Consumer News: Father's Day spending stays practical as shoppers keep budgets in check

These retailers take the stress out of sending stuff back

• Chewy and Costco shine: Chewy offers a 365-day return window, while Costco backs most online purchases with its famous satisfaction guarantee.

• REI and L.L.Bean stand behind their gear: Both retailers offer up to a year to return many purchases, giving shoppers plenty of time to test products.

• Amazon, Nordstrom, and Zappos make returns easy: Convenient drop-off options, free return shipping, and customer-friendly policies help reduce the risk of buying online.

Online shopping is incredibly convenient until comes to return something.

Whether it's a pair of shoes that don't fit, a gadget that doesn't work, or something your pet refuses to eat, the flexibility of a retailer's return policy can make all the difference.

The best online retailers understand that easy returns build trust and encourages customers to return and shop again with confidence. Here are seven companies that consistently offer the best online return experiences available today.

Chewy.com

The pet food and pet supply company, Chewy, has built a loyal customer base largely because of its outstanding customer service and very generous return policy.

The company allows returns within 365 days of purchase, which is far longer than most retailers offer.

What really sets Chewy apart is how it handles pet food and other consumable products. If your dog won't eat a new food or your cat rejects a new treat, Chewy will issue you a refund without requiring you to ship the product back.

Instead, customers are encouraged to donate whatever is left of the bag of pet food or treats to your local animal shelter.

Costco.com

Costco's online return policy is every bit as impressive as its warehouse policy.

Most products purchased online can be returned for a full refund with very few restrictions. The company even provides prepaid return labels for many items, making the process straightforward.

Certain electronics have a 90-day return window, but most other merchandise falls under Costco's 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Pro tip: If you're a Costco member, your purchase history is linked to your account, so you don't need to hunt down old receipts or email order confirmations when making a return.

Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom remains one of the most customer-friendly retailers in America.

Rather than enforcing rigid return deadlines, the company generally evaluates returns on a case-by-case basis. That flexibility often benefits customers who discover issues with purchases long after they arrive.

For online shoppers, Nordstrom offers both free return shipping as well as convenient in-store return options.

Pro tip: Join the Nordy Club. It's 100% worth it and 100% free. Not only do you get some cool free perks and rewards, but your purchases are automatically linked to your account, making returns and exchanges much easier if you lose your receipt.

REI.com

Buying outdoor hiking and camping gear online can be challenging because you often don't know how the equipment will perform until you actually use it.

That's why REI's return policy is so useful for outdoor enthusiasts.

REI Co-op members ($40 for a lifetime membership) get a full year to return most purchases if they're not satisfied. This gives shoppers plenty of time to test hiking boots, camping gear, backpacks, and outdoor apparel.

Non-members still receive a generous 90-day return window.

But a word of warning, REI has been cracking down on members who make excessive returns. While the actual number is not known, some REI shoppers who have returned about 30% of the items theyve bought have been flagged for excessive returns and are unable to make future returns or exchanges.

Pro tip: If you regularly buy outdoor gear, the $40 one-time membership fee can quickly pay for itself through the extended return benefits alone. I highly recommend testing new gear on shorter trips first. This is because if something isn't the right fit, it's much easier to return stuff before putting it through heavy use.

L.L.Bean.com

L.L.Bean still offers one of the strongest online return policies in retail, though it's not quite as generous as the legendary lifetime guarantee the company once provided. Customers can return products within one year of purchase if they're not satisfied, provided they have proof of purchase.

After the first year, L.L.Bean may still accept returns for products that are defective due to materials or craftsmanship issues. And here's a little-known detail: products purchased before February 9, 2018, are not subject to the one-year return limit, though proof of purchase is still required.

One drawback is that mail-in returns come with a $6.50 processing fee per package, although that fee is waived for purchases made with an L.L.Bean Mastercard or paid entirely with Bean Bucks.

Returns made in-store are free. So, if you have a physical store near you, shopping from their website is basically risk-free, with 365 days to make a free return in-store.

