Consumer News: Home insurance costs are climbing — and first-time buyers are feeling the squeeze

With inflation rising and financial uncertainty growing, experts say now is the time to rethink spending habits and prepare for higher costs

• Most Americans expect a recession within the next 12 months and are feeling increasingly uncertain about their financial future.

• Instead of spending less, many consumers are changing how they shop by chasing discounts, buying in bulk, and abandoning brand loyalty.

• Financial experts say treating savings opportunities like coupons and cashback as part of your budget can help combat inflation.

Rising prices are once again putting pressure on household budgets, and many Americans are worried the situation could get worse before it gets better.

New research from online shopping rewards platform Smarty found that two-thirds of consumers believe the U.S. economy will enter a recession within the next year, while more than half describe their financial future as uncertain.

The biggest financial pain points continue to be everyday essentials. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say grocery prices have been one of the most difficult increases to absorb, while many are also feeling the strain of higher transportation and gas costs.

As inflation remains stubbornly high, consumers are adjusting the way they shop, save and plan for the future. ConsumerAffairs spoke with Vipin Porwal, CEO of Smarty, who explained that rising costs are no longer viewed as a temporary challenge but as a reality that households are learning to navigate. He shared insights on how consumers can prepare their budgets, stretch their dollars further, and build financial resilience in an uncertain economic environment.

Inflation: from shock to lifestyle constraint

Porwal explained that many consumers are past the phase of feeling shocked about inflation and consistently rising prices. Instead, theyve started adapting their lifestyles to this new normal.

The initial shock has worn off because this is our new reality, Porwal said. Consumers have realized inflation isn't a passing storm, so they're simply adapting.

In my own house, for example, we finally stopped waiting for our favorite local takeout spot to lower their delivery fees. Instead, we bought a decent pizza oven for the backyard. We realized those inflated Friday night food costs aren't reverting, so we changed our lifestyle to work around it.

Restructuring how you buy

Smartys research found that over 50% of Americans are uncertain about their financial futures. However, rising prices havent stopped consumers from spending. Instead, theyre just adjusting how they shop.

Groceries and gas were identified as the most painful price increases, Porwal said You can't just stop buying food or driving, so people are restructuring how they buy.

We're seeing consumers ditch brand loyalty completely. Personally, I used to be a die-hard loyalist to one specific grocery store. Not anymore. Now, my weekend routine is hitting up Costco for bulk proteins and a local discount grocer for pantry staples, and I refuse to fill up my gas tank anywhere other than the station tied to my grocery rewards. It's a bit more running around, but the savings are undeniable.

Rethink your budgeting

With price increases hitting consumers just about everywhere, Porwals best advice is to let go of the set it and forget it mindset when it comes to your expenses.

On top of that, he recommends shoppers start treating cashback and coupons as actual income rather than a nice bonus.

I sat down a few weeks ago and audited my own credit card statement, he said. I was paying for three different streaming services I hadn't watched in months and a premium app I forgot to cancel. Slashing those instantly put about $50 back in my pocket every month, which perfectly covers the exact amount my weekly grocery bill has crept up.

New research shows retailers offer their highest volume of deals in the summer, while many shoppers hold out for Black Friday

• The best time to find deals may be summer, not Black Friday. A new analysis found the highest volume of retail promotions occurs in June and July, months before the holiday shopping season.

• Planning ahead can lead to bigger savings. Experts say shoppers can often save 20% to 40% by buying seasonal items months before they actually need them.

• Travel, electronics, apparel, and home goods all follow predictable sales cycles. Understanding when retailers typically discount these categories can help consumers avoid paying peak-season prices.

For years, holiday shopping events have been marketed as the best time to find major discounts. But new research suggests consumers may want to rethink their timing.

A recent Savings.com analysis of 10.6 million deals found that retailers release their greatest volume of promotions during June and July, creating a mismatch between when shoppers expect deals and when discounts are actually available.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Beth Klongpayabal, Business Analytics Manager at Savings.com, who explained how understanding these seasonal patterns can help consumers plan purchases more strategically and potentially save more throughout the year.

Smart shopping is less about chasing every sale and more about understanding retail cycles, Klongpayabal said. Timing alone can often save you 20% to 40% without changing what you buy.

Summer is the secret deal season

The study found that the five weeks with the most shopping deals all fall in June and July. Not a single one lines up with a major shopping holiday.

Some of the most heavily discounted categories during the summer include:

• Electronics

• Sports and outdoor gear

• Toys

• Groceries

• Apparel

• Beauty products

• Home goods

• Health and wellness items

The research also challenges the idea that post-holiday clearance sales offer the best bargains. Deal volume actually declines in January and February, suggesting that shoppers who hold off until after the holidays may encounter fewer promotions overall.

