Articles
The New Travel Fee Catching Travelers Before They Even Depart
Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
New Zealand’s two required charges can add about $70 before a hotel booking, while other countries are adding or changing digital entry fees.
Why Millions of Americans May Have No Warm Winter Nights This Year
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
Heating oil could cost households an average of $878 more this winter, with some Northeast families facing bills nearly $1,000 higher.
There’s Still a Heavy Demand for Workers. It’s in Blue-Collar Jobs
Rachel Barber, Jessica Guynn and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
A new report estimates employers will need 1.7 million skilled-trade workers a year through 2035, but training pipelines may supply barely half.
After a Mini-Stroke, the Bigger Danger Isn’t Another Stroke
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 2, 2026
A 113,000-person study found doctors are watching for the wrong threat. And the first year is when it matters most.
Holiday Jobs Are the Scarcest Since 2008. Here’s Who’s Still Hiring
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 2, 2026
Retailers are hiring fewer holiday workers than in any year since the Great Recession. The early birds will snatch them up.
Gold Is Roughly 26% Below Its January Record. Before You Put It in an IRA, Do the Break-Even Math
Kendall Blythe on October 2, 2026
Gold can add diversification to a retirement portfolio, but watch the IRA fees and dealer markups before making a decision.
The Price of Holiday Travel Just Hit a Level Travelers Haven’t Seen
Eve Chen and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
Thanksgiving fares average $402, while international tickets to Oceania top $2,000 at Christmas; flexible dates and booking tactics could help trim the bill.
20 Cities in America That Are Cheapest for Homebuyers
Jonathan Jones on October 1, 2026
Explore the cities that still favor homebuyers.
How a Family Turned a Vacation Into a New Life in Sardinia, Italy
Jennifer Pellerito on October 1, 2026
Two generations of one family decided to move to Sardinia together. Here’s how they did it.
10 Dumb Ways Retirees Blow Their Savings
Maryalene LaPonsie on October 1, 2026
You can make retirement money last a lot longer by avoiding these costly mistakes.
8 Ways You’re Wrecking Your Most Expensive Home Appliances
Marilyn Lewis on October 1, 2026
Some appliance failures are beyond our control, but plenty are self-inflicted.
6 Ways to Land Free Shipping for Online Purchases
Melissa Neiman on October 1, 2026
Pesky shipping fees remain a major drawback to shopping online — but you can easily avoid them.
Disney+ Ad-Free Jumps 13% to $21.49, but These 3 Plans Won’t Change
Kendall Blythe on October 1, 2026
Current subscribers are next. Before the new price hits your bill, one cheaper plan deserves a look.
The Stark Consequences of Home, Renters and Car Underinsurance
Kendall Blythe on October 1, 2026
Lack of funds does not waive your financial responsibility.
Prime Still Costs $139. But Here Are 6 Perks Amazon Took Away.
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2026
Amazon hasn’t raised the price of Prime in more than four years. It didn’t have to.
Amazon to Start Sending Out Settlement Payments. Are You Eligible?
Gabe Hauari and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026
The FTC says some customers qualify automatically based on how often they used Prime, with payments topping out at $200.
Graphic Designers Want You to Stop With AI Posters
Greta Cross and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026
A custom logo or flyer can cost $100 to $200, while agencies quote thousands — and designers say a cheaper shortcut can still damage trust.
Costco’s Biggest Money-Saver Isn’t Inside the Warehouse
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2026
It saved members more than $3.2 billion last year, and you won’t find it in a single shopping cart.
Your Pension Can Be Sold to an Insurer. Here’s What You Lose
Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2026
It’s legal, it’s common, and you don’t get a vote. The federal safety net behind your check can disappear with it.
5 Things You Must Do at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights
Eve Chen and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026
A 12-minute lagoon show, a $14.99 shareable pizza and five scare zones offer more than jump scares during this year’s event.
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