Pro tip: If you've been shopping at L.L.Bean for years, check the purchase date on older gear before assuming it's no longer eligible for a return. Items purchased before February 9, 2018, may still qualify under the retailer's previous policy if you have proof of purchase.

Amazon

Amazon doesn't have the longest return window, but it has the most convenient return process of any online-only retailer.

The vast majority of items can be returned within 30 days, and customers often have multiple drop-off options including:

• UPS Stores

• Kohl's

• Whole Foods

• Staples

• Amazon Fresh

In some cases, Amazon even issues a refund and tells customers to keep the product rather than return it. This is especially the case with liquids, inexpensive bulky items, and anything medical related.

The convenience factor has helped Amazon set the standard for online returns. Also, if youre just a few days (up to two weeks) beyond your 30-day return window, start a live chat session and ask for a return exception. Theyll typically still let you return the item, especially if youre a Prime member and buy frequently.

Pro tip: Before initiating a return, be sure to check all the available return methods. Some options don't require packaging or labels, making the process much easier.

Zappos.com

Zappos became famous for its customer-friendly return policy, which for years gave shoppers a full 365 days to return unworn merchandise. The generous policy helped build trust in online shoe shopping at a time when many consumers were hesitant to buy footwear without trying it on first.

While Zappos has since shortened its return window to 60 days, the retailer still offers free return shipping and allows customers to return unworn items in their original condition. The policy continues to give shoppers added confidence when buying shoes and clothing online.

Pro tip: Try shoes on indoors and keep the original packaging. Once the sole show signs of outdoor wear, your return may no longer be accepted. If you need to return shoes youve worn outside, you should still state your case politely via live chat. While returns of worn merchandise aren't guaranteed, Zappos has a long reputation for working with customers to find a reasonable solution.

A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping animals safe, healthy, and comfortable

• Not every pet is suited for travel, so experts recommend considering your animal's health, temperament, and comfort level before bringing them along.

• Watch for signs of stress such as trembling, excessive panting, hiding, or refusing food, especially when introducing pets to new environments.

• Before you leave, schedule a veterinary checkup, update vaccines and identification information, and locate emergency veterinary care near your destination.

For many pet owners, summer vacations aren't complete without a furry companion tagging along. And they're not alone.

Interest in traveling with pets has surged over the past year, with more people searching for information on everything from pet-friendly road trips to flying with dogs and cats.

But while bringing a pet on vacation can be rewarding, it also requires extra planning. Just because a destination is pet-friendly doesn't necessarily mean every pet is ready for the journey. Factors like health, temperament, travel anxiety, and safety all play a role in determining whether a pet should come along.

To break it all down, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Callie Harris, DVM, Purina veterinary communications manager and Dr. Annie Valuska, a certified applied animal behaviorist at Purina.

Should your pet come tag along?

This is probably the top question pet owners want the answer to. Dr. Valuskas best advice: think about the entire trip from your pets point of view.

She has a list of questions pet owners should consider before packing for their pet:

• Has your veterinarian cleared your pet for this trip?

• Has your pet been socialized to enjoy all elements of this experience (car ride, flight, large groups of people, vacation environment, time with kids, etc.)? If not, do you have the flexibility and willingness to remove your pet from the situation if they are stressed?

• Are you able to bring all needed supplies with you (some of the more challenging things to travel with include a crate, litter box, food supply, food/water bowls, bed, and toys)?

• Will your pet be able to spend time with you once you reach your destination, or will they be excluded from most activities (like dining out or trips to a theme park)?

• Are your accommodations pet-friendly?

• And more than just permitting pets, do the accommodations represent a safe and enjoyable environment for your pet?

A great rule of thumb is that if your pet has shown signs of not doing well with quick changes in their environment, it may be best to keep them in their homes with a pet sitter that they know and love, Dr. Harris added.

Mistakes to avoid

Dr. Valuska explained that many pet owners forget that a new experience for a human isnt necessarily as fun and exciting for their pet.

While some of these activities may be fun for people, its common for pets to have a fearful, uncertain, or stressed reaction to something theyre experiencing for the very first time, Dr. Valuska said.

