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Betty Lin-Fisher

@blinfisher.bsky.social
723 followers 109 following 89 posts

USA TODAY consumer reporter, adjunct faculty at Kent State School of Media and Journalism, formerly Akron Beacon Journal consumer columnist and medical reporter. www.usatoday.com/staff/5680409002/b…

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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Should you leave the kids at home, but bring the dog out to eat? Especially indoors at restaurants? Read my @usatoday.com story about a recent study when it comes to people's preferences at restaurants. What camp are you in? www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
No kids. But dogs are in when it comes to dining out
Study shows 75% of diners want adults-only sections, including 79% of parents. And 45% want dogs dining both inside and outside.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I got new-to-me clothing -- all for free. Want to learn how to find a local clothing swap or host one to refresh your wardrobe? Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
I got new-to-me-clothing by swapping with others
Tired of your clothes? See how local clothing swap events can refresh your wardrobe - for free.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
GLP-1 drugs are changing how people shop for food and clothes www.usatoday.com/story/grocer... Read my @usatoday.com story
usatoday.com
GLP-1 drugs are changing how people shop for food and clothes
GLP-1 drugs are changing how people shop for food, clothes, and more, creating a 'seismic shift' in retail.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
From barstools to barbells: Gen Z, Millennials are drinking less, working out more @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Barstools to barbells: Gen Z, Millennials drink less, work out more
A new report finds Gen Z and Millennials are drinking less and working out more, shifting from 'barstools to barbells'.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Have egg prices dropped 60%, as President Trump said in his State of the Union address? Yes and no. Read my @usatoday.com story about what's happened with the bird flu, wholesale and retail egg prices. www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
usatoday.com
Wholesale egg prices have plummeted. Will shoppers see the savings?
Egg prices are much lower than last year, but grocery store prices haven't dropped as dramatically as wholesale costs. We explain why.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Do you live a 'comfortable' life? Many consumers say they don't. Read my @usatoday.com story about the latest KearneyConsumer Institute Stress Index and report. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Do you live a 'comfortable' life? Many consumers say they don't.
A new report challenges assumptions about the K-shaped economy, revealing that higher earners can be financially fragile while some lower-income consumers are resilient. The definition of a 'comfortab...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Are #Walmart customers getting overcharged for misweighed meats? A Georgia man's TikTok series has gone viral showing mislabeled meats that led some shoppers to be charged more than double. Read my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
usatoday.com
Are Walmart customers getting overcharged for misweighed meats?
A Georgia man has gone viral on TikTok for finding mislabeled meats at Walmart that could lead to shoppers being overcharged.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Will cutting daily Starbucks, DoorDash really save you money? Two frugal influencers went viral with their advice. I interviewed the influencers and also asked financial experts their take. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Does cutting Starbucks, DoorDash really save money? We asked experts.
Some frugal budgeting influencers are going viral with their advice. Is it good advice? We asked financial experts.
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Reposted by Betty Lin-Fisher
CFPB Union @nteu335.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
As we near 1 year of Trump and Vought "running" the CFPB, one CFPB attorney told @usatoday.com's @blinfisher.bsky.social, “Amid this affordability crisis, the CFPB’s mission is more important than ever, and we just want to get back to work protecting consumers.”
usatoday.com
Consumer guardrail facing cuts waits on court decision
An appeals court will decide if further cuts can be made to the CFPB, a key agency tasked with protecting consumers
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Consumer guardrail facing cuts waits on court decision. @consumerreports.org @consumerfed.bsky.social @borrowerjustice.bsky.social Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Why do people panic-buy before a big storm or weather event? Have you ever wondered how stores prepare for the big influx or how quickly they can get those empty shelves re-stocked? Read my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
usatoday.com
Grocery store shelves empty during the snowstorm? Here's what to do.
