Steak and other proteins are not cheap, with many cuts running more than $20 a pound. But there are ways to get quality protein for less this summer.

We visited a grocery store, ETC Produce, with dietitian Kayla Pasquale, to find some affordable alternatives to beef that can deliver the same nutritional value at a lower cost.

"Things like chicken, or pork, or even some of our fish like tuna and salmon are great options," she said. "Same protein but at a lower price point."

Pasquale said chicken is one of the best beef substitutes, and shoppers can save even more by skipping boneless skinless breasts in favor of whole birds or thighs.

"I know it can sound intimidating but knowing how to roast a whole chicken you really get a lot of bang for your buck," she said.

RELATED STORY | Consumer confidence dented with gas prices around $4.50 and inflation still elevated

If cooking a whole chicken is too much, she said, "Chicken thighs are very affordable and very flavorful."

Beans and lentils are also among the least expensive protein sources available and work well in soups and salads.

Pasquale also recommends dairy options for breakfast or lunch.

"We've also got Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, those are in the dairy group," she said.

WATCH: We go through a grocery store to find cheaper ways to get your protein:

Ways to save on summer cookouts

For summer parties and cookouts, Kristin McGrath of The Krazy Coupon Lady said shoppers should let weekly sales drive their menu planning.

"If chicken is on sale that week and you've got a barbecue coming up, well, you should plan your entire menu around chicken."

Timing matters as much as what you buy. McGrath recommends getting to know your local butcher and asking about manager specials discounted meat marked down near its best-by date.

"See which day of the week they mark those down so you can get in early in the morning and get first dibs."

Pasquale said those discounted cuts do not need to be used right away.

"Your freezer is your friend, so throw it in there," she said.

RELATED STORY | Why is beef and other meat so expensive right now?

According to McGrath, it will remain fresh for up to four months (some cuts of beef last longer, but four months is a good rule of thumb).

Stocking the freezer with marked-down steaks and chicken means affordable protein will be ready to grill all summer long.

And that way you don't waste your money.

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DENVER While flying can come with surprises, one Colorado family experienced something far worse than delays: the smells of sewage filled their plane when they boarded a Turkish Airlines flight out of Denver International Airport.

Farhung Bharucha was traveling with his wife and four kids for an annual summer vacation to India. He said the boarding time was pushed back with no explanation as to why. After an hour of waiting, Bharucha said his wife asked a gate agent what was happening.

WATCH: Denver7's Maggy Wolanske caught up with a Colorado family who experienced this travel horror story

"They said that one of the toilets is leaking and it smells really bad and it's wet everywhere, there is sewage water, and so they are just trying to get that cleaned up," Bharucha explained.

As they continued to wait at the gate, there was no "official communication" until the airline sent out a message saying the flight was delayed "due to an act of God," according to Bharucha.

"Finally they boarded us at about 9:45 p.m. so our plane was supposed to take off at 8:15 p.m.," said Bharucha. "We boarded at 9:45 p.m. and my seat is 9C, which is right in front of the lavatory, that was leaking and I could see the carpet was wet all around my feet and it it smelled like toilet, sewage water."

While on the plane, Bharucha described passengers in complete disbelief over the smell and what was happening.

"Then the plane started taxiing, and the lavatory started leaking actively at that time," said Bharucha. "So you could actually see brown-color water coming out of it into the hallway, where they where they start prepping the food for the flight. I think finally word got out when people started like smelling and making faces."

Thankfully, he said, the pilot turned the plane around and they did not have to experience this leaking toilet and the smells that came with it on an international flight. The Bharucha family stayed at a nearby hotel thinking they would be booked on the next flight out.

"About 12:30 a.m., we got our bags. At about 1 a.m., we checked into the Westin next to DIA, after that they just didn't book us. They first booked us for May 31, then for June 1, and then finally for June 2. All of this happened in the span of about 30 minutes and we were like, no we booked our leave, we want to get out earlier," Bharucha said.

Several days and hotel nights later, the Bharucha family landed in Istanbul on Wednesday as part of their layover. He expressed his frustration towards the airline for shrugging off responsibility and not fixing the technical issue.

"I just did some research thinking that maybe I'm being unrealistic, but all the research points are no, this is not an act of God, nor is this an uncontrollable event. This is a technical issue that the plane, the airline, should have managed a lot better," Bharucha said.

Aviation expert, Steve Cowell, flew 38 years professionally and teaches aviation safety risk management. He explained how airplane bathrooms operate and are maintained in between flights.

"When you go to the lavatory, essentially all of the waste goes into this big holding tank, it is filled with a chemical as well as, of course, a lot of water," he said. "When the plane comes in to the gate, one of the service items is to service the lavatory. They'll hook a hose up to remove the waste products, and another hose to put in new water and new chemical."

Having decades of experience flying, Cowell explained a leaky bathroom is very rare and is an issue between the airline and the ground service personnel.

"What the airline should have done was work with their ground service personnel, and then they should have called in a biohazard team to make sure that the airplane was not only clear of any biohazard that might have flowed onto the floor, such as sewage, but also, you know, sanitized the airplane and gotten rid of the smell before they even would have had any passengers on board," Cowell said.

Ultimately, he said the responsibility falls on Turkish Airlines.

"It's incredibly arrogant for an airline to think that they're going to board a couple hundred passengers on an airplane, they're going to be sitting there for hours on end on an international flight smelling toilet fluid. That's ridiculous. This airline is clearly responsible for the problem and clearly responsible for the contractor that they engaged to service their toilets," Cowell said.

Denver7 reached out to Turkish Airlines but did not hear back by the time of publication.

Whether you plan to sell your home in six months or further down the road, remodeling can appeal to today's homeowners and future buyers.

But some projects are worth a lot more than others when resale time finally arrives.

Hannah Klausing, CEO of REP General Contracting, said an updated kitchen, bathroom or basement is a major draw for buyers.

RELATED STORY | Beware of these contractor scams as spring project season begins

"In kitchen and bathroom remodeling, you are enriching a space that people use more than any other area of the home," Klausing said.

According to NerdWallet, a bathroom remodel typically costs $6,600 to $18,000, but a high-end remodel can cost as much as $80,000. Bathroom remodels often recoup at least 60% of their costs.

The cost of a kitchen remodel varies by size, floor plan and materials. NerdWallet puts a minor remodel at $28,458, midrange remodel at $82,793, and a major, upscale remodel at $164,104.

It found a minor kitchen remodel can recoup its full cost while a major midrange remodel, with custom cabinets and new appliances, may only recoup about 50% of the money homeowners put in.

Watch as a contractor shows which projects return the most on your investment:

Alternatives to costly renovations

According to Ace Handyman Services, smaller projects boost home value too, with the biggest return on investment (ROI) coming from the following projects:

When it comes to home efficiency, smart-home upgrades offer a return on investment of 87%.

For windows, vinyl windows offer stronger returns than wood models, with ROIs of 76% and 70%, respectively.

Instead of a major gut job, Klausing said trendy, practical updates can boost value at a lower cost like simple cabinet upgrades.

"Consider painting them or replacing the hardware. You can always upgrade to soft close, drawer glides," Klausing said.

Fun projects with smaller return

Not every project pays off at resale.

While desirable to many homeowners, Klausing said a home office, hot tub or pool may not add much value when it comes time to sell.

RELATED STORY | Kitchen remodeling now $80K? Check out these great budget alternatives

"Putting a pool in your back yard because you would like your children to have a pool doesn't necessarily mean it would appeal to a future buyer," Klausing said.

Ace Handyman Services finds that a closet remodel, for example, has an ROI of only 55-60%. Landscape lighting has an ROI of 59% while adding an outdoor fire feature offers an ROI of 56%.

Homeowner McKenzie Hafer keeps practicality top of mind when weighing renovations.

"The flooring that's important with three kids and a dog," she said.

It all comes down to wants versus needs and whether that renovation will pay off in the end, so you dont waste your money.

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After Denver's first major hailstorm of the season, roofing companies are already canvassing neighborhoods and not all of them have homeowners' best interests at heart.

Within 10 minutes of Monday's storm ending, Lizzie Landis said roofing companies were already knocking on her door in Denver's Cole neighborhood, asking to inspect her roof for hail damage.