Taking the time before the trip to give the pet some controlled exposure to things they will encounter during the vacation and ensure they have a positive experience by reinforcing their calm behavior with treats. This can go a long way towards increasing their comfort and enjoyment during your trip!

On top of that, Dr. Harris said to remember that your pets needs are just as important as our own.

Many of our pets thrive in routine and structure. Breaking those routines may cause stress in our pets, she said. I think its wonderful to travel with pets when the itinerary is supportive of being in pet-friendly spaces but bringing them along just because we think they will be sad at home without us may not be a good enough reason to have them tag along.

Signs of anxiety or discomfort during the trip

Some signs and symptoms for pet owners to look out for during their trips include:

• Trembling

• Lip- or nose-licking

• Yawning

• Holding up their paw

• Trying to hide

• Pinning their ears back

• Panting excessively

• Barking excessively

• Drooling excessively

• Inability to settle

• Lack of interest in play

• Refusal of food and treats that they normally like.

If you have any concerns about your pets behavior or change in behavior, please consult your veterinarian! Dr. Valuska said.

Before taking your pet along for the ride, Dr. Harris recommends that pet owners ensure their pets are healthy and ready for the trip.

I always start by recommending that pets have been examined by a veterinarian to ensure a clean bill of health for the year, Dr. Harris said. Making sure vaccines and preventative care like flea/tick/heartworm are all updated. It is always a good idea to have access to vaccine records, and wherever you are traveling to, you have charted out a local emergency or urgent care veterinary clinic just in case.

She also explained that traveling with pets can be both fun and beneficial when the animal has a temperament that tolerates or enjoys new environments and routine changes.

In these cases, travel can provide mental enrichment through new sights, smells, and experiences, which supports overall behavioral health and reduces boredom when managed appropriately, Dr. Harris said. It also promotes physical activity and strengthens the humananimal bond through shared experiences and increased one-on-one time. Additionally, having the owner present during travel can help maintain a sense of security and reduce stress compared to being left behind in unfamiliar care settings.

However, she also emphasized that these benefits are highly dependent on the individual pets personality.

Today's summer jobs offer teens more opportunities to earn money, gain experience, and strengthen their resumes

• Summer jobs are evolving: Teens are increasingly seeking flexible jobs that offer competitive pay, valuable skills, and resume-building experience beyond traditional retail and fast-food roles.

• Customer service skills are still in demand: Monster's top jobs for teens in 2026 include roles such as camp counselor, cashier, barista, and babysitter, many of which help young workers develop communication and leadership skills.

• Early jobs can pay off long-term: Career expert Vicki Salemi says summer employment gives teens a chance to practice negotiating pay, build professional references, and gain insight into the types of careers they may want to pursue in the future.

Summer jobs have long been a rite of passage for teenagers, but the options available today look very different from the traditional fast-food and retail roles many parents remember.

As teens increasingly look for jobs that offer flexibility, competitive pay, and opportunities to build real-world skills, employers are responding with a wider variety of opportunities. To break things down, Monster recently shared a list of the top 25 jobs for teens and high school students.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster, who explained that many of today's summer jobs can help young workers gain valuable experience, develop confidence, and start building a resume long before they enter the full-time workforce.

The best jobs list

Heres a look at Monsters top 10 list:

• Babysitter

  • Average Pay: $13.71/hour

• Barista

  • Average Pay: $14.12/hour

• Busser

  • Average Pay: $14.12/hour

• Call Center Representative

  • Average Pay: $18.83/hour

• Camp Counselor

  • Average Pay: $21.82/hour

• Car Wash Attendant

  • Average Pay: $14.83/hour

• Cashier

  • Average Pay: $21.21/hour

• Catering Coordinator

  • Average Pay: $14/hour

• Delivery Driver

  • Average Pay: $14.75/hour

• Dishwasher

  • Average Pay: $13.98/hour

Interestingly, even though Gen Z and Gen Alpha are digital natives, the top jobs this summer point to jobs that are not in front of a screen, Salemi said. This is beneficial to teens to develop customer service skills that they'll be able to apply to future jobs.

