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Before accepting a higher-paying job, calculate what getting there will actually cost you

• Nearly half of workers have turned down a job partly because of the commute, according to a new Monster survey.

• 32% say they'd need at least 20% more pay to accept a job with a commute 20 minutes longer than they'd prefer.

• Don't compare salaries alone, as gas, vehicle expenses, parking, tolls, and hours spent commuting can dramatically reduce the value of a raise.

Would you leave a $70,000-a-year job for one paying $80,000? An extra $10,000 sounds like an easy yes.

But what if that new job adds 40 minutes of commuting every day? Suddenly, the math isn't quite so simple.

A new Monster survey of 1,005 employed U.S. adults found 49% have turned down a job opportunity at least partly because of commuting costs or length.

And nearly one-third said they'd require at least 20% more pay to accept a job with a commute just 20 minutes longer than they'd prefer.

So before accepting a bigger paycheck, figure out what that commute is actually going to cost you.

Turn the commute into an annual number

Let's say your new job adds 20 minutes each way. That's comes out to an additional 40 minutes a day.

Over five days, that's 200 minutes a week. Multiply that by 52 weeks and you're looking at roughly 173 additional hours a year in the car.

That's more than four 40-hour workweeks. Suddenly that $10,000 raise isn't simply $10,000 for doing another job. You're also giving your employer the equivalent of several extra workweeks of your time just getting there.

Calculate what your car is costing you

Gas is the obvious expense, but it's not the only one.

More driving also means more frequent oil changes, tires, brakes, maintenance, and depreciation.

As a point of reference, the IRS increased its optional business mileage rate to 76 cents per mile starting July 1, 2026. That rate reflects both fixed and variable vehicle costs.

While you can't deduct your normal commute using that rate, it helps to provide a useful reminder that driving costs considerably more than just gasoline.

If the new job adds 30 miles of driving per day, that's roughly 7,500 additional miles over 250 workdays.

Even at 50 cents per mile, that's $3,750 a year in additional vehicle costs. And we haven't even included other costs like parking or tolls.

Remember that you don't keep the entire raise

Here's another mistake that's easy to make: A $10,000 raise doesn't put another $10,000 into your checking account. Federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes can reduce the additional take-home pay.

So, be sure to compare the estimated increase in your take-home pay with your additional commuting costs not the headline salary increase.

If the raise adds $600 a month to your take-home pay but commuting costs another $350, the job effectively gives you only another $250 a month before accounting for your time.

That's a very different decision.

Put a price on your time

How much is an additional hour away from home worth to you? If a longer commute consumes 173 hours a year and you value your free time at $25 an hour, that's another $4,325 worth of your time.

You don't have to literally subtract that amount from your salary, but its smart to recognize what you're actually giving up.

Those hours could have been spent with your kids, exercising, making dinner, sleeping, or simply doing something other than staring at brake lights.

Negotiate the commute, not just the salary

If you like the job but hate the commute, salary isn't your only bargaining chip.

Ask about working from home one or two days a week, flexible hours that let you avoid rush hour, parking reimbursement, transit benefits, or other commuting assistance.

Monster found 68% of workers believe employers should help offset commuting costs for at least some employees required to work on-site.

Even one work-from-home day per week cuts your commute by roughly 20%.

Pro tip: Before accepting an offer, actually drive the route during the hours you'd be commuting. A mapping app saying "35 minutes" and sitting in Monday morning traffic can be two very different experiences.

Find your break-even salary

Before saying yes, ask yourself one question: How much more would this job need to pay me to make the commute worthwhile?

Add up your additional vehicle costs, tolls, and parking. Estimate your additional take-home pay. Then consider how many hours of your life the commute will consume.

That $10,000 raise may still be a great deal. But once you do the math, you might discover you need $15,000 or $20,000 more to make changing jobs worthwhile.

Sometimes the best-paying job isn't the one with the biggest salary. It's the one that leaves you with the most money (and time) when that 5 oclock smile hits.

One product contained more than 800,000 particles per serving, but there are simple ways parents can reduce exposure

• Consumer Reports found microplastics in all 15 baby food purees it tested, including products sold in plastic pouches and glass jars.

• The amount varied dramatically, from about 17,000 particles per serving to more than 814,000.

• Parents don't need to eliminate packaged baby food, and they can help reduce exposure by having variety in options, avoiding heating food in plastic, and using non-plastic storage containers.

Parents worried about what's hiding in packaged baby food have another contaminant to think about.

Consumer Reports tested 48 baby foods from 11 brands for contaminants including heavy metals, phthalates, and bisphenols. For the first time, it also tested a subset of the products for microplastics.

The results were eye-opening.

Specifically, researchers tested 15 purees and one juice for microplastic particles. Microplastics were detected in every puree. The juice was the only product where they weren't detected.

But the amount varied significantly from one product to another.

Walmart's Parent's Choice Stage 1 Carrot baby food had the highest level, averaging 814,589 microplastic particles per serving.

