Consumer News Blog Archives

Find out how to use Discovery Plus's 7-day free trial and whether the ad-supported or ad-free plan fits your viewing habits. Learn practical ways to save too—from annual billing and carrier bundles to Prime Channels and seasonal promos.

Want to stream Starz for free or at a steep discount? Learn the easiest ways to score 7–30 day trials through partners like Prime Video, Hulu, Roku, and YouTube TV, plus tips for long-term savings and managing cancellations.

Want to try Fubo for free and cut the cost if you keep it? Get step‑by‑step tips for activating standard 5‑day or partner 30‑day trials, navigating plan prices and regional sports fees, and using promos, household sharing, pauses, and free Fubo channels to save.

Netflix no longer offers a standard free trial in the U.S., but you can still get free or heavily discounted access through verified partner bundles (T‑Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity), gift cards, and smart tactics like binge‑and‑cancel. The guide also explains trade-offs for ad‑supported plans and warns against risky hacks like VPN price‑shifting or stolen‑account tools.

Want ad-free Spotify without paying right away? Learn how to find free trials, bundled promos, student discounts and gift-card tricks to score months of Premium in August 2026 — plus the eligibility and cancellation tips to avoid surprise charges.

Spotify's Premium prices increased in 2026 — see the current rates for Individual, Duo, Family, Student and audiobook tiers and what each includes. Learn simple ways to cut costs like student verification, annual gift cards, splitting plans, carrier perks, and maximizing credit-card rewards.

Eligible college students can get Max's Basic With Ads plan for 50% off (just $5.49/month) by verifying with UNiDAYS—here's a step-by-step guide to redeem the code, troubleshoot common issues, and understand the fine print.

College students are always on the hunt for a good deal. So when it comes to streaming entertainment, the big question is: does Netflix offer a student discount?

Curious what Apple TV Plus and the Apple TV 4K cost in 2026 and whether they're worth it? Get up-to-date prices, student and carrier perks, bundle strategies, and practical tips to save on both hardware and subscriptions.

See how much ESPN costs in August 2026 and what you get with ESPN Select ($12.99/mo) versus ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/mo), plus Disney Bundle pricing. Quick savings tips include annual plans, carrier/credit-card perks, discounted gift cards, and free access via YouTube TV.

Curious what Amazon Prime Video costs in 2026 and whether the new Prime Video Ultra or discounted plans fit your budget? Find the current monthly and annual pricing, who qualifies for cheaper tiers like Prime Access or student plans, and easy ways to save.

Duolingo offers its core features for free, but serious language learners can supercharge their experience with paid upgrades.

Babbel is a popular language-learning platform offering courses in 14 languages with expert-crafted content and live online classes.

Want Peacock without paying full price? Find top bundle deals — Apple TV, Xfinity, Walmart Plus, Instacart — with quick activation tips and timing advice to maximize savings.

Want to stretch your Apple budget? Learn where to score discounted Apple Gift Cards — from Apple's Education Store bonuses (up to $150 with eligible Macs and iPads) to wholesale and retailer markdowns — and what redemption limits to watch for.

Disney gift cards are a magical way for fans to enjoy all things Disney, from theme park tickets to merchandise and dining experiences.

Xfinity's new internet service will give users a quicker, smoother experience — especially for gaming, video chatting, and virtual reality.

Tech-savvy consumers who prioritize high-speed internet, reliable mobile coverage, integrated entertainment platforms, and one-stop billing will love Verizon.

See how carrier and ISP bundles from T‑Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity and others can cut your Netflix costs—often by 40–70%—and when it's smarter to stick with an ad‑free standalone plan for 4K or extra member slots.

See current Apple Music rates for August 2026—individual, student, and family plans—and practical ways to lower your monthly cost, from family sharing and annual billing to carrier perks, device promos, and discounted gift cards.

Wondering how much Hulu Plus Live TV costs after the Disney merger and whether it's worth the price in 2026? Get a clear breakdown of plans, add-ons, trials, and practical ways to save so you can decide if Hulu fits your budget.

Eligible K–12 and college teachers can get Peacock Premium (with ads) for $6.99/month for 12 months after SheerID verification, saving $6/month off the regular price. The guide explains who qualifies, how to claim and renew the discount, and common verification or billing issues to watch for.

With consistent sales and special events like the annual Target Teacher Prep Event, educators can save significantly.

Are Cyber Monday deals as good as Black Friday offers? Check out our Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday guide to learn how these two shopping holidays differ.

Now is the time to create your Black Friday game plan! Read our guide to Black Friday store hours to learn what you can expect.

Amazon has included Invite-only Prime deals in its 2024 Prime Day arsenal. But what is this program, and which offers are eligible for it? We have the details you need!

Our latest survey provides insights into Americans' retail shopping and return behavior. See the impact of return policies, reasons for returns, and more.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for someone special or just shopping for your office Secret Santa, we'll help you sort out those presents that are more likely to be returned.

Do you ignore doorbusters or avoid shopping online during Black Friday? If you want to grab the best bargains this week, be sure you aren't making these costly Black Friday mistakes.