Watch Maggie Bryan's report in the player below:

"There was about like three yesterday, three today," she said. "Of course, at that point I was just like, I don't know if I need a new roof, like, I need to go like clean up my backyard."

Local roofing companies said Monday's extreme weather has also drawn out-of-town contractors, sometimes called "storm chasers", to Denver neighborhoods as they look to capitalize on the damage to homes and roofs.

"It's a yearly occurrence. A lot of companies, contractors will come in from out of state when we have these storms, just because of the influx of work, and then they're nowhere to be found in the wintertime," said Curtis Johnson, a senior project manager with Precise Roofing, an Englewood-based company accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Meghan Conradt, a BBB spokesperson, said while out-of-town companies can still be legitimate businesses, there are bad actors that may try to steal money by demanding large upfront payments and never returning to complete the work.

"In addition to asking for a large upfront payment, especially if it's more than 25% of what the total amount of work should cost, other red flags may be a lot of pressure. So when a company is trying to get you to make a decision quickly without having a chance to do your research," Conradt said.

She advised homeowners always get multiple bids before choosing a company and make sure you get a bid in writing with details of the cost and timeline for repairs.

"It's not always that the cheapest bid is the best. In fact, sometimes we'll see that businesses, especially if they are storm chasers, that may be trying to really give a too good to be true price to get you on the hook," Conradt said.

Mark Dulon, co-owner of Sky Manor Roofing Company based in Thornton with an A+ rating from BBB, said his company received quite a few phone calls after Monday's hailstorm.

"It did quite a bit of damage all over up on the roofs. We've been on quite a few roofs today, got a team of about 12 guys working the neighborhood to help the homeowners before all the storm chasers get into town," Dulon said.

Johnson said the bad actors make it harder for reputable companies to earn trust.

"Once there's a bad apple, once a homeowner has a bad experience with the contractor, or something like that, it's really hard to convince them again that, hey, we're not all like that," Johnson said.

A pop-up appears on your screen. It looks urgent. There's a phone number to call for help. So you call and within minutes, a hacker is inside your computer and draining your life savings.

It's a scheme that plays out every day, and retirement accounts are increasingly in the crosshairs.

"Various things popped up on my laptop," said Brenda, a retiree who asked that her last name not be published.

Brenda said she was on her computer when the unexpected pop-up appeared. It displayed a seemingly urgent security alert along with a phone number for Microsoft.

She said the agent who answered her phone call told her there was pornography on her computer.

"I'm thinking, 'How in the world did that get on my laptop?'" she said.

Brenda said she was instructed to download a program to remove the files, "and I guess that's what gave him access to my computer."

Within minutes, she said her financial accounts were targeted.

Criminals stole about $1,250 from her credit union account and more than $6,000 from her 401(k). Altogether, Brenda lost about $16,000.

Watch as a retiree shows how easily hackers got into her bank accounts:

Remote access a "flashing neon sign"

Amy Nofziger, senior director of victim support for AARP's Fraud Watch Network, said the organization's helpline receives calls about fake pop-ups every day.

"Sometimes it has alarms and so really gets people panicked and they really don't know what else to do but call that number," Nofziger said.

She said no legitimate company will ever ask for unsolicited remote access to your computer.

"That is not just a red flag, that is a flashing neon sign," Nofziger said.

She said it's no surprise that hackers are targeting retirement accounts, which typically hold more money than checking or savings accounts.

"The number one goal of any criminal is to steal as much money as quickly as they can from their victims," Nofziger said. "Oftentimes victims have a significant amount of money in their brokerage accounts and their retirements accounts, and so that's where the criminals are going to go."

Protect yourself from tech support scams

If you receive a suspicious pop-up on your device, experts with AARP recommend the following steps:

You can also talk to a fraud specialist by calling the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.

Scripps News called the fake Microsoft tech support number Brenda was given. All we heard was a recording saying the number was unavailable.

Brenda's credit union said it is investigating her case.

Meantime, she is living off what money she has left, wishing she had never called the number on that bogus pop-up.

"What do I do now? I'm out almost $20,000 and can't recoup probably none of it," she said.

Be wary of any tech support message, pop-up, phone call or email, so you don't waste your money.

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

A 6-year-old Wyoming girl required emergency surgery after swallowing magnets from toy blocks marketed for children 3 years old and up.

Lila, of Casper, Wyoming, was life-flighted to Children's Hospital Colorado on May 24 after her condition deteriorated rapidly.

"She was vomiting red hot. Saying 'Oh my stomach hurts. You can't touch it.' Even if you try to look at her stomach, she was screaming," her mother, Rebeka Widick, said.

Denver7 anchor Jessica Porter spoke to Lila's mother about the harrowing ordeal in the video below:

Pediatric surgeon Dr. Kristine Corkum said Lila was critically ill when she arrived and was rushed to surgery.

Lila's X-ray revealed a troubling image.

"What was concerning is that we saw this grouping of magnets, and then we also saw air [in her intestine] that was on her [x-ray] film that shouldn't be there," Corkum said.

"What we were shocked to find was that she not only had one hole, but five holes that required attention," Corkum said.

Lila underwent major abdominal surgery, and part of her small intestine had to be removed.

Corkum said cases like Lila's are becoming more common.

"I think over the past few years, we've seen an increase in these magnet ingestions causing issues requiring surgery, and it may be due just to the availability of these toys online," Corkum said.

Several reviews of the blocks sold on Amazon complain about the quality and the magnets falling out easily.

Rebeka said the magnets can be removed with little effort.

"It's as simple as just literally snapping them and getting them open like that," Rebeka said.

Although she was putting the blocks in her mouth, Lila did not realize she had swallowed the magnets.

Since then her mother has removed all of the blocks from her home.

Lila is still recovering. She celebrated her kindergarten graduation in the hospital on Friday, surrounded by family.

Rebeka said she hopes other parents take the danger seriously.

"I don't want your child to ever have to go through this. I don't want your child to ever have to be almost septic, and you almost lose her over a toy that's for a three-plus child that has magnets in it," Rebeka said.

"The idea of losing my child to a simple toy like this is just ridiculous," Rebeka said.

Roller coasters are getting higher and higher, but so are ticket prices at some of the most popular amusement parks.

The personal finance site FinanceBuzz found that single-day tickets at 20 popular theme parks averaged $105 in 2025. That's 37% higher compared to 2015.

Whether you're planning to visit a regional park like Cedar Point, or a theme park giant like Universal or Disney, families this summer face serious financial planning before they ever step in line.

RELATED STORY | This amusement park will feature the fastest tilt coaster in North America

Travel experts say the right strategy from season passes to meal plans to timing your visit can help you save along the way and help you enjoy the thrills without massive bills.

Watch as two travel experts show how to save at theme parks:

Season passes and discount memberships

Nedra McDaniel, founder of the travel blog Adventure Mom, said a Six Flags season pass is one of the best values available, with the chain operating dozens of parks across the country.

Passes offer varying benefits, like food and bring-a-friend discounts, based on tier.

Certain memberships, such as Gold Passes, also grant access to other parks in your region.

"You definitely want to take advantage of those regional passports because you can visit multiple parks with that pass," McDaniel said. "If you love thrill rides and want to be able to visit multiple ones, then you get a great value."

McDaniel said a pass pays for itself in just two visits and usually includes free parking, a $25 value.

For additional discounts, McDaniel recommends checking with AAA, Costco and Sam's Club, and asking about military discounts.

Cutting food and drink costs

Food costs add up quickly inside the parks. Lunch can cost over $20 per person.

McDaniel recommends purchasing a meal plan, sharing meals or ordering kids' meals even for adults.

For drinks, she said the solution is simple.

RELATED STORY | Epic Universe opens at Universal, marking a new era in Orlando theme parks

"You can bring a refillable bottle in with you," McDaniel said, while warning you may need a locker rental if the park doesn't allow bags or bottles on rides.

Haley Reidmiller, a mom who uses a meal plan, said the meal plan savings are real.

"You get a free drink and a free meal every four hours while you are in the park," she said.

If an amusement park offers free re-entry, the cheapest option is packing a cooler with lunch, drinks and snacks, and eating for free in the parking lot.

