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Prices may be cooling, but many household budgets still feel stretched

• Inflation isn't the whole problem: Housing, childcare, and healthcare costs continue to strain household budgets.

• Big bills are the real budget killers: Many families are spending more on necessities even as overall inflation cools.

• Look for bigger savings: Shop insurance, negotiate bills, and tackle high-interest debt before worrying about small daily expenses.

Inflation may no longer be making headlines every day, and gas prices are decreasing, but millions of Americans are still asking the same question: Why does everything still feel so expensive?

According to a recent analysis by The Dispatch, the answer has less to do with rising prices at the grocery store and more to do with the soaring cost of life's biggest necessities. While inflation has cooled significantly from its peak, many families continue to struggle with housing, healthcare, childcare, and education costs that have risen much faster than incomes over the past two decades.

In other words, even if eggs and gasoline stabilize, many households are still getting crushed by expenses that consume a huge chunk of their monthly budget.

Here's a closer look at what's driving the affordability crunch and what consumers can do to fight back.

Housing remains the biggest obstacle

For most Americans, housing is their largest monthly expense.

Whether you're renting or buying, housing costs have surged in many parts of the country. Home prices remain historically high, mortgage rates are far above pandemic-era lows, and rents continue climbing in many markets.

As The Dispatch notes, much of the problem stems from a long-running shortage of housing. Simply put, there aren't enough homes being built to meet demand.

The result is basic economics, with limited supply and strong demand continuing to keep prices high.

Pro tip: If you're house hunting, don't focus solely on the monthly payment. Compare property taxes, insurance costs, utility expenses, and commute costs as well. Sometimes a slightly more expensive home can actually cost less overall.

Childcare has become a second mortgage

Ask parents of young children what strains their budget and childcare will almost certainly come up.

In many cities, full-time childcare now costs thousands of dollars per month. Some families spend nearly as much on childcare as they do on housing.

The Dispatch highlights childcare as one of the fastest-growing expenses facing working families.

The challenge is that parents often have limited flexibility. Unlike streaming services or restaurant spending, childcare isn't an expense that can simply be eliminated.

Pro tip: Check whether your employer offers a dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). These accounts allow families to pay for eligible childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars, creating meaningful tax savings.

Healthcare keeps getting more expensive

Healthcare remains another major contributor to household financial stress.

Even consumers with insurance often face rising deductibles, copays, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.

One of the frustrations consumers face is that healthcare prices are often difficult to compare before receiving treatment. That lack of transparency makes it harder to shop around and control costs.

Pro tip: Before scheduling a non-emergency procedure, always ask for a price estimate. The exact same service can vary dramatically in cost depending on the provider.

Why people still feel broke

One of the most interesting points raised by The Dispatch is that inflation isn't the whole story. Even when inflation slows, prices will not magically return to those previously low levels.

A family that paid $1,200 a month for rent several years ago may now be paying $1,800. Childcare that once cost $800 per month may now cost $1,300. Those higher costs become part of the household budget permanently.

That's why many Americans continue feeling financially stressed despite positive economic indicators. Their biggest expenses remain elevated.

The smartest ways to respond

When money starts to feel tight, the tendency is to focus on cutting out some small expenses in your life. Maybe skip coffee runs, cancel streaming subscriptions, or clip a few extra digital coupons at the grocery store.

While those strategies absolutely help, they rarely solve the bigger underlying problem. The biggest savings opportunities are usually found by looking at the bigger spend categories in your life.

Here are a few to consider:

• Negotiate your biggest bills - Many of us don't realize that some of are largest monthly expenses are 100% negotiable. Internet service, cell phone plans, and even certain medical bills can often be reduced with a simple phone call.
  
  Before renewing a service, check competitor pricing and ask your current provider if they can match or beat it. If the first person you speak with says no, ask to speak to the loyalty or retention department, as theyre usually the ones who have the authority to lower your bill.

