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This July habit could save you hundreds by Christmas

• Start saving now, not shopping. Setting aside a little money each week between now and Christmas is far easier than charging hundreds of dollars to a credit card in December.

• Spread out your gift purchases. Buying throughout the year lets you compare prices, stack coupons, and avoid panic-buying when holiday demand pushes prices higher.

• Give yourself a debt-free January. A realistic holiday budget and automatic savings plan can help you enjoy Christmas without spending the new year paying it off.

With inflation still stretching household budgets, the smartest holiday shopping strategy isn't spending during Christmas in July sales, but rather it's starting your Christmas savings plan today.

Every summer, retailers roll out "Christmas in July" promotions designed to get shoppers thinking about gifts months before the holidays.

But this year, there's an even better reason to start early.

Groceries still cost more than they did a few years ago. Insurance premiums have climbed. Utility bills remain elevated, and many families are still adjusting to higher prices on just about everything they buy.

That means waiting until November or December to start thinking about Christmas can quickly turn into a major financial headache.

Instead of putting hundreds or thousands of dollars on a credit card and worrying about the bill later, use the next five months to slowly build your holiday budget. A little planning today can make Christmas far less stressful and help you start the new year without lingering debt.

Here are some smart ways to make that happen.

Start with a realistic Christmas budget not wishful thinking

One of the biggest reasons people overspend during the holidays is that they never decide how much they can actually afford to spend.

Instead of estimating what you want to spend, calculate what you can comfortably save between now and December.

Include every holiday expense, be sure to include the following, if applicable:

• Christmas presents

• Travel

• Holiday meals

• Decorations

• Wrapping supplies

• Shipping

• Teacher gifts

• Charitable donations

• Stocking stuffers

• Family photos

• Holiday outfits

Once you know your total, divide it by the weeks remaining until Christmas. As of this publish date in July, we have 22 weeks until Christmas.

Saving $60 or $75 a week feels much easier than trying to come up with $1,500 in December.

Pro tip: Its really smart to review last January's credit card statements. By doing so, you'll uncover holiday expenses you completely forgot about which will help greatly when building your budget for this year.

Treat Christmas like a monthly bill

You already budget for your mortgage, rent, car payment, and utilities.

Why not Christmas?

Consider opening a separate savings account dedicated solely to holiday spending and schedule automatic weekly transfers.

Saving just $25 to $50 a week between now and Christmas can give you $500 to $1,000 for holiday spending, without ever relying on your credit cards.

More importantly, you're paying for Christmas before it happens instead of financing it afterward.

Pro tip: If you receive a tax refund, work bonus, rebate, or cash-back rewards between now and December, consider putting part of it directly into your Christmas fund.

Fight inflation by buying throughout the year

Inflation has made waiting until December especially expensive the past few years.

When everyone shops at once, popular toys sell out, shipping costs increase, and impulse buying becomes almost unavoidable.

Buying gradually gives you time to compare prices, stack coupons, earn rewards, and wait for genuine sales instead of panic-buying whatever's left.

Its important to remember that stuff like electronics, tools, LEGO sets, small appliances, beauty products and toys all tend to go on sale multiple times before the holidays.

Pro tip: Only buy gifts that are already on your list. A sale isn't really saving you money if you weren't planning to buy the item in the first place.

Use price alerts instead of impulse shopping

Retailers are experts at creating urgency.

"Limited-time offer."

"Today only."

"Lowest price ever."

Instead of reacting emotionally, let technology do the work.

Set price alerts for the gifts you already plan to buy and wait until they hit your target price. If you tend to shop on Amazon a lot, be sure youre using their AI tool to set up price alerts so you always buy at the lowest price and get notified automatically when a price drops.

Pro tip: Start a holiday supply box today. Buy wrapping paper, tape, gift bags, and ribbons whenever you find them on clearance instead of paying full price in December.

Give gift cards the smart way

Gift cards remain one of the most popular holiday gifts. The trick is not paying full price for them.

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sams Club frequently sell restaurant and retailer gift cards below face value. For example, you can typically buy a set of four $25 gift cards for just $80 for an easy 20% savings.

Then you can use these cards for teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, and co-worker gifts, and it can make a noticeable difference in your holiday budget.

Make expectations fit today's economy

Almost everyone feels the impact of higher prices, your friends and family included.

That makes this a good year to discuss spending limits, perhaps do a gift exchange and draw names among extended family members, or shift toward more experience-based gifts instead of trying to outspend one another.

I guarantee that most people will appreciate the honesty and the financial relief that goes along with it.