Deals at Disney and Universal

Lesley Sawhook, an owner of Exclusive Travel Partners, whose specialties include Disney destinations and the Universal Orlando Resort, shared current promotions offered by the theme park giants.

Universal Orlando Resort is currently offering two days free with the purchase of a three-day ticket.

Many on-site hotels also include a $300 dining credit, as well as early access to the parks.

"I priced it out for a family of four this summer for five nights, and it was around $3,000 for all of the parks and that $300 dining credit, which is a huge value this summer," Sawhook said.

At Disney and other resorts, on-site perks can sometimes offset the higher cost of staying on property.

At Disney, for example, kids ages 3-9 get a free dining plan when their family books a qualifying Disney Resort hotel package.

"They're including a water park visit, the day you check in, complimentary," Sawhook said. "So lots going on for families over at Disney this summer, and some opportunities to save some money."

Skip the souvenir shops inside the park

NerdWallet travel expert Sally French says one of the easiest ways to save is to buy souvenirs before you go not inside the park.

"We see a lot of people go and spend a bunch of money on Disney souvenirs," French said. "Your child has no idea where that plush came from, and I guarantee you it's going to be so much cheaper at Target or Walmart versus actually buying it at Disney."

When to go

Timing matters. Dynamic pricing at many parks now makes summer weekends and peak holiday periods significantly more expensive.

Sawhook recommends visiting Disney or Universal Orlando in late August or early September, and advises families to avoid the Christmas season, when parks are most crowded and most expensive.

The same goes for regional amusement parks where lines can stretch for two hours on the weekends.

"I suggest midweek," McDaniel said. "Midweek for lower pricing and lower crowds."

Headed to a theme park this summer? Save hundreds on tickets, food, drinks, and souvenirs, so you don't waste your money.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Colorado Credit Unions are joining together to offer a solution to a massive layoff in the financial industry expected in June.

PNC Bank filed a warn letter to the state in April saying that 777 Colorado employees could lose their jobs by June 30, 2026. This comes after PNC Bank closed a merger deal with Colorado-based credit union FirstBank. PNC listed the reason for layoffs as consolidating operations into a single organization.

The Go West Credit Union Association is looking to support workers impacted by the merger to find their next job. The association has launched a new online tool where financial industry workers can submit their resume for hiring managers to see. The website also allows people to view what branches are currently hiring and positions available.

When the announcement was made that the merger was happening, we were anticipating that we might see something like this come down the pike. It happens a lot in these bank mergers with out of state banks. We wanted to help people, mitigate the impacts and continue to keep financial service access local and community-focused, VP of Legislative Affairs for Go West Credit Union Association Katie March said.

Another resource on their website gives job seekers information on financial help for themselves.

March says, when somebody loses a job, they often need things like a skip a pay or assistance with a loan or emergency funding. There are some resources there about talking to your credit unions. Credit unions are known for giving help to people who need it, March said.

Go West told Denver7 there are a variety of positions available right now, including front of house, back of house and even IT positions. Those interested are encouraged to submit a resume and explore the resources available on the website.

Keeping a yard and garden looking healthy during the hottest months of the year can come with a hefty price tag and big water bill.

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but it's still up," said Debby Manning, who's planning a large landscaping project for her yard this summer. "If we would have bought two years ago, we would have saved some money."

Inflation, high gas and diesel prices, and tariffs on imported goods all have the cost of making that backyard oasis higher than ever.

MORE MONEY-SAVING TIPS | Which fast food apps deliver the best rewards for your money?

Luckily, there are ways to have a beautiful outdoor space without spending a fortune.

Watch as a garden center owner shows how to have a beautiful yard on a budget:

Save on water

At Denny McKeown's Bloomin Garden Centre & Landscaping in Cincinnati, owner Chris McKeown can rattle off a list of plants and flowers that dont require much watering at all.

"Zinnias or periwinkle, once they're established, you're watering them once a week," McKeown said. "These aren't the plants for people that invested in a sprinkler system."

On the flip side, he said overwatering is a common mistake especially with hanging plants.

"They love them so much they kill them with kindness and they overwater them," McKeown said.

The garden "extras"

When shopping for your yard, McKeown believes fertilizer is a nice supplement, but not a necessity.

RELATED STORY | What to buy in June... and some things to wait on

Mulch is important for suppressing weeds and retaining moisture in hot temperatures, but just like water, it's possible to overdo it. Experts recommend keeping mulch to about 1 to 1.5 inches at most.

"You can have too much mulch and then it works against you," McKeown said. "Then the water can't penetrate down to the soil where it should be."

Know your region

To ensure your flowers and plants last all summer, avoid spending money on food for deer or other little foragers.

"We're looking for something that's native to the area and something that would be deer-resistant because that's a big problem in our area," said shopper Liz Mann.

If you live in a region dealing with an invasive species like the box tree moth that attacks boxwoods McKeown advises shoppers to ask about alternatives before buying.

"An inkberry holly is a great alternative, and you don't have to worry about the insect and the blight problems that are happening with the boxwood," McKeown said.

He also suggests "globe" or dwarf arborvitae, another plant that resembles a boxwood from the street, but is immune to the damaging box tree moth.

Get help from local experts

A local garden center expert can share insider knowledge to help you buy plants that are right for your yard and your budget.

Take rhododendrons that thrive in mature soil, for example.

"You've got to have really, really good soil to have rhododendrons," McKeown said. "If you live in a newer subdivision where they take away all the good soil and just leave the clay soil, rhododendrons aren't for you."

So take advice from the folks at your local garden center who know plants best, so you dont waste your money.

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This summer grilling season, ribeye steak might cost you $21.99 a pound. Ground chuck for burgers is $6.49 a pound or higher if you want leaner ground beef.

It's impacting everyone hoping to grill up a nice dinner.

"The food is expensive right now, but we make it work," said Sam Moore, owner of J&W Barbecue.

With beef prices up 14.8% year over year, the summer cookout is getting more expensive but there are ways to keep the grill fired up without overspending.

WATCH as a butcher shows how to save on grilling this summer:

Cookouts on a budget

At Luken Meats, owner Neil Luken said ribs are still a relatively affordable option for feeding a crowd.

"If you want to serve ribs, they are still reasonably priced because they go far," he said.

A pro tip for serving ribs: make sure to cut at every single bone, "So people dont get these great big portions," Luken said.

The shop owner also pointed to chicken as a budget-friendly alternative this spring and summer.

"You can get nice chicken breast at a very reasonable price -- you can serve people for less than $5 a person if you want to do wings and breast," he said.

Kristin McGrath, senior editor at The Krazy Coupon Lady, suggests buying a whole chicken for savings. A raw chicken will save about 20% over a pre-cut, skinless version.

"Cut it up for kebabs, shred the rest for tacos," she suggested.

Smart shopping strategies

McGrath said the key to saving money is flipping the traditional approach to meal planning check the sales first, then build the menu around what's discounted.

"If you're strategizing around what's on sale, you are going to save yourself a lot of money," she said.

McGrath also recommends stocking up and using the freezer to stretch deals across multiple holidays.

"If you buy something for Memorial Day, you find a great deal, freeze it for Fourth of July," she said.

For burgers specifically, McGrath said swapping out beef for other ground meats can lead to significant savings.

"Ground turkey and ground pork are about 30% less per pound compared to beef right now, which is very expensive," she said. Another option is to pad beef patties with cheaper alternatives like ground veggies or breadcrumbs.

Not everyone is letting prices change their plans. Shopper Cynthia Bates won't let inflation dampen her Memorial Day celebration.

"Just because the price is high, I'm still going to enjoy the holiday," she said.

Enjoy those barbecues even more by shopping the deals, and making simple swaps, so you dont waste your money.

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DENVER  New federal inflation data released this month shows grocery prices continue to climb, leaving many Colorado families paying more for everyday items.

Denver resident Jaleesa McIntosh, a single mom, said shes felt grocery prices climb in recent months.

You are looking at your produce, your meats, and everything that has some sort of nutritional value for you and your family right now that is getting harder to purchase, McIntosh said.

The Denver mother said she has had to make some tough decisions lately.

Sometimes its do I pay a bill, or do I afford those groceries for the day? McIntosh said. "There is always like a 'do I have to buy this, over that?' kind of mind game happening right now.

