Money
How do you build an emergency fund in inflationary times?
It's not easy but it can be done, and now's the time to do it
James R. Hood
James R. Hood, an editor and consumer-affairs journalist with more than five decades of experience, has held senior editorial leadership roles at The Associated Press, United Press International, Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.
Consumer Protection
Security deposit ‘alternatives’ may leave renters paying more — with fewer protections
A new report warns that security deposit “alternative” products can cost tenants more than traditional deposits while stripping away key legal protections
Money
Walmart says it has to raise prices, and that customers are tapping out
Both low- and high-income customers are spending more carefully as consumer confidence falls on war news and rising energy costs
AI/Privacy
Google’s Gemini AI shopping push raises new questions about hidden advertising and paid product placement
Ads, paid placements, sponsored content, user reviews - is there a difference anymore?
Cars
It's not a good time to buy a car but with today's price of gas ...
Extreme conditions can sometimes justify extreme remedies
The holiday weekend slogs on, despite weather, inflation and congestion
Even picnic prices were running ahead of last year, as inflation grips the economy
Money
Trump fintech order could reshape how Americans move money — and who controls the system
Forget ballrooms and arches, this is a major campaign with long-lasting effects
A record 45.1 million travelers — at $4.56 a gallon
Brutal traffic, crowded airports, rainy weather also greet many of those travelers
Recalls
National Recall Roundup, May 21
Check your home for any of these recalled items
Money
Trump immigration banking order draws warnings of mass debanking
Critics say the move could make it harder for immigrants to open bank accounts, get mortgages, obtain credit cards or send money to family members
Consumer Protection
Trump fintech order sparks warnings over predatory lending, consumer protections
Critics warn easier access for fintech and crypto firms to the banking system could expose consumers to fraud, risky accounts and weaker oversight
Consumer Protection
Kochava banned from selling consumers' private, sensitive location data
The company slices and dices intimate details of Americans' lives