Consumer News: Aldi and Lidl are offering Thanksgiving dinners for under $40

Self-checkout might save you time, but a few easy-to-miss mistakes could leave you paying more

• You're the cashier now: Self-checkout puts the scanning, weighing, and bagging in your hands, along with more opportunities to make mistakes.

• Small errors add up: Double scans, incorrect produce selections, and missing discounts can quietly inflate your grocery bill.

• Know when to skip it: Self-checkout is often convenient for a few items, but a regular cashier might be easier when your cart is full.

You've scanned the groceries, bagged everything yourself, wrestled with the machine over an unexpected item in the bagging area, and waited for an employee to approve your bananas.

Unfortunately, there's no paycheck for the work you just did. And if you're not paying attention, you could actually leave the store having spent more than you should.

Self-checkout was supposed to make grocery shopping faster and easier for everyone. But as a recent Yahoo article points out, the machines can sometimes feel more like a chore than a convenience.

Self-checkout also puts basically all of the responsibility on you to make sure everything rings up correctly. Here are five mistakes worth watching for so you dont overpay.

1. The produce guessing game

You know the drill. You put a tomato on the scale, and suddenly you're scrolling through a dozen different tomato varieties.

Was that a Roma? A vine-ripened? Organic? Choosing the wrong option can mean paying more than necessary.

Look at the produce sticker, which includes a four- or five-digit PLU code. Enter that code when available rather than guessing from the pictures. And don't automatically select organic unless that's actually what you bought.

Pro tip: Learn to crack the produce sticker code. If the sticker on that bell pepper has a five-digit code on it instead of four digits, you know its organic. This creates a quick and easy hack to make sure youre not paying more for organic when that wasnt your intention.

2. The dreaded double scan

Beep. Beep. Did you just scan that box of cereal twice? Or did the machine simply make a weird noise?

When you're rushing to get out of the store it's surprisingly easy to lose track. And a duplicate scan can turn a $5 purchase into a $10 purchase without you noticing.

Try to keep an eye on the screen as you scan, especially the item count and quantity. If something appears twice, ask the attendant to remove the extra charge before paying.

Pro tip: Watch out for those multi-buy promotions when using self-checkout. Ever see a sign advertising Buy 2, Get 1 Free or 3 for $10? Those deals sometimes have specific requirements, including buying the correct quantity, selecting eligible varieties, or mixing only certain products.

So, before you pay, always check that all qualifying items are included and the promotion was applied. It can be tricky as some discounts don't appear until the final item is scanned or the transaction is totaled.

3. The sale price that never showed up

You grabbed that pasta sauce because the shelf tag said $2.49. But when you scan it, the machine says it costs $3.99.

Maybe the promotion expired. Maybe you grabbed the wrong size. Or maybe the store's system hasn't been updated. Whatever the reason, you shouldn't automatically assume the register is right.

Be sure to watch the prices as they appear, particularly on advertised specials. If the discount doesn't show up, ask an employee to check the shelf price. While a bit of a hassle, taking a quick photo of a sale sign can also make it easier to resolve the pricing discrepancy.

Pro tip: When buying clearance items, be sure to scan the clearance price sticker, not the original barcode on the item. That package of chicken with a bright yellow $3-off sticker might still have its original barcode visible. Dont scan it, instead scan the barcode on the yellow sticker if there is one. Always look for a separate clearance barcode or special instructions on the markdown sticker.

4. Forgetting the loyalty discount

This one can be especially frustrating.

You carefully planned your shopping trip around digital coupons and member-only prices, only to discover you never entered your phone number. Or worse, the coupon you thought you'd clipped wasn't actually activated.

Always enter your loyalty information early in the transaction and verify that your discounts appear before you pay.

Some stores apply discounts near the end, so don't panic if they don't appear immediately. But be sure to not complete the transaction until you've confirmed all of your savings.

Pro tip: Be careful with the pesky quantity button. Some self-checkouts let you enter a quantity instead of scanning every identical item individually. That's super convenient until you accidentally enter 33 instead of three.

