Black Friday shoppers are growing skeptical of holiday discounts, new survey finds

Free meals are on the menu: Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, and other restaurants are offering complimentary food to eligible veterans and military members.

The freebies go beyond restaurants: Free haircuts, car washes, and special retail discounts are also available.

National parks are free to enter: November 11 is a fee-free entrance day at participating national parks, with some restrictions.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, and businesses across the country are thanking those who served with free meals, discounts, and other special offers.

And while restaurants tend to get most of the attention, there are plenty of other freebies worth knowing about, including haircuts, car washes, and admission to national parks.

Author: Kyle James
Source: Consumer Affairs

Nearly one in four Gen Z adults surveyed said they don't drink at all, but many others still enjoy alcohol occasionally or in moderation.

Health concerns, financial priorities, and changing social expectations are encouraging young adults to rethink their drinking habits.

Cutting back is influencing more than just alcohol consumption, with Gen Z embracing mocktails, daytime outings, and social activities that don't revolve around drinking.

For years, Gen Z has been labeled the sober generation, with younger adults seemingly moving away from the drinking habits of previous generations. But is that really the whole story?

While some young adults are choosing not to drink at all, others are simply being more selective about when they drink and how much they consume.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, ending years of resistance to adding touch capabilities to its laptop computers.

The new models feature 14-inch and 16-inch OLED displays, M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, and up to 24 hours of battery life.

Prices start at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch version, with availability beginning November 6.

For years, Apple insisted that touchscreen technology belonged on iPhones and iPads, not laptop computers. Now the company has apparently changed its mind.

Apple has unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, a major redesign that allows users to interact directly with the laptop's display instead of relying exclusively on a keyboard, mouse or trackpad.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

A new survey found that 77% of disability benefits applicants considered giving up, often because they weren't sure they qualified or feared being denied.

Missing medical documentation, confusing requirements, and missed deadlines can make an already challenging application process even harder.

A denied claim doesn't necessarily mean you're ineligible. Understanding why you were denied and strengthening your application can help when appealing.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be an overwhelming experience, especially for people who are already dealing with health challenges and financial uncertainty.

Between figuring out eligibility requirements, gathering medical documentation, and navigating a lengthy application process, many applicants find themselves unsure of where to start or whether they should keep going at all.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Data breaches can expose more than passwords and credit cards, giving criminals personal details they can use for convincing scams, identity theft, and fraud.

Using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping devices updated can help protect your accounts from cybercriminals.

Holiday shoppers should be especially cautious of fake online stores, fraudulent ads, and suspicious delivery notifications designed to steal personal information.

Data breaches aren't just a problem for the companies experiencing them. When businesses are targeted by cyberattacks, the personal information of customers and everyday users can also be at risk. And with several high-profile cybersecurity incidents making headlines recently, consumers may be wondering what these breaches mean for their own privacy and security.

Even if you weren't directly affected by a breach, there are still reasons to be cautious. Stolen information can sometimes be used in follow-up scams, phishing emails, and other attempts to gain access to personal accounts.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs