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New monthly plan bundles low-cost prescriptions, virtual care, and health discounts

• GoodRx has introduced GoodRx Companion, a new $14.99-per-month subscription program.

• The membership includes free and discounted generic medications, $19 online care visits, and savings on services like dental and vision care.

• The company says the program is designed to help consumers manage rising out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

For many Americans, healthcare costs dont just come from major medical bills. Everyday expenses like prescriptions, virtual doctor visits, lab work, and dental care can quickly add up especially for people with high deductibles or limited insurance coverage.

Thats the problem GoodRx says it is trying to address with the launch of GoodRx Companion, a new subscription service designed to bundle several healthcare savings tools into one monthly membership. The company announced this week that the service will cost $14.99 per month and aims to make common healthcare needs more affordable for consumers.

GoodRx Companion is an important step in our evolution toward building a broader subscription model built for the way consumers are navigating healthcare today, Wendy Barnes, President and CEO of GoodRx, said in a news release.

As coverage becomes more complex and out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, people are looking for trusted solutions that give them greater control and clearer value. Companion meets that demand while advancing our strategy to build deeper, more recurring consumer relationships across a growing portfolio of subscription offerings. This is where we believe the market is headed, and where we believe GoodRx is uniquely positioned to lead.

Whats included

According to GoodRx, the subscription includes access to more than 200 generic medications at no cost, along with hundreds of additional generic prescriptions priced at under $10 at participating pharmacies nationwide.

Members will also be able to access online medical visits through GoodRx Care for $19 per appointment, including treatment for common conditions such as urinary tract infections, flu symptoms, and certain skin issues.

The company said the membership also provides discounts on additional healthcare services, including dental care, vision care, lab testing, and imaging services. GoodRx described the new offering as part of a broader push to expand beyond prescription discounts and offer more comprehensive healthcare savings tools in one place.

GoodRx Companion is not health insurance, according to the company, but it may appeal to consumers looking for ways to reduce out-of-pocket spending on routine healthcare needs. The launch comes as many Americans continue facing higher healthcare costs, tighter insurance coverage restrictions, and growing concerns about affordability.

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the biggest draw may be convenience. Instead of using separate services for prescription discounts, telehealth visits, and routine healthcare savings, the subscription combines those benefits into a single monthly plan.

Whether the service ultimately saves money will likely depend on how often members use prescriptions, online care, or other healthcare services throughout the year.

Still, the launch reflects a growing trend in healthcare toward subscription-style services that offer more predictable costs and easier access to routine care. For people who regularly pay out of pocket for prescriptions or telehealth visits, programs like this may provide another option for managing everyday healthcare expenses.

Many travelers are stretching their budgets, cutting everyday spending, and relying on credit cards to make summer vacations happen

• A new BestMoney survey found that more than half of Americans expect to overspend on summer travel or are vacationing without a strict budget.

• Travelers say vacations are important for their mental health, even if it means cutting back on everyday spending or relying more on credit cards.

• Finance expert Anna Baluch says airfare, food, hidden fees, and emotional spending during trips are making it harder for consumers to stay on budget.

Summer vacations are still a top priority for many Americans this year even as travel costs continue to climb.

A new survey from BestMoney found that more than half of travelers expect to overspend or travel without a firm budget, highlighting how rising airfare, hotel prices, and everyday expenses are reshaping vacation plans.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with finance expert Anna Baluch of BestMoney who explained that many consumers are making financial trade-offs to afford trips this summer, from cutting back on daily spending to relying more heavily on credit cards and side income to cover costs.

Why are Americans overspending?

BestMoney surveyed 1,000 Americans about their summer travel plans, spending expectations, and financial trade-offs.

Ultimately, over 75% of respondents said vacations are important for their mental health, and 63% said that vacations are worth financial sacrifices.

I think a lot of Americans still see summer vacations as a priority, even with rising costs, so theyre willing to spend more or make sacrifices elsewhere to be able to travel, Baluch said.

And once people are actually traveling, spending tends to become a lot more emotional than rational. Someone says theyll keep it low-key, then theyre upgrading dinner reservations or booking an excursion because they dont want to feel like they missed out, and theyre trying to live in the moment.

Where are costs rising the most?

When youre planning a trip, its not hard for the costs to start adding up. But where are prices increasing the most?

• Airfare: This still feels like the thing Americans are most irritated by because pricing has become so unpredictable, Baluch said. A lot of travelers have this feeling that if they dont book immediately, prices are going to jump again.

• Food: This is probably where budgets quietly drift the most. Not even just expensive restaurants. Its the constant spending throughout the day that gets people. Airport food, coffees, drinks, convenience purchases, delivery fees at hotels, when people are traveling they spend in smaller chunks and dont always register how quickly its adding up.

