Abbi Aruck
Abbi covers personal finance and consumer news focusing on the stories that impact everyday life. Have a question or lead? Send it to abbi@fingerlakes1.com.
Killer Whale starved, injured and forced to preform– A movement has started to free Lolita
A killer whale was injured and starved at an aquarium where Flipper was filmed. Tokitae the whale performed under the name Lolita-- now there is a movement to set her free. Costco: Best fall deals ... more
Providing Telemedicine abortions just became more complicated for providers
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, many women have turned to Telemedicine abortions. The use of Telemedicine has rose since many states have now restricted abortion access. Unemployment rate: What does it measure and ... more
Costco: Best fall deals you’ll want to pick up soon
Fall is here and some of the best seasonal deals at Costco aren't where you'd think to look first. Costco has some great hidden deals this season. Limited edition S’mores Pepsi collection: Where can I ... more
Limited edition S’mores Pepsi collection: Where can I buy it?
Pepsi just launched a limited-edition S'mores collection. The soda collection comes in a three pack, but where can you buy it? Panera Bread: New MyPanera reward options that will save you money Pepsi: S'mores collection ... more
Unemployment rate: What does it measure and what is it now? Plus billions paid to fraudulent claims
Unemployment claims skyrocketed during the pandemic, now, the US has a strong labor market. However, $45.6 billion was paid out to fraudulent claims during the pandemic. Mortgages in 2022: What the housing market is predicted ... more
Panera Bread: New MyPanera reward options that will save you money
Panera Bread is updating their rewards program it will help you save money. MyPanera is the name of the restaurant chain's loyalty program. Fast food: Smashburger to open dozens of new locations Updates to MyPanera ... more
Fast food: Smashburger to open dozens of new locations
The fast food chain Smashburger is known for their burgers with crispy edges. If you haven't tried one yet, hopefully you will soon because they are opening dozens of new locations. Dollar Tree: 5 high ... more
Dollar Tree: 5 high quality products for low prices you should buy now
Everyone wants high quality items without the price tag-- which makes Dollar Tree a great option. Check out these five high quality items that you can buy for a bargain. Walmart: Big perks for Walmart ... more
Stimulus updates: Payment dates, why you won’t see another stimulus– but you can still recover old checks
Some Americans will be getting payments soon, but don't expect another government stimulus. If you never received your stimulus, you can still recover it. SNAP Benefits: October food stamps, income eligibility & online SNAP use ... more
Is McDonald’s bringing an old favorite back to the menu?
This year, McDonald's has brought back some retro classics. There are rumors that it may happen again, just in time for Halloween. Walmart: Big perks for Walmart shoppers after store renovations are complete Rumors of ... more
Walmart: Big perks for Walmart shoppers after store renovations are complete
Walmart is renovating dozens of stores. After the updates have been completed, more perks will be available. Kroger: Customers in some states can place sports bets while shopping in-store Walmart renovations Walmart is investing $240 ... more
Kroger: Customers in some states can place sports bets while shopping in-store
Kroger is making a change that will allow customers to place sports bets while they are shopping in store. But, which states is this available in and why? WhatsApp: Users are urged to update privacy ... more
Social Security: What is it, how does it work, and what will it look like by 2035?
Social Security offers both disability and retirement benefits. It is a source of income for many. However, it may look different in the future. Social Security payments worth an average of $1,672 going out today ... more
WhatsApp: Users are urged to update privacy settings now
WhatsApp users are being urged to update their privacy settings as soon as possible. There are a few simple setting changes that will make your messages more secure. Cryptocurrency: Ethereum completes ‘merge’ to end mining ... more
IRS updates: Hiring thousands of employees, IT upgrades, and inflation-driven changing of tax brackets
The IRS has been experiencing backlog since the pandemic, but plans to hire more employees and make upgrades for a smoother tax season in 2023. But, inflation may push some taxpayers into a higher tax ... more
Cryptocurrency: Ethereum completes ‘merge’ to end mining and cuts energy use by 99.95%
Ethereum is the world's second-biggest cryptocurrency. Recently, they replaced proof-of-work with proof-of-stake, removing the need for miners and reducing energy use. The housing market is experiencing a downturn: What does that mean and what should ... more
The housing market is experiencing a downturn: What does that mean and what should I expect?
Right now, housing prices are high and Americans simply can't afford to buy a new home. But, what does that mean for the economy and what should I expect? What is going on with the ... more
Kroger: Supermarket chain making changes to make budget friendly shopping easier
Kroger has announced that they will 17 brands into two affordable options. This measure will make it easier for customers to compare prices and get the best deal. Food inflation passes 11% and Americans struggle ... more
Mortgage rates reaching new highs since 2008– But, what is a mortgage?
Homebuyers are falling off and looking to other options because mortgage rates are simply too high. But what is a mortgage and why are rates higher now than in 2008? What is a recession and ... more