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows grocery prices rose 2.9% this April compared to last year. Fruits and vegetables jumped more than 6% while meat, eggs, and drinks also saw price increases.

The war is creating a lot of uncertainty and policy changes, MSU Denver professor of economics Kishore Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni said rising energy costs are a major factor driving prices up.

Twenty percent of the world's supply comes from the Strait of Hormuz, so that increases the gas price internationally. United States gas prices are obviously tied to the international gas price, Professor Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni said higher gas prices impact every step of the food supply chain.

Transportation depends on gasoline price; a lot of products need transportation as one of the important ingredients, including groceries, and because of all that, the prices are going up, Professor Kulkarni added.

Kulkarni told Denver7 most of Colorados produce is brought in from other states and countries.

Because we are bringing it from outside, prices are higher than we have to pay, he explained.

As costs continue to rise, many are looking for ways to stretch their budgets.

We want to find lower-priced substitutes for whatever we are consuming, he said.

Experts said consumers should keep an eye on both gas prices and inflation through this summer, as increased travel demand could push prices even higher.

With prices unpredictable this year, deal hunters are hitting the stores for Memorial Day weekend deals.

"I thought I'd stop by and see what I can get for a good buck," said Alexis Brennan, shopping for a new electric stove.

Recker & Boerger appliance store manager Chris Auel said her timing is on point.

"Any national holiday, you're going to have really, really big sales around the appliance industry," Auel said.

RELATED STORY | What to buy in June... and some things to wait on

At local hardware stores, deals are also plentiful.

Ace Hardware store owner Tim Cable showed markdowns on STIHL trimmers and CRAFTSMAN leaf blowers some priced at $49.99, down from $99.99.

"We have plenty of deals for the outdoors," Cable said.

WATCH as an appliance store and hardware store show us some amazing deals right now:

Strategies to save during a holiday weekend

At his store, Auel said shoppers will find manufacturer rebates, package deals, and hundreds of dollars off scratch-and-dent models that consumers can take advantage of for big savings.

"We can offer scratch-and-dent appliances at a really good deal, even on top of those sales youre getting on brand new appliances," he said.

With any large purchase, smart shopping expert Trae Bodge recommends a price comparison tool, like those offered by Google or Yahoo. She also urges consumers to shop with a target price in mind.

"You're really only going to see 40-60% off during a big sale moment, like a three-day weekend," Bodge said.

RELATED STORY | Which fast food apps deliver the best rewards for your money?

How you pay also matters.

"Make sure that you're using a credit card that gives you points or cash back. There's a really good one from Bread Financial called the Bread Cashback American Express. It gives you 2% cash back on everything," Bodge said.

Retail categories with the biggest discounts

According to the data-gathering company Decodo, Memorial Day shoppers will likely find the biggest discounts in the following categories:

Products with some of the steepest discounts include pre-season clearance furniture, athleisure and swimwear, and bundled kitchen appliance sets.

For grocery savings, Decodo points to cookout staples like burgers and hot dogs with average discounts of 25% leading up to the holiday.

Coupon tracking site SimplyCodes says Memorial Day weekend marks the end of a deal drought, with a 38% increase in the number of online discounts compared to any other point this year.

For shoppers like Alexis Brennan, the deals are already delivering.

"Honestly, some of the best prices I've seen," she said.

Shopping this weekend? Plan ahead, compare prices and utilize coupons and rebates, so you dont waste your money.

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Consumers and advocacy groups are calling on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to reject a proposed $356 million Xcel Energy rate hike as a deadline for a decision looms.

Xcel Energy filed the request on Nov. 21, 2025, seeking a $356 million increase in annual revenue. If approved, the increase would translate to an estimated 9.9% increase in residential electric bills, or roughly $9.94 more per month, starting in late August 2026.

Watch Jessica Porter's report on this possible price hike and hear from an activist who says prices are getting too high in the video below.

Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy Colorado, said the increase is to recover investments in safety and reliability the company made over the past 3 years.

"Over the last several years, we've been able to reduce carbon emissions 57% from 2005 levels, and we've added tremendous amounts of renewable energy to our system and we've done all this over the last three years. We haven't had a rate increase in base rates since 2022," Kenney said.

Xcel Energy also requested an additional $100 million from customers to fill potential power gaps this summer and a $190 million increase for natural gas services.

The LIBRE Initiative, a nonprofit grassroots organization, opposes these increases.

"This is a lot for consumers. I mean, we have seen several of these rate increases the last few years, and it's unsustainable, and if we want to really see a better outcome, we need to hold the utilities companies, which are government-created monopolies that do not compete in the free market, (accountable) and why it's important that we have that much stronger oversight on these companies," Angel Merlos, strategic director of LIBRE Colorado, said.

Merlos and LIBRE believe the Colorado Legislature, the Public Utilities Commission, and utility companies need to work together to ensure affordable, fair prices for consumers.

The PUC will make a decision in the coming weeks on the rate hike, which would take effect in late August. The next public comment hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Drivers are getting little relief at the gas pump. Now the war in Iran could make routine vehicle maintenance more expensive as well.

Certified mechanic and shop owner Marc Duebber said the cost of wholesale motor oil has gone up drastically this spring.

I think the biggest hit is coming on the synthetics, because synthetic oil prices are jumping up to 150%, he said.

RELATED STORY | Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten to push gas past $5 a gallon by June

He said supply is already an issue with his suppliers cutting back on how much motor oil theyre able to deliver.

Im calling and putting the hammer down on my sales guy and saying, 'Hey, we're running low on oil,' and he's telling me, 'I'm doing the best I can to get it there,' Duebber said.

Watch as a certified mechanic shows the impact of rising motor oil prices:

According to the trade journal The Drive, at least two automakers are allegedly sounding the alarm over a dwindling stock of motor oil due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Nissan reportedly drafted a bulletin notifying service departments of a supply crunch. According to The Drive, it hasnt been distributed.

Duebber, owner of Duebbers Automotive in Cincinnati, said hes adjusting prices daily, based on what his suppliers are charging each week.

We're just being honest with people and telling them up front, he said. This is what its going to cost you to have an oil change today.

Save on your oil changes

To save on an oil change, consider the following options:

But dont skip oil changes, or mechanics say you risk costly engine damage.

RELATED STORY | Oil companies look beyond Middle East for new supply sources

Duebber said some bigger chains may still offer the cheap $30 to $40 oil change, likely accepting oil changes as a loss leader to get drivers in the door.

"Can they afford to give that oil change away at that price? I personally can't, he said.

Nissan provided the following statement regarding a motor oil shortage:

Nissan is closely monitoring current oil supply constraints in coordination with our supplier partners. We remain fully committed to supporting our dealers and maintaining a high level of service for our customers.

Scripps News received the following statement from Valvoline Inc., which operates 2,400 retail oil change service centers:

Valvoline Inc. has adequate supply to serve our customers today and for the foreseeable future. We are working closely with our supplier to proactively manage any potential impact from the current market environment and ensure our customers continue to receive the quick, easy, trusted preventive maintenance we are known for.

If your vehicle needs an oil change, consider scheduling sooner than later, so you dont waste your money.

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DENVER A Denver sports bar is getting a second life.

Jeff and Ashley Moerke, the couple behind Tavern Kitchen and Bar, are reopening the former Blake Street Tavern as Tavern on Blake Street a nod to the original that drew loyal crowds for years before its previous owner decided to close.

Everybody has a story behind it. People met here, got married, had kids, said Jeff Moerke. It was the place to be.

For Ashley Moerke, the connection to the space runs deeper than nostalgia.

I didnt know anybody in Denver, so it was all new to me. I decided to start bartender to meet some people, and thats how I ended up at Blake Street, she said. I knew a lot about the space, the vibe, and the people that came here. I met so many amazing people.

That history shaped the decision to honor the original name.

It only made sense to pay homage to the old name by calling it The Tavern on Blake Street, Ashley Moerke said.

While the spirit of the original bar is being preserved, the Moerkes are making changes, starting with the basement. The old arcade is moving upstairs, and the lower level is being transformed into a live entertainment venue.

Watch Ethan Carlson's report in the player below:

Being a space where people can stay all day, they can come for lunch, watch a game, stay for dinner and a show is something that is very special, Ashley Moerke said.

