Consumer News: Gallup poll finds Americans increasingly worried about affordability

Stop overpaying for speed you dont actually need

• Audit your bill and pick the right speed:Check for expired promos, rental fees, and unused add-ons, and downgrade if youre paying for more speed than you need.

• Shop around and negotiate:Compare providers (including options like Starlink), then call your provider and ask for a better rate using competitor pricing as leverage.

• Cut extras and optimize your setup:Stop renting equipment, fix router placement, and watch for hidden fees to lower your bill without sacrificing performance.

Internet has become one of the more expensive non-negotiables in the average household budget. Between rising base rates, equipment fees, and confusing plan tiers, many people are overpaying (often by $20 to $80 a month) without realizing it.

The good news is you dont have to settle for slower speeds to save money. In fact, most savings come from smarter choices, not necessarily cutting performance.

Heres a step-by-step, actionable guide to lowering your internet bill while keeping the speed you actually need.

Start with a quick bill audit

Before making any changes, its smart to take 10 minutes and do an audit of your current internet bill.

Look for the following things:

• Expired promotional pricing
• Equipment rental fees ($10$20/month)
• Add-ons like security packages or streaming bundles
• Taxes and mystery fees on your bill

Most people discover theyre paying for at least one thing they dont need sometimes a couple things.

Pro tip: If your bill recently increased, its likely because a promo expired. Thats theleverage you need to call and negotiate a lower bill. If you make the cancel call, many companies will extend the promoto keep you on as a paying customer.

Choose the right speed (not the highest one)

One of the biggest ways people overpay is by choosing faster speeds than they actually use or need.

Heres a realistic breakdown:

• 50100 Mbps: Light use, streaming, browsing
• 100250 Mbps: Families, multiple devices
• 2501000 Mbps: Heavy users, gamers, remote work

Many households paying for high speeds could downgrade and save moneywithout noticing a difference.

Run a speed test during peak hours in the evening. If youre not maxing out your plan, youre definitely overpaying.

Pro tip: Stability matters more than raw speed. A reliable 200 Mbps connection often feels faster than a spotty 1 Gbps plan.

Shop around theres more competition than ever

Even if you think you only have one provider available in your area, check again.

Your options may often include:

• Cable or fiber
• 5G home internet
• Fixed wireless
• Satellite providers like Starlink

Whats especially notable right now is how Starlink has evolved. For years, satellite internet was known for being expensive and limited. But thats changing.

Starlink now offers multiple residential tiers starting at $50/month, with higher tiers scaling up depending on speed and priority. That shift from a single premium plan, to more flexible pricing, is honestly refreshing to see. It shows that even newer providers are starting to compete on affordability, not just performance.

Even if Starlink isnt the right fit for you, that kind of pricing pressure is helping push the entire market in a better direction.

Pro tip: Take screenshots of competitor pricing before you call your current provider and use that as your ammo when calling to negotiate a lower bill.

Call and negotiate your bill

This is the most overlooked step, yet the one that delivers the biggest savings.

Call your provider and say:

Ive been reviewing my bill and comparing options. Id like to stay, but I need a better rate.

Ask for:

• Promotional pricing
• Loyalty discounts
• Plan adjustments
• Fee waivers

Be sure to mention competitor pricing (especially the $50/month 100 Mbps package from Starlink) and how youre considering switching unless you can get better pricing. That offer alone can unlock better deals and pricing.

If you don't get anywhere with the first person you speak with, be sure to ask for the retention (or loyalty) department as they usually have more flexibility to offer you a discount.

Stop renting equipment

Rental fees are one of the easiest costs to eliminate.

Typical charges:

• Modem: $10$15/month
• Router: $5$10/month

Thats up to $300+ over time.

Instead, buy your own modem/router (usually $100$200 total), but be sure to check compatibility with your provider before you do.

Youll also notice that a good router often performs better than what your provider gives you.

Fix your setup before upgrading your plan

Slow internet isnt always your monthly plan's fault. Often, its your setup thats the problem.

Try this first before calling:

• Move your router to a central location
• Keep it elevated and unobstructed
• Avoid placing it behind walls or inside cabinets
• Use a mesh system for larger homes

A $100 mesh system can solve dead zones and is often much cheaper than upgrading your plan.

Watch for hidden fees

Even a cheap plan can balloon with fees.

Common ones include:

• Broadcast TV fees
• Regional sports fees
• Data overage charges
• Installation fees

Always ask: Whats the all-in monthly cost?

