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Should you stop charging your phone to 100%?

• Charging to 80% can help extend your battery's lifespan, but you'll start each day with 20% less charge.

• The feature works best if 80% easily lasts all day. Heavy users, travelers, and gamers are usually better off charging to 100%.

• No matter how you charge, avoid excessive heat and use your phone's built-in battery protection features to help preserve long-term battery health.

A recent MakeUseOf experiment put one of the internet's most common smartphone tips to the test: charging a phone to only 80% for an entire year.

The results showed that while the practice can help preserve long-term battery health, it also comes with a daily trade-off that isn't worth it for everyone.

The trade-off is real

Limiting your phone to an 80% charge reduces stress on lithium-ion batteries, which tend to age faster when they spend long periods at 100% charge or are exposed to excessive heat.

That's one reason Apple, Google, Samsung, and other manufacturers now offer built-in battery protection features that slow or limit charging. The downside, of course, is that you start every day with 20% less battery available.

Who should use the 80% limit?

You'll likely benefit if you:

• Keep your phone for four years or longer

• Usually finish the day with plenty of battery left

• Work near a charger most of the day

• Want to maximize your phone's resale value

If your phone already lasts all day on an 80% charge, the feature is an easy way to reduce long-term battery wear.

Who should skip it?

Charging to 100% still makes sense if you:

• Regularly end the day below 20%

• Travel often

• Use battery-intensive apps like GPS, gaming, or video recording

• Spend long hours away from a charger

Having enough battery to get through your day is generally more valuable than squeezing a little extra life out of the battery years from now.

Five smart battery habits

• Use your phone's built-in battery protection. If available, turn on Optimized Charging or an 80% charging limit instead of trying to manage charging manually.

• Keep your phone cool. Heat is one of the biggest causes of battery degradation. Avoid leaving your phone in a hot car or charging it under blankets or pillows.

• Charge to 100% when you need it. Heading on a trip or expecting a long day? Don't hesitate to fully charge your phone.

• Don't stress over exact percentages. Modern smartphones already include software designed to help protect battery health.

• Replace the battery when necessary. Even with perfect charging habits, all rechargeable batteries wear out eventually. Replacing the battery is often more practical than sacrificing battery life every day.

The bottom line

MakeUseOf's year-long test tells us that battery-saving features tend to work best if your phone already has more battery life than you typically need. If 80% comfortably gets you through the day, the feature can help extend your battery's lifespan. If not, charging to 100% is still the smart choice.

What role does 'buy now, pay later' play?

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Millions of Americans are relying on credit cards, savings, and even buy now, pay later loans to pay for groceries, according to a new Urban Institute report.

• Nearly one in five working-age adults used non-emergency savings to buy food, while repayment problems on grocery-related credit card debt have increased since 2023.

• Researchers say middle-income households are increasingly feeling the squeeze as food prices remain roughly 32% higher than five years ago.

Millions of Americans are tapping savings, carrying credit card balances, and turning to buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing just to put food on the table, underscoring the financial strain that continues to weigh on household budgets despite easing inflation.

A new report from the Urban Institute finds that grocery bills remain a major source of financial stress after food prices climbed about 32% over the past five years. While inflation has slowed from its pandemic-era highs, many families continue to struggle with the cumulative increase in food costs.

The analysis, based on the Urban Institute's nationally representative 2025 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, found that more than one-quarter of working-age adults relied on some form of debt or savings to purchase groceries.

A look at the findings

Among the findings:

• About 34.8% of adults ages 18 to 64 said they use a credit card to buy groceries but pay the balance in full each month.

• Another 19.4% said they carry a balance but at least make the minimum payment.

• Nearly 8.7% reported they do not always make even the minimum payment on grocery-related credit card debt, up 1.6 percentage points from 2023.

• Nearly 20% said they dipped into non-emergency savings to pay for groceries.

• Almost 10% used buy now, pay later financing for food purchases, and more than one-third of those borrowers said they had missed at least one payment.

Researchers say the increase in missed payments suggests financial conditions have worsened for many households over the last two years.

"The challenge is, are folks able to effectively repay their credit card or buy-now-pay-later debt without experiencing hardship or putting their future financial stability at risk?" lead researcher Kassandra Martinchek said in the report.

Middle-income households feeling the pressure

The report found that repayment struggles are not confined to lower-income families.

Households with incomes between two and four times the federal poverty level experienced one of the sharpest increases in missed minimum payments on grocery-related credit card debt since 2023. Researchers said that suggests financial pressure is spreading beyond traditionally vulnerable households.

The findings come as Americans continue to carry historically high levels of credit card debt. Although some consumers have become more diligent about paying balances in full, many others continue to rely on revolving credit for everyday necessities, including groceries.

The role of bad choices

Marcus Sturdivant, founder of The ABC Squared, a registered investment advisory firm, says some of the ways consumers are using BNPL are far beyond the scope of its intention.