• Review your insurance annually - Many consumers stay with the same auto and homeowners insurance company for years without ever shopping around. A 30-minute review could potentially save hundreds of dollars annually. Dont be afraid to pick up the phone and shop around for the best rate and policy discounts.

• Audit recurring subscriptions - Most households underestimate how much they spend on recurring charges. Review every subscription at least once every three months and be honest with yourself about what you actually use and get rid of the rest.

• Take advantage of workplace benefits - Many employees overlook valuable benefits including:

  • Retirement matches

  • Health savings accounts (HSAs)

  • Dependent care FSAs

  • Tuition assistance programs

  • Wellness incentives

• Focus on debt reduction - High-interest credit card debt remains one of the biggest threats to financial stability. Paying down balances often produces a better return than many investments.
  
  If you're carrying credit card balances, be sure youre directing any extra income toward the highest-interest debt first. This strategy will typically save you the most money over time.

• Think long term - One mistake many consumers make is focusing only on this month's budget. The affordability challenges highlighted by The Dispatch developed over years, not months.
  
  That means meaningful financial improvement often requires long-term thinking as well. Things like building an emergency savings, paying down debt, improving job skills, and reducing major expenses that can create lasting financial flexibility.

Small daily savings matter, but the biggest financial wins often come from improving the largest categories of spending.

Researchers found early exposure was linked to memory and academic outcomes

• A long-term study tracked children from infancy through age 10.5 to examine how screen time relates to learning and memory.

• Researchers found the strongest links between heavier screen use at age 1 and later academic performance.

• The findings suggest that when children are exposed to screens may matter as much as how much time they spend using them.

As screens have become part of everyday life, many parents have wondered how much screen time is too much.

A new study suggests that the timing of screen exposure may play an important role in childrens development. Researchers found that children who spent more time looking at screens during certain stages of early childhood, especially infancy and around the time they entered school, tended to have weaker academic performance and working memory years later.

The findings add to ongoing questions about how screens fit into healthy childhood development. Current recommendations from the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise avoiding screen time before 18 to 24 months and limiting it to less than an hour a day for children ages 2 to 5.

The study

To explore the issue, researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore analyzed data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort. The study followed 502 children from infancy through middle childhood. Parents reported their childrens screen viewing time at six different ages between 1 and 8 years old.

Researchers later measured academic performance when the children were 9 years old and assessed working memory at age 10.5. Because previous research often relied on a single snapshot in time, the team wanted to examine whether different stages of childhood might represent particularly important periods for brain development.

The results

The results showed that greater screen exposure during infancy and around age 6 was consistently linked with poorer academic performance and weaker working memory later on.

The strongest associations appeared among children who spent more time viewing screens at age 1. Interestingly, screen use at ages 2 and 3 did not show the same pattern, but the associations resurfaced around school-entry age.

Researchers also found that children with higher screen exposure across childhood generally performed less well academically.

"The effect sizes we saw at age 1 were the largest among all time points we examined," the authors said. "That suggests early infancy may be a window of heightened sensitivity, when the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the displacement of learning interactions by screen time.

We were also surprised to see that while screen use at age 2 and 3 did not show significant links, the associations re-emerged at age 6when children enter formal schooling. So it is not just about early years; screen use later in childhood still matters."

The authors say the findings suggest that early childhood may be a sensitive period for cognitive development and that screen habits established during those years could have lasting effects. They noted that future studies should examine factors beyond screen duration, including the type of content children are viewing, the devices they use and whether parents are watching alongside them.

Researchers analyzed more than 8,800 talc-containing cosmetics and found powder products especially eyeshadows and blushes carried the greatest potential risk.

• A new analysis of 8,810 talc-containing cosmetics found that powder products especially eyeshadows and blushes carried the highest potential risk for asbestos exposure.

