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Don't let a free movie become an expensive mistake

• Scammers move fast. Fake download sites appeared within hours of the The Odyssey's film release, attempting to install malware instead of the movie.

• Know the warning signs. Avoid ".exe" movie downloads and ignore websites that ask you to install software or click fake browser alerts.

• Stream safely. Use legitimate streaming services and keep your security software updated to reduce your risk.

Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey had barely reached theaters before scammers began exploiting the excitement.

Cybersecurity researchers at Malwarebytes found fake movie downloads and bogus piracy websites appearing within hours of the film's release. Instead of delivering the blockbuster, the attempted to trick users into installing malware that could steal passwords, banking information, or even lock up an entire computer with ransomware.

The are a reminder that criminals move quickly whenever there's intense interest in a major movie, sporting event, or video game.

Here's how to avoid becoming their next victim.

Never download a movie that ends in '.exe'

One of the biggest red flags researchers found was a file disguised as a high-definition copy of The Odyssey.

It looked like a movie but actually ended with the ".exe" file extension a Windows program, not a video. Legitimate video files typically end in formats like .mp4, .mkv, or .avi. If your "movie" wants to install software, it's almost certainly malware.

Pro tip: Turn on file extensions in Windows so you can see the real file type before opening a download.

Ignore fake browser warnings

Researchers also discovered convincing pop-ups claiming a browser component was missing and urging users to click "Fix It Now."

The warning wasn't real it was simply part of the webpage, designed to send visitors through advertising networks that could lead to fake browser extensions, tech support , or malware downloads.

Pro tip: If a website tells you to install software just to watch a video, its highly recommended to close the page immediately.

Popular movies attract scammers

Criminals know millions of people search online for newly released movies.

That makes blockbuster releases prime opportunities for phishing attacks, fake streaming sites, and malware-laced downloads. The same tactic often appears around major sporting events, hit TV series, and popular video games.

Use legitimate streaming services

Besides reducing any potential legal risks, official streaming platforms obviously reduce the chance of downloading malicious software.

If a movie isn't yet available to stream legally, that's often because it's still in theaters.

Keep your security software up to date

Modern antivirus and browser protection tools can block many malicious websites and downloads before they reach your computer.

While no security software catches every threat, updated protection adds another important layer of defense.

Many Americans would trade a traditional wedding for a house down payment, debt relief, or other major financial goals

• A new survey found that 81% of Americans would skip a traditional wedding if it meant having more money for a house down payment.

• Many couples are embracing smaller weddings and elopements, with many saying intimate celebrations better fit their financial goals and long-term priorities.

• Today's couples aren't giving up on marriage they're finding creative ways to celebrate while putting homeownership and financial security first.

For generations, a big wedding was seen as one of life's biggest milestones. But as home prices and everyday costs continue to climb, many couples are starting to view that celebration differently.

New research from Maxwell Social suggests that more Americans are willing to skip the traditional wedding altogether if it helps them reach other financial goals especially buying a home. In fact, a large majority said they'd rather put that money toward a house down payment than a one-day event.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with David Litwak, founder and CEO of Maxwell Social, who explained what's driving this shift and why smaller weddings and elopements are becoming a practical choice for couples looking to build their future.

The survey

The Maxwell Social survey of 1,006 Americans suggests that the traditional large wedding is losing ground to smaller, more flexible celebrations.

More than half of respondents (56%) said their ideal wedding would center on a party rather than a traditional ceremony and reception, while nearly half (49%) have considered eloping without telling anyone.

Financial considerations appear to be a major driver: about four in five Americans said they would trade a traditional wedding for a house down payment (81%), paying off debt (81%), or a dream honeymoon or year of travel (80%).

Among couples who downsized their weddings, many redirected the savings toward major financial goals, including homeownership.

The survey also found that 69% of Americans view a destination elopement as a bigger status symbol in 2026 than a traditional 200-person reception, suggesting that intimate celebrations are increasingly seen as intentional and aspirational rather than a budget compromise.

Instead of viewing a traditional wedding as the default, many now see it as one option among many, Litwak said. With an average cost gap of more than $22,000 between a traditional wedding and an elopement, couples are increasingly asking whether that money could make a bigger impact elsewhere, whether that's a down payment, paying off debt, or building financial security.

The survey shows that today's couples aren't necessarily celebrating less. They're choosing celebrations that better align with their long-term priorities.

Housing affordability

The survey also found that nearly 90% of those earning less than $50,000 are more likely to skip a wedding in favor of putting that money toward a home than higher earners.

This illustrates the pressure that lower-income people are under, Litwak said. However, the same applies even to higher-earning families, with almost seven out of ten families with annual earnings above $150,000 picking down payments over conventional weddings; it is not a concern of low-income people only.

However, when the number rises to 87% for people earning below $50,000, it becomes apparent that homeownership has become such a big deal that most people are ready to forgo yet another life achievement in order to increase the chances of owning a home.

Choose your priorities

If youre torn between planning a wedding and taking the next step in the homebuying process, Litwak says to make a conscious choice about your priorities.

Choosing your priorities as a couple and then basing your budget on them is the first thing you should do, he said. You cannot say that one way of celebrating the union is more correct than the other; however, you need to be aware of the compromises before making a significant wedding budget.

People have learned to achieve their goals of having a less expensive ceremony, yet celebrating the marriage and not compromising on it either by having an intimate wedding followed by the celebration afterward, or by having the celebration postponed till they buy their home.

Getting creative

Another important note: the survey isnt finding that marriage is on the decline. Instead, couples are getting creative in how they celebrate their union.

This is the story of how people have decided to change the meaning of a meaningful wedding, Litwak said. Couples are interested in celebrating an important moment of their lives.

However, now people see the need to integrate the celebration into their future. The fact is that in modern times, the most unforgettable weddings are not always the most spectacular ones. It is those weddings that give excitement about a new life. 3

New survey shows budgeting pressures are reshaping how parents shop this season

• Nearly half of parents expect to spend more than $500 on back-to-school shopping this year.

• More households plan to use Buy Now, Pay Later services to help cover school expenses.

• Many parents say they're cutting back in other areas to make room in the budget.

For many families, back-to-school shopping is no longer just about checking supplies off a list.

A new survey from Omnisend suggests that rising costs are making the annual shopping trip more stressful, with parents looking for new ways to manage the expense.

According to the survey of 1,075 U.S. consumers, 40% of parents expect this year's back-to-school shopping to be more financially stressful than last year's. Nearly half (44%) anticipate spending more than $500, while 19% believe they'll spend over $1,000 on school-related purchases.

Whether parents shop online or in-store, most are trying to keep things simple by buying everything from a single retailer or platform, Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend said in a news release.

That means fewer trips, less time spent comparing prices, and easier access to the discounts and rewards stores offer during the back-to-school season. For families with long shopping lists, buying everything in one place doesnt just save time, it can also help stretch the household budget.

Clothing, technology, and supplies are driving costs

Parents reported that apparel is among their biggest financial concerns this year. Shoes topped the list, with 43% saying they're worried about affording them, followed closely by clothing and uniforms (42%). Backpacks (31%), electronics such as laptops and calculators (34%), and everyday school supplies like notebooks and pens (32%) also ranked high on the list of expected expenses.

To help spread out those costs, many families plan to rely on financing. The survey found that 45% of households expect to use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for back-to-school purchases, up from 39% last year. Nearly one-third of respondents said those payment plans will cover more than half of their back-to-school spending.

Buy Now, Pay Later was once associated with splurges and impulse purchases, Bauer said. Today, it's increasingly being used for routine expenses. Parents know back-to-school shopping is coming every year, so the fact that so many still choose BNPL suggests the challenge isn't a lack of planning, but a lack of financial breathing room. Consumers are using flexible payment options to manage everyday cash flow, not just unexpected costs.

Parents are also making tradeoffs elsewhere in their budgets. Thirty percent said they'll reduce spending on family activities and entertainment, while others plan to use credit cards (22%), dip into savings intended for other purposes (21%), or borrow money from friends or family (18%) to cover school costs.

What this means for consumers

The survey suggests that many families are approaching back-to-school shopping with careful budgeting rather than impulse buying.

Beyond the financial costs, parents are also thinking about the social side of the school year. Nearly 44% said they worry their child could feel left out because of what they can or cannot afford, and 28% plan to purchase items their child wants even if it means cutting back elsewhere.

While every household's budget is different, the findings show that this year's shopping season may require more planning than in years past. For many consumers, balancing essential school purchases with overall household expenses is becoming an increasingly important part of preparing for the new school year.

High mortgage rates have reshaped the housing market, encouraging owners to invest in their current homes rather than trade them for new ones

• Mortgage rates have made moving less appealing for many homeowners, creating what experts call the "stay-put economy."

• More homeowners are choosing to renovate and maintain their existing homes instead of buying another one.

• The shift is changing spending patterns, with home improvement becoming a priority for many households.

For many Americans, buying a home has traditionally been seen as one step in a longer journey. Families often started with a starter home before moving into something larger or better suited to their needs over time.

But according to a new analysis from Benutech, today's housing market has changed that pattern significantly.

The company describes the current environment as a "stay-put economy," where rising mortgage rates have made moving far less attractive for homeowners who already have low-interest mortgages. Rather than giving up those lower monthly payments for a much higher rate on a new home, many owners are deciding to stay where they are.

That decision isn't necessarily about standing still. Instead, homeowners are increasingly treating their current houses as long-term investments, choosing to improve and maintain them rather than preparing them for resale.

The stay-put economy has profound implications for the broader American financial landscape, Benutechs Brian Fox said in a news release. As long as the spread between current market mortgage rates and the locked-in rates of the early 2020s remains wide, the velocity of housing turnover will remain suppressed.

Remodeling replaces relocating

Benutech's analysis suggests that homeowners are redirecting money that might once have gone toward buying another home into renovations, repairs, and upgrades instead. Projects that improve a home's function, appearance, or longevity have become more appealing when moving would likely come with substantially higher borrowing costs.

This trend also reflects a slowdown in housing turnover. With fewer people listing their homes for sale, existing housing inventory remains constrained, while homeowners focus on protecting the value of the properties they already own.

According to the report, the result is a shift in how people think about homeownership. Rather than viewing a home as a temporary stop on the way to something else, many owners are approaching it as a place they'll remain in for years to come, making investments that fit a longer timeline.

What it means for consumers

For homeowners, the "stay-put economy" may mean spending more time and money on making their current homes better fit their changing needs. Kitchen updates, exterior maintenance, storage improvements, and other renovation projects may feel like a more practical option than taking on a new mortgage at today's rates.

For prospective buyers, the trend may also help explain why fewer existing homes are coming onto the market. Many current homeowners are reluctant to trade a low mortgage rate for a significantly higher one, reducing the number of available listings.

While every homeowner's financial situation is different, Benutech's analysis highlights how higher borrowing costs are influencing everyday decisions. Instead of climbing the traditional housing ladder, many Americans are choosing to strengthen the homes they already have, turning them into long-term residences rather than temporary stepping stones.