The Great American Beer Fest is back in Denver this weekend, taking the party outside for the first time in years. The festival is bringing over 200 breweries and live music to Levitt Pavilion on October 10 and 11.

In a changing industry, festival organizers from the Brewers Association say theyve had to make some changes not only in location but in offerings.

Denver7's Alex Dowd has more on what's changing this year in the video below:

The 207-brewery menu is far shorter than in the past. Brewers Association President and CEO Bart Watson says thats because theyre looking at quality over quantity.

We're really trying to showcase the best of American beer and brewing, he said. So, our first selection criteria was medal winners at the Great American Beer Fest or the World Beer Cup in the last five years.

About three-quarters of the represented breweries have medaled in those competition. Thirty percent of them are Colorado-based.

We always draw a little bit more from Colorado breweries, Watson said. So many of the attendees will be from Colorado, but Colorado has a long and illustrious beer history, and so if we look at medal winners, Colorado's often punched above its weight.

But that doesnt mean that Colorado is spared from industry woes. According to experts, the states facing the same challenges as the rest of the country where overall beer sales are falling.

A Brewers Association report shows that U.S. beer production and imports were down 5.7% in 2025, and while smaller craft brewery sales only dropped by 4%, theyre still struggling.

Fewer craft breweries opened in 2025 compared to 2024, and a couple hundred closed across the country. Retail craft sales also dropped to $28 billion, down 2.8% from 2024.

There certainly are changes in how people are looking to drink, Watson said. We're seeing the next generation come into beverage alcohol a little bit differently. At the same time, I think part of it is economic, that people's pocketbooks are pinched, that the cost of everything has gone up, and beer, like all beverage alcohol is an affordable luxury, so if you can't pay your other bills, maybe it's getting cut from the grocery basket or that bar tab.

Studies from the National Institutes of Health and Gallup polls also point out that young people are drinking less than older generations with fewer people drinking underage as well.

That means when those young people reach legal drinking age, theyre still figuring out what they like some for the first time.

People tend to return to more historical norms in that 25 to 34 period, Watson said It just takes them a little bit longer to understand beverage alcohol, and that's something that brands are having to reckon with and think about how they market to the next generation once they turn 21.

Breweries will also have to compete in a larger playing field and not just against other beer-makers.

We're not fighting beer with beer, we're actually fighting beer towards ready to drink cocktails, cannabis, and also non-alcoholic [drinks], Bernardo Alatorre said. Hes a lecturer at the MSU School of Hospitality. Basically, he teaches about beer. A lot of producers, traditional producers, both nationally and in Colorado are strongly going towards the non-alcoholic market.

That switch has encouraged many to adapt their business models. At Ratio Beerworks in Denver, the business and taproom offerings have expanded.

In the past few years, Ratios team added gluten free and non-alcoholic options to their menu, garnering a whole new crowd.

A brewery license is focused on the manufacturing on the beer that you're producing, Taproom Operations General Manager Eric Matelski said. "So then when you get to the realm of you have to have a little bit more NA offering, you have to have gluten-free options, things like that, that's where you kind of push boundaries and get creative within your own wheelhouse.

The brewery also pushed physical boundaries, opening its second location in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While that was the kiss of death for other businesses, Ratios team saw it as an opportunity to expand into to-go and packaged products.

People see you out in the market more, so it becomes a little bit more of a marketing thing as well, Matelski said. It is that opportunity to take the beer home with you, which is great. So when you think about the idea of third space like where you're going between work and home, sometimes you like to take that experience with you.

The new space also gave them the opportunity to expand event offerings, drawing in a new crowd for parties, weddings and concerts, which Alatorre says points to another large shift in the industry.

It's a market of experience. The consumer wants to have an experience, he said. You can have the best beer in the world, [and] if it's a dingy little taproom that doesn't necessarily have a lot of fun things to do, you might have your traditional consumers, but you're not gonna grow your market.

The Great American Beer Fest sold out weekend passes and tickets for Saturdays festival the week before the event.

Organizers say that breweries abilities to adapt shows them there hope for a brighter future on tap.

What if your next vacation came with a twist: you don't find out where you're going until after you've booked?

That's the idea behind "mystery travel," a growing trend that lets travelers score discounted trips for as little as $200 while leaving the destination up to someone else.

For travelers willing to embrace a little uncertainty, the payoff can be substantial savings.

The trend is gaining attention as airfare prices continue to rise. The average airfare was $405 at the end of September, about $100 more than just one year ago.

How mystery travel works

While a vacation for just a few hundred dollars may sound too good to be true, several companies now offer surprise getaway packages.

Groupon, for example, advertises "Mystery Getaways" starting around $199 per person, including airfare and hotel accommodations.

The catch? Travelers don't know where they're heading until after they complete the booking.

"You could be going somewhere like Greece, or you could be going somewhere in the States," said Audrey Kohout, co-CEO of the luggage shipping service LugLess.

WATCH as travelers react to the idea of mystery vacations:

Another company, Journee, offers a similar experience. While its trips may not be as deeply discounted as some competitors, travelers still get the excitement of a surprise destination.

"These mystery trips are definitely trending," said travel correspondent Katy Nastro of the flight-tracking app Flighty. "It is a new style of travel, even though they have been around for a few years now."

You won't be completely in the dark

For some travelers, the biggest concern is knowing enough about the trip before departure.

RELATED STORY | Fall getaways that are worth booking now

"It would be kind of fun," said traveler Leah Immell. "But I would want to know, am I dressing for warm weather or cold weather?"

Kohout explains that travelers aren't left completely guessing. Most mystery travel companies ask about budgets, interests, and travel preferences.

Customers also learn their destination well before arriving at the airport.

"You do know in advance where you're going, so you don't show up at the airport with a bag with a big coat and a swimsuit," Kohout said. "You do get to plan ahead."

Why some travelers are giving up control

The appeal isn't just about saving money.

Kohout said many travelers are willing to trade some control over their itinerary if it means spending more on the experiences they value most.

"What we see is that they're optimizing for the things that they really care about," she said. "That might mean staying in a less expensive hotel because they're a total foodie and where they want to spend their money is out eating."

Nastro said the surprise factor itself can be part of the attraction.

"It can take a little bit of the stress and add a little magic back into travel planning because you don't know where you're going," she said.

The potential downsides of surprise trips

Still, mystery travel isn't for everyone.

RELATED STORY | Air travel is becoming more luxurious for some, more miserable for others

One drawback is that travelers aren't personally comparing flight options, schedules, and prices before booking.

"I personally like to have the reassurance that I've checked every single source to make sure I've gotten the best flight price," Nastro said. "I've done my due diligence to have my price alerts on."

She also notes that a perfect trip isn't guaranteed.

"I think for those of us that are looking for the absolute best bang for our buck, it may be better off doing your homework yourself," she said.

Would travelers actually do it?

For some people, the answer is yes.

Felicia Lewis said she'd gladly hand over the planning if it meant saving hundreds of dollars on a vacation.

"I would! For the price, I would, absolutely," she said.

For adventurous travelers, mystery travel offers an unusual combination: lower prices, less planning, and the excitement of discovering a new destination.

And in an era of rising travel costs, that surprise may be exactly what some vacationers are looking for, so you can travel on a budget, and you dont waste your money.

__________________________________

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For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

It may only be October, but Christmas decorations are already taking over store aisles.

For shoppers hoping to get the best selection without overspending, now can be a good time to start looking. Popular holiday items can become harder to find as Christmas gets closer, and some retailers are already offering deals on seasonal decor.

At some Walmarts, Christmas decorations are already on full display.

Walmarts Jayna Hill said the retailer starts turning its aisles over to Christmas once October arrives.

Were getting into the spirit and over the last few weeks weve been able to get our Christmas decor out, Hill said.

Holiday decor at nearly every price point

You dont necessarily have to spend a lot to add something new to your holiday decorations.

Hill said Walmart has Christmas decor available across a wide range of prices, with some items costing less than $5.

Youre really not hurting the wallet very much, Hill said. The highest price Im really seeing there is the snowman at 22.87.

Interactive: Holiday deals started early. Here's where shopping now pays off

For shoppers planning a bigger purchase, such as an artificial Christmas tree, shopping early can also give you a better chance of getting the one you want.

A lot of people are looking now as far as selecting that tree so they get the tree that they want, Hill said.

Popular Christmas trees can become harder to find

Target is getting an early start on the holidays, too.

Store manager Seth Horvath said Target plans to begin setting Christmas merchandise in stores around the middle of October.

Here at Target, we like to do what our guests like. In the middle of October well be setting out Christmas in stores," Horvath said. "Its all of those products our guests want early.

Christmas trees are one area where shoppers will find plenty of changing styles.

All the new trees, all the different types of Christmas trees youll see em here at Target, Horvath said.

And if you have your eye on a particular tree, waiting could mean missing out.

Some trees go viral on social media each year. Last year, it was the Twinkle Tree, which quickly became hard to find in stores.

Keep your eye on social media, because that typically directs what were gonna be seeing, Hill said.

Look for deals before paying full price

Shopping early doesnt necessarily mean paying full price.

Walmart Deals is happening this week, and some artificial Christmas trees are already marked down.

One example spotted in stores was a 7-foot pre-lit tree marked down by nearly $67.

For bigger purchases like trees, check current promotions before buying and compare your options. Finding a deal early can allow you to get the item you want without waiting until later in the season when selection may be more limited.

The cheapest option? Use what you already have

Before spending money on new decorations, take inventory of what you already own.

Holiday items you have tucked away can be repurposed into decorations without another trip through the checkout line.

For example:

Even small changes can give existing decorations a different look without adding much, or anything, to your holiday budget.

RELATED STORY | Target says it's trimming prices on 2,000 items ahead of the holiday shopping season

How to save on Christmas decor this year

If youre starting your holiday shopping now, keep these strategies in mind:

Bottom line: Shopping for Christmas decorations in October may feel early, but starting now can give you more selection and a chance to catch early deals. Before you buy, know what you need, watch for discounts and see what you can reuse at home, so you don't waste your money.

Scripps News Group in Cincinnati.

With Amazon's Big Deal Days sales event driving a surge in online orders, many shoppers will soon be tracking multiple deliveries. Unfortunately, that's also when fraudsters often ramp up efforts to send fake delivery alerts designed to steal personal information.

Consumers say suspicious package notifications have become a regular occurrence.

"I've seen the delayed packages message, yeah," one shopper told us.

Others reported receiving messages claiming they owed money on a delivery, or needed to call a phone number to receive a delivery.

WATCH as we learn how easy it now is it confirm an Amazon text message:

Because Amazon is one of the most frequently impersonated brands by scammers, the company has introduced a new feature through Alexa for Shopping that allows customers to verify whether a text message, email or phone call actually came from Amazon.

According to Amazon spokesperson Abigail Bishop, the tool cross-checks customer inquiries against Amazon's communication records to determine whether a message is legitimate.

Customers can ask questions such as:

If additional details are needed, Alexa may ask for information such as the phone number that contacted you and when the message was received.

While fake delivery notifications often spike during major online shopping events, experts say delivery scams happen year-round and can impersonate virtually any company.

Consumers should never:

"Scammers often will push you to take action. And if you're feeling that pressure, take a beat," Bishop said.

CLICK HERE to learn more about how to check out a text message via Alexa for Shopping.

If you're uncertain whether a delivery message is genuine, experts recommend logging directly into your Amazon account to verify any issue rather than clicking links or replying to texts.

Many shoppers say they simply delete suspicious messages immediately.

One mom told us she not only deletes questionable delivery texts, but also reminds her daughters to do the same.

That's a smart way to avoid becoming the next victim of a delivery scam and losing money to fraud.

_____________________________________

Follow John:

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

A new Consumer Reports survey found that most Americans have encountered a scam, whether through a digital fraud attempt or a cyberattack.

Nine in 10 Americans said they have experienced some form of scam, and 17% reported losing money as a result.

AI is making fraud faster, cheaper and more personal, and no one can outsmart that alone. Companies need to be held accountable. Governments need real guardrails. Thats the bar were setting, for ourselves and for them, said Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports.

The survey also found that one in five people who encountered a scam said their most recent attempt was personalized using their personal information.

RELATED STORY | Interactive: A modern pickpocketing scam is targeting Americans' wallets

Consumer confidence in data privacy is also declining. In Consumer Reports' May survey, just 32% of respondents said they felt confident that their sensitive data was private. Meanwhile, the share of people who said they were not confident at all nearly doubled to 29%.

When nearly every American is being targeted online, the status quo on fraud and scam prevention is clearly broken, said Konstanze Frischen, acting executive director of Aspen Digital.

Many consumers are taking steps to protect themselves, but 29% believe it is the responsibility of online platforms to prevent scams from occurring in the first place.

This years report shows that consumers are fighting back, but they shouldnt have to fight alone, Frischen said. We need solutions that span industry, civil society, philanthropy and government to stop these attacks from continuing to harm communities across the country.

Consumer Reports said businesses should enable security tools such as multi-factor authentication, make it easier for users to report scams and take stronger steps to combat fraudulent activity on their platforms.

The report also found that while educational resources can help people protect themselves online, both government and industry have a role to play in reducing fraud and improving consumer safety.

Starting Tuesday, Xcel Energy customers will see higher natural gas bills, an increase tied to a settlement approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Xcel Energy said the increased rates will help keep its natural gas system safe and reliable while also supporting the states clean energy goals.

Residential customers will now be paying $5.16 more a month, an increase of 8.6%.

For the average small business, monthly rates will increase by $22.76, an increase of 9.2%.

It kind of becomes that what's the straw that breaks the camel's back, and basic infrastructure is not where that should come from. Increasing the keep the doors open expenses for small businesses is just a killer of the entrepreneur spirit, and they need to find other ways to fund that, Boulder resident Joe Schroeter said.

Xcel Energy told Denver7 the higher rates will help with ongoing inspection, maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure, investments to enhance system safety and modernization efforts that help the utility provide a reliable natural gas service.

But the CPUC did not give Xcel everything it asked for.

Xcel initially requested a $190 million revenue increase, but the commission approved a settlement that brought it down to around $123 million, cutting the request by more than a third.

The outcome reflects a negotiated settlement that balanced customer affordability, system reliability, safety and policy objectives among a broad group of stakeholders, an Xcel spokesperson said.

Denver7 spoke with longtime Xcel Energy customers about this new increase.

There is a reality of infrastructure issues here in Colorado, which is something that gets mentioned a lot. I think that Xcel comes back to it again and again, almost like it should be an automatic way to increase rates. I think that wears thin after a while and I think that we do need to do a better job of long-term planning for infrastructure, Boulder Schroeter said.

As Colorado moves toward cleaner energy, Xcel said natural gas will continue to be part of the states energy mix, with customers still able to choose natural gas. 

Through our Clean Heat and Gas Infrastructure Plans, we are modernizing the natural gas system and pursuing emissions reductions while maintaining reliability and customer choice, the utility said.

The company said its also following an electrification first approach, supporting electric options where they make sense, while continuing to invest in the gas system.

Xcel Energy continues to see an increase new customers opting to use natural gas service. To support the new and existing customers that depend on natural gas for their safety and comfort, we must continue to invest in the integrity of the system, an Xcel spokesperson told Denver7.

For customers already struggling to keep up with their bills, the settlement also includes more help. The commission approved $5 million in Xcel funding for bill assistance, including credits for qualifying customers.

Xcel also offers payment plans and other energy assistance programs.

We also work closely with organizations that administer bill-payment assistance programs, including the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Xcel said.

The utility said customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should contact them as soon as possible so they can help identify the assistance options that best meet their needs.

Xcel Energy remains committed to making investments that support safety, reliability and customer service while balancing affordability concerns and meeting the energy needs of customers across Colorado, Xcel concluded.

If you just bought a new iPhone, you may want to hold on to the box.

Forbes reports that some iPhone 18 Pro Max devices are experiencing connectivity issues on the AT&T network.

Apple says the problem can cause affected users to lose cellular service, and some devices may need to be replaced.

RELATED STORY | Interactive: Apple could owe you money. Here's how to find out if you qualify

AT&T says it is reaching out to affected customers. Many have received messages from the carrier indicating that a software update is required.

If your phone is functioning normally, Apple recommends updating to the latest software version to help prevent connectivity issues. If you experience problems with your device, Apple advises contacting your wireless provider first and then Apple Support.

RELATED STORY | Apple begins lease program for phones and other devices

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 lineup and the new iPhone Duo in early September.

The foldable iPhone Duo features a 7.6-inch main display and supports Apple Pencil compatibility. The device starts at $1,999. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, announced alongside it, start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively.

The holiday shopping season is getting an earlier start than ever.

Walmart has already kicked off its major October sale, while Amazon and Target are rolling out competing sales events this week, setting the stage for weeks of holiday discounts and price battles.

But these sales aren't just for holiday gifts. Many shoppers are also using the deals to stock up on household essentials and everyday items.

WATCH as shopping experts show what to buy this month:

Michelle Gilmore is among those taking advantage of the early sales.

"New towels, rugs, stuff like that," she said.

Gilmore says early shopping also helps her prepare for family expenses.

"I have a kid in college, and a kid that just got a new apartment," she said.

Retailers say more consumers are shopping earlier to spread out holiday spending and avoid large credit card bills later in the season.

"You don't have to wait until Black Friday to do all your shopping," said Walmart spokesperson Jayna Hill.

"No, you can start your shopping early," Hill added.

According to industry surveys, about 4 in 10 shoppers now begin their holiday shopping in October.

"You can buy a little bit at a time, and the holidays don't feel like such a crunch on your budget," Hill said.

Consumer experts say October sales can be valuable even if you're not ready to make a purchase.

Tracking prices over several weeks can help shoppers determine whether a sale is truly a bargain, according to Stephanie Carls of RetailMeNot.

"If you watch the same headphones go from $199 to $179 to maybe $149, you have a much better idea of whether that next sale is worth taking," Carls said.

Toy experts say parents and grandparents shouldn't wait too long if they spot a hot item.

"Because you never know if a product that's on the shelf today is going to be there when you return to the store," said James Zahn of The Toy Insider.

Technology experts at CNET also recommend grabbing a good laptop deal when you find one.

"We don't know what the next price increase is going to look like, and we don't know how good those sales are going to be in November," Dashia Milden of CNET said.

Experts say the best things to buy during these early sales include:

Shirley Kunz has already started checking items off her holiday list, picking up "Nightmare Before Christmas" merchandise for her grandson.

"Grandma usually puts it off, and I said, 'You know what? I know what he loves. Let's check it out,'" she said.

The bottom line: If you find an item you know you want at a price you're comfortable with, shopping early could save both money and stress as the holiday season approaches.

That way you don't waste your money.

________________________________

Follow John:

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Nearly all tested cat foods contain toxic plastic contaminants, the herbicide glyphosate and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic, according to a new investigation provided exclusively to CNN.

Most cats eat the same foods nearly every day, with little variation, said report author Molly Hamilton, executive director of the Clean Label Project, a Colorado nonprofit that tests consumer products for contaminants and certifies those meeting its standards.

The contaminants are an ongoing exposure that may accumulate in cats bodies over their lifetimes, Hamilton said. For example, chronic kidney disease is among the most common causes of death in older cats the kidneys play a major role in filtering heavy metals.

Toxins were found in all types of cat food wet, dry and air- or freeze-dried even in products labeled as natural and nutritionally superior, according to the analysis released Friday.

Cat owners increasingly choose premium meats, organic vegetables and cleaner labels, assuming higher prices and quality ingredients mean healthier food, Hamilton told CNN. Thats not necessarily the case.

Clean Label published a similar assessment of dog food in February that found three to 13 times more heavy metals than human food. Lead and cadmium exposure has been linked to canine cancer, a leading cause of death in dogs.

RELATED STORY | Pet surgery shock: Family faces $30k bill for cats surgeries

Heavy metals occur naturally in soil, water and air, but agricultural, industrial and mining pollution can increase and spread contamination. Plastics and other contaminants may also enter food during manufacturing, the report said.

Overall, this appears to be a reasonably conducted analysis, said Ryan Babadi, science director for Toxic Free Future, a nonprofit consumer product safety organization.

Major retailers have the responsibility to require their suppliers to eliminate harmful chemicals from pet food and packaging chemicals that are already being phased out or banned in many other products, said Babadi, who was not involved in the investigation.

The Pet Food Institute, which represents manufacturers of cat foods, told CNN in an email that pet food manufacturers do implement comprehensive food safety and quality assurance programs.

Those include ingredient specifications, supplier verification, testing protocols, traceability systems, and science-based preventive controls designed to ensure products are safe, nutritious, and consistent, said Elise Fennig, the CEO for the Pet Food Institute.

Cat owners should feel confident that the food they feed their pets is safe and produced according to rigorous regulatory and quality standards.

The investigation tested 100 top-selling cat foods for more than 122 contaminants, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, pesticides, herbicides and phthalates, the plastic chemicals linked to an increased risk of death in humans.

Lead was found in 99%, cadmium in 96% and arsenic in 94% of cat food samples across 62 brands. Contamination varied by product type wet, dry, and air- or freeze-dried and the type of protein, such as poultry, beef or fish.

Cadmium is classified as a human carcinogen and harms the kidneys and bones. A buildup of lead in the body damages nearly every major organ system. Inorganic arsenic the type found in soil and water is also a known human carcinogen.

Dry cat food contained roughly three times more lead than wet or air-dried products. No level of lead is safe for people, and children are most vulnerable: Their bodies absorb up to 50% of ingested lead, compared with about 10% for adults, which can cause stunted growth, decreased IQ, hyperactivity and irritability.

RELATED STORY | Pet care savings: Simple hacks to save on food and vet bills

Cats and other small pets also absorb more than larger ones, yet few regulations control contaminants in pet food, Hamilton said. The absence of safety standards does not mean a contaminant is safe. Most guidelines are designed for farm animals, not kittens or 15-year-old housecats.

Fish and seafood popular proteins for cats had the strongest association with mercury and cadmium, the report found. Because microorganisms in water turn regular mercury into methylmercury, a toxic chemical form that binds tightly to fish tissue, the heavy metal accumulates to higher levels in aquatic animals.

Mercury is toxic to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as the kidneys, lungs and skin, according to the World Health Organization.

Mercury levels were about 18 times higher and cadmium levels about 2.5 times higher in fish- or seafood-based cat foods than in foods made with other proteins. Wet versions of seafood products contained the most mercury nearly 28 times as much as wet foods made with other meats, especially poultry.

As the main protein, chicken was better when it came to mercury and cadmium, but we saw higher rates of lead and herbicides in chicken, Hamilton said. Its a whack-a-mole situation which contaminant do you want to whack?

That doesnt mean all fish options were high in mercury levels depend on manufacturers quality-control testing, she added. We certified several fish-based foods.

Nearly 85% of poultry-based foods met Clean Label Projects purity standard compared with 25.7% of fish and seafood products.

Every product in this study was purchased at retail, and no brand had any role in selecting products, conducting testing or analyzing the results. No brand saw the results before publication, Hamilton said.

Although cats are carnivores, many manufacturers add produce to cat food for its antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Unless grown organically, those plants may be exposed to pesticides. A national report found the vast majority of 100 popular fruits and vegetables tested positive for a wide variety of bug-killers.

The Clean Label investigation tested for glyphosate, which is agricultures most widely used herbicide. Glyphosate was found at detectable levels in 37% of products, and cat food with more plants in the first 10 ingredients had higher glyphosate levels.

The WHOs International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate in 2015 as probably carcinogenic to humans. The US Environmental Protection Agency disagrees.

On average, cat food with two plant ingredients among the top 10 on the label had roughly 40% more glyphosate than a similar food with one plant ingredient. Cat food with five plant ingredients had nearly four times as much, Hamilton said.

Another very concerning finding was the widespread presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP, a chemical used in PVC plastics and some food-contact materials that is linked to cancer, birth defects and other health concerns, Babadi said.

It was detected in about half of the products tested, with the highest levels in canned and pouch products. DEHP contamination could potentially occur during food processing, including through contact with PVC tubing or other farm or food processing equipment, he said.

It is encouraging to see those harmful bisphenols, including BPA, were found less frequently, suggesting pet food can be produced and packaged without these endocrine disrupting chemicals, Badadi added.

The research did have limitations. Each product was tested from a single batch. Therefore the study could not capture differences that might occur between batches of the same product.

Brands that routinely screen for contaminants of concern tend to have more consistent results over time, Hamilton said. In addition, this study compares contaminant levels across products in each category of wet, dry and air- or freeze-dried. It does not determine whether a specific product will cause harm to a cat.

If your cat favors seafood, vary its diet with chicken or other proteins to limit daily exposure to mercury and cadmium. Read the ingredient list carefully, however, as cat foods without fish in their name may still contain seafood ingredients and thus higher levels of mercury and cadmium.

According to the Clean Label report, wet or air-dried products are preferable to dry food for lower lead exposure, while avoiding foods with plants in the top 10 ingredients may lower pesticide exposure.

In addition, dont rely on the first listed ingredient to gauge toxins. In more than a third of tested products, it didnt tell the full story, Hamilton said.

The first ingredient on a food label is often the biggest selling point because ingredients are listed by weight, she said. We tested and found the first ingredient is not always a reliable indicator of what the food contains, nor does it predict which contaminant may be present at the highest levels.

One reason: Manufacturers need not disclose which part of a fish or other protein they use, Hamilton said. Wild salmon, for example, may sound healthier, but its liver, kidneys, intestines, head and skin store more chemical pollutants than the rest of the fish.

Yet you have no idea what part of the fish is in that cat food, Hamilton said. The best way to know whats in your cats food is to contact the manufacturer and determine if they test the food and how frequently they test.

RELATED STORY | Having a pet is just as valuable to your life as having a spouse or friends, study says

Because even if they were to tell you what part of the fish that theyre using, without testing, theres no way to know how free of contaminants it really is.

Its also a good idea for consumers to reach out to the company making their cats favorite food brand and inquire about testing and quality control standards, experts say.

Pet owners should take action and urge brands and retailers to ensure toxic chemicals and plastics are not hiding in cat food and its packaging, Babadi said. Pets, as part of our families, deserve food that is safe from toxic chemicals.

Amazon is investing more than $1 billion over the next five years into communities where it operates data centers for education, job training, water and energy preservation projects and other local priorities as it reacts to a growing backlash from politicians and consumers to the tech industry's rollout of the massive buildings.

According to a blog post on Friday by Matt Garman, Amazon's CEO of its cloud computing arm, Amazon has already spent more than $1 billion in communities with a large data center presence over the past three years.

Garman also said that Amazon is no longer using nondisclosure agreements with government agencies it works with on its projects, and it said it hosts open houses in communities where it operates to share information about what it's doing. He also warned against the spread of what he believes is misinformation about data centers' impact on the environment and energy rates and he cited the dangers of over 100 moratoriums against these centers being considered across the country.

RELATED STORY | Community debates over data centers boiling over into arrests, reported threats

"If these measures are enacted, the U.S. could be writing its own losing ticket to this race, and the consequences would last generations," he wrote. "As a country, we can't afford to find ourselves in that position. There is urgency to this data center build out because we aren't the only country that sees the benefits of AI for the economy and national security."

Garman's pledge comes as data centers, which power artificial intelligence and cloud computing, have become a hot political issue heading into the midterms as tech giants race to invest more money in expanding these infrastructures.

Small, under-the-radar data centers have been around for decades. But the explosion of artificial intelligence chatbots has resulted in data centers that are bigger than anything just about any town has ever seen. Some of them dwarf football stadiums and factories and consume more energy than small cities.

By 2030, data centers will account for nearly 3% of the world's projected electricity use, with 935 trillion watt-hours, according to a United Nations University report released in June on these buildings' environmental footprint.

Amazon said in July that it now expects to spend $220 billion in capital expenditures in 2026, including on data centers and other technology investments. That's up from its prior estimate of $200 billion.

RELATED STORY | AI data center boom fueling a construction worker crunch

President Donald Trump has embraced the building of more data centers, but there is growing wariness from voters. About 6 in 10 Americans support limiting the number of new data centers that can be built, including most Democrats and Republicans.

And a majority of Americans are "extremely" or "very" concerned about the impact of data centers on electricity prices or the water supply in the communities where they are built.

As Halloween approaches, many shoppers are finding that filling a candy bowl can cost much more than it did just a few years ago.

Reese's cups -- those are the best, said Christy Bowles while shopping at Walmart. I love shopping here for Halloween candy.

But chocolate treats often come with a higher price tag.

When you get into the bigger bags of chocolate, you are talking upwards of $23.96, said Walmart manager Jayna Hill.

Hill said rising chocolate prices have helped drive interest in mixed candy assortments that include non-chocolate options.

If youre on a budget, you dont have to just get chocolate. You can get a mixed bag that's got different flavors and the chocolate in it, Hill said.

Prices that will haunt you

The increase in candy prices isnt new for this trick-or-treat season.

According to FinanceBuzz, the cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy climbed 71% between 2021 and this year, rising from $9.91 to $16.96.

WATCH as shoppers explain how they save on Halloween candy:

RetailMeNot retail insights expert Stephanie Carls said shoppers looking for value should compare the cost per piece rather than focusing on the price of the bag.

I personally want to know how many doorbell rings that bag is actually buying me, Carls said.

What are the cheapest candies?

There are several lower-cost candy options for shoppers to consider:

For chocolate and other popular sweets, Carls recommends shoppers aim for about 10 cents per piece when comparing options.

She also cautioned against buying more candy than needed.

A big warehouse bag may give you the lowest cost per piece but only saves you money if you actually need that much candy, Carls said.

Hill said shoppers in neighborhoods with fewer trick-or-treaters may be able to save money by purchasing smaller bags.

Maybe you don't see as many kids, so you invest in a bag that's $3.96, that's $7.96, and you're still able to take care of all the kids in the area, Hill said.

With candy prices continuing to rise, comparing the cost per piece, considering non-chocolate options and not overbuying can help stretch your Halloween budget, so you dont waste your money.

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Your car may be sharing your personal information with some of the biggest names in tech.