Another notable finding involves travel. For consumers planning summer vacations, deal availability peaks in May, just before the busiest travel season begins.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that there appears to be a disconnect between when consumers expect deals and when retailers actually offer them. While many shoppers wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, retailers release their largest volume of promotions months earlier, creating more opportunities to save during the summer than during the holiday rush.

For many categories, buying six months ahead can be a smart strategy, Klongpayabal said. If you know you'll be purchasing gifts later in the year, shopping during summer sales events can help you avoid paying holiday-season prices for the exact same products.

In my family, I shop year-round for birthdays and Christmas. It makes the fun last all year and it helps me avoid the Black Friday crowds.

Dont shop when demand is highest

According to Klongpayabal, shoppers want to avoid buying things when demand is highest.

For example, patio furniture is most expensive at the start of summer, winter apparel costs more before cold weather arrives, and many electronics are pricier immediately after new models launch, she said.

Shopping during peak demand often means paying a premium. This makes planning ahead even more of a win.

When you need an item isnt always the best time to buy

One of Klongpayabals best pieces of advice: separate when you need an item from when you buy it.

The consumers who save the most are the ones who plan purchases months in advance and buy seasonal products during clearance periods rather than when they're actually in season. Of course, there are some purchases that you just can't plan ahead for, but there are a few categories where a little planning means big savings.

Its also important to note that these findings hold up regardless of whether shoppers choose to shop online or in stores. Additionally, the same trends pop up year after year, so its something to keep in mind for future sales cycles.

While specific sale events may evolve, the underlying patterns tend to be consistent because they're tied to inventory turnover, product release schedules, and seasonal demand, Klongpayabals said. Retailers may change the names of promotions, but the best times to buy many categories remain fairly predictable from year to year.

Don't renew your policy until you've tried these money-saving strategies

• Homeowners insurance is getting more expensive: Rising construction costs, severe weather, and larger claims are driving premiums higher across the country.

• Don't automatically renew your policy: Shopping around, bundling coverage, and raising your deductible can often lead to meaningful savings.

• Look for overlooked discounts: Security systems, smart-home devices, updated electrical systems, and avoiding small claims may all help keep premiums lower.

For many homeowners, insurance has become one of the fastest-growing household expenses.

Premiums have climbed sharply in recent years, as insurers face rising construction costs, more severe weather events, and increasingly expensive claims. In some areas, homeowners are seeing annual increases of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The trend has become so widespread that CNBC recently examined some of the most effective ways homeowners can reduce their insurance costs without sacrificing important coverage.

While there's no magic solution, experts say several strategies can help lower your bill.

Shop around before every renewal

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is automatically renewing with the same insurer every year.

According to experts interviewed by CNBC, insurance companies calculate risk differently, meaning two carriers can charge dramatically different premiums for nearly identical coverage.

The company that offered the best rate five years ago may no longer be the cheapest option today. Getting quotes from multiple insurers before every renewal can often uncover significant savings.

Pro tip: Start shopping about 30 days before your policy renews. This gives you enough time to compare both pricing and coverage details.

Raise your deductible

If you're looking for a quick way to reduce your premium, consider increasing your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in after a claim.

Choosing a higher deductible generally lowers your annual premium because you're agreeing to assume more of the risk yourself.

For example, increasing a deductible from $500 to $1,000 or even $2,500, can often generate meaningful savings. Of course, this strategy only makes sense if you have enough money set aside to cover the higher deductible in an emergency.

Pro tip: Keep your deductible amount in a dedicated emergency fund so you're prepared if you ever need to file a claim.

Bundle your insurance policies

Bundling remains one of the easiest ways to save money. Many insurers offer discounts when customers purchase both homeowners and auto insurance from the same company.

According to CNBC, bundling is frequently one of the first recommendations insurance agents make because it can produce immediate savings with very little effort.

Just don't assume your current insurer offers the best bundle. A competing company may still offer a lower combined price.

Think carefully before filing small claims

Insurance is designed to protect you from major financial losses. But filing several small claims over time can sometimes contribute to higher premiums.

That's why some insurance professionals recommend paying out of pocket for minor repairs when the cost is only slightly above your deductible. The goal isn't to avoid legitimate claims. Rather, it's to be strategic about when filing makes financial sense.

A small claim today could potentially affect your rates for years.

Pro tip: Before filing a claim, its smart to get a repair estimate first. You may discover the damage isn't as expensive as you initially thought and you can avoid a claim by paying out-of-pocket.

Ask about every available discount

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how many discounts insurers offer.

