ConsumerAffairs

The World Cup offers surprising money lessons. Success comes from preparation, discipline, and smart decisions — not one spectacular play. Focus on the fundamentals. Build an emergency fund, avoid costly mistakes, and stick to your long-term financial plan. Don't quit after a setback. Like championship teams, successful savers recover from mistakes and keep moving toward their goals. The World Cup may be about soccer, but it also offers a master class in personal finance.

The FDA has approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor for adults with high cholesterol. The medication is designed to be used alongside diet, exercise, and maximally tolerated statin therapy to further reduce LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. Clinical trials found the pill lowered LDL cholesterol by 56% to 59% over 24 weeks, with a safety profile that was generally similar to placebo.

Walmart says it's offering its lowest prices since 2019 on 14 of the most common school supplies, with select items starting at 25 cents. The retailer is expanding back-to-school offerings with clothing, lunch solutions, wellness services and college essentials. New digital tools and multiple shopping options are designed to help families save both time and money. Back-to-school shopping is about much more than picking up notebooks and pencils.

Researchers found that a blood test measuring the biomarker p-tau217 helped estimate the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment over the next five to 10 years. The study followed nearly 2,700 cognitively healthy older adults from six long-term research cohorts across Australia, North America and Japan.

Your garage could be worth thousands. One study estimates the average garage holds about $5,035 in resale value. Start with bikes and tools. Bikes, gym equipment, tools, and camping gear typically bring the biggest payouts. Sell smarter. Check recently sold eBay listings for pricing, and skip listing low-value items that aren't worth the hassle.

Health experts say consumers do not need to stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables despite the nationwide Cyclospora outbreak, but they recommend taking extra precautions until investigators identify the source. Raw leafy greens, fresh herbs, berries, and other produce typically eaten uncooked carry the greatest concern, while cooked, canned, frozen, and peelable produce generally pose a lower risk.

Newly built homes remained slightly cheaper than existing homes during the first quarter of 2026, extending an unusual trend that has now lasted four consecutive quarters. The median new-home price was $403,200, compared with $404,600 for an existing home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Builders are keeping prices competitive by constructing smaller, more affordable homes while existing homeowners have been slower to reduce asking prices.

Wedding spending is up 8.5% so far in 2026, with higher prices for venues, flowers, catering, and other services driving costs higher. Gen Z is fueling much of the wedding market's growth, while many couples are cutting costs on items like formal attire and opting for lab-grown diamonds. Financial experts say couples can keep costs under control by setting a firm budget, trimming the guest list, and prioritizing the expenses that matter most.

Millions of borrowers enrolled in the now-defunct Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student loan repayment plan are beginning to receive notices giving them 90 days to choose a new repayment option. Borrowers who fail to act before their individual deadline will be automatically moved into a standard repayment plan, which could result in significantly higher monthly payments.

The FTC is warning consumers about a resurgence of a mail scam claiming recipients are entitled to millions of dollars in unclaimed life insurance proceeds or an inheritance from someone with the same last name. The letters are not from legitimate law firms, but from scammers trying to steal victims' personal information, banking details and, ultimately, their money.