I speak from experience on this one, only use the quantity button when the store allows it for that particular item, and ALWAYS double-check the number.

5. Skipping the receipt check

After you've done all that work, the last thing you want is another assignment.

But spending 30 seconds reviewing your receipt could catch a mistake that costs you several dollars. Look for duplicate items, incorrect produce prices, missing promotions, and coupons that didn't apply.

Its smart to check your receipt before leaving the checkout area. It's usually easier to resolve a mistake while you're still in the store than to discover it after you've driven home.

When should you skip self-checkout altogether?

My rule of thumb is the more complicated your grocery cart, the less appealing self-checkout becomes.

Buying just five items? Sure, scanning them yourself makes the most sense. But if you're buying a slew of produce, got a few digital coupons, or a cart full of groceries that barely fits in the bagging area, a regular cashier is often the best choice.

A cashier can make mistakes, too. But having someone else handle the scanning gives you more opportunity to watch the prices as they pop-up on the screen.

Theres no doubt that self-checkout can be convenient, but convenience shouldn't cost you extra. And if the grocery store is going to make you do the cashier's job, the least you can do is make sure you're not paying for the privilege.

Amazon's "About You" feature reveals surprisingly personal assumptions about shoppers

• Amazon knows more than your shopping history: Its "About You" feature reveals personal preferences and assumptions used to recommend products.

• Some shoppers are finding strange details: One woman reportedly discovered Amazon had described her body based on what may have been a clothing purchase.

• Take back some control: You can review and remove information Amazon uses for recommendations, then use a few simple tricks to avoid impulse purchases.

Amazon knows what you've bought, what you've searched for, and what you've saved to your wish lists. But what if it also thinks it knows your body type, hobbies, family situation, and personal habits?

That's exactly what some shoppers are discovering after checking a little-known Amazon feature called "About You."

And while the feature raises some obvious privacy questions, Amazon is also creating a shopping profile on you in an attempt to get you to spend money on things you never planned to buy.

With Black Friday approaching, now might be a good time to see exactly what Amazon thinks it knows about you.

Amazon's surprisingly personal observations

According to a recent report from Malwarebytes, one shopper discovered that Amazon had described her as someone who "has flat buttocks." The woman suspected the observation came from a previous purchase of leggings designed to enhance that part of the body.

Let this serve as a reminder that Amazon isn't simply remembering what you purchased, but its also making assumptions about your interests and personal characteristics.

Amazon introduced About You in May 2026 to give customers more visibility into the information used to personalize their shopping experience. That information can come from your purchase history, product searches, reviews, saved lists, and even conversations with Alexa for Shopping.

Amazon says the goal is to help shoppers discover products they're more likely to want. But just because Amazon thinks you might like something doesn't mean you need it. And it certainly doesn't mean you're getting it for the best price.

How to see what Amazon knows about you

Checking your profile is free and should only take a few minutes.

On the Amazon mobile app:

• Open the Amazon Shopping app and sign in

• Tap the Me tab at the bottom

• Tap your name

• Select "About You"

On a desktop computer:

• Sign in to Amazon

• Hover over your name above "Account & Lists"

• Click your name or select a shopping profile

• Click "About You"

You can also try going directly to Amazon's About You page after signing in.

Once there, explore categories such as Home and Family, Interests and Hobbies, Brands, and Product Preferences.

You may discover that Amazon has made assumptions based on something you purchased years ago, a gift you bought for someone else, or a product you were simply researching.

How to clean up your profile

If you spot something inaccurate, outdated, or just plain weird, Amazon lets you remove it from your personalization preferences.

Open the category containing the information, select the entry, and choose "Remove." Confirm your choice when prompted. That tells Amazon you don't want that particular information used to personalize your shopping experience.

But there's an important distinction. As Malwarebytes points out, removing an assumption from About You doesn't necessarily erase the underlying purchase or browsing history that helped Amazon make it.

And Amazon doesn't make any mention of a master switch that turns off the entire feature.

