News & Alerts

Dry shampoos from multiple brands recalled for potentially high levels of benzene

Scripps National Desk | October 24, 2022

Unilever United States is voluntarily recalling numerous dry shampoo products that were sold under various brand names. The recall includes dry shampoos from Dove, Suave, Nexxus, Tresemme and Bed Head. The products may have elevated levels of benzene, according to a statement posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website. “Benzene is classified as a …

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Kohl’s and Macy’s are hiring 130,000 seasonal workers for the holidays

Tricia Goss | October 24, 2022

With the uncertainty caused by historic inflation rates, higher prices on essential products and a decrease in imported goods, many businesses are reporting that they’re wary about hiring for the holiday season. Deloitte predicts that holiday retail sales will only increase between 4% and 6% in 2022, compared with 15.1% during the 2021 season. However, some retailers …

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Orange trick or treat pail spilling Halloween candy

Your Halloween candy will cost more this year thanks to skyrocketing prices

Newsy | October 24, 2022

The scariest part of Halloween this year might be the cost of participating. Candy prices are soaring. In fact, candy costs have experienced their highest jump on record this year, leaving many of us saying “boo” in a less-than-festive manner. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recent Consumer Price Index reports that the cost of candy …

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Spring Break Flights Are Already Super Expensive

John Matarese | October 24, 2022

We’ve been hearing a lot about high holiday travel costs this year, as people who haven’t flown for over two years snap up plane tickets to see family, increasing demand and sending airfares higher. But if you haven’t looked at spring airfares yet, you may also be in for a case of sticker shock. College …

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American Airlines plans to end first-class seating on international flights

Scripps National Desk | October 21, 2022

American Airlines is reportedly removing first-class cabins and replacing them with business-class seats on international flights. CNN reports that American’s Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja told investors that “first class will not exist” on those flights because there’s a lack of demand for the seats. An airline spokesperson clarified Raja’s comments to The Hill, saying …

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More than 60,000 toy guns recalled for fire hazard

Scripps National Desk | October 21, 2022

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission said over 60,000 Gel Blaster SURGE 1.0 toy guns have been recalled due to potential fire hazards. According to the CPSC, the toy’s lithium-ion battery pack inside the handle can overheat and ignite, posing a fire hazard. Gel Blaster has received 30 reports of the toys overheating. There have been …

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More employers adding student loan payments as a job benefit

Scripps National Desk | October 21, 2022

With the attention on student loan forgiveness right now, a small but growing number of companies are adding or considering adding student loan assistance as a benefit for their workers. Some are offering student debt consolidation plans for people to get a better interest rate. But once that is done, the loan is privatized and …

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Nestlé recalls some Toll House cookie dough due to possible plastic pieces

Scripps National Desk | October 20, 2022

Nestlé USA has issued a voluntary recall of some of its Toll House stuffed cookie dough products because they may contain small pieces of plastic. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the recall only affects the company’s Toll House stuffed chocolate chip cookie dough with fudge filling products that were produced between June and …

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Office worker with poor ergonomics, posture

Employers are reporting that workers are quitting due to boredom

Scripps National Desk | October 20, 2022

People are quitting their jobs at levels the U.S. hasn’t seen in 30 years. A lot of businesses are now worried about burning people out. Experts say in an effort to ease the load, some jobs have become so dull that it’s driving people to quit. It’s called bore-out. One recent survey found boredom at …

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IRS made inflation adjustments for 2023 that could mean lower tax rates for many

Scripps National Desk | October 19, 2022

Historic inflation rates in the U.S. have spurred some changes that will reduce many people’s tax bill next year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced dozens of adjustments due to inflation that affect individual tax income brackets for the 2023 tax year, including standard deductions and credits. As a result, tax filers who haven’t seen …

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6 ways to save on energy costs this winter

WKBW | October 19, 2022

With an arctic cold front impacting much of the country this week, many Americans are already thinking about their heating bills weeks before the official start of winter. The arrival of bitter cold temperatures is only making the jobs of people like Sam Impink even more challenging as heating costs continue to rise. “We’re just …

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Levi's jeans with iconic Levi Strauss tag

Levi’s jeans from the 1800s found in mine shaft sell for more than $87,000

Kathleen St. John | October 18, 2022

Serious clotheshorses will pay top dollar for vintage denim. Two collectors from Los Angeles just blew some minds, though, when they paid $87,400 ($76,000 plus a buyer’s premium) for a pair of jeans made almost 150 years ago. Did we mention the jeans were found in an abandoned mine? Zip Stevenson, who runs a denim …