According to experts cited by CNBC, potential savings may be available for:

• Security systems

• Smoke detectors

• Water leak sensors

• Impact-resistant roofing

• Updated electrical systems

• Smart-home monitoring devices

Some discounts may only save a few percentage points, but multiple discounts can add up over time. Insurance companies are often happy to reward homeowners who reduce the likelihood of future claims.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of calling your insurer once a year and ask for a complete discount review. New programs and incentives are added regularly.

A new survey finds most Americans view GLP-1 medications as legitimate healthcare tools, yet many users still face judgment for taking them

• Most Americans see GLP-1 medications as legitimate healthcare tools, not shortcuts, according to a new survey from ZipHealth.

• Despite growing acceptance, nearly half of current and former GLP-1 users say they've experienced judgment or stigma for using the medications.

• Experts say misconceptions about obesity and weight loss continue to shape public attitudes, even as understanding of GLP-1s improves.

GLP-1 medications have become some of the most talked-about drugs in America, helping people manage diabetes and, in many cases, lose significant amounts of weight. But despite growing use and increasing evidence of their benefits, these medications remain surrounded by debate, misconceptions, and social judgment.

A new survey from ZipHealth suggests that public opinion may be more supportive than many people realize.

Most Americans view GLP-1 medications as a legitimate healthcare tool rather than a shortcut, and many believe weight-loss stigma has unfairly influenced how the drugs are perceived. Even so, nearly half of current and former users say they have experienced judgment for taking them, highlighting a gap between public attitudes and personal experiences.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Zoe Lees, Ph.D., Medical Writer at ZipHealth, who explained that understanding where that stigma comes from and how it affects people seeking treatment is an important step toward changing the conversation around obesity, diabetes, and medical care.

The biggest misconceptions

Dr. Lees explained that one of the biggest misconceptions about GLP-1s is that they are simply a shortcut to weight loss.

In reality, these medicines work by targeting biological pathways involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control, she said.

Another one is that theyre used solely for weight management. While many people now associate GLP-1s with weight loss, they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and continue to play an important role in managing a range of metabolic health conditions. Our survey suggests that public awareness of GLP-1s is high, but understanding of their broader medical applications remains limited.

Is it an easy way out?

ZipHealths survey found that 26% of the public still thinks GLP-1s are an easy way out when it comes to weight loss.

For years, weight loss was framed as a matter of willpower and personal responsibility, so treatments that address the underlying biology of obesity can sometimes be unfairly seen as taking a shortcut, Dr. Lees said.

Obesity is now classified as a complex, chronic medical condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. GLP-1 medications are designed to address some of the underlying mechanisms involved in appetite regulation and metabolism.

Additionally, 65% of survey respondents believe weight-loss stigma has unfairly shaped public opinion of these medications.

This suggests that while attitudes are becoming more positive overall, stigma continues to influence how some people view medical treatment for weight management, Dr. Lees said.

The impact of stigma

One of the risks of this stigma is patient adherence to the medication when theyre prescribed it for weight loss.

For some people, fear of being judged may discourage them from seeking support for their weight in the first place, while others may feel reluctant to tell friends, family or even healthcare professionals that theyre using a GLP-1 medication, Dr. Lees said.

Our survey found that nearly half of current and previous GLP-1 users reported feeling judged because of their treatment. Experiences like these can leave people feeling isolated and less confident discussing their health goals openly. While factors like cost and access remain major barriers to treatment, reducing stigma is still important to make sure that people feel comfortable seeking evidence-based care.

Getting past the judgment

If youve been prescribed GLP-1s and you worry about judgment from loved onesor strangersDr. Lees has some advice.

• Focus on your own health goals and the guidance of your healthcare provider. Dont worry about the opinions of others. Decisions about treatment should be based on what is clinically appropriate for you, rather than social media commentary or assumptions about what other people may think.

• Public attitudes actually might be more supportive than people realize. While stigma still exists, these findings suggest that most people recognise the value of evidence based treatments. There shouldnt be any shame in using a medication that improves your overall health and wellbeing.

Before approving your next repair, try this free second opinion

• ChatGPT can make you a smarter car owner: It translates repair estimates into plain English and helps you understand which repairs may be urgent.

• It might save you money: When I used it on my Silverado repair bill, it suggested negotiating labor costs, which saved me $350.

• Think of it as a second opinion: Use AI to review estimates, compare quotes, and learn what questions to ask before approving costly repairs.

When most people think about ChatGPT, they think about writing emails, planning vacations, or helping with homework. What many don't realize is that AI can also be surprisingly useful when dealing with car repairs.

I recently put it to the test with my own truck, a well maintained 2004 Chevrolet Silverado with about 145,000 miles on it.

After taking the truck to the dealership for brake work, the repair estimate quickly started growing. First, it was the brake pads and rotors. Then came new brake calipers. Then recommendations for fluid flushes. Then a new problem appeared after the repairs were completed: the parking brake was sticking and not releasing properly.

