Consumer News: Black Friday shoppers should watch out for these common holiday shopping

More retailers are charging return fees, and some holiday items have surprisingly short deadlines

• Return fees are becoming common: Industry research found that 72% of retailers charge for at least some returns, up from 66% the previous year.

• Skip the shipping fees: Macy's, T.J.Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, and other retailers charge up to $11.99 for certain mailed returns, while eligible in-store returns are free.

• Beware of shorter holiday deadlines: Home Depot gives shoppers just 30 days to return Halloween and holiday decorations, rather than its usual 90 days.

Holiday shopping is about to ramp up, and there's one money-saving strategy worth remembering before you start filling those online carts. Buy online, but always try to return in-store.

It sounds super simple, but it could save you $5, $10, or more every time something needs to go back.

That's because a growing number of retailers now charge customers to mail back unwanted online purchases, even when returning the same item to a physical store is free.

And with holiday gifts, clothing that doesn't fit, and decorations that don't work out, those fees can add up quickly.

The bigger problem? Many shoppers don't discover the return fee until they're trying to send something back.

Return fees are becoming the norm

According to an eMarketer analysis, citing research from the National Retail Federation and Happy Returns, 72% of retailers charge for at least some returns, up from 66% the previous year.

The NRF's 2025 research estimated that 15.8% of annual retail sales would be returned, representing approximately $849.9 billion in merchandise.

And shoppers aren't thrilled about paying to send things back. Specifically, the research found that 82% of consumers consider free returns important when making a purchase, while 36% say they won't return an item if there's a fee.

That's particularly concerning during the holidays, when shoppers often buy gifts weeks before they're opened.

Popular retailers that now charge for mailed returns

Here's what several major retailers charge to mail back eligible online purchases, and how much you could save by returning them in-store instead.

• T.J.Maxx: $11.99 for mailed returns

• Macy's: $9.99 plus applicable tax for non-Star Rewards members

• Nordstrom Rack: $9.95 per prepaid return label

• JCPenney: $8 per mailed return order

• H&M: $5.99 for mailed returns

• Zara: $4.95 per return request when using a drop-off location

• DSW: $8.50 for mailed returns or paperless drop-offs

• UNIQLO: $7 plus applicable tax per online return request

• American Eagle: $5 for mailed returns

• Urban Outfitters: A $5 restocking fee applies to most mailed returns, with additional fees for certain furniture

Home Depot's 30-day holiday return rule may surprise shoppers

Home Depot generally gives customers 90 days to return most merchandise. But effective July 7, 2026, the retailer shortened its return window for Halloween and holiday decorations to just 30 days.

The merchandise must also be unused, and proof of purchase is required for a full refund.

That means if you buy Christmas decorations on November 1 and change your mind after Christmas, you could already be outside the return window.

The restriction applies to Halloween and holiday decorations, not everything sold at Home Depot during the holidays.

Money-saving tip: Before buying artificial trees, holiday lights, or seasonal decorations, double-check the item's return deadline. If you're shopping early, open the box promptly, inspect everything, and decide whether you're keeping it. Don't assume you'll have until January to make up your mind.

Holiday return extensions aren't automatic

Many retailers extend their return deadlines for gifts purchased in October, November, and December. Top retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's, and JCPenney all extend their return window until mid to late January.

This makes it risk-free to start your Christmas shopping early as gift receivers still have ample time to return or exchange something.

But keep in mind that these extensions don't necessarily apply to every brand or product. Brands like Dyson, Apple, and certain wireless phones often retain their original return window.

Be sure to check the specific holiday return deadline before purchasing gifts early. Don't assume every store follows the same holiday return schedule.

Third-party sellers may have different rules

Just because you're shopping on a familiar retailer's website doesn't mean the retailer itself is selling the product.

For example, Target generally allows 90 days to return most unopened merchandise it sells, but most Target Plus marketplace purchases have a 30-day return window.