The menu will carry over staples from the Moerkes other restaurant locations like nachos, burgers, and wings, alongside elevated options including tomahawk steaks.

This place didnt close because people didnt like it or they didnt want to be here or it wasnt successful, it closed because the owner was ready to be done, and thats totally okay, Ashley Moerke said.

They are targeting the first week of June for their grand opening, which could coincide nicely with a deep Colorado Avalanche playoff run.

How could would it be if the Avs get through the West and into the Stanley Cup, and its our grand opening, and we get to celebrate a Stanley Cup championship in this building? Jeff Moerke said. This is exactly what we needed and the timing behind it is probably perfect.

In addition to Tavern on Blake Street, the Moerkes operate Tavern Snowmass, Tavern Carbondale, and Il Poggio Italian restaurant.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Water damage, even from small leaks, is one of the most frequent types of insurance claims and it can happen anywhere in your home.

Behind the washing machine, under the bathroom or kitchen sink, or at the base of a water heater a small leak left undetected can turn into a costly problem.

That's exactly what happened to Keith Vearil. When water came up through a drainpipe, the lower level of his home was waterlogged.

"It just went in all directions," Vearil said. "There were family photos on shelves, furniture was ruined, electronics."

In most cases, pooling or dripping water isn't evident right away. It takes a brown water stain on the ceiling or a musty odor under the sink.

That's why water leak alarms are becoming a popular home safety accessory.

WATCH as a flood victim shows how water can destroy hundreds of personal items:

What is a water leak detector?

For about $1,500, companies can install a leak detection system that includes an automatic shut-off valve.

"Water leak detection is something that is going to help you if something goes catastrophically wrong," said Alex Nesbit with Apollo Home, which installs the alarms.

RELATED STORY | Beware of these contractor scams as spring project season begins

With most installed systems, homeowners or a plumber place alarms, or sensors, in any location prone to flooding or leaks, such as:

When your system detects a leak, your water valve will automatically close to prevent flooding, and an alert is sent to the homeowner's phone.

There are cheaper sensors on the market ranging from $30 to $100 from companies like D-Link, SimpliSafe, and YoLink -- which do not require professional installation.

Like a detection system, most of these sets connect to Wi-Fi and alert a homeowner when moisture is detected. They do not, however, turn the water off.

"All it is going to do is act like a smoke alarm," Nesbit said. "If you are out of town, it can be beeping the entire time, and you don't know."

Why spend money on water leak detectors?

Security company ADT says just a few inches of water can cause more than $10,000 in damage.

The water damage prevention company Water Damage Defense claims 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day.

And about one in 67 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water or freeze damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

For Nesbit, the value is clear.

"It's something that can save you a ton of money and honestly, heartache," he said.

Think of leak detectors as a small investment to potentially stop thousands of dollars in water damage. That way, you dont waste your money.

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Father and son mechanics PJ and Jim Schulten work together on cars. Now they're working together to save money on gas.

"Definitely as the prices have raised, we've increased our carpooling," Jim Schulten said.

When gas prices hit about $4.80 a gallon, the mechanics parked their gas-guzzling pickup trucks and started carpooling in dad's older, more fuel-efficient car, saving the duo about $50 a week.

RELATED STORY | Gas prices are driving a new interest in EVs, retailers say

"It's still cheaper for me to put premium gas in this and drive it to work, than it is for me to drive my truck," he said.

Watch as carpoolers explain the benefits of sharing a ride:

An old school fix

Between gas prices, car maintenance, tolls and downtown parking, the cost of getting to and from work adds up fast. Sharing the commute with a coworker could put a significant amount of money back in your pocket.

Jenny Newcomb, with the OKI Regional Council of Governments, said there are environmental benefits to carpooling, but saving money is the main attraction in recent months.

"With a larger car, if you're going downtown five days a week, it'll probably save you at least a tank of gas," Newcomb said.

OKI is a metropolitan planning agency serving Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. It offers several ways for local drivers to form connections with others who are interested in ridesharing. First, through the app Gohio Commute.

"It matches you with people near you, near your house who are going the same direction as you," Newcomb said, "with the same kind of schedule."

The organization also provides subsidies for workers who participate in a vanpool program. Through OKI's vanpools, coworkers rent a vehicle through Commute with Enterprise.

OKI provides an $800 monthly subsidy to eligible residents. Riders or their employers share the rest of the monthly rental fee.

Other states and cities offer similar programs.

Potential carpool savings

Carpool savings vary by commute, vehicle, location, and current gas prices.

In one estimate from Rideshare.org, a person with an average commute in a two-person carpool can save more than $1,500 by carpooling 250 days a year.

The more riders in a carpool, the bigger the savings.

RELATED STORY | Trump says he plans to suspend federal gas tax amid rising fuel prices

On days when you're not behind the wheel, Newcomb said the benefits go beyond the wallet. Being the passenger reduces stress and even allows you to get some work done.

"Just be the passenger princess, as they call it," Newcomb said.

The Schultens said they enjoy being able to doze on the way to work but the financial relief is what matters most.

"Unless you have pockets full of cash and money is no object, it's incredibly wasteful to not do that," Jim Schulten said.

Whether it be a family member, colleague, or friend, find someone to enjoy the morning commute alongside, so you dont waste your money.

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As the owner of an independent pet shop, Elisabeth Mayer knows rising prices are pushing some pet owners to their limits.

She tries to avoid price hikes, and help her customers find affordable food options.

"What we do carry, I feel very confident in their quality and also their price point," she said. "I try to do a combination of the two."

The average pet owner can expect to spend over $4,000 a year on routine expenses for a single cat or dog, according to pet insurance company Healthy Paws.

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

Food alone can run $58 to $268 a month for a medium-sized dog, as tallied by the pet care app Rover.

But as pet care costs continue to climb, some simple changes can make caring for your beloved pet more affordable.

Watch as a a pet shop owner explains why cheaper food can really cost more:

Check your pet's food ingredients

Mayer, who owns Argos Pet Food & Supply in Cincinnati, said many brand-name foods are packed with fillers, like corn, soy and animal byproducts, that can cost pet owners more in the long run.

"There are a lot of cheap ingredients in the cheaper foods," Mayer said. "You end up having to feed more of it, in fact, because the dog is hungrier, the cat is hungrier than a higher quality food that has quality ingredients."

Mayer cautions a larger package doesnt always mean more food or better value, so check labels for both ingredients and weight.

"We dont have the fancy bag," she said. "As nice as the fancy bag is, who needs it?"

Pet living expert and author Kristen Levine said when switching your pet food, its ideal to switch slowly.

She also said you can add premium quality food to your pets diet without breaking the bank.

"Use it as a topper on top of what your pet is currently eating," she said. "Then you could slowly change the ratio so that your pet's getting better nutrition, but you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money."

Prevent costly vet bills

Surprise veterinary bills can put the most strain on pet owners budgets.

Levine stressed that prevention is one of the most effective ways to avoid large vet bills, even if that means upfront costs.

To protect your pets outdoors, she recommends plant-based, pet-friendly products like Spruce Weed & Grass Killer to keep yards safe for animals, including bees.

She also recommends wearable health monitoring device like those offered by PetPace, to detect problems early on.

"Potentially saving you a costly trip to the veterinary ER clinic or to a vet visit," she said.

Pet insurance doesnt eliminate vet bills completely. But it can soften the blow.

According to Healthy Paws:

Take advantage of sales

For products you use regularly, stock up when you see a big sale. Amazons Pet Days, for example, runs May 11 through May 15, giving customers the chance to save on food, toys, health care products and grooming supplies.

Also join your favorite pet stores loyalty program for coupons or discounts.

Dont forget your local pet shops

Mayer said independent shops may be more affordable than shoppers expect.

"In many cases, we're actually less expensive than the big popular national brands," she said. "Argos Pet Food is our private label. We have 11 different formulas, and the food is made every couple of months in small batches."

She adds that small businesses offer something big-box retailers can't.

"Customers really appreciate having a relationship with the person that cares for their pet," she said.

This National Pet Month, take a good look at your pets food and what you spend on vet bills, so you dont waste your money.

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Many moms will wake up to fresh flowers this Mother's Day but without proper care, those blooms may not make it past Tuesday.

