Consumer Corner
9 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping
Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable delays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most wonderful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable delays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most wonderful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.
Even though the holidays seem to creep up faster and faster every year, and inflation adds an additional worry, there is still hope for your budget this season. To help reduce stress and avoid overspending on gifts, consider these money-saving tips from Regina Conway, consumer expert for Slickdeals, a one-of-a-kind online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more.
Holiday Shopping Tips
Avoid procrastinating. Due to shifting shopping habits, there may be excess inventory in certain categories such as home goods. While it’s possible categories with extra inventory may see deep discounts later in the holiday season, don’t expect every item you want to be available at the last minute.
Set your budget with hidden costs in mind. When setting budgets, many people stop at the number they think they’ll spend on gifts alone. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as child or pet care services, shipping fees and travel costs so there are no surprises.
Tap into technology. Whether shopping for toys and technology or travel and home goods, starting your search by visiting a site like Slickdeals can help you find the best deals this holiday season. Deals from top retailers are vetted and voted on by a community of 12 million shoppers working together to save to help ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices. You can also set Deal Alerts to be notified when a deal matching your criteria gets posted.
Buy online, pick up in-store. Where available – including at many big box retailers – shopping online then picking up your purchases in-store (or curbside for even more convenience) can help you avoid paying shipping fees and confirm your items will arrive on time. Some retailers even offer exclusive discounts for curbside or in-store pickup.
Take advantage of membership programs. If you haven’t been a member before, many retailers that offer memberships allow for free trials to test the perks, which often include free shipping. However, remember to cancel the trial before it auto-subscribes you for a full year. If you’ve previously done a trial, consider buying just a one-month membership to take advantage of the benefits during the holiday shopping season.
Abandon your shopping cart. When shopping online, add items you’re interested in to your cart, go through the check out process to the point where the retailer has your email address then simply close the browser or tab. Often, if you have not shopped from the site previously, the retailer will send you a discount code or coupon to incentivize your purchase decision.
Stock up on discounted gift cards. Taking advantage of discounted gift card sites is a simple way to save some cash on holiday purchases. Not only can you give a gift card you bought at a discount as a gift, you can also use it to shop. Just be sure not to overbuy or you may end up wasting unused cards.
Ask for a price match or adjustment. If you bought something and find a lower price within a week of that purchase, ask the retailer for a price adjustment. While this typically won’t work with special promotions, many stores, both online and brick and mortar, will price match during the holiday season. If you’re shopping in-store, take your smartphone with you and ask for the retailer to match online pricing, which can sometimes be a better deal. Asking for this match can save you time and money on shipping fees you might incur ordering online.
Check return policies. Many retailers offer extended return windows during the holiday shopping season. Make sure you look at the details of retailers’ policies to ensure you understand how much time you have to make returns and don’t have to pay return shipping or other unexpected costs.
Find more tips to get the best deals on holiday gifts at Slickdeals.net.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Slickdeals
Consumer Corner
Jeep Goes Back to 1945 With the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A
Jeep is looking back more than 80 years with the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a Rubicon-based special edition inspired by the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep designed specifically for civilian use.
The special-edition Wrangler pays tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, the vehicle that helped transform the wartime Jeep into an American civilian icon.
More than 80 years after the first civilian Jeep rolled onto farms, ranches and roads across America, Jeep is reaching deep into its history for a new special-edition Wrangler.
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A is a modern tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, introduced in 1945 as the first Jeep vehicle developed specifically for civilian use.
Rather than simply adding a heritage badge to a modern Wrangler, Jeep has incorporated colors, wheels, interior materials and design details inspired by the vehicle that helped establish the civilian Jeep nearly eight decades ago.
The JL-2A is also the 11th installment in Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve series of special-edition vehicles.
From the Battlefield to Civilian America
The story behind the JL-2A begins at the end of World War II.
The military Willys MB had earned a reputation for ruggedness during the war, but Willys-Overland saw an opportunity for the basic concept beyond military service.
In July 1945, the company introduced the Willys CJ-2A.
The letters “CJ” stood for Civilian Jeep, and the CJ-2A adapted the military Jeep formula for farmers, ranchers, industrial workers and everyday civilian users.
Changes included a tailgate, larger headlights and a rear power takeoff that allowed the Jeep to operate certain agricultural and industrial equipment. The CJ-2A also helped establish the familiar seven-slot grille that would eventually become one of Jeep’s most recognizable design elements.
It wasn’t just a utilitarian machine, either.
Willys offered memorable postwar color combinations such as Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels and Pasture Green with Autumn Yellow wheels.
Those colorful early Jeeps provided much of the inspiration for the new JL-2A.
A 1945 Look on a Modern Wrangler
The 2027 Wrangler JL-2A is based on the modern Wrangler Rubicon, meaning the retro styling is paired with serious off-road hardware.
One of its most noticeable features is a set of exclusive 17-inch retro-style wheels finished in Joose, accompanied by orange front and rear tow hooks. The combination recalls the bright Sunset Red wheels found on some original CJ-2As.
