Shanghai Ravioli Corporation has recalled not-ready-to-eat frozen buffalo chicken products that were produced without the benefit of inspection and bear false marks of inspection. The affected products were shipped to foodservice locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The recall covers cardboard boxes containing 100 pieces of BUFFALO CHICKEN RANGOON and 120 pieces of BENEDETTOS BUFFALO CHICKEN MOZZARELLA STICK, with sell-by dates from July 8, 2026, to June 29, 2027. FSIS classified the action as High - Class I.

The hazard

FSIS said food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk. The products are also not ready to eat, which adds another layer of concern if they are mishandled in foodservice settings. There were no confirmed reports of illness or injury at the time of the recall.

What to do

Foodservice locations that purchased the recalled products are urged not to serve them. FSIS said the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Company contact

Jordan Wu, QC Manager, Shanghai Ravioli Corporation, at 617-989-3833 or shanghaicorp@gmail.com.

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For many Americans, money can determine where they live, what they do, and whether they feel free to make their own choices

August 28, 2026

• Only 55% of Americans consider themselves financially independent, while 45% say theyre still working toward it.

• Money is keeping many Americans from making the choices they want, with 78% saying theyve felt financially trapped because they couldnt afford another option.

• Small financial changes can help people regain control, including tracking spending, investing early, managing debt and keeping an eye on credit.

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Financial independence can sound like a simple milestone: Pay your own bills, support yourself, and make your own decisions. But for many Americans, getting to that point isnt so straightforward.

A new survey from MoneyLion finds that just 55% of Americans consider themselves financially independent today, while 78% say theyve felt financially trapped because they couldnt afford to make a different choice. Financial help from family members is also common, with nearly eight in 10 Americans saying theyve received financial support from a parent or relative at some point.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Rudri Patel, Certified Financial Health Counselor at MoneyLion, who explained financial independence isnt just about having enough money it can shape the choices people feel theyre able to make in their everyday lives.

Methodology

According to MoneyLion, the survey was conducted among 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older from across the U.S.

Respondents completed 25 questions about financial independence, including their financial goals, income expectations, financial support from family, barriers to independence, financial regrets, financial education, and how money affects their everyday decisions.

The survey was conducted through PureSpectrum between July 13 and July 17, 2026.

Key Findings

The survey highlights just how difficult financial independence can feel for many Americans:

• 55% of respondents said they are currently financially independent, while 45% said they are still working toward it.

• Nearly 10% said they rely on others for help with bills and expenses.

• More than three in four Americans said money has kept them in a job, living situation, or relationship longer than they wanted to stay.

• 79% said they have received financial help from a parent or family member at least once, including about one-third who received help within the past year.

• Nearly 60% said they wish they had started saving and investing earlier.

• More than 76% believe it will be harder for future generations to achieve financial independence, with 40% saying it will be much harder.

• 28% pointed to the overall cost of living as a barrier to financial independence, while 27% said their income isn't high enough. Housing costs and debt were also cited as obstacles.

• 72% said their school or home didn't provide financial literacy education, with some wishing they'd learned more about budgeting and building good financial habits.

The financial obstacles

For those struggling with financial independence, the cost of living and overall income are two of the biggest obstacles.

Many Americans may feel like they are not doing their best to get out of their financial trap, Patel said. But that isnt the case.

The gap between what Americans earn and housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare, and cost of living is widening. No matter what people earn, the target number edges higher. Of those surveyed, 28% blamed cost of living and 27% felt their income wasnt enough. Existing debt adds to the deck of feeling financially trapped.

Relying on others financially

Two findings that stand out from the study: nearly 80% of respondents have received financial help from family, and 10% of people fully rely on others financially.

The traditional timeline for independence and launching into the real world was 18, Patel said. The idea was that by your early twenties you wouldnt rely on your parents for your basic living expenses and needs. That definition has clearly shifted in the last 20 years.

It isnt that Americans arent launching from home, but its happening much later than early twenties. The later timeline reflects the current economic climate.

Tackling your finances today

If you feel stuck in your finances, Patel said there are ways to feel more in control of your finances.

Understand that youre not alone in striving for financial independence but not reaching that goal when you would like to, she explained. It doesnt mean that financial independence wont arrive for you, but you may need to be patient and lengthen your timeline.

Here are five tips that could potentially help you achieve financial independence faster:

1. Start investing now. Dont wait. At least 78% of Americans regretted postponing investing. Even $100 beats investing zero dollars.

2. Talk about money. Theres so much silence around money and that isnt helping. The survey reported that 72% didnt believe they received a proper financial education. The impetus is on you to ask questions. Talk to a financial representative about saving options or ask friends how they have cut costs or invested their money.

3. Track your spending. Knowing where your money is going is important in securing your financial freedom. Are you spending money on a subscription youre not using? Can you start dining in instead of dining out? Understanding where your money is going gives you the freedom to know what to eliminate.

4. Ask for a lower interest rate. If youve got several credit cards and have consistently made timely payments, you can call to see if you can secure a lower interest rate. Over time, that interest saved can be deposited into an emergency fund.

5. Pull your credit report. Your credit score is a gateway into saving money. A high credit score means a lower rate on a personal or car loan or mortgage. Knowing your number can unlock savings.

Its crucial to understand that the metrics around financial independence have changed and so it isnt that youre not working hard enough, Patel said. Youll have to pivot not only financially but shift your mindset as well.

The system isnt as forgiving. Costs are up in virtually every category: housing, healthcare, transportation and day-to-day expenses. But that doesnt mean its hopeless. Small consistent changes year after year can help get you a little closer to minimizing the gap.