Shoppers have been panic-buying ahead of a winter storm, but retailers say they learned a lot in the pandemic and will be ready to quickly restock.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
CEOs of Target, Best Buy, MN-based companies call for 'de-escalation.' Read my @usatoday.com story www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
CEOs of Target, Best Buy, MN-based companies call for 'de-escalation'
The CEOs of 60 major Minnesota-based companies, including Target, Best Buy and General Mills, urged 'de-escalation' of tensions.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Instacart charges shoppers different prices for same items, investigation by @consumerreports.org @groundwork.bsky.social @moreperfectunion.bsky.social finds. Read more in my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Don't know what some of the younger people on your holiday wish list want? They want money, but feel awkward asking, according to a new Wells Fargo survey. Read more in my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
It may be awkward, but Gen Z, millennials want money this holiday
Though it may feel awkward, more young people said they prefer getting money as a holiday gift, according to new survey.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
No gifts for the holidays? These people are happy about it. www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Looking to save on Black Friday deals? Here are some tips in my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The number of households living paycheck to paycheck has risen. Why? www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com with Bank of America Institute data
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Target cuts prices on 3,000 food items, beverages, essentials. Read my @usatoday.com story for a sampling of some of the price reductions. www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
These aren't your kids' LEGO sets. Why do adults love LEGO? Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
With grocery prices rising, here’s how shoppers are saving money. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
What's for dinner? More are turning to the grocery store's prepared meals, according to a new FMI - The Food Industry Association report. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Why do Gen Z shoppers love their dupes? Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
More shoppers are looking to use Buy Now, Pay Later for holidays, @talkerresearch.bsky.social survey for PayPal says. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Psst. What's the 'going rate' for gifts and tips and can they serve as a barometer of the state of the economy? Read my @usatoday.com story about some new Empower research. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Why are Gen Z shoppers planning to spend less this holiday season? Here's a radio interview I did with Gordon Deal of This Morning with Gordon Deal: www.thismorningwithgordondeal.com/b/Why-is-Gen... Read my @usatoday.com story www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Are "smart" appliances making life easier? New J.D. Power study says not really. @usatoday.com got an exclusive early look at the new study. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
'Smart' appliances have more complaints of service, reliability, study says.
A JD Power study surveyed consumers who had purchased "smart" appliances in the last three years to gauge their service and reliability.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Thanks to Connecting America TV for having me on this morning to talk about my recent @usatoday.com story about rising grocery costs with insight from Michigan State University @michiganstateu.bsky.social Professor David Ortega. youtu.be/WlyyyvvbZh0?...
youtu.be
Grocery Prices Skyrocket
YouTube video by Connecting America
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Grocery prices are jumping up. I explain why in my @usatoday.com story with insights from @michiganstateu.bsky.social professor David Ortega and a Wells Fargo economist. www.usatoday.com/story/grocer...
usatoday.com
Grocery prices are jumping up. We explain why.
The most recent Consumer Price Index for grocery prices showed the largest monthly increase in three years.
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Reposted by Betty Lin-Fisher
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
The record number of #defaults is a canary in the coal mine for large-scale #economic problems, CFA warned. #Auto "Delinquencies, defaults, and repossessions have shot up in recent years. @erinwitte-cfa.bsky.social @usatoday.com @blinfisher.bsky.social
usatoday.com
Americans are drowning in auto loan delinquencies. Report says Congress needs to fix it.
A new report by the Consumer Federation of America to Congress calls on lawmakers and regulators to protect car buyers, saying a crisis is at hand.
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Reposted by Betty Lin-Fisher
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety @autosafety4all.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
More American car buyers are falling behind on car payments. Repossessions are on the rise. Sometimes that leads to homelessness. Great reporting by @blinfisher.bsky.social in @usatoday.com. @consumerfed.bsky.social @nclc4consumers.bsky.social www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Americans are drowning in auto loan delinquencies. Report says Congress needs to fix it.
A new report by the Consumer Federation of America to Congress calls on lawmakers and regulators to protect car buyers, saying a crisis is at hand.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Americans are drowning in auto loan delinquencies. A new report from @consumerfed.bsky.social says Congress needs to fix it. www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
Americans are drowning in auto loan delinquencies. Report says Congress needs to fix it.