The wheels are paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires.
Jeep is also bringing back Gobi exterior paint for 2027. The tan-like color is particularly appropriate for this edition because it echoes the Harvest Tan finish offered on the original CJ-2A.
Other available colors include ’41, Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost and Joose.
Body-color fender flares and a three-piece hardtop give the JL-2A a relatively clean exterior appearance, while Dark Metallic Grey accents update the Wrangler’s familiar seven-slot grille.
Jeep Takes the Retro Theme Inside
Jeep has carried the historical theme into the cabin with a color and material combination never previously offered on a Wrangler.
The seats are covered in Nappa Heritage Tan leather, complemented by Bison Brown on the door panels, lower instrument panel and center console.
Desert Orange stitching ties the interior to the brightly colored exterior wheels and tow hooks.
There are also several details specifically aimed at Jeep history enthusiasts.
A satin-chrome Willys-Overland shifter medallion pays tribute to the company’s roots, while heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics incorporate the seven-slot grille and a Willys silhouette.
Perhaps the most interesting detail is found at the rear.
Jeep has created a swing-gate plaque based on the dashboard data-plate artwork of the original CJ-2A. It includes farm and factory imagery recalling the original civilian Jeep’s role as a working vehicle rather than simply a recreational off-roader.
Modern conveniences haven’t been forgotten. The JL-2A includes remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener and a front TrailCam with an integrated washer.
How Much Will the Wrangler JL-2A Cost?
Jeep says the JL-2A package will carry an MSRP of $4,995.
According to the automaker, that puts the special edition just $115 above a comparably equipped Wrangler Rubicon, making the package largely about choosing its unique heritage-inspired appearance and equipment rather than paying a substantial premium solely for a limited-edition name.
Orders are scheduled to open in October 2026.
Jeep has not presented the JL-2A as a recreation of the CJ-2A. Underneath the nostalgic colors and Willys-inspired details is a thoroughly modern Wrangler Rubicon.
And that may be the point.
More Than 80 Years of Civilian Jeep History
The original CJ-2A represented a turning point for Jeep.
A vehicle concept born from wartime necessity found a second life in civilian America, where Jeeps became farm equipment, work vehicles, recreational 4x4s and eventually lifestyle vehicles.
The CJ line evolved through multiple generations before eventually giving way to the Wrangler nameplate in the 1980s.
The 2027 Wrangler JL-2A connects those two ends of Jeep’s history — from the simple postwar CJ-2A built to work the back forty to today’s technology-packed Wrangler designed to tackle the trail.
More than eight decades separate them, but park the two side by side and the family resemblance would be difficult to miss.
Source: Stellantis / Jeep, September 12, 2026
A Civilian Legend Reimagined: Jeep Brand Introduces 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A PR Newswire
Jeep Official Website:
Jeep Official Website
Consumer Corner
Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks
Cold cities? Every neighborhood has a mix of homeowners who approach seasonal home maintenance differently – there are the people who stay on schedule, and on the other end, the procrastinators. There are the dedicated DIYers, and those who have their favorite maintenance pro saved as a favorite contact in their phone. As it turns out, cities are no different. Some metropolitan areas keep their neighborhoods in tip-top shape, while others are a little more slow-going.
Cold cities are the most ready for winter, with one exception. See where your city ranks
(Sheeka Sanahori) Every neighborhood has a mix of homeowners who approach seasonal home maintenance differently – there are the people who stay on schedule, and on the other end, the procrastinators. There are the dedicated DIYers, and those who have their favorite maintenance pro saved as a favorite contact in their phone. As it turns out, cities are no different. Some metropolitan areas keep their neighborhoods in tip-top shape, while others are a little more slow-going.
New data from home services company Angi, covering fall maintenance activity in August, reveals which U.S. metropolitan areas are the most proactive with fall maintenance. Washington, D.C., tops the ranking with the strongest demand for fall maintenance in the country, followed by Columbus, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Northern cities dominate the rest of the list.
Cleveland, Ohio, and Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York, round out the top five. Cold-weather markets dominate the ranking, accounting for eight of the 10 most-prepared metros. Rochester, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Indianapolis; and Pittsburgh complete the top 10.
Least fall-ready metros
Fewer than 1 in 5 American cities is prepping for fall at an above-average rate. Among the 66 metros that recorded at least 100 fall maintenance service requests during the analysis period, Los Angeles had the lowest level of per-capita activity, followed by Oklahoma City and Riverside, California. California accounts for four of the bottom 10 markets, with Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Francisco all appearing on the list. These metros historically don’t experience the colder winter climates of the Northeast and Midwest, making fall maintenance less of an imperative.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands out as the only clearly cold-weather metro among the 10 least-prepared large metros. The New York City metro, which includes Newark and Jersey City, ranked just outside the 10 least-prepared large metros, coming in at number 11. Other New York state metros, including Syracuse, Rochester and the Albany metro area, were on the most prepared list.
