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Experts say its not just the economy

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Major restaurant chains including Wendys, Jack in the Box, and Pizza Hut have closed locations as operators face shrinking profit margins, rising labor and ingredient costs, and higher transportation expenses.

• Industry experts say changing consumer preferences, increased competition, aging customer bases, and economic pressures such as inflation and tariffs have made it harder for many franchise locations to remain profitable.

• Today's diners expect strong value, convenience, and seamless digital experiences; brands that fail to keep pace with technology, service expectations, and perceived value risk losing customers and closing more locations.

Has your favorite chain restaurant closed your favorite location? For a growing number of consumers, the answer is yes.

Wendys, Jack in the Box and Pizza Hut are just a few of the chains that have shuttered stores in the last few years. Yes, the economy might have something to do with it, but the industry experts we consulted said there are other factors at work as well.

"The closings come down to margins, Eric Lam, CEO at Berry AI, told ConsumerAffairs.

For years, operators could cover thin unit economics with promotions to increase traffic and price increases. Both of those are tapped out now. What's left is operational efficiency; the seconds and percentages that decide whether or not a location makes money. The chains' closing units are likely running blind to what's happening inside their four walls, and couldn't fix it fast enough once the cushion disappeared."

Brandon Dorsky is a co-owner, consultant and former chef of Yeastie Boys Bagels, which operates multiple food trucks in Los Angeles. He traces the multiple closings to both underlying economic pressures and evolving consumer demographics.

Changing tastes

Some chain closures have impacted brands with an aging core customer base or a style of food fare that is waning in popularity, whereas others are seemingly the result of expiring leases and increasing profit compression from the rising costs of labor and ingredients, he told us.

Milos Eric is a co-founder of OysterLink, a hospitality job platform. He takes a more nuanced view.

Firstly, consumers have become more cautious and selective about where they want to spend their money, he said. It means the competition in this market has become brutal. Many chains were in their prime when traffic was steadily growing, but now the times have changed.

Secondly, Eric says operators have to face higher food prices because of tariffs, general inflation, and higher cost of labor.

Costs off the chart

Chains are closing because the cost and difficulty of owning and operating a food-service business are off the charts, Joel Libaba, of Franchise Selection Specialists, told us. And these costs are being passed on to consumers.

Specifically, Libaba points to transportation costs, which have surged since the start of the Iran war. But there are other things working against franchisees.

Specifically, transportation costs are ridiculously high because of the price of diesel fuel.

Its still difficult to find a stable workforce in the food business, he said. Staff shortages provide one more reason for today's busy consumers to skip restaurants.

Robin Gagnon, co-founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, says it all comes down to inflation. The pie is getting smaller.

Perceived value wins

Consumers today are more selective with their spending, prioritizing experiences where they perceive the value as worth the price, Gagon said. They're evaluating the full experience, including food quality, speed, consistency, convenience, digital ordering, atmosphere and whether the brand still feels relevant. When a brand's prices outpace the customers sense of what they are receiving, traffic falls.

So, without significant declines in inflation and increases in consumer income, chains may continue to struggle. Gagon said its not that consumers are refusing to spend, they just expect more when they do.

Today's consumers expect a seamless experience, largely driven by technology: frictionless ordering, loyalty integration, delivery execution and personalized offers, Gagon told us. Brands that aren't keeping pace in the digital world fall behind quickly.

The savings trick your pharmacist may never mention

• Save big with discount apps:Prescription discount apps like GoodRx, Cost Plus Drugs, and SingleCare can often beat your insurance price, saving consumers hundreds of dollars.

• Shop around before every refill:Drug prices can vary dramatically between pharmacies, so experts recommend comparing prices before every refill.

• Use a three-layer savings strategy:For maximum savings, choose a generic when available, compare discount apps and pharmacies, and check patient assistance programs.

If youve filled a prescription drug recently, youve probably been shocked by the price and wondered if there was a cheaper option, and what hoops you had to jump through to find it.

What many consumers dont realize is that the exact same medication can cost way less just by using a discount app like GoodRx or ordering through a service like Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs.

In some cases, the savings can be hundreds of dollars. That leaves many consumers wondering how these companies can sell the same prescription drug for so much less.

According to consumer advocate Clark Howard, the answer lies in the complicated world of prescription drug pricing, and the fact that consumers often don't realize they can shop around.

Why your insurance isn't always the cheapest option

Discount programs like GoodRx, Cost Plus Drugs, SingleCare, and others often negotiate pricing differently than traditional pharmacy and insurance companies.

A big reason involves companies known as pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. PBMs act as middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurance companies, employers, and pharmacies. They negotiate pricing and rebates behind the scenes.