Researchers at Northeastern University, working with Consumer Reports, tested 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps. They found that 28 of the apps sent data to at least one outside advertising or analytics company.

Seven apps shared personally identifiable information, including a driver's name, vehicle identification number (VIN) or precise location.

According to Consumer Reports, several automakers noted that many of the apps and services they provide are "opt-in," meaning drivers must agree to share their data. However, researchers found that some popular features will not function without opting in, and in some cases a vehicle's connected services may be significantly limited.

"It does not appear that a customer can buy a new car that does not track you," said co-author Sarah Elizabeth Gillespie.

RELATED STORY | Consumer Reports finds customers are seeing different prices for the same rides

Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft were among the companies that received driver data.

The study found that the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Lucid Air, Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Cybertruck sent data to the largest number of outside advertising and analytics companies.

Researchers also found that connected apps from BMW, General Motors brands and Toyota contacted the largest number of outside companies.

Jerome Curry has been fixing cars at J&M Auto Detail for 15 years on Colfax Avenue brakes, oil changes, engine swaps, transmission swaps. He loves his customers and his community. But the break-ins keep coming.

"They steal your tools, break into the cars, break the windows, slash the tires," Curry said.

A new Aurora city ordinance aims to bring some relief for business owners like Curry. The Socioeconomic Impact or SEI permit will require new high-risk businesses, such as pawn shops and liquor stores, to open at least 2,000 feet away from a similar existing business.

Denver7's Aurora and Arapahoe County reporter Adria Iraheta has more on the ordinance in the video below:

City and community leaders say too many of these businesses concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods can increase crime and hurt health and economic outcomes.

Aurora currently has 86 liquor stores and 60 vape or smoke shops, 14 pawn shops and 140 convenience stores that sell alcohol or tobacco.

Convenience stores that accept SNAP benefits are exempt from the new spacing requirement.

The ordinance passed during Monday night's Aurora City Council meeting on an 8-2 vote.

State Representative-elect Sarah Woodson, who represents House District 42, supports the measure.

"When people think about coming into our communities, they will know that there are buffers in place to make sure that there's not a saturation with these businesses," Woodson said.

Council member Curtis Gardner was among those who voted against it, raising concerns about the message it sends to businesses.

"We cannot pick and choose which businesses we don't want in our city. We continue to signal to businesses that they aren't welcome here," Gardner said.

Curry believes the ordinance is a step in the right direction when it comes to curbing the costly break-ins he keeps experiencing.

"I think if you can limit the people just on the street from getting, you know, quick cash and stuff like that, they might find another way to make earnest living," Curry said.

For Curry, the goal is simple keep doing what he loves on Colfax.

"I've been here for a minute, so I'm doing something hopefully good for the, you know, for the community," Curry said.

As more shoppers embrace tap-to-pay technology, cybersecurity experts are warning consumers about a potential scam known as "ghost tapping."

It has nothing to do with Halloween. It's actually a form of digital theft that can occur without a criminal ever physically taking your wallet.

Contactless payments have become increasingly common, allowing people to pay by tapping a credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch at checkout.

The technology is fast, convenient, and generally considered secure. But experts say consumers should still be aware of emerging threats.

"It's a scary world we live in," said consumer Devon Brand after learning about the risks associated with contactless payments.

WATCH as a cybersecurity expert shows how thieves can now tap into your credit card:

Dave Hatter, a cybersecurity consultant with Intrust IT, describes ghost tapping as the modern version of pickpocketing.

"Instead of the old days where I bump into you and try to steal the wallet out of your pocket, now I am trying to bump into you and I am trying to read those cards," Hatter said.

While he stresses that consumers should not panic, he said the threat is real, especially in crowded environments where criminals can blend into the crowd.

"I wouldn't lose sleep over it, but there is a real risk," Hatter said.

Warning signs to watch for

The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers about tap-to-pay scams and recommends monitoring accounts for suspicious activity.

Potential red flags include:

How to protect yourself

Security experts recommend regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements and enabling transaction alerts whenever possible.

For added protection, Hatter suggests using a faraday pouch or RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve. These products, which can cost as little as $10 to $12, are designed to block wireless signals.

"The devices that are inside it can neither send nor receive any outside contact," Hatter said.

However, experts advise consumers to read product reviews and choose reputable brands before purchasing.

"Something like an RFID-blocking wallet, a quality one from a quality manufacturer, is worth looking into," Hatter said.

The Identity Theft Resource Center has also told AARP that chip-enabled payment cards and digital wallets remain among the most secure forms of payment available, second only to cash.

Bottom line

Despite concerns about ghost tapping, experts emphasize that contactless payments remain a safe and convenient way to make purchases.

Still, if you frequently spend time in crowded places such as festivals, markets, transit stations, or large events, an RFID-blocking wallet or similar protective device may offer additional peace of mind and help safeguard your finances, so you don't waste your money.

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Americans are burned out by fees and costly add-ons yet many consumers still spend the extra few dollars when it means saving time.

The habit, known as "convenience spending," adds up to hundreds of extra dollars a year when paying for conveniences like faster shipping, store meal prep, or food and grocery delivery.

For a lot of workers or busy parents, the costs help to alleviate stress.

"It depends how busy I am in that moment, but yes I am willing to pay for convenience," said parent Charis Spann.

WATCH all the things where we are paying an extra tax for convenience:

Where the 'convenience tax' sneaks in

A CouponFollow study finds consumers spend about $280 a year buying back time through delivery fees and other convenience charges.

"We love to get things right away. We don't like to wait. We don't like to spend too much time doing anything," said smart shopping expert Trae Bodge. "We've become very spoiled, and that privilege comes at a price."

Pre-cut groceries are the most common convenience purchase costing shoppers 52% more per ounce. Store prep means higher prices across the board:

Convenience spending can show up in more places than you might expect including unused subscriptions, impulse buys, and expedited shipping for non-urgent purchases.

How to cut back on convenience costs

If food delivery costs are adding up, Bodge suggests changing your habits gradually.

"Try to get into the habit of doing these things less," she said. "Or rather than having something delivered, at the very least, go and pick it up."

For last-minute gifts and flowers, planning ahead can make a big difference.

"Stock up on gifts, have a shelf set aside so you have things, and label it with the person that you're thinking of," Bodge said.

Other ways to save time and money include:

Not all convenience spending is bad. For Marjorie Herman, time is money.

"I like to pay for convenience. I've cooked my whole life and I'm done," she said.

The key is paying attention to how often convenience spending shows up in your budget, so you dont waste your money.

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Oil changes are getting more expensive, as the price of motor oil rises this year. But some drivers could feel the pinch more than others.

Tess Warner, who drives a Volkswagen, is dealing with the double burden of expensive diesel fuel and now rising synthetic oil costs.

"The last time I filled it up when it was about on empty, it was almost 80 bucks," she said. "Everything's going up, man."

WATCH as customers and a shop explain how soaring oil prices are impacting drivers:

Some retailers, including Costco, are limiting how much motor oil customers can buy due to supply disruptions since the start of the Iran war.

Which vehicles are impacted?

The shortage primarily affects low-viscosity synthetic oils like 0W-8 and 0W-16, which are used in newer hybrid and fuel-efficient engines.

While all vehicles need oil, some are more dependent on specific synthetic blends and strict change schedules.

RELATED STORY | Retailers put new purchase limits on motor oil as supply crunch continues

"If you've got a high-performance car or maybe a very demanding heavy-duty truck, those kinds of things, the oil is that much more critical to the engine's long life and durability," said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.

Robert Paffe, service manager at Dubwerx in Cincinnati, said synthetic oil prices have climbed sharply, 20% to 30% higher compared to June.

Paffe said some brands of synthetic blends required for the imported cars his shop services are completely unavailable.