Rather than blindly approving every recommendation or spending hours digging through automotive forums, I turned to ChatGPT.

The experience showed me that AI isn't replacing mechanics anytime soon. But it can really help consumers ask smarter questions, better understand repair estimates, and potentially avoid unnecessary expenses.

What ChatGPT can do surprisingly well

One of ChatGPT's biggest strengths is translating mechanic-speak into plain English.

When my dealership's inspection report flagged issues like contaminated brake fluid, corroded bleeder screws, and multiple recommended flushes, ChatGPT helped explain:

• What each item actually meant

• Whether it represented a safety concern

• Which repairs were urgent

• Which repairs could potentially wait

Most repair estimates overwhelm consumers with technical terminology. AI can act as a translator, helping you understand what you're being asked to approve before authorizing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.

That's especially valuable because many consumers simply don't know enough about vehicles to confidently challenge recommendations.

Using AI to get a second opinion

One of the smartest uses of ChatGPT is obtaining an instant second opinion. That doesn't mean ignoring your mechanic, it just means getting additional context to help you make a decision.

For example, when my mechanic recommended replacing all four brake calipers because the bleeder screws were corroded, ChatGPT helped explain why that recommendation wasn't unreasonable on a 20-plus-year-old truck.

It also explained potential alternatives and helped identify questions worth asking before proceeding.

Similarly, when the parking brake began sticking after the brake work was completed, ChatGPT outlined several possible causes, including parking brake cable issues, improper adjustment, and hardware problems related to the repair.

That gave me enough background knowledge to have a more informed conversation with the service department.

Reading repair estimates like a pro

Many repair estimates include recommended services that aren't necessarily but may not be immediately necessary.

AI can help consumers sort through recommendations by asking:

• Is this repair urgent?

• What happens if I wait six months?

• Is this preventative maintenance or a current problem?

• Is this price reasonable?

• Are there alternative repair options?

For example, my Silverado's estimate included coolant, brake fluid, and power steering flushes.

Instead of automatically approving everything, ChatGPT helped explain why each service might be recommended and what risks come from postponing them.

That information allowed me to prioritize repairs rather than simply approving every line item.

ChatGPT can make sure you dont get ripped off

This is perhaps the most important aspect of using AI with your auto repair.

When I specifically told ChatGPT what each repair would cost, it gave me a breakdown of what others in the country were paying for the repair. Both at the dealership and when using an independent mechanic.

ChatGPT even suggested that I ask for a reduction in the labor costs for the brake job since I was having the pads, rotors, and calipers all done at the same time. When I asked for this cost reduction, the service tech actually agreed and reduced my labor charge by $350.

In the end, I felt reassured that my repair bill, according to ChatGPT, was actually below what many dealerships charge for the same services.

AI can help identify patterns

One of ChatGPT's underrated strengths is recognizing common vehicle issues. If you can describe the symptoms clearly, AI can often point toward likely causes.

This includes things like strange noises, dashboard warning lights, fluid leaks, brake problems, and electrical issues.

You can even upload photos of worn parts, warning messages, or inspection reports and then ask for detailed explanations in laymans terms.

While AI won't provide a definitive diagnosis, it can often narrow down possibilities and help you understand what you're dealing with before visiting a shop.

What ChatGPT cannot do

Its important to realize that there are some things ChatGPT just cannot do when it comes to car repair.

For example, ChatGPT cannot:

• Physically inspect your vehicle

• Measure brake pad thickness

• Detect fluid contamination

• Identify hidden damage

• Hear noises

• Confirm a diagnosis

Think of AI as more of an informed assistant, not a certified mechanic. A qualified technician still has the tools, experience, and direct access to the vehicle.

The best approach is combining both by using AI to understand the problem, then use a mechanic to confirm it and make the repair.

Actionable tips for using AI on car repairs

• Upload repair estimates: Instead of staring at a multi-page estimate full of technical jargon, upload it and ask: "What repairs are urgent and which can wait?"

• Ask about repair priorities: If the estimate exceeds your budget, ask: "If I can only afford two of these repairs today, which should I prioritize?"

• Compare repair quotes: Upload multiple estimates and ask ChatGPT to identify differences. You may discover one shop is recommending services another shop doesn't consider necessary.

• Research common issues: Tell ChatGPT your vehicle year, make, model, mileage, and symptoms. The more details you provide, the more useful the response becomes.

• Learn before approving: Ask: "What questions should I ask my mechanic before approving this repair?" This often produces valuable questions you wouldn't have considered on your own.

Before authorizing any significant repair, upload the estimate into ChatGPT and ask for a plain-English explanation. Even if you ultimately end up approving every recommendation, understanding exactly what you're paying for can make you a more confident consumer and help prevent costly misunderstandings.