Here’s where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read what’s happening.
Buy Now, Pay Later Payment History Could Soon Impact Credit Scores
FICO, the company behind the most widely used credit scoring models in the U.S., has developed two new algorithms that, for the first time, will incorporate buy now, pay later payment history.
Save on Prescription Drugs: Why Paying Out-of-Pocket Might Be Cheaper Than Your Insurance Copay
Many consumers save hundreds of dollars per year by paying cash for their prescription drugs, rather than using their health insurance coverage. The key is to use discounts available from websites like AmericasPharmacy.com, BlinkHealth.com, GoodRx.com, SingleCare.com, and WellRx.com.
Cyber Criminals Are Using A.I. to Supercharge Their Scams
Criminals are weaponizing artificial intelligence (AI) to make their scams more convincing. It’s increasingly difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake.
U-Haul Uses ‘Bait-and-Switch’ Advertising, According to Investigation by Watchdog Group
An investigation by Truth in Advertising (TINA.org), a consumer watchdog group, found U-Haul uses a “multifaceted, deceptive bait-and-switch pricing scheme” that hides the true cost of its truck rentals by omitting mandatory fees and charges from advertised pricing.
New Federal Rule Bans Hidden Hotel and Ticket Junk Fees
The FTC’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect on May 12, requiring booking websites for hotels, vacation rentals, and concert and sports tickets to disclose all mandatory fees in advertised prices.
Costly Solar Energy Installation Scams on the Rise
Scammers across the U.S. are going door-to-door, pitching “free” solar energy systems. Many homeowners never get any solar equipment installed; those who do often get shoddy work. The criminals are leaving unsuspecting homeowners with massive debt; many victims have reported losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Study: Half of Americans Feel ‘Financially Adrift’ Due to Uncertain Economic Climate
A pervasive feeling of uncertainty about the economy, largely due to actions taken by the Trump administration, is “significantly impacting” people’s perception of financial well-being, leaving many feeling “stuck despite their best efforts,” according to the 2025 Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey from the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Federal Government to Restart Collections on Defaulted Student Loans
After a pause of more than five years, on May 5 the federal government will resume collections on defaulted student loans. The U.S. Department of Education will target borrowers who haven’t made payments for 270 days or more.
Congress Kills Rule that Would Have Capped Banking Overdraft Fees at $5
In a major win for the banking industry, Congress has overturned a Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) rule that would have limited overdraft fees to $5 at the nation’s largest banks and credit unions.
Federal Judge Removes Cap on Credit Card Late Fees
A federal court judge in Texas scrapped a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that would have limited “excessive” credit card late fees to $8.
Why Prices for Used Vehicles Are Expected to Increase in 2025
Buying a late-model used vehicle will become even more challenging as prices rise due to declining supply and higher demand.
Don’t Fall for Bogus ‘Unpaid Toll’ Text Messages
If you receive a text message requesting payment for outstanding toll charges, assume it’s a scam. The volume of these fake messages has surged recently.
AI and Algorithms Increasingly Control Our Financial Fates
Companies are increasingly using algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the massive amount of data they scoop up about us to decide what financial products we qualify for and how much we’ll pay for them. These sophisticated tools are used by banks when making lending decisions, by employers screening job applications, and, in most states, by auto and home insurance companies when setting premiums.
Trump Administration Moves to Shut Down Important Consumer Watchdog Agency
The Trump administration has ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt all work and fired most of its employees. The CFPB was formed to fight financial fraud and deceptive lending practices.
Why Do Americans Pay More for Prescription Drugs?
The average American spends more than $1,400 a year on prescription medications. For many, that expense is a budget buster. In 2021, 9.2 million Americans couldn’t afford to take their medications as directed.
Update: Court Kills FTC’s Fraud-Fighting ‘CARS’ Rule
A U.S. appeals court has vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, which would have banned bait-and-switch sales tactics and prohibited junk fees.
Update: Court Blocks New Rule Requiring Upfront Disclosure of Airline Fees
A federal appeals court has blocked a Department of Transportation rule that would have required airlines to disclose “ancillary” fees—extra costs for baggage, canceling a reservation, or changing a reservation—along with ticket prices.
Protect Yourself from Tax Return Identity Theft
Hundreds of thousands of Americans become victims of tax-related identity theft each year. The average time to resolve tax-return-theft claims is now 22 months. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Five Ways to Get Great Valentine’s Day Flowers for Less
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Here are some tips on how to get beautiful blooms for less green.
What to Expect as You Prepare This Year’s Federal Tax Return
There are no new credits or deductions available for this filing season. However, the IRS has made its annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions, including tax rate schedules and the standard deduction.