Americans spend nearly $300 a month on utilities as energy costs rise

A five-minute annual walkthrough can help families identify overlooked hazards, clear emergency exit routes, and make sure essential safety equipment is ready.

Getting children involved in safety checks helps everyone understand emergency plans, know where to meet, and feel more prepared.

Regular tasks like testing alarms, checking emergency kits, and inspecting heating equipment help keep your home safe year-round.

When it comes to keeping your family safe at home, it's easy to focus on everyday maintenance and forget about the bigger picture. But taking a few minutes once a year to walk through your home and review basic safety measures can help identify potential hazards before they become problems.

From checking that hallways and exits are clear to making sure emergency supplies are easy to find, a simple household safety review doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Marcus Clarke, founder of The Prepared Household, says breaking emergency preparedness into a few manageable steps can make it easier for families to stay on top of.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Bodum is recalling 5.9 million French press coffee makers following 70 breakage reports, including 48 reports of burns.

The recall covers eight models with replaceable eight-cup and 12-cup glass carafes.

Owners can request a free plastic stirring spoon and warning label.

Bodum USA is recalling millions of French press coffee makers because damaged glass carafes can unexpectedly break during use, posing a serious burn risk.

The October 29 recall covers Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper, and Kenya models sold from 1974 through October 2026 for approximately $15 to $65. Retailers included Target, Walmart, Amazon, and coffee and home goods stores nationwide.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

Inflation is picking up again: Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year, with gasoline responsible for much of September's increase.

The impact could spread beyond the gas pump: Higher transportation and operating costs may eventually show up in grocery bills, deliveries, restaurant meals, and other services.

There are ways to fight back: A few changes to how you shop, travel, and manage debt could help protect your household budget.

Just when consumers were hoping inflation might finally be settling down, the latest numbers suggest otherwise.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.7% over the 12 months ending in September, up from 3.4% in August. Gasoline was the biggest culprit, jumping 9.1% in September alone and accounting for more than half of the overall monthly inflation increase.

Author: Kyle James
Source: Consumer Affairs

A new study found that nature-based activities helped reduce loneliness among older adults in six European, Latin American, and Australian cities.

Both individual outdoor activities and organized group programs showed benefits, but group activities were particularly helpful for participants with lower emotional well-being.

The improvements lasted for up to a year, suggesting that gardening, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities could offer a practical way to support social connections.

Spending time outdoors is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. But could activities like gardening, hiking, and birdwatching also help people feel less lonely?

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe suggests they could. Researchers found that connecting with nature through organized activities or independent outdoor experiences helped reduce feelings of loneliness among adults who participated in the study.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Amazon is offering a complete Thanksgiving meal for $25, including an eight-pound turkey and ingredients for traditional holiday sides and dessert.

Shoppers can also find frozen turkeys for $0.79 per pound and fresh turkeys for $0.99 per pound during November promotions.

The meal deal is available through Nov. 26 while supplies last, with same-day grocery delivery available in more than 2,300 U.S. cities and towns.

Putting together Thanksgiving dinner can mean a lot of grocery shopping, meal planning, and money spent before guests even arrive. But Amazon is hoping to make things a little easier on shoppers' wallets this holiday season.

The retailer has introduced a $25 Thanksgiving meal through Amazon Grocery that includes a turkey and ingredients for several traditional holiday dishes. The offer also comes with additional discounts on turkeys, side dishes, and other Thanksgiving essentials throughout November.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs