Buy more now and save more later. It seems like a good idea, which explains why Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale are so popular. Millions of American shoppers, like Tracy Reese, like to buy in bulk to fight inflation,…
Soaring home prices may get all the attention right now, but rent is rising to unheard-of levels this year for many people who don’t own homes. Nurses’ aide Diamond Trimble just received a letter from her landlord informing her that…
Those planning an upcoming wedding are planning for the biggest day of their lives. But couples-to-be, their families and guests could face serious sticker shock this year, as inflation hits the wedding industry. Consultants are trying to find affordable dresses…
The rush is on at Liberty Tax and other tax preparers right now. Customers like Alex Trejo — who just started his own small business — are trying to find all the tax breaks they can. “I’ve got to figure…
The term “buy now pay later” is common in retail these days. It’s a new and improved version of store installment plans (without the high interest rates) or layaway (where Mom had to stop by the store with cash every…
With gas prices on the rise, and at more than $4 a gallon in some parts of the country, drivers are all looking for ways to save cash at the pump. Among them, Greg Rottbart, who can’t believe what it…
The U.S. government is spending billions of dollars on COVID-19 vaccines and at-home test kits. So why are some people being charged for the shots they got last year? Matt Kunkle is a graphics designer who got the Pfizer COVID-19…
Major brands from P&G to Kellogg’s to Kraft-Heinz have recently announced price hikes. But what about store brands, those inexpensive alternatives? Some of those items are going up in price too. That’s unfortunate for shoppers like Mary Jackson, who turn…
Cell phone carriers will be dropping 3G service sooner than many people may realize. AT&T will begin shutting down its 3G service on Feb. 22 — the first carrier to end the service. Michelle Jones says she has to find…
New car buyers are likely to face higher prices and longer waits for a new car, truck or SUV this spring as shortages continue.
With inflation rates still high, it should come as no surprise that prices of Valentine’s Day flowers are up this year. In some parts of the country, long stem roses are twice the price they were last year. Anyone buying…
Soaring used car prices could impact people even if they are not in the market to buy a vehicle. People driving vehicles more than 10 years old may now be under-insured. Herm Harrison has a 20-year-old Ford Crown Victoria. A…
People across the country are receiving threatening calls from scammers claiming to be with their local police or sheriff’s department. Sarah Cadwallader said a man called her, identifying himself as a local sheriff’s deputy. A few hours earlier, he had…
For those shopping for a new refrigerator or living room couch, choices are slim, and waits can be months long due to supply shortages. “When I check on our vendor websites, they are just not available,” kitchen appliance distributor Ken…
Many people have started booking spring and summer vacations. However, there is a lot of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jan Ball recently canceled a trip to visit friends due to the spread of the omicron variant. “We decided…
A lot of people decided to start home improvement projects during the pandemic. However, supply chain problems, the labor shortage and companies taking on too many projects have led to a surge of complaints about unfinished and shoddy jobs in…
It’s that time of year: Publishers Clearing House awards season. In 2022, some lucky winner will be getting $5,000 a week for life, according to the company’s website and TV commercials featuring NFL great Terry Bradshaw. Marlene, who did not…
Tax preparers are bracing for a long and confusing tax season because of stimulus checks and the child tax credits that Americans got in 2021. Many families did not get all the stimulus money and credits they were entitled to,…
Grocery stores across the country are opening later, closing earlier and eliminating 24-hour operations as they struggle with staff shortages due to the spread of COVID-19. Sierra King says she is disappointed she can’t go to the grocery store after…
Do you use money transfer apps like Venmo, Zelle or Cash app? If so, the Better Business Bureau is issuing an alert about a scam it first started seeing last year and is now receiving complaints about almost daily. It…
Many shoppers will be trying to get a head start on the holiday shopping season this year, with predictions of shortages as Christmas approaches. But if you are looking to get a jump on buying someone a tool kit, beware…
With homes and apartments so tough to find this year, many renters are desperate to find anything. That’s how one woman ended falling victim to a rental scam. Mariah Dates had no luck finding a rental home until a cute…
We’ve seen all the price hikes in stores this year and by now, we are used to product shortages. But both problems are about to hit toys just as the shopping season starts. Why? Forbes magazine blames a pandemic-related shipping…
Shoppers are ready to restock their closets for the fall and winter, but many are asking, “Where’s all the clothing?” Kristin Sterling was trying to do some school shopping at TJ Maxx. Inside, she found a much smaller selection than…
Millions of taxpayers still have not received their 2021 tax refund and are growing frustrated with a lack of information from the IRS. Refunds that used to arrive in two weeks are now three months late, with no updates as…