This year, shoppers are paying an average of $58 for flower bouquets, according to coupon tracking site CouponFollow. Thats a 7% increase over 2025.

With flower prices going up, a little effort can stretch the life of a bouquet from just a few days to a week or two.

Watch a florist and horticulture expert show how to make fresh lowers last for more than a week:

Buying a bouquet that lasts

Horticulture instructor Gwynn Hamilton of Virginia Tech recommends buying flowers in the early bloom stage before they've fully opened.

RELATED STORY | 2-ingredient fudge thats perfect for an easy Mothers Day treat

"If you need it to be on your table for a dinner party, buy it open and showy," she said. "If you want it to last in your mom's house, maybe buy it at the smaller stage."

Steps to make a bouquet last

A bouquet of cut flowers can last for two weeks when properly cared for. Experts suggest the following to keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible.

1. Clean vase

Once you have a bouquet at home, start with a clean vase. Bacteria can clog stems and shorten the life of your flowers.

"If you wouldn't drink out of it, don't make your flowers drink out of it," Hamilton said.

2. Flower food or an easy alternative

Follow the instructions on the packet of flower food that often comes with a bouquet to ensure youre adding the appropriate amount to the water. If you don't have one, there are two simple alternatives.

RELATED STORY | Why Mothers Day beats Valentines as the biggest dining holiday

"You can put in a little drop of lemon juice or vinegar and that acidifies the water," Hamilton said.

3. Change the water and trim

"Trimming and refreshing water is the number one thing to make them last," said Cleo Melvin, of Gia & the Blooms flower shop in Cincinnati.

Every time you change the water, wash the vase and trim a half inch to an inch off the bottom of the stems.

4. Choose a prime spot

Placement in the home also matters. Flowers thrive in sunlight while growing, but not after they've been cut.

"The dining room table is often the best spot in your house. It's a little cooler, not in the direct sun," Hamilton said.

Follow these steps and your Mothers Day bouquet could last for a week or two instead of just a few days so you dont waste your money.

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

CENTENNIAL, Colo. Xcel Energy offers a $10,000 rebate toward backup battery systems for customers who rely on electricity for medical devices. But how long does that battery actually last?

In a previous story, we reported that, according to an expert at Namaste Solar, a typical modern backup battery in this case the Tesla Powerwall 3 will power a home for about two hours. Photon Brothers, a solar and battery company, reached out to say the same battery system should last much longer than that.

WATCH: Denver7's Ethan Carlson digs into how long the battery systems actually last

Matthew Raichart, CEO of Photon Brothers, said his own power went out during Tuesday nights snow storm and his battery was on track to hold up well into the next day.

Anecdotally, my power happened to go out last night during the power outages from this storm, said Raichart, who uses a single Tesla Powerwall 3 on his home. When I logged into my Tesla app, it showed me that I had about 24 hours of power remaining in backup mode.

Raichart said customers who rely on a CPAP machine should expect their battery to last about 24 hours while also keeping lights and refrigeration running. For customers with a home oxygen system, he said the battery will last approximately 15 to 20 hours, depending on how conservative they are with their electricity use.

The previous report also stated that the $10,000 rebate covers roughly 50 to 60 percent of a battery with installation. Raichart said that if customers bundle that rebate with a prepaid lease, they should expect to pay about $1,500 out of pocket.

Batteries are something Im very passionate about. I believe they solve a critical issue with grid stability. They provide the customer with reliable power, and I wanted customers to know that they work very, very well, and that they are affordable, Raichart said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

It is National Small Business Week, a time to acknowledge the critical contributions of Americas entrepreneurs.

According to USA Facts, in 2025, there were 36 million small businesses in the US, accounting for 99% of all businesses.

There are challenges to starting and maintaining a small business, including inflation, supply chain disruptions and access to capital.

Despite the struggles, the number of new businesses in Colorado increased 12.3% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year ago. According to the Secretary of State's Office, 54,620 filed to incorporate in Colorado in the first quarter of this year.

Frank Robinson, a small business consultant with JPMorganChase in Denver, says the key to success is strategy.

They definitely want to have a business plan that will be the roadmap to starting their business. Another thing they want to do is understand their product and who their target market is, understand the pricing, and make sure that they don't make the mistake of pricing their product too low or too high, Robinson said. Finally, they want to get some help. There's a ton of resources out there to help start your business.

Robinson works with the Coaching for Impact Program at JPMorganChase in Colorado.

They have free one-on-one coaching and workshops on cash flow and digital marketing.

Digital marketing has become more important as consumers increasingly use social media to help make decisions.

One thing you can do is streamline all your marketing and all your advertising using technology, and I think a lot of small business owners are afraid to dip their toe into that type of marketing, but really, it could be very useful, Robinson said.

Robinson said they are having a Digital Marketing and AI workshop on May 28 at their Iliff and Chambers branch.

Filling up the tank is painful enough but if your car takes premium gas, you're consistently paying 50 to 80 cents more per gallon.

Larry Draper is spending well over $100 per fill up for his GMC Yukon, with gas prices close to $5 a gallon.

"When you put 30 gallons in here, its five times 30 you spend," he said.

RELATED STORY | Reasons behind recent gas price swings

With national gas prices up more than $1 compared to last year, does your vehicle really need premium fuel?

Watch as automotive experts show when you should buy premium gas, and when you don't need it:

Recommended vs. required

The answer depends on what your vehicle actually requires. There's a key difference between "premium recommended" and "premium required."

"If it says premium-required, you definitely want to run the premium," said Matt Overbeck, owner of Overbeck Auto Services. "Especially if youre under a manufacturers warranty."

Using regular fuel in a vehicle that requires premium could cause real harm.

"You don't want to get yourself in trouble because running the lower octane fuel could lead to internal engine damage," Overbeck said.

Premium gas typically rated at 91 to 94 octane is most recommended for high-performance vehicles.

RELATED STORY | Affordability concerns are weighing harder on consumer sentiment as Iran war drags on

"The engines tend to be higher technology engines. They tend to be more stressed engines, turbocharged, they make a lot of power," said Tony Quiroga, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver.

For vehicles where premium is recommended, not required, reduced power is the only potential downside.

"If you're somebody who enjoys accelerating hard in their car, enjoys the performance aspect of their car, you may notice that there's a little bit of a performance decrease when you switch to 87 [octane]," Quiroga said. "But in 99% of the cars on the road, you can get away with it."

Impact on fuel economy

In prior Car and Driver testing, higher-octane premium fuel made only a subtle impact on fuel economy.

For example, Quiroga said the fuel economy on a Honda CR-V was 27.3 mpg on regular gas, and 27.6 mpg on premium.

"The benefit is very, very minuscule. You'd be paying a lot more at the pump for a very tiny, tiny uptick," Quiroga said.

Whats best for your car?

While more expensive, premium gas does have its benefits.

Draper said he intends to keep filling up with premium fuel, averaging $5.38 per gallon, according to AAA.

"I avoid more problems if I just put the good gas in there and I don't have to worry about the fuel injectors messing up," Draper said.

The easiest way to know what your car actually needs is to check the fuel filler door or the owner's manual.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas hit $4.53 on Wednesday that's 85 cents cheaper than premium.

"An occasional tank of regular here or there is not going to hurt you," Overbeck said.

The bottom line: Dont feel guilty about putting regular gas in your car, if premium isn't required, so you dont waste your money.

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DENVER The owner of two Denver restaurants is facing back-to-back crises after a U-Haul truck crashed into one of his locations, forcing it to close, just as he was preparing to reopen a second restaurant that had been shut down for months following a fire.

Jason Alfonso owns both Ollie and Parks and Odyssey Italian Restaurant. Odyssey has been closed since mid-February after an exhaust fan on the outside of the building caught fire and spread into the attic. Alfonso said he was hoping to reopen Odyssey within the next month or so when the crash happened.

Denver7's Ethan Carlson spoke to the people affected by these incidents. Watch the story in the video player below:

A U-Haul truck slammed into the side of Ollie and Parks at around 4 p.m. Sunday, sending the vehicle through the bar and approximately 10 feet into the building.

If the bartender was behind the bar, he probably could have lost his life. Thank God he was outside, waiting on some tables out there, Alfonso said.

General Manager Ned Nichols said the scene was chaotic in the immediate aftermath.

Panic. Six Fire trucks my bartender was in shock. Just disarray and shock from the staff and the bystanders, Nichols said. Luckily, we had police and fire here in a moment. They were outstanding. They were amazing.

Despite the severity of the crash, no one was injured. Nichols called that a blessing.

There were two guests sitting here having cocktails and my bartender who is a sweet kid, was standing outside, said Nichols. Its a miracle nobody got hurt.

Alfonso said the building does not appear to have sustained structural damage, as the vehicle missed the support beans. However, he estimates the damage alone could reach at least $100,000, and likely more.

Its always more, Alfonso said.

Alfonso said the front of the restaurant could take six to eight weeks to repair, though the timeline depends heavily on the insurance process.

Its [about] getting the insurance company in here, getting in the payout for us to move forward. Odyssey probably could have been open a couple weeks ago if we would have gotten the insurance money faster, Alfonso said.

The closures have left approximately 15 workers at Ollie and Parks without jobs. Alfonso had already moved some Odyssey employees to Ollie and Parks to fill gaps during that closure.

These people depend on this income, said Alfonso. The biggest part is everyone that lives paycheck to paycheck, which is probably 95% of the people in our business What are we going to do next? How are they going to pay their bills?

Nichols said the priority now is finding a way forward for the staff.

There are families that dont have work, and weve got to figure all that out, said Nichols. At least nobodys in the hospital, nobodys hurt, and something outrageously horrific didnt happen. Thats a blessing.

He acknowledged the timeline for reopening Ollie and Parks remains uncertain.

Could be a month, could be eight months. When it comes to insurance companies and engineers and all that stuff, everything goes on hold, and its heartbreaking, Nichols said.

Alfonso said the immediate focus is getting Odyssey back open, with a target of three to four weeks.

Our number one goal now is to get Odyssey back open, he said

It is still too early in the investigation to determine the cause of the crash at Ollie and Parks.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Auto-payments could be costing you more money.

A financial expert at On Tap Credit Union suggests that you do an audit of what you have set up to auto-pay. While it is convenient to use, automatic payments remove your mindful choice of reviewing expenses. It can also make it easier to forget about how many subscriptions youre paying for.

It's easy to overlook because it was designed this way. The systems were built to be invisible, that's the whole business model. I talk to people all the time who feel a little embarrassed when they finally do an audit and they realize that they have 15 subscriptions and they aren't using 8 of them. That's the design working as it was intended, Director of community impact at On Tap Credit Union Marshall Moore said.

Another issue with auto-pay is that you could be missing price increases on subscriptions or possible billing errors by companies like utilities.

"So when you set it and forget it, you haven't opted out of decisions. Companies raise prices, subscriptions auto renew, new charges sneak in, your account kind of just goes along with it," Moore said.

According to On Tap Credit Union, the average American is actually spending about 2.5 times the amount they think they're spending on auto-pay. A 2022 study found that was an average of $219 a month on subscriptions, but the average consumer estimated that they were spending only $86 a month. That gap is roughly $1,600 a year flowing out of your life automatically that you never planned for.

Experts suggest once a quarter, take 15 minutes for a money date. Review your statements and all reoccurring charges. Another solution is to include yourself in automatic payments.

The simple fix is before you subscribe to anything else this year, subscribe to yourself first. It's the same tool, but it's pointed in your direction. Automate money into your savings, your investments, and your freedom fund before you automate it into Netflix, before the gym, before any of that. Pay yourself like you are the most important bill in your life, because you are, Moore said.

For more information on how to invest in your future, check out your local credit union. Most credit unions are community-based, not for-profit organizations that can offer free financial education and coaching programs.

Hoping to fly this summer?

Travelers are facing a significant rise in airfare as airlines respond to high fuel prices.

The average domestic flight now costs an average $361, according to data from Kayak. Thats up from $291 at the start of the year.

RELATED STORY | US gas prices jump to the highest average in nearly 4 years

Traveler Sherry Franks is seeing her dream destinations get less affordable.

"I looked at one, and it went from $300 to $1,000," she said.

Watch as a travel expert shows how you can still find decent airfares this year:

Summer prices unlikely to come down

United Airlines' CEO warned the company could raise prices as much as 20% this summer. Delta's CEO has implied higher prices could stick.

"I think a lot of us love to think we'll get that last-minute bargain. And maybe you can from time to time. We're not seeing it right now though," said Eric Rosen, director of content at The Points Guy.

Lauren David is feeling the impact while planning a wedding trip and a beach vacation.

"Both of those flights were expensive compared to normal, typical prices," she said.

It's not just airfare either. Rosen said checked bag fees are up about $5 across the board.

"All six of the largest U.S. airlines have raised those fees within the last couple of weeks," he said.

Fewer routes to choose from

Flight cuts are also possible, as airlines look to offset the rising cost of jet fuel. Rosen points out it may be more nuanced than entire routes disappearing.

"Maybe there are three daily frequencies on a route, and it's going to go down to two or even one," Rosen said.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs

In addition, the shutdown of Spirit Airlines has taken thousands of planned flights offline, forcing travelers to compete for seats on other airlines.

Flexibility is key this summer

There is still some relief available for travelers who can be flexible.

"We're still seeing some decent airfares for August if you can push your trip later in the summer," Rosen said.

More ways to stay ahead of rising costs:

For some travelers, flying still makes more financial sense than driving.

"Gas is so expensive, I would think it would always be cheaper to fly," said Avalon Gaston, who chose to pay for a short flight over gas for a 12-hour drive.

Before you book your next flight, track airfare to make sure the math works out in your favor, while keeping gas, tolls, and hotel prices in mind so you dont waste your money.

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

BOULDER, Colo. City leaders in Boulder are looking at whether to change whats called the tip offset. Thats the amount employers can deduct from a tipped workers base pay since they also earn tips.

Right now, that offset is just over $3, but with the minimum wage set to rise again next year, officials are considering an increase.

"Were looking at $1.35 would be the maximum increase possible. With four different levels that were exploring, its approximately a 30-cent difference, Boulder Communications Manager Shannon Aulabaugh said. Council could decide one of those numbers or any number in between."

Boulders current minimum wage is $16.82 an hour. For tipped workers, that drops to $13.80 after the offset.

Watch Sophia Villalba's report in the player below:

City leaders say that, no matter what, workers must still earn at least the minimum wage.

Regardless of any change being made, the tip wage earner has to make at least minimum wage, which, every year, is going to increase in the city of Boulder, Aulabaugh said.

Officials are now asking both workers and business owners to weigh in.

The people that are operating a business and the tipped wage earners, because this is going to impact them the most, Aulabaugh said. Reaching our tipped wage earners is going to be a challenge. We are trying to do everything we can to reach them, because we can't go while they're on shift and ask them to fill out a survey."

Rachel Rose Isaacson says her pay is different from day to day. For her, any change to her tipped wages and how theyre calculated feels personal.

Adding further instability and less base pay as the cost of living goes up could sadly contribute to the devastating impacts when our social services are already strained, restaurant server Rachel Rose Isaacson said.

Denver7 spoke to several business owners in Boulder to get their thoughts on this proposal. They told Denver7 they were hesitant to speak out for or against the proposal at this time.

Colorado Restaurant Association President and CEO Sonia Riggs told Denver7 that the CRA is grateful city council is taking up the issue of the tip credit and listening to independent restaurants in their community, who desperately need help right now amid out-of-control costs.

He said the proposal wont cut worker pay but would give restaurants more flexibility.

We appreciate Boulder working with its restaurant community to find a solution that will keep our industry viable, maintaining the flexible, well-paying jobs that come along with a dynamic restaurant scene. None of the options on the table will reduce employee wages, but rather, give restaurants the flexibility to stay open for business and direct more towards their back-of-house crews, who are typically the lowest-paid staff in a restaurant, he said.

The city says this is just the beginning.

Any change is going to affect both the business itself and the tip wage earner, Aulabaugh said.

Feedback is open through June, with a final decision expected this fall. If you would like to leave feedback on this issue, click here.

Aulabaugh said the council will weigh the impacts heavily.