Gerber Organic Plant Protein Banana Berry and Veggie Smash Puree with Oats had 728,294 particles per serving, while Beech-Nut's Turkey, Butternut Squash, Corn, and Spinach pouch had 680,295.

At the other end of the spectrum, Serenity Kids Organic Savory Veggies pouch contained just 17,177 particles per serving.

What parents can do right now

The findings sound alarming, but Consumer Reports isn't telling parents to stop buying baby food. Instead, focus on reducing unnecessary exposure.

Here are some tips to start implementing today:

• Mix things up. Don't rely heavily on one brand, product, or type of packaged baby food. A varied diet can reduce the chance that one source of a contaminant becomes a large part of your child's diet.

• Don't heat baby food in plastic. Transfer it to a glass or ceramic container before warming it.

• Use less plastic for storage. When practical, store food in glass or stainless-steel containers.

• Don't assume organic means microplastic-free. Consumer Reports found microplastics in both organic and conventional products.

And don't panic if your child's favorite food appears on the list. Scientists still don't know what level of microplastic exposure from food poses a health risk, and there are currently no federal limits for microplastics in food.

Glass jars aren't necessarily the answer

It might seem logical that switching from plastic pouches to glass jars would solve the problem.

Consumer Reports' testing suggests it's not that simple.

Microplastics were also detected in baby food packaged in glass. Beech-Nut's Chicken & Chicken Broth, for example, averaged 330,079 particles per jar.

Consumer Reports said plastic-lined lids could potentially contribute particles, but contamination can also occur during food production from machinery, tools, clothing, and other materials that come in contact with the food.

Researchers didn't test the plastic composition of the packaging, so they couldn't determine exactly where the particles originated.

There's actually some good news

The broader Consumer Reports investigation also found significant improvement in another area that has worried parents for years: heavy metals.

Of the 48 baby foods tested, 96% had levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and inorganic arsenic below Consumer Reports' levels of concern.

Researchers found no consistent difference in heavy-metal contamination between organic and conventional baby foods.

Some products were exceptions. Consumer Reports recommended limiting consumption of Gerber Rice Cereal because of inorganic arsenic and Target's Good & Gather Banana, Peach & Apricot puree because of arsenic levels.

The bottom line for parents isn't to eliminate packaged baby food altogether. But instead, try to vary what your child eats and reduce unnecessary contact with plastic when its practical.

When it comes to contaminants, variety may be one of the simplest protections parents have.

Members can get 42% off dozens of groceries, household staples, and more through October 31

• BJs is celebrating its 42nd birthday with 42% off dozens of products.

• The deals cover groceries, household essentials, health and beauty items, apparel, and more.

• Members can shop the offers in clubs, through the BJs app or online from September 24 through October 31.

BJs Wholesale Club is marking its 42nd birthday with a promotion aimed at giving members even more opportunities to save. Starting September 24, members can get 42% off dozens of products the retailer says they use and rely on every day.

The promotion will run through October 31, giving shoppers more than a month to take advantage of the special prices. The deals are available at BJs clubs, through the companys mobile app, and at BJs.com.

BJs is driven by a powerful purpose: we take care of the families who depend on us. Helping members save money is a cornerstone of that purpose, Tim Morningstar, Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer, BJs Wholesale Club, said in a news release.

Theres no better way to thank our members for decades of loyalty and celebrate our ongoing commitment to unbeatable value than by offering even lower prices on products they rely on every day.

Whats included in the promotion?

The 42% discounts span several categories, including groceries, pantry staples, household essentials, health and beauty products, and apparel.

Some of the featured items on sale include:

• Lean Ground Beef 5 lbs. and 10 lbs.

• All Frito-Lay Mix & Match Chip Bags

• All Kraft Mac & Cheese

• All M&Ms Jars

• All Wellsley Farms Potatoes and Hummus

• All Chomps Meat Snack Sticks

• All Fresh Apples

• Sliced Wellsley Farms Oven Baked Deli Ham and Land OLakes Deli Cheese

• Nautica Mens, Womens and Kids Lightweight Puffer Vests

• 508 Crew XSpeed Pedal Go-Kart

The promotion goes beyond food, too. Featured items include Nautica lightweight puffer vests for men, women and kids, as well as a 508 Crew XSpeed pedal go-kart.

What this means for BJs members

For members, the promotion provides a chance to save on a mix of everyday groceries and other products during the promotional period. BJs says product availability and pricing can vary by club and online, and the discounted items are available while supplies last. The company also says rainchecks wont be available.

Shoppers have several ways to use their membership during the promotion. In addition to shopping in clubs, members can order online for curbside or in-club pickup, use same-day delivery where available, or use ExpressPay in the BJs app to scan items while shopping and skip the checkout line. BJs also operates gas stations with additional savings opportunities through its Fuel Saver Program.

The birthday promotion comes as BJs serves more than 8.5 million members across 267 clubs and 208 gas stations in 22 states.

A 50-year study found that healthier habits were linked to more years, better function, and greater happiness in old age

• Men with lower cardiovascular risk in their 40s were more likely to live to age 90.