• Researchers identified Beauty Plus Global, Claires and Justice as the brands with the highest average risk scores, and noted that all FDA-confirmed asbestos-positive cosmetics were powder-based.

• Experts say consumers shouldnt assume clean beauty labels mean products are asbestos-free, as most certification programs do not require asbestos testing or ban talc.

Millions of Americans reach for makeup products every day without giving much thought to whats inside them. But a new study from Mesothelioma.com suggests some talc-based cosmetics may carry a hidden risk: asbestos contamination.

After analyzing thousands of products and records from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) researchers found that powder formulas were far more likely than creams or liquids to score high for potential exposure.

To better understand what the findings mean for consumers, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Melanie Radliff, senior content writer specializing in health and wellness at Mesothelioma.com, about why certain products may pose a greater risk and what shoppers should know.

Key findings

Heres a look at what the study revealed:

• The FDA tested 236 cosmetic products across 5 rounds, and 9 tested positive for asbestos. Before being recalled, they were sold at Walmart, Amazon, Claire's and Justice stores.

• There is no federal requirement to test makeup for asbestos. The FDA proposed a rule in 2024 but withdrew it less than a year later. The European Union (EU) requires testing, but the United States doesn't.

• 92% of powder-based products scored High or Critical risk across the 8,810 products analyzed. That includes 89% of blushes and 88% of eyeshadows.

• Based on average scores, powder makeup is 62% riskier than creams and 120% riskier than liquids.

• Most "clean beauty" labels don't include testing for asbestos. Only EWG Verified and MADE SAFE ban talc, but programs like Clean at Sephora and Leaping Bunny don't.

The risks of powder-based make-up

Radliff explained that the risks of powder-based make-up comes from two main factors: the talc mining process and the nature of powdered products.

Talc and asbestos often develop near one another on the earth, she said. When mined, talc may become contaminated. This means talc-based products could contain some asbestos.

Talcum powder products in particular pose asbestos exposure risks. These powders often create a cloud of dust, which people can easily inhale. If asbestos fibers embed themselves in the lining of some organs, like the lungs, this may later lead to cancer. Liquid and cream products are less likely to make asbestos fibers airborne.

Clean beauty products arent always clean

The study found that many beauty companies that tout clean products dont actually test for asbestos exposure. Instead, these companies focus on the presence of certain ingredients, manufacturing practices, or animal testing standards.

These programs often restrict or prohibit specific chemicals, but most don't address asbestos testing or bans, Radliff said. Our study evaluated five major product certification programs. We found that only two, EWG Verified and MADE SAFE, specifically prohibited talc. Other well-known programs, including Clean at Sephora and Leaping Bunny, did not.

One of the biggest takeaways from this research is that terms like 'clean don't always mean a product is talc-free or has been tested for asbestos. Many consumers assume these labels provide broader safety assurances than they actually do.

Updating product testing mandates

The findings highlight one potential gap in current product testing standards: there is no federal requirement for asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics.

Many experts say that some changes could help reduce consumer use of contaminated products, Radliff explained. Possible steps may include mandatory asbestos testing, stronger standards for talc sourcing, and clearer recall enforcement. Together, these measures could improve transparency and strengthen consumer protections.

On top of that, Radliff recommends that shoppers understand what certifications do and do not cover, as this can help them make more informed decisions.

Until federal regulations adequately protect consumers, reading labels is an easy way to check for talc, she said.

A new survey finds many parents are looking for affordable ways to make summer memories

• Many families are scaling back summer vacations in 2026, with one in four parents planning a staycation or skipping travel altogether as rising costs reshape plans.

• A survey from K12 found that nearly half of parents have gone into debt or overspent on credit to fund summer trips, while many feel pressure to create a perfect vacation experience.

• Experts say memorable summers dont have to come with a hefty price tag intentional staycations, local activities and realistic budgets can help families make lasting memories without overspending.

Summer vacations have long been a highlight for many families, but this year, rising costs are forcing parents to rethink their plans.