• Destinations: Some destinations are just noticeably more expensive now than people remember from even a couple years ago, Baluch said.

Staying within budget without sacrificing quality

Baluch explained that the people who tend to feel best financially after a vacation are usually the ones who adjust their expectations early rather than trying to make a more expensive trip work no matter what.

She recommends traveling for four days instead of seven, staying a little farther from the busiest area, or driving instead of flying.

Based on the survey responses, many consumers are already doing that, Baluch said. Cheaper accommodations, closer destinations, staying with family, people seem willing to compromise on logistics before they give up travel completely.

Id also say people should actually look at their spending during the trip, even if its annoying. Most of us avoid checking until were back home, and by then the damage is already done. Each night when youre winding down, open up your banking app and see how much youve been spending so youre not shocked when you get back home.

Expect the unexpected costs

When it comes to booking a trip, the price you see is rarely the final price you pay.

Baluch explained that many travelers focus heavily on the headline price, and not enough on the full cost around it. Think about the trip as a whole: baggage fees, parking costs, Ubers, tips, resort charges, inflated food prices around tourist areas.

A flight that looks cheap upfront can end up much more expensive once bags, seat selection, transportation, and other additions get layered in, Baluch said. Hotels do the same thing with parking fees and resort charges.

At the end of the day, unexpected costs are almost guaranteed to pop up somewhere along the trip. Delays happen, plans change, people eat out more than expected. Building a little buffer into the budget from the beginning makes the whole thing less stressful.

A new MoneyLion study reveals where families are paying the most for summer camp, travel, and utility costs

• Summer camp now costs more than $2,200 a week in several states, with Hawaii ranking as the most expensive overall for seasonal family expenses.

• A new MoneyLion study found childcare costs are outpacing gas and utility expenses, putting added pressure on household budgets during the summer months.

• Financial experts say families can lower costs by enrolling in camps early, looking for discounts and scholarships, and cutting back on gas and electricity use.

For many families, summer break doesnt just mean vacations and longer days it also brings a sharp rise in household expenses.

Between childcare, road trips, and higher electricity bills, seasonal costs can add up quickly, especially in certain parts of the country.

A new study from MoneyLion found that some states are putting far more pressure on family budgets than others. In five states, the average cost of one week of summer camp now exceeds $2,200, with Hawaii ranking as the most expensive state overall when factoring in childcare, travel, and cooling costs.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Rudri Patel, Certified Financial Health Counselor at MoneyLionFinancial, who explained that these rising seasonal expenses are forcing many households to rethink spending, adjust vacation plans, or look for ways to cut back during the summer months.

Rising summer costs

MoneyLion conducted a nationwide study to better understand just consumers budgets this summer. Each state was scored across three categories: summer camp costs, gas, and utilities, with higher average scores indicating higher overall expense.

Heres a look at the top five states:

• Hawaii

  • Average price for a week of summer camp: $2,029

  • Average monthly cost of gas: $116.62

  • Average monthly cost of electricity: $296

• California

  • Average price for a week of summer camp: $2,270

  • Average monthly cost of gas: $122.57

  • Average monthly cost of electricity: $215

• Maine

  • Average price for a week of summer camp: $2,234

  • Average monthly cost of gas: $157.04

  • Average monthly cost of electricity: $182

• New Hampshire

  • Average price for a week of summer camp: $2,350

  • Average monthly cost of gas: $140.88

  • Average monthly cost of electricity: $177

• Wyoming

  • Average price for a week of summer camp: $1,200

  • Average monthly cost of gas: $268.66

  • Average monthly cost of electricity: $148

Whats contributing to higher costs?

Patel explained that childcare inflation is the biggest driver of higher costs, and summer camps are feeling the impact.

One of the biggest challenges specific to summer camps is that they are seasonal, so owners are faced with getting permits, paying for insurance costs, finding facilities, and training staff, he said. Labor shortages have made this problem worse. While demand for summer camps has not dropped (26 million kids still enroll), there continue to be staffing shortages.

The study found that the cost of childcare outpaces the cost of travel and gas combined. Patel explained that childcare for two kids in the most expensive states typically means handing over more than 35% of the median household income before utility and gas costs.

Our research shows that in the most expensive states, summer camp costs up to $2,000 each week, Patel said. And the cost of childcare isnt just seasonal its expensive all year. Its a domino effect on other expenses too. Kids who are now at home, instead of at school, will likely drive-up utility and food costs.

Make plans early

If youre thinking of enrolling your kids in summer camp, Patel suggests earlier is better. The sooner you make plans and enroll them, the better the prices.