Start negotiating early

For teens looking for a summer job, this could be their first introduction to negotiating pay. Salemi says this is a great opportunity to sharpen negotiating skills at a young age.

They may want to ask if there's room for a higher amount and if that is not possible, they may want to ask if there are milestones they need to reach or if it can be evaluated mid-summer, she said. The answer may still be no, but it's a good idea to leverage this opportunity for references in addition to building valuable skills such as a work ethic, integrity, punctuality, and professionalism.

Additionally, they may want to keep this in mind for next summer and beyond: if they want to continue working there during future summer breaks, they should articulate that and plant the seed. They will have more negotiating power next summer to say something like, Last year I got paid X/hour, and you were happy with my work, is there room for an increase this summer?

How parents can support their teens in the job hunt

If your teen is looking for a summer job, Salemi recommends the best thing to do is provide guidance.

While I'm not a parent to give parenting advice overall, they may want to advise their teens to set up job alerts on Monster, use one of our free resume templates and of course, apply as soon as they see a job available, she said. It's not too late either. If they haven't landed a summer job yet, companies are definitely still hiring.

Look for natural connections

Salemis last piece of advice for teen job hunters: have fun!

While pay and skill-building are important, they should also think about something they would enjoy, she said. For instance, if they enjoy golfing, they should ask local country clubs if they have any openings.

And even if they get the job and don't enjoy it, the good thing about summer employment is a finite end date. By not enjoying work, it's valuable information to lean into once they launch their full-time careers a few years down the road. They'll be able to remember which task, skills, and/or environment and more they want to steer clear from.

Dad taught how to get the paycheck, but not always what to do with it

• Dad was often the first money teacher: 46% of Americans say their father taught them the value of earning money through hard work.

• Those lessons stuck: More than 70% of adults still follow at least some of the financial advice their parents taught them.

• Investing was the missing lesson: Many respondents wish they had learned more about investing, retirement planning, and building wealth at a younger age.

Ahead of Father's Day this year, a new survey suggests that many of the financial lessons Americans carry into adulthood came directly from dad.

According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Beyond Finance, nearly half of Americans (46%) say their father was the primary person who taught them the importance of working hard to earn money. Many respondents also credited their fathers with lessons about responsibility and independence.

The findings highlight how financial habits are often learned at home rather than in a classroom.

The lessons that stick

The survey found that more than 70% of Americans still follow at least some of the financial lessons their parents taught them growing up.

Specifically:

• 42% say they still follow most of what their parents taught them.

• 29% say they follow some of those lessons.

• Only 4% say they often do the opposite.

Fathers were most strongly associated with teaching the value of hard work, financial independence, and planning for the future.

Mothers, on the other hand, were credited with teaching more practical financial skills like budgeting, saving money, and distinguishing between wants and needs.

The lesson many wish they'd learned sooner

While respondents generally appreciated the financial guidance they received growing up, many said there was one topic that didn't get enough attention: Investing.

Investing ranked as the financial subject Americans most wish their parents had taught them more about. Other commonly mentioned topics included credit scores, credit cards, debt management, budgeting, and retirement planning.

The finding is particularly interesting because many respondents credited their fathers with teaching the importance of working hard and earning money. But knowing how to earn money and knowing how to grow money are two very different skills.

The survey suggests many Americans wish those conversations had started sooner. Even a basic understanding of investing at a young age can help people feel more confident about saving for retirement, building wealth, and reaching long-term financial goals.

Actionable tips for parents

Teaching kids about money doesn't require a finance degree.

• Talk openly about money: Money should not be a taboo subject at home. Explain how budgeting, saving, and investing work in everyday life to help build real wealth.

• Introduce investing early: Even small investments, via a custodial investment account, can help kids understand how money grows over time.

• Teach delayed gratification: Encourage kids to save for larger purchases instead of spending every dollar immediately.

• Lead by example: Children often learn more by watching financial habits than by listening to lectures.

Pro tip: When shopping, show kids how you compare prices, use coupons, or wait for end-of-season sales. By showing them real-world examples that they can relate to, you can really help them retain the concepts.