News You Can Use • May 2026 • Everyday Cheapskate

Hello, May! Longer days, blooming everything, and that quiet nudge that we should probably get organized… but first, something interesting. From smart money moves to tech surprises and a few “wait, really?” headlines, this week’s mix has a little of everything. Grab something iced, get comfortable, and let’s see what’s been making waves lately. You might even pick up a tip or two you can use.

This Writer Slashed Their Streaming Bill to Under $20 a Month

Streaming used to save us money. Now it feels like every app wants another monthly payment, plus ads for good measure. One writer finally hit the brakes after realizing she was spending more than $70 a month on services she barely used. Her fix? A simple three-step plan: cancel subscriptions you’re not actively watching, rotate services month-to-month instead of keeping them all year, and lean on free streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV for movies, shows, and live channels. The result: a streaming bill under $20 a month without running out of things to watch.
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Your Grocery Prices Could Change by the Minute

Whole Foods is rolling out digital price tags in Portland-area stores, replacing traditional paper shelf labels with electronic displays that can update prices instantly. The Amazon-owned chain says the technology saves employees time and improves accuracy, but many shoppers worry it could open the door to “surge pricing” at the grocery store where prices rise based on demand, time of day, or even the weather. Whole Foods and Walmart insist they have no plans to use dynamic pricing, but critics remain skeptical as more major retailers adopt the technology. Some lawmakers are even pushing legislation to ban digital shelf labels in large supermarkets.
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Why So Many Americans Are Tossing Old Tech

That old phone stuffed in your junk drawer? Or the laptop headed for the trash? Turns out millions of Americans are still throwing away electronics even though it can hurt the environment, create fire hazards, and in some states, break the law. The good news: retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Apple, and Target now offer easy recycling and trade-in programs that can even put money or store credit back in your pocket. Before you dump that dusty device, here’s how to safely clear your data, recycle responsibly, and maybe make a few bucks in the process.
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That Party Invite in Your Inbox? It Could Be a Scam

Scammers have found a sneaky new way to trick people: fake Evite-style invitations that look like they came from friends or family. One click could expose your passwords, financial accounts, or even install malware without you realizing it. With phishing scams and online fraud losses climbing fast, cybersecurity experts say slowing down before you click has never mattered more. Here’s how these fake party invites work, the red flags to watch for, and exactly what to do if you already clicked.
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AI-Powered Scams Are Exploding And Americans Are Losing Thousands

Scammers are getting smarter, faster, and a whole lot more convincing thanks to artificial intelligence. A new report found that 1 in 6 Americans lost money to digital fraud last year, with the typical victim losing more than $2,300. From fake emails and QR codes to stolen credit cards and hacked accounts, today’s scams can look shockingly real. The good news? A few simple habits like stronger passwords, credit freezes, and thinking twice before clicking can make you a much harder target.
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This Summer Fruit Might Be Doing More for Your Heart Than You Think

Watermelon isn’t just a refreshing summer treat. It may actually support better heart health and overall nutrition. Studies show people who eat watermelon tend to have higher-quality diets, getting more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while consuming less added sugar and saturated fat. Research also suggests compounds in watermelon, like L-citrulline and L-arginine, may help support blood vessel function and healthy circulation. While more studies are needed, scientists say this juicy fruit could play a helpful role in heart and metabolic health.
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Inflation Jumps Again: Producer Prices Spike to 6% in Shock Reading

U.S. producer prices surged 6% year-over-year in April, the fastest pace since 2022 and well above forecasts, signaling that inflation pressures are still running hot. The biggest drivers came from energy, transportation, and wholesale trade services, with gasoline and crude oil posting double-digit monthly gains. The spike follows an already strong CPI report and has markets reassessing whether the Federal Reserve may need to keep rates higher for longer or even consider additional hikes. Investors reacted quickly, with stocks wobbling, Treasury yields rising, and the dollar strengthening as inflation concerns returned to center stage.
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