Critics argue that these arrangements often make drug pricing unnecessarily complicated and sometimes more expensive for consumers. Clark Howard has been particularly outspoken about the lack of transparency in the system. He argues that many consumers assume their insurance automatically provides the lowest price, when that's not always true.

In fact, consumers can often pay less by skipping insurance altogether and paying cash through a discount program. This is because services like GoodRx and SingleCare often give consumers access to pricing negotiated through pharmacy benefit managers and other prescription discount networks.

Why CVS and Walgreens can be more expensive

One of the biggest misconceptions consumers have is assuming every pharmacy charges roughly the same amount for a prescription. That's often far from reality.

According to Howard, large pharmacy chains can charge dramatically different prices for the exact same generic medication compared to discount services.

Part of the reason is that some generic drug prices are still based on formulas tied to the original brand-name drug, even though the actual cost of producing the generic version may be significantly lower today.

The result is a pricing system that can leave consumers paying far more than necessary. That's why experts recommend comparing prices before filling any prescription.

Pro tip: Start treating prescriptions more like airline tickets. Like airfare, the price can vary wildly depending on where you buy. So, before you fill a prescription, spend two minutes checking prices on multiple discount apps and pharmacies. The exact same medication can cost $10 at one pharmacy and $50 at another.

How to save money on your medications

The good news is that consumers have more options than ever when it comes to saving money.

Before filling a prescription, take a few minutes to compare prices at multiple sources.

These include:

• GoodRx
• Cost Plus Drugs
• SingleCare
• Your local independent pharmacy
• Big-box retailers such as Costco, Amazon, and Walmart
• Traditional pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens

You may be surprised by how much prices vary. In some cases, a medication that costs $50 at one pharmacy may cost just $10 at another.

Don't automatically use your insurance

This may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes insurance isn't your cheapest option.

Many consumers never ask what the cash price would be because they assume their copay is the lowest available price. That assumption can be expensive.

Before paying, get in the habit of asking this magic question at the pharmacy counter: "What's cheaper: my insurance, your cash price, or a discount card?"

Many consumers never ask and automatically use their insurance, even when a discount app would save them more money.

Pro tip: Be sure to ask your doctor about generics. If your doctor prescribes you a brand-name medication, ask whether a generic alternative exists. Generics contain the same active ingredients and are held to the same safety standards as their brand-name counterparts, but often cost dramatically less.

Consider patient assistance programs

If you're taking a brand-name medication, one of the best-kept secrets in healthcare is patient assistance programs.

These programs are designed to help people who struggle to afford their prescriptions. Depending on your income, insurance status, and the medication you're taking, you may qualify for free medication or significant discounts.

Here are a few programs to check out:

• Americas Medicines Tool A searchable database covering more than 900 public and private assistance programs.
• RxAssist One of the largest directories of manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
• RxHope Lets you search for assistance programs by medication name.
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance Matches patients with programs they may qualify for based on their medications and financial situation.
• PAN Foundation FundFinder Helps patients locate charitable assistance programs for prescription drug costs.

Pro tip: Don't overlook the Costco Pharmacy as many consumers are surprised to discover they offer some of the lowest prescription prices available. And you dont need to be a Costco member to use it. Just tell the card checker at the door that youre there to use the pharmacy and theyll let you right in.

Bottom line: Use a three-layer savings system

Consider using a fairly simple three-layer savings strategy. Start with a generic version if available. Then compare discount apps like GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs. Finally, check for financial help from patient assistance programs as they can be a real life-saver for many.

Stacking all three of these strategies can often cut prescription costs by hundreds of dollars per year.

Under-the-radar vehicles that outscore Toyota's reliability king

• A Jalopnik analysis found eight vehicles that match or beat the Toyota Camry for reliability, including the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Avalon.

• Strong reliability can mean fewer repair bills, less time in the shop, and better resale value.

• Before buying, check ratings for the specific model year and don't overlook used-car bargains like the Toyota Avalon.

For decades, the Toyota Camry has been the gold standard for car owners when it comes to reliability. It's the car many people buy when they simply want something dependable, holds its value well, and won't spend much time in the repair shop.

But according to a recent roundup from automotive site Jalopnik, several vehicles actually score higher than the Camry in reliability rankings from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.

That's not to say the Camry suddenly became a bad choice. Far from it. The Camry is still one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. But if you're shopping for a new or used car, these alternatives deserve a closer look.

