NewsBreak Original

Consumer group releases data highlighting prevalence of fees in overall rent hikes. The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has released a report noting that while rents are rising nationally, a significant portion of that increase is due to what the consumer advocacy group calls "junk fees."

Halloween and Autumn Candles Pose Fire and Injury Hazard. The manufacturers of Walmart's Mainstays brand scented candles are recalling 1.2 million candles that they say are a fire hazard. The candle wicks can burn too close to the edge of the glass, potentially causing the glass to break.

Regulatory agency issues ruling to protect consumers from bad practices of credit reporting agencies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued new guidance to credit reporting agencies - firms like Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian - in order to protect consumers engaged in disputes over errors on credit reports.

Consumers grocery shoppingKampus Production/Pexels. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the monthly prices that consumers pay for goods and services. This is a group of commonly purchased goods and services. Examples include new and used cars; airline fares; electricity; gasoline; natural gas; rent; medical care services; clothing; and of course, food items purchased at the grocery store along with food purchased away from home, to name a few of the categories you will see in the Consumer Price Index monthly report. The Consumer Price Index is one of the most popular measures of inflation.

Bureau highlights common tactics, offers ways to fight financial fraud. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is out with guidance for Americans on how to fight scams targeting people's money.

Consumer Federation of America highlights decreasing purchasing power. The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) says American consumers are being hit with a "double whammy" of inflation and shrinking product sizes.

Alternative short-term loans are available at rates at or under 36%. A survey conducted by the Woodstock Institute with partners New America Chicago and the Chicago Urban League shows that payday loan rate caps are having a positive impact on consumers and communities.