Author: Elizabeth Blessing
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New York City’s click-to-cancel rule starts October 1, with refunds possible for violations
Canceling a subscription in New York City is scheduled to become as straightforward as starting it. A finalized city rule takes effect October 1, 2026 and requires businesses to offer cancellation through the same method used for enrollment. Violations can lead to civil penalties and consumer refunds, but the enforcement rights do not begin before…
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Fantastic Four cups and Captain America popcorn helmets qualify for refunds over accessible button batteries
A movie souvenir meant for children can become dangerous when its light-up battery compartment opens too easily. About 55,350 Fantastic Four cups and Captain America popcorn-helmet containers are under recall because children can access their button batteries and required warnings are missing. Owners can recover the purchase price after documenting disposal. The hazard is ingestion,…
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WaterStreet breach victims can claim up to $3,000 by August 19
WaterStreet notice recipients have less than three weeks to turn breach-related records into a settlement claim. The proposed deal offers reimbursement of documented losses up to $3,000 or an expected alternative cash payment of $55. Neither figure is automatic, and the August 19 deadline arrives before the September 3 final approval hearing. The mailed notice…
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Car insurance prices fell 2% in June after a 1.7% May drop
Two consecutive declines in the national motor-vehicle-insurance price index are a welcome break after years of sharp premium increases. The index fell 2% in June following a 1.7% May decline. That does not automatically lower a policyholder’s next renewal, but it gives households a reason to test whether insurers are competing more aggressively for their…
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Shelter costs rose 0.1% in June, their smallest monthly move since 2021
Housing did not become cheaper in June, but its broad inflation measure moved more slowly than it had in years. The federal shelter index rose 0.1% for the month, the smallest increase since January 2021. That is evidence of easing momentum in a major inflation component, not evidence that a particular tenant’s rent or homeowner’s…
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Medicare beneficiaries pay $217 a day for covered skilled nursing care after day 20
A covered skilled-nursing stay can feel free during its first weeks and then produce a $217 daily bill almost overnight. In 2026, Medicare Part A charges no coinsurance for days 1 through 20 of a covered stay in a benefit period. Days 21 through 100 carry the $217 daily amount, making the coverage calendar a…
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Social Security disability applicants can now track hearings and appeal decisions online
Waiting for a disability hearing can leave a household with no clear answer about when a decision will arrive or whether a form reached the right office. Social Security expanded its online Claim Status Tracker on July 21 to show hearing and appeal movement, decision milestones and processing-time estimates. The tool does not accelerate a…
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Up to $5,120 of the 2026 adoption tax credit may be refundable
The federal adoption credit has traditionally been most useful to families with enough income-tax liability to absorb it. For 2026, the IRS says a portion can reach an eligible taxpayer as a refund: up to $5,120 of a maximum $17,670 credit. The word “may” matters because qualified expenses, timing, income and prior reimbursements still control…
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The $10,000 car-loan interest deduction excludes leases and vehicles first used by someone else
A new federal deduction can make interest on some personal vehicle loans deductible, but two common ways of getting a car fail immediately: leasing it and buying it after someone else already used it. The annual maximum is $10,000 of eligible interest, not $10,000 off the tax bill. Vehicle history, loan date, assembly location and…
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An IRS CP53E notice can delay your refund until you update bank details online
A CP53E letter means the IRS has reached a refund problem that cannot be solved by giving bank numbers to a telephone representative. The notice gives the taxpayer 30 days to respond through an Individual Online Account or explain why electronic payment is not possible. Until that step is handled, money a household expected can…