Ways to keep Amazon's recommendations from costing you money

Cleaning up your profile is a good start.

But the bigger money-saving opportunity comes from changing how you respond to personalized recommendations.

1. Shop from a list, not Amazon's suggestions. Before opening the app, write down what you actually need. If Amazon recommends something that isn't on your list, don't buy it immediately. Give yourself 24 hours to decide whether you really want it.

2. Don't assume a personalized recommendation is the best deal. Amazon might know you prefer a certain brand, but that doesn't mean it's the cheapest option. Compare similar products, check unit prices, and look at competing retailers before buying.

3. Check price history before clicking "Buy Now." Tools such as Keepa and CamelCamelCamel can help you see whether an Amazon price is genuinely low or just looks attractive. Setting a price alert can also help you avoid buying something simply because it's being promoted.

Amazon's About You feature isn't necessarily a bad thing as more relevant recommendations can make shopping easier. But there's a difference between helping you find something you need and convincing you to buy something you hadn't considered.

So, its worth the five minutes to check your Amazon profile. You might be surprised by what the retailer thinks it knows about you and what its planning on trying to sell you next.

Pharmacy chain settles federal claims over opioid prescriptions and patient safety

• CVS has agreed to pay $315 million to resolve federal allegations involving unlawful opioid prescriptions and false claims for government reimbursement.

• The Justice Department alleged that CVS filled prescriptions despite warning signs that the medications were not medically necessary or legally valid.

• The settlement requires CVS to strengthen its prescription monitoring practices and create a hotline for reporting suspected illegal dispensing.

CVS has agreed to pay $315 million to settle federal allegations that it improperly filled prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances over more than a decade.

The agreement, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on October 13, also addresses allegations that CVS sought reimbursement from Medicare and other federal healthcare programs for many of those prescriptions.

The case highlights the responsibility pharmacies have when dispensing medications that can carry significant risks if they are prescribed or used improperly. Under federal law, pharmacists must follow requirements designed to ensure controlled substances are dispensed for legitimate medical purposes.

The settlement resolves the government's allegations, but it does not constitute a determination of liability.

Not only does this settlement hold bad actors accountable for their fraudulent activities, but Americans are safer because of it, Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. said in a news release. Todays settlement is a significant milestone in the Justice Departments efforts to combat the opioid epidemic by cracking down on pharmacies who unlawfully fulfill prescriptions for controlled substances.

What the government alleged about CVS

The government's complaint, filed in December 2024, alleged that CVS knowingly filled prescriptions between October 2013 and December 2025 that were invalid, lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued through appropriate professional practices.

According to the Justice Department, the prescriptions included opioids dispensed in excessive quantities, prescriptions filled too early, and combinations of medications known as "trinity" prescriptions. These combinations involve an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant, and can pose serious safety risks.

Federal officials also alleged that CVS filled prescriptions from providers they described as "pill mills," which issued large numbers of controlled-substance prescriptions without legitimate medical purposes. The complaint claimed that pharmacists sometimes proceeded despite warning signs that prescriptions might be unlawful.

The government further alleged that company staffing practices and performance incentives put pressure on pharmacists and interfered with their ability to identify potentially problematic prescriptions.

Beyond the financial settlement, CVS has entered into an agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to improve its oversight of controlled substances. The company must establish a hotline for employees and members of the public to report suspected illegal dispensing, monitor prescription patterns for potential problems, and develop a process for evaluating prescribers suspected of illegal prescribing.

This settlement agreement highlights DEAs commitment to protecting the health and safety of Americans while holding CVS accountable for dispensing unlawful prescriptions and endangering the public, said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz. DEA is unwavering in its commitment to protect public health and ensuring pharmacies adhere to the highest standards of responsible dispensing. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and the healthcare community to prevent the misuse of controlled substances, and we will hold those who jeopardize the safety of our citizens accountable.

What the settlement means for consumers

For consumers, the agreement puts a renewed focus on the safeguards intended to make prescription medications safer. Pharmacies play an important role in identifying prescriptions that may be inappropriate, even when those prescriptions come from a medical provider.

The additional monitoring requirements are intended to help CVS identify concerning prescribing and dispensing patterns and respond to potential problems. The public reporting hotline also creates a channel for people to raise concerns about suspected illegal dispensing.

The settlement also addresses the use of federal healthcare funds, since the government alleged that many of the prescriptions at issue were billed to and reimbursed by programs such as Medicare.

The agreement does not mean that opioid prescriptions filled at CVS were generally improper. Rather, it addresses specific allegations about prescriptions and company practices during the period covered by the case.

For patients who rely on prescription medications, the central takeaway is that appropriate dispensing practices and effective safeguards are essential parts of protecting public health.

The retailers holiday toy list features popular brands, exclusive finds, and gifts for a range of ages and interests

• Targets 2026 Bullseyes Top Toys list includes 50 holiday gift ideas, with prices starting at $4.99.

• More than half of the featured toys are exclusive to Target, with picks ranging from LEGO and Barbie to interactive characters and creative playsets.

• Shoppers can explore the list online or through Targets digital Holiday Kids Catalog, which includes nearly 500 toys, games, and gifts.

With the holiday shopping season approaching, Target is giving families a head start on finding gifts kids will be excited to unwrap.

The retailer announced its 2026 Bullseyes Top Toys list, highlighting 50 toys selected by its merchandising team based on popular brands, emerging trends, and the ways children like to play.

The list is designed to help shoppers narrow down their options, whether theyre shopping for a child who loves dolls, a budding builder, a video game fan, or someone who cant get enough of collectible toys. Prices start at $4.99, and Target says its broader toy assortment includes more than 1,000 toys priced under $10.

"Guests tell us they count on Target to make holiday shopping fun, easy, and full of discovery, especially when it comes to finding the toys kids can't wait to unwrap," Cassandra Jones, senior vice president, Fun101, Target, said in a news release.

"Bullseye's Top Toys List brings together our expert edit of the season's most exciting toys together in one place, and our new digital experience gives families a fun new way to discover favorites, share wish-list ideas, and shop for everyone on their list."

From imaginative play to interactive favorites

The 50 selections cover a variety of interests and play styles. Familiar brands such as LEGO, Barbie, Disney, and Nintendo appear alongside toys from Target-owned brands and products available exclusively at the retailer.

Some of the featured options encourage kids to build and create, including a LEGO Star Wars up-scaled Darth Vader minifigure, a LEGO Christmas stocking, and a magnetic building tiles set from Targets Gigglescape brand. Children who prefer pretend play can explore items such as the Barbie DreamHouse, a Fisher-Price Little People playset, and Gigglescapes play kitchen and food-themed toys.

There are also plenty of options for fans of characters and collectibles. The list includes interactive toys such as Tickle Me Elmo, a Pokmon Pikachu Puppetronic plush, and a Super Mario Bros.-themed action figure. Other categories highlight sensory toys, slime, makeup sets, toy shopping accessories, and vehicles.

More than half of the 50 featured products are exclusive to Target, giving shoppers access to items they may not find at other retailers.

What the list means for holiday shoppers

Targets list offers a convenient starting point for families who want to get ahead of holiday shopping without browsing its entire toy selection. The range of categories and price points also gives shoppers room to compare options based on a childs interests and their own budget.

For additional inspiration, Target has introduced its digital Holiday Kids Catalog, featuring nearly 500 toys, games, and gifts. Available through Target.com and the Target app, the catalog includes interactive content, toy demonstrations, and video reviews. Shoppers can also save items to wish lists and share those lists with relatives and other gift-givers.

Both Bullseyes Top Toys and the digital catalog are available now. Some featured products are marked as coming soon, so shoppers interested in a particular item should check its current availability before making plans.

For consumers, the biggest advantage is having several ways to discover potential gifts in one place. The list can help families build ideas early, compare prices, and make a more focused shopping plan before the busiest part of the holiday season arrives.