Category: Cost of Living and Affordability

Tesla Sales Rise as $4-a-Gallon Gas Revives Interest in E.V.s

The New York Times – Business:
The repeal of tax credits last year sent electric vehicle sales plummeting. But with gas prices soaring, consumers are taking another, cautious, look.
The U.S. Economy Is Insulated From High Oil Prices. Americans Aren’t.

The New York Times – Business:
The overall economy has proved resilient in recent years, even as many households have struggled. The war with Iran is following the same pattern.
U.S. Mortgage Rates Rise, Undercutting Housing Affordability Push

The New York Times – Business:
Mortgage rates fell below the critical 6 percent threshold just a couple weeks ago. But they’re climbing again as new inflation concerns have roiled financial markets.
How to Afford Housing in London: Multiple Roommates, No Living Room

The New York Times – Business:
High prices have pushed more Londoners to live with roommates well into their late 20s and 30s — if they can afford to move out of their parents’ homes at all.
Trump Directs Iran War Keeping Markets Top of Mind

The New York Times – Business:
President Trump again demonstrated his desire to keep the stock markets aloft when he suggested U.S. attacks on Iran could end soon.
U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall Below 6% for First Time in Years

The New York Times – Business:
The evidence is patchy on whether lower rates have meaningfully spurred more activity, as the Trump administration floats measures it says will make housing more affordable.
New A.C.A. Plans Could Increase Family Deductibles to $31,000

The New York Times – Business:
The Trump administration is proposing Obamacare plans that it says will lower health insurance premiums. But critics warn they would make care unaffordable.
Home Depot Says Homeowners Are Weary From Economic Pressures

The New York Times – Business:
Sales fell at the home-improvement retailer, as homeowners shied away from big-ticket home improvement projects amid worries about housing costs and the job market.
Flexibility and Rising Costs Are Keeping Mothers at Work

The New York Times – Business:
Labor force participation for women with small children continues to float above prepandemic levels, thanks to flexible work setups — and rising costs.
As Trump Heads to Iowa to Trumpet Economy, Many Residents Feel Pain

Farmers are critical to Iowa’s economy. They have been battered by President Trump’s tariffs and are not yet experiencing the “golden age” that the president promised.
Trump Calls for 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Cap, After Killing Other Fee Limits

The president revived a campaign promise he has not actively pursued since taking office.
Minimum Wage Rises in Some States as Workers Struggle with Basic Costs

This year, for the first time, more Americans will earn a minimum wage of $15 per hour or higher than will earn the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.