We're working on getting flyers posted. We're posting on social media channels that we think will be seen. It will take someone just a few minutes to provide some feedback on how a change would impact them," Aulabaugh said.

Everyone is talking about gas prices right now. Youve probably noticed fuel costs are rising rapidly. One big reason is the war with Iran.

The Midwest is dealing with the most significant price swings due to an outage at a gas refinery in Indiana. The facility shut down on Sunday, driving up wholesale prices instantly.

RELATED STORY | US gas prices jump to the highest average in nearly 4 years

In Northeast Ohio, gas prices jumped 50 cents or more in a single day. At some stations, regular gas is now $4.99 a gallon the highest since 2022.

Jeff Lenard, a spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores, said that the recent price hike is unusual.

These types of swings are very uncommon. We don't normally see these wild wholesale and retail price swings, said Lenard.

Lenard said gas station owners are feeling the squeeze, too. Usually, about 90% of the price of gas is determined before gas stations get possession of it. The markup is around 35 cents and expenses are about 25 cents, so owners typically make about 10 cents a gallon or roughly $1 on a fill-up. However, when there is a dramatic price increase, its not uncommon for gas station owners to make a few cents or even lose a few cents per gallon.

RELATED STORY | Affordability concerns are weighing harder on consumer sentiment as Iran war drags on

Its unclear when the Indiana refinery will return to normal operations, so drivers should expect prices to remain unusually high for a while.

DENVER A scam text message posing as an official court summons is circulating across Colorado and the nation, prompting warnings from law enforcement and drawing hundreds of confused residents to a Denver district court.

WATCH: Denver7's Colin Riley reports on the scam and how to protect yourself

The fraudulent message claims recipients have violated multiple traffic laws and urges them to scan a QR code or appear in court. Court officials, Denver police and Colorado State Patrol have all posted warnings on social media reminding the public that courts will never send a QR code by text or demand payment for a missed traffic violation.

Within minutes of arriving at Denver District Court on Friday morning, Denver7's Colin Riley found multiple people who had received the same fake summons on their phones.

"Yeah, I got a text message on my phone yesterday morning, actually," Denver resident Raelynn Kilgore said.

A flyer posted on the courthouse door warned visitors the message is a scam. Security guards inside told Denver7 that within two hours of being open, 200 people had come through the doors asking about it.

Mark Fetterhoff with AARP said the organization has been flooded with reports about the scam.

"This text message looks very official. It looks like something that might be coming from, as a court document," Fetterhoff said.

"Essentially, they're trying to just get you to solve the problem quickly and move on, but all they're really trying to do is gather your personal information and your payment information so they can use it for something else," Fetterhoff said.

The people we spoke with did not pay or scan the QR code, but the message was convincing enough to bring them downtown.

"So we showed up this morning, and we hassled to get the kids to school and everything else, and then we make it here, and they tell us that it's a scam," Denver resident Kenny Tietsort said.

Denver County Court says anyone who receives a suspicious text should report it to their local police department and notify the Colorado Attorney General's Office. You can also report the text message as spam or forward it to the Federal Trade Commission. Long-press the spam text, select forward, and send it to 7726.

Xcel Energy offers a $10,000 rebate on home backup battery systems for customers who live in Tier 2 or Tier 3 wildfire risk zones and rely on electricity for their health. Denver7 wanted to know how far will that rebate get Coloradans during power outages.

To receive the rebate, individuals need to be an Xcel customer, signed up for the companys Medical Certification Program or the Colorado Medical Exemption Program, and live in wildfire risk zones.

Nate Metzler, a licensed solar electrician with Namaste Solar, said interest in backup battery systems has surged following a series of Public Safety Power Shutoffs tied to high winds and wildfire danger.

Weve had these planned outages from Xcel because of high winds, Metzler said. Weve been getting a lot of inquiries about battery systems from that.

Matt Griffin, a sales representative at Namaste Solar, told Denver7 the $10,000 rebate covers roughly 50 to 60% of the cost of one backup battery, including installation.

The programs really designed to help folks who are only installing a battery without solar, lets say, find where they are going to go next, Griffin said.

A single backup battery on its own will likely only last a couple of hours during an outage, even if electricity is used conservatively. Griffin said customers who can afford to go further will get significantly more protection by pairing a battery with solar panels.

A typical installation of about eight to 10 solar panels and one backup battery runs, roughly, between $25,000 and $35,000 before incentives. That kind of system can power a home on its own while the sun is shining, supplemented by the battery into nighttime.

The best advice that anyone can give you about a battery is that, in an outage event, conservation of your energy use is key, Griffin said. If you think of it like, you have this tank of electricity, and if you're using every single appliance in your house, that tank is going to drain very fast.

If you have a medical device and are running off a battery alone, conserving as much electricity as possible is critical, and having a plan for when the battery runs out is equally important.

Beyond the Xcel rebate for qualifying customers, additional incentives are available to the broader public. Those include State of Colorado tax credits, which typically amount to between $1,000 and $2,000, according to Griffin. There is also a Tesla rebate of $500 per Powerwall, capped at two units, which runs through June 30.

Xcel also offers a separate program open to nearly all of its customers. The Renewable Battery Connect program gives up to $5,000 in rebates towards backup batteries in exchange for giving Xcel five years of access to a customers battery with up to 60 discharge events per year back to the grid.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Early May is one of the busiest times of the year for florists and garden centers as they gear up for Mothers Day.  

"Youve got shrubs in bloom, youve got trees in bloom, youve got flowers. Youve got all kinds of options for mom or for just planting in the yard," said Chris McKeown, owner of Denny McKeowns Bloomin Garden Centre.

Despite price hikes in recent years, 45% of those shopping for Mothers Day plan to gift flowers, according to data from RetailMeNot. Thats up from 38% last year. 

RELATED STORY | Larger tax refunds helping fuel record Mothers Day spending

Watch as a garden center owner and florist show how to save money but still get beautiful flowers:

But wait too long and that floral arrangement can cost you.

The average cost nationwide to send a special Mothers Day bouquet is $65.10, according to FinanceBuzz.

"Farmers all across the country were also hit by tariffs, which raised the prices of tulips and ranunculus and a lot of the spring bulbs," said Gwynn Hamilton, a horticulture instructor at Virginia Tech. "I think flower farmers are trying their best to keep prices low." 

If you love a bouquet...

A vibrant bouquet is bound to make the moms in your life smile.  

Hamilton, a flower farmer herself, said savvy shoppers can cut costs by skipping the vase and opting for a wrapped bouquet instead.

"Because certainly you have something at home that you can use as a vase," she said. 

For those still set on sending a traditional bouquet, RetailMeNots Stephanie Carls said timing and delivery choices make a big difference in price. 

"Inside the week of, you are definitely paying for timing. That delivery fee is what is going to get you," she said. 

Carls recommends switching to pickup when possible and stacking promo codes on top of cashback offers. For more savings, Hamilton said smaller arrangements are less pricey but just as meaningful. 

"Cuties, shorties, minis, all the names that gets flowers in your hand at a low price point," she said. 

Floral gifts that last

For a gift that lasts longer than cut flowers, McKeown likes a hanging basket.  

"The nice thing about hanging plants, theyre weather-proof because you can move those around," he said. 

RELATED STORY | Moms likely to lose on pay, less likely to have long careers

McKeown said the best floral gifts are ones that keep on giving long after the holiday. 

"If you were to get mom a perennial flower, that's one that comes back from its roots every year," he said. "Or say a flowering shrub like a lilac. That's something mom is going to enjoy for years to come." 

Hamilton recommends the gift of gardening something you and mom can enjoy together. 

"An experience is a wonderful gift, especially if you can join your mom in the experience," Hamilton said. "We're going to spend the day in the garden. I have loaded you up with tomato plants or flowers or bulbs and let's go to town." 

Houseplants are trendy and last for months or years with proper care. 

"You have orchids, you have succulents, maybe even a small herb garden," Carls said. 

Whatever you choose, McKeown offered one final piece of advice: Avoid gifts that create unwanted work for mom. 

"You don't want to give mom work. She's been working all your life for you," he said.  

Whether mom's a fan of bouquet beauty, or hardy houseplants, theres an affordable option for your budget, so you dont waste your money. 

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