Kyle James

Store brands have improved dramatically. Generic medications, pantry staples, frozen produce, and many household essentials often deliver similar quality for a lower price. Shop smarter, not by brand. Compare unit prices and ingredient lists—you may be paying extra for a familiar label rather than a better product. Some categories are still personal. Coffee, cereal, ketchup, and certain snacks may be worth the splurge if you prefer the taste or performance. Private-label products have come a long way.

Check the label. Many Costco steaks are blade tenderized and recommend cooking to 145°F with a 3-minute rest. There's a reason. Blade tenderizing can move bacteria inside the meat, so these steaks have different cooking guidance than intact cuts. Cook smart. Use a meat thermometer and don't assume every steak is safe to eat rare or medium-rare. If you've ever picked up a package of steaks at Costco, there's a good chance you've overlooked one important line on the label.

Millions of current and former YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers may qualify for a share of Disney's $50 million antitrust settlement. • The settlement covers eligible subscriptions purchased between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, with claims due by Sept. 8, 2026. • Payments will vary based on how long customers subscribed and the total number of valid claims filed, with money expected to be distributed after final court approval.