Instead of splurging on dream getaways, many households are embracing what online education provider K12 calls the Compromise Summer a season defined by budget-friendly choices and scaled-back expectations.

According to a new survey of more than 1,000 parents, affordability concerns are leading some families to skip major trips altogether, while others are finding creative ways to enjoy summer without overspending.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dacey Mayhoff, Sr. Director Research + Insights, K12 to learn more about the ways that consumers can save on summer vacations and still have fun, memorable summers.

Key findings

Heres a look at some of the top findings from K12s survey:

• One in four American parents is planning to skip the big trip this summer, either as a pure staycation (15%) or with no specific travel plans (10%).

• Searches for staycation ideas jumped 76% year over year nationwide, led by Philadelphia (+300%), Miami and Atlanta (+233% each), and Houston (+220%).

• Nearly half of parents (46%) have gone into debt or overspent on credit to pay for a family summer vacation, with Gen X leading every generation at 51%.

• 39% of Gen Z parents admit theyve made their summer plans sound bigger or more exciting than they really are, nearly double the rate of Millennial parents (21%) and Gen X parents (19%).

• 30% of parents who took a big family summer trip say their kids didnt actually enjoy it.

Families have been struggling with financial pressure for quite a while now: increasing expenses, pressure to present a social media-worthy experience, and the belief that children need an unforgettable experience in summertime, Mayhoff said.

If we consider that families across different income brackets spend, on average, between approximately $1,750 and more than $5,000 on summer vacations, its understandable that parents are beginning to question whether this expense is worth it.

Breaking past the perfect image

K12s survey found that for many parents, the vacation is more about the appearance of having the perfect family trip rather than the experience itself. Seventy-two percent of parents said they felt guilty about not making their vacation spectacular enough, and 39% of Gen Z parents admitted they felt pressure to make their summer plans more impressive than they were.

Mayhoff is encouraging parents to let go of that perfect image and plan a summer that feels authentic and fun to their specific families.

Rather than feeling like summer planning has to be perfect, we encourage parents to let their kids help make the plan by asking what they really want to do before going back to school, she said.

According to the findings of our research, 55% of kids prioritize spending their summer with someone over visiting any particular place, and 30% of parents who went on vacation admitted that kids did not appreciate it. So before going all in on a big trip, consider talking as a family about how you want to spend that time together.

Another tip: parents should decide on the budget based on what they can afford to pay in cash, rather than using their credit card.

Make a staycation intentional

As more consumers across the country are searching for information on staycations, Mayhoff suggests taking the time to intentionally plan the trip and make it just as memorable as you would a more lavish trip.

The families who claimed to have incredible staycations all shared one thing in common: they planned their summer intentionally, rather than viewing it as a compromise, she said. There is a big difference between staying home for the summer and deliberately planning a staycation.

The secret to having an amazing staycationbased on the opinions of parentscomes down to activities such as going to local beaches or pools (43%), visiting local attractions (42%), attending concerts or festivals (34%), and going to local amusement parks (32%).

Make realistic plans

If an expensive vacation isnt in the cards this summer, thats okay! There are ways to budget for future trips and make the most of trips this year that are closer to home.

Here are some of Mayhoffs best long-term budgeting strategies for families:

• Start saving in advance for the vacation you want. However, you should also be open to rethinking what vacation means for your family. Parents often feel that kids need big hotels and expensive destinations, but in reality, kids need time with people they love away from their normal routine. A weekend at a lake house can be just as memorable as a trip to Disney World, at a fraction of the cost.

• See what your city has to offer. With one in four American families choosing to stay close to home this summer, there's a real and growing local economy around festivals, day trips, and local attractions. These are worth researching with the same energy and excitement that you'd put into booking flights.

• Set a budget first. The most common mistake is building a dream trip and then trying to make the finances fit afterward.