Pro tip: Internet pricing isnt static and neither should your bill be.

Set a reminder every 12 months to:

• Review your plan
• Compare competitors
• Renegotiate

Pro tip: Treat your internet bill like a subscription it needs regular check-ins.

The bottom line

Lowering your internet bill isnt about settling for less, its about being intentional with what youre willing to pay for your exact needs.

The biggest wins come from:

• Choosing the right speed.
• Negotiating your rate.
• Eliminating unnecessary fees.
• Taking advantage of growing competition.

And that competition is finally working in your favor. Seeing providers like Starlink introduce more flexible, lower-cost tiers is a clear sign that things are shifting, and thats good news for your wallet.

Spend an hour on this today, and you could save hundreds over the next year, without sacrificing the speed you rely on every day.

Claimants will receive a share of the $2.67 billion settlement

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Blue Cross Blue Shield agreed to a $2.67 billion antitrust settlement over allegations it limited competition among its regional plans.

• Roughly sixmillion policyholders and businesses filed claims, with about $1.9 billion available for payouts after fees.

• Payments are expected to begin in May 2026, more than a decade after the lawsuit was filed.

Millions of Americans who bought health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) are set to receive long-awaited payments from one of the largest antitrust settlements in U.S. healthcare history.

The $2.67 billion settlement resolves a class-action lawsuit filed in 2013 that accused more than 30 BCBS-affiliated companies of illegally dividing markets and avoiding competition, a practice plaintiffs say drove up premiums and limited consumer choice.

BCBS denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle in 2020 to avoid prolonged litigation.

Who qualifies for a payout?

The settlement covers individuals and businesses that purchased or were enrolled in BCBS health insurance plans between Feb. 8, 2008, and Oct. 16, 2020.

It also includes certain healthcare providers who participated in administrative services plans during a similar period.

However, eligibility came with a key requirement: claimants had to file a claim before the Nov. 5, 2021 deadline. That window is now closed, meaning only those who already filed will receive payments.

How much money people may receive

While the total settlement fund is $2.67 billion, legal fees and administrative costs reduce the amount available to claimants to roughly $1.9 billion.

Payments will vary widely depending on factors such as how long someone had BCBS coverage and how much they paid in premiums. Estimates suggest the average payout could be around $300, though some claimants may receive significantly more or less.

After years of appeals and administrative delays, the settlement is now entering its final phase. Claim determination notices began going out in early 2026, and the first payments are expected to be distributed starting in May.

Payments may be issued through mailed checks, prepaid cards, or electronic methods such as PayPal or Venmo, depending on what claimants selected when filing.

Broader impact on the health insurance market

Beyond financial compensation, the settlement also requires BCBS to make changes aimed at increasing competition among its affiliated plans.

Plaintiffs alleged that BCBS companies historically agreed not to compete across geographic regions, effectively carving up the U.S. market.

The case, formally known as In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation, is considered one of the largest antitrust cases ever involving the health insurance industry.

Those who filed claims should monitor their email or mailbox for payment notices and instructions from the settlement administrator. Notices are being sent on a rolling basis as claims are finalized.

The price hasnt performed the way it has in past times of uncertainty

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Gold initially surged sharply on safe-haven demand when the Iran conflict began, briefly topping record highs above $5,300 an ounce.

• Prices have since fallen roughly 10%12% from their peak, as investors reacted to inflation, interest-rate expectations, and liquidity needs.

• Analysts are divided but generally see continued volatility with an upward bias, driven by geopolitical risk, central bank buying, and inflation pressures.

Golds price action since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February 2026 has been unusually volatile, showing how competing macro forces can pull the metal in opposite directions.

At the onset of the conflict, markets behaved as expected: investors rushed into gold as a safe haven. Prices jumped above $5,300 an ounce in a matter of hours as geopolitical risk spiked.

But that rally proved short-lived.

Within weeks, gold began to reverse course. By late April, prices had dropped roughly 10%12% from their highs, including an 11% decline from the start of the warone of the sharpest pullbacks in years.

Several forces drove the reversal:

• Rising interest-rate expectations: Higher yields reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold.

• Inflation dynamics tied to oil: Surging crude prices raised fears central banks would delay rate cuts.

• Investor positioning and liquidity needs: Some investors sold gold to raise cash during market stress.

The result has been a market caught between safe-haven demand and macro headwinds. As one recent analysis put it, gold is squeezed between geopolitical support and rate pressures.

