cost of living

Bracing for Trump's tariffs? Here are 3 money tips from a personal finance columnist

4:09am April 07, 2025

by Steve Inskeep

President Trump's new taxes on imported goods are creating a "scary ride" for the U.S. market, says personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary. She recommends keeping these three things in mind.

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High inflation has been particularly tough for people who rely on Social Security for their income.

Economy

Social Security recipients will get a smaller increase in benefits as inflation cools

9:12am October 12, 2023

by Scott Horsley

Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.2% cost of living adjustment next year. Inflation has been moderating recently, with consumer prices in September up 3.7% from a year ago.

Protesters stand on the road during clashes in the Mathare area of Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Kenyans were back protesting on the streets of the capital Wednesday against newly imposed taxes and the increased cost of living.

Kenya hit by a wave of protests over the cost of living and taxes

12:55pm July 21, 2023

by Michael Kaloki

Kenya, one of Africa's most stable and prosperous economies, is reeling from the impact of a series of violent protests against the cost of living and tax rises.

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Here's how life got pricier — and cheaper! — in 2022

How life got pricier (and, yes, cheaper!) this year — in 7 charts

6:52pm December 22, 2022

Boy, have we talked a lot about inflation. It affected every part of our lives (and the economy) in 2022. Here are some of its highest highs and lowest lows. (It wasn't all bad news!)

People shop for bread at a supermarket in Monterey Park, California on October 19, 2022. Grocery prices were up 12.4% last month from a year earlier, a government report showed.

Economy

Stock market surges after inflation report shows the pain of high prices may ease

4:28pm November 10, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Stocks experienced their biggest rally in two years after a report that inflation is currently running at 7.7%.

The Broughton family prepares for their dinner prayers during a gathering on November 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Prices for Thanksgiving staples like turkey are on the rise this year, thanks to inflation.

Rising prices are on the menu for Thanksgiving, with inflation currently at 7.7%

9:49am November 10, 2022

by Scott Horsley

With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, food and family are on many people's minds. But turkey and travel will carry a hefty price tag this year. The annual inflation rate in October was 7.7%.

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A British Union Jack flies above a clothing market stall in Barking, U.K., last week.

World News

One thing is top of mind for many young Brits, and it's not the royal family

11:57am September 20, 2022

by Rachel Treisman

While all eyes were focused on England in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's death, many young people in London have other issues on their minds. For most, the biggest one is the economy.

A gas pump is seen at a gas station in Houston on June 9. Gas prices have dropped below $4 a gallon in parts of the country, although the national average remains above that level.

Economy

Gas prices are finally dropping. Here are 4 things to know

7:02am August 06, 2022

by Scott Horsley

The average price of gasoline nationwide is expected to drop below $4 a gallon in the coming days as prices continue to fall from the record highs hit in June.

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Are you looking to move into your own home? If so, what could help you achieve this?

National

Young Americans are living at home longer. We want to hear your stories on why

1:08pm August 05, 2022

by Claire Murashima

Recent studies have found younger Americans are living at home longer. Are you aged between 18 and 34 and living in a multigenerational household? We want to hear from you.

A shopper walks through a grocery store in Washington, D.C, on March 13. Surging inflation poses a particular challenge for working-class families, impacting the cost of basic necessities such as groceries.

Economy

How soaring inflation forces stark choices

10:21am April 12, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Inflation in March was the highest since December of 1981, with prices up 8.5% from a year ago. Rising prices are especially hard on low-income people, who spend more of their money on necessities.

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