Consumer News: Subscription services are straining budgets and overdrafting bank accounts

AI is becoming a source of support: 41% of Gen Z adults who experienced a mental health or substance use crisis said they turned to an AI chatbot for support.

Many people struggle in silence: 25% waited at least a year before telling anyone they were struggling, while 90% pretended they were fine when asked.

AI has benefits and risks: Chatbots can make it easier to open up and encourage people to seek professional help, but they can't replace licensed mental health professionals.

When someone is going through a mental health crisis, reaching out for help isn't always easy. Some people worry about being judged, don't know where to turn, or simply aren't ready to talk about what they're experiencing.

Interestingly, this has led to an increased trend of turning to artificial intelligence for support.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

Food Lion's Thanksgiving meal deal returns Nov. 11, offering enough food for 10 people for less than $40.

The bundle includes a 14-pound turkey, traditional holiday sides, Hawaiian rolls, and two frozen pies.

Shoppers can get the same advertised deal in stores or through Food Lion's online shopping and delivery partners.

Putting together a Thanksgiving dinner can get expensive, especially when you're feeding a larger group. Between the turkey, side dishes, and desserts, grocery costs can add up quickly.

Food Lion is hoping to make things a little easier on holiday budgets with the return of its Thanksgiving Meal Deal. The grocery chain announced that shoppers can get enough ingredients to serve 10 people for less than $40, bringing the promotion back at the same price as last year.

Author: Kristen Dalli
Source: Consumer Affairs

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

One cart for multiple stores: Keep track of products from Walmart, Target, and other retailers without juggling a dozen browser tabs.

Find savings you might otherwise miss: Google can alert you to price drops, uncover promo codes, and identify credit card perks.

Just in time for Black Friday: The new shopping tool is rolling out across Google Search and Gemini in the U.S.

If you're the type of shopper who opens 15 browser tabs comparing prices before buying something, Google has a new tool you'll probably want to try.

It's called Universal Cart, and it could change how you shop this Black Friday.

Author: Kyle James
Source: Consumer Affairs