The goal of this system (BNPL) was to bridge a purchase for families, at zero interest in most cases, for something not quite a need but that is very high on the want list, Sturdivant told ConsumerAffairs. They could make several installments to pay this debt off while increasing current cash flow. That is nearly utopian, and anyone who knows human fallacies should see the potential downfalls.

The problem begins when the consumer makes multiple BNPL purchases and is presented with multiple payment demands four weeks after the purchases. The problem is magnified, Sturdivant told us, when consumers begin using BNPL for everyday purchases. He cites a recent interview with a woman who is now deep in debt.

She lives with her parents as an adult. She ordered food delivery, the total was $40, and she split the payment, Sturdivant said. The payments were split not because she could not afford the total, but it simply seemed easier to pay less now. That is it! That is what the world is missing. A complete mindset shift in consumers, and it is not pretty.

Long-term financial risks

Using credit cards or savings to cover grocery expenses can help families weather temporary financial setbacks. But researchers warn that those strategies become problematic when they persist over time.

Carrying high-interest credit card balances can make it harder for households to recover financially, while repeatedly drawing down emergency savings leaves families more vulnerable to unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or job losses.

The Urban Institute suggests that strengthening food assistance programs and helping eligible households enroll in benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could reduce reliance on costly borrowing while improving food security.

Researchers found far fewer issues with olive oil products

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Nearly nine in 10 processed foods labeled as containing avocado oil failed authenticity tests in a new study, raising questions about whether consumers are getting what they're paying for.

• Researchers found far fewer issues with olive oil products, with only one of 20 products showing signs of being inconsistent with authentic olive oil.

• The study suggests premium oil claims on chips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings deserve greater scrutiny because products made with avocado or olive oil often sell at higher prices.

Consumers who pay extra for chips, mayonnaise, or salad dressings made with avocado oil may not be getting the premium ingredient they expect, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that 48 of 54 processed food products labeled as containing avocado oil had chemical profiles inconsistent with authentic avocado oil. By contrast, only one of 20 products labeled as containing olive oil failed the same authenticity tests.

The findings, published in the journal Advances in Food Resources, are among the first to examine the authenticity of premium oils used as ingredients in processed foods rather than oils sold in bottles.

"Our findings suggest that ingredient-level oil claims may represent an under-examined source of economic adulteration in processed foods," the researchers wrote.

Looking beyond the label

The researchers analyzed oils extracted from 74 commercially available products including potato chips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings that listed avocado oil or olive oil as their sole edible oil ingredient.

Using internationally recognized standards based on fatty acid and sterol composition, they determined whether the oils matched the expected chemical characteristics of authentic avocado or olive oil.

Overall, the results were stark:

• Avocado oil products: 48 of 54 (89%) were inconsistent with authentic avocado oil.

• Olive oil products: One of 20 (5%) was inconsistent with authentic olive oil.

Breaking the results down by category, the researchers found:

• 93% of avocado oil potato chips failed authenticity testing.

• 71% of avocado oil mayonnaise products failed.

• Every avocado oil salad dressing tested failed.

• Nearly all olive oil products met authenticity standards.

Possible substitution with cheaper oils

The chemical signatures found in many avocado oil products suggested the oils may have been diluted or substituted with less expensive vegetable oils.

The researchers emphasized that they did not identify exactly which oils had been substituted into every product. However, many of the samples showed fatty acid and sterol patterns more consistent with common vegetable oils than genuine avocado oil. One product's composition closely resembled soybean oil.

The study notes that U.S. labeling regulations require ingredients to be identified by their common names, and consumers seeing front-of-package claims such as "made with 100% avocado oil" would reasonably expect avocado oil to be the product's primary fat source.

Paying more doesn't guarantee authenticity

One reason the findings matter to consumers is price.

Products marketed as containing avocado or olive oil generally cost more than comparable products made with conventional vegetable oils. However, the researchers found that higher prices were not a reliable indicator that the product actually contained authentic avocado oil.

"Consumers cannot rely on price alone as an indicator of authenticity," the authors concluded.

Processing wasn't the culprit

One possible explanation was that frying or emulsifying the oils during manufacturing altered their chemical makeup.

To test that theory, the researchers prepared their own potato chips and mayonnaise using authentic avocado and olive oils. They found only minor changes in the oils' chemical markers after frying and emulsification far too small to explain the large differences seen in many commercial products.

Some limitations

The researchers cautioned that the study has limitations. Products were purchased in California stores and online, so they may not represent every product sold nationwide. They also analyzed only two production lots for each product, meaning results could vary between manufacturing batches.

Still, the authors say their findings point to a gap in oversight of premium oil claims in processed foods.

"These findings highlight ingredient-level oil authenticity in processed foods as an under-monitored area of food integrity," the researchers concluded, adding that greater testing and scrutiny could improve labeling transparency and strengthen consumer confidence.