Choosing a compromise summer is not a failure in fact, its an opportunity to teach our kids how to rest, have fun, and make meaningful memories in a way that works for the whole family, Mayhoff said.

Costco's Member Appreciation Days could beat Prime Day on value

• Costco's answer to Prime Day: Member Appreciation Days runs through June 26 with deals on electronics, furniture, travel, and household essentials.

• Look beyond the sale price: Costco often includes extras like extended warranties, delivery, travel perks, and cash back rewards.

• Buy what you'll use: The best values are often on everyday items like paper products, baby wipes, pet supplies, and other household staples.

While Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Deals, and Target Circle Week are grabbing most of the headlines this week, Costco is running its own sales event that could offer even better value on some big-ticket purchases.

Costco's Member Appreciation Days event runs through June 26 and includes discounts on everything from TVs and computers to furniture, mattresses, baby products, and travel packages.

The key difference? Costco often competes on value, not just price.

That means shoppers should look beyond the sale tag and pay attention to what's included.

Don't compare pricescompare the total package

One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make during major sales events is focusing exclusively on the sticker price.

For example, Costco is currently offering a Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED television for $1,199.99.

After a quick price check, I found the same TV for the same price at Best Buy and Amazon. But Costco includes an Allstate protection plan bundle that provides five years of total coverage. Not to mention 4% back in rewards when you use your Costco Anywhere Visa to buy the TV.

By factoring in the entire package that Costco offers, its often going to be the better deal.

The same strategy applies to laptops, appliances, mattresses, furniture, and fitness equipment.

Look for hidden savings on baby and household essentials

Not every good deal involves electronics. Some of Costco's strongest values this week are on products families buy repeatedly.

Examples include:

• Baby wipes

• Paper products

• Cleaning supplies

• Pantry staples

• Pet supplies

The Kirkland Signature baby wipes promotion is a good example. Through June 26th, you can get $4 manufacturer's savings, bringing your total for a box of 900 wipes down to only $19.99.

A small discount on the stuff your family buys regularly can add up to meaningful savings.

Pro tip: Focus on products you'll definitely use within the next six months. Buying necessities at a discount usually beats buying gadgets you weren't planning to purchase.

Check Costco before buying an air conditioner

Summer heat is driving demand for cooling products nationwide. Costco currently has significant discounts on portable air conditioners, including $110 off a Midea 12,000 BTU DUO Smart Inverter.

If you're shopping for cooling products this week, be sure to compare the following:

• Unit price

• Warranty coverage

• Delivery costs

Also, Costco's generous return policy and included benefits can make a higher-priced item a better overall value.

Don't overlook Costco Travel

Many members forget that Costco Travel often runs promotions during major sale periods.

Current offers include:

• Instant savings on resort stays

• Costco Shop Cards

• Resort credits

• Room upgrades

• Free nights

These perks can sometimes provide hundreds of dollars in additional value compared to booking directly.

Pro tip: Always compare the total package value, including credits and bonuses, rather than focusing solely on the room rate.

Pay special attention to Costco's furniture deals

Furniture is one category where Costco frequently outperforms competitors. This week's sale includes hundreds of dollars off sofas, sectionals, recliners, and patio furniture.

Large furniture purchases can be particularly difficult to compare because many retailers charge extra for delivery. Costco often includes delivery and setup services that would cost significantly more elsewhere.

Pro tip: Before purchasing furniture from another retailer, check delivery fees, assembly charges, and return policies. Those costs can quickly erase a lower advertised price.

The bottom line

Amazon, Walmart, and Target may be dominating the summer sales conversation, but Costco's Member Appreciation Days event deserves a closer look.

For shoppers buying electronics, furniture, appliances, travel, or household essentials, Costco's combination of discounts, warranties, delivery benefits, and member perks can sometimes produce a better overall value than a lower advertised price elsewhere.

This week, the smartest move isn't assuming one retailer has the best deal. It's comparing the complete package before you buy.