Just weeks ago, Americans were preparing to travel, booking airline tickets, casino trips and winter cruises. Now, a resurgence of COVID-19 due to the delta variant is threatening the return to travel normalcy. So what should prospective travelers do now?…
With all the stress of the pandemic, many got a bit of relief from an adult beverage. However, now there’s a liquor shortage. Molly Wellman is a sought-after mixologist (an expert bartender) who has noticed some popular brands are getting…
As Americans hit the road and take to the skies again this summer after the long pandemic, many are making plans to visit Hawaii. But one Hawaiian island is now asking airlines to slow down their return because they can’t…
Savvy shoppers have always purchased used cars and trucks instead of new ones to save thousands of dollars. But in this crazy year, some used cars now cost more than a new version. The price of used cars has gone…
For millions of workers, this summer is bringing a return to the office after 14 months of working from home during the pandemic. But some people are not ready for it, having become comfortable working remotely and taking care of…
As we head out on summer vacations, many of us check the oil and look over the car before we go. But some car maintenance tips that mom and dad taught us, that we’ve assumed for years, are actually just…
Watch out eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace: There’s a new kid getting a lot of interest. More and more buyers and sellers are turning to Mercari, with its lower fees and ease of selling. If you are looking to buy…
It appears that the lumber bubble has finally burst. Lumber prices are finally coming back down to earth, following a spring that saw prices double — and then double again. Lumber futures fell more than 40% in June as consumer…
We’ve all heard about inflation this year as the price of homes, cars, steel and even things like chicken wings soar in price. But another newly relevant term, “shrinkflation,” means that not only are people paying more, but they are…
Are you planning to travel this summer? If that plan involves a rental car, you may want to double or even triple-check that rental. That’s because there is a worsening rental car shortage that nearly canceled one family’s trip. Angie…
Planning a summer trip? With demand surging, hotels are raising rates. CNBC reports that average hotel rates in Cancun are now $205 a night, up from $45 a year ago when few people were traveling. One of the few areas…
It’s not just home prices that are rising to wild levels in 2021. Rents are following them up, and some tenants say higher rates may force them to move. Barbara Hill-Kelley is among the many tenants hit with rent hikes…
Many of us have spent the last of those $1,400 stimulus checks that arrived earlier this spring. So, will there be a fourth stimulus soon? Or was that all there is? Just like a morning cup of coffee, Americans are…
A new feature from Amazon is raising privacy concerns. That’s because it wants to share your Wi-Fi signal with your neighbors, and some homeowners are saying that’s one step too far. Amazon is coming into our homes more every day,…
The housing market is so hot that desperate buyers are now dropping contingencies and inspections in the hopes of submitting a winning bid. When 10 people are making offers on the same home, buying it “as is” can make an…
There is good news this spring for people who lost their jobs during the pandemic or are just looking for an opportunity to advance. Many companies are hiring and are offering all sorts of bonuses and incentives, as business rebounds…
Ever park illegally? That usually means a ticket or a tow, but some lot owners are now switching to the “sticker of shame.” Joe Frankenhoff received one and is furious. He has a picture on his phone of a large…
Do you have any old toys or dolls in your basement or closets that you haven’t checked in years? You may want to dust them off, because the toys of our youth are becoming super collectibles during this COVID-19 pandemic.…
Some call it the most dangerous bank scam ever: A text or phone call from your bank stating your account has been locked for fraud. That’s scary enough. But if you fall for this slick scam, it’s even scarier. Michelle…
Buffalo wings are as American as a cold beer when watching football, but suddenly these delicacies — usually served with celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing — are in short supply. Many restaurants that sell wings are now struggling…
To anyone planning a home improvement project, an addition or thinking about building a new home: Buyer beware. The price of lumber is hitting all-time highs. Larry Parker just experienced it. He walked into Lowe’s the other day to buy…
Are you thinking of buying some new furniture for your home, perhaps with your recent tax refund or stimulus check? The COVID pandemic has caused a nationwide kitchen appliance shortage, but it turns out the furniture shortage may be even…
It’s getting harder every week to find new pickup trucks. Ford has just announced it built only half its normal amount of F-150 pickups in March due to parts shortages. And dealers are getting calls from people all over the…
Thinking of buying or selling a home in 2021? In normal times, when you’re shopping for a home, you take your time, look at several homes, visit Sunday open houses, and decide what fits your needs. But these are not…
You probably remember your dad telling you to always buy a used car, because they are so much cheaper than new. That’s not always the case anymore in this topsy-turvy pandemic year. “We’ve all heard this: ‘Hey, you lose 20-30%…