Consumers’ Notebook

Summer Surprise: U.S. Travel Costs Mostly Holding Steady

It’s not summer yet, but vacation season is already in full swing for both domestic and overseas trips. What can you expect to pay for your summer getaway? It depends on where you’re headed. Prices are so far holding steady for many destinations but are on the rise for popular vacation spots.

Stay Alert for Medical Billing Fraud

Medical data breaches are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats to patient privacy.

Per New FCC Rule, Internet Service Providers Must Display Broadband ‘Nutrition Labels’ for Clearer Pricing

A new FCC rule requires internet service providers to use standardized “Broadband Facts” labels that display complete and accurate information on costs and typical speeds.

Study: Financial Anxiety Impacts Attitudes About the Consequences of Debt

A new survey conducted for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that many Americans feel left behind and are stressed about trying to make ends meet. This anxiety is making more Americans comfortable with taking on too much debt.

Why Are Grocery Prices Still So High?

Overall inflation in the last four years was 19 percent, but grocery prices jumped 25 percent, according to the USDA. And once food prices go up, they tend to stay there. A variety of factors are pushing prices higher.

Product Safety Recalls on the Rise; Refunds Often Difficult to Get

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced 323 product recalls in 2023—the most in seven years—involving tens of millions of products, including toys, clothing, and home appliances.

Bankers Sue to Block New Rule That Curbs Credit Card Late Fees

A new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will limit how much most credit card companies can charge customers who make late payments, capping most late-payment fees at $8.

Comcast Says It Will Stop Using Misleading ‘Xfinity 10G Network’ Branding

In response to recommendations from an industry watchdog group, Comcast has reluctantly agreed to change the way it describes its high-speed-internet service.

New Report: Credit Unions and Small Banks Often Offer the Best Credit Card Rates

Looking for a credit card? Be sure to check offers from credit unions and small banks. According to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, large banks tend to offer “worse credit card terms” and “substantially higher interest rates” than credit unions and small banks.

Auto Dealers Force FTC to Hit the Brakes on New Consumer Protection Rules for Car Buyers

The FTC has postponed the effective date for its Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule due to a court challenge from car dealers. The Rule targets bait-and-switch sales tactics that lure buyers to dealerships, and would ban hidden junk fees that are often buried in lengthy contracts.

Why You Really Need an Emergency Savings Fund and How to Start One

Life happens. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill, car repair, or home appliance on the fritz. We all need to build a rainy-day fund, because sooner or later it’s going to rain—but many people don’t have this crucial safety net.

Consumer Advocates Push for FTC Rule That Would Guarantee Consumers the ‘Right to Repair’ Products They Buy

When you buy a product and it breaks, your ability to fix it yourself—or send it to an independent repair shop—is often limited or thwarted by the manufacturer. Consumer advocates want the FTC to protect customers’ right to repair their own belongings.

Proposed Rule Would Limit Excessive Bank Overdraft Fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) wants to limit how much financial institutions can charge customers for overdraft protection plans. The CFPB’s proposed rule, published last week, would drive down overdraft fees, capping them at just $3, in some cases.