Pro tip: Instead of buying multiple inexpensive gifts that may never get used, consider giving one thoughtful, high-quality gift that fits your budget.

Make one promise to yourself before the holidays begin

Before every purchase, ask yourself one simple question:

"Will I still be happy I bought this when the credit card bill arrives in January?"

That one pause can prevent dozens of emotional purchases during the busiest shopping season of the year.

Remember, the goal isn't to have the biggest Christmas. It's to enjoy Christmas without spending the first three months of the new year paying for it.

The consumer takeaway

Retailers want you to think of Christmas in July as the perfect time to start buying, but a much better approach is to think of it as the perfect time to start saving.

With inflation still squeezing household budgets, spreading your holiday costs over the next five months can reduce stress, curb impulse spending, and help you avoid the all-too-common January credit card hangover.

The best gift you can give yourself this holiday season isn't something under the tree, it's actually beginning the new year with your finances intact.

Salmonella detected during FDA testing

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Zen Principle Moringa Capsules sold nationwide are being recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination.

• The recall covers 180-count bottles from Lot A6FF4 with a Best By date of November 2028.

• No illnesses have been reported, but consumers should stop taking the capsules and throw them away.

A Nevada company is recalling a lot of Zen Principle Moringa Capsules after federal testing detected Salmonella in an ingredient used to make the dietary supplement.

Relay Peak Research LLC, which does business as Zen Principle Naturals, announced the voluntary recall this week. The product was distributed nationwide from December 2025 through July 2026, according to a recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

Most of the recalled capsules were sold online through Amazon and ZenPrinciple.com. The company said one unit was also sold through eBay and another through Etsy.

The recall applies to Zen Principle Moringa Capsules packaged in plastic bottles containing 180 capsules. Consumers can identify the affected product by the following information printed on the bottom of the bottle:

• Lot number: A6FF4

• Best By date: 11/2028

• Single-bottle Amazon code/FNSKU: X000ZJJ4FT

• Two-bottle Amazon code/FNSKU: X00159YJXP

No other Zen Principle products are included in the recall.

Supplier alerted company to test result

The company said it began the recall after its ingredient supplier reported that FDA testing had found Salmonella in the moringa leaf powder used to manufacture the capsules.

That powder was used in the single recalled lot. Relay Peak Research said it has stopped selling and distributing the affected product and is cooperating with the FDA.

No illnesses associated with the capsules had been reported as of the recall announcement.

Salmonella can pose serious risks

Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrheawhich may be bloodynausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Although many otherwise healthy people recover, the bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older or frail adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses, including infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Consumers who have capsules from Lot A6FF4 should stop using them and dispose of them. The company said customers do not have to return the product to receive a full refund.

Refund requests and questions may be directed to Relay Peak Research at 775-451-6171 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific time or by email at info@zenprinciple.com.

What the latest heart experts found about daily caffeine intake

• A new American Heart Association scientific statement says up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day about five eight-ounce cups of coffee is generally safe for most adults.

• The review found that moderate black coffee consumption is linked with a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions in some people.

• Researchers caution that energy drinks and coffee loaded with sugar, syrups or cream don't appear to offer the same potential benefits.

For many people, the day doesn't officially begin until that first cup of coffee. While caffeine has long had a mixed reputation when it comes to heart health, a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association suggests there's reassuring news for most coffee drinkers.

After reviewing the latest research, experts concluded that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day roughly three to five eight-ounce cups of regular black coffee is generally safe for most adults. In some people, that level of coffee consumption was also associated with a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, heart failure and stroke.

Caffeine consumed in coffee is a key part of daily life for millions of people, and in our review of the most recent research, for most adults, intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine/day, the equivalent of up to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day without added sugars or fillers, is safe and does not increase cardiovascular risk, researcher Gregory M. Marcus, M.D., M.A.S., FAHA, said in a news release.

However, high doses of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks including energy shots, may have harmful effects on the heart and should be avoided.

What the researchers reviewed

Rather than conducting a new clinical trial, the American Heart Association assembled a panel of experts to evaluate the most current evidence on caffeine and cardiovascular disease.

The scientific statement summarizes findings from observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and other research examining how caffeine affects blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rhythm, diabetes risk, and overall cardiovascular health.

The researchers looked at caffeine from several sources, including coffee, tea, energy drinks and supplements.

They also considered how preparation methods and ingredients could influence health outcomes. For example, black coffee was evaluated separately from coffee drinks that contain added sugar, flavored syrups, or cream. The review also highlighted differences between naturally caffeinated beverages and highly concentrated sources of caffeine, such as energy shots.