"We were told flat out 'no,' that you can't buy any," he said.

Paffe said his shop has been able to find alternative brands for now. The shop placed a large order in June to secure supply through the end of the year.

"Probably around Christmas time we'll start running into needing to get another order in," he said, adding that the next order, "without a doubt, is going to see an increase."

What drivers can do now

Brauer offered some reassurance, noting that modern oil is more durable than it used to be and does not need to be changed every three months.

"If you've had your oil change recently, you're in good shape," he said.

For drivers approaching an oil change, Brauer said there is no need to stockpile, but if you know your car is due for an oil change in the next few months, he suggests planning ahead.

"Go out and secure the oil for the car, and then you've got it when that time comes," he suggested.

RELATED STORY | Owning a new car now costs more than $12,000 annually amid higher gas prices

Paffe said he expects shortages to persist as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect oil refineries.

"Unfortunately, with one of the larger facilities being damaged overseas, that's what's causing the shortage with everybody," he said.

If you know your vehicle requires synthetic oil, budget for higher oil change prices in the months ahead, so you are prepared and you don't waste your money.

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Apple will now let you lease your iPhone just like a car.

The company is trying to entice more customers with leasing options for some phones, watches, computers and iPads. Its latest phone models can cost as much as $2,000.

Leases for phones will start at about $18 a month, but they could go as high as $100 a month for more expensive models.

In the end, leases will be slightly more expensive than purchasing a phone outright. You also won't have any trade-in value with a leased phone

RELATED STORY | Interactive: Apple could owe you money. Here's how to find out if you qualify

Apple introduced its iPhone Duo at the beginning of September. The foldable phone sports a 7.6-inch main display and features compatibility with Apple's Pencil stylus. It starts at $1,999. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, announced the same day, start at $1,199 and $1,299.

Prices have crept higher thanks to a global shortage of memory chips that go into phones and other consumer electronics. An iPhone 18, for example, will cost about $100 more than it would have otherwise.

Preorders for new iPhones started September 12, with some models available starting on September 18. The iPhone Duo will begin selling on October 23.

Meta is continuing its push into AI-powered devices and digital assistants, unveiling a slate of new products and upgrades during its Connect event on Wednesday.

The tech giant introduced several new offerings centered around its AI assistant, Muse, which is increasingly being integrated across Meta's hardware ecosystem.

Among the announcements was a new lineup of AI glasses, including the company's first audio glasses. Each pair features built-in AI capabilities and open-ear audio technology.

The glasses also include several new features, such as onboard hearing assistance designed to help adults ages 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, hands-free guided workouts and more natural-sounding navigation.

Meta also debuted its new VR Glasses, which the company says deliver an "IMAX-grade cinema experience" and full spatial computing capabilities.

The VR glasses can turn virtually any table or desk into a keyboard, allowing users to interact with digital content in a more immersive way.

Users can also ask Meta AI to perform tasks such as playing movies through apps including Disney+ and YouTube. The device also features a digital representation of the user, allowing people on calls to see facial expressions and reactions.

In addition to the new hardware, Meta announced major upgrades to Muse, including more advanced voice conversations, interactive AI avatars and expanded control on Mac computers.

"This has been one of our most important Connect events ever to show how our vision for personal AI superintelligence is connected to our industry-leading hardware across glasses and VR," said Meta. "With Muse coming soon to our growing collection of AI glasses, along with the launch of our first audio glasses, were excited to build the future for everyone."

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that flatworms may hold clues to repairing the human brain.

Flatworms can use stem cells to replace neurons after injury. While humans also have stem cells, they cannot effectively transform into new neurons to repair damaged brain tissue.

The study identified genes that allow planarian flatworms to regenerate dopamine-producing brain cells and rebuild their brains after injury.

Researchers examined how these genes work in hopes of identifying similar pathways that could one day be activated in humans.

If successful, the findings could help scientists develop better therapies for people with traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

"Big picture: We would like to come up with ideas for how to better empower the human brain to regenerate itself," said Rachel Roberts-Galbraith, the study's corresponding author and an associate professor in UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

Researchers say that while the discovery will not lead to treatments overnight, it could provide an important roadmap for future brain-repair therapies.

A new thrift outlet store will soon be on the scene in Denver.

Arc Thrift Stores announced an outlet opening at 255 S. Hooker Street on October 5.

According to the company, Arc Thrift Stores Outlet will offer shoppers a pay-by-the-pound experience.

Currently, Goodwill of Colorado operates several outlet locations in the Denver area.

The new Arc Thrift Outlet will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., according to the Arc Thrift Stores website.

For more information, click here.

How often do you buy a vegetable, spice, or bag of lettuce that gets used once, forgotten about, and thrown away?

With grocery prices weighing heavily on family budgets, shoppers are looking for ways to spend less and cook smarter and that often means rethinking what goes in the cart.

The key question before buying any ingredient: Can it be used for more than one meal?

Registered dietitian Kayla Pasquale said choosing versatile ingredients can make the entire cooking process less stressful.

"It takes off some of that stress on meal prep," she said, "if you can buy these ingredients that you can really cook once and reinvent a couple times."

WATCH as a dietitian shows foods that can be used in multiple meals during the week:

More shoppers are already thinking this way. According to a survey from Talker Research and the Idaho Potato Commission, 60% of shoppers are building meal plans around ingredient overlap.

Nearly two-thirds, 63%, said a single ingredient's ability to work across breakfast, lunch, and dinner is an essential or strong factor in whether it earns a regular spot in their cart.

So which foods offer the most versatility? We asked registered dietitians to weigh in.

Chicken

Pasquale points to boneless chicken breasts as one of the most versatile proteins available.

"You also can use that chicken next day for lunch, over a salad, or a grain bowl, or even in a wrap. Or something like our classic tacos," Pasquale said. "The last thing I love doing is dumping it in a soup."

RELATED STORY | Two-thirds of Americans are avoiding food categories after recalls. Here's what's changing.

Experts also recommend chicken thighs, ground chicken, or rotisserie chicken that can be shredded and saved for later use.

Chuck roast

An affordable chuck roast offers similar flexibility.

"You can also shred that beef and use that on something like a taco, grain bowl, or a soup would be fantastic," Pasquale said.

Spinach

Registered dietitian Samantha Cassetty recommends spinach as a go-to multipurpose ingredient.

"I can put it in my smoothie. I can make a salad out of it. I can saut it, use it in pasta dishes," she said.

Eggs

Eggs are efficient across all day parts, especially since prices have come down. Think about mixing eggs with vegetables for casseroles or other egg dishes.

RELATED STORY | Still shocked at your grocery bill? Here's why prices aren't coming down

"Frittatas are great because they can be used as a breakfast dish that can feed the entire family, but they're great for a leftover lunch as well," Pasquale said.

Frozen or canned produce

Cassetty also adds canned or frozen fruits and vegetables to the list of budget-friendly, versatile options.

"They're less expensive to begin with and they can also be used in multiple ways," she explained, "like berries are in your smoothie, in your yogurt; you can heat them and use them instead of jelly on your peanut butter toast or over your waffles."

Potatoes

Potatoes are another budget-friendly option that can anchor multiple meals.

"I'll cut up a baked potato and load that with ground beef, some cheese, veggies, and that's kind of a boat for a meal throughout the week," Pasquale said.

More recommended staples include:

Why plan around ingredient overlap?

Cassetty said the problem many shoppers run into is buying ingredients for a single use, "and that's really going to drain your resources," she said

Cassetty said the benefits of multipurpose ingredients go far beyond financial savings.

"You're really cutting down on some of the decision fatigue that might lead to feeling overwhelmed at the end of the day, which is when we start ordering takeout," she said.