The reliability standouts

According to Jalopnik's analysis, these vehicles either matched or exceeded the Camry in major reliability studies:

• Toyota Corolla
• Nissan Kicks
• Toyota Crown
• Nissan Murano
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Toyota Avalon
• Subaru Impreza

One surprising takeaway is how often Subaru appears on the list. Consumer Reports recently ranked Subaru among the most reliable brands overall, with the Impreza earning particularly strong marks.

Toyota also dominates the rankings, proving that reliability isn't limited to the Camry. The Corolla, Corolla Cross, Crown, and discontinued Avalon all received top marks.

Why reliability matters more than ever

With the average new vehicle now costing nearly $50,000, reliability can have a major impact on your total ownership costs.

A dependable vehicle typically means:

• Fewer repair bills
• Less time at the dealership
• Better resale value
• Lower long-term ownership costs

In many cases, a slightly more expensive vehicle that rarely needs repairs can save thousands of dollars over a decade of ownership.

Smart buying tips for car shoppers

1. Don't focus only on brand names: Many shoppers automatically start with Toyota or Honda. That's smart, but reliability can vary dramatically between models. For example, the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek currently score exceptionally well, while some lesser-known models from traditionally reliable brands may not perform as strongly.
2. Consider a used Toyota Avalon: One of the hidden gems on Jalopnik's list is the discontinued Toyota Avalon. Because Toyota stopped making it after 2022, many shoppers overlook it. Yet it offers Camry-like reliability with a larger, more comfortable interior and often sells for less than comparable luxury sedans.
3. Check reliability before buying a redesign. Several vehicles on the list, including the Nissan Murano and Nissan Kicks, have recently been redesigned. A model may have earned great reliability scores in previous years, but major redesigns can sometimes introduce new issues. Always look at the specific model year you're considering.
4. Reliability doesn't mean cheap maintenance: Even the most dependable vehicle still needs routine maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's schedule for oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and inspections. Skipping basic maintenance is one of the fastest ways to turn a reliable car into an expensive headache.

New survey reveals how many adults use cannabis to help them sleep

• One-quarter of U.S. adults say they use marijuana occasionally or regularly to help them fall asleep or stay asleep.

• The survey was commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and included more than 2,000 adults nationwide.

• Younger adults were more likely than older adults to report using marijuana as a sleep aid, with use highest among those ages 25 to 34.

For many Americans, getting a good night's sleep remains a challenge. While some people turn to prescription medications, melatonin, or herbal remedies, marijuana has become another increasingly common option for those looking for help falling asleep or staying asleep.

A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) sheds light on just how widespread this practice has become and what impact it has on consumers' sleep.

While many states now allow the recreational and medical use of marijuana, its impact on sleep is multi-faceted, AASM past president Dr. Kannan Ramar said in a news release.

Use of marijuana and other cannabis products is also associated with several clinical concerns, including increased risks of daytime sleepiness, impaired driving performance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms such as sleep disruption.

How the survey was conducted

The findings come from the AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey, which was conducted online among 2,007 adults in the United States. The survey was commissioned by the AASM and carried out by independent market research firm Atomik Research.

Researchers asked participants several questions about their sleep habits, but the primary outcome they were interested in was how using marijuana as a sleep aid impacts their rest.

What the results show and what they mean

Heres a look at what the survey found:

• 11% of respondents said marijuana had no impact on their sleep.

• 8% said marijuana made their sleep slightly or significantly worse.

• 15% said marijuana made them sleep slightly better.

• 18% said marijuana made them sleep significantly better.

• Interestingly, the remaining 47% said they dont use marijuana to help them sleep.

The survey also found differences across age groups. Adults aged 25- 44 were the most likely age groups (45%) to report using marijuana helps them sleep slightly or significantly better. Those 65+ were the most likely to not use marijuana for sleep (76%), and just 12% said marijuana helps them sleep slightly or significantly better.

Gender differences emerged as well. Men (39%) are more likely than women (28%) to report using marijuana helps them sleep slightly or significantly better.

The AASM recommends that consumers struggling with sleep seek out the guidance of their healthcare providers.

Sleep is essential to health, so it is important to talk to a healthcare professional about any ongoing sleep concerns, said Dr. Ramar. Sleep specialists can provide evidence-based treatments for anyone who has insomnia or another sleep disorder.

Additionally, the AASM offer some tried and true methods for improving sleep quality:

• Follow a consistent routine. This includes going to sleep and waking up at about the same time every day even on weekends.

• Create a relaxing environment. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortably cool.

• Avoid sleep disruptors. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the evening can disrupt your sleep.

• Avoid screens before bedtime. Your final half hour to full hour before bed should be screen-time free.

• Incorporate relaxation techniques. Try different ways to be calmer before bed things like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can be helpful.