But analysts say housing conditions continue to improve

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.55% this week, reversing last week's decline.

• Despite the increase, rates remain below where they were a year ago, offering some relief to homebuyers.

• Freddie Mac says improving affordability and growing housing inventory are creating a more favorable market for prospective buyers.

Mortgage rates moved higher this week, but Freddie Mac says the overall housing market is gradually becoming more favorable for would-be homebuyers as affordability improves and more homes become available.

Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey found the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 6.55% for the week ending July 16, up from 6.49% a week earlier. Even with the increase, the average rate remains below the 6.75% recorded during the same week a year ago.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, a popular choice among homeowners refinancing or buyers seeking lower interest costs, also increased. It rose to 5.93%, compared with 5.82% last week. A year ago, the 15-year mortgage rate averaged 5.92%.

"The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.55% this week," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist. "Purchase application demand has weakened recently, but housing affordability is more favorable and housing inventory continues to rise, thus the backdrop for prospective homebuyers is modestly improving."

Affordability still a challenge

Mortgage rates remain well above the historically low levels seen during the pandemic, when 30-year loans briefly fell below 3%. Those higher borrowing costs continue to weigh on affordability, particularly for first-time buyers who must contend with elevated home prices in many markets.

However, the combination of slightly lower mortgage rates compared with last year and a growing supply of homes for sale is beginning to shift conditions in buyers' favor.

Housing inventory has increased steadily over the past year as more homeowners list their properties and new construction adds to supply. A larger selection of homes has reduced some of the intense competition that characterized the housing market during the pandemic-era boom.

Buyers may have more negotiating power

The rise in available homes means buyers are increasingly able to negotiate on price, request seller concessions, or take more time making purchasing decisions. Some sellers are also offering mortgage rate buydowns or covering closing costs to attract buyers.

Still, financing costs remain a significant factor. On a $400,000 home with a 20% down payment, the difference between a mortgage rate in the mid-6% range and one closer to 3% translates into hundreds of dollars more in monthly payments.

Economists expect mortgage rates to remain volatile in the coming months as investors react to inflation data, Federal Reserve policy, and movements in the bond market. While the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates, yields on the 10-year Treasury note which strongly influence mortgage pricing often move in response to expectations for interest rates and economic growth.

For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, Freddie Mac's latest report suggests conditions are slowly improving, even if borrowing costs remain higher than many households would prefer. With more homes available and mortgage rates below year-ago levels, prospective buyers may find more opportunities heading into the second half of the year.

Doctors say extreme heat can affect some prescription medications

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Doctors warn that extreme heat can change how some prescription medications work and increase the risk of dangerous side effects.

• Common drugs for high blood pressure, heart disease, mental health conditions, and allergies may make it harder for the body to stay cool or stay hydrated.

• Experts say patients should never stop taking medications on their own but should talk with their healthcare provider or pharmacist if they have concerns during a heat wave.

As much of the United States faces another stretch of dangerous summer heat, doctors are warning that soaring temperatures don't just pose a threat on their own they can also change how some prescription medications affect the body.

Health experts say certain medications can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature, increase dehydration, reduce sweating, or become less effective if they are exposed to excessive heat. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable.

"Medications and heat can interact, leading to potentially severe side effects," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in guidance issued for clinicians. The agency notes that healthcare providers should help patients understand which medications may increase their risk during periods of extreme heat.

Which medications are affected?

According to the CDC, medications that may increase the risk of heat-related illness include:

• Diuretics ("water pills"), which can contribute to dehydration.

• ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart disease.

• Anticholinergic medications, used to treat conditions ranging from overactive bladder to allergies and Parkinson's disease, which can reduce sweating.

• Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other psychiatric medications, which may interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature.

• Certain over-the-counter medications, particularly when combined with prescription drugs.

Some antibiotics, acne medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs can also make skin much more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of severe sunburn during prolonged outdoor exposure.

Heat can affect the medicine itself

High temperatures don't just affect the person taking the medication they can also damage the medication.

Pharmacists warn that medicines left in hot cars, direct sunlight, or other excessively warm places may lose potency. Drugs that require refrigeration, such as insulin, are especially susceptible to heat damage.

The CDC also advises patients to have a plan for refrigerated medications in case power outages occur during extreme weather.

What patients should do

Doctors stress that people should not stop taking prescribed medications simply because temperatures are high.

Instead, they offer the following advice:

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking medications that could increase heat sensitivity.

• Stay well hydrated unless you've been instructed to limit fluids.

• Store medications according to the manufacturer's instructions, keeping them out of hot vehicles and direct sunlight.

• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat.

• Watch for warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, excessive fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or an inability to sweat, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

The CDC emphasizes that patients should never discontinue or adjust medications without consulting a healthcare professional, since doing so could pose greater health risks than the heat itself.