Homeowners are choosing upkeep over upgrades
Sixty-three percent of homeowners who have recently hired a professional completed maintenance work, and 58% completed repairs. Although they may be waiting to do that dream kitchen or bath renovation, they’re focusing for now on the maintenance that keeps their homes in order.
The most common fall maintenance projects focus on outdoor upkeep. Nationally, tree trimming was the most popular, followed by lawn and yard waste cleanup and shrub care.
What homeowners should do now
When tackling a home maintenance list, start at the top of the home by inspecting the roof and gutters. Look for loose or damaged shingles, and make sure gutters are debris-free. It’s also a good idea to ensure downspouts direct water far away from the foundation. Homeowners should inspect these areas from the ground or hire a professional if the work requires climbing or feels unsafe.
Next, check for drafts around the windows and doors. Replacing worn weatherstripping and damaged caulk in the fall can prevent warm air from escaping once the heat comes back on. Homeowners should also inspect their HVAC filters and have the heating system checked before the temperatures drop.
Every home’s maintenance needs will vary, depending on the age and condition of the house and where it’s located. Whether homeowners hire a professional or safely address small issues, making the fixes can prevent larger and more expensive problems later.
The ranking: Metros from most to least prepared
America’s 10 Most Fall-Prepared Metros
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Columbus, Ohio
3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York
6. Rochester, New York
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. Indianapolis, Indiana
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
10 Metros With the Most Opportunity to Get Fall-Ready
1. Los Angeles, California
2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
3. Riverside, California
4. Miami, Florida
5. San Diego, California
6. Houston, Texas
7. Grand Rapids, Michigan
8. San Francisco, California
9. Austin, Texas
10. Memphis, Tennessee
Methodology
The rankings are based on fall maintenance activity recorded on Angi during August 2026. Projects included yard cleanup, winterization, roofing and gutters, heating systems, water and drainage, outdoor plumbing, fireplaces and chimneys, pest prevention, and snow and storm preparation. U.S. metropolitan areas were ranked by activity per 100,000 residents using 2020 U.S. Census population data. To qualify for the least-prepared ranking, metros were required to have at least five service requests or jobs during the analysis period. The rankings reflect activity on Angi’s platform and are not a complete measure of all home-maintenance activity within each metro. These rankings reflect activity observed on Angi’s platform and should not be interpreted as a complete measure of all home-maintenance behavior within a metro area.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Angi
Consumer Corner
5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs
Lowering Home Insurance Costs? Many home improvements offer an added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren’t actively on the lookout for them.
5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs
(Feature Impact) When you’re planning home improvements, you’re often thinking about improving the comfort, safety, aesthetic or value of your home. Many changes and renovations have the added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren’t actively on the lookout for them.
“Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between,” said Larry Anderson, director of underwriting operations at Mercury Insurance. “Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings.”
The experts at Mercury Insurance, a multiple-line insurance carrier emphasizing competitive rates and excellent customer service, encourage homeowners to consider these five ways to save on home insurance costs.
Updating Older Parts of the Home
As a home ages, it’s wise to look at what parts and systems may be deteriorating and need upgrades for modernity or safety reasons. Replacing older electrical, plumbing or other major systems can protect your home from emergencies and loss risks. Depending on the state you live in, your specific policy and the improvements you made, it can also qualify your property for an updated-home insurance discount.
Keep records of major improvements – including receipts, work permits and information about when the work was completed – and plan to discuss the upgrades during your next insurance review.
Adding Protective Technology
Beyond replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you can outfit your home with a variety of protective devices that make a difference to insurers. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won’t save you money if your insurer doesn’t know you’ve installed them.
Improving Resilience to Damage
If you live in an area prone to extreme weather or other hazards, resilience upgrades could both safeguard your home and access insurance savings. Depending on your location, qualifying improvements could include a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or flood defense options. Local insurance agents can provide more specific guidance on ways to make your home less vulnerable to damage – or whether you’re eligible for discounts because of work you’ve already completed.
Qualifying for Community Programs
Even if you haven’t personally made renovations to your home, certain changes in your community could help you save on insurance. That could include local wildfire mitigation measures, membership in a qualifying homeowners association or other neighborhood characteristics that affect coverage options, but specific programs vary by location.
Reviewing Insurance Products and Discounts
Whether something significant has changed in your home or community or not, it’s always valuable to review your insurance coverage on a regular basis. For instance, there may be new products or discounts that simply didn’t exist when you originally purchased your policy. Beyond savings considerations alone, ask your agent questions to make sure your coverage still reflects your circumstances and goals.
“Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home,” Anderson said. “A house isn’t static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes.”
For more information on homeowner coverage and discount eligibility, visit MercuryInsurance.com.
Questions to Consider During Your Annual Insurance Checkup
An annual insurance review is an opportunity to look for savings and update coverage. Use these questions as a jumping-off point for discussions with your agent:
- What has changed about my home?
- What has changed about my property or community?
- Have my circumstances changed?
- Are discounts available today that weren’t when I purchased my policy?
- Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today?
Photos courtesy of Shuttersotck
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