Consumer News: Google's new Universal Cart could help you find hidden Black Friday savings — here's how it works

Two streaming giants are coming together: Skydance plans to offer HBO Max and Paramount+ in a single subscription bundle beginning in early 2027, with plans to eventually combine the services into one platform.

Potential savings for subscribers: The company promises better value for consumers, although it has not announced pricing or explained how existing subscriptions will be affected.

A powerful new competitor: The combined services have approximately 203 million subscriptions worldwide, putting Skydance in a stronger position to compete with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

Consumers frustrated by juggling multiple streaming subscriptions may soon have one less decision to make.

Skydance, the newly -ormed entertainment giant created by the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, has announced plans to bring HBO Max and Paramount+ together, beginning with a discounted subscription bundle in early 2027.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

Thanksgiving dinner is getting cheaper: The estimated cost of a traditional holiday meal for 10 people has fallen 17.3%, from $166.69 in 2025 to $137.93 in 2026, according to a new analysis by Self Financial.

Turkey prices are driving the savings: The cost of turkey for 10 people has plunged 48.1%, from $57 last year to $29.60 this year, while mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are also significantly cheaper.

Not everything costs less: Six traditional Thanksgiving dishes have increased in price, including stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and bread rolls.

Americans preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year may find something extra to be thankful for at the grocery store: The cost of the traditional holiday feast has dropped substantially from last year's record high

.A new study by financial technology company Self Financial estimates that preparing Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people will cost $137.93 in 2026, compared with $166.69 in 2025. That's a savings of $28.76, or 17.3%.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

A growing financial scam: Criminals are convincing victims to withdraw money from bank accounts, purchase gold bars or coins, and hand them over to couriers who promise to keep the assets safe.

Impersonating trusted authorities: Scammers often pose as FBI agents, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials, bank fraud investigators, or other authorities, claiming victims' accounts are at risk.

Once the gold is gone, recovery is difficult: Authorities warn that legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will never instruct consumers to buy gold and give it to a courier for safekeeping.

This scam has been around for several months, but its still victimizing the public so its important to spread the word. Criminals continue to tell victims their savings are at risk and the best way to protect their money is to buy gold and hand it over to a stranger for safekeeping.

The scheme, sometimes called a gold courier scam, relies on fear, deception, and the appearance of official authority. Victims may believe they are cooperating with a government investigation or protecting their retirement savings from criminals.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs

Record-breaking prices: The average price paid for a new vehicle reached $51,109 in October 2026, an all-time high and an increase of $649 from September.

SUVs and pickups are driving prices higher: Strong demand for larger, more expensive vehicles is pushing up the industry average, even as many consumers continue buying less expensive models.

Some relief for buyers: New vehicle prices rose just 2.1% over the past year, below historical averages, while manufacturer incentives increased slightly.

The price of a new car has reached another milestone, and it's not one consumers are likely to celebrate.

The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the United States climbed to a record $51,109 in October, according to a new report from Kelley Blue Book, a division of Cox Automotive.

Author: Mark Huffman
Source: Consumer Affairs