The same can be said for third-party sellers on Walmart, as they have the power to set their own return windows and some of them are much shorter than Walmarts 90-day default.

Pro tip: Before checkout, look for the "Sold by" section which is typically displayed close to the price. Check that seller's return policy and whether the item can be returned to a physical store.

Electronics can have shorter deadlines

Buying a laptop, gaming system, or smartphone as a holiday gift? Be especially careful.

Target's standard return policy gives shoppers 30 days for many electronics and entertainment products, while Apple and Beats products generally only have a 14-day window.

Holiday extensions may change those deadlines, but don't assume every device qualifies. Check the product-specific return deadline before buying electronics early, and include a gift receipt whenever possible.

Final-sale items may not be returnable

That heavily discounted holiday sweater or clearance item might look like a bargain until you discover it can't be returned and youre stuck with it.

Keep in mind that retailers may exclude final-sale merchandise, personalized gifts, and certain other products from their standard return policies.

Pro tip: Pay close attention to words like "Final Sale," "Nonreturnable" or "Return Exceptions" on the product page before checking out. A great discount isn't much of a deal if the recipient can't use the gift and is unable to return it.

What if the retailer sent you a damaged or incorrect item?

Returning something because you changed your mind usually isnt treated the same as returning something because the retailer made a mistake.

Most retailers will take the item back for free if the reason for your return is because the item arrived damaged, or if the incorrect model, size, or color showed up.

If this happens to you, always contact customer service and explain the problem before paying for a return shipping label. Its smart to take pictures of the damaged product or incorrect merchandise and always save the original packaging until the return is accepted and you drop it off to be sent back.

5 smart ways to avoid holiday return headaches

A little preparation now could save you money and frustration after the holidays.

1. Create a holiday return folder. Save order confirmations, digital receipts, and return policies in one email folder. You'll know exactly where to find them if something needs to go back.

2. Set return reminders immediately. Add the deadline to your phone's calendar when you make a purchase. Set a reminder seven days beforehand so you don't miss it.

3. Keep the original packaging. Don't immediately toss boxes, tags, or accessories, especially for electronics and household products. Some retailers require original packaging for returns.

4. Combine your return trips. If you need to return purchases to Macy's, T.J.Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack, plan one trip instead of making several. Just make sure the money you're saving exceeds the cost of driving.

5. Ask about exchanges before requesting a refund. If a gift doesn't fit, see whether the retailer can exchange it for another size or color. Depending on the policy, you might avoid a shipping fee and preserve the original sale price.

A new LendingTree analysis finds that electricity and gas prices are climbing faster than inflation, putting additional pressure on household budgets

• The typical U.S. household spends nearly $295 a month on utilities, with electricity accounting for the largest expense.

• Electricity and natural gas prices have outpaced overall inflation since 2016, while utility costs vary significantly depending on where you live.

• Consumers can potentially lower their bills by asking providers about different rate plans, payment arrangements, billing errors, and energy-assistance programs.

Utility bills are one of those household expenses that are difficult to avoid, and they're getting more expensive for many Americans.

A new analysis from LendingTree found that the typical U.S. household spends $295 a month on utilities, with electricity accounting for the largest share of that cost.

While overall utility expenses dipped slightly nationwide in 2024, electricity and gas prices have climbed significantly faster than inflation over the past decade. And depending on where you live, those monthly bills could be even higher.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Matt Schulz, LendingTrees chief consumer finance analyst, who broke down whats driving these costs and what consumers should know about the growing impact of utility expenses on their budgets.

How LendingTree conducted its analysis

LendingTree analysts used 2024 American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau, obtained through IPUMS, to examine utility costs across the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

Researchers looked at four categories of household expenses: electricity, gas, water, and other home heating fuels, such as oil, wood, and kerosene. They calculated average annual costs for households that paid each bill separately and divided those figures by 12 to determine average monthly expenses.

The analysis excluded households whose utility costs were included in rent or condominium fees, as well as those reporting no charge or no usage for a particular service. Researchers also compared 2023 and 2024 utility expenses to identify year-over-year changes and calculated how much of each metro area's median household income went toward utilities.

Finally, LendingTree used Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare changes in electricity and natural gas prices with overall inflation between 2016 and 2025.

What the analysis found

Here are the biggest takeaways from the analysis:

• The average household spends nearly $295 a month on utilities. The national average was $294.66. Electricity was the largest expense at $198.08 per month among households paying that bill, followed by natural gas at $113.74, water at $106.47 and other home heating fuels at $60.01.

• Where you live can make a significant difference. Fresno, California, had the highest average monthly utility costs at $409.63. Boston followed at $370.59, while Birmingham, Alabama, came in third at $364.03. Denver had the lowest average at $238.19.

• Utilities take a bigger bite out of some household budgets. Fresno residents spend approximately 6.6% of their metro area's median monthly household income on utilities, the highest share among the 50 metros. Birmingham and Memphis, Tennessee, followed at 5.8% and 5.7%, respectively.

• Utility costs declined slightly nationwide in 2024, but not everywhere. The average monthly bill dropped by $1.68, or 0.6%, compared with 2023. However, costs increased in 24 of the 50 metros. San Jose, California, experienced the largest increase at 8.7%, followed by Birmingham and Charlotte, North Carolina, at 7.7% each.

• Electricity and gas prices are rising faster than inflation. Between 2016 and 2025, natural gas prices increased 59.1%, while electricity prices rose 41.1%. Overall consumer prices increased 34.1% during the same period.

Trimming utility costs

If youve already gone around your house and figured out where you can cut utility usage, Schulz offered advice for consumers looking to trim their bills.

When a family has already cut back, the next move is to make sure the bill is working as hard as it can for them, he said. Call the utility and ask whether a different rate plan could lower the cost. Ask about budget billing, too, if big seasonal swings are making the monthly budget tougher to manage.

Its also smart to look for any billing mistakes. Small home repairs can help over time, but the fastest savings may come from a conversation with the provider.

Utilities are a priority

For many consumers, the monthly budget is already stretched thin.

However, Schulz recommends keeping utilities close to the top of the priority list, as falling behind can make a tough month even tougher especially if it leads to a late fee and even service potentially being shut off.

The best time to call the provider is before that happens, he said. Many utilities have payment arrangements for those in a short-term rough patch, and consumers are more likely to have choices when they reach out early.

On top of that, Schulz recommends checking state and local energy-assistance programs, especially before the most expensive heating or cooling months arrive.

The important thing to remember is that help is often available, but it wont just come looking for you, he said. It is really easy to feel powerless and hopeless as bills climb and budgets tighten. However, you likely have more options than you think you do, if youre willing to pursue them.

A new analysis finds that AI expertise is commanding top dollar, but some of the highest-paying career opportunities are outside the tech industry

• AI and machine learning fundamentals topped the list of highest-paying skills, with a median advertised salary of $212,000.

• Five of the 10 highest-paying job titles were outside the tech industry, including corporate lawyers and construction managers.

• Employers still value communication, problem-solving, and hands-on expertise, making it important for workers to demonstrate their skills rather than simply earn credentials.

Artificial intelligence is changing the job market, and workers with the right technical skills could have a significant earning advantage. But a high-paying career doesn't necessarily mean working in tech.

A new analysis from CodeSignal, which examined 50 million live job postings, offers a closer look at the skills employers are willing to pay the most for in 2026. AI and machine learning fundamentals topped the list, with a median advertised salary of $212,000.

However, the findings also highlight opportunities in fields like law, healthcare, and construction, suggesting that there are several paths to a lucrative career.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with CodeSignal CEO Tigran Sloyan to break down the findings even further.

How the study was conducted

CodeSignal used its market intelligence tool to analyze approximately 50 million live job postings collected worldwide over a 21-week period ending in October 2026. The analysis covered 789 job roles, 6,431 validated skill sets, and 1,534 named technologies and software tools.