• Those with healthier measurements earlier in life were less likely to become frail later on.

• The study also linked a healthier middle age with greater happiness and psychological well-being in old age.

Living longer is one thing. Being able to enjoy those extra years is another.

New research from the University of Helsinki suggests that maintaining better cardiovascular health in middle age may be connected not only with a longer life, but also with better quality of life in old age.

The findings come from a study that followed nearly 2,700 Finnish men for more than 50 years. The researchers were interested in whether cardiovascular health earlier in adulthood was related to how people lived and felt decades later.

The study began in the 1960s and 1970s, when the men were an average of 42 years old and generally healthy. Researchers continued following them throughout adulthood and, ultimately, through the end of their lives.

Weve long been interested in this question, while in many places the topic is only now attracting attention, Professor Emeritus and lead researcher Timo Strandberg from the University of Helsinki said in a news release. This studys strength was in a follow-up that extended to the end of life.

How the study worked

The researchers focused on five factors that can affect cardiovascular health: smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.

The men's measurements were assessed when they were younger, with better values indicating a lower cardiovascular risk. Researchers then looked at what happened to the men over the following decades.

In 2007, the surviving participants were an average of 79 years old. At that point, researchers assessed several aspects of their health and well-being, including their ability to function in everyday life, happiness, quality of life, and frailty.

Frailty refers to a state in which the body's ability to function and handle physical stress becomes reduced.

Because the researchers followed the men for more than five decades, the study was able to connect health measurements from middle age with outcomes much later in life.

What the findings could mean

The differences between the groups were notable. Among men who had positive values for all five cardiovascular risk factors when they were younger, 42% reached age 90. Among those with poor values for all five factors, just 7% reached that age.

The healthier group also appeared to maintain better physical function. Only 2% of men with positive values across all five factors were considered frail in old age, compared with one-quarter of those who had poor values for all five.

The researchers also found that men with healthier measurements earlier in life reported more happiness and psychological well-being later on.

For consumers, the findings highlight five familiar areas of health: smoking, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.

The body mass index, smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose can all be measured and addressed. If not through lifestyle choices, then with safe and mostly inexpensive drugs, Strandberg says.

The common adage is that you either live a short and pleasant life, or a long and unpleasant one. This study indicates that healthy lifestyles can add both years and functional capacity to your life.

Automated recommendations should get close scrutiny

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• NatWest and Bank of America are among banks warning that AI shopping agents could expose consumers to , fraud, and privacy breaches.

• Potential problems include mishandled card details, purchases that exceed shoppers instructions, and payment methods with weaker protections.

• Consumers can reduce their exposure by approving purchases themselves, checking sellers independently, and paying by credit card when possible.

Artificial intelligence promises to make shopping easier by finding products, comparing prices, and completing purchases. But major banks are warning that handing those decisions to software could create new opportunities for fraud.

NatWest and Bank of America are among a group of lenders calling for stronger safeguards as agentic commerce shopping systems that can act on a customers behalf develops. The banks say the technology is moving faster than industry standards and consumer protections, according to Reuters.

Their concerns include agents requesting card details and entering them directly into websites, or directing shoppers toward payment methods that provide weaker protections. Customers also could face uncertainty about whom to contact when an automated purchase goes wrong.

The banks want clearer disclosure when AI participates in transactions, more transparency about how agents make decisions, and stronger protection for customer information.

For consumers, the practical implication is that an automated recommendation should receive the same scrutiny as any unfamiliar online offer. A convenient shopping experience does not establish that the seller is trustworthy.

What to do

Several precautions can help:

• Keep control of the checkout. Where settings allow, require approval before every purchase and set firm spending limits. Review the seller, exact item, quantity, total price, and payment method before authorizing an order. If a service cannot provide those controls, consider using it only to research purchases.

• Check the merchant independently. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends searching a sellers name alongside words such as complaint or scam, and consulting reviews from multiple sources. Check return policies and delivery promises. An encrypted website identified by https in its address does not establish that the business is legitimate.

• Choose the payment method yourself. The FTC recommends credit cards for online shopping because they offer protections when purchases go wrong. Avoid sellers that insist on gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps as the only way to pay. These demands can signal a scam.

• Limit what you share. Avoid pasting banking passwords, security codes, or full card details into ordinary chatbot conversations. Before connecting a payment account, examine the services permissions and privacy terms. Understand how to disconnect the account and stop future purchases.

Keep the instructions

Save evidence of your instructions. Along with receipts and seller communications, retain the instructions you gave the agent, spending limits, and purchase approvals. Those records could help explain a disputed transaction.

If something goes wrong, act quickly. Contact the card issuer, bank, or payment provider through its official app or a verified phone number, explain what happened, and ask whether the payment can be reversed. Describe accurately what you authorized and what the bot actually did.

The FTC also recommends changing compromised passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Recovery is not guaranteed, but prompt reporting gives the payment provider an opportunity to help.