What the findings mean for consumers

Overall, the evidence suggests that moderate consumption of plain, caffeinated coffee can fit into a heart-healthy lifestyle for many adults.

The review found that drinking black coffee without added sugars or cream was associated with a lower risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and some abnormal heart rhythms. However, the authors stressed that these studies show associations rather than proving that coffee directly causes these health benefits.

The statement also points to some important caveats. High amounts of caffeine particularly from energy drinks and energy shots were linked to increased risks of high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.

Researchers also noted that adding sugar, flavored syrups and cream to coffee may reduce any potential health benefits. Finally, because people process caffeine differently, what's appropriate for one person may not be right for another. More research is still needed to better understand how different caffeine sources affect different individuals.

Although research suggests that caffeine consumption may be associated with certain cardiovascular benefits for some people, its important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for safe caffeine consumption, said Dr. Marcus.

People can respond very differently to caffeine based on various factors, such as age, medications, underlying health conditions, genetics, and how quickly their bodies metabolize it. What may be a reasonable amount for one person could cause unwanted effects, such as heart palpitations, anxiety, or sleep disruption, in another. Thats why its important to pay attention to how your body responds to caffeine and talk with your healthcare team about what is right for you.

New research explores how sugar alternatives interact with helpful microbes

• Researchers tested 39 commonly used sweeteners on 25 different types of gut bacteria in laboratory experiments.

• Many sweeteners slowed the growth of at least one beneficial bacterial species, though the effects varied widely.

• Scientists say the findings are an early step and more research is needed to determine what they mean for human health.

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners have become a common ingredient in everything from diet sodas to sugar-free snacks. They're often promoted as a way to reduce sugar intake without adding calories, but researchers are still learning how these ingredients interact with the body beyond their effects on blood sugar or weight.

Now, scientists at the University of Cambridge have taken a closer look at how a wide variety of commercially available sweeteners affect the bacteria that naturally live in the human gut. Their findings suggest that some sweeteners can directly influence the growth of certain gut microbes in laboratory settings, challenging the idea that these ingredients are biologically inactive once consumed.

The researchers emphasize that this was a lab-based study, not one involving people, so the results should not be interpreted as evidence that sweeteners are harmful in everyday use.

Most of what we know about the potential impact of sweeteners on our health comes from animal research or from population studies, researcher Professor Kiran Patil said in a news release.

While these studies have indicated involvement of the microbiome in mediating the effect of sweeteners, its difficult to know how sweeteners act in the body is it through direct interactions with our gut bacteria?

How the researchers studied sweeteners and gut bacteria

For the study, the team examined 39 commercially used sweeteners, including both artificial and naturally derived options. They exposed 25 different species of gut bacteria to each sweetener individually to see whether bacterial growth changed.

The researchers also wanted to better reflect how sweeteners are actually consumed, since they're rarely eaten alone. To do that, they tested sweeteners alongside four other commonly encountered compounds: caffeine, vanillin (a flavoring ingredient), advantame, and the antidepressant duloxetine. They then measured how these combinations affected bacterial growth and interactions.

Overall, the experiments generated thousands of measurements, allowing the researchers to identify patterns in how different sweeteners and combinations influenced individual bacterial species. Because the work was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, it focused on direct interactions between the compounds and bacteria rather than the more complex environment of the human digestive tract.

What the findings could mean for consumers

The researchers found that roughly three-quarters of the sweeteners affected the growth of at least one bacterial species.

In many cases, the sweeteners slowed the growth of bacteria considered important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

Sweeteners are often marketed as metabolically neutral, but our study challenges this idea, researcher Dr. Sonja Blasche said in the news release. We found that they can directly affect gut bacteria, particularly when mixed with other compounds such as medication and food additives. These common combinations could have unintended effects on our gut microbiome.

One finding stood out: isosteviol, a compound produced from stevia, had a much stronger effect when paired with duloxetine. Together, the combination significantly reduced the growth of two bacterial species associated with blood sugar regulation and gut health, suggesting that some sweeteners may interact with medications in unexpected ways.

Even so, the researchers caution that these results came from laboratory experiments and do not necessarily predict what happens inside the human body. Many factors including digestion, diet, and the complexity of the gut microbiome could influence whether similar effects occur in people. The team says additional human studies will be needed before drawing conclusions or making changes to dietary recommendations.

Sweeteners are often marketed as metabolically neutral, but our study challenges this idea, Professor Patil said. We found that they can directly affect gut bacteria, particularly when mixed with other compounds such as medication and food additives. These common combinations could have unintended effects on our gut microbiome."