Here are more of his tips to save on summer cap:

• Plan and enroll early. Many summer camps offer early-bird discounts in the winter and fall.

• Ask about scholarship assistance. Scholarship opportunities are often not advertised. Ask a camp director or person in authority in-person (if possible).

• See what discounts are available. Places like the YMCA or local sponsors of a camp may offer a discount or sliding scale for fees. You can often get a sibling discount if you plan to enroll more than one of your kids.

• Check if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account. If your employer makes this available, you can use those funds to pay for summer camp if your child is under 13.

Saving on gas and utilities

Along with childcare, the cost of gas and utilities are also increasing and the summer is no different. Patel shared more advice for consumers trying to make the most of their budget:

• Try to fill up gas earlier in the week because prices tend to rise closer to the weekend.

• Try to bulk your errands by geographic area so youre not having to go to a similar spot multiple times in a week.

• Use a rewards credit card to get cash back on your gas purchase. Some credit cards give you up to 5% cash back you can save without even thinking about it.

• GasBuddy is an app you can download which will help you find the cheapest gas station near you.

• Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day.

• Wash your clothes in cold water.

• Run your dishwasher at night instead of during the day.

• Make sure any air leaks are sealed around windows and doors.

• If youre struggling paying your utility bill, consider reaching out to nonprofits that offer emergency assistance.

Buy products directly from brands at special Costco-negotiated prices

• Costco Next is a website that lets members buy directly from brands like Dyson, Anker, and Travelpro at special Costco-negotiated prices.

• The best deals are often on luggage, outdoor gear, fitness equipment, and kitchen products that aren't sold in Costco warehouses.

• Before buying, compare Costco Next prices with Amazon and the manufacturer's website, and don't forget to check those shipping costs.

Most Costco members know about the warehouse deals, cheap gas, and the famous food court. But many have never heard of one of the membership's most underrated benefits: Costco Next.

The online program allows Costco members to buy directly from select brands while still receiving Costco-negotiated pricing. In many cases, that means lower prices than you'll find shopping directly with the manufacturer.

Here's how Costco Next works and how to use it to save money.

What exactly is Costco Next?

Costco Next is essentially a partnership program between Costco and dozens of well-known brands. But instead of Costco stocking these products in their warehouses, members are redirected to a special Costco Next storefront operated by the brand itself.

You'll find products from companies such as:

• Anker
• Dyson
• Bissell
• Henckels
• Briggs & Riley
• Benchmade
• Waterpik
• Gorilla Shed
• Igloo
• JupiterBike

When shopping through Costco Next, the order ships directly from the manufacturer rather than from Costco. The biggest advantage is that Costco has often negotiated exclusive member pricing that's unavailable to the general public.

Where the biggest savings tend to happen

In my experience, Costco Next shines most in categories where Costco warehouses have limited shelf space. For example, things like kitchenware, small appliances, luggage, outdoor gear, built-in BBQs, sporting goods, and fitness products.

Many members assume Costco only carries one to twoproducts from a brand because that's all they see on warehouse shelves. Then they discover Costco Next and find dozens of additional items in various styles, sizes, and colors.

Pro tip: The key is to always check Costco Next before buying directly from a manufacturer's website. Youll often find the exact same product at a lower member-only price.

Don't assume Costco Next always wins

Costco Next pricing is often excellent, but it's not automatically the lowest price available. This is where shoppers need to be careful.

Manufacturers still run holiday sales, clearance events, coupon promotions, and email sign-up discounts.

Sometimes those promotions can temporarily beat Costco Next pricing.

Pro tip: If you're making a large purchase, compare three prices:

1. Costco Next
2. The manufacturer's regular website
3. Amazon or another major retailer

The comparison takes about two minutes and can save you significantly more than assuming Costco Next is always cheapest.

Pay attention to shipping costs

One thing many shoppers miss is that shipping policies vary by brand on Costco Next.

Some partners do offer free shipping but there are often minimum purchase thresholds that need to be met. You sometimes need to spend $50 or $100 to qualify for free shipping.

Pro tip: Always compare the final delivered price, not just the product price. Shipping costs can completely change which deal is actually best.

Costco Next is especially useful for gift shopping

One of my favorite uses for Costco Next is holiday and birthday shopping.

Many of the participating brands sell premium products that people already recognize and trust. Think high-end cookware, fitness gear, travel accessories, and luxury bedding.

And because the products ship directly from the manufacturer, the selection is usually much bigger than what you'll find in the warehouse.

Pro tip: I like to start checking Costco Next several weeks before Christmas. Ive found that popular items can sell out fairlyquickly once those seasonal promotions start to kick-in.