Why gold hasnt behaved like a typical war trade

Historically, gold tends to rise during conflicts and it did initially. But this time, the reaction has been more complex.

Three key factors explain the divergence:

1. Inflation and oil prices complicate the story.The Iran conflict has driven a surge in oil prices up nearly 50% since the war began which feeds inflation and pushes interest rates higher. That dynamic can actually hurt gold in the short term, even as geopolitical risk rises.
2. Strong U.S. dollar pressure.A stronger dollar has weighed on gold prices, making the metal more expensive for international buyers.
3. Profit-taking after a historic rally.Gold had already surged more than 60% in 2025, so some of the recent decline reflects normal consolidation after extreme gains.In other words, golds recent decline isnt a rejection of its safe-haven role its the result of competing macro forces overwhelming that effect in the short term, according to market analysts.

Despite recent weakness, most analysts remain constructive on gold over the medium term though they expect continued volatility.

Bullish case: Geopolitical risk and structural demand

Many forecasts still point higher:

• Goldman Sachs sees gold reaching around $5,400 per ounce by the end of 2026.

• Other major banks have issued targets as high as $6,000$6,300, citing persistent geopolitical tensions and currency debasement trends.

• Central bank buying and global uncertainty are expected to remain key supports.

Some economists go further, arguing the Iran conflict could be part of a broader commodity supercycle, lifting gold alongside energy and metals.

Neutral to cautious: Near-term consolidation

Other analysts see a more muted near-term picture:

• Some technical strategists say gold is in a sideways or corrective phase, recommending a sell-on-rise approach for traders.

• Rising yields and a strong dollar could continue to cap gains in the coming months.

Key swing factor: How the conflict evolves

The biggest variable remains geopolitics:

• Escalation (e.g., oil supply disruptions) could drive gold significantly higher as inflation and risk spike.

• De-escalation or peace could ease inflation fears and reduce safe-haven demand, pressuring prices.

As always, its wise to consult with a trusted and objective financial advisor before making major investment decisions.

Legislation would establish federal oversight of the fast-growing industry

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Federal lawmakers are pushing new national standards to curb what they call predatory online sports betting practices.

• The proposed SAFE Bet Act would impose limits on marketing, AI targeting, and other industry tactics tied to addiction risks.

• Supporters argue the rapid growth of mobile betting has created a public health crisis, especially among young people.

Online sports betting has taken off in the last decade, raising concerns that many bettors are in over their heads. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are renewing their push for sweeping federal oversight of the online sports betting industry, warning that aggressive marketing and data-driven targeting have fueled a growing addiction crisis.

Speaking at a public health conference in Boston last week, the lawmakers said they plan to advance the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, legislation aimed at establishing nationwide consumer protections while still allowing legal wagering.

The event, hosted by Northeastern Universitys Public Health Advocacy Institute, brought together policymakers, researchers, and addiction experts to examine the rapid expansion of online gambling. Participants highlighted what they described as the failure of the industrys responsible gaming model to adequately protect consumers.

Massive growth

The size of the online sports betting industry depends on how you define it (online-only vs. total sports betting), but the latest data show it is already a massive global market and growing fast.

For example: The global online sports betting market accounted for about $85 billion in 2025, up from roughly $75 billion in 2024. Its expected to reach around $163 billion by 2030.

The entire global sports betting market (online + retail) was estimated at roughly $110$115 billion in 2025. In the U.S. alone, legal sports betting generated about $16.96 billion in revenue in 2025. Thats massive growth, considering that just a few years ago, gambling was illegal in most states.

Public health emergency

Blumenthal framed the issue as a mounting public health emergency driven by technology and sophisticated marketing tools. We are facing a perfect storm of addiction, he said, pointing to real-time data tracking and personalized promotions that target vulnerable users, particularly young people.

Tonko drew parallels to the tobacco industry, arguing that sports betting companies use similar tactics to maximize profits. Without federal guardrails, he said, the industry will continue prioritizing growth over consumer safety.

The SAFE Bet Act would require states that allow sports betting to meet minimum federal standards governing advertising, affordability measures,and the use of artificial intelligence in targeting customers. These provisions are designed to reduce addictive features and limit practices critics say exploit problem gamblers.

The legislative push comes amid continued growth in sports wagering across the U.S. Since the Supreme Court cleared the way for legalization in 2018, the market has expanded rapidly, with most betting now taking place online.