Money
Trade relief meets a household squeeze as shoppers confront higher costs
U.S.-China deal could relieve the strain on household goods but there's no guarantee of that.
Money
Cash, credit or in-between, you need currency of some kind to make things happen.
Money
Trump rolls back gas-mileage rules, promising cheaper cars but higher fuel use
Cheaper at the dealership, more expensive at the pump? That's the promise.
Money
Tariffs ease on paper as rates and fuel keep pressure on American shoppers
Tariff reductions are a step forward but they're not enough to offset soaring interest rates and fuel costs.
Consumer Protection
Credit and debt: a court settlement puts subprime auto-loan relief on the map
Subprime auto lender agrees to new consumer protection rules to settle lawsuit by 40 states and DC.
AI/Privacy
AI may soon shop for your mortgage, credit card and insurance — but whose side will it be on?
AI shopping agents could eliminate much of the drudgery of comparing financial products — while quietly creating an extraordinarily powerful new middleman.
AI/Privacy
Before you let an AI agent spend your money: 7 permissions to check
AI agents will soon be offering to manage your financial affairs in sort of a "self-driving" mode. Is this a good idea?
Money
Fed raises interest rates: What it means for your credit cards, mortgage and savings
The Fed's higher interest rate arrives when households are already contending with renewed inflation and extremely expensive revolving debt.
AI/Privacy
From Ma Bell to the $2,000 iPhone: How the telephone went from regulated utility to luxury product
$1,999 and up for the iPhone Duo? How did telephones get this expensive?
AI/Privacy
Affordability Watch: What did telephone service actually cost?
Telephones have really gotten expensive -- or have they?
Money
Five consumer pressure points - from record gas to a new Jeep recall
Gas prices, tariffs up, consumer confidence down, recalls surging
Money
Oil falls, but consumers still face a five-front squeeze
It's not the time to make a big mistake -- buy an expensive home, a new car or a long trip.
Money
Tank, Tankless, Heat Pump or Solar? What Homeowners Need to Know Before Replacing a Water Heater
Hot water might not be on your mind right now, but it will be if your present heater conks out.