To compare earning potential, researchers looked at advertised salary midpoints from job postings that disclosed compensation during the most recent 12 weeks of the study. Salaries were standardized in U.S. dollars, with median advertised salaries reported alongside the middle 50% salary range to account for differences across regions and employers.

Key findings

The analysis uncovered a few interesting trends in what employers are looking for and which skills and careers are commanding the highest salaries:

• AI skills lead the way in earning potential. AI and machine learning fundamentals topped the list of highest-paying skills, with a median advertised salary of $212,000. Other high-paying skills included technology strategy, architecture analysis, and technical product management.

• Communication skills remain in high demand. Communication and interpersonal skills appeared in 16% of job postings, while problem-solving showed up in 14%. However, employers are increasingly looking for more specific, measurable abilities, such as negotiating, managing stakeholder relationships, and meeting customer needs.

• High-paying careers aren't limited to tech. Five of the 10 highest-paying job titles were outside the technology industry. Corporate lawyers topped the list at $233,000, while construction managers had a median advertised salary of $111,000, slightly higher than data engineers at $107,000.

• Specialized trades are worth considering. The analysis also found that HVAC technicians had a median advertised salary of $70,720, while commercial truck drivers earned a median of $62,500. Both figures were higher than those advertised for some entry-level corporate positions.

High-paying work isnt confined to tech

This is what Sloyan hopes is the biggest takeaway from the report.

In these postings, construction managers had a median advertised salary of $111,000, compared with $107,000 for data engineers, Sloyan said. But I wouldnt look at that comparison and say AI caused it. The data doesnt show that.

What AI changes is how parts of a job get done. The inputs and the outcome may stay much the same, while the tasks in between change dramatically. Whether youre managing a construction project or working on a legal matter, underlying expertise still matters.

Invest in the skills you need

If youre looking to increase your earning potential, Sloyan recommends investing in relevant skills for the job you want.

A credential may help you get noticed by employers, but the more important question is can you demonstrate that you can do the work? Sloyan said. Employers need people who can solve real problems, work with others, and exercise judgement even in AI-native organizations. Be prepared to show someone how you use each of those skills in your role.

Id invest in the skills relevant to the job you want, practice them in realistic situations, and look for a way to benchmark your proficiency. A certificate may help you get there, but make sure you ultimately have evidence that you can perform.

The Democrats sweep produces new winners and losers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Stocks surged Wednesday morning after Democrats won control of Congress, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining more than 1,100 points and the S&P 500 rising 1.8%.

• Renewable energy and healthcare stocks emerged as early winners, while defense contractors, private prison operators, AI data-center companies and businesses associated with President Trump suffered losses.

• Wall Street's outlook for the rest of 2026 is cautiously optimistic, but investors face significant risks from high interest rates, oil prices, inflation and uncertainty over the Trump administration's response to the election.

Wall Street delivered an enthusiastic response to Tuesday's midterm elections, sending stocks sharply higher early Wednesday as investors began calculating which industries would benefit from a dramatic shift in political power in Washington.

Democrats captured control of both the House and Senate, ending Republican control of Congress and creating a divided government for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.

By 10 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had surged 1,112 points, or 2.1%. The S&P 500 gained 1.8%, putting it on track for its best day in three months, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 2.4%.

The rally suggests investors see some advantages in divided government, particularly the possibility that Congress will restrain major changes in economic policy.

However, the market's reaction was far from uniform. Some industries rallied on expectations of a friendlier regulatory environment, while others fell sharply as investors anticipated new congressional scrutiny and possible reductions in federal spending.

The biggest winners

Renewable energy companies were among Wednesday's strongest performers.

Shares of First Solar jumped approximately 11%, while Enphase Energy gained nearly 12%. Investors are betting that Democratic control of Congress could slow the Trump administration's efforts to roll back federal support for solar and wind power.

Other clean-energy businesses, including Sunrun and NextEra Energy, also benefited from expectations of a more favorable political environment.