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What to Know About Shopping at Zero-Waste Stores

John Matarese | October 18, 2022

When we talk about refilling at the pump, we’re usually talking about gas prices. But this time, we’re talking about refills that are much better for the environment — maybe even your wallet. It has to do with the boom in “zero-waste” and refill shops, where containers no longer end up in the local landfill. …

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Abbott recalls Similac baby formula, Pedialyte for improper seals

Scripps National Desk | October 17, 2022

Abbott announced that it is recalling some of its products made at an Ohio facility due to some of the products not being properly sealed, which would lead to spoilage. Abbott warned that if spoiled products are consumed, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Among the brands recalled are certain lots of …

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'Student loans' on post-it note cut by scissors

Student loan forgiveness application site opens for beta testing

Scripps National Desk | October 17, 2022

The U.S. Department of Education launched a beta site for its student loan forgiveness plan on Friday. The site could be temporarily paused for assessments, but student loan borrowers will be able to submit applications via the site, which will be reviewed for approval once the site is out of its beta testing phase. An …

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MacKenzie Scott gives $15 million for eyeglasses for farm workers in developing countries

Tricia Goss | October 17, 2022

In May 2019, MacKenzie Scott joined The Giving Pledge, a movement of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists, stating that she had a disproportionate amount of money. She vowed to give away billions and began to do so almost immediately. Recently, the 52-year-old billionaire — who is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and, despite giving …

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How to Spot Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian

John Matarese | October 17, 2022

Buying a used car is hard enough these days, with record-high prices. But there’s something else consumers should be on the lookout for at used car lots. After Hurricane Ian, flood-damaged vehicles could be moved out of Florida and sold to unsuspecting buyers anywhere in the U.S. Enrique Sanders, a “flood car detective,” expects that …

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Grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons announce merger

Scripps National Desk | October 14, 2022

Two major grocery chains, Kroger and Albertsons, announced on Oct. 14 a merger of the two companies. In a statement, Kroger said the mega-chain would hold nearly 5,000 locations in 48 states. “We are bringing together two purpose-driven organizations to deliver superior value to customers, associates, communities and shareholders,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger Chairman and …

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Noel, Matt, Paul and Prue of "The Great British Baking Show," which airs in America on Netflix.

Netflix is launching a $7 ad-supported plan in November

Helen Lee | October 14, 2022

The rising price of a Netflix subscription over the past few years has led to complaints and even lawsuits from customers — and a loss in growth for the popular streaming service. Back in April, the company announced a remedy: an ad-supported subscription tier, similar to those offered by competitors like Hulu, HBO Max and …

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Delta customers could soon take electric aircraft to and from airports

Scripps National Desk | October 13, 2022

Delta customers will soon be able to get to and from the airport with the help of an electric aircraft. On Oct. 11, the airline announced that they’d partnered with Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi startup, by investing $60 million to create a transfer service from travelers’ neighborhoods to the airport. The investment could …

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You can get paid $600 to watch TikTok videos

Tricia Goss | October 13, 2022

Is sending TikTok videos to family and friends your love language? Is your idea of the perfect day off curling up with a drink and some snacks to scroll your For You page all day? If so, we might have found the ideal job for you. An influencer marketing platform, Ubiquitous, which calls itself a …

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Starbucks plans store redesign to make getting your coffee and snacks much faster

Bridget Sharkey | October 12, 2022

Have you noticed that your Starbucks drive-thru order is taking a lot longer these days? Don’t blame the baristas: The reason for slower lines is that customized drinks have skyrocketed, and it’s difficult for baristas to keep up with that demand. Customizable cold drinks now make up about 75% of Starbucks orders, and that means …

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Christmas tree in holiday shop at Target

Despite reduced imports, retailers say they’re well stocked for the holidays

Scripps National Desk | October 12, 2022

Retailers in the U.S. are said to be well stocked and ready for holiday shoppers amid reduced imports as China still grapples with warehouse shutdowns. While imports in the U.S. increased early in 2022 compared to 2021, imports have fallen in recent months. The National Retail Federation estimates that U.S. imports will be down 9.4% …

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How to Save Money on Halloween Costumes, Candy and Decor

John Matarese | October 12, 2022

Halloween is right around the corner, and many parents will get spooked by higher prices. Prices are up on everything this year, including Halloween costumes and candy. But you can keep those prices down if you know where to shop. The mother of two young boys, Kristin Vanover, was out costume shopping and finding Halloween …

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Kitchen faucet with water barely coming out

Watch Out For Utility Shut-Off Scammers

John Matarese | October 11, 2022

Utilities around the country are warning about a resurgence in a scam that preys on our fears of having our essential services disconnected. Denise Banks is one of the latest victims. She says she always pays her water bill. But the other day, she says, “I received a phone call on my cell phone.” The …

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Facebook says more than 400 apps may be stealing username and password information

Scripps National Desk | October 9, 2022

Facebook says it has reported over 400 Android and iOS apps designed to steal username and password information. The apps are disguised as photo editors, games, VPN services, business apps and other utilities, Facebook stated. The social media platform claims the app developers publish fake reviews to bury legitimate reviews that warn about the “malicious nature of …

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Pepsi will be first company to get the Tesla Semi

Scripps National Desk | October 8, 2022

Pepsi truck drivers will soon be delivering goods in a Tesla Semi. Tesla Founder Elon Musk tweeted Oct. 7 that the company started production on the tractor-trailers. They are scheduled to be delivered to a plant in California in December. Production of the Tesla Semi has not been smooth sailing. Musk showed off the first …

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How TikTok Inspired a Rash of Car Thefts Across the Country

John Matarese | October 7, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.After a summer of “Gone in 60 Seconds”-type car thefts, there is good news for owners of …

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Amazon plans to hire 150K holiday employees

Scripps National Desk | October 7, 2022

Amazon is preparing for the holiday shopping rush. The online retailer said it plans to hire 150,000 employees across the U.S. Amazon says various positions will be available for full-time, seasonal and part-time work. The average starting pay for a new Amazon worker is $18 per hour, the company says. “Those who choose to stay …

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Groupon has special deals in the week leading up to Groupon Day on Oct. 14

Kaitlin Gates | October 6, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you prefer to gift your friends and loved ones (or yourself!) experiences instead of products for …

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Airbnb offering free housing to those affected by Hurricane Ian and Fiona

Scripps National Desk | October 5, 2022

Airbnb announced this week that they are offering temporary housing to those who were displaced by recent hurricanes. The company said they would offer victims affected by Hurricane Ian in the U.S. and Hurricane Fiona in the Caribbean a free place to stay. The company said it would commit $5 million to make it happen. …

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Some wrecked boats are shown in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, after Hurricane Ian.

How to spot Hurricane Ian relief scams

Marie Rossiter | October 4, 2022

Hurricane Ian left a swath of destruction on Florida’s west coast last week. As residents continue to pick up the remnants of their lives, they often find themselves desperate to find some relief. The same holds true for people outside the affected region who want to offer assistance, especially when it comes to giving financial …

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Federal government adjusts student loan forgiveness program amid state lawsuits

Scripps National Desk | October 4, 2022

There are new changes to who is eligible for the new federal student loan forgiveness program. It comes as six states filed lawsuits to try and block the plan altogether. The change impacts borrowers who used Perkins loans and Federal Family Education loans. They’re part of a program that ended back in 2010 and are …

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TikTok is tracking people on sites across the web—even if they don’t use the app

Bridget Sharkey | October 3, 2022

We all know that the apps we use can track our behavior on the web. But up until now, we assumed that only the apps we signed up for, or the apps we regularly used, would be following our online breadcrumbs. But a new Consumer Reports investigation has found that TikTok is tracking people who …

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Why you should think twice about getting the bare minimum car insurance policy

John Matarese | October 3, 2022

Drivers know that anything can happen on the road, which is why we have auto insurance. But some insurance policies won’t cover everything when needed, especially if you have “minimum” coverage. Sharon White looked under a tarp covering her 2007 Nissan Sentra. “Oh my god, I want to cry all over again,” she said, looking …

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A Michaels craft store is shown in Plattsburgh, New York.