A new report by the Consumer Federation of America to Congress calls on lawmakers and regulators to protect car buyers, saying a crisis is at hand.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Fast food used to be a cheap meal option. Why has that changed? Find out in my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
The forgotten Gen X generation is now quietly fueling trillions in consumer spending, according to a new report by NielsenIQ and World Data Lab. Read my @usatoday.com story with insight from @wideneruniversity.bsky.social Prof. Ross Steinman. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Sticky menu? Rude service? Why diners are frustrated with eating out. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Will higher prices steal your kid's lunch money? Why more parents are willing to pack. Read my @usatoday.com story about @deloitteinsights.bsky.social's latest study: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
'Buy Nothing' or free groups help neighbors give (and receive) items at no cost www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
'Buy Nothing' or free groups help neighbors give (and receive) items at no cost
Want to declutter or stock your kitchen? You can find groups on Facebook where people are gifting things to each other for free.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
The secret world of retail returns: How savvy shoppers are saving big www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
The secret world of retail returns: How savvy shoppers are saving big
A growing number of savvy shoppers are tapping into discounted returned and overstocked goods through online auction sites and resale platforms.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Do retailers make it too easy to return items? Why shoppers love lenient policies. www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
Do retailers make it too easy to return items? Why shoppers love lenient policies.
In a survey, 49% of shoppers admitted to abusing lenient return policies. What is the criminal side to return fraud?
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
@usatoday.com Exclusive: Target boycott leader turns focus to electronic protest of Dollar General over DEI retreat www.usatoday.com/story/news/2...
usatoday.com
Target boycott leader turns focus to electronic protest of Dollar General over DEI retreat
Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant, who led a Target boycott for retreating on its DEI initiatives, is calling for an electronic protest of Dollar General.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Shoppers are boycotting Walmart over rollbacks in DEI efforts. Here's when. Find out more in my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Shoppers are boycotting Walmart over rollbacks in DEI efforts. Here's when.
The same group that has organized economic consumer blackouts is boycotting Walmart again. Find out why.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Are rewards credit cards worth it with surcharges, transaction fees? We explain. Read my @usatoday.com story featuring advice and information from @bankrate.com Wallethub and JD Power. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Are rewards credit cards worth it with surcharges, transaction fees? We explain.
Are you losing out on credit card rewards if you get charged a surcharge fee?
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Love 'em or hate 'em: What's in store for the future of self checkouts? How retailers are pulling back. Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
What's in store for the future of self checkouts? How retailers are pulling back.
Some shoppers love the convenience of self checkouts while others hate them. What's their future?
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Three U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioners have been fired by President Trump. What to know. Read my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Three U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioners have been fired by Trump. What to know.
The fired Democrat commissioners say the future of the independent agency and Americans' safety is at risk.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
A second Amazon boycott is happening May 6 to 12. Find out why in my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
A second Amazon boycott is happening May 6 to 12. Find out why.
The same group that has organized economic consumer blackouts is boycotting Amazon again. Find out why.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Warehouse club foot traffic has increased as consumers fear tariff-price increases. Read my @usatoday.com featuring data from Placer.ai and NielsenIQ www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Warehouse club foot traffic has increased as consumers fear tariff-price increases
New data shows that foot traffic at warehouse clubs increased as shoppers worried about Trump's tariffs.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
The safety of Americans, especially children, is at risk with Trump proposal to eliminate the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, consumer advocates say. What does the CPSC do and why is it at risk? Read my @usatoday.com story. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Safety of Americans, especially children, at risk with Trump proposal, advocates say
A proposal to to eliminate the U.S. Product Safety Commission has consumer advocates sounding alarms. We explain why.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Consumers worried about tariffs are pulling back on spending: See my @usatoday.com story about Kearney Consumer Institute study. A separate Bain& Company and Dynata index also shows consumers are taking a defensive mode in their spending. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Consumers worried about tariffs are pulling back on spending: See study
Trump's tariffs could spell the end of the resilient consumer, a new study says.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Why were 30,000 eggs used at White House egg roll when there is a bird flu, egg crisis? Will that affect grocery store egg prices, supply? Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Why were 30,000 eggs used at White House egg roll when there is a bird flu, egg crisis?
The White House used 30,000 real eggs for the Easter egg roll on the South Lawn. Will that affect egg supply or prices?
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Three-day economic blackout starts April 18; Target boycott continues. What to know. usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
Three-day economic blackout starts April 18; Target boycott continues. What to know.
Shoppers in the U.S. are continuing their boycotts against retailers like Target and Walmart. Here's why they are boycotting.
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Easter egg dyeing is a tradition for many families. Will high egg prices stop that? Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Easter egg dyeing is a tradition for many families. Will high egg prices stop that?
Demand for Easter egg dyeing kits is at an all-time high, the CEO for the brand that makes PAAS egg dyeing kits said.
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