For those short on time during the week, Pasquale suggests using NFL Sundays or other televised events as a built-in cooking window.

You may be surprised when you go to heat up those leftovers.

"A slow cooker or even an Instant Pot will get you that nice sear, so it doesn't taste like it was produced on Sunday," she said. "It's got some of that char, some of that crisp and good flavor, and often times things taste better once the flavors can kind of set in and sink in several days later."

Add versatility to your shopping list, so you don't waste your money.

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Claims are now open in a $250 million settlement over Apple's delayed AI-powered Siri features, and eligible iPhone owners could receive between $25 and $95.

WATCH: Learn more about the iPhone settlement that could mean money in your pocket

If you bought an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model, you may qualify for a payment.

Look for an email in the coming days, or visit www.smartphoneaisettlement.com to submit a claim.

But don't delete the email, which is what Jorge Selva and many people often do.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | New Apple CEO unveils latest iPhone lineup, including a foldable model called Duo

"I got three of these in the last month. One of them was for my Apple Watch," he told the Scripps News Group.

That settlement is legitimate and came with a check, but Selva almost threw it away, thinking it might be a scam.

So if you get an email, do some research through Google, ChatGPT (or maybe even Siri) to see if it is legit.

LegalShield attorney Eileen Spangrud said Apple settlements are worth pursuing.

"If it is something that's relatively easy to do, maybe five or ten minutes, you know, you've got the receipts, I would there's not a downside to submitting that." Spangrud said.

Just watch out for copycat offers. Apple will not ask for your Social Security number or bank account number to send you your money.

CLICK HERE to apply for the settlement, so you don't waste your money.

__________________________

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Gas prices remain high throughout Colorado due to supply shock or a sudden, unexpected event that abruptly changes the availability or cost of goods, according to fuel experts.

Why is September feeling so rocky? First and foremost was the September 11th drone attack from Iraq that damaged Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline. That's sort of the main way to bypass oil if you can't use the Strait of Hormuz," said AAA Regional Director of Public Affairs Skyler McKinley. "So you've now got a secondary supply shock on top of what's going on with the Strait of Hormuz."

McKinley said additionally tankers are still under attack.

There used to be pretty reliable ways to get fuel out of a region that no longer exists. That's what's happening broadly. At the same time, cushions are really thin. Global inventories are down around a billion barrels, so there's less capacity to absorb a new disruption, McKinley said.

McKinley said sustained lower prices likely wont occur until a lasting peace with Iran is negotiated.

It will cause prices to fall, and they will fall measurably. I can tell you this because we just experienced this," McKinley said. "Look back to June and July when we had falling gas prices out of cycle. They fell quickly and to a level that motorists were comfortable with. $4.30 is expensive, no matter who you are."

McKinley said to find the best gas prices check in major metro areas, as rural areas tend to have higher prices.

McKinley also suggests joining a buyers club like Costco or Sam's Club where the companies do not benefit from marking up the price of gas.

A woman lost more than $1,100 to unauthorized bank charges not because her bank failed to protect her, but because she didn't catch the fraud in time.

Dorothy Bush discovered her checking account was overdrawn after an unauthorized $78 monthly cell phone charge had been quietly draining her account.

WATCH as a woman learns she is only protected for two months worth of fraudulent charges:

"I looked at the amount, and it was a negative number," Bush said.

She immediately went to her bank to investigate, learning that the fraud stretched back a year and a half. Her bank, however, would only reimburse charges from the past 60 days.

"I was told when I filed all the paperwork that the bank only covers two months of charges when it's fraud, and I was just heartsick," Bush said.

Why only 60 days to report?

That 60-day window is rooted in federal law.

Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, or EFTA, consumers are protected from some unauthorized transactions whether they are errors or fraud. But the clock starts ticking the moment a bank statement is issued.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Two Georgia women sentenced in fraud scheme, stealing millions from Amazon

Karen Bennett, senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate, explained what's at stake if customers wait too long.

"If you notify your bank within 60 days of the bank statement coming out, you're only liable for up to $500 in money that's lost," she said. "However, if you wait longer to notify your bank, the bank is no longer required to investigate and you're probably going to be liable for the full amount."

The EFTA covers a range of situations, including:

"In general, things covered under the EFTA include ATM and debit card transactions, direct deposit, as well as peer-to-peer payments like Zelle or Venmo," Bennett said.

However, the EFTA does not cover:

Even if an unauthorized charge appears small, Bankrate advises reporting it immediately so that a thief does not continue to steal larger sums over time.

Bush, who previously received paper statements from her bank, said the experience taught her to review her electronic bank statements carefully.

"I would have noticed it the first month, but I don't get a paper statement, and it's really hard to find what's gone on, what charges have gone in, on the website," she said. "I stumbled on it. That really was my undoing, and my bad for not looking closer."

Check your bank statements carefully. After 60 days, know that a bogus charge may no longer be covered, so you don't waste your money.

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The NFL season has kicked off, and the MLB postseason is days away, but following all of your favorite teams just keeps getting more expensive.

Sports fans are spending an average of $1,899 on their teams this year, according to a survey by debt settlement company National Debt Relief. Average spending among men is $2,224, compared to $1,573 among women.

Higher streaming prices are among the costs going up.

The NFLs Sunday Ticket package costs as much as $480 this year for customers who dont also subscribe to YouTube TV, according to The Wall Street Journal. YouTube TV customers now pay a regular price of $378, an increase of nearly 30%.

RELATED STORY | How to turn sports travel into a full vacation getaway

And as the league expands its lineup beyond Sunday afternoons, fans are paying more for fewer games. Last season, Sunday Ticket carried 191 games, down from 211 in 2021, according to Wall Street Journal research.

Smart shopping expert Trae Bodge suggests taking advantage of free trials as long as you remember to cancel once the trial is over.

"The other thing that I would do is look at your credit cards because they might be offering special offers that are exclusive," Bodge said.

Watching at a local bar or restaurant is another way to catch the game without adding another subscription.

For in-person sporting events, go for weekday matchups against less popular opponents. Thats especially true for professional baseball, which offers a lot more weekday options.

Bodge said timing also matters.

"If its a popular event, you want to try to get those tickets as early as possible. But then conversely, if its a less popular event, you can wait until the last minute and hope that some tickets open up," she said.

Bodge recommends shopping secondhand for team gear.

"If I go to Goodwill or Salvation Army or a thrift store, I see lots of team merch, and its very deeply discounted," she said.

RELATED STORY | Streamers, mergers driving up price of watching sports, lawmakers say

For newer jerseys, shirts, and sweatshirts, waiting for end-of-season sales or checking discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls can also help cut costs.

Being a sports fan in 2026 does come with a price.

"Its an amenity, and if we want to watch it, we got to pay for it," said sports fan Elizabeth Cromer. Just know you can root for your teams on a budget, so you dont waste your money.

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When disaster strikes, most homeowners expect their insurance to cover a huge chunk of repairs. But a growing number are discovering they are responsible, out of pocket, for far more than they expected.

Carl Roberts learned that firsthand after a tree damaged his roof. He found out he would have to cover the first $4,000 in repairs himself.

"That's a pretty significant deductible," he said. "My spouse and I were a little shocked when we found that out."

Roberts said he didn't realize his policy had changed to 1% of his home's value.

RELATED STORY | US home sales weaken to slowest pace in more than a year as mortgage rates, home prices climb

"For a medium house of $400,000, that would mean you would have a $4,000 deductible," Roberts said.

In the past, he said he would have owed only $1,000.

WATCH as a homeowner warns how a rising deductible can be very costly:

What's driving insurance costs higher?

Extreme weather is a major factor driving insurance costs up.

