Week of December 25, 2023
(see last week)
Consumer World Original
Ho, ho, ho... We end the year with a special double-dose of downsized products demonstrating how shrinkflation continues to nibble away at our wallets. (Our next new Mouse Print* story will be published on January 1.) That is our Mouse Print* story this week.
Based on the cost of living index, USA Today says that Mississippi is the least expensive state to live in. Here are the rest of the top 10 cheapest states.
For 28 years, Consumer World has served readers with the latest consumer news, money-saving tips, and independent investigations on topics like shrinkflation and digital coupons. It is your generosity that keeps this site and Mouse Print* available as free consumer resources. So MrConsumer turns to you and humbly asks for your support again this year. Your gift will be most appreciated.
Please Help Support Consumer World |
Consumer World is pleased to present our 20th annual survey of retailers' return policies. This year, more stores have added fees if you return unwanted purchases by mail. And several big chains have shortened the window during which you can take advantage of their extended holiday return period.
Nearly one in four adults have fallen victim to package theft. Now, a new UPS data program named “Delivery Defense” uses artificial intelligence to enhance security measures and safeguard packages against porch pirates. pic.twitter.com/1Lv7wbHL8y
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 20, 2023
UPS now uses artificial intelligence to figure out if your home is a likely target for porch pirates. It is called a Delivery Defense score and if your home rates poorly, UPS may ask you to have your package delivered to a safer pickup location. You cannot look up your own home's Delivery Defense rating, however.
Enter an item, or preferably paste its Amazon URL (address)
|
Every Monday morning, get a preview of the latest consumer stories and the Bargain of the Week in your email box...free! Sign up now.
ADV
My plan is $5 a month and now has 1 gig of data and unlimited texting. You can add monthly calling minutes in chunks to the plan under "Build Your Own Plan" for only a few dollars.
Alternatively, for low volume callers like me, you can buy 2000 minutes in their pay-as-you-go section (bottom of screen) for $20 that never expire. For every minute you talk a penny is deducted under that method.
If you want to splurge, you can customize your plan and get, for example, 2 gigs of data, and unlimited talk and texts for only $10 a month. Note: they do not add made-up junk fees onto their plan prices, but there may be a mandatory FCC fee on plans with monthly call allotments. If you sign up with this link (or use referral code P3F3SR3J ) you will get a $10 credit on your bill. They have great US-based customer service.
++See also: Hot Deals
Consumer Reports
Follow Consumer World® on Twitter and Facebook.
Copyright © 1995-2023 Consumer World®. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and Terms
|