Healthcare companies also advanced, particularly hospital operators and insurers that could benefit from continued federal support for health coverage.

Centene rose approximately 4.5%, Molina Healthcare gained 6%, and HCA Healthcare advanced nearly 4%.

Democrats have advocated expanding access to health insurance, including greater support for Affordable Care Act coverage. Although President Trump retains veto power, congressional Democrats could use negotiations over government funding to secure healthcare concessions.

Lower Treasury yields also offered potential benefits for interest-rate-sensitive industries, including housing and utilities. The 10-year Treasury yield declined to approximately 4.92% from 4.95% Tuesday.

The biggest losers

Companies closely associated with President Trump and his administration experienced some of the steepest declines. Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent of Truth Social, fell approximately 9.5% in Wednesday morning trading. The company's shares had already lost more than half their value this year.

Tesla declined 3.6%, while SpaceX shares fell about 3%. Investors are concerned that Elon Musk's businesses could face increased congressional investigations and regulatory scrutiny following his extensive political support for Republicans.

Defense contractors were another major casualty. Northrop Grumman declined approximately 5%, while Lockheed Martin, RTX and L3Harris fell more than 3%.

The industry had benefited from expectations of increased military spending under Republican control of Congress. Democratic majorities could complicate approval of the administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget.

Private prison operators also suffered significant losses. GEO Group fell approximately 6.7%, while CoreCivic declined 5.2%, reflecting expectations that Democrats could challenge federal immigration detention policies and contracts.

Artificial intelligence faces a more uncertain future

One of Wall Street's biggest questions involves the artificial intelligence industry, which has been a major driver of stock market gains in recent years.

Democratic victories could bring tougher scrutiny of AI development, particularly the enormous data centers being constructed to support the technology. Communities have increasingly raised concerns about data centers' electricity consumption, water usage and effects on utility bills.

CoreWeave dropped approximately 6.8% Wednesday morning, while Nvidia slipped 0.5% after falling more sharply earlier in the session.

But the industry's outlook is mixed. Advanced Micro Devices gained 3.4% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings. That contrast illustrates an important distinction: Political developments may influence investors' expectations, but corporate profits remain a powerful force in determining stock prices.

What happens to stocks during the rest of 2026?

History provides some encouragement for investors.

Stocks have generally performed well following midterm elections, regardless of which political party wins. One reason is that elections remove uncertainty about future government policies.

However, the market has already recorded substantial gains this year. Through Tuesday's close, the S&P 500 was up approximately 10.6% in 2026, while the Nasdaq had gained 9.2%.

RBC Capital Markets strategist Lori Calvasina cautioned that elections do not necessarily produce a sustained rally. Her research suggests that gains following midterms can be more modest when stocks have already performed relatively well before Election Day.

Three issues could determine the market's direction

The first is interest rates. With the 10-year Treasury yield near 5%, borrowing costs remain a major concern for consumers and businesses. A sustained decline in yields could support housing, smaller companies and other sectors sensitive to financing costs.

The second is energy prices. Brent crude oil remained above $100 a barrel Wednesday despite a decline of nearly 3%. Continued instability related to the war with Iran could push gasoline prices and transportation costs higher, complicating the inflation outlook.

The third is political confrontation in Washington. A Democratic Congress could limit major tax and spending initiatives, but the administration retains substantial executive authority, particularly in areas such as trade and tariffs.

Analysts also warn that congressional investigations, budget disputes and the possibility of another government funding standoff could create new market volatility.

What it means for ordinary investors

For Americans saving for retirement, Wednesday's rally is encouraging, but it does not necessarily signal that stocks will continue climbing through December.

Investors who own diversified mutual funds or retirement accounts may benefit from a broader market advance even as individual industries experience sharp declines.

Those with concentrated investments in technology, defense or energy companies could see greater volatility as investors reassess the implications of Democratic control of Congress.

The biggest lesson from the initial market reaction may be that investors are already looking beyond the election.