This free Halloween costume demo at Michaels will help you with last-minute costumes

Kaitlin Gates | October 3, 2022

If you have a habit of waiting until a few days before Halloween to make your family’s costumes, Michaels is holding a free event the weekend before the big day that will give you some last-minute ideas. The Last Minute Costume Ideas Demonstration will be at all Michael’s stores in the U.S. and Canada on …

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Kia recalls 70,000 Sorento and Sportage models because of fire risk

Scripps National Desk | September 30, 2022

Korean automaker Kia is issuing another recall due to a possible fire risk. This time, the recall affects 70,000 Sorento and Sportage SUV models from 2016 to 2023. On its website, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Kia is recommending that owners park their vehicles outside and away from structures because debris and moisture might get …

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Lowe’s is giving away free headlamps at every store in October

Tricia Goss | September 30, 2022

Lowe’s is giving away free Kobalt headlamps — and the reason for this act of goodwill comes in the name of safety. October is National Fire Safety Month, and Fire Prevention Week happens from Oct. 9-15 this year. The National Fire Protection Association has established a theme of “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” so …

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What to know before buying and using a generator

John Matarese | September 30, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.From hurricanes to tornadoes, a generator can help your family recover after powerful storms But before you …

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Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Bowl is returning this fall

Kaitlin Gates | September 30, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Olive Garden is bringing back one of their most popular deals just in time for all your …

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Sending packages could be very expensive this holiday season

John Matarese | September 28, 2022

Will you be shipping any packages this holiday season? Watch out: The US Postal Service is raising rates for the holidays starting in October, and other shipping services are no bargain, as one woman just learned. Linda Gee recently sent a care package to her sick brother, shipping candy and a photo album in an …

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Ninja kitchen system blender, food processor

Amazon’s Prime Early Access sale has begun—here are some of the best deals (so far)

Kaitlin Gates | September 27, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you missed out on grabbing something you really wanted on Prime Day this year, you’re in …

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Find a great vacation home? Beware these extra fees

John Matarese | September 27, 2022

Debbie Wright loves searching for vacation cabins in the mountains. But she hates when she clicks and the price jumps. “The fees were ridiculous,” she said. Wright’s been looking for an inexpensive cabin on her favorite rental site, Vrbo. But she says fees — that don’t show up until the booking page — can add …

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What are ‘ghost jobs’ and why are there so many of them?

Tricia Goss | September 26, 2022

Is it true that everybody’s hiring but nobody wants to work, or could there be another reason that so many companies have ongoing openings? Industry experts point to a phenomenon known as ghost jobs. Job seekers have complained about applying for countless jobs and receiving little to no response. For some of those postings, the …

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How to avoid falling into a ‘credit card trap’

John Matarese | September 26, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Paying with credit cards is convenient, and you can spread out your payments if money is tight. …

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Basketball hoops recalled after backboards fall on players

Scripps National Desk | September 24, 2022

More than 13,000 basketball hoops were recalled due to welds in the arm attached to the backboard failing and causing the backboard to fall. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 26 reported incidents of backboards falling. One of those resulted in an injury. The products are Spalding Momentous EZ Assembly Portable …

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Castelsardo, Province of Sassari, Sardinia, Italy

The government of this Italian island will pay you $15,000 to move there

Tricia Goss | September 23, 2022

Are you longing to live somewhere with stunning beaches, delicious food and a verdant, remote countryside setting? Then, Sardinia could be your dream come true. Better still, if you meet specific criteria, you could even be paid to relocate to this Italian region. The government of the Mediterranean island has set aside 45 million euros, …

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Target plans to hire 100K seasonal workers for the holidays

Scripps National Desk | September 23, 2022

Target is preparing for the holidays. The retailer announced plans to hire 100,000 seasonal workers. The employees will be spread out across stores and supply chain facilities, the company said. Target hired 100,000 people for seasonal jobs last year as well, Reuters reported. “From offering more stable and flexible schedules that help provide desired hours …

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Alaska to give each resident over $3,200 from oil producers

Scripps National Desk | September 22, 2022

Officials in Alaska recently announced that residents will each receive $3,284 from the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend. The fund is paid for by the state’s oil producers. The fund is open to those who were considered Alaska residents for all of 2021 and who intend to remain in Alaska. The fund also stipulates other certain …

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Five ways the Federal Reserve’s rate hike will affect your finances

Scripps National Desk | September 22, 2022

The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the third time in a series of “supersize” rate hikes that Fed Chair Jerome Powell says is expected to continue to try to reduce inflation aggressively. The Fed is waging a historic campaign to try and push borrowing costs high enough to lower a 40-year high for inflation …

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