The U.S. experienced 23 climate disasters with $1 billion or more in damages in 2025, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions. That's $115 billion in damages and the third-highest year of billion-dollar climate events on record.

But George Hosfield, vice president and general manager of home insurance at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said weather is only part of the equation.

"I think the inflation and the underlying cost to repair a home that's what's really hitting consumers now," he said.

Here's what you can do

Some consumers choose higher deductibles to lower their monthly premiums. While a viable option for managing monthly costs, that can leave homeowners paying thousands of dollars before insurance coverage kicks in.

Hosfield said homeowners should review their coverage regularly, especially after making changes to their property.

"If you've done major renovations or additions to your home you name it those are the kinds of things that can really change how much coverage you need," he said.

RELATED STORY | Is your home covered? Why summer is peak season for insurance claims

Hosfield also urged homeowners to know exactly what their deductible is before they need to file a claim, "It's worth the consumer's time to take that call and have that conversation," he said.

In the end, Roberts found a contractor to fix his roof and gutter for under $2,000 but had to pay for it entirely out of pocket.

"That's a huge impact," he said.

Reviewing your policy before the next storm hits could save you from a costly surprise, so you dont waste your money.

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Holiday airfare prices are climbing fast, and travel experts warn this is not the year to wait on booking flights for the November or December holidays.

"Thanksgiving and Christmas. That's basically what I'm looking for, and it's really expensive," said airline passenger Srinivas Grandhi, who is already feeling the impact while searching for flights.

Rising jet fuel prices are driving airfares higher than usual, prompting experts to ditch the traditional advice of waiting a month or two before the holidays to book.

RELATED STORY | Fall travel deals harder to find this year, as gas prices and airfares soar

According to The Points Guy, Thanksgiving fares have been running 9% to 13% higher compared to last year. Christmas fares range from 12% to 18% higher.

WATCH as a travel expert shows how to get the cheapest flights this holiday season:

"There are some substantial price increases, but it could get a lot worse from here," said travel expert Clint Henderson, "and that's why our advice is go ahead and book now."

Finding potential flight savings

If you book a flight now and prices unexpectedly drop, you can get credit for the difference as long as you don't book basic economy.

Booking a basic economy ticket saves money upfront, but there is typically no flexibility and no opportunity for refunds if you find a cheaper flight.

Henderson said new AI tools can track price drops automatically.

"We were trying out ones called Autopilot, pAiback, and Junova. I've been experimenting with those, and I've already saved $1,000 this year," Henderson said.

Travelers can also track prices manually using familiar comparison sites such as:

"At the very least set flight alerts on Google Flights and just monitor prices because unfortunately, we at The Points Guy believe that prices will just go up," Henderson said.

When prices are high, it might be the best time to dip into the stash of points and miles you may have saved up over time.

When to travel around the holidays

According to The Points Guy, there's no cheapest day to book a flight or find better flight deals, but when you travel does matter.

Midweek travel is generally cheaper than flying on the weekends with savings up to $100 or more around the holidays.

You can often find a better deal by flying on the actual holiday itself rather than the few days before or few days after the holiday.

Lastly, early departures can typically save you money and help you avoid cancellations and delays.

With the average airfare currently $100 higher compared to last year, travelers across the country are bracing for higher prices.

"We haven't got Christmas yet, but I can only imagine," said airline passenger Lyndsay Gunn.

So book those holiday flights, or at least monitor the prices, so you can budget accordingly and you don't waste your money.

_____________________________________

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For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Before you plug that cheap streaming stick into your TV, there's something you should know it could give criminals a direct line to your personal data, your passwords, and your bank account.

With streaming subscription costs continuing to climb, many consumers are turning to inexpensive, off-brand streaming sticks sold online as a way to save money.

RELATED STORY | Netflix subscription costs hit record high after latest increase

These generic TV sticks and boxes may offer "unlimited content," including thousands of free movies, for a one-time fee.

But cybersecurity experts warn that some of those devices could put your personal information and your finances at serious risk.

How you may be inviting criminals into your home

Dave Hatter, a cybersecurity consultant with Intrust IT, said off-brand devices that seem too good to be true usually are.

"You pay a one-time price; it's cheap, and you have access to all this streaming," he said.

But the risks that come with those devices can be significant.

WATCH as a security expert shows how inexpensive sticks can invite criminals into your home:

"If that thing is connected to your network, which it has to be to get to the internet, who knows what it might be sucking up from other devices in your house," Hatter said.

A recent Malwarebytes report found that some "free" streaming devices may allow criminals to route illegal activity through a user's home internet connection to conceal their identity. That can make the homeowner appear responsible for those crimes and put their personal data at risk.

RELATED STORY | Streamers, mergers driving up price of watching sports, lawmakers say

Hatter said the scenario may sound far-fetched, but explained that without safeguards, anyone with control of a streaming stick could see other devices connected to the local network.

"Could a bad guy potentially exploit this device to eventually hack your computer, get the passwords you're using to log into your bank account, and steal all your money? Yes. Yes, they could do that," he said.

Even without malware, Hatter said no-name streaming devices often lack the basic security protections found in well-known products like Roku or Amazon Fire Sticks.

We purchased an inexpensive streaming device for demonstration purposes. But when we asked Hatter to plug the device into his television, his response was immediate: "Not a chance."

His advice: stick with well-known brands and avoid any device that promises "free everything."

That way, your information is safe, and you don't waste your money.

____________________________________

Follow John:

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

If youve looked at flight prices lately and wondered why fares still feel painfully high, aviation experts say theres a reason travelers are not seeing the usual post-summer slowdown.

Despite expectations that airfare would ease after Labor Day, demand for flights remains strong and airlines are continuing to keep ticket prices elevated heading into the holiday travel season.

Airfare is up a little over 25% year-over-year since last July, said Chad Kendall, an aviation expert at Metropolitan State University of Denver. There are many factors at play here, primarily it comes down to supply and demand.

Kendall says airlines are balancing several rising costs at once, including fuel, labor, airport operations, and maintenance, while planes continue flying full.

Travel demand right now is very strong, Kendall said. Airlines are being really disciplined about how many seats they put into the market.

That means even though travelers may hope for cheaper fall fares after the busy summer season, airlines are not flooding the market with extra seats that could drive prices down.

Fuel prices have received significant attention in recent weeks amid instability in global energy markets, but Kendall said jet fuel is only part of the equation.

Fuel is one of the highest variable costs to an airline and its business, he said. But theres also been other high increasing costs for airlines like labor.

Many airlines have renegotiated pilot and crew contracts in recent years, increasing payroll costs. Airlines are also paying more in maintenance and airport-related expenses, according to Kendall.

At the same time, travelers are still booking trips.

Absolutely. Were seeing an increase in travel demand year-over-year, especially coming out of COVID, said Kendall.

He also noted that flexibility, including flying midweek or outside peak travel days, can sometimes help travelers find lower fares, especially around the holidays.

Instead of flying on Wednesday, maybe look the week before, maybe look a little earlier in the week, he said ahead of the Thanksgiving travel season. Flexibility and competition help with more favorable airline prices.

Historically, travelers could often count on lower fares during certain booking windows or after peak summer travel ended. But Kendall says that pattern has become less predictable as airlines rely more heavily on dynamic pricing models and carefully manage seat inventory.

I dont think youre going to see rates come down, he said, unless there is a dramatic decline in demand.

There is at least one bright spot for Denver travelers.

Kendall says Denvers average domestic airfare remains below the national average, largely because of strong airline competition at Denver International Airport.

According to figures provided by Kendall, average domestic airfare out of Denver is about $393 compared to roughly $428 nationally.

Still, experts say travelers hoping for significantly cheaper flights this fall or winter may need to adjust expectations and book strategically.